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22 June 2023
FACT SHEET: Justice Department Efforts to Protect Reproductive Rights, Health and JusticeRead the Press Release
In the year since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Justice Department has worked with commitment and urgency to defend the reproductive freedoms that are protected by federal law. In response to the Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the department established the Reproductive Rights Task Force, which formalized the department’s ongoing work to protect reproductive freedoms under federal law.
Led by Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, the Task Force consists of senior officials and dedicated staff from across a dozen department components who are working daily to address complex and widespread threats to reproductive health in the wake of Dobbs. The Associate Attorney General regularly convenes Task Force meetings, including a meeting on Friday, June 23, to reflect on the department’s work in the year since Dobbs and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Over the past year, the Task Force has also met with a broad array of stakeholder groups – ranging from state Attorneys General offices to foreign delegations to members of litigating and reproductive justice organizations – to discuss the fallout from Dobbs and gather information about on-the-ground developments.
The Task Force’s website contains resources for attorneys, state officials, patients and providers.
“The Dobbs decision was and is devastating for people and communities across this country,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “We established the Reproductive Rights Task Force to bring a whole-of-department approach to protecting access to reproductive health care. And we remain committed to utilizing every tool at our disposal to protect reproductive freedoms in the days ahead.”
Taking Action to Protect Federal Law and Reproductive Rights: The department continues to monitor state laws and enforcement actions that threaten to infringe on federal protections of reproductive rights. The department takes legal action where appropriate, including by filing affirmative suits or statements of interest and by intervening in private litigation. For instance, in August 2022, the department filed suit against the State of Idaho under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates that every hospital that receives Medicare funds provide necessary stabilizing treatment – including abortion care, in certain instances — to a patient who arrives at an emergency room suffering from a medical condition that could place their life or health in serious jeopardy. The department successfully obtained a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of Idaho’s total ban on abortion as applied to medical care required by EMTALA.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has made clear that the department will defend bedrock constitutional protections of women who reside in states that have blocked access to comprehensive reproductive care: Women must remain free to travel to states in which that care is lawful and, under the First Amendment, individuals must also remain free to inform and counsel each other about the reproductive care that is available across state lines.
Protecting Access to Medication Abortion and Other Reproductive Care: The department is vigorously defending the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against multiple legal challenges concerning the abortion medication mifepristone. On April 21, the Supreme Court issued a stay in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, which means that mifepristone – a safe and effective medication that FDA approved more than two decades ago – will remain available nationwide as that case continues to make its way through the courts. Among other challenges, the department is also defending the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in litigation concerning guidance on the emergency care guaranteed by EMTALA, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in litigation concerning the VA’s interim final rule allowing access to reproductive health services at VA clinics.
Advising Federal Agencies and Employees: The department is advising federal agencies as they consider policies and actions to preserve access to reproductive services. For example, the Office of Legal Counsel has published opinions concluding that: the VA had authority to adopt an interim final rule allowing access to reproductive health services at VA clinics; the Department of Defense may lawfully provide funds to enable servicemembers and their dependents to travel out of state for abortion care; and the Department of Health and Humans Services can provide transportation to women seeking abortions without violating the Hyde Amendment. The Office of Legal Counsel also published an opinion advising the U.S. Postal Service that the federal Comstock Act does not generally prohibit the mailing of mifepristone.
In addition, the department has made clear that it will support and provide representation to any federal employees who are subject to legal actions for appropriately carrying out their duties under federal law.
FACE Act Enforcement: The Civil Rights Division continues its ongoing enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE, Act. The FACE Act prohibits anyone from obstructing access to reproductive health services – including abortion services, reproductive health services provided by pharmacies and pregnancy counseling services – through violence, threats of violence or property damage.
Since January 2021, the department has brought 18 cases involving a total of 48 defendants accused of criminal FACE Act-related violations. The department is also working to ensure that federal prosecutors across the country are equipped to bring FACE Act cases.
In addition, the department has brought civil actions to enjoin violations of the FACE Act, and our National Task Force on Violence Against Reproductive Health Care has prepared training for state Attorneys General offices, which can similarly bring civil actions under the FACE Act.
Legal Representation and Access to Justice: Pursuant to Executive Order 14076 on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services, the department and the White House Counsel’s Office convened pro bono counsel, bar associations, law professors and public interest groups to identify gaps in legal representation and catalyze coordination and action. Coming out of that convening, pro bono counsel and non-profit groups stood up a clearinghouse to provide legal assistance, and the department has continued to meet with lawyers on the front lines to understand the needs and gaps in legal assistance for patients, providers and others.
Provision of Technical Assistance: The department is providing technical assistance to Congress in connection with draft legislation that would, for example, codify reproductive rights, protect the right to travel and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive services. And the department will provide technical assistance on federal constitutional protections to states that are seeking to afford patients and providers from out of state access to reproductive healthcare and abortion services.
Drug Traffickers from St. Martinville Area Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that five men who were involved with the trafficking of cocaine and cocaine base in the St. Martinville, Louisiana, area were each sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge David C. Joseph. The five defendants and their sentences are as follows:
Marvis Mason, 41, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Kendrell Jones, 43, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Marcus Bourda, 44, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Dennis Benoit, 44, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Codie James, 43, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
In late 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), assisted by officers with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, began an investigation into the suspected illegal activities of a narcotics distributor residing in the Western District of Louisiana. Through their investigation, agents were able to identify this distributor of cocaine and cocaine base. Law enforcement agents were granted an application authorizing the interception of wire communications from this individual’s phone. During the interception period, agents learned that this individual used his residence to sell cocaine as well as cook and sell cocaine base. Agents were able to intercept communications wherein he agreed to multiple narcotics transactions which were then confirmed through physical surveillance of his residence.
Through their investigation, agents determined that the individual’s suppliers for powder cocaine and cocaine base included Kendrell Jones, Dennis Benoit, and Marvis Mason. Jones also supplied narcotics to others, including Marcus Bourda. In addition, agents determined that Codie James also assisted in the distribution of cocaine.
“This case has resulted in the arrest and conviction of numerous individuals who chose to illegally possess and distribute controlled substances and contribute to the corruption in this area,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “It is without a doubt thanks to the great work of law enforcement agents in the Western District of Louisiana, from both the federal and state agencies, who partnered together and put in many long hours investigating and developing the evidence needed to convict these individuals. We look forward to continuing these partnerships in our district.”
Another defendant in this case, Darrall Johnson, 29, of New Iberia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced June 29, 2023.
Other defendants in this case who have already been convicted and sentenced are as follows:
Joshua Bourda, 38, of St. Martinville, was sentenced on April 3, 2023, to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Brandon K. Fontnett, 39, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on April 3, 2023, to 151 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.
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District Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Two Shootings in Northeast D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Braxton Johnson, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 126 months for two separate shootings that occurred in Northeast D.C., in November and December of 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Johnson pleaded guilty, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to two counts of assault with intent to kill in April 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on November 28, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Mr. Johnson used a firearm to shoot multiple rounds at three individuals, one of which was Mr. Johnson’s ex-romantic partner, who were walking southbound on 21st Street NE between Maryland Ave NE and I Street NE. As a result of the shooting, one victim suffered a single gunshot wound to the lower left back, and another victim suffered from a single gunshot wound to his left bicep, which shattered his humerus. Mr. Johnson then fled the scene.
On December 19, 2022, at approximately 11:18 a.m., Mr. Johnson drove a scooter to one of the victim’s residences. At around 11:21 a.m., one of the victims exited the residence and was spotted by Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson, using the same firearm that was used on November 28, 2022, fired ten rounds at this victim while chasing the victim down the street. While this victim was not injured in the shooting, multiple innocent bystanders were endangered by the shooting.
On January 2, 2023, Mr. Johnson was arrested and admitted to the shootings in a custodial interview.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Michelle Wicker and Cynthia Muhammad. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin F. Song, Shakinah Douglas, and Monisha Rao, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Davenport Iowa Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – On June 21, 2023, Auston McLain, 38, of Davenport, Iowa, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Over two days of trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah Darrow, the United States presented evidence establishing that from November 10, 2020, through November 14, 2020 McLain communicated with an individual he believed to be a minor about engaging in sexual activity, sent pornographic pictures to the person he believed was a minor, asked for pictures, and then traveled from Iowa to Illinois with the intent to meet with the child and engage in sexual activity. Federal law enforcement agents arrested him when he arrived at the meeting location.
Sentencing for McLain has been scheduled for October 18, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. At sentencing, McLain faces statutory penalties of ten years to life imprisonment, a possible fine of $250,000, and a five year to life term of supervised release for attempted enticement and up to thirty years imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and a five year to life term of supervised release for travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. He also must register as a sex offender. McLain has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with the assistance of the Rock Island Police Department, the Macomb Police Department, the East Moline Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanner Jacobs and Matthew Weir represented the United States at trial.
The case against McLain was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
D.C. Man Convicted of Drug-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a D.C. man yesterday for engaging in a conspiracy to traffic 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Roldin Martinez Diaz, 32, had a multiple-year agreement to distribute cocaine that ended upon his arrest in August 2022. This conspiracy included co-defendant Delvin Funez Perdomo, a drug distributor in Northern Virginia, and others. Funez Perdomo pleaded guilty to this conspiracy on January 23, 2023, before Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Evidence introduced at trial further demonstrated that Martinez Diaz negotiated and later distributed nearly half a kilogram of cocaine during two controlled purchases.
Martinez Diaz faces a mandatory minimum of 60 months and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison when sentenced on September 15, 2023. 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, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the verdict.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-219.
Co-Conspirator of Tucson Amtrak Shooter Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Devonte Okeith Mathis, 24, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 10 years in prison (60 months on Count 2, consecutive to 60 months on Count 1), followed by 60 months of supervised release. Mathis pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On October 4, 2021, Mathis and his co-conspirator were traveling together aboard an Amtrak train in Tucson, Arizona, when his co-conspirator shot and killed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Michael Garbo aboard the train. His co-conspirator also shot and injured a second DEA Special Agent and a DEA Task Force Officer. The co-conspirator died on the scene after a shootout with a Tucson Police Department Sergeant. In pleading guilty, Mathis admitted that he knew that his co-conspirator possessed two handguns. He also admitted that it was reasonably foreseeable that his co-conspirator would possess the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy, and that he would carry and use the two handguns during and in relation to their drug trafficking conspiracy.
“Today we honor resilience,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We commemorate the strength of a fallen hero’s family; the courage and recovery of a TPD officer and a DEA agent injured in the line of duty; the esprit de corps of our law enforcement partners at DEA and TPD; the dedication of the FBI in its investigation; and the renewed commitment by local, state, and federal law enforcement to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe. Most of all, we honor DEA Group Supervisor Michael G. Garbo for being an agent who made everyone around him better.”
“Every day, law enforcement officers face dangerous situations to keep our communities safe. Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo made the ultimate sacrifice to protect everyone on that train and prevent others from being harmed,” said Akil Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “Today is for Michael Garbo, and his loved ones and colleagues. We hope this sentence will bring a degree of comfort and closure knowing that Mr. Mathis has been held accountable for his criminal conduct.”
“Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo dedicated himself to DEA’s mission and gave his life in service to his country,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Today, we remember him as a hero, mentor, and friend and, each and every day, we honor his legacy by continuing our fight to keep Americans safe. His daughter Alexis and wife Vida are in our thoughts, as well as our DEA Special Agent and Task Force Officer who were injured during the tragic events of October 4, 2021. We want to thank the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona for their dedicated work on this case and pursuit of justice.”
“That day is seared in our collective memory as an agency and as a law enforcement community,” said Tucson Chief of Police Chad Kasmar. “We will never forget our fallen colleague, DEA Group Supervisor Mike Garbo, and we are thankful that more lives were not lost that day - due to the heroic actions of many of our TPD members. Two others were seriously injured, a DEA agent and a TPD officer. I remain extremely proud of TPD's response and I hope that today's decision brings closure and peace to the family of GS Garbo, and to all who were affected by this event.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-2714-TUC-RM-MSA
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-096_Mathis# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Scott Phalen, 63, of Charleston, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a report from an employee at a restaurant in the Kanawha City section of Charleston that an individual had placed a firearm in a trash can at the restaurant. Officers recovered a SCCY, model CPX-1, 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the trash can. Phalen admitted to possessing the firearm and further admitted to placing the firearm in the trash can.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Phalen was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for first-degree sexual abuse in Kanawha County Circuit Court on February 14, 2012.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-204.
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Cass County (Iowa) Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Causing Serious Bodily Injury or DeathRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Cass County (Iowa) man was sentenced yesterday, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl causing serious bodily injury or death.
Mason Blaine Loudermilk, 19, was sentenced to 192 months in prison. Loudermilk must serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Loudermilk plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The investigation revealed that between August 2020 and May 2022, Loudermilk obtained fentanyl, in pill form, from a source in Omaha, Nebraska. In turn, Loudermilk distributed the pills containing fentanyl in and around Cass County (Iowa) causing several fentanyl overdoses, each overdose requiring medical attention to prevent death.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Atlantic Police Department, Cass County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (SWINE), Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Intelligence, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Omaha Police Department.
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pill, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.
Carter County Resident Sentenced in Two Federal CasesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy Matthew Girty, age 43, of Carter County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. In a separate case, Girty was sentenced to 96 months in prison for Manslaughter in Indian Country. The manslaughter sentence was ordered to run consecutive to the drug and gun crimes.
The drug and gun charges arose from an investigation by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the Ardmore Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The manslaughter charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On April 7, 2022, Girty pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. At the plea hearing, he admitted that on July 14, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Carter County and found three handguns, ammunition, and baggies containing approximately 35 grams of methamphetamine. He further admitted he intended to distribute some of the methamphetamine seized during the search and that he was a convicted felon and knew he could not possess firearms.
On June 10, 2022, Girty pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Girty admitted that on July 31, 2021, he was drinking at a friend’s home. Girty and a passenger left in Girty’s pickup. Girty lost control and flipped the pickup killing the passenger. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Girty will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve the non-paroleable sentences of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Cape Coral Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl and Other Federal OffensesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brandon Albanito (37, Cape Coral) has pleaded guilty to a six-count information charging him with possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) with the intent to distribute it, two counts of possessing counterfeit drugs for sale, possessing parts used to manufacture counterfeit drugs, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and bank fraud. Albanito faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for the bank fraud, up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the controlled substance offenses, up to 15 years on the firearms offense, and lesser penalties for the counterfeit drug charges. Albanito has agreed to forfeit $97,146.95, traceable to the fraud offense, and the other items he possessed illegally, including a pill press and firearms. Albanito is also required to make full restitution to the financial institution which was the victim of his fraud scheme.
According to court documents, in March 2021, Albanito defrauded his federally insured bank with a scheme involving falsely disputed cash transfers which he had authorized. Albanito illegally obtained $97,146.95 through the scheme. In furtherance of its investigation into his fraud, the U.S. Secret Service executed a search warrant at Albanito’s Cape Coral residence in January 2023. Upon entry into the residence, law enforcement observed a large, commercial-grade pill press in the garage and hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills on a nearby shelf. The counterfeit pills, which appeared identical to prescription oxycodone pills, were found to contain fentanyl.
Law enforcement obtained a second warrant permitting them to search for and seize evidence related to drug manufacturing and distribution. During this search, they seized a five-gallon bucket containing approximately 30 pounds of counterfeit alprazolam pills (which actually contained the designer drug clonazolam), a five-gallon bucket containing approximately 20 pounds of pill binding agent, pill dies (i.e. tooling used by a pill press to create pills), and two firearms within the residence. DNA testing conducted on both firearms determined that Albanito had possessed them. Albanito was previously convicted in two federal cases (2011) involving money laundering, drug distribution, creating false identification documents, and possessing a firearm as a felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Cape Coral Police Department, with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
California Women Plead Guilty to Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two women who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on June 16, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Lauretta Payce, 61, from Fontana, California, and Andrea Romo, 41, from Gardena, California, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearings, each admitted their involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from December 2019 through May 2022. Payce and Romo further admitted to assisting at least six others in the conspiracy by distributing roughly four pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana from California and Nevada and transporting the drugs, in a hidden vehicle compartment to Cherokee, Iowa, for further distribution.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Payce and Romo were each taken into the custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Cherokee Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4066. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Brooklyn Park Felon Charged in Federal Complaint for Possession of Fentanyl, Firearm Following Deadly Vehicle CrashRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Derrick John Thompson has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with illegal possession of fentanyl and a firearm following a deadly vehicle crash that killed five victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2023, a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol observed a black Cadillac SUV speeding north on I-35W, traveling at 95 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour speed zone. The trooper began following the SUV but did not initiate the emergency lights or attempt to make a traffic stop because the trooper did not want to cause the driver, later identified as Thompson, 27, to continue to drive recklessly on city streets. The trooper observed Thompson abruptly cut across four lanes of traffic to exit the freeway at the Lake Street exit. At the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and East Lake Street, Thompson sped through a red light at the intersection without stopping or slowing. The SUV struck at full speed the driver’s side of a Honda Civic that was traveling lawfully through the intersection. All five occupants of the Honda Civic, four adult females and one juvenile female, were killed. When law enforcement responded to the scene of the crash, witnesses told officers that Thompson had fled on foot through a nearby alley. Officers found Thompson sitting on the curb outside of a nearby restaurant. Officers detained Thompson, who was later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for evaluation.
According to court documents, an officer found at the scene a Hertz rental record for the Cadillac SUV indicating that Thompson rented the vehicle from a Hertz located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport approximately 30 minutes before the crash. After obtaining a warrant to search the SUV, officers found a black leather bag on the front passenger side floor that contained a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, as well as three baggies containing 2,169 blue “M-Box 30” fentanyl pills, a baggie containing an additional 14 grams of powder fentanyl, a baggie containing 13 MDMA pills, a baggie containing 35 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale.
Because Thompson has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The complaint charges Thompson with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession of fentanyl, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the charges, Thompson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Thompson, who is currently in state custody in Hennepin County, will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport Police Department, in close coordination with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Ruth S. Shnider are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Blue Springs Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Conspiracy to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Blue Springs, Mo., man who watched online as a 7-year-old girl was raped and sexually abused was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to produce child pornography.
Justin W. Hardin, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 27 years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Hardin to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On Feb. 2, 2023, Hardin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography over the internet, one count of distributing child pornography over the internet, and one count of possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators identified an individual who was posting photos and videos of his sexual abuse and rape of a 7-year-old girl online. Hardin engaged in numerous chats with this individual on Google Hangouts between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3, 2019. During the chats, Hardin viewed in real time the individual’s sexual abuse and rape of the child victim. In addition, Hardin asked the individual to write “Abbi Dillon” (Hardin’s online screen name) on the child’s body while the abuse was occurring.
On Sept. 11, 2019, law enforcement officers seized Hardin’s Apple iPhone. A forensic evaluation found evidence of the receipt and distribution of child pornography, as well as images of the sexual abuse of the 7-year-old victim.
The individual who sexually assaulted the child victim was sentenced in another jurisdiction to 25 years imprisonment for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and 155 months for rape, to be served consecutively.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Western Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Belle Vernon Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Belle Vernon, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Patty Lynn Mavrakis, 65, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2016, Mavrakis was the Branch Manager for Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union in Belle Vernon, Pa. The Court was further advised that, on September 5, 2016, the Credit Union was closed because of Labor Day, but Mavrakis entered the Credit Union, accessed the safe, and left the Credit Union with multiple boxes, at least one of which contained cash from the safe. On the following day, September 6, 2016, Mavrakis arrived at the Credit Union before any other employees and staged a fire in the safe. As the only witness to the fire, Mavrakis falsely claimed that an alarm wire “caught on fire” and consumed $340,200 in cash. On September 7, 2016, Mavrakis submitted an insurance claim to the Credit Union’s insurance company and again falsely claimed that an alarm wire caused the fire. The insurance company processed and paid the claim.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 11, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Mavrakis may remain released on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mavrakis.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Thomas D. Manns, 37, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 26, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired at a Ewart Avenue apartment complex in Beckley and encountered Manns holding what they believed to be a firearm as he ran into a stairway. Officers searched the stairway and found a Mossberg, model 500AT, 12-gauge shotgun in a trash can. Video footage from the apartment complex’s security cameras showed Manns holding the shotgun before he put it in the trash can. Manns admitted to possessing the firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Manns knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 29, 2006.
Manns is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Police Department.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is 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. 5:22-cr-66.
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Baltimore Felon Sentenced to Almost Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggs today sentenced Marquis Johnson, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
“The actions of the DEA and the Baltimore City Police Department, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, literally stopped a felon with a bulletproof vest before he used a gun on Baltimore’s streets,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We will swiftly respond to those who would bring violence to our communities.”
According to his guilty plea, on September 21, 2021, Johnson robbed someone who was standing near his residence on Chapel Street in Baltimore City. Immediately after the robbery, Johnson claimed in a call he made to a friend from his cell phone that 10 to 15 shots were fired at him. The call was intercepted as part of a months-long DEA investigation of several individuals, including Johnson.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Johnson asked his associates to help him find the individual who shot at him so he could retaliate, telling them, “I already know which one it was.” Shortly after the calls, DEA investigators saw Johnson walking in East Baltimore along with several of his associates. While investigators watched Johnson, he got into an argument with the driver of a van on the street. Knowing that Johnson was on his way to retaliate against the individual who shot at him and was most likely armed, investigators stopped Johnson and conducted a pat down for weapons. Investigators recovered a .45 caliber handgun loaded with 12 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, with one in the chamber, from Johnson’s waistband. Johnson was also wearing a bulletproof vest.
Johnson knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as the result of a previous felony conviction. Further, the investigation showed that the gun had been reported stolen on June 21, 2021.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Oldham and Ari Evans, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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5th and final man admits role in Laredo cocaine trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old man has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and launder money, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Elizardo Vasquez Jr. admitted to being the courier of cocaine and drug proceeds.
Vasquez is the fifth co-conspirator to be convicted in this trafficking ring. He joins Cesar Mendiola, 57, Jose Angel Rodriguez Jr., 60, Rafael Rodriguez, 63, and Jose Angel Rodriguez III, 34, all of Laredo, who admitted on June 7 to felony charges related to cocaine distribution and money laundering in Laredo.
Throughout the course of this investigation, authorities seized nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine and over $147,000 in drug proceeds.
The investigation revealed brothers Rodriguez Jr. and Rodriguez would receive kilograms of cocaine from a source in Mexico through Vasquez and provide that cocaine to Mendiola for further distribution in and around Laredo. Rodriguez III kept records of transactions and drug proceeds for his father, Rodriguez Jr.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Sept. 25. At that time, Vasquez faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Vasquez will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the United Independent School District Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony J. Evans and Brian Bajew are prosecuting the case.
31 Individuals Involved in a Drug Trafficking Organization in Marion County and Lorain County IndictedRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND, OH – Federal, county, and local law enforcement officials today announced that 31 individuals were charged in two separate indictments for their roles in drug trafficking conspiracies that involved the distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the Northern District of Ohio, including in Marion, Wyandot, and Lorain Counties. Twenty-one were arrested during an early morning operation and transported to federal court in Cleveland.
This announcement is made by United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen, and the MARMET Drug Task Force in Marion, Ohio. “Yesterday’s arrests and announced indictments will give the community of Marion, Ohio, some relief from the opioid epidemic that has been a persistent scourge in our District,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “These arrests reflect law enforcement targeting organizations that sell deadly drugs in our communities to hold those organizations accountable for the lives they regularly destroy. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue its targeted and collaborative efforts with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that bring poison and violence into our neighborhoods.”
“FBI Cleveland and the Mansfield Resident Agency, together with its seven resident agencies across northern Ohio, is focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting drug trafficking organizations and eliminating their operations,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “The coordination of these arrests was highly complex and underscores the collaborative effort of the FBI, together with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement. We thank and appreciate their work as they continue to find criminal actors who seek to ruin lives and poison our communities through their expansive drug network.”
The fourteen and eighteen individuals listed below, respectively, were charged in two separate multi-count indictments with the following charges: conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense:
Christopher Payne, 24, Marion, OH; Michael Worthington, G., 28, Marion, OH; Dave Davis, 43, Marion, OH; Matthew Taylor, 28, Marion, OH; Tyler Landrum, 26, Marion, OH; Dalton Gruber, 42, Marion, OH; Donovan Caskey, 28, Marion, OH; Crystal Rivers, 42, Green Camp, OH; Gerald Houseworth, 31, Marion, OH; Sheena Stolz, 34, Upper Sandusky, OH; Anthony Clark, 53, Marion, OH; Christina Weaver, 25, Marion, OH; Steven Mollet, 27, Marion, OH; Starla Artressia, 26, Marion, OH;
and separately,
Justin Stanley, 35, Marion, OH; Freddie Sanchez, 36, Lorain, OH; Christopher Payne, 24, Marion, OH; Dustin Russell, 32, Marion, OH; Walter Thomas, 41, Marion, OH; Austin Hogan, 29, Marion, OH; Kyle Rentschler, 26, Prospect, OH; Donna Wrick, 31, Marion, OH; Lawrence Dempster, 49, Marion, OH; Ryan Pheasant, 30, Marion, OH; Michael Cottrill, Jr., 22, Marion, OH; Casey Taylor, 47, Marion, OH; Derek Hesson, 29, Marion, OH; Jacob Martin, 28, Marion, OH; James Holsinger, Jr., 29, Marion, OH; Jason Smith, 47, Marion, OH; Jeffery Hall, 31, Marion, OH; and Dustin Freeman, 36, Marion, OH.
According to the indictments, between as early as on or about September 1, 2020, and continuing through on or about June 14, 2023, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
The co-conspirators obtained fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine-base (“crack”), oxycodone, and methamphetamine from suppliers in Columbus, Ohio; Lorain, Ohio; and Marion, Ohio. The coconspirators concentrated their redistribution of these drugs in and around Marion, Ohio. During the investigation, law enforcement seized 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, 15 firearms, and $25,546 in U.S. Currency.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
For the past two and a half years, Marion-Metrich (MARMET) Drug Task Force and FBI Mansfield investigated the drug trafficking activities of the Justin Stanley DTO and the Christopher Payne DTO. Investigators and law enforcement officers of the Marion Police
Department, Marion County Sheriff Office, Morrow County Sheriff Office, Lorain Police Narcotics Unit, Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Marshal Service assisted in the investigation.This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile C. Katsaros.
21 June 2023
Worcester Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Role in Rockland Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for his role in an attempted robbery of a Rockland-based glassware dealer.
Keith Johnson, a/k/a “Eike,” 41, of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 98 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019 along with co-defendants Shaun Walker, Junior Melendez and Grace Katana.
In March 2019, Johnson, Walker, Katana and Melendez conspired to rob the home of a high-end glassware dealer in Rockland. Between March 18, 2019 through March 25, 2019, court authorized intercepted communications over a cellphone used by Melendez revealed that Johnson and his co-conspirators were planning an armed home invasion and robbery of the Rockland residence.
During the afternoon of March 25, 2019, the four men traveled over 60 miles from Worcester to Rockland in two vehicles. Katana and Melendez first scoped out the robbery target location, a residence which at that time was occupied by a female resident. Katana and Melendez then proceeded to a nearby hardware store and purchased a two-foot iron crowbar, a screwdriver and razor blades. Law enforcement arrested the four men in the parking lot of the hardware store – disrupting the attempted robbery. In addition to the items just purchased at the hardware store, a loaded .380 firearm was seized from the glove compartment of the vehicle occupied by Johnson.
In June 2022, Katana was convicted by a federal jury of Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced in October 2022 to 64 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2022, Walker pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and, in November 2022, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 13, 2023, Melendez was sentenced to 156 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr. Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Rockland Police Chief John R. Llewellyn made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and Kristen M. Noto of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Wilmington Man Receives 70 Month Sentence for Possessing “Ghost Gun” and Other Firearms with High-Capacity MagazinesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On March 21, 2023, Shyheim Zyaan Waters-Davis, age 20, pled guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, beginning in October of 2022, members of the Wilmington Police Department received information from multiple sources that Waters-Davis was selling crack cocaine in the Wilmington area and was known to carry a firearm. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Waters-Davis and, on November, 17, 2022, members of the Wilmington Police Department and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at the home of Waters-Davis. The search revealed approximately 123 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a privately manufactured firearm (aka “ghost gun”) with a 24-round extended magazine, a stolen 9mm firearm with a 50 round drum magazine, and cash. At the time of this offense, Mr. Waters-Davis was on state probation for felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Wilmington Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit, the FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Mr. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County.
The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.
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. 7:23-cr-00008M-001.
Washington state woman sentenced for threats to kill Texas judgeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Cheney, Washington, resident has admitted she threatened to kill a federal judge, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Elena Rose Markham pleaded guilty to threatening to assault and murder a federal judge.
Immediately thereafter, visiting U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra imposed a 19-month-term of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding Ezra’s competency restoration and current mental health treatment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ezra noted her circumstances influenced her conduct.
“Unlawful threats against our judiciary are an assault against our democracy,” said Hamdani. “Our system of justice relies on the ability of personnel to do their jobs without fear of retribution. We will not stand for anyone making any kind of threat – but especially when those statements use language about bullets to the head and murder.”
On Nov. 3, 2021, a woman calling herself “Elena” left two voicemail messages on the business line for a U.S. district judge. The messages were approximately three minutes, 46 seconds and four minutes, 20 seconds in length.
As part of her plea, Markham admitted to being “Elena” and making the threats.
In the voice messages, Markham indicated she was upset her federal lawsuit was dismissed and made several, irrational claims regarding judges who were afraid to deal with certain cases.
“What about a bullet in your head, maybe that’ll work,” she said. She further indicated she was not afraid and threatened to put liens on all federal judges. Markham claimed the judge was in her “war book” and if she ever saw him in a tunnel, her “team” would shoot him.
Markham has been and will remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
The FBI - Corpus Christi Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko prosecuted the case.
University City Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Missouri Medicaid, Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah. E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a University City, Missouri man to five years in prison for fraudulently obtaining a $135,000 pandemic loan and defrauding the Missouri Medicaid program out of $1.2 million.
Judge Pitlyk also ordered Deandre D. Horne to repay $1,474,338, representing the Medicaid losses as well as repayment to the Small Business Administration for multiple Paycheck Protection Program loans.
In July of 2020, Horne falsely claimed to be the sole owner of Budget Towing & Recovery LLC to apply for a PPP loan, which was intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Horne also inflated the number of employees and falsely claimed a monthly payroll of $40,000. He received a $135,707 loan.
Horne did own Serenity Home Health Care CDS, and between July 6, 2017 and March 18, 2021, he fraudulently billed Missouri Medicaid for services that were not supported by valid timesheets or electronic visit verification (EVV) documents. Horne created false EVV documentation to support the bills. Horne also admitted falsely claiming to be the personal care attendant for multiple Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries, billing for times when he was traveling elsewhere in the country or to foreign locations.
“DeAndre Horne was actually vacationing in Paris, Chile, Japan, Brussels, Punta Cana, Portugal and Jamaica on the days he claimed to be physically providing home health services in St. Louis,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s St. Louis Division. “Medicaid, which is funded by taxpayers, paid him $1.2 million for services his company claimed, but never rendered.”
"By falsely claiming funds from federal health care programs and pandemic relief measures, this individual took valuable resources away from their intended recipients during a time when many Americans were hurting and needed that support," said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "As this case demonstrates, HHS-OIG will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attempt to illicitly profit off of public health programs."
Horne pleaded guilty in February to one count of health care fraud and one count of wire fraud.
The case was investigated by the Missouri Attorney General’s office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Reiter is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney's Office Will Continue Federal Prosecution of Jimcy McGirtRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Yesterday the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion reversing the November 2020 federal jury conviction of Jimcy McGirt on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The appellate court determined an improper instruction of law was given to the jury which could have impacted the verdicts and remanded the case to the district court.
“The role of the prosecution is to seek justice under the law,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “We are disappointed by the ruling, but we respect the opinion of the court. If a critical error occurred during the trial, then our goal was not achieved. The United States Attorney’s Office will, however, continue pursuing justice for the victim.”
U.S. Attorney Discusses Anti-Gun Violence Efforts, Announces Indictment of Defendant Allegedly Involved in Murder of Rochester Police OfficerRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross joined with law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels today to announce the return of an indictment of the leader and members of a violent drug trafficking organization and to discuss ongoing efforts aimed at reducing violence, in particular gun violence, in the City of Rochester.
“My message to those who think that they can terrorize our community with senseless acts of violence is ‘don’t do it’.” “Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, is vigilant, working day and night to hold those committing crimes accountable. We will continue these efforts to ensure that the community can feel safe and community members can enjoy the summer.”
Over the last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has worked closely with the RPD, ATF, FBI, USMS, NYSP, MCSO, DEA, and the Monroe County District Attorney's Office to target, investigate, and bring federal charges against violent offenders and those who possess and illegally use guns in Rochester. To that end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adjusted its charging practices to communicate with RPD and ATF, quickly and effectively, to screen gun arrests and determine whether they are appropriate for federal prosecution. Once federal charges are brought, in appropriate cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will make a motion to the court to detain defendants who pose a danger to the community or who are likely to flee pending trial. This has helped reduce the number of violent offenders and illegal gun possessors who are returned to the community after arrest, which has helped to reduce violence in the city.
As part of its gun violence initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has pursued larger, more organized violent groups. Working closely with RPD, ATF and other law enforcement partners, the Office has targeted two violent groups who were engaged in a feud with each other. As a result of this investigation, 23 defendants have been charged in criminal complaints. In addition to these complaints, last week the federal grand jury in Rochester returned a 10-count indictment against Brandon Washington, Deadrick Fulwiley, Derrick Steele and Jermell Washington, charging them with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana from various drug houses they operated in the City of Rochester. The four defendants are also charged with possessing, using, and carrying firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. In addition, Brandon Washington and Deadrick Fulwiley are charged with possessing, using, and carrying a machine gun in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. Brandon Washington is alleged to be the leader of an armed drug trafficking organization in Rochester that became involved in a violent dispute with a rival gang headed by Rasheem Sullivan during the summer of 2022. Sullivan, along with eight additional Bloods gang members, were charged in December 2022 with narcotics conspiracy and weapons offenses. The conflict between Washington and Sullivan resulted in multiple instances of violence, including drive-by shootings, arsons, assaults, and murders. These included the ambush shooting of Rochester Police Officers Anthony Mazurkiewicz and Sino Seng on July 21, 2023, which resulted in the death of Officer Mazurkiewicz.
As a result of the hard work of our law enforcement partners and our collaboration with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, since July of 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged approximately 100 defendants with federal gun crimes. These arrests and the underlying investigations have resulted in more than 100 illegal firearms being removed from the community. Most importantly, these efforts have resulted in a reduction in the volume of gun violence in Rochester in the first half of 2023.
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Two Men Convicted of Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Two men were convicted by a federal jury in Nashville on Friday of multiple crimes for their role in armed robberies committed throughout middle Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
After a week-long trial, Fredrick Eugene Carney, 32, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was convicted of robbery, bank robbery, illegally possessing ammunition, and brandishing or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. William John Ewing, III, 26, of Nashville, was found guilty of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The charges in this case relate to the 2022-armed robberies of two Cash Express businesses in Ardmore, Tenn., and Greenbrier, Tenn., as well as armed robberies of the Regions Bank in Smyrna, Tenn., and the First Horizon Bank on Whites Creek Pike in Nashville. This crime spree occurred between February 18, and May 2, 2022. The jury acquitted both men of the robbery of a Cash Express in Murfreesboro.
“This is yet another example of our commitment to holding violent criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Leventis. “These individuals will now be removed from our communities for a long period of time and will no longer have the opportunity to inflict fear and violence upon others. I commend our law enforcement partners and our trial team for their work in securing these convictions.”
As a result of these convictions, Fredrick Carney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 31 years, and up to life in federal prison. William Ewing faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, and up to life in prison. Both men will be sentenced by United States District Court Judge William Campbell later this year.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the Murfreesboro Police Department; the Ardmore Police Department; the Greenbrier Police Department; the Smyrna Police Department; and the Moulton, Alabama Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Amanda J. Klopf are prosecuting the case.
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Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jaquez Quashawn Price, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years’ supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The collaborative efforts of our partners in the Tallahassee Gun Violence Initiative continue to produce impactful results, and we will continue working tirelessly to make North Florida safer,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”
On the morning of March 8, 2022, officer of the Quincy Police Department responded to a concerned citizen’s call regarding possible prowlers walking through neighborhood backyards. Officers responded and contacted Price and another male, who claimed to be in the neighborhood visiting friends and looking for property they had lost in the area. Officers were aware that several days earlier, a vehicle had been abandoned nearby while fleeing from police, after which a backpack containing several firearms and a laptop computer were recovered. Officers believed that Price and the other male were likely searching for the backpack and weapons that had been discarded in that incident. Investigators checked Price’s identification and discovered he had a pending felony warrant, and that he was a convicted felon. Price was detained and during an officer pat-down, a .40 caliber handgun was found on his person. He was placed under arrest, for the warrant as well as for the firearm in his possession. Officers also identified a vehicle parked nearby occupied by a female who informed officers that she had driven Price and the other male to the neighborhood. Inside the vehicle, a 9mm handgun was found on the backseat floorboard behind the driver, where Price and the male had been sitting.
“This is a true testament to the partnership we share with all law enforcement authorities, which transcends across all levels, said Chief T. Ashley, Quincy Police Department. “We are committed to detouring criminal activity by proactively patrolling our communities and promptly responding to our citizens safety needs. Our citizens deserve to live free of the constant fear of gun violence in our neighborhoods. I appreciate the work of the United States Attorney Office, Northern District of Florida for prosecuting this case.”
Following his arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms adopted the case for federal prosecution and conducted a follow-up investigation. It was determined that Price had prior felony convictions including Burglary of a Dwelling and multiple counts of Grand Theft.
Price was also documented as a member of a criminal street gang and on release and awaiting trial on multiple unrelated violent state criminal charges when the instant arrest occurred.
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Quincy Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Spartanburg Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Lonnie Roosevelt Chamblee, III, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 13, 2021, a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol discovered a distribution quantity of marijuana and two semi-automatic pistols in Chamblee’s vehicle after stopping him for running a redlight. One of the firearms was equipped with a large capacity magazine. Chamblee has at least 12 prior criminal convictions dating back to 2011, including convictions for Distribution of Cocaine Base and Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle While Occupied.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Chamblee to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen is prosecuting the case.
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Pueblo Residents Charged in Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that three defendants from Pueblo have been charged by federal complaint in connection with a series of bank robberies in the Denver-Boulder area. Leo Elias Benavidez, age 34, Ashley Raeanne Cooper, age 33, and Britne Bree Schneider, age 25, have been charged for their alleged roles in the robberies. Benavidez is charged with four counts of bank robbery and aiding and abetting the same; Cooper is charged with four counts of bank robbery and aiding and abetting the same. Schneider is charged with a single count of accessory after the fact.
According to allegations in the criminal complaints, during the months of May and June, 2023, Benavidez and Cooper robbed four banks in the Denver-Boulder metro area, and attempted to rob a fifth. Schneider allegedly drove the getaway car following three of the robberies.
The Defendants had their initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Crews on June 21, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, the Brighton Police Department, the Denver Police Department, the Arvada Police Department, the Westminster Police Department, the Boulder Police Department, and the Lafayette Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn is handling the prosecution.
The charges in the complaints are allegations and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
CASE NUMBERS: 23-mj-00108-NRN (Schneider)
23-mj-00109-NRN (Cooper)
23-mj-00110-NRN (Benavidez)
Prolific Mail Thief indicted for nine federal feloniesRead the Press Release
Seattle – The suspect in a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was indicted today by a federal grand jury for nine federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Johny Mixayboua, 27, was arrested on a criminal complaint last month and is now charged with three counts of theft of government property, unlawful possession of a postal key, mail theft, possession of stolen mail, illegal transactions with a credit or debit card, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to records in the case, on December 28, 2022, a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was stolen from the 6300 block of South Bangor Street in Seattle. In the vehicle was a postal key that is used to access the cluster mailbox units in the 98178 zip code. The key allows the postal worker to open the back of the cluster box to deliver mail to multiple households. Since the theft of the vehicle and postal key, there have been numerous reports of cluster boxes in zip code 98178 being opened and mail stolen.
Working with neighbors, the Postal Inspection Service was able to get door camera footage showing the person accessing the postal boxes. Neighbors reported credit cards being stolen and attempts being made to use them. Inspectors were able to review images from when the credit card attempts occurred and ultimately identified Mixayboua as the person stealing the mail and attempting to use the stolen credit cards.
Additionally, local law enforcement determined that vehicles used in a number of the mail theft incidents were reported stolen.
On January 17, 2023, two more Postal Service vehicles were stolen. One in the 3000 block of Beach Drive SW and a second one in the 3600 block of 57th SW. Both are in zip code 98116. Using doorbell camera footage from the block where one of the vehicles was recovered, investigators allegedly saw Mixayboua removing mail and parcels from the stolen postal vehicle and putting them in another vehicle. Again, law enforcement traced credit cards stolen from the mail and obtained surveillance footage that appears to show Mixayboua attempting to make purchases with the credit cards.
On January 30, 2023, a fourth postal vehicle was stolen – this time from the 2000 block of S. Columbian Way in Seattle. On March 28, 2023, a fifth postal vehicle was stolen from the 5700 block of S. 129th Ave. One of the people associated with the theft matches a description of Mixayboua. In late January and February, the mail theft incidents continued -- this time in the Snoqualmie, Washington area. The cluster boxes were opened with either a counterfeit or authentic postal key. Again, credit cards were stolen, and one was linked to images of Mixayboua making purchases at Target.
Throughout April, mail thefts continued from as far north as Lake Forest Park and as far south as southeast Seattle.
The postal service halted deliveries in zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.
Mixaboua apparently was living in a vehicle near a relative’s home. When he was arrested, law enforcement found a firearm that he threw into the bushes while attempting to run away and ammunition in the vehicle, resulting in the last two counts in the indictment. Mixayboua is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in King County for auto theft, possession of stolen property, and bail jumping.
Mail theft and possession of stolen mail are punishable by up to five years in prison. Theft of government property and unlawful possession of postal keys are punishable by up to ten years in prison. Illegal transactions on an access device, possession of ammunition, and being a felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) worked diligently to get Mixayboua into custody.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.
mixayboua_indictment.pdfPalmdale Man Found Guilty of Illegally Importing an Ancient Roman Mosaic from Syria Depicting HerculesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Antelope Valley man was found guilty by a jury today of illegally importing an ancient floor mosaic depicting the Roman demigod Hercules that is believed to have been made nearly two millennia ago.
Mohamad Yassin Alcharihi, 56, of Palmdale, was found guilty of one count of entry of falsely classified goods.
According to evidence presented at a 4½-day trial, Alcharihi in August 2015 illegally imported the mosaic – which dates from the era of the Roman Empire – by means of a false classification as to its value and quality. The mosaic arrived at Alcharihi’s direction at the Port of Long Beach as part of a shipment from Turkey.
The mosaic depicts a story from ancient Greek and Roman mythology depicting Hercules rescuing Prometheus, who had been chained to a rock by his fellow gods for stealing fire for humanity.
Alcharihi purchased the mosaic in 2015. Instead of disclosing to United States customs officials that he was importing a Syrian antiquity for which he had paid approximately $12,000 and that he knew was worth much more, Alcharihi lied to his customs broker and caused it to falsely declare that he was importing ceramic tiles from Turkey valued at less than $600. Alcharihi paid $40,000 to restore the mosaic and the government’s appraisal expert valued the mosaic at $450,000.
The false classifications occurred months after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning the destruction of cultural heritage in Syria, particularly by the terrorist organizations Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Nusrah Front.
The mosaic was placed inside a large metal shipping container holding many vases and two other mosaics. An x-ray image of the container taken by CBP showed that the mosaic was hidden in the front of the container – away from the rear access doors – behind a pile of vases. After passing through customs, the mosaic was shipped via truck to Alcharihi’s home.
The mosaic is 15 feet long, 8 feet tall, and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds. It has been stored at a secure facility in Los Angeles since federal agents seized it from Alcharihi’s garage in March 2016.
United States District Judge George H. Wu scheduled an August 31 sentencing hearing, at which time Alcharihi will face a statutory maximum sentence of two years in federal prison.
The FBI’s Art Crime Team and Homeland Security Investigations – Los Angeles, Ventura Division investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams, Chief of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section; Assistant United States Attorney Matthew W. O’Brien, also of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section; Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell Coll of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section; and Justice Department Trial Attorney Christian A. Levesque of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting this case.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Gary Payton, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Payton to imprisonment for 72 months. Upon release from prison, Payton will be required to complete a 5-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 29, 2022, Lancaster County Sherriff’s deputies observed a red Camaro with an inoperable driver’s side taillight. They initiated a traffic stop. While approaching the vehicle, officers saw the driver attempting to give something to the passenger. The driver, identified as Gary Payton, told the deputy that his license was suspended. Another deputy spoke with the passenger. The passenger produced a Nebraska identification card and deputies determined that her driver’s license was also suspended. One of the deputies observed an open alcoholic beverage container behind the passenger seat and within reaching distance of both Payton and the passenger.
Deputies searched the Camaro and its contents. A deputy opened the passenger’s bag found on the front passenger side where she had been sitting and observed a large gallon-sized bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Within the gallon-sized bag were four bags containing suspected methamphetamine. Deputies performed a field test on the substance in one of the bags and confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine. Payton and the passenger were both arrested.
Deputies seized Payton’s phone and obtained a warrant to search it. The search of the phone yielded evidence of communications between the passenger and Payton. In one communication, Payton sent the passenger a photo of two bags of suspected methamphetamine. They also found evidence of communications with others relating to drug trafficking. The suspected methamphetamine from the vehicle was sent to the lab for testing. The lab determined there were 193.7 grams of methamphetamine, a distribution quantity.
The passenger was indicted by the Grand Jury in a separate case, which is pending before the Court.
This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Storage of Explosive MaterialsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kalem L. Barber, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for the unlawful storage of explosive materials. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Barber to two years’ probation and 50 hours of community service. There is no parole in the federal system. Magistrate Judge Nelson also ordered Barber to pay a $500 fine.
On November 26, 2021, Douglas County Sherriff’s Deputies responded to an explosion of a porta potty located at a construction site in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Deputies reported that multiple juveniles were present and immediately fled the area after the explosion. Information obtained during the course of the investigation resulted in a December 2, 2021, FBI search warrant of an Omaha residence where Barber had been living. Within the residence the FBI found explosive materials to include approximately 20lbs of flash powder located in an unsecured box-styled container. Barber was using the explosive materials to make homemade fireworks.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Norwalk Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY T. WILLS, also known as “G Money,” “G” and “Greg Jamison,” 41, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Norwalk Police Department made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Wills. On September 23, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Norwalk residence that Wills used as a “stash” location and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, four handguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators located Wills later that day at another location in Norwalk. He discarded a loaded handgun as he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
The investigation also revealed that in May 2018, one of Wills’ drug customers died of an overdose of fentanyl and heroin.
Wills has been detained since his arrest. On January 23, 2023, Wills pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Wills’ criminal history includes a 2003 federal conviction, under the name Greg Jamison, for distributing crack cocaine, which resulted in a 108-month prison term.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Karen L. Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
National MS-13 Gang Leader Along with 22 MS-13 Members and Associates Indicted for Murders and Other Acts of ViolenceRead the Press Release
A 48-count, superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging 23 alleged members and associates of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the “MS-13,” with racketeering conspiracy and related offenses, including multiple murders and other acts of violence, drug distribution conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. The superseding indictment adds charges against defendant Edenilson Velasquez Larin, also known as “Agresor,” “Saturno,” and “Paco,” who is allegedly a national leader of the MS-13 and the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (Fulton) clique, for his leadership role in allegedly ordering murders, drug distribution, and money laundering for the MS-13.
The superseding indictment also adds charges against defendants Christian Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, Erick Galdamez Leon, Blanca Garcia, Jose Guevara Aguilar, Oscar Hernandez Baires, Keila Hernandez May, Jose Mejia Hernandez, and Erick Zavala Hernandez—all of whom are alleged members or associates of the Fulton clique. Finally, the superseding indictment adds charges against Leyla Carranza for her alleged participation in the murder of Andy Peralta on April 23, 2018. The superseding indictment also includes charges against defendants Oscar Flores-Mejia, Ramiro Gutierrez, Yonathan Hernandez, Victor Lopez, Tito Martinez-Alvarenga, Emerson Martinez-Lara, Tylor Salmeron and Ismael Santos-Novoa, all of whom were previously indicted and arrested.
Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Arevalo Iraheta, Galdamez Leon, Guevara Aguilar, Mejia Hernandez, and Zavala Hernandez were arrested earlier this morning in New York, and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Hernandez Baires was arrested in New Jersey and will have his initial appearance in Brooklyn. Carranza was arrested in Virginia and will have her initial appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia. Garcia was arrested in Colorado and will have her initial appearance in the District of Colorado. Espinoza Sanchez and Hernandez May were arrested in North Carolina and will have their initial appearances in the Middle District of North Carolina. Velasquez Larin is in immigration custody in Ohio and will have his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio at a later date. The remaining defendants are already in federal custody and will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date.
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), Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges.
“The murders and other crimes of violence allegedly committed by these defendants were brutal, cold-blooded, and utterly senseless,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to dismantle the MS-13 at all of its levels, and we will not relent until this transnational criminal organization, its leaders, members, and associates are held accountable for the extreme violence and other criminal activity that they have perpetrated in our communities.”
Mr. Peace also thanked the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, Nassau County Police Department, and the United States Attorney Offices for the Northern District of Ohio, District of New Jersey, District of Colorado, and Middle District of North Carolina for their valuable coordination with the investigation.
“The defendants charged are alleged to have participated in heinous gang violence and criminal behavior that brought fear and terror to our communities. The indictments today mark another success in our fight against the continued threat posed by MS-13. The FBI Long Island Gang Task Force and our law enforcement partners are determined to eliminate the scourge of violence and criminal behavior brought by MS-13,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.
“Transnational gangs, like MS-13, threaten our national security and the safety of our neighborhoods by ravaging our communities with violent crime and narcotics,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “The individuals charged today are alleged to have committed numerous acts of senseless violence in the name of loyalty to their gang and now, thanks to the diligent investigative work of HSI New York and our partners at the FBI and NYPD, they will face federal prosecution for their crimes. This coordinated multi-agency law enforcement effort is the best means of disrupting MS-13’s illicit gang activity and undermining its ability to reign terror and violence in New York communities and elsewhere.”
“Today’s charges again show that NYPD investigators, in close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, are relentless in seeking justice against gangs – no matter when or where their brutal violence is carried out,” stated NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “I thank and commend Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI’s New York Field Office, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their vital work on this important case.”
Murder of Andy Peralta
Alleged MS-13 associates Juan Amaya-Ramirez and Oscar Flores-Mejia were previously charged with the murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta in Kissena Park in Flushing, Queens on April 23, 2018. The superseding indictment adds murder charges against Leyla Carranza, who allegedly lured Peralta to the park so that he could be murdered. As detailed in court filings, the assailants fatally beat, stabbed and strangled Peralta. Peralta’s killers photographed themselves posing over Peralta’s corpse while they displayed MS-13 gang signs with their hands. The photo was found in Amaya-Ramirez’s iCloud account during a court-authorized search of the account.
Murder of Victor Alvarenga
In the early morning hours of November 4, 2018, MS-13 members shot and killed Victor Alvarenga near his home in Flushing, Queens. Alleged MS-13 member Ramiro Gutierrez and others were previously charged for their roles in the murder. The superseding indictment adds charges against alleged MS-13 members Edenilson Velasquez Larin, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, and Tito Martinez-Alvarenga. As alleged, as a national leader for the MS-13 and a leader of the Fulton clique, Edenilson Velasquez Larin gave the order to kill Alvarenga, and the murder was overseen by Espinoza Sanchez.
Murder of Abel Mosso
Alleged MS-13 members Ramiro Gutierrez, Tito Martinez-Alvarenga and Victor Lopez were previously charged with the murder of Abel Mosso on a subway platform in Queens. The superseding indictment charges Emerson Martinez-Lara and Ismael Santos-Novoa for their alleged roles as lookouts during the murder. As alleged, in the early afternoon of February 3, 2019, Lopez and Martinez-Alvarenga followed Mosso, who they believed to be a member of the rival 18th Street gang, onto the No. 7-train at the Main Street station in Flushing, trailed by Gutierrez. Lopez and Martinez-Alvarenga assaulted Mosso inside the subway car and then dragged him out onto the platform at the 90th Street station in Jackson Heights. The defendants pulled out a gun, but Mosso wrestled it away. Gutierrez shouted in Spanish, “Nobody get involved, we’re MS-13, we’re going to kill him.” Gutierrez then grabbed the gun from Mosso and allegedly shot him multiple times, killing him.
Murder of Eric Monge
The superseding indictment adds charges for the murder of Eric Monge on September 6, 2020. Alleged MS-13 member Oscar Hernandez Baires is charged with murdering Eric Monge, a fellow member of MS-13 who had previously assaulted Hernandez Baires. As alleged, in the early morning hours of September 6, 2020, Hernandez Baires and another individual shot and killed Monge while he was seated in a parked car near his home in Queens. Monge’s wife had just taken their young children into their residence and returned to the car to find parking when Hernandez Baires and the other individual opened fire.
Conspiracy to Murder Rival Gang Members
Beginning in late 2019, alleged MS-13 member Jose Espinoza Sanchez, who was a leader of the gang’s Fulton clique, learned that members of the rival 18th Street gang were increasing their presence in Elmont, New York, which is part of Fulton’s territory. As leaders of the Fulton clique, Edenilson Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez allegedly ordered other MS-13 members, including alleged MS-13 members Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Oscar Hernandez Baires, and Erick Zavala Hernandez, to scour the Elmont neighborhood in search of 18th Street members to kill. In the spring of 2020, Velasquez Larin allegedly arranged for Fulton members from Maryland to travel to New York to help Fulton members from New York find rival gang members in Elmont. Alleged MS-13 member Jose Arevalo Iraheta and a Fulton member from Maryland ultimately found an individual they believed to be an 18th Street member and shot at him.
Attempted Murders in Summer 2021
On the evening of July 29, 2021, in Westbury, alleged MS-13 member Christian Alas Leon and others chased a member of the rival Latin Kings gang with machetes. Alas Leon and another individual slashed the individual multiple times in his back and head with machetes before the victim managed to escape.
As retaliation for the machete attack, a different Latin Kings member stabbed an MS-13 member in the chest. In response to that stabbing, members of the Fulton clique met at a public park in Hicksville and agreed to exact revenge by killing a Latin Kings member. Velasquez Larin, the leader of the clique, participated in the meeting by telephone and allegedly gave the order to kill. Shortly after the meeting in the park, on the evening of August 2, 2021, in Westbury, New York, alleged MS-13 member Galdamez Leon shot at a suspected Latin Kings member multiple times, and the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle.
Approximately one month later, on September 15, 2021, alleged MS-13 members Carlos Alvarado, Tylor Salmeron, and other individuals participated in the attempted murder of a different Latin Kings member who had provoked the MS-13 by posting on social media a mocking video of himself walking in Fulton territory in Westbury. Alvarado and another individual shot the victim in the face.
Drug Distribution and Money Laundering
Edenilson Velasquez Larin, Christian Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, Erick Galdamez Leon, Jose Guevara Aguilar, Oscar Hernandez Baires, Jose Mejia Hernandez, Tylor Salmeron and Erick Zavala Hernandez are also charged with selling cocaine and marijuana to earn money for MS-13. In addition, Velasquez Larin, Alas Leon, Alvarado, Espinoza Sanchez, Galdamez Leon, Blanca Garcia, Hernandez Baires, Keila Hernandez May, Mejia Hernandez and Zavala Hernandez are charged with money laundering in connection with the flow of tens of thousands of dollars from alleged MS-13 members to MS-13 leader Velasquez Larin.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated as part of the ongoing efforts by the OCDETF, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Today’s charges are the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2009, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 65 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Michael W. Gibaldi, and Anna Karamigios are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Emily Moosher.
New Defendants:
Edenilson Velasquez Larin (also known as “Agresor,” “Saturno,” and “Paco”)
Age: 33
Thornton, ColoradoChristian Alas Leon (also known as “Pata de Chucho”)
Age: 24
Westbury, New YorkCarlos Alvarado (also known as “Brayle” and “Danny”)
Age: 19
Westbury, New YorkJose Arevalo Iraheta (also known as “Splinter” and “Daniel”)
Age: 26
Queens, New YorkErick Galdamez Leon (also known as “Truco,” “Burro,” and “Chicle”)
Age: 23
Westbury, New YorkBlanca Garcia (also known as “Lisbeth”)
Age: 31
Thornton, ColoradoJose Guevara Aguilar (also known as “Tranquilo,” “Malhechor,” and “Angel”)
Age: 24
Queens, New YorkOscar Hernandez Baires (also known as “Pinky,” “Duende,” “Roco,” and “Renuente”)
Age: 23
Trenton, New JerseyKeila Hernandez May
Age: 35
Carrboro, North CarolinaYonathan Hernandez
Age: 24
Hempstead, New YorkLeyla Carranza
Age: 22
Richmond, VirginiaJose Mejia Hernandez (also known as “Mismo” and “Timbre”)
Age: 21
Westbury, New YorkJose Espinoza Sanchez (also known as “Cable,” “Bleca,” “Clave,” and “Victor”)
Age: 24
Carrboro, North CarolinaTylor Salmeron (also known as “El Duende”)
Age: 20
Westbury, New YorkErick Zavala Hernandez (also known as “Berry,” “Berro,” and “Alex”)
Age: 26
Queens, New YorkDefendants Previously Indicted:
Juan Amaya-Ramirez (also known as “Cadaver”)
Age: 25
Fresh Meadows, New YorkOscar Flores-Mejia (also known as “Chamuco”)
Age: 23
Elmhurst, New YorkRamiro Gutierrez (also known as “Cara de Malo”)
Age: 30
Flushing, New YorkVictor Lopez (also known as “Curioso”)
Age: 24
Flushing, New YorkTito Martinez-Alvarenga (also known as “Imprudente”)
Age: 23
Flushing, New YorkEmerson Martinez-Lara (also known as “Fugitivo” and “Adonay”)
Age: 24
College Point, New YorkIsmael Santos-Novoa (also known as “Profe” and “Travieso”)
Age: 35
Flushing, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (S-2) (LDH)
larin_et_al._superseder.pdfMingo County Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Military Death BenefitsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jessica Horton, 53, of Matewan, pleaded guilty today to theft of government money. Horton admitted to stealing approximately $181,713.58 in United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) survivor’s benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Horton’s great aunt was awarded VA Survivor’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits after the death of her husband in World War II. The great aunt began receiving the monthly benefits on May 1, 1945.
Beginning in or around 1964, the benefits were mailed to the great aunt’s post office box in Matewan. On February 21, 1999, Horton’s great aunt died, and the entitlement to benefits was therefore extinguished. Horton’s mother had access to the post office box. Horton admitted that her great aunt’s name was fraudulently signed on the benefits after the death to allow Horton’s mother to receive the benefits and convert them to her own use.
Horton’s mother fraudulently received the monthly benefits until her death on February 14, 2011. Following her mother’s death, Horton took over the post office box and began signing her great-aunt’s name in order to receive the monthly benefits. Horton admitted that she knew she was not entitled or authorized to sign her great aunt’s name on the benefits.
Horton deposited the benefits in various bank accounts at a Williamson bank where she was an account owner and signatory, and converted the money to her own use. Horton admitted that from around March 2011 until on or around December 31, 2022, she knowingly and willfully took approximately $181,713,58 in VA survivor’s benefits that she was not entitled or authorized to receive. The monthly benefits were terminated by the VA on or around January 12, 2023.
Horton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,00 fine. Horton also owes $181,713.58 in restitution.
“My grandfather fought in World War II. The theft committed in this case is a slap in the face to those who earn these hard-fought-for benefits,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “That this fraud went on for as long as it did makes it all the more deplorable.”
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is 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. 2:23-cr-49.
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Mexican National Sentenced to Life in Prison for KidnappingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been sentenced in federal court for kidnapping, which led to the death of the victim.
Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Tuesday, June 20, to life in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 16, 2022, Osorio and co-defendant Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 28, were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016.
The sentencing hearing for Bravo-Lopez is scheduled on July 26, 2023.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Osorio and Bravo-Lopez conspired to kidnap Cristian Escutia in an attempt to rob him of money. They transported Escutia across state lines from Missouri to Kansas before fatally shooting him on April 3, 2017.
Osorio and Bravo-Lopez arranged to purchase $300 of marijuana from Escutia as a ruse to lure him into their kidnapping plan. On April 3, 2017, they met Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. The kidnapping was captured by the video surveillance system outside a nearby residence. When they drove to the 200 block of Donovan Road in Kansas City, Kan., they forced Escutia out of the vehicle. Escutia was shot three times and left to die on the side of the road.
Osorio, who is in the United States unlawfully, was in possession of an Action Arms Uzi .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol when he was arrested on April 7, 2017.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
Memphis Man Sentenced to Serve 100 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Gun in Cape GirardeauRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – The United States Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that Deon R. Crittenden, 32, of Memphis, Tennessee, has been sentenced to serve 100 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Crittenden appeared for his sentencing hearing Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau.
The charges arose after an officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near a Cape Girardeau hospital in April 2022. Crittenden, who was a passenger in the vehicle, jumped out and ran inside the hospital with a red backpack, according to court documents. Officers found him hiding in a restroom a short time later. The red backpack was in a trashcan in that same restroom, and contained a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and marijuana, court documents say. Crittenden had previously been convicted of several felony offenses in the State of Tennessee, including aggravated assault and robbery.
After serving his 100-month sentence, Crittenden will be placed on supervised release for a period of four years. This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.
Man Convicted for Illegally Importing Ancient MosaicRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted a California man today for illegally importing from Syria an ancient mosaic depicting the Roman demigod Hercules that is believed to be 2,000 years old.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in August 2015, Mohammed Yassin Alcharihi, 56, of Palmdale, illegally imported the mosaic – which dates from the era of the Roman Empire and is of Syrian origin – by claiming that he was importing various items worth $2,199. However, the mosaic was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The false classifications occurred months after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning the destruction of cultural heritage in Syria, particularly by the terrorist organizations Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Nusrah Front.
Alcharihi was convicted of one count of entry of falsely classified goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 31 and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The government is also seeking forfeiture of the mosaic. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada for the Central District of California, Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, and Special Agent in Charge Don Alway of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
The FBI’s Art Crime Team and HSI Los Angeles’ Ventura Division investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Christian A. Levesque of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark A. Williams, Matthew W. O’Brien, and Maxwell Coll for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.
MEDIA ADVISORY - Two Andrews Men to be Sentenced in Federal Court for Murder and Robbery of Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Trevor Seward and Jerome Davis are scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Seward is being sentenced after being convicted at trial for the murder and robbery of mail carrier Irene Pressley, which occurred after Pressley refused to deliver two pounds of marijuana to Seward. Davis is being sentenced after pleading guilty to his role in the robbery of Pressley. A press conference will be held at 4:00pm following Davis’ sentencing.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. presided over the trial and will impose the sentences.
WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2023, Seward at 9:30am and Davis at 2:00pm
WHERE: McMillan Federal Building
Courtroom 1
401 West Evans Street
Florence, South Carolina
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Lubbock Man Sentenced in the Eastern District of Texas to over 26 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas– A Lubbock, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Michael Calzadias, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and money laundering and was sentenced to 320 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 20, 2023.
According to information presented in court, between 2017 and 2018, Calzadias, along with Mark Anthony and Thomas Calzadias, were the main sources of supply for over 450 kilograms of cocaine, which was imported from Mexico, and transported from the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, to St. Louis, Missouri; Danville, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Meyers, Florida; and other areas. Mark Anthony Calzadias, Michael Calzadias, and Thomas Calzadias were also responsible for bulk currency smuggling throughout the United States.
Mark Calzadias and Thomas Calzadias were previously sentenced to 420 and 235 months in federal prison respectively.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. This is part of the Tres Toros OCDETF investigation. A joint investigation by DEA Dallas and DEA Lubbock. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ernest Gonzalez.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Harley Daniels, 23, of Sissonville, pleaded guilty today to attempted enticement of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021 Daniels began communicating online with a 13-year-old girl using the Kik instant messaging app. Daniels admitted to sending the minor female pornographic images while explaining sexual intercourse to her and asking her to “get naked.” Daniels further admitted to initiating several video calls with the minor female in an attempt to watch her masturbate. He also admitted to taking screenshots of some of his conversations with the minor female that he saved on his cell phone.
Daniels admitted to engaging in online conversation that were sexual in nature with other individuals he believed to be children. Daniels pretended to be 17 years old at times so he would appear younger. Several of the individuals that Daniels believed were children sent him images of themselves naked and masturbating.
Daniels admitted that he knowingly possessed 22 images and 297 videos on his cell phone and in his Kik account depicting known minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Daniels is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Daniels must also register as a sex offender
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Virginia State Police.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of 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 those who sexually exploit children, and 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 Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-23.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who illegally possessed 13 firearms, including machine guns, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fentanyl trafficking, carrying a firearm during and in relation to fentanyl trafficking, and illegally possessing a machine gun.
Ban N. To, 19, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a machine gun.
According to today’s plea agreement, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department placed a felony vehicle alert on a red Toyota Highlander due to its association with a homicide that occurred on April 15, 2023. The vehicle had been caught on surveillance video pulling into a parking lot near Southwest Trafficway and Mill Street in the Westport area. The vehicle then proceeded east to another parking lot in the same area. The two occupants of the vehicle exited and proceeded north on foot. At some point the suspects began chasing and shooting at another man. The chase ended at West 40th Street and Washington Avenue where surveillance video captured the two suspects exchange gunfire in the street with the other man. The other man suffered several gunshot wounds and was later confirmed deceased. The two suspects ran away but eventually returned to the vehicle and drove away. Multiple spent shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Kansas City police officers stopped the red Toyota Highlander, which was being driven by To, on April 21, 2023. To told investigators that he is the primary driver of the vehicle and had not loaned the vehicle to anyone during the prior week. To also said the vehicle had not been stolen anytime recently and that only he and his father have keys to the vehicle.
Officers searched the Toyota Highlander and found a loaded Taurus .45-caliber handgun, which had been reported stolen, under the driver’s seat. They also found a zip lock bag that contained approximately 75 fentanyl pills near the steering wheel. Officers found three additional firearms inside the locked glove compartment – a Glock 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen, a Polymer80 9mm handgun without a serial number, and a Glock .40-caliber handgun equipped with a Glock switch to make it fully automatic.
Kansas City police detectives also were able to recover nine more firearms associated with To while he was being detained in the Jackson County Detention Center. To, in a monitored telephone call, asked his girlfriend to go to his storage locker and remove some bags. Detectives were able to track down those bags, which contained a Mossberg .22-caliber rifle, a Romarm/Cugir Mini-Draco 7.62x39mm pistol, a Radical Firearms 7.62x39mm rifle, a Sigarms .357-caliber pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, two Glock .357-caliber pistols, and two Glock .40-caliber pistols equipped with Glock switches to make them fully automatic.
Under federal statutes, To is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
KC Man Indicted in Murder-for-Hire ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a murder-for-hire conspiracy after being indicted last year for illegally possessing firearms.
Thomas D. Clegg, 40, was charged in a two-count second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 20. The second superseding indictment replaces the original Oct. 11, 2022, indictment and a superseding indictment that contained the firearms count, and includes the additional conspiracy charge.
The federal indictment charges Clegg with one count of participating in a conspiracy to commit murder for hire and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
The indictment alleges that Clegg and others conspired from Aug. 19, 2021, to June 13, 2022, to murder a victim identified as “J.C.” and his family members for payment in cash and marijuana.
The indictment also alleges that Clegg was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber pistol and a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol between May 25 and June 13, 2022. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Clegg has two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon, trafficking in drugs, voluntary manslaughter, discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, assault, armed criminal action, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
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. Attorneys D. Michael Green and Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with New Jersey County to Resolve Voting Rights Act LawsuitRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement that provides for a comprehensive Spanish-language election program for voters in Union County, New Jersey. The consent decree was approved by a three-judge court in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s lawsuit brings claims under Sections 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency. Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions, including Union County, provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. Section 208 provides a right for voters who need assistance with voting – due to inability to read or write, blindness or disability – to receive that assistance from the person of their choice, with certain limited exceptions.
Under the consent decree, the Union County Clerk and Board of Elections will provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish, including information displayed in polling places and online. The Union County Board of Elections will also ensure that in-person language assistance is available at all early voting sites and at each election district with at least 100 Spanish-surnamed registered voters. Spanish-language assistance will continue to be available to all voters by telephone during elections. In addition, the consent decree provides that any voter covered by Section 208 who needs assistance to vote may be assisted by the person of that voter’s choice, other than an agent of the voter’s employer or union, during any stage of the voting process. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in Union County.
“The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, District of New Jersey, said. “We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible New Jersey voter can vote without language barriers. Now that a court order is in place, we look forward to working with Union County to accomplish this goal.”
“The Justice Department is committed to protecting the right to vote,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “This agreement will ensure that Spanish-speaking residents of Union County can fully access the ballot box. The Civil Rights Division will continue to use every tool available to protect the rights of all voters seeking to participate in our democracy.”
Individuals may file voting rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division either online here, or may call (800) 253-3931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey either online here or may call (855) 281-3339.
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
The government is represented by Michael E. Campion, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky of the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Division; Bert Russ, Deputy Chief of the Voting Section in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Bruce Gear, Trial Attorney, Voting Section; and Michelle Rupp, Trial Attorney, Voting Section.
ucconsent.pdfJustice Department Secures Agreement with New Jersey County to Resolve Voting Rights Act LawsuitRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement that provides for a comprehensive Spanish-language election program for voters in Union County, New Jersey. The consent decree was approved by a three-judge court in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s lawsuit brings claims under Sections 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency. Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions, including Union County, provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. Section 208 provides a right for voters who need assistance with voting – due to inability to read or write, blindness or disability – to receive that assistance from the person of their choice, with certain limited exceptions.
Under the consent decree, the Union County Clerk and Board of Elections will provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish, including information displayed in polling places and online. The Union County Board of Elections will also ensure that in-person language assistance is available at all early voting sites and at each election district with at least 100 Spanish-surnamed registered voters. Spanish-language assistance will continue to be available to all voters by telephone during elections. In addition, the consent decree provides that any voter covered by Section 208 who needs assistance to vote may be assisted by the person of that voter’s choice, other than an agent of the voter’s employer or union, during any stage of the voting process. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in Union County.
“The Justice Department is committed to protecting the right to vote,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will ensure that Spanish-speaking residents of Union County can fully access the ballot box. The Civil Rights Division will continue to use every tool available to protect the rights of all voters seeking to participate in our democracy.”
“The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible New Jersey voter can vote without language barriers. Now that a court order is in place, we look forward to working with Union County to accomplish this goal.”
Individuals may file voting rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division either online here, or may call (800) 253-3931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey either online here or may call (855) 281-3339.
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in PossessionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Randall Rolison, 60, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2022, the Jamestown Police Department and FBI began investigating Rolison’s purchase of firearms outside of the State of New York and subsequent sale of the firearms in the Southern Tier of New York. The investigation determined that Rolison, an over-the-road truck driver, purchased firearms and ammunition from a roadside stand in the State of Georgia between the Summer of 2021 and December 2021, and subsequently transported and sold, or attempted to sell, a total of nine firearms and ammunition in New York. Rolison sent pictures of the firearms via text message to various individuals to solicit interest in purchasing them and would subsequently straw purchase the firearms on behalf of the individuals. In June 1997, Rolison was convicted of a felony in Michigan and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2023, before Judge Sinatra.
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Hyde Park Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyde Park man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a Hyde Park bank.
Paul Whooten, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release. On January 12, Whooten pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.
On Dec. 21, 2019, Whooten entered a branch of Rockland Trust Bank in Hyde Park wearing a long, dark coat over a yellow and black reflective jacket with a bright yellow hood, as well as a knit hat, black sunglasses, a mask and gloves. Whooten was also carrying something that looked like an assault rifle but that later turned out to be a BB-gun. Upon entering the bank, Whooten pointed it at the teller and stated, “Give me all of your money.” The teller filled Whooten’s bag with $13,603 in cash, and Whooten fled the bank on foot. Bank surveillance cameras captured images of Whooten throughout the robbery.
Shortly after leaving the bank, Whooten was observed on the street wearing clothes consistent with those observed inside the bank and still holding what appeared to be a rifle in his hand. Law enforcement immediately apprehended Whooten and a black rifle-type BB gun and bag of cash were recovered from him.Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
High-Ranking Member of Brooklyn-Based "KavKaz Nation" Crime Syndicate Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Extortions and Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Roman Nikoghosyan was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 8 years’ imprisonment for the extortion and the extortion conspiracy of two separate individuals and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Nikoghosyan was arrested in Los Angeles, California, in July 2021, and pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2022.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.
“Nikoghosyan is a prolific extortionist who learned the consequences today of preying on the Eurasian community in Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “His prosecution serves as an example of the priority this Office has placed on protecting vulnerable members of the district from lawless, violent individuals.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding investigative work on the case.
As set forth in court filings, Nikoghosyan, is a high-ranking member of a violent, Brooklyn-based Eurasian organized crime syndicate—KavKaz Nation (“KavKaz”)—that operated primarily in the Manhattan Beach and Brighton Beach neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York. Members of KavKaz, including Nikoghosyan, referred to their membership as the “KWAY” or “K WAY,” and wore jewelry or articles of clothing emblazoned with the word “KavKaz.” Members of KavKaz drew on ties to the Caucus region of Eurasia, namely Armenia, Uzbekistan, parts of Southern Russia, and Azerbaijan, in furtherance of their criminal goals, including extortion.
Relying on his reputation for violence and repeated threats of physical harm, Nikoghosyan extorted two individuals in 2021. In February 2021, Nikoghosyan was operating a narcotics distribution scheme in which he employed the victim of one of his extortionate schemes to transport packages containing marijuana. When the victim discovered the illicit content of the packages and refused to continue distributing the narcotics, Nikoghosyan, with the assistance of co-conspirators, demanded $10,000 in extortionate payments from the victim, threatening to stab him or break his legs if he did not comply. In May 2021, Nikoghosyan extorted $5,000 from a second victim. The defendant advised an associate that he “spoke with that son of a b----,” and that he warned the victim, “Do you not want to walk around Brooklyn anymore?”
As detailed in court filings, during the course of the investigation, Nikoghosyan discussed assaulting victims with co-conspirators and threatening individuals with physical violence, including the use of weapons. Additionally, in June 2021, Nikoghosyan engaged in multiple conversations related to the escape of a co-conspirator from a New York City Department of Corrections jail barge. Nikoghosyan attempted to provide a vehicle for the co-conspirator to drive to California, along with approximately $2,000 for the co-conspirator to use while on the run.
Nikoghosyan, having been previously convicted of felony attempted robbery, also pleaded guilty to possessing a Hi-Point 995 rifle that was found during the execution of a search warrant at a stash house in Brooklyn that was operated by the defendant.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti and Dana Rehnquist are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ROMAN NIKOGHOSYAN (also known as “Roma”)
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-421 (DLI)
Hartford, Connecticut Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on June 20, 2023, Raymond Rivera, 33, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 66 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possessing cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Rivera to serve a five-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment. At the time of the offense, Rivera was serving a term of supervised release from a 2015 drug conviction in federal court in Connecticut. Rivera’s commission of the Vermont offense provided the basis for a violation of Rivera’s supervised release. On the supervised release violation, Judge Sessions sentenced Rivera to 12 months in jail consecutive to the 66-month sentence on the new criminal case.
According to court records and proceedings, Rivera was found in possession of a large quantity of cocaine and fentanyl on October 20, 2022, during the execution of a Vermont state search warrant at a residence in Northfield, Vermont. Rivera was arrested during the search and has been detained since then.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northfield Police Department in the investigation and prosecution of Rivera.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf handled the prosecution of Rivera. Allan Sullivan, Esq., represented Rivera.
Grand Island Man Convicted for Possession of Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Bearing Official U.S. InsigniaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jason C. Olderbak, 35, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for unlawful possession of official U.S. insignia. Olderbak was sentenced to two years of probation, a $3,000 fine, and 50 hours of community service. There is no parole in the federal system.
On or about July 30, 2021, Jason Olderbak purchased approximately 21 false COVID-19 vaccination cards online. On August 3, 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) received the package as it was entering the United States from overseas. Recognizing the package as being similar to other fraudulent packages, CBP opened the package and discovered the 21 fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards. A search warrant was received to perform a controlled delivery for the package. The search warrant was executed on August 18, 2021. Olderbak’s cellphone and other electronic devices were also seized during the investigation. Later examination of those devices revealed web history consistent with the purchase of the fraudulent vaccination cards.
Legitimate COVID-19 vaccination cards are produced in the United States and are shipped directly to medical professionals alongside the COVID-19 vaccination doses the cards are intended to go with. Each true COVID-19 vaccination card bears the seal of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which is a public health agency of the United States Federal Government under the Department of Health and Human Services. The cards ordered and received by Olderbak were nearly identical to legitimate COVID-19 vaccination cards. The seal/insignia of the CDC was affixed to the false COVID-19 vaccination card documents purchased and received by Olderbak.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.