Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 18 May 2023
Richmond County Man Sentenced to over 12 Years for ArsonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - A Richmond County resident was sentenced on May 18, 2023, in federal court in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for maliciously damaging and destroying by means of fire or an explosive a building used in interstate or foreign commerce, specifically rental property located at 199 Dixieland Drive, Rockingham, North Carolina, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina. COREY LAMONT CARTER, age 45, was convicted after his guilty plea on October 3, 2022.
On January 24, 2022, at approximately 1:37 p.m., Richmond County Deputy Sheriffs responded to a reported structure fire at 199 Dixieland Drive in Rockingham. Upon arrival the building (a residence) was fully engulfed in flames. The home’s occupant told deputies that her boyfriend, COREY LAMONT CARTER, had set the residence on fire. The occupant said that she and her son made it out of the home safely. The occupant told deputies that she and CARTER had an argument and she walked outside to call police. She then noted, after turning back towards the residence, that it was on fire. CARTER then fled the scene.
A short time later a resident of the Maner Road section of Rockingham reported to deputies that she saw a man matching the description of CARTER running north on U.S. 1 carrying a gas can. The caller told deputies that he then ran to an abandoned two-story white house near the wood line. As deputies approached the front door to the home, the door slowly opened and CARTER walked out of the home with his hands up. Deputies detained CARTER and confirmed his identity. As he was being escorted to a patrol vehicle CARTER spontaneously stated, “I know what ya’ll looking for, the gas can it’s in the house.” CARTER was then placed under arrest. Incident to arrest deputies located two books of matches and a lighter in CARTER’s left front pocket. Deputies also recovered the gas can from inside the abandoned home. In a post-Miranda statement, CARTER admitted to having set the fire at 199 Dixieland Drive. The residence was being used as rental property at the time of the fire with a tenant living in the home, and the fire resulted in a complete loss, including contents.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation processed the fire scene. After careful consideration of the evidence at the scene and information provided by witnesses, agents formed the opinion that this fire was ignited when a person, presumably CARTER, poured an unknown ignitable liquid on the floor in the bedroom located at the end of the hallway and up the hallway to the kitchen, and then introduced an open flame through a lighter, match, or similar device which ignited the vapors. The fire then spread through the available combustibles inside the house. The fire was classified as incendiary in nature.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder sentenced CARTER to 151 months in federal prison. In addition to the prison time, CARTER was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release, pay restitution of $11,500, and to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett.
###
Readout of Justice Department Leadership’s Meeting with Civil Rights Groups to Discuss Key IssuesRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division met with civil rights organizations yesterday at the Justice Department.
Department leadership heard from attending organizations on an array of topics including hate crimes and reporting, educational equity, voting rights, implementation of Executive Order 14074 on policing and criminal justice issues, and reproductive rights.
Some of the Department’s recent work on critical issues includes publishing a Dear Colleague letter on the imposition and enforcement of fines and fees on adults and youth by state and local courts and juvenile justice agencies and the release of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the safety of our communities while advancing thoughtful, evidence-informed initiatives and reforms throughout the criminal justice system, as put forth in the Department's Strategic Plan.
The meeting comes in advance of the three-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the one-year anniversary of the May 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing, and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety.
Department leadership pledged to continue robust civil rights enforcement in line with the Attorney General’s commitment to a department-wide approach to civil rights and to thoughtfully engaging communities on the issues that impact them.
Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to Imprisonment for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Samirah Boksmati, 34, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $700 assessment by United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick for four counts of making false statements in a passport application and three counts of using a passport secured by false statements.
Boksmati made multiple false representations to the U.S. State Department to secure United States passports for herself and her children and then used those passports obtained by fraud to travel abroad with two of her minor children. Boksmati acted with the intent to take all three of her children out of the United States, despite a family court order prohibiting her from taking her eldest child out of the country.
“Border and identification security are critically important to national security,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Obtaining a United States passport by fraud will not be tolerated, especially when that fraud is perpetrated in order to take a child out of the country in violation of a family court order. This sentence demonstrates that there are consequences to abusing the passport application process.”
“One of the core missions of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is to protect the integrity of U.S. travel documents, which includes preventing the fraudulent acquisition and use of U.S. passports to facilitate parental child abductions,” Resident Agent in Charge R. Mike Escott of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service Philadelphia Resident Office. “DSS is grateful for today’s outcome and for the close partnership and support of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
Ohio man sentenced to 15 years for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for transporting hundreds of grams of crystal meth to be sold in Hancock County.
William E. Maddox, Jr., 53, pled guilty in January to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Maddox was traveling from Akron to the Weirton area, transporting hundreds of grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice.” During a traffic stop, officers found more than 200 grams of ice, along with nearly 500 grams of marijuana, inside the vehicle.
The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
New York Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Filing False ReturnRead the Press Release
A New York man pleaded guilty today to filing a false corporate tax return for his construction business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pawel A. Bartoszek of Lake Grove, New York, owned and operated a construction company, Mega State Inc. From 2015 through 2017, Bartoszek cashed checks he received from Mega State clients for services rendered rather than deposit them in the company’s bank account. As a result, Bartoszek concealed approximately $6.1 million in business income from his tax return preparer and caused the tax returns for Mega State submitted to the IRS to falsely understate its gross income.
Bartoszek is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 26, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Ann M. Cherry and Catriona Coppler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Man Charged with Gunpoint Robbery of Manhattan Electronics StoreRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and John B. DeVito, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), announced the arrest of IGGAL COPELAND for robbing at gunpoint an electronics store in Manhattan while a 74-year-old store employee was opening for business. COPELAND was arrested this morning and will be presented today before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant’s alleged conduct was violent and callous. He and another suspect allegedly forced their way into an electronics store disguised as FedEx workers, held a gun to an elderly store employee’s head, hit the employee in the back of the head with the gun, and threatened that if the employee did not open a safe within the store, they would harm the employee’s young granddaughter while on her way to school. This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who commit violent robberies and terrorize hardworking New Yorkers.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “This arrest by the ATF/NYPD SPARTA Join Robbery Task Force is another example of New York City’s strong law enforcement partnerships combatting violent crime and holding accountable anyone who endangers people in our communities. We vow to remain relentless in identifying and investigating anyone who wields an illegal gun on our streets. Due to the efforts of our investigators and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, this defendant now faces the prospect of significant federal prison time.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said: “This allegedly brazen and horrendous crime against anyone, let alone a hardworking New York family, is both atrocious and unacceptable within our society. The men and women of ATF NY’s SPARTA (Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension) group will continue to work with our partners at the NYPD Manhattan Robbery Squad to protect the public from those who terrorize our communities. Swift investigative follow up and this arrest highlight the indispensable work of our collaborative effort to identify and stop violent criminals on the streets of New York.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and court filings:[[1]]
On or about April 21, 2023, COPELAND and another individual (“CC-1”) robbed at gunpoint (the “Robbery”) an electronics store in New York, New York (the “Store”). COPELAND and CC-1 drove to the Robbery using a vehicle with stolen plates that was abandoned in Brooklyn after the Robbery. To gain access to the Store, COPELAND and CC-1 disguised themselves as FedEx employees while a 74-year-old store employee (“Victim-1”) was opening the Store for business in the morning. The FedEx uniforms the defendant wore are pictured below:
COPELAND and CC-1 forced Victim-1 to a back room and attempted to gain access to a safe. While CC-1 held a gun to Victim-1’s head, COPELAND said, “Stop yelling” and “Open the door [to the safe] . . . do you want your granddaughter [to overhear] when she comes down for school.” COPELAND then said, “I’m about to kill his grandbaby . . . he’s fuckin’ playing games.”
After attempting unsuccessfully to gain access to the safe, COPELAND and CC-1 took approximately $1,500 from Victim-1. They then ran to the front of the Store and CC-1 pushed the 73-year-old female employee of the Store (“Victim-2”) to the ground. Two individuals outside of the Store heard screams coming from Victim-2 inside the Store, intervened to stop the Robbery, and unsuccessfully attempted to stop COPELAND and CC-1 from fleeing the scene.
* * *
COPELAND, 46, of Union City, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of using and brandishing a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and 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 handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle is 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.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to 140 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On May 17, 2023, U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Irbin Martinez-Santacruz, 30, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 140 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. District Judge Rice also ordered Martinez-Santacruz to serve five years on federal supervision after he is released from prison.
According to court documents, Martinez-Santacruz, a documented gang member, conspired with other gang members to engage in the distribution of methamphetamine to an undercover agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In April 2020, ATF agents initiated an investigation into the illegal activities of the Lil Valley Lokotes, which is a criminal street gang associated with the Surenos. During the investigation, ATF learned that Martinez-Santacruz’s codefendant, Mario Crittenden, was selling large quantities of methamphetamine, which had been supplied by another member of the Lil Valley Lokotes. The agents also learned that several members of the Lil Valley Lokotes were suspected of participating in shooting incidents in the Moses Lake area. During a year-long investigation, Martinez-Santacruz was identified as one of Crittenden’s co-conspirators. Martinez-Santacruz also distributed methamphetamine to the undercover agent on three occasions in the Moses Lake area.
In imposing yesterday’s sentence, District Judge Rice expressed that this was not a single mistake and highlighted the significant nature and seriousness of the conspiracy as well as Martinez-Santacruz’s significant criminal history and role in the offense. District Judge Rice had previously sentenced Mario Crittenden to 132 months imprisonment following his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Another co-defendant, Cody Flores, previously was sentenced to 140 months of imprisonment following his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Five other co-defendants’ cases remain pending.
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref commended the joint efforts of law enforcement for the careful investigation and close-working relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office: “As a result of the ATF investigation into the Lil Valley Loketes, which are affiliated with the Surenos, our community is a safer place. This organization was responsible for a number of shooting incidents in and around the Moses Lake area. I’m grateful for the excellent work our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as that of AUSA Pat Cashman, who worked together to bring Mr. Martinez-Santacruz to justice.”
“Today’s sentence demonstrates that criminal activities like these will not be tolerated,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “When you poison our communities, ATF and our law enforcement partners will be there to stop you.”
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 District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Agency of the ATF, the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force, Moses Lake Police Department, and Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team. This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:21-cr-00043-TOR
Missouri Couple Sentenced for Unlawfully Obtaining COVID-19 Jobless BenefitsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Charles, Missouri husband and wife were each sentenced to five years of federal probation today after unlawfully obtaining $26,917 in unemployment benefits provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
The CARES Act provided for a temporary emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits, referred to as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC). The CARES Act also created the PUA program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. The FPUC and PUA programs are collectively referred to as pandemic unemployment benefits and even though these benefits are administered by the states, they are funded in part by the federal government.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Notgrass, 51, and Rhonda Notgrass, 46, lived in Washington, West Virginia, when Robert Notgrass was employed as a pastor of a local church from before January 1, 2018, until he was released from that position on June 1, 2020.
On August 15, 2020, Rhonda Notgrass applied for pandemic unemployment benefits with WorkForce West Virginia, the agency that administers the pandemic unemployment benefits for West Virginians. Rhonda Notgrass falsely claimed that she was unemployed as a direct result of a pandemic or major disaster. Robert Notgrass helped his wife complete the application and submitted a letter on her behalf in furtherance of the false claim.
On September 16, 2020, Rhonda Notgrass received approximately $14,150 in pandemic unemployment benefits payment from WorkForce West Virginia. The payment included federal monies from the CARES Act. Rhonda Notgrass admitted that she knew she was not entitled to receive the pandemic unemployment benefits. Rhonda Notgrass pleaded guilty to theft of government property.
Robert Notgrass admitted to wrongly receiving $12,767 in pandemic unemployment benefits. Robert Notgrass pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the theft of government property.
The couple has fully paid the $26,917 in court-ordered restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and WorkForce West Virginia.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Kathleen Robeson prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:23-cr-16 and 2:23-cr-17.
###
Mississippi Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 30, of Carriere, Mississippi, was sentenced on May 17, 2023 by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to 63 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to attempting to transfer obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Judge Vance ordered that DEFIORE’S sentence run consecutively to any sentence imposed by another section of court based on DEFIORE’S violation of his supervised release in United States v. Defiore, Case No. 19-230 (E.D. La.). Additionally, Judge Vance ordered DEFIORE to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. DEFIORE will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, DEFIORE was an adult male resident of Carriere, Mississippi who was released on August 19, 2022 from a federal correctional institution upon completion of his sentence in an unrelated matter. Only days after his release, DEFIORE acquired a cellular phone and posted on a social media application that he desired a young girl. Undercover FBI agents saw the post, pretended to be a fourteen-year-old female (“Minor”), and began corresponding with DEFIORE. During the correspondence on August 24, 2022, and August 25, 2022, DEFIORE provided additional factual details about himself, including his age, location, and recent release from prison. He also expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with Minor at her location in Slidell, Louisiana. DEFIORE told Minor that he was attempting to obtain transportation to Slidell and provided Minor with directions to his location. He then encouraged her to travel to his location so they could engage in sexual activity. Further investigation revealed that, between about August 24, 2022, and August 25, 2022, DEFIORE sent the same or similar pictures to approximately four other individuals he believed to be minors under the age of sixteen (16) years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Minden Woman Convicted for Misuse of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Gabriela Navarrete, 44, of Minden, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for misuse of a social security number. Navarrete was sentenced to time served and will serve 3 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On November 16, 2017, Gabriela Navarrete filled out and signed a Form I-9 in order to begin employment at Casey’s General Store in Nebraska. On the Form I-9, she filled in the blanks for “U.S. Social Security Number” with a social security number that did not belong to her. As verification of the information provided on the Form I-9, Navarrete provided a Social Security Card bearing her name and the specific social security number (SSN).
Navarrete knew that SSN had not been assigned to her by the Commissioner of Social Security. She provided that SSN with the intention to deceive Casey’s General Store into believing that number was assigned to her. Navarrete made that false representation to satisfy Section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Kelvin Bradley, 48, of Michigan, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2020, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Washington Street in Charleston. Bradley was a passenger in that vehicle, and admitted that he possessed a Colt, .38 Special revolver that was found in the vehicle.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Bradley knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for aggravated stalking in the Third Judicial Circuit, Wayne County, Michigan, on September 3, 2002.
Bradley is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Negar Kordestani are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-98.
###
Mexican National Indicted for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than 60 kilograms of methamphetamine and for illegally possessing firearms.
Juan Hernandez-Guzman, 30, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, May 17. The indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Hernandez-Guzman on April 24, 2023, and includes additional counts.
The federal indictment alleges that Hernandez-Guzman participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jackson County, Mo., from April 10 to April 23, 2023.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, police officers executed a search warrant at Hernandez-Guzman’s residence on April 22, 2023. Officers found a loaded Glock .357-caliber handgun, which had been modified so that it was capable of firing automatically, and a loaded Glock 9mm handgun. Each of the handguns had an extended magazine loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. Officers also seized a quantity of cash and several cell phones.
Officers also found 10.9 kilograms of methamphetamine inside a cardboard box in the back seat of a dark blue Tahoe, which Hernandez-Guzman was seen driving on several occasions. The vehicle also contained several handgun magazines and a quantity of cash.
The federal indictment also charges Hernandez-Guzman with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Hernandez-Guzman to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of the alleged violations, including $13,048 that was seized by law enforcement officers during the execution of the search warrant, as well as a money judgment of $634,800, which was obtained as a result of the drug-trafficking conspiracy and involved the distribution of more than 60 kilograms of methamphetamine with an average street price of $300 per ounce.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Madison Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Roland J. Scott III, 21, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and maintaining a drug trafficking place. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Scott pleaded guilty to these charges on February 24, 2023.
Between September 15 and October 5, 2021, Scott sold heroin and fentanyl to an undercover officer in Madison on four separate occasions. On October 7, 2021, law enforcement searched his residence and found 110 grams of fentanyl packaged in individual baggies, ready for sale, and over $10,000 in cash. Scott was arrested during the search, and later charged in state court and released on bond. At the time of his arrest, he was on bond in eight different state cases.
Several months later, on June 30, 2022, Scott and two passengers were driving in a stolen car in Madison when they crashed into a truck with a trailer. Scott and his passengers battered the two individuals inside the pickup truck. While fleeing the scene, Scott and his passengers drove past the truck and one of them fired a shot at the victims.
The car crashed a few miles down the road and Scott was arrested shortly thereafter. He was found in possession of 657 grams of fentanyl mixed with heroin, over $9,000 in cash, and a Glock 9mm handgun. At this point, Scott was on bond for ten state cases.
At sentencing, Judge Conley explained that Scott was a danger to society given the large quantity of fentanyl he was trafficking and for possessing a loaded handgun while drug dealing. He said that the decisions Scott has made and continue to make have been disastrous.
The charges against Scott were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn E. Ginsberg 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.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Charles Bethel, 45, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by a 7-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture and over 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department, with assistance from the Evansville Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case.
###
Levittown, Pennsylvania Physician Agrees to Pay $100,000 to Resolve Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Douglas Daniel Files, D.O., has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to maintain complete and accurate records of a controlled substance (testosterone), failing to keep required receipt and dispensing records, failing to perform biennial inventories, and writing prescriptions “for stock.”
The United States’ investigation involved Files’ practice located at 2346 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056.
As part of the settlement, Files has entered into a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which includes additional responsibilities regarding the handling of controlled substances. The MOA imposes compliance obligations significantly more stringent than those in the applicable laws and regulations.
Files prescribes and administers testosterone, a Schedule IIIN controlled substance. In April 2022, DEA investigators discovered that Files allegedly failed to conduct a biennial inventory, failed to maintain records for receipt and dispensing of the controlled substance, and was prescribing controlled substances “for stock” – all in violation of applicable regulations and statutes.
The DEA diversion investigators obtained records of Files’ prescriptions “for stock” from a local retail pharmacy. Physicians are prohibited from obtaining controlled substances for the purpose of general dispensing to patients; they must comply with the requirements for a valid prescription, including the date, patient’s name and address, drug name and strength, dosage form, quantity prescribed, directions for use, and the physician/registrant’s name, address, and registration number. The prescription requirement is one of the ways in which controlled substances are tracked to prevent diversion and abuse.
“Physicians who fail to maintain proper records of controlled substances create conditions ripe for diversion, or, at worst, may be engaging in diversion itself,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Physicians and pharmacists have a responsibility to ensure that all controlled substances are tracked through the distribution chain. Our Office is committed to ensuring total compliance with the Controlled Substances Act and we will vigorously enforce violations wherever we find them.”
“Dr. Files’ ordering of prescription medicines for stock is not permissible under the regulations of the Controlled Substances Act,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Settlements and Memorandum of Agreements such as these help to ensure that physicians properly safeguard, dispense, and account for the controlled substances in their care.”
Congress enacted the CSA to deter the illegal importation, manufacture, distribution, possession, and improper use of controlled substances, including prescription medications, and requires individuals and entities registered with the DEA to maintain complete and accurate records of all controlled substances and security systems so that controlled substances are not lost, stolen, or inappropriately dispensed.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating diversion of controlled substances. The record keeping and other regulations applicable to DEA registrants, including physicians, are the tools by which the DEA deters drug diversion.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division, Diversion Regulatory Group 2 (D72), and the investigation and settlement were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Viveca D. Parker, with DEA Diversion Investigators.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Kanawha County Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Calvin Butler, 25, of Dunbar, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $18,540 in restitution for a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Butler provided his personal information to an individual he met on the Instagram social media platform who offered to apply for a PPP loan on Butler’s behalf in exchange for $2,000 of the loan proceeds. On April 25, 2021, this individual electronically submitted an application falsely stating that Butler operated a barbershop and that it had received $77,000 in gross income in 2020. Butler admitted that he knew he was not eligible to receive a PPP loan.
The fraudulent PPP loan application was approved and $16,040 was electronically deposited from a financial institution in Tennessee to Butler’s account at a bank in South Charleston, West Virginia, on June 7, 2021. Butler admitted that he knew the deposit was the result of the fraudulent PPP loan application. Butler further admitted that he withdrew the fraudulently obtained money in $5,000 increments to benefit himself personally and not for any legitimate business expenses.
Butler pleaded guilty to wire fraud. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Public Integrity and Fraud Unit, and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-161.
###
KC Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Pizza Delivery DriverRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver, after a suspect involved in the robbery was killed during a shootout with police officers.
Samuel M. David, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 12 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 4, 2022, David pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
His sister and co-defendant, Rochelle E. David, 24, was sentenced on Jan. 11, 2023, to 14 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to the same crimes.
Rochelle David placed an order for pizza to a Pizza Hut restaurant on Oct. 19, 2020, in order to lure a Pizza Hut employee to her address to conduct an armed robbery with the assistance of Samuel David and Ennice Ross. When the delivery driver arrived at about 10:18 p.m., Samuel David and Ross confronted him in the parking lot. Ross displayed a firearm in his waistband and Samuel David demanded the driver’s money. Samuel David went through the driver’s pockets, taking a wallet and knife from him. They also took $100 in cash from the driver’s vehicle.
Ross ordered the delivery driver to take them to an ATM to withdraw more money from the driver’s bank account. The driver took them to a gas station, where Samuel David attempted to use the driver’s bank card to withdraw money from an ATM. Samuel David returned to the car and told Ross he wasn’t able to withdraw any money. Samuel David stabbed the driver in the hand with the driver’s knife.
Samuel David ordered the delivery driver to take them to his residence in Gladstone, Mo., where he lived with his parents, while Rochelle David followed in a separate vehicle. Samuel David and Ross accompanied the driver into his residence, where they encountered the driver’s parents. Ross stayed with the driver’s parents while Samuel David walked the driver to his bedroom, where the driver opened a safe that contained approximately $2,000. Samuel David took the safe, and he and Ross left the residence.
On Oct. 23, 2020, police officers were conducting surveillance in the area where the armed robberies occurred in an effort to locate Rochelle David in connection with an unrelated homicide investigation. She was seen leaving the apartment building in a vehicle with Samuel David and Ross. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of Admiral and Tracy. Samuel David and another person got out of the vehicle, but Rochelle David and Ross stayed in the vehicle. Rochelle David told Ross that one of the officers who stopped them was the one who recently chased her. Shortly before she got out of the vehicle, she told Ross, “Shoot the one with the red hair first.” Rochelle David then got out of the vehicle, after which Ross opened his door and fired on officers with his gun. The officers returned fire, which resulted in his death.
After being arrested, Rochelle David was questioned about the homicide. She admitted that Ross wanted to kill a homeless person and she was with him when they picked up a homeless man in Kansas City on Oct. 21, 2020. They drove around for a time with the victim, then Ross got out of the vehicle and she saw him shoot the victim.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Justice Department Secures Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Missouri LandlordRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement from a St. Louis, Missouri landlord, who has agreed to pay $110,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that he violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) when he sexually harassed multiple female tenants.
Under the agreement, subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Nedzad Ukejnovic is required to pay $85,000 to compensate individuals harmed by the harassment and $20,000 to compensate the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council for resources it expended responding to the reported harassment. The defendant is also required to pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States.
“Far too often landlords sexually harass and prey on those who are most vulnerable and it is unacceptable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce fair housing laws to hold those who engage in unlawful conduct to account.”
“Multiple tenants complained that Mr. Ukejnovic subjected them to vulgar and disgusting demands for sex, offering to reduce rent or security deposits if they complied,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes allegations like these seriously and seeks to hold all civil rights violators accountable whether civilly or criminally. This agreement not only provides for monetary compensation, but it also prohibits him from contacting these tenants, bars him from his properties when a lease is in effect and requires him to hire an independent property manager to prevent further violations of the civil rights laws. All of these are measures that will help protect current and future tenants.”
“It is abhorrent that a landlord would subject his tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation, robbing them of a safe place to call home,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This settlement sends a strong message that sexual harassment in housing is illegal and that those who violate the Fair Housing Act will be held accountable. HUD applauds today’s action and remains committed to working with DOJ to enforce our nation’s fair housing laws.”
In addition, the consent order requires the defendant to retain an independent property manager to manage his rental properties for the duration of the order, obtain fair housing training and implement non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment at his properties in the future.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2022, alleged that the defendant subjected multiple female tenants to harassment that included making unwelcome sexual advances, offering to reduce rent or security deposits in exchange for engaging in sex acts, requesting sexually explicit photos, staring at female tenants’ bodies in a sexual way, subjecting female tenants to unwelcome sexual touching, and visiting and entering female tenants’ homes for no legitimate purpose.
The matter was referred to the Justice Department after HUD received two separate complaints alleging that the defendant had violated the Fair Housing Act. The complainants – a former female tenant and the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council, a non-profit organization that helped the tenant file a complaint with HUD and engaged in outreach and education efforts following defendant’s harassment of the tenant – chose to have the matter decided in federal court after HUD investigated their complaints and issued a charge of discrimination. Upon receiving the referral the Justice Department investigated further and identified additional female tenants whom the defendant sexually harassed.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 31 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting people from sexual misconduct. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Hudson County Man Admits Role in Gang AssaultRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of a neighborhood street gang in Hudson County, New Jersey, today admitted to stabbing a rival gang member during a retaliatory gang-related assault, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Sheldon Mays, aka “Thottie,” 23, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon – a knife – in aid of racketeering.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Aug. 3, 2020, Mays and seven others, all of whom are associated with a street gang operating in and around the Curries Woods Public Housing Complex in Jersey City – identified as “Curries Woods” or the “Tay Tay Shrimp Gang” or the “Sharks” – assaulted a rival gang member in retaliation for a prior gang-related assault. As the victim was walking down a street in Jersey City, Mays and the others approached in two cars, parked in the middle of the street, and violently assaulted the victim, who was punched, kicked, and stabbed by Mays, and suffered life-threatening injuries.
The count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; and the Hudson County Department of Corrections with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
mays.information.pdfGrayson County Man Guilty of Violent Crime Spree in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Sherman man has been convicted of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Brian Deboris Black, 32, was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery; robbery; conspiracy to kidnap; and two counts of carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Black was found guilty of all counts by a jury following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.
According to information presented in court, on Oct. 3, 2020, Black, along with two others, robbed a Dollar General store in Tom Bean, Texas. During the robbery, Black brandished a firearm and threatened to kill the three employees in the store if they did not comply with his demands. On Oct. 13, 2020, Black and several others, committed a home invasion robbery in Mansfield, Texas. They entered the home at gunpoint, kidnapped three family members and restrained them with zip ties, and demanded money while threatening to kill them if they did not comply. Black shot the homeowners’ son when he was able to free himself from the zip ties. The victim survived the shooting, but with permanent injuries. Co-defendant testimony, DNA, and cell phone analysis were instrumental in establishing that Black brandished the firearm while committing both offenses.
“The Department of Justice will continue to use every resource at its disposal to address violent crimes occurring in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “This outcome should serve as a message that individuals who use firearms to harm or injure others will be prosecuted and held accountable in federal court.”
“The FBI remains laser focused on working with our law enforcement partners to counter violent crime wherever it occurs. In this case, our agents and task force officers combined the use of cutting-edge technologies and traditional investigative methods to achieve a significant verdict against a violent offender. I’m grateful that our community has been made safer by their work,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough.
Black faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Sherman Resident Agency, Tom Bean Police Department, Whitewright Police Department, Sherman Police Department, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ernest Gonzalez and Tracey Batson.
###
Grand Jury-May 2023Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned ten unsealed Indictments charging ten defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Fernando Aguirre-Quintero, age 24, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 1, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Danielle Cleary, age 28, of Bancroft, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Cleary with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on the Omaha Indian Reservation on or about January 11, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Cleary with child abuse on the Omaha Indian Reservation on or about January 11, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 3 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, an eighteen-month term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Jeffrey Edwards, age 66, of Omaha, is charged in a sixteen-count Indictment. Counts I through IX charge Edwards with healthcare fraud between on or about 2010 and continuing to on or about 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts X through XIII charge Edwards with controlled substance prescribed outside the usual course of medical practice between on or about 2010 and continuing to on or about 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a not less than three-years’ and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts XIV through XVI charge Edwards with false statements relating to health care matters on or about February 15, 2018 and continuing to on or about November 19, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Marcus Green, age 41, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Green with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about July 1, 2022. The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Green with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on or about July 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Green with prohibited person in possession of a firearm on or about July 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Robert Vincent Harris, age 56, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Harris with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on or about February 14, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Harris with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on or about February 14, 2023 and continuing until February 15, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Alejandro Hernandez-Hernandez, a/k/a Alejandro Hernandez, age 37, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 9, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Robert Johnson, age 39, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Johnson with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 1, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Johnson with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on or about July 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Riek J. Kuany, age 24, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Kuany with Bank Robbery on or about April 6, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Kuany with brandishing a weapon to commit a federal crime of violence on or about April 6, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Kuany with Bank Robbery on or about April 11, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Kuany with brandishing a weapon to commit a federal crime of violence on or about April 22, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Kevin Radik, age 37, of Papillion, Nebraska, is charged with delay or destruction of mail beginning on or about December 1, 2022 and continuing through on or about March 16, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Allan Onelio Velasquez-Velasquez, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction beginning on or about May 10, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
Former President of the New York Building and Construction Trades Council and 10 Other Union Officials Sentenced for Accepting Bribes and Illegal PaymentsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Raymond A. Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney, announced today that JAMES CAHILL, former President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for accepting bribes and illegal cash payments from a non-union construction contractor (“Employer-1”) while serving as a union officer. Union officers CHRISTOPHER KRAFT, PATRICK HILL, MATTHEW NORTON, WILLIAM BRIAN WANGERMAN, KEVIN MCCARRON, JEREMY SHEERAN, a/k/a “Max,” ANDREW MCKEON, ROBERT EGAN, SCOTT ROCHE, and ARTHUR GIPSON have previously been sentenced for related conduct by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Capitalizing on his position as a high-ranking union official, James Cahill accepted payment after payment to favor non-union labor at the expense of union members. Whether it was a cash-stuffed envelope or in-kind benefit, each payment reflected a decision to place personal greed over the union interests that Cahill was duty-bound to serve. Today’s sentence makes clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to hold responsible those who exploit their positions of power for personal gain. I thank the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this case.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said: “James Cahill repeatedly chose to enrich himself at the expense of the hard-working men and women whose interests he had a sworn duty to protect, and his sentence to a substantial term in federal prison should serve as a message to all others who would consider engaging in similar betrayals of trust. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York for their collaboration in this investigation, and for their efforts in obtaining this just result.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment, statements made in court, and court filings:
JAMES CAHILL was the President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council (the “NYS Trades Council”), which represents over 200,000 unionized construction workers, a member of the Executive Council for the New York State American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (the “NYS AFL-CIO”), and formerly a union representative of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (the “UA”). During the charged conspiracy from about October 2018 to October 2020, CAHILL accepted approximately $44,500 in bribes from Employer-1, as well as other benefits, including home appliances and free labor on CAHILL’s vacation home. As part of his guilty plea, CAHILL acknowledged having previously accepted at least approximately $100,000 of additional bribes from Employer-1 in connection with CAHILL’s union positions. As the leader of the conspiracy, CAHILL introduced Employer-1 to many of the other defendants, while advising Employer-1 that Employer-1 could reap the benefits of being associated with the unions without actually signing union agreements or employing union workers.
KRAFT, HILL, NORTON, WANGERMAN, MCCARRON, SHEERAN, and MCKEON were Business Agents, EGAN was the Secretary-Treasurer, and ROCHE was the Business Agent At Large of the Local 638 of the UA (“Local 638”). GIPSON was a Business Agent of the Local Union 200 of the UA (“Local 200”). Each of these defendants accepted thousands and, in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars of cash bribes from Employer-1, a contractor who had projects and potential projects within the jurisdiction of Local 638 and Local 200.
All 11 defendants accepted cash from Employer-1 — usually stuffed in envelopes that Employer-1 handed off inside the restrooms of restaurants. During the meetings at which the payments were made, Employer-1 repeatedly requested favorable action from Local 638 and/or Local 200, including the following: (i) that the relevant union would support Employer-1’s bids on various projects, (ii) that the union would consider signing Employer-1 to labor agreements that Employer-1 regarded to be favorable (including agreements that would pay union workers lower rates than their experience merited), and (iii) that the union would permit Employer-1 to falsely claim to developers that Employer-1 employed union workers. Employer-1 contracted to work on — or would bid on — projects that otherwise could have employed union workers belonging to Local 638 and/or Local 200. At the time Employer-1 was bribing the defendants, Employer-1’s business employed workers who were not members of Local 638 and/or Local 200 but would have been eligible for membership.
* * *
A chart containing the names, offenses of conviction, and sentences imposed by Judge McMahon is below.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents and investigators within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Jason Swergold, Danielle Sassoon, Frank J. Balsamello, Marguerite B. Colson, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura de Oliveira, are in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant
Statute of Conviction
Sentence
JAMES CAHILL
Honest Services Fraud Conspiracy
Sentenced on May 18, 2023, to 51 months in prison and $150,000 fine
CHRISTOPHER KRAFT
Honest Services Fraud Conspiracy
Sentenced on December 12, 2022, to 18 months in prison and $10,000 fine
PATRICK HILL
Honest Services Fraud Conspiracy
Sentenced on December 19, 2022, to 27 months in prison and $10,000 fine
MATTHEW NORTON
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on December 13, 2022, to three years’ probation and $10,000 fine
WILLIAM BRIAN WANGERMAN
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on April 12, 2023, to four years’ probation and $10,000 fine
KEVIN MCCARRON
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Misdemeanor)
Sentenced on May 10, 2023, to 60 days in prison
JEREMY SHEERAN
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on February 8, 2023, to two years’ probation and $10,000 fine
ANDREW MCKEON
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on March 14, 2023, to two years’ probation and $10,000 fine
ROBERT EGAN
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on March 14, 2023, to three years’ probation and $10,000 fine
SCOTT ROCHE
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Misdemeanor)
Sentenced on December 6, 2022, to two years’ probation and $10,000 fine
ARTHUR GIPSON
Taft-Hartley Act Violation (Felony)
Sentenced on May 3, 2023, to 60 days in prison and $4,000 fine
Former NYPD Police Officer Sentenced to 33 Months Imprisonment for Engaging in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Michael Perri, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officer, was sentenced by United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner to 33 months of imprisonment and a $25,000 fine for conspiring to use interstate facilities to commit bribery. Perri has already paid the government over $158,000 in forfeiture. During the relevant period, Perri was a recently retired NYPD police officer formerly assigned to the 107th Precinct in Queens. Perri pleaded guilty to the charge in November 2022. Perri’s co-defendant, James Davneiro, a NYPD police officer in the 107th Precinct during the relevant period, was sentenced in March 2023 to one year of imprisonment after pleading guilty to the same offense. Another of Perri’s co-defendants, Giancarlo Osma, also a NYPD police officer with the 107th Precinct during the relevant period, was sentenced in April 2023 to 14 months’ imprisonment, after pleading guilty to the same offense.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“Michael Perri, after retiring from the NYPD, conspired with two police officers to betray their oaths and the public with promises of easy money, and as a result, they have all been sentenced to prison for their corruption,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will vigorously investigate and prosecute public servants and their associates who exploit their positions of power for private gain.”
“Dedicated to uncovering and eradicating corruption in all its forms, investigators with our Internal Affairs Bureau worked tirelessly since the outset of this case,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “There must always be zero tolerance for such betrayals of public trust. I thank our partners with the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit and everyone from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District who helped to guide this case through to its conclusion.”
According to court filings, Perri orchestrated a scheme to pay thousands of dollars in bribes to co-defendants Davneiro and Osma for their corrupt agreement to assist an automobile repair and tow trucking business that Perri had begun operating upon his retirement from the NYPD (the “Business”). Beginning in May 2020, Davneiro and Osma responded to automobile accidents and directed the damaged vehicles to the Business operated by Perri, instead of using the NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program (DARP), which requires NYPD officers to identify an appropriate licensed tow trucking business to respond to the scene of the automobile accident and remove the damaged vehicles from the scene. To ensure that no particular business receives favored treatment, NYPD officers are required to use a computer system that randomly selects a licensed tow trucking business. Davneiro and Osma bypassed DARP and directed damaged vehicles directly to the Business in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribe payments paid by Perri. Perri, Davneiro, and Osma continued to participate in the scheme until May 2021, when they were arrested. In total, Davneiro and Osma steered at least 73 vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to Perri, resulting in total profits to the Business of more than $150,000. In exchange, Perri paid Davneiro and Osma more than $50,000 in bribes in total.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan C. Harris is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JAMES DAVNEIRO
Age: 44
Bayside, New YorkGIANCARLO OSMA
Age: 40
Deer Park, New YorkMICHAEL PERRI
Age: 34
East Islip, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-508 (RPK)
Former Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Supervisor Guilty of Pocketing KickbacksRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former procurement supervisor at the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago has admitted in federal court that he pocketed kickbacks from the president of a medical supply company to steer the company product orders that the VA paid for but never received.
While serving as a supervisor in the medical center’s Central Supply department, THOMAS E. DUNCAN received thousands of dollars in kickbacks paid in cash and checks from DANIEL DINGLE, the president of a medical supply company based in the Chicago suburb of Dolton. The checks were made payable to Helping Hands Properties LLC – a third-party entity managed by Duncan – and contained false and misleading memo entries in order to conceal and disguise the existence and purpose of the kickbacks. In exchange for the kickbacks, Duncan used his official position at the VA to fraudulently initiate and approve purchases of products from Dingle’s company, knowing that many of the products would not actually be delivered to the VA.
The fraud scheme began in 2012 and continued until 2019. In late 2018, after Duncan became aware that the VA Inspector General’s Office was investigating his conduct, Duncan created fake invoices from Helping Hands purporting to document work performed for Dingle’s company. Duncan also told Dingle to falsely tell investigators that the payments Duncan received from Dingle’s company were for work performed by Helping Hands.
Duncan, 39, of Chicago, and Dingle, 52, of Riverdale, Ill., each pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of wire fraud, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger set Duncan’s sentencing for Nov. 30, 2023. Dingle’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
It is the government’s position that the defendants owe restitution of approximately $1,719,219 to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The amount of restitution will be determined by the Court at the time of sentencing.
The guilty pleas were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Gregory Billingsley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Manschreck.
Former Board Member of Connecticut Energy Cooperative Sentenced to Prison for Misusing FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney, for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN BILDA, 59, former City of Norwich representative on the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corporation (“CMEEC”) Board of Directors, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for misusing CMEEC funds.
CMEEC is a cooperative public corporation that permits municipal electric utilities in Connecticut to join together to furnish electric power in the municipalities’ areas of operation. CMEEC’s members included the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the Second Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, the Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, and the Town of Bozrah. As the owners of CMEEC, each member town executed an agreement through its respective municipal electric utility outlining the terms and conditions under which the CMEEC members participated together in CMEEC. The CMEEC membership agreement provides that excess revenues are designated as “CMEEC Margin,” and that the excess revenues are to be returned to the member towns to help keep electricity costs stable for ratepayers.
Between 2010 and 2015, CMEEC received more than $9 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC member towns also received funds from federal grants.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during a trial in 2021, Drew Rankin, who was the former chief executive officer of CMEEC, Bilda, and other members of the CMEEC Board of Directors, planned, organized, and directed lavish trips outside of Connecticut, including trips to the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and 2016, and to a luxury golf resort in West Virginia in 2015. These trips did not relate to CMEEC business, but were intended to personally benefit, compensate and reward Rankin, Bilda, CMEEC Board members, their family members, friends, and associates. Costs for the trips, which totaled more than $800,000, included travel expenses, private chartered airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to sporting events, golf fees, souvenirs and gifts.
For the Kentucky Derby trip in 2015, which had an average cost of approximately $9,000 per guest, Bilda brought his wife, his parents, and two friends. In August 2015, Rankin, Bilda, and two other CMEEC Board members traveled, at CMEEC expense and a cost of more than $21,000, to the Greenbrier golf resort in West Virginia. In October 2015, Rankin, Bilda, and several others returned to the Greenbrier at a cost to CMEEC of more than $100,000.
In response to reporter inquiries about the Kentucky Derby and golf trips, Rankin underreported the costs of the trips, omitted the names of attendees who were not CMEEC employees or board members, and made other false statements related to how the trips were funded. After the trips were known to the general public, CMEEC canceled a reservation it had made for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and was refunded only approximately $90,000 of the $298,960 it had prepaid for the trip in May 2016.
On December 10, 2021, a jury found Rankin, Bilda, and James Sullivan, the former chairperson of the CMEEC Board of Directors, guilty of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
Judge Meyer previously sentenced Rankin to 12 months of imprisonment, and Sullivan to six months of imprisonment.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
Bilda is required to report to prison on July 12.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Energy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Michael S. McGarry and Tara E. Levens.
Former Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Indicted for Enticement of a Minor and Penalties for Registered Sex OffendersRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury recently returned a two-count indictment charging Todd Eric Tripp, age 34, of Sorrento, Louisiana, with enticement of a minor and felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender. Tripp appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.
According to the criminal complaint that preceded the indictment, between approximately July and October 2020, Tripp sexually abused a minor on at least five occasions at Tripp’s home and at hotels. Tripp, a registered sex offender, was previously convicted of state offenses involving minors.
If convicted of these charges, Tripp faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ascension Parish Sherriff’s Office, and the York County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner and Criminal Chief Jamie A. Flowers Jr.
NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Fentanyl distributor sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Jamerris Head has been sentenced to 12 years for selling fentanyl after pleading guilty to distribution of a controlled substance on July 13, 2022.
“Fentanyl has claimed too many lives, especially from our youth,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for working hard to prevent this deadly drug from claiming more lives in accidental overdoses.”
“Fentanyl poisonings have taken a terrible toll on our communities.” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This criminal must now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Fentanyl is a dangerous and highly toxic drug that has wreaked havoc in far too many communities. Disrupting the manufacturers and distributers of this poison remains a high priority for the GBI’s drug enforcement offices,” said Mike Register, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between April and August of 2021, Jamerris Head sold multiple ounces of fentanyl on several occasions during controlled purchases by law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, agents seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, in both pill and powder form, and two firearms.
Jamerris Head, 39, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fentanyl Dealer Gets More Than 24 Years for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Young Man’s Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A fentanyl dealer was sentenced today to 292 months in federal prison for distributing a mixture and substance containing cyclopropyl fentanyl that killed a 20-year-old. Shamel Nesbitt, 32, was convicted by a jury on the charge on August 31, 2022. Nesbitt was living in Smithfield at the time the crime was committed.
“Fentanyl is killing Americans in record numbers and shortening American life expectancy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our overdose crisis won’t be solved by prosecution alone, but sentences like this are a warning to drug pushers who lace fentanyl into their supply. Those who cause death will face severe consequences.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Shamel Nesbitt was investigated in November 2017 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for the distribution of cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, where death resulted. The investigation began on November 19, 2017, after Lucas Urbina, 20, was rushed to the hospital by several friends after using a controlled substance and overdosing. A second friend of Urbina’s also suffered an overdose from using the same substance. At that time, hospital staff were able to resuscitate both Urbina and his friend. Urbina’s friend regained consciousness and became stable after a short period of time. He left the hospital and was approached by law enforcement when he was attempting to get into a vehicle. He was searched and law enforcement discovered he had a bag of suspected narcotics along with two syringes.
While Urbina was revived, he never regained consciousness. Urbina died on November 22, 2017.
Samples of Urbina’s blood taken upon admission to the hospital were sent to the toxicology section of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to see what substances were present. Test results showed a lethal level of cyclopropyl fentanyl. Urbina also had low levels of morphine and clonazepam in his blood. His death was ruled an accidental overdose.
Law enforcement immediately began investigating to determine who distributed the narcotics to Urbina and his friends. Text messages and dialed phone numbers showed Urbina was reaching out to someone listed as “Mista” in his phone. Officers were able to quickly link the number to Shamel Nesbitt who had given it to law enforcement as his number when he was cited for a traffic violation a few months earlier. Law enforcement was able to access Urbina’s Facebook account and saw he was communicating with another Facebook user with a name of “Chris Nesbitt.” In the Facebook messages between Urbina and Nesbitt, it was clear Urbina was attempting to buy drugs from Nesbitt. Officers got a search warrant for Nesbitt’s Facebook page. They noticed pictures posted by “Chris Nesbitt” were of Shamel Nesbitt. Multiple messages on Nesbitt’s Facebook page reference him by the nickname “Mista.” Law enforcement received a search warrant for Nesbitt’s home and found heroin package material, nitrile gloves and marijuana.
Nesbitt made statements to law enforcement that he saw Urbina that day but claimed that he didn’t sell him any narcotics.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the trial. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson and Brandon Boykin 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. 5:19-cr-00226-BO.
###
Federal Grand Jury Indicts San Fernando Valley Duo Who Allegedly Used Darknet Marketplaces to Sell Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man and woman who allegedly used darknet marketplaces to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide have been indicted by a federal grand jury, the Justice Department announced today.
Brian McDonald, 22, of Van Nuys, whose aliases include “Malachai Johnson,” “SouthSideOxy,” and “JefeDeMichoacan,” and Ciara Clutario, 22, of Burbank, were charged in an eight-count indictment returned Wednesday.
Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, five counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of cocaine. McDonald also is charged with one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
McDonald has been in federal custody since his arrest in this case on May 4, and his arraignment is scheduled for May 25 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Clutario is expected to make her initial appearance in the coming weeks.
According to the indictment, from at least April 2021 until May 2023, McDonald, Clutario and others conspired to sell fentanyl and cocaine via darknet marketplaces such as “White House Market,” “ToRReZ” and “AlphaBay.” McDonald, using aliases, created vendor profiles on these marketplaces to sell illegal drugs in exchange for cryptocurrency, the indictment alleges.
McDonald and Clutario allegedly monitored and maintained the darknet vendor profiles, including by updating drug listings and shipment options, tracking drug orders received online, and offloading Monero cryptocurrency received as drug deal payments into cryptocurrency wallets that McDonald controlled.
McDonald allegedly recruited and hired accomplices – including Clutario – to help with packaging and shipping the narcotics that they sold on the darknet. McDonald directed Clutario and other co-conspirators on how to package and ship the narcotics, and he assisted them in the packaging and shipping, the indictment alleges.
The indictment alleges that in May 2021 – one week after McDonald created a darknet vendor profile for the purpose of selling illegal drugs – he texted Clutario to tell her that their darknet drug sales were “flourish[ing].” Later that month, McDonald allegedly texted a co-conspirator that he had just sold 20,000 pills to customers.
In June 2021, McDonald allegedly texted an accomplice that he had 34 drug orders he had to fill. The following month, in text messages to Clutario about the conspiracy’s goals, McDonald stated, “i’m really tryna make like 5 mil,” according to the indictment.
The proceeds from the drug sales – after being converted from cryptocurrency into cash – allegedly were stored by McDonald and Clutario at their respective residences. They shipped fentanyl and cocaine that were sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the indictment.
McDonald also allegedly possessed firearms, specifically two gold-plated handguns – one without a serial number – to protect his drug trafficking business and the proceeds of drug sales made on darknet marketplaces.
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.
In convicted of all charges, McDonald and Clutario would face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and 10 years, respectively, in federal prison. Each defendant also would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter as part of JCODE. The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.
Assistant United States Attorneys Declan T. Conroy and Ian V. Yanniello of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Illegally Possessing Two Machine GunsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that XAVIER DUHON, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on April 14, 2023 in a one-count indictment for possession of a machine gun pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted, DUHON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 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, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Individual for Federal Firearms and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATH WILLIAMSON, JR., age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on March 31, 2023 in a four-count indictment. In count 1, WILLIAMSON is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). In count 2, WILLIAMSON is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). In count 3, WILLIAMSON is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). In count 4, WILLIAMSON is charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(k).
If convicted in count 1, WILLIAMSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. If convicted in count 2, WILLIAMSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, WILLIAMSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 4, WILLIAMSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. WILLIAMSON must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Duquesne Man Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Delbert Pate, 30, formerly of Duquesne, PA.
According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock borough of Pittsburgh and identified several members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled “SCO” that were responsible for distributing controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania, which was led by Pate’s half-brother, who has previously been sentenced to over 20 years’ imprisonment, Howard McFadden.
Pate was identified as a member of SCO and involved in McFadden’s drug-trafficking business. Intercepted communications revealed that in addition to acting as a drug runner/courier for McFadden, Pate was one of McFadden’s trusted associates, and received distributor quantities of heroin from McFadden. Pate admitted that he was responsible for distributing over 100 grams of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Adult Probation, Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Shaler Township Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Delbert Pate.
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.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John Maurice West, 29, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms charge stemming from his possession of a loaded firearm on June 27, 2022, aboard a Metrorail train and in the 1700 block of 8th Street NW, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Chief Michael Anzallo, of the Metro Transit Police Department, and Chief Robert J. Contee III, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
West pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 8, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 27, 2022, West threatened another man with a gun while aboard a Metrorail train at the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro Station. The victim disembarked at the next station and reported the offense. Surveillance footage revealed that West exited the Metro at the Shaw–Howard University station and ran into the 1700 block of 8th Street NW, in the District’s Shaw neighborhood. Surveillance footage also depicted West in and around the entryway of an apartment building in that block moments before his arrest. Police canvassed the area and found a loaded, semi-automatic handgun concealed in a drainage pipe. Subsequent DNA testing and analysis linked both the handgun and its magazine to West.
West was arrested on June 27, 2022, and has remained in custody ever since.
Federal law prohibits West from possessing a firearm because, in 2014, he was convicted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed with a firearm.
West faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence imposed in this case will be determined by the Court after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Chief Anzallo, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit and Metropolitan Police Departments. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Karla Nunez.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Paul V. Courtney and Thomas G. Strong, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Destrehan Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRIS HABISREITINGER, age 53, a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, was sentenced to forty-five months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and $200.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, in February 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration agents identified HABISREITINGER as an ounce-quantity methamphetamine drug trafficker. During the investigation, several controlled purchases from HABISREITINGER were conducted and, agents identified his source of supply as Eric Rodriguez. On March 25, 2020, agents arrested Rodriguez and HABISREITINGER. HABISREITINGER later confirmed to agents that he was an ounce-level methamphetamine trafficker who had been doing such for approximately three months prior to his arrest, and that Rodriguez was his supplier.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Craig Wilkins Imprisoned on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Craig Wilkins, 38, of Rutland, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 30 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed two handguns as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Wilkins serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. Wilkins has been detained without bail since his arraignment last year.
According to court records, on October 31, 2021, Rutland police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a grocery store parking lot after a citizen reported that two people appeared to be unconscious inside a vehicle. When officers arrived, the two occupants – Craig Wilkins, who was in the driver’s seat and a female who was in the rear – were conscious but appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Wilkins was asked to step out of the car for questioning and when he did so a round of ammunition fell to his feet. Wilkins is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has prior Vermont felony convictions for distributing narcotics.
Authorities impounded the automobile and obtained a state court warrant to search it. In a backpack that was on the front passenger seat and in the glove compartment, officers recovered two handguns, about 177 grams of cocaine base, and about 15 grams of fentanyl. Federal agents obtained a warrant for Wilkins’ arrest on April 12, 2022 and a federal grand jury in Burlington indicted Wilkins on drug and gun charges later that month. Wilkins pleaded guilty to the gun charge last September.The case was investigated by the Rutland Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Wilkins is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .
Convicted killer gets 30 years for trafficking methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A South Carolina man and a Georgia woman have been ordered to prison following their conviction of smuggling drugs through McAllen, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Joseph Gray, Jr., 47, pleaded guilty Sept 12, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute meth, while Jasmine Cecelia Dorsey, 28, entered here plea Feb. 1, 2022, to importing meth.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez a 360-month term of imprisonment for Gray, while Dorsey received 64 months. Gray and Dorsey must also serve five and three years, respectively, of supervised release following the sentences. At the hearing, the court heard Gray’s trafficking organization smuggled drugs throughout parts of the eastern seaboard including Georgia, the Carolinas, New York, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The court also heard that after Gray was released from state custody for robbing and killing a person and from federal custody for trafficking crack cocaine, he continued to engage in drug trafficking crimes that led to a series of supervised release revocations and an additional drug trafficking conviction. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Alvarez noted that Gray was given many chances to change his life but did not do so.
Two others were previously convicted and sentenced for their role in the conspiracy. Iyana De’Kyra Carter received a 78-month-term of imprisonment, while Keith Anthony Murray was ordered to serve 182 months.
On July 31, 2021, Dorsey and Carter traveled from Mexico and attempted to enter the United States through Hidalgo, Texas, port of entry with approximately 18 kilograms of pure meth concealed in the gas tank.
Further investigation revealed Gray directed Murray to hire drug mules. Dorsey and Carter drove from Atlanta, Georgia, to Monterrey, Mexico, loaded the vehicle with meth and attempted to bring the narcotics back to Georgia for further distribution. Gray coordinated extensively with Mexican and Panama narcotics traffickers to ensure the meth was received safely.
Gray will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Dorsey was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jongwoo Chung prosecuted the case.
Colonial Heights Elementary School Aide and Bus Driver Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, Richard Jerod Whitley, Jr., 37, was engaged in the on-line trading of child sexual abuse material. Attributed with thousands of images, some of Whitley’s collection contained sadistic and masochistic content as well as material with toddlers and infants engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Whitley was an elementary school bus driver and school aide at a Colonial Heights elementary school.
Whitley pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Osyf is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-27.
Cecil County Woman Sentenced to 80 Years in Federal Prison for Charges Related to Her Sexual Abuse of an InfantRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Summer Nichole McCroskey, age 25, of Elkton, Maryland, today to 80 years in federal prison, followed by 80 years of supervised release, for her participation in a conspiracy to sexually abuse a child from the age of approximately four months to two years old, for producing and distributing videos and images documenting the sexual abuse of a child and for possession of child pornography. McCroskey has been detained since her arrest in February 2022.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Cecil County State’s Attorney James Dellmyer; and Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams.
McCroskey previously pleaded guilty to each of the 16 counts with which she is charged in the indictment, admitting that she and her co-conspirator, Lawrence Aquilla Colby, IV, sexually abused a child, starting at the time the victim was approximately four months of age through at least October 2021, when the victim was two years old. Both McCroskey and Colby participated in the abuse. McCroskey produced videos and images documenting their sexual abuse of the child, which she distributed to Colby and others, using an encrypted messaging application.
As detailed in court documents, if not for the collaboration of international law enforcement agencies and the work of the FBI in Baltimore, McCroskey and Colby’s abuse and exploitation of the victim would be ongoing. Videos documenting the victim’s abuse were seen by international law enforcement partners on internet platforms as early as May 2020. In December 2021, information connecting the videos to the United States was developed and on February 11, 2022, the FBI connected the videos to one of McCroskey’s social media accounts, searched her residence and arrested McCroskey and Colby.
Lawrence Aquilla Colby, IV, a/k/a “Buddy,” age 34, of Elkton, Maryland, also pleaded guilty. Colby faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and for each of five counts of sexual exploitation of a child; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of three counts of receipt of child pornography; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Colby on August 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Colleen E. McGuinn who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Castle Shannon Man Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH –A resident of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania was arrested in Florida after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Michael Hunsinger, 57, Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant. Though indicted in February 2023, Hunsinger was ultimately arrested in Florida on these federal charges.
According to the Indictment, on or about June 3, 2022, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances. Hunsinger was allegedly obtaining large quantities of these controlled substances from an Ohio source and transporting them back to this district.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten (10) years in prison, and fine of $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Castle Shannon Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cahokia Heights Man Gets 188 Months in Prison for Gun, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District sentencing judge ordered a Cahokia Heights man to spend 188 months in federal prison after he admitted to distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute the drugs in St. Clair County.
Nickolas Shannon, 29, previously pled guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intention to distribute. Upon release from federal prison, he will serve five years of supervised release.
“Fentanyl is poisoning our communities at an alarming rate, and we’re confronting the crisis in southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Individuals found responsible for distributing illicit drugs can and will be subjected to steep federal prison sentences.”
"Too often DEA finds illegal drugs and firearms in our cases," said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Rehg, head of Drug Enforcement Administration enforcement operations in southern Illinois. "Drug trafficking is a violent business and a primary reason we investigate cases like this one. The successful prosecution and sentencing of Nickolas Shannon is a reminder that the DEA will pursue these criminals not only to stop the illegal distribution of fentanyl in our communities, but also to prevent the associated violence that comes with felons possessing guns."
According to court documents, DEA agents began investigating Shannon for distributing controlled substances in December 2021 based on information from a confidential source. Undercover sources working with DEA bought 5.4 grams of fentanyl and 6.883 grams of methamphetamine from Shannon on two separate occasions in St. Clair County. Shortly after, agents arrested Shannon and conducted a search warrant on his apartment.
During the search, agents located 1.735 grams of cocaine base, 1.162 grams of cocaine and 2.9 grams of fentanyl as well as a drug paraphernalia and three loaded and unsecured firearms, including an AR-15 rifle. In an interview with police, Shannon acknowledged he is a convicted felon and therefore unable to legally possess firearms. Further DEA investigation revealed that Shannon was responsible for the distribution of nearly 300 grams of fentanyl.
DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
Brookdale Hospital Agrees to Civil Settlement to Resolve Allegations that Former Employees Defrauded a Federally Funded Nutrition ProgramRead the Press Release
The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, a nonprofit hospital based in Brooklyn, has agreed to pay $300,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act based on the conduct of former employees who engaged in a scheme to defraud the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Brookdale cooperated fully throughout the investigation. The settlement agreement, which resolved claims under the Federal False Claims Act, was approved yesterday by United States District Judge I. Leo Glasser.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), announced the settlement.
“Our Office worked with Brookdale to arrive at a fair and just resolution that holds Brookdale accountable while crediting its cooperation,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This settlement demonstrates our Office’s commitment to holding healthcare providers accountable when their employees engage in misconduct that defrauds federal programs like the USDA-funded WIC program.”
Mr. Peace expressed his gratitude for the support of the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Special Investigations for their assistance in investigating these claims.
“The WIC program was created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance,” stated USDA-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins. “Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA-funded programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent. Our joint investigation with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Special Investigations identified those who sought to defraud WIC. USDA-OIG will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, in order to protect the integrity of these programs.”
The USDA-funded WIC program provides grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for lower-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children who are found to be at nutritional risk. The United States contends that between 2010 and 2016, former Brookdale employees, including the former director of Brookdale’s WIC program, engaged in a scheme to defraud the WIC program by, among other things, causing ineligible persons to be qualified for WIC benefits and misappropriating WIC program funds. The United States further alleges that these former employees falsified time sheets and other records concerning work purportedly performed by breastfeeding peer counselors, and falsified budget records to inflate Brookdale’s purported requirements for WIC funds.
The settlement includes the resolution of a civil action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Brookdale. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government takes over the case and reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Young v. The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, No. 19-CV-2272 (E.D.N.Y.).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The government’s case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Castiglione.
The Defendant:
The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CV-2272 (ILG)
Billings man sentenced for lying to federal grand juryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to lying about a firearm in a shooting during testimony before a federal grand jury was sentenced today to four years of probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Caleb Jason Olson, 21, pleaded guilty in January to an indictment charging him with false declaration before a grand jury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Olson was the driver in an attempted drug robbery that involved a shooting in the fall of 2019 and provided a shotgun to one of his passengers. Olson then lied in December 2021 to a federal grand jury investigating the incident when asked about the firearm. Olson had been placed under oath and advised that he could face criminal liability should he make a false statement during his testimony. Olson falsely testified that he didn’t know there were any firearms in his vehicle, when he knew that he had, in fact, brought a firearm in his car that night.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
XXX
Beech Grove Felon Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm After Fleeing PoliceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- John E. Lamond II, 38, of Beech Grove, Indiana, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers observed a vehicle, driven by Lamond, begin to travel in reverse upon seeing a fully marked police car. Lamond continued to drive recklessly in reverse in the middle of the road for two blocks. When officers activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop, Lamond exited his vehicle and fled into a nearby home. After being instructed multiple times to stop running, Lamond was arrested by officers.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found a 9mm handgun between the driver’s and passenger’s seats belonging to Lamond. The vehicle was also determined to be stolen.
Lamond is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his six previous felony convictions including criminal confinement, carrying a handgun without a license, receiving stolen auto parts, criminal recklessness, strangulation, and possession of methamphetamine.
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 Randal Taylor, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department made the announcement.
“This dangerous, convicted felon has no business owning a firearm, and in-fact, is prohibited from doing so by federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Myers “I commend the outstanding first responders who protected the public by arresting a dangerous criminal who through his actions has shown an utter disregard for the law. The serious sentence imposed today will protect the public from further crimes by Mr. Lamond and demonstrates that our office will work closely with our local and federal partners to make our communities safer.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Lamond be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, 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.
###
Andrew Hollins Pleads Not Guilty to Pandemic Fraud and Narcotics IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Andrew Hollins, who has also been known as Andrew Jones, 36, of Colchester, Vermont and New York City, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to two separate indictments charging him with narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle ordered that Hollins be detained pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
On December 13, 2022, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a superseding indictment alleging that Hollins distributed cocaine on three dates in late 2019. At the same time, the grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Hollins with fraud, money laundering and identity theft in connection with a series of pandemic-related Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications he allegedly submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration in July and August 2020. Under the EIDL loan program, the SBA provides low-interest loans to businesses and persons that have suffered financial hardship because of a natural disaster, such as the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to the indictment, Hollins applied for eight EIDL loans in mid-2020 in his own name, in the names of two businesses he founded, in the names of two relatives and in the names of three persons whose identities Jones allegedly stole. Some of the loans were funded by SBA, while others were rejected. The indictment states that the applications were fraudulent because they contained materially false statements about when the businesses were established, about the companies’ gross receipts in the preceding year, about the number of employees each business had and about the physical location of the businesses.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.If convicted on the drug charges, Hollins faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The wire fraud charges are punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
Hollins is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Ambridge Man Sentenced to 150 Months Imprisonment for Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Michael Gamble, age 38, formerly of Ambridge, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Gamble possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
On December 10, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Ambridge, Pennsylvania residence where Gamble had been distributing controlled substances. A search of Gamble’s person revealed that he had approximately six (6) net grams fentanyl and $2,693.00. Between a cushion on a couch, where the defendant was seated, law enforcement received a loaded handgun with an attached extended magazine. The loaded handgun was found in the same basement as several digital scales, three boxes of empty glassine bags, a stamper, an ink pad and approximately 90 net grams of fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gamble.
44 Individuals Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Roles in a Multimillion-Dollar Fraudulent Scheme to Obtain COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of 44 individuals for their participation in a multi-million-dollar fraudulent scheme to illegally obtain federal recovery funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Grand Jury charged the defendants with multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. The charging documents allege that from April 2020 through May 2023, the defendants and their co-conspirators caused the submission of at least 52 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications seeking the illegal disbursement of at least $1,237,855 in federal recovery funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Bank 1.
“These defendants stole over $1 million through fraudulent means and used those funds to support their own personal lifestyles, taking needed resources from those whose legitimate businesses were suffering from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Federal programs such as these are set up to help those in need, not to benefit criminals. Prosecution of those who illegally obtain government benefits will continue to be a priority for our office.”
The United States Secret Service, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Guaynabo Municipal Police.
According to court documents, defendant Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito”, together with Manfred A. Pentzke Lemus, a.k.a. “Man/Contable/El Gestor”, Rodolpho R. Pagesy Roussel, a.k.a. “El Banquero”, Augusto A. Lemus Berrios, a.k.a. “Primo”, Jonatan Ben David Prieto Ruiz De Val, a.k.a. “Johnny Millones”, Ligia María Lemus De Pentzke, and others knowingly devised a scheme to defraud the SBA and Bank 1 to obtain federal money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises submitted through applications for EIDL and PPP loans made available to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic through the CARES Act. Pentzke Lemus, Pagesy Roussel, Lemus Berrios, Prieto Ruiz De Val, and Lemus De Pentzke were previously charged in April in a separate indictment.
The defendants are:
[1] Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito”
[2] Julia E. Pastrana Romero
[3] Hillary Sánchez Santiago
[4] Harold H. Sánchez Santiago
[5] Yeimyliz E. Díaz Pastrana
[6] Alex Gotay Concepción
[7] Alexandra Dávila Ortiz
[8] Alexis X. Pantoja Díaz
[9] Ángel M. Martínez Martínez
[10] Arnaldo X. Rodríguez Camacho
[11] Betzaida Ortiz García
[12] Carlos E. Peña Santiago
[13] Christian J. Rivera Renovales
[14] Denisse Y. Rodríguez De Jesús
[15] Divad Román Estrada
[16] Eduardo Pastrana Morales
[17] Félix D. Lara Vázquez
[18] Héctor I. Santiago Díaz
[19] Iris Y. Díaz Pérez
[20] Ivelisse Nieves Irizarry
[21] Jan A. Hernández Martínez
[22] Javier Vélez Torres
[23] Jesús E. Soto Lozada
[24] Josearyam Gotay León
[25] Joseph Morales Santiago
[26] Juan L. Rivera Mundo
[27] Katty M. De León Delgado
[28] Kenned A. Velázquez Toledo
[29] Luis E. Reyes Sandoval
[30] Luis A. Rodríguez De Jesús
[31] Marla Pereira Medina
[32] Nicole M. Suárez Padilla
[33] Oscar López Cruz
[34] Rafael J. Mejías González
[35] Reynaldo López Agrinzoni
[36] Ricardo J. Ramos Moyet
[37] Roberto Gotay Concepción
[38] Ruth D. Trinidad De León
[39] Sergio A. León Pérez
[40] Tomás E. Cátala Suárez
[41] Wanda M. Rodríguez Feliciano
[42] Wendee P. Cedeño Rosa
[43] Yadisha Morales Santiago
[44] Yoel Rivera Hernández
The CARES Act authorized federal assistance through the issuance of SBA loans to small businesses and non-profit entities that experienced revenue loss due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. The EIDL program was one such loan assistance program for small businesses. To procure the loan, applicants had to fill out an online application detailing operational information for the 12‑month period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the number of employees in the business, the gross business revenues realized, and the cost of goods sold. Another form of assistance provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of United States taxpayer funds in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, such as interest on mortgages, rent and utilities, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators submitted at least 52 fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications containing materially false and fraudulent information and false documents, including false and fictitious tax documents, payroll records, bank records, and identification documents, to procure the disbursement of EIDL and PPP assistance loans by Bank 1. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators directed the recipients of the fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL loans to remit a portion of the proceeds of the loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators and used the loan proceeds to benefit themselves and others, and to pay for expenses prohibited under the requirements of the EIDL and PPP programs.
The court documents claim that defendant Manfred A. Pentzke Lemus was the principal organizer of the fraudulent scheme and the efforts to launder the proceeds; defendant Rodolpho R. Pagesy Roussel worked at Bank 1 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and used his position to obtain the approval of fraudulent PPP applications; defendant Augusto A. Lemus Berríos assisted in the preparation of fraudulent PPP applications; defendant Jonatan Ben David Prieto Ruiz De Val acted as a money courier and coordinated the delivery of “kickback” payments to further the fraudulent scheme; defendant Ligia María Lemus De Pentzke received “kickback” payments from proceeds of the fraudulent scheme and forwarded them to her co‑conspirators; and defendant Carlos Manfredo Pentzke Chamorro received fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans in furtherance of the conspiracy. The defendants, including [1] Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito”, are also alleged to have recruited other unindicted co-conspirators to not only obtain additional EIDL and PPP loans under false pretenses, but recruit others to submit fraudulent applications.
The United States seized approximately $848,957.96 in proceeds of this scheme from Bank 1, which are currently subject to forfeiture.
If convicted, the defendants are facing up to 30 years in prison for the wire fraud counts. Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta is also facing up to 20 years of imprisonment for the money laundering count and a forfeiture allegation of the following assets:
a. One Burgundy 2003 Hummer H2
b. One Gold 2013 Lexus ES 350
c. One 2015 Chrysler 300
d. One Caterpillar Electrical Power Generator 19.4 kW with Transfer Switch
e. Assorted Fitness Equipment Valued at Approximately $40,000
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy R. Henwood and Daniel J. Olinghouse.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Wednesday 17 May 2023
Yonkers Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Errol Murray, age 22, of Yonkers, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to defraud the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) by obtaining unemployment insurance benefits under the names of other people, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
Murray admitted that he provided Jamie Johnson with his personal identifying information and the personal identifying information of another person, which Johnson used to file false claims via the NYSDOL website. Murray further admitted that as a result of the two fraudulent applications submitted by Johnson, the NYSDOL paid $69,954 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of his plea agreement, Murray agreed to pay $69,954 in restitution to the State of New York. Johnson previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $701,441 in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme.
Murray faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on September 14, 2023 by Senior U.S. District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.
This case was investigated by the New York State Inspector General’s Office, HSI, USPIS, and USDOL-OIG, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations, the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, and the Albany County Department of Social Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Joseph S. Hartunian are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Wallingford Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON GORISS, 49, last residing in Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing images and videos of child sex abuse.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November and December 2018, Goriss possessed four images and five videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images and videos included depictions of prepubescent children, and at least one image of bondage. Goriss shared some of the images and videos on an internet-based blog.
On February 8, 2023, Goriss pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
Goriss previously was convicted in state court of having illegal sexual contact with a minor, and was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, with three years to serve, and 15 years of probation for that offense. He has been incarcerated in state custody since March 9, 2021, for violating his probation, and also has other charges for sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor pending in state court.
The federal penalties were enhanced based on Goriss’s prior conviction.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Wallingford Police Department, with the assistance of the Office of Adult Probation. The case was prosecuted by Nancy V. Gifford with cooperation from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Wallingford Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK CARBUTTI, 48, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Carbutti is an attorney specializing in personal injury law. For the 2013 through 2017 tax years, Carbutti reported approximately $585,025 in income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of his legal practice and certain rental income. During that time period and thereafter, Carbutti made only limited payments of his taxes due and owing, and interest and penalties accrued as a result of his non-payment.
Between December 2014 and May 2019, Carbutti received at least 12 notices from the IRS advising him of his tax amounts due and instructions on how to pay his overdue taxes. When the IRS levied certain personal bank accounts used by Carbutti, he closed those accounts and evaded the payment of taxes, interest, and penalties by writing checks from his law firm’s operating account payable to his paralegal, which subsequently were converted to cash and deposited into the bank accounts of limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that Carbutti had created in association with his real estate holdings. Carbutti also took substantial additional cash withdrawals from his law firm bank accounts and redeposited the monies in the LLCs bank accounts. Between approximately 2013 and 2019, Carbutti paid approximately $600,000 in personal expenses from the LLCs bank accounts, including expenditures for gambling at casinos, restaurants, vacations, and the purchase of a BMW automobile.
Judge Nagala ordered Carbutti to pay $750,180 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
On December 1, 2022, Carbutti pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Carbutti is required to report to prison on July 17.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Violent Child Predator Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender After Moving to Southern IndianaRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- Franklin Gomar, 42, of Kentucky, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and failing to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in January, 2001, Gomar was convicted of 2nd degree manslaughter in Jefferson County, Kentucky. In April, 2001, Gomar was also convicted of the sexual abuse of a 9 year old child. The sexual abuse conviction requires Gomar to register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school.
On or before March 1, 2020, Gomar lived in Scottsburg, Indiana. Gomar knowingly failed to register or update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA requires offenders to register within 3 business days after a change of residence.
On March 13, 2020, law enforcment officers with the Bureau of Alochol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at Gomar’s residence in Scottsburg, Indiana. During the search, officers found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun on Gomar’s person. Officers also located a rifle loaded with a high capacity magazine in the bedroom. The rifle had been reported stolen by the Louisville Metro Police in March of 2019.
Gomar is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions.
“This extremely dangerous defendant, one who has displayed a pattern of predatory and violent criminal activity, willfully disregarding the law, and continuing to arm himself, is exactly the type of individual our office works to ensure is behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “I commend the work of the ATF, Indiana State Police, the U.S. Marshals, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for tracking down this offender and preventing him from being able to harm or abuse any other vulnerable individuals.”
“The law clearly defines when an individual is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The defendant’s past violent criminal record, including manslaughter and sexual abuse of a child, clearly place him in the prohibited category,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent individuals from our community and working to keep us all safer.”
“I hope other would-be criminals see these results of this investigation and decide not to visit Scott County, Indiana.,” said Scott County Sheriff, Jerry Goodin. “If you break the law or are a fugitive from justice, we will work with all law enforcement agencies necessary to assist in getting you arrested; it is that simple.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the Indiana State Police, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Region Fugitive Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Gomar be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
###