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Friday 19 May 2023
Jamaican National Sentenced to Prison for Lottery FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Javon Jonathan Spencer, 32, of Euclid, Ohio was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. Spencer was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release after incarceration and pay a $400 special assessment. Additionally, the court ordered Spencer to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $267,314.98.
Spencer, a Jamaican National, resided with his wife in Euclid, Ohio. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation and found that Spencer was involved in a Jamaican Operations Linked to Telemarketing (“JOLT”) fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims. In the JOLT scheme, scammers contacted the targeted individuals via mail or telephone and informed the victims that they won a lottery or sweepstakes, such as the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. However, to claim and receive the money, the victims would need to pay upfront fees or taxes.
This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Joseph P. Dangelo.
Jacksonville Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Cory Lee Kelly (35, Jacksonville) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Kelly had pleaded guilty on February 8, 2023. As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit a machinegun, semi-automatic AR-style pistol, and assorted ammunition.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2022, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) pulled over a vehicle being driven by Kelly for a seatbelt violation. The vehicle was occupied by Kelly and a two-year-old child. At Kelly’s driver’s side window, the trooper smelled marijuana. Kelly did not possess a valid driver license and the trooper also determined that Kelly had an outstanding arrest warrant for an unresolved charge of driving with a suspended license. Kelly was detained, and based on the smell of marijuana, his vehicle was searched.
During the search, the trooper located remnants of marijuana and a Glock-type pistol, which once the driver’s side door was opened, was readily visible under the driver’s seat. The pistol had no serial number, was loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition, and had a so-called “Glock switch” – a device used to convert the pistol into a machine gun, allowing it to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Further investigation revealed that Kelly had previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance while armed, a felony offense. The trooper arrested Kelly for, among other things, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a state offense. On May 3, 2022, while his state case was pending, Kelly was released from custody after posting bond.
On July 19, 2022, an officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office observed Kelly driving a car while speeding, with illegal window tint, and an expired registration. The officer signaled Kelly to pull over, which he did. As the officer approached the driver’s side window, Kelly rolled it down a minimal amount. When asked to roll it down further, Kelly complied, and the officer smelled marijuana. Kelly was alone in the car and visibly within his reach was an AR-style semi-automatic pistol on the passenger-side of the car. When asked, Kelly could not produce a driver license and confirmed that he was a convicted felon. Kelly was detained, and pursuant to a search, in addition to the semi-automatic pistol (loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition), officers located counterfeit currency, and bags of marijuana and crack cocaine. Kelly was arrested for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
On September 1, 2022, while his two state prosecutions were pending, Kelly was released from custody after posting bond. On September 15, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Kelly for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and he was arrested at his home on September 22, 2022. When officers entered the home, they located a loaded shotgun on the floor of a bathroom. As a convicted felon, Kelly is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Coolican and Mai Tran.
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.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine He Intended to Distribute and Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced Leonard M. Green to 15 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Green had pleaded guilty on January 4, 2023.
According to court documents, on May 19, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an undercover controlled receipt of a drug package that contained approximately 4.63 kilograms of methamphetamine from a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Mexico. The package was to be shipped from Calexico, California to Jacksonville. HSI (San Diego) coordinated with HSI Jacksonville and the United States Postal Service Inspection Service (USPIS) after the undercover agent received instructions from the Mexican DTO to divide the methamphetamine and send it to two addresses in Florida.
On May 27, 2021, one of the packages containing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine was sent to Green’s residence. After the package arrived, federal agents executed a search warrant of the premises and interviewed Green. During the interview, Green admitted to receiving the package, owning a firearm as a convicted felon, and operating his residence as a drop spot for drugs being mailed to the Jacksonville area for a local drug trafficker.
“Illicit and dangerous drugs continue to ravage our communities, and this career criminal did not learn his lesson the first time,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Alongside our partners at the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and our dedicated task force officers, HSI continues our commitment to rid our streets from this poison that tears our communities apart.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Service Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 18 was:
Jomo Kenyatta Johnny Hill, 50, of Jackson, Mississippi, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hill faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-88.
Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault of intimate and dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault of an intimate and dating partner by strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Indian Health Service conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-44.
Richard Williams Brooks, 81, of Hamilton, on charges of wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brooks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Brooks was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-23.
Appearing on May 16 was:
Justin Heigis Windecker, 43, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Windecker faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Windecker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-34.
Appearing on May 15 was:
Mark Steven Elkshoulder, 56, of Billings, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Elkshoulder faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Elkshoulder was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-35.
Appearing on May 12 was:
Stephen “Mutt” John Parker, 60, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Parker faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of five years to a lifetime of supervised release. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-30.
Appearing on May 11 was:
Tristen Jay Peters, 26, of Billings, on charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Peters faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Peters was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-48.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Individual Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for a 1.2 Million Dollar Fraud Scheme Involving the Creation of Fictitious Employees and the Misuse of Social Security NumbersRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado sentenced Gilberto J. Meléndez-Colón to two years and three months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,396,008.47. Meléndez-Colón pleaded guilty on January 31, 2023. Co-defendant Ángel Pagán was sentenced to five years of probation for unlawful disclosure of his social security number.
According to court documents, Meléndez-Colón conspired to defraud Company A, a local family business engaged in short and long-term construction and improvement projects. From January 2012 through July 2017, Meléndez-Colón served as the Accounting Officer in charge of Company A’s payroll. Meléndez-Colón created profiles and accounts for two fictitious employees in the company’s Web Cash Manager Program. Meléndez-Colón used two individuals’ names and social security numbers, including co-defendant ngel Pagán, to create fictitious employee profiles in the company’s Web Cash Manager Program. While creating the fictitious employee profiles, Meléndez-Colón listed his own bank account numbers to receive direct deposits for the payroll of the fictitious employees.
Meléndez-Colón also altered the company’s payroll information by falsely increasing the hours worked by regular employees. Meléndez-Colón would then submit the altered and fraudulent payroll information to management for approval. Once approved, Meléndez-Colón diverted money through the Web Cash Manager Program to his own bank accounts assigned to the two fictitious employees. From January 2012 through July 2017, Meléndez-Colón diverted approximately $1,223,654.21 as part of the unlawful conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”); and Rebecca González Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) made the announcement.
The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”) and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) investigated the case.
Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Social Security Administration Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez prosecuted the case.
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Indictment Charges Bridgeport Man with Bank Fraud and Mail Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that RONALD BOYD, 37, of Bridgeport, has been charged in an 18-count indictment with offenses related to the depositing of stolen and counterfeit checks at the Newtown Savings Bank.
On March 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment alleging that, between approximately November 2021 and April 2022, Boyd and others recruited individuals (“runners”) to open bank accounts at Newtown Savings Bank. Boyd and others then used the bank accounts to conduct transactions so that the accounts appeared legitimate, known as “seasoning” the account. Boyd deposited stolen and counterfeit checks into the runners’ accounts and then withdrew and attempted to withdraw money from the various accounts.
The indictment charges Boyd with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; 10 counts of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; and seven counts of possession of stolen mail, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
Boyd has been detained since May 8 when he was arrested on unrelated state charges. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered pleas of not guilty to the federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
Indianapolis Felon Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison After Selling Firearms and Fentanyl via Instagram While on Community CorrectionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- William Johnson, 21, of Indianapolis, Indiana has been sentenced to 105 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, in September 2022, investigators with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) learned that Johnson was selling firearms and drugs out of his Indianapolis home after observing a photo of Johnson holding multiple firearms posted to Instagram. At the time the photo was posted, Johnson was on home detention under the supervision of Marion County Community Corrections in connection with a felony conviction for carrying a handgun without a license.
Investigators viewed Johnson’s Instagram stories, which showed him attempting to sell multiple firearms over the app. On September 15, 2022, Johnson posted a video showing a black and silver semiautomatic handgun with the caption, “Come get this one for $300 though.” The video also showed an AR-style rifle and multiple other handguns. Johnson stated that the rifle cost “a G,” meaning $1000. Johnson posted additional firearms on his Instagram account, including a black handgun with a high-capacity drum magazine attached, and a black and white striped rifle.
In addition to the sale of firearms, Johnson used his account to advertise and sell marijuana and fentanyl in the form of counterfeit oxycodone pills.
On September 20, 2022, ICGTF executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. During the search, they located a Ruger 9mm handgun, a plastic bag containing over 100 blue fentanyl pills marked “M30,” a Glock gun box containing magazines, a Glock 10 round magazine, $2,020 in cash, a plastic bag containing 83 grams of fentanyl, two plastic bags containing 28 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, and 112 grams of marijuana in Johnson’s bedroom. In the garage, investigators found a Glock model 45 9mm handgun belonging to Johnson. This firearm had previously been reported stolen and had a high-capacity magazine attached.
Johnson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions. Johnson has four prior felony convictions, each involving the unlawful possession of firearms.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
“The days of drug deals solely occurring on street corners are long gone. Today, fentanyl traffickers like this defendant can use social media to push illegal guns and poison into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Hoosiers aged 18-45, and gun violence is the leading killer of American children and teens. The federal prison sentence imposed today should send a stark warning to anyone who believes that social media is a safe space to commit crimes: we are watching, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”
ATF and the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Johnson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Hinds County Man Convicted of Trafficking Pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine in the Jackson Metropolitan AreaRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession of crystal methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Director Steve Maxwell of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
According to court documents, Lorenzo Sutton, 43, sold pounds of crystal methamphetamine to Erica Rhodes and others between January 2016 and April 2021 with the intent that the crystal methamphetamine be further distributed throughout the Jackson Metropolitan area for profit.
Sutton is scheduled to be sentenced on August 16, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rhodes received a 4-year federal prison sentence in January 2022 to run concurrently with a prior 15-year state sentence in the Rankin County Circuit Court for her role in the drug trafficking operation.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Rankin County District Attorney’s Office, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Ridgeland Police Department, the Pearl Police Department, the Flowood Police Department, the National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Clark prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zakaria Hassan, 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 15, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The sentence was enhanced because Hassan had a prior conviction for a serious drug felony. Hassan forfeited his car and $17,533 cash to the government because the car and cash were proceeds of his drug dealing. After he completes his prison sentence, Hassan will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In February of 2021, Hassan sold approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. The drugs were sent to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau where an analyst confirmed the presence of at least 96 grams of pure methamphetamine. In September 2021, Hassan supplied approximately 85 grams methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. In January 2022, Hassan was arrested in Lincoln after police officers found a distribution amount of methamphetamine in his pocket and in the engine compartment of his car. During a search of his Grand Island residence later that month, police found more drugs, paraphernalia, and $15,893 cash.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Plaistow Man Sentenced for Trafficking More Than 2 Pounds of Cocaine in New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A former Plaistow man was sentenced today in federal court for his intent to traffic more than 2 pounds of cocaine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
Corey Buckley, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 37 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Buckley was also ordered to pay a fine of $5000. On February 2, 2023, Buckley pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
As a result of a months-long investigation into Buckley’s drug trafficking, law enforcement found approximately 1.1 kilograms cocaine in the kitchen of a residence where Buckley was living in May 2022. Law enforcement also seized a ledger and a scale, along with $50,000 in U.S. currency, and two firearms. Buckley has been detained since his arrest on May 19, 2022. The $50,000 in currency, firearms, and a Rolex watch were forfeited as part of the resolution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided from the Massachusetts State Police and the Haverhill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Robert Rabuck on the forfeiture part of the case.
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Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in International Human Smuggling and Cocaine Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
Honduran national pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a scheme to illegally bring Honduran nationals to, and to distribute cocaine in, the United States.
According to court documents, Darrell Martinez, 41, and six co-conspirators schemed to bring Honduran nationals and cocaine from Honduras to the United States. In February 2022, Martinez and his co-conspirators attempted to illegally bring 23 Honduran nationals and at least 24 kilograms of cocaine from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, by boat. At some point, the vessel developed engine trouble in the Gulf of Mexico. Martinez and his co-conspirators then chartered a boat and attempted to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey to the United States. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Coast Guard located the vessel adrift approximately 95 miles off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, and towed it to shore.
Martinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On March 30, Josue Flores-Villeda, Martinez’s co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
HSI Houma, Louisiana, is investigating the case, with assistance from HSI Pittsburgh, HSI Atlanta, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the North Huntington Township Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Acting Deputy Chief Rami Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carter Guice and Ben Myers for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
The investigation is being conducted under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico and the Northern Triangle Countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased coordination and collaboration between the Justice Department, DHS, and other interagency law enforcement participants, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted those organizations who have the most impact on the United States; and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California, and dedicated support for the program is also provided by numerous components of the Criminal Division that are part of JTFA – led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement investment from the DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners.
The investigation is also supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
Florida Woman Convicted After Eight-Day Trial for the Voluntary Manslaughter of Her GirlfriendRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Janice Martina Mason, age 29, of Melbourne Florida, today of voluntary manslaughter for running over a woman on the Baltimore-Washington (“BW”) Parkway and leaving her to die. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a second degree murder charge.
The guilty verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Chief Jessica M. E. Taylor of the U.S. Park Police (“USPP”).
According to the evidence presented at her eight-day trial, in the early morning hours of November 24, 2021, USPP officers responded to a citizen report for a body on the side of the BW Parkway northbound, north of Route 197, an area within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Officers found the victim lying face down on the shoulder of the road. Medics arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim dead. The evidence showed that that there were no skid marks or vehicle parts located at the scene. A cellphone belonging to the victim was found on the grass and another cellphone with a broken screen was found in the roadway and was later determined to belong to Mason.
There was testimony that later on November 24, 2021, Mason contacted the USPP Greenbelt Station and advised that she’d lost her phone on the BW Parkway after it had been thrown out of her vehicle, and she tracked the location to USPP Criminal Investigations. Mason then agreed to come to the station for an interview. Witnesses testified that Mason advised the USPP detective that she was visiting from Florida and was staying at her mother’s house in Washington, D.C. Mason falsely told the detective that she was driving the victim and another woman home to Laurel, Maryland, in a black Nissan vehicle when the other woman started hitting Mason. Mason said she pulled over to the side of the highway and ordered them out of the car and they walked away. The detective showed her the phone found in the roadway of the BW Parkway and she identified it as her phone. She also identified a photo of the victim as one of the people she was driving home.
Evidence was presented that on November 25, 2021, a USPP detective went to Mason’s mother’s home, spoke with Mason and obtained her written consent to seize and search the contents of her phone, which had been returned to her, and to tow and examine a black Nissan vehicle parked behind the residence, which Mason confirmed was the vehicle she’d used to drive her friends home. While at the residence, the USPP detective noticed a black Ford Expedition parked down the street with the tag “JANICE.” Investigators subsequently determined that Mason had been driving the Ford Expedition on November 24th and not the Nissan vehicle. They went back to Mason’s mother’s residence to tow the Ford Expedition, which was found to have visible damage to the hood, front grille, and the passenger side running board.
As detailed in trial testimony, on November 26, 2021, Mason had a second voluntary interview with USPP investigators. She acknowledged that the was driving the black Ford Expedition on the morning of November 24th and advised investigators that it was just Mason and the victim in the car that day. The Ford Expedition was processed and searched by the FBI’s Evidence Response Team. A swab from the indented hood area was collected and sent to the FBI Laboratory for DNA analysis and concluded that it was DNA from the victim. The FBI Laboratory examined impressions that were collected from the undercarriage of the Ford Expedition, and determined that one corresponded in pattern and size with the victim’s shoe.
The jury found that Mason intentionally killed the victim in the heat of passion.
Mason faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for August 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the USPP and the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kim Y. Oldham and Ari Evans, who are prosecuting the case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Kristy Penny.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy to Serve as Acting U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Rachael S. Rollins resigned today as United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. In accordance with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy has assumed the role of Acting U.S. Attorney.
Mr. Levy joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office with over 25 years of legal experience and has served as First Assistant United States Attorney since January 2022. Mr. Levy was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, from 1997 to 2004, serving in the Criminal Division’s Economic Crimes Unit. There, he prosecuted a wide range of white-collar crimes including health care fraud, securities and investor fraud, terrorism financing and environmental crimes.
Felony Charges Filed Against District Youth Stemming from Multiple Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
17-Year-Old Defendant Charged as Adult Pursuant to Title 16 of D.C. Code
WASHINGTON – Jaelen Jordan, 17, of Washington, D.C. has been arrested and charged as an adult by complaint with two counts of armed carjacking and other related felony offenses, stemming from two carjackings that occurred on April 27, 2023 and May 16, 2023 in the District of Columbia. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Robert J. Contee III, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the complaint, the defendant was involved in carjackings on April 27, 2023, in the 800 block of K Street NE and on May 16, 2023, in the 600 block of Butternut Street NW. The defendant was arrested on May 17, 2023. On May 19, 2023, the defendant was charged with two armed carjackings and other related offenses.
This case is part of an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office into carjackings occurring in Washington, D.C.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Graves, Chief Contee, and SAC Jacobs commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Gold, Emily Kubo, and Gregory Evans, who are investigating and prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Federal Indictment Charges 7 with Gun and Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Federal and local authorities this morning arrested six defendants, the majority of whom are members of the El Sereno Rifa street gang, on federal weapons and narcotics charges stemming from a nearly yearlong undercover operation in which authorities purchased approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine and 47 firearms, including ghost guns and so-called “cop killer” handguns.
A federal grand jury on May 12 returned a 28-count indictment that charges seven defendants with various offenses, including methamphetamine trafficking, conspiring to illegally deal in firearms, and firearms trafficking. The indictment was unsealed this morning after the arrests by special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers with the Los Angeles Police Department.
In conjunction with this morning’s arrests, investigators conducted a series of searches that resulted in the seizure of another eight firearms.
“Drug trafficking and the illegal distribution of high-powered weapons brings an unacceptable level of danger to our communities,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The action today is our office’s second significant sweep related to gang activity this week, and it signals that we are taking concrete steps to deal with violent crime across the region. We will continue to work with our federal and local partners to address violent crime and allow our community to take back their neighborhoods from violent gangs.”
“ATF reduces violent crime by partnering with local law enforcement to identify, investigate, and arrest those who illegally supply firearms to prohibited individuals, and by targeting previously convicted felons who possess firearms,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Hoffman. “ATF works tirelessly to rid our communities of this violent criminal activity by gang members. ATF is committed to its partnership with LAPD and will continue to eradicate these career criminals from our communities, so we can all feel safer.”
The lead defendant in the case – Ernesto Echeverria, aka “Bad Boy” and “Gordo,” 40, of East Los Angeles – was involved in all of the transactions outlined in the indictment, typically by personally participating in the drug and gun deals, but sometimes by linking up buyers with suppliers.
Between June 22, 2022, and May 2, 2023, Echeverria and his associates, in nearly two dozen transactions, sold or brokered 47 firearms, according to the indictment. Those weapons included short-barreled rifles, ghost guns with no serial numbers and an array of handguns, including three FN Five-sevens – nicknamed “cop killer” guns because the rounds fired from these firearms are capable of penetrating most types of body armor that police officers wear.
Echeverria also participated in 10 methamphetamine transactions involving up to 1.3 kilograms of the drug in each transaction.
In a narcotics sales involving 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and in eight of the gun transactions outlined in the indictment, Echeverria allegedly was assisted by Oscar Barrientos, aka “Chato,” 40, of East Los Angeles.
The indictment also charges that Echeverria, Barrientos and three other defendants illegally possessed firearms after being convicted of felony offenses.
In addition to Echeverria and Barrientos, the indictment charges:
- Fernando M. Martinez III, aka “Lil Sharky” and “Sharky,” 19, of East Los Angeles;
- Michael A. Murillo, 29, of Montebello;
- Adam W. Garcia, aka “Oso,” 43, of East Los Angeles;
- Arnold R. Salas, aka “Guerro,” 50, of West Covina; and
- Daniel Carrillo, 30, of Long Beach, who is currently being sought by authorities.
The defendants arrested this morning are expected to be arraigned on this indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The indictment alleges 11 counts of distribution of methamphetamine, most of which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life.
The charges of conspiracy and engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license have a maximum penalty of five years. The offenses of trafficking in firearms and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years.
The ATF; the Los Angeles Police Department, Central Bureau, Hollenbeck Division; and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Major Crimes Bureau are conducting the investigation in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Nisha Chandran of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 12, 2023, KEILEN HAWKINS, age 25, was charged in a one-count indictment being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In count 1, HAWKINS is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted of Count 1, HAWKINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Kidnapping and Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 5, 2023 MERVIN AMACKER, Jr., age 41, was charged in a two-count indictment for kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In count 1, AMACKER is charged with kidnapping, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(a). If convicted of Count 1, AMACKER faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In count 2, AMACKER is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted of Count 2, AMACKER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 24 Defendants on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
DENVER -- The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces the indictment of twenty-four defendants in an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy. Specifically, a federal grand jury in Denver returned a superseding indictment charging the following individuals:
- Cesar Octavio Vega Chacon, age 45, of Mexico
- Jose Ezequiel Alvarado-Villarreal, age 23, of Mexico
- Abymelec Alvarez-Miranda, age 24, of Mexico
- Manuel Campos, age 37, of Mexico
- Susana Elizabeth Carreno-Hernandez, age 42, of Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Alberto Cervantes-Salazar, age 36, of Aurora, Colorado
- Luis Daniel Feliciano Dejesus, age 37, of Denver, Colorado
- Uriel Flores, age 31, of Denver, Colorado
- Jose Antonio Sanchez-Olmedo, age 23, of Las Vegas, Nevada
- Victor Edel Sandoval-Portela, age 26, of Mexico
- Leonel Villarreal-Olivas, of Mexico
- Juan Demetrio Villapando, Jr., age 36, of Mexico
- Jose Misael Alcaraz Cortez, age 32, of San Bernardino, California
- Xiomara Faith Fabres, age 41, of Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Erasmo Franco-Gutierrez, age 27, location unknown
- Yulissa Aleli Castaneda Medrano, age 25, of Mexico
- Christian Mercado, age 31, location unknown
- Jose Abel Otero-Correa, age 23, of Aurora, Colorado
- Ian Michael Payne, Jr., age 36, of Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Stephanie Saavedra, age 36, of Littleton, Colorado, and
- Juan Antonio Serrano-Lopez, age 34, of Denver, Colorado
- Juan Demetrio Villalpando Dominguez, age 63, of West Covina, California
Two additional defendants identified by the nicknames “UM-5548” and “Ayon” are also included in the indictment, which was unsealed on May 9, 2023.
According to the allegations in the indictment, the defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual), 500 grams of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine, and a kilogram of heroin.
The indictment also alleges that Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr., also known as “Junior,” engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as part of the conspiracy, along with other allegations, and that he occupied positions of organizer, supervisor and any position of management. The indictment alleges that certain members of the conspiracy arranged for funds derived from the drug distribution to be moved from Colorado to California. Among other things, funds were allegedly sent to Juan Demetrio Villalpando Dominguez in California for ultimate delivery to Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr., in Mexico.
The FBI, IRS-CI, and ICE-ERO conducted the investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Cyrus Chung and Alexander Duncan.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The charges in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case No. 23-cr-00106-CNS
Falls City Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Daniel Lock, 35, of Falls City, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 42 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. After he completes his prison sentence, Lock will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Between January and June of 2021, Lock and co-defendant Taylor Zimmerling distributed methamphetamine in and around Falls City. Several cooperating witnesses told investigators that Lock and Zimmerling, who is set to be sentenced on July 6, delivered distribution quantities of methamphetamine to them. On June 3, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Lock’s residence in Falls City. Investigators located approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material, cash, and a police scanner. A search of cell phones belonging to Lock and Zimmerling revealed messages consistent with drug delivery, sales, and distribution. Lock admitted that the drugs found at the residence belonged to him. A forensic scientist at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab found the drug seizure to contain at least 44 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.
Evansville Man Indicted for Allegedly Dealing Fentanyl Using Snapchat Resulting in at Least Three Overdoses, Including One DeathRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jeremial Lee Leach, 19, of Evansville, Indiana with one count of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.
As alleged in the complaint and indictment, Leach is responsible for dealing fentanyl resulting in at least three overdoses, one of which resulted in death. Leach advertised fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills over Snapchat to hundreds of recipients using the alias “Mel.”
On June 25, 2022, at approximately 12:11 a.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department (EPD) responded to a residence on Wedeking Avenue in reference to the overdose of an adult female. The woman was revived with naloxone. Later the same day, at approximately 10:55 a.m., EPD officers responded to the same residence on Wedeking Avenue for the overdose of another woman, who subsequently died. The coroner located a counterfeit oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the deceased woman’s person. The cause of both overdoses was determined to be fentanyl intoxication.
Investigators searched the deceased victim’s phone and found conversations between her and Jeremial “Mel” Leach in which they discussed the transaction of “blues” pills. Leach gave her his address on Shanklin Avenue.
On August 20, 2022, at approximately 4:15 p.m., EPD officers were dispatched to a restaurant located on Hirschland Road concerning an overdose. Upon arrival, the officers located a woman sitting on the ground in the parking lot of the restaurant, not alert and beginning to lose consciousness. An officer administered naloxone and, a short time later, the woman began to regain consciousness. The woman advised EFD that she had taken 30 mg of oxycodone.
On August 22, 2022, the third victim told investigators that on the day of her overdose, she purchased four Percocet 30’s from 1614 Shanklin Avenue and overdosed because they contained fentanyl. She identified her supplier as “Mel,” Jeremial Leach.
On October 7, 2022, at approximately 2:14 p.m., EPD officers responded to a location on SE Riverside Drive after receiving a call regarding a single vehicle accident. The witness advised that the driver of the vehicle, a minor boy, was no longer coherent. EFD personnel arrived on scene and attempted to wake the driver with a sternum rub. After that failed, they administered naloxone. The boy became responsive and admitted to medical personnel that he took two Percocet 7.5mg pills that he had purchased from “Mel” via Snapchat approximately forty-five minutes before the vehicle crash. He speculated that the pills may have been pressed fentanyl pills, rather than actual Percocet.
On October 11, 2022, investigators with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force observed Leach conduct two apparent drug deals at his residence. The buyers, both underage boys, left separately in a Kia Optima and a gold Hyundai Tucson. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement stopped both vehicles after observing traffic violations.
During the stop of the vehicles, investigators located three blue pills marked “M30” inside the Kia and six blue pills marked “M30” inside the Tucson. One of the boys in the buyer’s car later stated that his dealer’s name was “Mel.”
Later that day, officers executed a search warrant at Leach’s residence on Shanklin Avenue. Leach exited the front door of the home and was taken into custody by detectives. Some of the items located and seized during the search included 33 blue pills marked “30,” a digital scale, two 9mm pistols, and approximately $1,843 in cash.
The pills seized during the two traffic stops and from Leach’s residence were submitted for laboratory analysis and tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
DEA, Evansville Police Department, and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force investigated this case. If convicted on all counts, Leach faces up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kristian Mukoski, who is prosecuting this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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East Stroudsburg Man Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Shain Oliver, age 21, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged by a federal grand jury of distribution of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Oliver with two counts of distributing child pornography between January and February of 2022, in Monroe County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of 5 years of supervised release as to each count following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Denton Physician Sentenced for Over-Prescribing OpioidsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton physician has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Stanley Charles Evans, 63, pleaded guilty on Sep. 12, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances and health care fraud and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan.
“Over prescribing opioids has wreaked havoc on our country over the years, and we’ve seen devastating losses in Texas relating to opioid overdoses,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “This doctor took an oath to do no harm, yet he chose to become an illegal drug dealer by over prescribing powerful drugs. It is my hope that this case sends a powerful message to doctors who are thinking about engaging in such conduct.”
“Using one’s trusted status as a medical professional for unlawful acts cannot go unpunished,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas “Today’s sentence demonstrates how Mr. Evans is being held accountable for his actions. DEA Dallas will continue to aggressively pursue medical professionals who disregard their oath to do no harm.”
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2017, Evans, a licensed physician operating a family medicine practice in Denton, unlawfully prescribed approximately 370,000 dosage units of hydrocodone outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. An investigation began after it was reported that Evans was pre-signing opioid prescriptions for patients that were exhibiting drug seeking behavior. Evans would pre-sign the scripts and the patients would be seen by his four nurse practitioners. An investigation revealed patients were repeatedly able to obtain the strongest prescription for Hydrocodone from Evans and one of the nurses without ever being fully examined or providing any documentation regarding their “pain.” It was also determined that Evans was only present at the office approximately half the time he claimed and that prescriptions for Schedule II opioids were being written for patients even while Evans was out of the country on vacation. The investigation also revealed that nurses were seeing 20 to 30 patients a day and their salaries were production based, receiving a percentage of what they billed instead of a set salary. Additionally, nurses were billing Medicare and TriCare under Evans’ medical identification number, which results in an increased charge to the government for physician services.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Task Force Group, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, and Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Deltona Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Wayne Joseph Cavins (64, Deltona) to life in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Cavins was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Cavins had pleaded guilty on November 15, 2022.
According to court documents, from December 23, 2020, through January 29, 2021, Cavins attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a child to engage in sexual activity. Cavins met the child on a social media application and later communicated with the child via text messages. During their text messages, Cavins detailed his interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child, including specifying possible hotel locations for them to meet. In addition, Cavins persuaded and enticed the child to produce child sex abuse materials on several occasions that depicted specific content requested by Cavins. After his arrest, Cavins admitted to talking to the child and that he knew it was wrong. A search of his devices showed Cavins possessed multiple images of child sex abuse materials, including images of the minor child. Further investigation revealed Cavins physically and sexually abused another minor to whom he had access for several years.
“This predator fed his perverse fantasies by sexually abusing a child for years, enticing another minor victim, as well as producing and collecting sexually explicit content of children,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “This well-deserved life sentence stands as proof that through law enforcement partnerships with St. Johns County and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices, and all partner agencies on the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, law enforcement in northeast Florida will stop at nothing to stop the victimization of our children by these dangerous predators.”
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. The United States Attorney’s Office also extends a special thank you to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the sentencing hearing. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Cuban Citizen Sentenced for Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. -- A Cuban citizen was sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison and to pay $18,557.25 in restitution to victims for possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices with the intent to defraud, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Henry Herrera Garcia a/k/a Alex Rodriguez Perez, 31, was encountered by a Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy at a traffic stop on March 20, 2019, on I-10 in Harrison County. Homeland Security Investigations also participated at the scene of the stop. Various items recovered from the vehicle included a credit card scanner, thumb drives, credit card skimmers, a computer, a hard drive, fraudulent credit cards, and gas pump skimming devices, as well as accessories used for downloading credit cards.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison After Being Caught Illegally Possessing Firearms, including a “Sawed-Off” ShotgunRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jeremy Bullock, 45, of Indianapolis, Indiana has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and possessing an unregistered “sawed off” shotgun.
According to court documents, on July 1, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers, including a SWAT team, executed a search warrant at Bullock’s residence on Summer Avenue in Indianapolis. Bullock told officers that there were three firearms inside the residence, including a “short shotgun,” an “AR” and a .380 pistol. Bullock also stated that he placed the shotgun and .380 pistol in the attic when the SWAT team was outside the residence
While searching the residence, officers located a rifle in the kitchen behind the washing machine, the receiver for a.380 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun. The shotgun had been “sawed off.” A “sawed off” shotgun has an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel length of less than 18 inches and is not legal under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act, unless the owner is specifically authorized, and the weapon is registered with the appropriate federal authorities.
Bullock is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to his previous felony convictions of attempted carjacking, illegally possessing a firearm, resisting law enforcement, burglary, and murder.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Randal Taylor, made the announcement.
“Guns in the hands of violent criminals drive violence and death in our neighborhoods,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This convicted murderer chose to possess multiple firearms, including an ‘AR’-style rifle and a illegal ‘sawed-off’ shotgun. As we work to urgently reduce gun violence, investigation and federal prosecution of the most dangerous armed criminals is a top priority. We are grateful to our partners at IMPD and ATF for ensuring that this defendant is disarmed and behind bars.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Bullock be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Columbia Man Seen Shooting on Surveillance Video Found Guilty of Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Bernard Breeland, 36, of Columbia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court of being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that on February 4, 2020, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) responded to a shooting incident at a local apartment complex. CPD officers discovered a living male victim with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot, along with 9 fired .45 auto shell casings.
Further investigation by CPD led to the recovery of surveillance camera footage that captured the incident. The video showed Breeland shooting a man multiple times at close range in the parking lot and then running away from the crime scene. Surveillance footage showed the shooting took place in a portion of the parking lot where CPD later recovered the .45 auto shell casings.
The shell casings were all the same brand, and a Nexus expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified that the shell casings affected interstate commerce because they were manufactured outside of South Carolina.
Federal law prohibits Breeland from possessing ammunition based on his prior felony convictions.
More than 50 exhibits were entered into evidence during the two-day trial, and the jury ultimately convicted Breeland on the sole count of being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., presided over the trial and will sentence Breeland after receiving and reviewing the pre-sentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Breeland faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Benjamin Garner are prosecuting the case.
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Cocoa Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jason Alan Scruggs (53, Cocoa) to 25 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Scruggs had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022.
According to court documents, on two occasions in 2021, Scruggs sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Each of the transactions occurred at a residence associated with Scruggs in Cocoa, and on one occasion, the methamphetamine sold by Scruggs was determined to be 99% pure. At the time of the offenses, Scruggs had multiple prior convictions for drug offenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cocoa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos.
Clay County Man Indicted on Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Edward Sherwood Gustafson, IV (30, Green Cove Springs) with two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance involving methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Gustafson faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of drug distribution and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Gustafson that the United States intends to forfeit a Smith and Wesson pistol and ammunition traceable to the firearm offense. The court ordered Gustafson detained pending trial. His trial is set for July 2023.
According to the indictment, on January 21, 2023, Gustafson possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. At the time of the drug offenses, he also possessed a firearm and ammunition. Gustafson has seven previous felony convictions, and therefore, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for a Series of Retail Store Robberies Spanning Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison in connection with a series of retail store robberies in Illinois and Indiana.
In 2016 and 2017, CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR and his co-conspirators carried out two violent robberies and one attempted robbery, using firearms and pepper spray to terrorize store employees and security guards while stealing laptops, iPads, smart watches, and cell phones. During the robberies, Taylor or his co-conspirators physically assaulted and restrained the employees and security guards.
Taylor, 25, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to robbery and attempted robbery charges. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the ten-year sentence Wednesday after a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Taylor admitted in a plea agreement that on Aug. 5, 2016, he attempted to rob a Best Buy store in Burbank, Ill. Taylor drove a stolen vehicle to the store along with three co-conspirators. Members of the group entered the store and attempted to steal two laptop computers. The group fled in the stolen vehicle, crashing into numerous vehicles during their flight.
On Dec. 16, 2016, Taylor traveled with eight co-conspirators to the Cherry Valley Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, Ill. Taylor’s co-conspirators forced the employees to the back of the store, pepper sprayed one of them, and stole two computers. Taylor, who was waiting outside, punched an employee who was returning to the store as the robbery was occurring, and then took the employee’s cell phone.
On Dec. 17, 2016, Taylor and his co-conspirators traveled to the Valparaiso Simply Mac store in Valparaiso, Ind., and entered the store with a gun. The group disarmed a security guard, forced the employees and security guard to a back room, and tied them up using zip ties. Taylor, along with his co-conspirators, carried out $69,500 worth of stolen merchandise.
California Man Admits to Fraud Scheme Involving Renewable Fuel CreditsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Ijomah Oputa, 54, of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden to 40 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud in connection with the generation and sale of fraudulent renewable fuel credits, from 2017 through 2021.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 created or extended several federally-funded programs to incentivize production of renewable fuels, including biodiesel, and to encourage the use of such fuels in the United States. Authorized biodiesel producers and importers could generate and attach credits – known as renewable identification numbers (RINS) – to biodiesel they produced or imported. Because certain companies need RINs to comply with regulatory obligations, RINs have significant market value.
Oputa created a fake renewable fuel importing company and fraudulently generated RINs on volumes of biofuel that he claimed to have imported from foreign biofuel producers. No such imports had actually occurred. Oputa generated false documentation of the alleged imports, including fake classified correspondence with a branch of the United States military. He then sold the fraudulent RINs to a RIN trading company for approximately $426,000, which he deposited in a bank account he opened using a stolen identity. Judge McFadden also ordered restitution in the amount of approximately $462,200 to ACT Fuels and $33,600 to RIN Alliance, two of the victims of the wire fraud scheme.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Blackwell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Senior Trial Attorney Cassandra Barnum, of the United States Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section.
Busby woman admits armed meth trafficking on the Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS— A Busby woman on May 18 admitted to trafficking methamphetamine while possessing a firearm after officers found the drug and three firearms in a car in which she was traveling, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jamesey Maria Jefferson, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense as charged in a superseding information. Jefferson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release on the firearm crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jefferson was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 12, 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, law enforcement officers stopped a car that had run two stop signs, was traveling at a high rate of speed and was believed to have been seen at an earlier shooting. Officers detained Jefferson and three other people who were in the car. A federal search warrant was served on the car and officers found approximately 48 grams of meth, $2,000 in cash, a scale and drug paraphernalia, ammunition and three firearms. The guns were a .17-caliber rifle, an AR-style 5.56mm rifle and a 9mm handgun. Jefferson admitted to investigators that she possessed the meth, the .17-caliber rifle and the 9mm handgun.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Bronx Man Convicted of Robbery and Shooting of Taxi DriverRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of MARIO POWELL for the armed robbery and shooting of a cab driver in the Bronx on March 17, 2018. The jury convicted POWELL following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Over five years ago, Mario Powell robbed and brutally shot an innocent driver of a taxi, running away into the night and leaving the victim to die. Yesterday, a jury of his peers held Powell accountable for this heinous crime. We thank our partners in the NYPD and in the SPARTA NYPD/ATF Joint Robbery Task Force for their unwavering pursuit of justice for this victim and the public. This Office will pursue violent criminals who commit firearms offenses on the streets of New York City with unceasing vigor and determination.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and the evidence presented during the trial:
On March 17, 2018, POWELL took a cab from one neighborhood in the Bronx to another. Upon reaching his requested destination, POWELL robbed the cab driver at gunpoint, obtained $23 from the cab driver, and shot the cab driver nine times. POWELL fled the scene and was subsequently arrested on March 23, 2018.
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POWELL, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of the use, carrying, and possession of a firearm, which was brandished and discharged, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge. POWELL is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on October 3, 2023.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), in particular, the Strategic Patterned Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (“SPARTA”) Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the ATF and the NYPD.
This case is being supervised by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas John Wright, Chelsea L. Scism, and Emily A. Johnson are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Chanel-Ashley Foster and Mia Vuckovich.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years for Distributing Cocaine Obtained Through the MailRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Angel Hernandez Coss (38, Bradenton) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. Hernandez Coss had pleaded guilty on January 17, 2023.
According to court documents, Hernandez Coss and his codefendant, Nathasha Prieto, a former United States Postal Carrier, orchestrated a scheme by which Prieto provided addresses on her delivery route to Hernandez Coss who used those addresses to secure shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico. As a result, kilogram quantities of cocaine were shipped in packages to these addresses. Prieto then removed the packages from the mail stream and provided them to Coss who then distributed the cocaine. Prieto previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23, 2023.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston.
Baltimore Man Facing Federal Charges for Murder for Hire Resulting in the Death of A Baltimore Woman, Witness Retaliation and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Matthew Hightower, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, with two counts of conspiracy to murder a witness, one count each of witness retaliation murder and witness tampering murder, and one count of a murder for hire conspiracy related to the murder of Latrina Ashburne on May 27, 2016.
The indictment was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Phil Selden; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the five-count indictment, Hightower conspired to and did kill Ashburne with the intent to retaliate against this witness for providing information to a law enforcement officer relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal offense, as well as to prevent this witness from attending and testifying in an official proceeding.
Baltimore Police Department reports show that Ashburne was murdered in the early morning as she got into her car outside her home in the Cylburn neighborhood of Baltimore. The police reported that an unknown male approached and shot Ms. Ashburne in the upper body as she tried to run.
If convicted, Hightower faces a mandatory sentence life in prison for each of the two conspiracy counts, for the witness retaliation and witness tampering murder charges, for the murder for hire conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. No court appearance has been scheduled. Hightower is detained.
First Assistant United States Attorney Phil Selden commended the HHS-OIG, the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the ATF, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Selden thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Oldham and Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Aurora Man Found Guilty of CarjackingRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Odifu Odifu, age 27, of Aurora, was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to facts presented at trial, on January 2, 2021, the defendant was driving a BMW that struck a GMC pickup truck on East Colfax Avenue in Aurora. After both cars pulled over on a side street, Odifu got out of the BMW, put a pistol to the head of the female driver of the pickup truck, and demanded that she get out. Odifu told the male passenger that he would shoot the female driver in the head. Odifu opened the driver-side door and removed the female driver from the truck. Meanwhile, a co-defendant removed the male passenger at gunpoint. Odifu then drove away in the truck. Aurora Police Department officers located the truck a short time later in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Odifu and his co-defendants were inside. Odifu led officers on a high-speed chase through a busy area that ended with officers immobilizing the truck on Hampden Avenue. Odifu then fled on foot. Officers apprehended him and discovered a loaded pistol at the location where he was arrested.
“We are committed to doing all we can to address violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We commend the work of our law enforcement partners that ensured this defendant was brought to justice, and hope that this conviction brings a measure of peace to the victims of this terrifying crime.”
“The Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN), a multi-agency task force of local, state, and federal partners to which ATF belongs, has the critical mission of combatting and dismantling violent crime that endangers our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Through this partnership, and with the great work of the Aurora Police Department, a dangerous and violent criminal who used gun violence to victimize our communities will be held accountable for his actions due to the successful prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
A federal jury returned the guilty verdicts against Odifu on May 17, 2023. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2023.
The ATF handled the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Rajiv Mohan and Kurt Bohn handled the prosecution.
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.
Case No. 21-cr-00047
Atlanta Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Using Laundry Detergent BoxesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Jose Javier Galvan (55, Atlanta, GA) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Galvan had pleaded guilty on February 2, 2023.
According to court documents, in July and August 2021, Galvan conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of high-purity methamphetamine from Guadalajara, Mexico to Atlanta and Tampa. Galvan drove from the Atlanta area to Tampa to plan for the distribution of the methamphetamine and agreed to sell several kilograms of methamphetamine for approximately $5,700, with more quantities of the drug to follow via deliveries from his drug courier.
A drug courier drove from Atlanta to Plant City and delivered 1.89 kilograms of high-purity methamphetamine imported from Mexico. The courier transported the methamphetamine in a bright green laundry detergent box.
On July 22, 2021, Galvan traveled from Atlanta to Temple Terrance, Florida to collect more than $11,000 of drug monies owed to him for the methamphetamine delivery. The following week, Galvan and a drug courier agreed to deliver another multi-kilogram package of methamphetamine into the Middle District of Florida. The drug courier drove from Atlanta with the methamphetamine contained in two laundry detergent boxes. Law enforcement stopped the courier’s vehicle in Lowndes County, Georgia. During the traffic stop, law enforcement discovered the two laundry detergent boxes containing an aggregate amount of approximately 4.9 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winter Haven Police Department, the Plant City Police Department, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Thursday 18 May 2023
Yakima Resident Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Karla Padilla, age 49, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $290,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke announced the sentence, the most recent obtained by the COVID-19 Relief Fraud Strike Force Strike Force.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided government-backed funding to small businesses which could be forgiven so long as the proceeds were used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
“COVID-19 relief programs were designed to lift up our community during crisis, and due to the number of people and businesses that requested funding, some deserving small businesses were not able to obtain funding to keep their businesses in operation,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the Eastern Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force because combatting pandemic-related fraud and holding those accountable who abused these programs is critical to the strength and safety of our community in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force works to ensure that limited resources are used to protect our local small businesses and the critical jobs and services that they provide for the community. Today’s sentence represents the most significant period of custody imposed in our district for pandemic-related fraud. I am especially grateful to Special Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Tyler Tornabene, and Brian Donovan for their work ensuring fraudsters are held accountable for their crimes.”
In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service,
Department of Energy OIG, and others.According to court documents and information disclosed during court proceedings, Padilla fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in PPP and EIDL funding for her purported collectible car business, Queen B Collectibles, and for other purported businesses owned by Padilla. As Padilla admitted during court proceedings and in her plea agreement, Queen B Collectibles was not an active business as of February 2020, and therefore was not eligible for any PPP or EIDL funding. As part of her sentence, Padilla will serve 15 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. The court also sentenced Padilla to pay restitution of $302,145.40, the amount of loss to the United States as the result of the fraud, and an additional fine of $25,000 dollars. Finally, in an addendum to the plea agreement, Padilla agreed to forfeit the proceeds from the sale of a parcel of real property, as the property was derived from proceeds from the fraud.
“This sentence demonstrates that falsifying information to gain access to taxpayer dollars will not be overlooked and wrongdoers will be brought to justice,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.
“I commend the stellar investigative work on these cases performed by the Strike Force and especially in this case by SBA OIG, TIGTA, and FBI” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute those who abuse and misuse COVID-19 relief funding, and to strengthen our communities by protecting our small and local businesses.”
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by the SBA OIG, TIGTA, and FBI. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman and Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Tyler Tornabene, and Brian M. Donovan prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Case No. 1:22-CR-2059-MKD
Wisconsin Man Charged with Hacking Fantasy Sports and Betting WebsiteRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count criminal Complaint charging JOSEPH GARRISON in connection with a scheme to hack user accounts at a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts in order to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. GARRISON surrendered this morning in New York, New York, and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Garrison used a credential stuffing attack to hack into the accounts of tens of thousands of victims and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, thanks to the work of my Office and the FBI, Garrison learned that you shouldn’t bet on getting away with fraud.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Garrison attained unauthorized access to victim accounts using a sophisticated cyber-breaching attack to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cyber intrusions aiming to steal private individuals’ funds represent a serious risk to our economic security. Combatting cyberattacks and holding the responsible threat actors accountable in the criminal justice system remains a top priority for the FBI.”
As alleged in the Complaint:[1]
On or about November 18, 2022, GARRISON launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies, which can be purchased on the dark web. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, there was a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website accounts using a large list of stolen credentials.
GARRISON and others successfully accessed approximately 60,000 accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, the individuals who unlawfully accessed the Victim Accounts were able to add a new payment method on the account, deposit $5 into that account through the new payment method to verify that method, and then withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account through the new payment method (i.e., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker), thus stealing the funds in the Victim Account. Using this method, GARRISON and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts.
Law enforcement executed a search on GARRISON’s home in February 2023. In that search, they located programs typically used for credential stuffing attacks. Those programs require individualized “config” files for a target website to launch credential stuffing attacks, and law enforcement located approximately 700 such config files for dozens of different corporate websites on GARRISON’s computer. Law enforcement also located files containing nearly 40 million username and password pairs on GARRISON’s computer, which are also used in credential stuffing attacks.
On GARRISON’s cellphone, law enforcement also located conversations between GARRISON and his co-conspirators, which included discussions about how to hack the Betting Website and how to profit from the hack of the Betting Website by extracting funds from the Victim Accounts directly or by selling access to the Victim Accounts. In one particular conversation, GARRISON discussed, in substance and in part, how successful he was at credential stuffing attacks, how much he enjoyed credential stuffing attacks, and how GARRISON believed that law enforcement would not catch or prosecute him. Specifically, GARRISON messaged the following, in substance and in part: “fraud is fun . . . im addicted to see money in my account . . . im like obsessed with bypassing shit.”
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GARRISON, 18, of Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; unauthorized access to a protected computer, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences 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 FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint 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 Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
United States Attorney’s Office Honors Law Enforcement Personnel for Exceptional ServiceRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces the recipients of the 2023 Law Enforcement Awards in honor of National Police Week. More than 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel are being recognized for their contributions to the success of federal cases during the 2022 calendar year.
These awards recognize the outstanding collaboration, investigative achievement, victim service, and exceptional contributions to identifying critical intelligence by federal agents, state, and local officers, and a K9. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire will host a formal ceremony to honor these individuals in September 2023.
“Law enforcement personnel, and their families, make sacrifices every day in order to put their service to our communities first,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The Law Enforcement Awards are an opportunity for us to thank the officers for their hard work, their families for their sacrifices, and to recognize their part in obtaining justice.”
The category of the Outstanding Collaboration Award recognizes individuals who demonstrated outstanding efforts or overcame significant challenges in collaborating with multiple agencies. The following departments and agencies are being honored:
- Alton Police Department
- Internal Revenue Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- New Hampshire State Police
- Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The Investigative Achievement Award is limited to those whose activities have substantially and significantly contributed to a particular USAO prosecution. The following departments and agencies are being honored:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Manchester Police Department
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
The Exceptional Contribution to a Federal Investigation/Prosecution Award is reserved for recipients whose actions impact law enforcement’s ability to achieve certain capabilities. In this case, the recipients enabled law enforcement to identify critical intelligence. The following department is being honored:
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Recipients in two cases will also receive the Victim Service Award for extraordinary assistance to victims of a federal crime. The following departments and agencies are being honored:
- Alton Police Department
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations
- Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office
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U.S. Attorney's Office Honors and Remembers Fallen Law Enforcement Officers During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – In recognition of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14, 2023, through Saturday, May 20, 2023.
“We join communities and our law enforcement partners across the nation to honor and remember the federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement officers who were killed or injured in the line of duty,” said United States Attorney Frierson. “Every day, courageous law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. We honor their courage, valor, service, and sacrifice.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement community. This year, memorial events ran May 9 - 20.
According to statistics reported by the FBI through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line of duty in 2022. Of these, 60 officers died as a result of felonious acts, and 58 officers died in accidents. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of 556 fallen officers were added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial. The names were read on Saturday, May 13, 2023, during the 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. There are currently 23,785 names engraved on the Memorial.
For more information about National Police Week, please visit https://nleomf.org/policeweek.
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U.S. Attorney Damian Williams Announces the Selection of Deputy U.S. Attorney and Special CounselRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, today announced the selection of Andrea Griswold as Deputy United States Attorney, and Margaret Garnett as Special Counsel to the United States Attorney.
Since April 2022, Ms. Griswold has served as Chief Counsel to the United States Attorney. From June 2020 until June 2022, Ms. Griswold served as a Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, first as Deputy Chief and then as Chief or Co-Chief. In this two-year period, Ms. Griswold supervised a series of significant individual and corporate investigations and prosecutions relating to market manipulation, insider trading, investor fraud, and accounting and valuation fraud. Many of the cases brought under Ms. Griswold’s leadership related to private funds, SPACs, cryptocurrency and digital assets. Prior to assuming a supervisory position in that unit, Ms. Griswold investigated and prosecuted a wide variety of significant securities fraud and public corruption cases, and also served as an Acting Chief of the Narcotics Unit. Ms. Griswold began her career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Office in March 2013. Prior to her public service, she worked for more than five years as an associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Ms. Griswold received her B.A. cum laude from Georgetown University and her J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Following the announcement this week that Margaret Garnett has been recommended to the President for a judgeship in the Southern District of New York, Ms. Garnett has assumed the role of Special Counsel to the United States Attorney. Since November 2021, Ms. Garnett has served as Deputy United States Attorney. Prior to her return to the Office, Ms. Garnett served as the Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Investigation (“DOI”), one of the oldest municipal anti-corruption agencies in the United States. Prior to her service at DOI, Ms. Garnett served as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Ms. Garnett was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Office for 12 years, serving at times as Chief of Appeals and Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit. She received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance and the Stimson Medal for her exceptional service in the Criminal Division. Prior to her public service, Ms. Garnett worked as an associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. She began her public service career as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerard E. Lynch of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Garnett received her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, her M.A. from Yale University, and her J.D. from Columbia University.
In making these selections, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “I am pleased to appoint Andrea Griswold as Deputy United States Attorney. I have worked side-by-side with Andrea through our ascension in the Office, and know her to have the rare combination of not only being an exceptional prosecutor and litigator, but also possessing the exemplary judgement and leadership skills to help lead the most talented group of prosecutors in the country. Margaret Garnett is an extraordinary lawyer, public servant, and friend. She is brilliant, fair, kind, and wise. She has and will continue to exemplify the best of this Office.”
Three Members of ‘Straw-Purchasing’ Conspiracy Sentenced in Federal Court After Duo Illegally Purchased 17 Firearms on Behalf of Violent FelonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Alexandria Flick, 23, of Bloomington, Indiana, has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to 3 years of federal supervised probation after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of sixteen firearms. Flick is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in connection with this straw-purchasing conspiracy.
In December 2022, Ariel Campbell was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm for a felon. In March 2022, Antoine Sutton was sentenced to 74 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, between October 2020 and February 2021, both Flick and Campbell purchased a total of 17 firearms on behalf of Sutton from American Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Bloomington, Indiana.
Video surveillance footage from American Arms shows both Flick and Campbell entering the business with Sutton on different occasions. All three individuals are seen on camera looking at various firearms and accessories on multiple occasions. Sutton attempted to put money towards purchasing a rifle from American Arms and told the store employee that Campbell would pay the remaining balance and fill out the required ATF firearms purchase form.
Flick and Campbell would often accompany Sutton at American Arms, or they would communicate via text message about which firearms Sutton wanted purchased. Sutton then resold the straw purchased firearms via Snapchat.
When Flick and Campbell made the purchases, they falsely affirmed on federal firearms purchase documents that they were the actual buyer of the firearms, when in fact, they were purchasing them for Sutton.
A search of Campbell’s cellphone revealed text messages between her and Sutton, in which she asked what kind of ammunition she should buy and how much. While Campbell was physically in the American Arms store, Sutton sent her a screenshot of the specific gun he wanted from an online listing to which Campbell replied with a photo of the same gun in-store. Campbell also texted, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.”
On February 25, 2021, Flick drove Sutton to a location where Sutton sold a rifle, equipped with a high-capacity magazine and loaded with 26 rounds, to an individual for $700. Multiple firearms that Flick and Campbell purchased for Sutton have been recovered during criminal investigations in both Indiana and Chicago.
Sutton is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous felony convictions of dealing in cocaine, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Michael Diekhoff, Chief of Bloomington Police Department made the announcement.
“People who illegally buy guns for criminals share responsibility for the violence afflicting our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These illegal ‘straw purchases’ are a form of gun trafficking that fuels gun violence everywhere. Illegally armed criminals and those who put the guns in their hands must be identified and prosecuted. I commend the diligent work of the ATF and the Bloomington Police Department to dismantle this gun trafficking conspiracy and hold these criminals accountable.”
“I will echo U.S. Attorney Myers statement,” stated Daryl McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Those who divert firearms from lawful commerce into the hands of felons bear responsibility for the crime in our community, and we will continue to work with our partners to identify them and bring them to justice.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Flick be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for xx years following her release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Chicago Gun Trafficking Strike Force and has prioritized investigation and prosecution of gun trafficking crimes. On July 22, 2021, the Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. These gun trafficking strike forces are designed to ensure coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
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Texas woman sent to prison for exporting pistols to MexicoRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Spring resident has been ordered to prison for exporting firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Brenda Belinda Barba pleaded guilty April 7, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Barba to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding WhatsApp messages Barba sent on the morning of her arrest negotiating the purchases and transport of the firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how cartels use any and all types of firearms and all firearms pose a danger to the safety of all communities. Judge Alvarez also highlighted how Barba’s story about taking the firearms to her family’s ranch did not coincide with messages she sent describing her willingness to take as many and transport as often as needed.
At the time of her plea, Barba admitted to attempting to unlawfully exporting a Glock 9mm pistol, Glock .22 caliber pistol, four Glock pistol magazines and 550 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
On Nov. 29, 2021, Barba attempted to exit the United States at the Anzalduas Port of Entry. At that time, she told law enforcement she had nothing to declare, to include firearms and ammunition. However, upon inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered two pistols, magazines and ammunition concealed in her handbag. She told agents that she had purchased the firearms at an Academy Sports and Outdoors store and was planning to take them to her family’s ranch in Mexico.
Barba was not a licensed gun exporter and did not have permission to export the guns to Mexico.
Barba was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Rick Blaylock prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Ten-Time Felon Sentenced to 20 Years for Selling Heroin and Fentanyl and Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man who now has ten felony convictions was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for drug conspiracy charges involving heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On October 4, 2022, Kennard Fisher pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in September 2019, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office determined that Fisher, 46, was distributing fentanyl and heroin from his home. Officers executed a search warrant at the home and found fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, three guns, including a Glock 17 9mm, and nearly $2,000 in cash. When officers arrested Fisher on federal charges in December 2020, they found more heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and another gun in the same home. Fisher has nine prior state felony convictions, including six convictions for drug trafficking or firearms offenses.
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 Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Webb and Nicholas Hartigan 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. 5:20-CR-537.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Troy M. Hill, 43, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following his conviction on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partnerships play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence, of a habitual armed career criminal, is another example that working jointly with our partners continues to make our community safer.”
Hill was convicted by a federal jury in December 2022. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that on February 16, 2021, Hill was arrested by the Tallahassee Police Department and was found by the arresting officers to be in the possession of a firearm.
Hill was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for crimes of violence and serious drug offenses.
“Every day officers put their lives on the line to curb violent crime in our community,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “This sentencing and the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement and judicial partners sends a message to the community that those who perpetrate crimes in our community will be held accountable. It also highlights the importance of joint programs like Project Safe Neighborhood which are vital in enhancing the safety of everyone in the community.”
Hill’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.
“This is a great example of combining ATF’s expertise in federal firearm laws with the talent of the Tallahassee Police Department,” said Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard, ATF Tampa Field Division. “Partnerships like this are the backbone of how we help keep communities safe.”
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Tallahassee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
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.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Superseding Indictment Charges Maryland Man with Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, and Drug-Related Counts, in Addition to Original Charges for COVID-19 Cares Act Unemployment Benefits Fraud and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday against Ryan E. Dales, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, that adds possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking activity, a fraud scheme and aggravated identity theft to the original charges of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including workers who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible for UI benefits.
The eight-count superseding indictment alleges that beginning in December 2020 and continuing through about September 2021, Dales submitted applications for UI benefits that contained false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions related to his employment, his eligibility to received UI benefits, and his purported businesses, including their existence, operation, and profits. Dales allegedly submitted a fictitious tax form in support of his applications.
According to the superseding indictment, Dales illegally possessed a firearm on January 20, 2023. Also on January 20, 2023, Dales allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and the superseding indictment alleges that Dales possessed a second firearm—a Polymer 80 9mm firearm without a serial number, commonly known as a “ghost gun”—in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Finally, the superseding indictment alleges that from August 2022 until September 2022, Dales defrauded business and financial institutions, using the personal identifying information of identity theft victims, to obtain merchandise for his personal benefit and for the benefit of his associates. Specifically, as detailed in the superseding indictment, Dales obtained forged and counterfeit South Carolina driver’s licenses, each bearing Dales’ photograph, but the name and identifying information of three identity theft victims. Dales, and others working with Dales, submitted fraudulent applications for lines of credit using the names and personal information of the identity theft victims. Once the lines of credit were approved, Dales allegedly purchased a high-end lawn mower from each of three victim businesses, in the names of the three identity-theft victims, for a total of $44,137.70. For each purchase, Dales presented the victim business with the counterfeit South Carolina driver’s license in the same name as the victim on the line of credit used to make the purchase, but which had Dales’s photo on it. Dales allegedly made no payments in connection with the line of credit accounts established in the names of the three victims and each account still has an outstanding balance.
More information on the allegations against Dales may be found here.
If convicted, Dales faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and up to life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of four counts of wire fraud; and a mandatory two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. No initial appearance is currently scheduled. Dales remains detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The District of Maryland COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is one of three strike forces established by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in the investigation. United States Attorney Barron and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley are prosecuting the case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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St. Louis County Man Accused of Carjacking in St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis County, Missouri teen was indicted Wednesday and accused of being captured on video carjacking a Mazda 3 in St. Louis earlier this month.
A grand jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis indicted Ahdaejay Britton, 18, of Bel-Ridge, on one felony count of carjacking and one count of possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A motion seeking to have Britton held in jail until trial says that in a “brazen attack” at about 1:30 p.m. on May 8, Britton approached the victim as he was walking out of a parking garage in the 3800 block of Lindell Boulevard. Britton pointed a handgun at the victim, pulled him back into the stairwell and then threw the victim to the ground, the motion says. After taking the victim's car keys and handing them to a juvenile, Britton stuck his gun in the victim’s face and reached into his pocket to steal his wallet and iPhone.
The carjacking was captured on surveillance video, and Britton was caught by police with the stolen vehicle, the stolen iPhone and a gun less than an hour after the carjacking, the detention motion says.
The carjacking charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, consecutive to all other charges, and a maximum of life in prison.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin is prosecuting the case.
St. Joseph Woman Pleads Guilty to Using Prison Inmates in Covid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to using the stolen identities of prison inmates to fraudulently obtain federal unemployment benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Brooke Stewart, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to one count of stealing government property.
By pleading guilty today, Stewart admitted that she facilitated the filing of false claims for unemployment benefits by using the stolen identity information of five individuals who were incarcerated in state or federal prison and therefore not eligible to receive Missouri and enhanced unemployment benefits. Stewart also fraudulently received federal unemployment benefits in her own name and another person.
As a result of her fraud scheme, Stewart stole at least $139,663 in benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided additional federal pandemic unemployment compensation to eligible individuals receiving other unemployment benefits under state laws.
None of the inmates whose identity information was stolen actually received any of the fraudulently obtained benefits. Among those individuals whose stolen identity information was used to obtain benefits from May 2020 to June 2021 were federal defendants Garland Nelson and Brooke Beckley. Nelson is serving a 32-year federal prison sentence for a cattle fraud scheme that led to two murders in Braymer, Mo., and for illegally possessing a firearm, as well as two life sentences in a separate state case for the murders. Beckley is serving a 40-year prison sentence for her role in the murder of a Mexican national who was executed to help her avoid paying a debt owed in a drug-trafficking conspiracy in the Springfield, Mo., area.
Under federal statutes, Stewart is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations & Labor Racketeering Fraud.
Spokane Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distributor Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – Yesterday, May 17, 2023, U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice
sentenced Jerami W. Jones, 43, of Spokane, Washington, to 235 months in federal prison for
possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and for the illegal possession of
multiple firearms. District Judge Rice also ordered Jones to serve five years on federal supervision
after he is released from prison.According to court documents, law enforcement officers assigned to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force obtained a search warrant to search property
connected with Jones. At the time of the search, Jones was serving a term of community custody in
Washington state court. Around this time, Jones’s supervising probation officer made arrangements
to meet with Jones. Upon Jones’s arrival, members of the Safe Streets Task Force detained Jones
and conducted a search of his person and vehicle. While searching Jones’s vehicle, the law
enforcement team located approximately 2,200 fentanyl-laced pills and four ounces of heroin.At the same time as the search of Jones’s person, other law enforcement officers executed a search
warrant of Jones’s residence and separate trailer. There, law enforcement located approximately two
pounds of methamphetamine, 7,000 fentanyl pills, and eight firearms. Three of the firearms had
previously been reported as stolen. Law enforcement officers also recovered more than $21,000 in
U.S. currency.United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District
of Washington, stated, “Today’s significant sentence demonstrates the breadth and seriousness of
Mr. Jones’s drug trafficking activities. I’m grateful for our incredible law enforcement team, who
devote their lives to protecting our community. I commend our Safe Streets Task Force whose work
combatting organized crime and removing illegal drugs and stolen firearms strengthens our
communities.”“Traffickers like Mr. Jones bring drugs into our towns and cities with no regard to the damage they
do to the citizens who live there.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s
Seattle field office. “These are the same citizens the FBI and our partners are sworn to protect. Mr.
Jones’s nearly twenty-year sentence demonstrates the serious consequences of distributing these
poisons into our communities and the repercussions of his continued criminal activity while serving
on state probation.”This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal,
state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals
responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern Spokane Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman and Stephanie Van Marter, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
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Slingerlands Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 73, of Slingerlands, New York, was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Steven A. Nigrelli, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police, made the announcement.
Fuino appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained after reserving his right to seek a detention hearing at a later date.
According to a criminal complaint and statements made by prosecutors in court today, Fuino repeatedly molested a child. Fuino babysat the child at his home and brought her with him to Atlantic City, New Jersey, on weekends while the child’s mother worked. The complaint alleges that during those stays, Fuino photographed the child’s genitals, digitally penetrated her, and forced the girl to perform oral sex on him. The conduct is alleged to have occurred over the past 11 months, beginning when the child was 6 years old. Law enforcement has recovered, from Fuino’s electronic devices, images of the victim on depicting some of the abuse. The victim reported the abuse to her school last week after an elementary school presentation on inappropriate touching and sexual contact. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge filed against Fuino carries a sentence of at least 30 years and up to life in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark 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), and is designed to marshal 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.