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14 June 2023
Reedsburg Attorney Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $1.64 Million from Client's Trust AccountsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kristin Lein, 60, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today in District Court in Madison to wire fraud, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Lien is a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.
At the plea hearing, Lein pleaded guilty to an information that charged her with stealing $1,643,818 from a client’s trust accounts. According to the information, in June 2019, Lein began transferring money from several accounts belonging to the client’s trust to her own personal bank account. During a telephone call on February 2, 2022, Lein and the beneficiary of the trust discussed financial matters. During the telephone call, Lein told the beneficiary that the trust balance was over $1,800,000. However, Lein knew that the actual amount of money held in the trust was significantly less due to her embezzlement of funds. Lein continued to embezzle money from the trust accounts until the funds were depleted in September 2022.
As part of the plea agreement, Lein admitted that she used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, including improvements to her residence in Reedsburg and to purchase a pickup truck. Lein also admitted that she failed to report the income she obtained from the embezzlement on her 2019 personal tax return.
The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for the money laundering charge is 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return is three years in prison. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled the sentencing hearing for September 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
The charges against Lein were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearm Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Jeffrey Krowiorz, II, 34, from Milford, Iowa, pled guilty June 14, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
At the plea hearing, Krowiorz, II admitted he unlawfully possessed a gun after at least one prior felony conviction and while being an unlawful user of methamphetamine. Krowiorz, II, was previously convicted of the following felony crimes: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in 2013; possession of lithium with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, in the Iowa District Court for Emmet County, in 2007; and possession of anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, in the Iowa District Court for Clay County, in 2007. Further evidence showed that the gun Krowiorz, II possessed had an altered or obliterated serial number.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Krowiorz, II remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Krowiorz faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Spencer Iowa Police Department, and Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4006. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Pendleton Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography, Additional Victims SoughtRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—On June 13, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Pendleton, Oregon man with possessing child pornography.
Cameron Jacob Sheoships, 55, has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, on or about May 24, 2023, Sheoships is alleged to have knowingly and unlawfully possessed material containing child pornography, including depictions of a child under 12 years old.
On May 25, 2023, Sheoships made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead. He was released on conditions pending future court proceedings.
If convicted, Sheoships faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Anyone who has information about possible crimes committed by Sheoships, or the physical or online exploitation of any children, are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Panama City Woman on State Probation Pleads Guilty to Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Lyndsey Rhea Markland (41, Panama City) has pleaded guilty to four counts of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Markland faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count and payment of restitution to the victims she defrauded. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents and public records, in 2022, Markland entered various businesses in Brevard, Clay, Duval, and Seminole counties and purchased gift cards and merchandise using counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Law enforcement subsequently determined that Markland and her co-defendant, Neal Evan Pollman (42, Panama City), were staying at the Comfort Inn in Palm Bay. In November 2022, the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD) executed a search warrant at the Comfort Inn and located Markland inside her room. Also located in the room was approximately $30,000 in counterfeit currency and a HP printer, used for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes.
Pollman and Markland appeared in federal court on April 27, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing them to Jacksonville from the Bay County Jail, where they are serving a jail sentence for violating their state probation on multiple charges related to passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The court ordered Pollman and Markland detained pending trial.
Pollman was charged with one count of manufacturing and nine counts of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. He is scheduled for trial in July 2023.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Orange Park Police Department, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Paducah Man Sentenced to over Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced today to 12 years and 7 months in prison for federal child pornography offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to court documents, Zacharias Schlipf, 34, was sentenced to today 12 years and 7 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession and distribution of child pornography. A search warrant executed on Schlipf’s electronic devices revealed approximately 700 videos containing child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the Kentucky State Police Cyber Crimes Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Paducah Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced today to 11 years and 8 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Billy J. Burns, 31, was sentenced today to 11 years and 8 months, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Othello Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offenses Related to the Homicide of a Four-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Senior United States District Judge William Fremming Nielsen sentenced Felipe Tapia-Perez, age 29, of Othello, Washington, to 168 months in federal prison after Tapia-Perez pled guilty on October 27, 2022, to being an Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Judge Nielsen ordered that Tapia-Perez’s federal sentence be served concurrently to an 86-month sentence for manslaughter in the first degree imposed by the Adams County, Washington, Superior Court. After his release from confinement, Tapia-Perez will also serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 24, 2021, eleven firearms were stolen during a residential burglary in Spokane County, Washington. At least one of the stolen firearms was purchased by Tapia-Perez shortly thereafter. On February 27, 2021, Tapia-Perez was involved in a domestic dispute with his intimate partner in a vehicle parked outside her residence in Othello, Washington. Tapia-Perez was barred from contacting his intimate partner due to a domestic violence protective order. During the argument Tapia-Perez was holding the stolen firearm. As Tapia-Perez’s four-year-old child was waiting outside the front passenger door window, the pistol discharged, and the bullet struck the child in the head. The child was driven to the Othello Community Hospital where the child passed away. Due to his lack of lawful immigration status, Tapia-Perez was prohibited from possessing firearms within the United States.
In announcing today’s sentence, Senior Judge Nielsen expressed the seriousness of this tragic case directly to Tapia-Perez: “You should not have had a firearm. The firearm was loaded. You were in an argument with a woman you are prohibited by a no contact order from being with, but you were with her anyway. You were waiving a firearm around, and it resulted in tragedy. The tragedy could not have been worse.”
After Tapia-Perez was sentenced, United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Through the Eastern District of Washington’s Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative, we are hoping to stop another incident like this from occurring.”
“This is a significant sentence and one that is well deserved by Mr. Tapia-Perez,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “He knew he shouldn’t have had firearms to begin with, let alone a stolen firearm, but the resulting horrific loss of his child for something so senseless makes this even more than tragic.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Othello Police Department, the Moses Lake Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:21-cr-00047-WFN
Muskogee County Resident Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of A ChildRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bradley Wayne Morris, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 420 months, per count, for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The sentences will run concurrently.
The charges arose from investigations by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 5, 2022, a federal jury found Morris guilty on all four counts of a Superseding Indictment at trial. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that between January 2018 and February 2020, Morris sexually abused a child under the age of twelve. The crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Morris will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.
Mount Vernon Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mount Vernon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute nearly 32 kilograms of methamphetamine over a three-month period and for illegally possessing two firearms.
James L. Mangold, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 16 years and 11 months in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 25, 2021, Mangold pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Co-defendant Francisco A. Magallon, 37, of San Diego, California, shipped at least seven packages that contained nearly 32 kilograms, or 85 pounds, of methamphetamine to Mangold between Jan. 24 and April 14, 2020. Mangold then shipped cash back to Magallon and distributed the methamphetamine to his co-conspirators in southwest Missouri.
On April 14, 2020, law enforcement intercepted a package that had been shipped from Magallon to Mangold via FedEx. The shipment, sent to the address of co-defendant Dustin L. Brenneman, 41, of Mount Vernon, contained a red and white Igloo cooler that was taped shut with two layers of duct tape. Inside the cooler, officers found five bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of nearly 6.2 kilograms, or approximately 14.2 pounds.
Law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery of the shipment to Brenneman’s residence, where Mangold accepted and signed for the parcel. Officers also executed a search warrant at Mangold’s residence. In the bedroom closet they found a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, along with a regular magazine and an extended 15-round capacity magazine, and a Kel-Tec .22-caliber pistol. They also found a backpack that contained a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Magallon was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2023, to 21 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Brenneman was sentenced on July 14, 2022, to five years and six months in federal prison without parole. Three additional defendants in this case have been sentenced and another defendant has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Combined Ozarks Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET), the Lawrence County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Montana Man Sentenced for Federal Hate and Firearms Crimes for Shooting Intended to Kill and Rid Town of LGBTQI+ ResidentsRead the Press Release
A Montana man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for shooting into a residence and attempting to shoot others with the intent of ridding a town of LGBTQI+ residents.
John Russell Howald, of Basin, was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 17 of a hate crime involving an attempt to kill and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for firing an AK-style rifle at the residence of a woman who was known within the town as lesbian and was home at the time, and then walking further into town intending to target others he perceived to be lesbian, queer, and gay. The trial lasted four days.
“This defendant is being held accountable for his horrific attempted mass shooting against the LGBTQI+ community in a Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Howald set out to rid the town of all LGBTQI+ members by killing them. He shot into the home of a lesbian resident, nearly killing her, with the hope of inspiring similar attacks around the country. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend the rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to be free from hate-fueled violence. This Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to using the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act to hold perpetrators of hate-fueled violence targeting the LGBTQI+ community accountable.”
“Howald fired multiple shots into someone’s home based solely on her sexual orientation and only the heroic and brave actions of residents and law enforcement, as well as some good fortune, prevented a targeted mass shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “It is the kind of conduct that has no place in Montana, which is why our office vigorously prosecuted Howald and why the justice system is holding him accountable for his actions. Our office has an unshakable commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the civil rights of all Montanans, including our LGBTQI+ friends and family members.”
“Motivated by hatred of the LGBTQI+ community and armed with multiple firearms and high-capacity magazines, this defendant sought to intimidate - even terrorize – an entire community by shooting into the victim’s home trying to kill her for no reason other than her sexual orientation, this defendant did something distinctly un-American by depriving her of her sense of safety, freedom and privacy all at once,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “This 18-year sentence reflects the appalling nature of Howald’s actions. I want to commend the ATF Helena Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their extraordinary work ensuring justice, not only for the victim, but for the entire LGBTQI+ community.”
“The unfortunate reality is bigotry and hate exist in our communities. Still, as a diverse nation, we will not tolerate violence motivated by such bias,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The harm and trauma experienced by the victim, her family, and the entire community may be irreparable, but rest assured, the FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all.”
According to court documents, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian, queer and gay community. Howald was armed with two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols and multiple high-capacity magazines that were taped together to speed reloading. Howald walked to the first victim’s residence and fired multiple rounds from an AK-style rifle into her property and home, all because of his belief regarding her sexual orientation. Hoping he had killed her, Howald set off toward other houses occupied by people who identify as lesbian, queer or gay.
Local residents, who knew Howald and happened to be leaving church, stalled him long enough for a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy to respond and inadvertently recorded Howald yelling and firing more rounds with the same rifle, expressing his hatred toward the community’s gay and lesbian residents and his determination to “clean” them from his town. When the deputy arrived, Howald pointed the AK-style rifle at the officer, nearly starting a shootout in downtown Basin, and then fled into the hills, firing at least one round as he went. Law enforcement arrested Howald the next day and found him armed with a loaded pistol and a knife. In Howald’s car, officers found an AR-style rifle and a revolver. During a search of Howald’s camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle, and ammunition.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, Special Agent in Charge Gibson and ATF Director Dettelbach made the announcement.
The FBI, ATF and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Montana Man Sentenced for Federal Hate and Firearms Crimes for Shooting Intended to Kill and Rid Town of LGBTQI+ ResidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- A Montana man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for shooting into a residence and attempting to shoot others with the intent of ridding a town of LGBTQI+ residents.
John Russell Howald, of Basin, was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 17 of a hate crime involving an attempt to kill and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for firing an AK-style rifle at the residence of a woman who was known within the town as lesbian and was home at the time, and then walking further into town intending to target others he perceived to be lesbian, queer, and gay. The trial lasted four days.
“This defendant is being held accountable for his horrific attempted mass shooting against the LGBTQI+ community in a Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Howald set out to rid the town of all LGBTQI+ members by killing them. He shot into the home of a lesbian resident, nearly killing her, with the hope of inspiring similar attacks around the country. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend the rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to be free from hate-fueled violence. This Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to using the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act to hold perpetrators of hate-fueled violence targeting the LGBTQI+ community accountable.”
“Howald fired multiple shots into someone’s home based solely on her sexual orientation and only the heroic and brave actions of residents and law enforcement, as well as some good fortune, prevented a targeted mass shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “It is the kind of conduct that has no place in Montana, which is why our office vigorously prosecuted Howald and why the justice system is holding him accountable for his actions. Our office has an unshakable commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the civil rights of all Montanans, including our LGBTQI+ friends and family members.”
“Motivated by hatred of the LGBTQI+ community and armed with multiple firearms and high-capacity magazines, this defendant sought to intimidate - even terrorize – an entire community by shooting into the victim’s home trying to kill her for no reason other than her sexual orientation, this defendant did something distinctly un-American by depriving her of her sense of safety, freedom and privacy all at once,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “This 18-year sentence reflects the appalling nature of Howald’s actions. I want to commend the ATF Helena Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their extraordinary work ensuring justice, not only for the victim, but for the entire LGBTQI+ community.”
“The unfortunate reality is bigotry and hate exist in our communities. Still, as a diverse nation, we will not tolerate violence motivated by such bias,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The harm and trauma experienced by the victim, her family, and the entire community may be irreparable, but rest assured, the FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all.”
According to court documents, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian, queer and gay community. Howald was armed with two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols and multiple high-capacity magazines that were taped together to speed reloading. Howald walked to the first victim’s residence and fired multiple rounds from an AK-style rifle into her property and home, all because of his belief regarding her sexual orientation. Hoping he had killed her, Howald set off toward other houses occupied by people who identify as lesbian, queer or gay.
Local residents, who knew Howald and happened to be leaving church, stalled him long enough for a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy to respond and inadvertently recorded Howald yelling and firing more rounds with the same rifle, expressing his hatred toward the community’s gay and lesbian residents and his determination to “clean” them from his town. When the deputy arrived, Howald pointed the AK-style rifle at the officer, nearly starting a shootout in downtown Basin, and then fled into the hills, firing at least one round as he went. Law enforcement arrested Howald the next day and found him armed with a loaded pistol and a knife. In Howald’s car, officers found an AR-style rifle and a revolver. During a search of Howald’s camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle, and ammunition.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, Special Agent in Charge Gibson and ATF Director Dettelbach made the announcement.
The FBI, ATF and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Michigan Man Faces Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Terry Catchings, Jr., aka “Biggs,” 28, of Detroit, Michigan, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for arraignment on a federal drug charge. In March 2023, a federal grand jury returned a third superseding indictment charging Catchings, Jr.; Fredrick Campbell II, aka “Momo,” 19, of Detroit, Michigan; and Jason Sicely, aka “Jay,” 35, of Barre, Vermont, with conspiring to distribute heroin and methamphetamine between July 2022 and August 4, 2022.
As for Catchings’ co-defendants, Campbell was arrested on August 4, 2022, Sicely was arrested on January 19, 2023, and both have previously appeared in United States District Court on this matter.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Catchings, Campbell, and Sicely are presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime. The drug conspiracy charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Any sentence in the case would be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Montpelier Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Catchings is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq. Campbell is represented by Gregory Mertz, Esq. Sicely is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ALFREDO ERASMO CASTILLO-MORALES, age 33, a Mexican national, pled guilty on June 13, 2013 to an indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, ALFREDO ERASMO CASTILLO-MORALES (“CASTILLO-MORALES”) admitted to reentering the United States after being previously removed on November 1, 2019.
CASTILLO-MORALES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Metro Atlanta man sentenced for money laundering conspiracy involving COVID fraud proceedsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Oluwagbemiga Otufale has been sentenced for money laundering conspiracy involving fraudulent proceeds of multiple fraud schemes.
“Otufale attempted to take advantage of our country during a time of unprecedented crisis for the most vulnerable in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is committed to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals involved in COVID-19 relief fraud and those who launder the proceeds of that criminal activity.”
“So many individuals needed federal emergency assistance to stay afloat during the pandemic, and Otufale laundered millions of dollars of that assistance money, allowing fraudsters to enjoy their ill-gotten gains and lining his own pockets,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “His greed affects every American taxpayer, and the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who abused tax payer dollars and diverted them from citizens who desperately needed them.”
“Oluwagbemiga Otufale used fraudulent passports and other identity documents to open numerous bank accounts in the names of various shell companies. Otufale used the accounts to launder more than $2.6 million in illicit funds. Most of the laundered funds were the proceeds of fraudulent unemployment claims that were filed in multiple states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington. These fraudulent claims were filed using the personal identifiable information of unwitting individuals. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the unemployment insurance system from those who seek to exploit the system,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act created a temporary federal program that provided up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for those unemployed as a result of the pandemic and included a provision to provide temporary benefits to individuals who had exhausted their entitlement to regular benefits or were otherwise not eligible. That temporary federal program was administered by state employment agencies.
Otufale laundered money procured from fraudulent unemployment claims submitted to numerous state employment agencies, including those in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Massachusetts. These claims were filed using stolen personally identifiable information of more than 50 individuals. Otufale also laundered proceeds from a business email compromise scheme targeting two Georgia businesses.
Otufale created multiple aliases and sham business entities to open financial accounts in which he deposited the fraudulent proceeds and withdrew cash. In total, Otufale laundered approximately $2.6 million in fraud proceeds through at least six bank accounts.
Oluwagbemiga Otufale, also known as “Joseph Perrone,” “Kelvin Benjamin,” and “Abraham Young,” 45, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $498,450. Otufale was convicted of the charge of money laundering conspiracy on December 7, 2022, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Klapman and Tracia King prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Member of Navajo Nation Sentenced to 120 Months for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Raydell Billy was sentenced to 90 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and 30 months for violating prior terms of supervised release, with the sentences to run consecutively for a total of 120 months in prison. Billy, 32, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was found guilty of the charge on March 8, 2023, by a federal jury sitting in Albuquerque, New Mexico following a one and a half-day trial. United States District Judge Kea W. Riggs presided.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that victim John Doe was at his girlfriend’s home with her young child in Shiprock, New Mexico on the evening of April 11, 2022, when Defendant Raydell Billy and two others burst into their home and attacked him. The home is located within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.
John Doe’s girlfriend testified that on that evening, Raynorma Billy knocked on the door, and the girlfriend opened the door to let Raynorma in. Immediately after, Raynorma Billy, Raydell Billy, and Alvin White barged their way through, rushed down the hallway of the home, and found John Doe lying down in the bedroom, where they immediately attacked him. His girlfriend further testified that she had been in the hallway struggling with Raynorma Billy when she heard a gunshot and ran into the bedroom to see a gun in Raydell Billy’s hands. White, who participated in the attack, testified that he and Raydell Billy attacked John Doe with the intent to commit bodily harm. He testified that they both hit John Doe and that he also heard the gunshot, which came from over his shoulder, and that Raydell Billy was the only person in the room and was the shooter. Finally, a Navajo Nation criminal investigator testified about finding a bullet hole in the bedroom’s mattress and box spring, and that he collected a bullet fragment as evidence from underneath the bed. The bullet hole’s point of impact was right in front of where John Doe had been standing when the shot was fired. The criminal investigator further testified that John Doe’s car, which was parked outside the home, suffered damage from multiple gunshots and that its windows had been smashed in.
John Doe, who said he tries to forget about that day, testified about the attack and his fear that he would be shot. He said he was attacked in the bedroom by all three defendants and that it was Raydell Billy who held him at gunpoint with a handgun. John Doe further testified that Raydell Billy fired the gun in his direction. At one point, Raydell Billy began hitting him in the back of the head with the gun.
Raydell Billy, Raynorma Billy, and Alvin White were indicted on May 25, 2022, for the assault. White pleaded guilty and entered into an agreement with the government on February 1, 2023, admitting that he and Raydell Billy assaulted John Doe with a handgun and their fists and that Raydell Billy fired a round from the handgun into the bed. He also agreed to cooperate and provided testimony in the now-concluded trial. A superseding indictment was filed against Raydell Billy and Raynorma Billy on February 22, 2023. Raynorma Billy pleaded guilty on February 28, 2023, to being a conspirator, admitting that she, Raydell Billy, and Alvin White discussed and agreed to assault John Doe.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the Federal Bureau Investigation and by Navajo Nation Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Matthew J. McGinley.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 17 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced this week to 17 ½ years in prison for charges related to drug distribution and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Clarence Carpenter, 41, was sentenced this week to 17 ½ years in prison, followed by a five years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of manufacturing and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of marijuana, and possession of a fireman by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Bardstown Police Department and the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Ford prosecuted the case.
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Lexington County Man Sentenced to 23 Years on Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- Christopher Michael Alexander, 32, of Gilbert, South Carolina, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity, to be followed by a lifetime of supervision and registration as a sex offender.
According to evidence presented in Court, on May 19, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Mount Pleasant Police Department participated in an online chat operation targeting child sex offenders, where an officer posed as a 13-year-old female. That day, Alexander engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the alleged 13-year-old female as well as sent and requested sexually explicit photographs through various social media applications and text messages. Alexander ultimately traveled to the residence where he believed the 13-year-old lived to engage in sexual activities with her. At that time, he was arrested.
Evidence presented in Court indicated Alexander made admissions to law enforcement that he previously engaged in numerous occasions of the sexual battery of minors. Alexander admitted that he had previously digitally penetrated at least 25 infants on hundreds of occasions as well as digitally penetrated another minor child approximately six times a day for weeks.
Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Alexander to 23 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision, and Alexander will have to register as a sex offender after release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Mount Pleasant Police Department participated in the online chat operation. The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 11 Years and 7 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Las Vegas, Nevada man, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 11 years and 7 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Joseph Smith, 32, was sentenced today to 11 years and 7 months, followed by a 6-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Hancock, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Kalamazoo Man Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury in Grand Rapids returned a superseding indictment charging a Kalamazoo man with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. The indictment is attached.
“Fentanyl has tragically claimed too many lives and become a deadly menace throughout the Western District of Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “Kalamazoo in particular has recently witnessed an unprecedented number of fentanyl-related tragedies. My office remains committed to prosecuting dealers whose sales of this dangerous drug ultimately kill members of our community.”
In the superseding indictment, the grand jury alleges that on November 23, 2022, Antjuan Pierre Jackson, 38, of Kalamazoo, distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim. The superseding indictment separately charges that, three weeks later, on December 15, 2022, Jackson possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl and intended to distribute it. According to DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly dose of the drug.
“The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team will continue to seek the highest charges while investigating individuals, or groups of individuals, selling illicit and sometimes deadly narcotics on our streets,” said Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team Captain Michael Ferguson. “We appreciate our partnership with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We certainly hope that this indictment will deter future decisions in continuing this criminal activity.”
Jackson is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He will be arraigned on the superseding indictment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. If convicted of the charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, Jackson faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison with a maximum penalty up to life. The presiding judge, U.S. District
Judge Jane M. Beckering, will determine Jackson’s ultimate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Jefferson County Man with Multiple Prior Felony Convictions Indicted on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment on February 7, 2023, charging a local man with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Anthony Stewart, 22, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 28, 2022, Stewart possessed a Smith and Wesson handgun after he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On February 1, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of robbery in the second degree, burglary in the second degree, and receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000. On April 16, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of receiving stolen property over $500, and receiving a stolen firearm. On April 14, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of escape in the second degree, tampering with a prisoner monitoring device, and theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $500 but less than $10,000.
The defendant made an initial court appearance last week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Stewart faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and Louisville Metro Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Porter.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Jefferson County Man Sentenced to More than 18 Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge yesterday sentenced a Jefferson County man on child pornography offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Andrew Scott Eaton, 32 of Mulga, to 222 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. On February 7, 2023, Eaton pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Eaton had previously been convicted under the laws of the State of Alabama of Sexual Abuse, First Degree, in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, and of Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old, in the Circuit Court of Bibb County.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Lloyd C. Peeples prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing 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, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Richard A. Philbrick, 37, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more fentanyl. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Philbrick bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, and utilized Facebook for his drug trafficking activities. Philbrick used and maintained residences on Newland Avenue in Jamestown for drug trafficking. During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases from Philbrick. On May 4, 2022, during a traffic stop by Jamestown Police, officers recovered drugs and drug paraphernalia, $1,098 in U.S. currency, fentanyl, methamphetamine, morphine pills, hydrocodone pills, buprenorphine pills, psilocybin mushrooms, cellphones, suboxone strips, and a Pellet Gun, on Philbrick’s person and during a search of the vehicle.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
Philbrick’s sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2023, before Judge Vilardo.
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Jamestown Man Going to Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Douglas Beardsley, 38, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms, was sentenced to serve 176 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between September 2018 and January 2019, Beardsley bought, sold, and distributed heroin and methamphetamine for profit in the Jamestown area, utilizing several co-conspirators, associates, and runners as well as Facebook and various electronic devices to operate his drug trafficking activities. Beardsley also distributed large amounts of methamphetamine to numerous other individuals in the Jamestown area. During the conspiracy, Beardsley utilized residences on Linden and Forest Avenue in Jamestown for his drug trafficking. In January 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the Forest Avenue residence, recovering two firearms, ammunition, $296.00 in cash, quantities of crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia. Throughout the conspiracy, Beardsley obtained approximately $112,000 in monetary proceeds from drug trafficking.
In March 2005, March 2009, and February 2013, Beardsley was convicted on various charges in Chautauqua County Court, including drug possession, attempted burglary, and DWI, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamestown Man Going Back to Prison for Escaping from Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Melvin Ingram, 45, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of escape, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond J. Fadel, Paul E. Bonanno, and Charles M. Kruly, who are handling the case, stated that in November 2018, Ingram was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. On May 3, 2022, the Bureau of Prisons transferred Ingram from Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood, in Allenwood, PA, to a community-based placement at CRJ Lighthouse Residential Reentry Center, in Buffalo. Late in the morning on July 24, 2022, Ingram left the RRC without permission from the RRC staff. Ingram was arrested by the United States Marshals Service on November 10, 2022.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Residential Reentry Management Office, Pittsburgh, PA.
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Inmate at FCI-Berlin Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An inmate at FCI Berlin pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord to assaulting and seriously injuring another prisoner, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Aniel Gomez, 48, pleaded guilty to an assault resulting in serious bodily injury. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for September 26, 2023. Gomez was charged on March 15, 2023.
On December 19, 2022, Gomez beat another inmate with a homemade weapon consisting of two padlocks strapped together. Prison video footage showed Gomez waiting for the victim. After the victim exited a shower, Gomez followed him and beat him with the homemade weapon. As a result, the victim suffered head trauma including lacerations above the right eyebrow and back of the head.
At the time of the assault, Gomez was serving a 365 month imprisonment for conspiracy to maintain a residence for manufacturing and distributing marijuana, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 or more marijuana plants.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.
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Hutchinson Woman Charged with Embezzling More Than $2 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Hutchinson woman has been charged with mail fraud for embezzling over $2 million from her employer, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Jennifer Lee Rath, 52, worked as the financial controller at R&R Excavating, Inc., a heavy civil construction company located in Hutchinson, Minnesota. As the financial controller, Rath was responsible for managing R&R’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, company credit cards, and corporate bank accounts. Rath used her position to embezzle funds and convert them to her own use and benefit. Rath routinely drafted manipulated checks that appeared to cover R&R’s liabilities, but instead she used the funds to pay her own credit card debts, tax liabilities, or cover other personal expenses. Rath also processed electronic fund transfers from R&R’s bank accounts to pay personal expenses and improperly charged personal expenses to R&R’s company credit cards. Rath manipulated R&R’s accounting software to conceal the money she stole, avoid detection, and prolong her fraud scheme.
In total, between August 2013 and December 2019, Rath knowingly and willfully embezzled $2,061,328.67 from her employer.
Rath will make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Hutchinson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.
The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Henryetta Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Jagger Levi Gordon, age 29, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 110 months imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On February 16, 2022, Gordon pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, Gordon admitted that he had possessed 20 grams of pure methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and ammunition—all of which were discovered by law enforcement responding to an emergency call to his residence in Henryetta, Oklahoma, on March 8, 2021. At the plea hearing, Gordon also admitted to possessing the methamphetamine for distribution purposes.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Gordon will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Gregg County Man Sentenced to 9 years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Longview man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Dimitri Aaron Reynoso, 48, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker.
According to information presented in court, Reynoso was trafficking various types of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and pills laced with fentanyl in and around Longview and Tyler. During the course of a joint state and federal investigation, law enforcement officers purchased methamphetamine from Reynoso on multiple occasions. On January 25, 2022, Reynoso sold 82.63 grams of methamphetamine for $1,000. On February 9, 2022, Reynoso sold 7.7 grams of methamphetamine for $140. Reynoso aborted the sale of one pound of methamphetamine on March 1, 2022. On May 19, 2022, Reynoso agreed to sell 8 ounces of methamphetamine to law enforcement. Upon observing Reynoso before the meeting in Longview, Reynoso was arrested and found to be in possession of 211.3 grams of methamphetamine and approximately one ounce of marijuana. Reynoso was held responsible for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 301 grams of methamphetamine. On July 20, 2022, Reynoso was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety-Texas Highway Patrol, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Longview Police Department, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit, and the East Texas Anti-Gang Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.
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Greensboro, N.C. Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to $4.7 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Aljihad Shabazz, 44, of Kernersville, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriquez today and pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy for his role in a scheme that defrauded the North Carolina Medicaid Program (Medicaid) of more than $4.7 million, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI), and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who oversees the North Carolina Medicaid Division (MID), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court records, filed plea documents, and today’s hearing, Shabazz was the owner and operator of Reign & Inspirations, LLC (R&I), a clinic that provided outpatient behavioral services in Greensboro and surrounding areas. Between 2017 and 2020, Shabazz conspired with other individuals to carry out an extensive health care fraud scheme involving the fraudulent submissions of fake reimbursement claims to Medicaid, for services that were never provided to Medicaid beneficiaries. As Shabazz admitted in court today, he obtained the personal identifying information (PII) of Medicaid beneficiaries through community outreach programs, including football and mentoring programs, and misused the beneficiaries’ PII to create and submit hundreds of fraudulent reimbursement claims and to receive payment for services that were never in fact provided by R&I. Over the course of the scheme, Shabazz used the beneficiaries’ PII to submit more than 1,500 fraudulent reimbursement claims to Medicaid, some of which claimed that R&I provided services that exceeded 24 hours in a single day.
Court records show that the reimbursement payments made by Medicaid were deposited in bank accounts under Shabazz’s control. Shabazz used a portion of the fraudulent proceeds to pay kickbacks to his co-conspirators and to cover personal expenses, including to pay for personal travel, luxury items, and timeshares, and to make cash withdrawals.
Shabazz was released on bond following his plea hearing. The health care fraud conspiracy charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and the money laundering conspiracy charge up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date for Shabazz has not been set.
In making today's announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited the FBI in Charlotte, IRS-CI, and NCDOJ’s Medicaid Investigations Division for the investigation that led to today’s guilty plea
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassye Cole and Mike Savage and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jermaine Sellers with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Great Falls man admits lying about income to receive MedicaidRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS —A Great Falls man accused of lying about his income to receive Medicaid while he had cancer admitted to fraud charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Dustin Tempel, 38, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with health care fraud. Tempel faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 9. Dustin Tempel was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that investigators uncovered false IRS form 1099s for Dustin Tempel while investigating his mother, Lynn Tempel, who was the finance manager for William Tempel Construction and was sentenced for fraudulently inflating construction costs when building a home for a victim in Great Falls. Investigators determined from a review of bank records that Dustin Tempel received money approximately every two weeks from Lynn Tempel, and that $286,969 of income to Dustin Tempel was underreported during a five-year period.
The government further alleged that in November 2016, Kelly Tempel, Dustin Tempel’s wife, applied for Medicaid, which is a health care benefit. When applying, the Tempels underrepresented their income, claiming they made only $1,692 per month, which was false. If the Tempels had reported their actual income, Dustin Tempel would not have qualified for Medicaid. Investigators further determined that the Tempels had applied for a bank loan for a 2019 Ford F350 in the amount of $63,589 and claimed they made $8,000 in gross monthly income. As a result, from November 2017 to September 2020, Dustin Tempel received $75,493 from Medicaid that he was not entitled to receive.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 92 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael A. Davis, 34 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Davis was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in February 2022, law enforcement responded to a 911 call and upon arrival, located Davis. A firearm with an obliterated serial number was also recovered which Davis possessed. Davis’ criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Patrick D. Grindlay.
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.
Former Long Beach First Responder Sentenced to More Than 29 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes, Including Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Coworker’s Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former first responder who worked at a Long Beach hospital was sentenced today to 352 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl to two of his co-workers who thought they were buying cocaine, one of whom later died of an overdose after ingesting the powerful opioid.
Cruz Noel Quintero, 43, of Long Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina A. Snyder, who scheduled a September 6 restitution hearing in this case.
At the conclusion of a six-day trial in September 2022, a jury found Quintero guilty of one count of distributing fentanyl resulting in death, one count of possessing machine guns, two counts of possessing unregistered firearms, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at trial, beginning no later than February 2018, Quintero – who was employed as an emergency medical technician at a Long Beach hospital – shipped cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs across the country, and he distributed them locally out of a Long Beach residence.
In May 2019, in the parking lot outside the hospital’s emergency room, Quintero sold a white powder he claimed was cocaine for $100 to a hospital coworker who was planning to go on a weekend trip to Las Vegas with her partner, a former nurse at the Long Beach hospital and volunteer firefighter. The following morning, the couple sampled the white powder – not knowing that it in fact was fentanyl – and both of them passed out. One of the victims – identified in court documents as “S.F.” – later was pronounced dead.
Two toxicologists testified that the only drug they found in S.F.’s blood was fentanyl, and two doctors – a medical examiner and a medical toxicologist – testified that the victim died because of fentanyl toxicity.
After learning that Quintero sold the fatal dose, law enforcement searched two residences in Long Beach and discovered Quintero’s illicit drug-trafficking operation. Across both residences, they found 13 firearms that included two machine guns, two short-barreled assault rifles, and nine other guns, some of which were loaded. One of the residences, which Quintero used as his base of operations, was littered with drug-trafficking paraphernalia, including over ten pounds of cutting agents used to dilute the quality of the drugs he sold and a hydraulic press used to manufacture kilogram bricks of cocaine.
According to trial testimony, Quintero also shipped kilogram-quantities of cocaine and pound-quantities of methamphetamine to drug traffickers in Minnesota, which prompted frequent complaints about the poor quality of his product.
Quintero has been in custody since his arrest shortly after the fatal overdose in May 2019.
“Quintero operated a reckless and callous drug trafficking business that repeatedly endangered people’s lives and ultimately killed [the victim],” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “For at least a year, [Quintero] shipped kilos of cocaine and pounds of methamphetamine out of state, and sold poor-quality, adulterated drugs to unsuspecting buyers, all while guarding his drug-distribution outpost in Long Beach with machine guns and short-barreled rifles.”
Judge Snyder sentenced Quintero to 292 months in prison for the fentanyl death count, 120 months in prison for the firearms counts, 240 months in federal prison for the maintaining a drug premises count – all of which are to run concurrent to each other. Finally, she sentenced Quintero to 60 months in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, a term which will run consecutive to the other counts.
Homeland Security Investigations; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Los Angeles and Minneapolis; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Suria M. Bahadue of the Criminal Appeals Section and David C. Lachman of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
Former Executive Director Sentenced to Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Alfonzo Bailey, 40, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Bailey was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and restitution of $3,465,643.33.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Bailey founded Eye for Change Youth and Family Services in 2016 and provided a wide range of services to clients such as mental health counseling, case management, job training, and supportive housing. Beginning in 2017, Bailey and his defendants conspired together to execute a scheme to defraud The Ohio Department of Medicaid by obtaining payments on false claims. To execute the scheme, Bailey encouraged his staff to create false progress notes for counseling services not actually rendered to patients in order to bill the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Search warrants were executed at Eye for Change Youth and Family Services in 2020 which led to the indictments of 21 defendants including Bailey.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cleveland, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Collyer and Edward Brydle as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Metzler.
Former Colstrip police officer sentenced eight years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A former Colstrip Police Department officer who admitted to directing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in February to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,237 restitution.
“By using his position as a law enforcement officer, Borhan violated the public’s trust and used a minor girl for his own sexual gratification. Our office has no greater responsibility than to protect our children from sexual exploitation and we will do whatever it takes to hold accountable those who seek to harm them. Today, we did just that,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that between August 2021 and April 2022, while serving as a Colstrip police officer, Borhan was engaged in an online messaging relationship with a minor girl, identified as Jane Doe. Borhan used his position as a police officer to gain the trust and friendship of the girl and carried on a secret relationship with her for almost a year under the guise of being her mentor, counselor and therapist. The conversation became sexual in nature, and Jane Doe complied with Borhan’s instructions to send him pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Borhan admitted to sending Jane Doe approximately 20 sexual pictures and videos of himself and estimated receiving hundreds of sexual images and videos from her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and Colstrip Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former Bosnian Prison Camp Supervisor Indicted in Scheme to Conceal His Acts of Wartime PersecutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Swampscott man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today for his alleged fraudulent claims of persecution to become a United States refugee and, later, a United States citizen.
Kemal Mrndzic, 51, was charged with using a fraudulently obtained U.S. passport; possessing and using a fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate and fraudulently obtained Social Security card; making a false statement to federal law enforcement officers; and engaging in a scheme to conceal his involvement in persecution during the Bosnian War. Mrndzic was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 17, 2023. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Mrndzic served as a supervisor of the guards at a notorious prison camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the sectarian war which fractured the country in the 1990s. The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found that guards at the Celebici prison camp had committed numerous murders, rapes, and had engaged in torture and other forms of persecution of Serb prisoners held at the camp. Three of Mrndzic’s fellow guards were convicted by the ICTY after a trial in the Hague at which survivors testified to the harrowing prison camp conditions. According to the documents filed in this matter, numerous survivors have since identified Mrndzic as being involved in the beatings and other abuses committed there.
According to the charging documents, after the war ended, investigators from the ICTY interviewed Mrndzic in Sarajevo and allegedly accused him of being involved in the abuses at Celebici. Mrndzic subsequently concocted a scheme to flee the country by crossing the border into Croatia and allegedly applying as a refugee to the United States using a fabricated story. It is alleged that in his refugee application and interview, he falsely claimed that he fled his home after he was captured, interrogated and abused by Serb forces, and could not return home for fear of future persecution. He was admitted to the U.S. as a refugee in 1999, and ultimately became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009.
“This prosecution demonstrates that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will spare no effort in detecting and prosecuting those who engage in wartime persecution and then cross our borders to conceal their history. Emigrating to the United States is a privilege and if you conceal your criminal conduct to deceive your way into this country, you will ultimately be detected,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy
“Mrndzic is alleged to have lied about his past as a supervisor of camp guards at a Bosnian prison camp known to be the site of violence and persecution, concealing these facts to flee to the United States and begin a new life,” said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Our special agents spend years investigating cases of alleged human rights violators and war criminals, interviewing survivors and working alongside historians, in an effort to uncover the true history of perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Celebici Camp survivors and family members who have information about the operation of the Camp, or have questions regarding this matter, should call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 888-221-6023 or send an email to: [email protected]. Please indicate if you would prefer to be contacted in English or Serbo-Croatian.
Bivši logoraši koji su bili u logoru u Čelebićima ili članovi njihovih porodica koji imaju informacije o logoru ili pitanje o ovom predmetu, mogu nazvati Jedinice za pomoć žrtаva kod kancelarije federalnog tužioca tel. 888-221-6023 ili putem e-mailom: [email protected]. Molim obavjestite nas ako želite da mi vas kontaktiramo na engleskom ili na srpskom-hrvatskom-bosanskom jeziku.
Бивши логораши који су били у логору Челебићима или чланови њихових породица који имају информације о логору или питање о овом предмету, могу назвати Јединице за помоћ жртава код канцеларије федералног тужиоца тел. 888-221-6023 или путем е-маилом: [email protected]. Молим обавјестите нас ако желите да ми вас контактирамо на енгелеском или на српском-хрватском босанском језику.
The charges of using a fraudulently obtained passport and fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The three remaining charges each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The ICTY judgment which provides a detailed recitation of crimes committed at Celebici can be found here.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; HSI Acting SAC Krol; Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. The Swampscott Police Department also provided important assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. McNeil and Jason A. Casey of Levy’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fentanyl Dealer Linked to Fatal Teenage Overdose SentencedRead the Press Release
A fentanyl dealer tied to the death of a 16-year-old boy was sentenced this week to 12 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Eric Aden Herrera, 20, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to distribution of controlled substances to a person under 21. He was sentenced Tuesday by Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means.
“Fentanyl, which is often hidden inside more innocuous-looking counterfeit pills, can snuff out a life in an instant,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “This defendant claimed he was too afraid to try these pills himself, yet he was willing to sell them to an unsuspecting teenager. We must ensure our teens understand that drug dealers will resort to unscrupulous behavior in order to make a buck, and that unless prescribed by a doctor, no pill is safe. The Justice Department will not rest until fentanyl is no longer being sold on our streets.”
“Dealing and purchasing pills on the streets, regardless of what they ‘might’ look like, must stop,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Fort Worth. “Illicit fentanyl has made its way into every one of our neighborhoods and you cannot take a chance. The consequences are real. While we cannot heal the damage already done to the victim’s family, we can continue to hold those like Mr. Herrera, and all others, accountable for the devastation selling drugs cause.”
According to plea papers, Mr. Herrera admitted he knowingly distributed counterfeit Percocet pills laced with fentanyl to a victim identified in the complaint as L.W.
He arranged the sale via Snapchat and then met the victim outside his girlfriend’s house to make the exchange.
Shortly after purchasing the pills, L.W. ingested two of them and fatally overdosed. His friend found him unresponsive in bed and called 911. An autopsy revealed L.W. died of acute fentanyl toxicity.
In an interview with law enforcement, Mr. Herrera admitted he sold pills to L.W.
He said that after he got the pills from his dealer, he considered breaking one in half to try it with his girlfriend, but decided not to because he didn’t know about how they were made and was too scared to take them himself.
A review of Mr. Herrera’s Snapchat history confirmed that he offered to sell L.W. Percocet and directed him to Mr. Herrera’s girlfriend’s street.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Montes prosecuted the case.
Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
Federal Jury Convicts North Carolina Man of Transporting Cocaine through LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday afternoon convicting Howard Davis, 45, of Raleigh, North Carolina, of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the two-day jury trial.
Testimony at trial showed that on August 2, 2022, Davis was stopped by a Louisiana State Trooper on Interstate 20 near Minden, Louisiana, for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of the story that Davis gave him as to why he was traveling through the area. The trooper was able to receive information from law enforcement indicating that the vehicle Davis was driving had been seen in North Carolina during the early morning hours the day before the traffic stop and was seen later that same evening in Dallas, Texas. The information Davis provided to the trooper led him to believe that he was not being truthful. A Louisiana State Trooper K-9 was called in and conducted an open-air sniff of Davis’ vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. While conducting a search of the vehicle, troopers found inside the trunk a tote bag containing approximately 4.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine wrapped in black electrical tape. The cocaine had an estimated street value of over $110,000. The narcotics were seized and sent to the DEA Laboratory for testing, and it was confirmed to be cocaine.
Davis faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. His sentencing has been scheduled for October 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy and Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney.
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Federal Jury Convicts for Unlawful Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Jesus Herrera-Salazar, age 41, of Rio Verde, Mexico was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The jury trial began and concluded on June 13, 2023, with the guilty verdict.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Herrera-Salazar was an alien found in the Eastern District of Oklahoma after having been previously deported or removed from the United States. Herrera-Salazar had not received the consent of the proper legal authority to reapply for admission to the United States.
The guilty verdict was the result of investigations by the Heavener Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. The defendant will remain in custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing.
FACT SHEET: Update on Justice Department ’s Ongoing Efforts to Tackle Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
On June 14, 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. These efforts include implementing the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) passed by Congress and signed by the President last June; addressing the proliferation of untraceable and unlawful “ghost guns” that threaten public safety; surging resources to federal, state, local, and Tribal law-enforcement partners on the front lines; and adopting other common-sense reforms that keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Focusing U.S. Attorney Resources on Gun Crimes: Today during the meeting, the Attorney General reiterated his February 2022 direction to U.S Attorneys’ Offices to prioritize combating gun violence. Among other actions, the Attorney General directed U.S. Attorneys to increase prosecutorial resources devoted to cracking down on illegal firearm trafficking pipelines, to hold accountable those who possess unlawful “ghost guns,” and to pursue investigations against unlawful gun dealing.
Expanding Background Checks: BSCA expanded background checks to include juvenile criminal and mental health records and local law enforcement contacts for prospective purchasers under the age of 21. Since the law’s enactment, the FBI has conducted more than 100,000 enhanced background checks for purchasers under the age of 21. Those checks have kept nearly 1,000 firearms out of the hands of dangerous and prohibited persons – including over 200 attempted transactions that were denied solely because of the changes made by BSCA. The FBI continues to engage in extensive education and outreach efforts to improve the state and local partnerships necessary to the success of these enhanced background checks, including by hosting webinars attended by over 500 law enforcement agencies.
Narrowing the Boyfriend Loophole: BSCA also narrowed the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by expanding restrictions on firearm purchases by those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to include those convicted of assault in a “dating relationship.” In August 2022, the FBI implemented the new “dating relationship” definition into its background-check system, and in October, the Department trained federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents on the expanded restriction. The Department is also continuously engaging in efforts to educate state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and court personnel on the need to document “dating relationship” factors in police reports and court records.
Fighting Illegal Trafficking in Firearms: BSCA created new criminal offenses for unlawfully trafficking in firearms and for straw-purchasing a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person, and it expanded the definition of “engaging in the business” of dealing in firearms. In the months since BSCA’s enactment, the Department held multiple trainings for federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents on these new provisions. That upfront investment is paying dividends in the courtroom: U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country have already charged more than 100 defendants with the new BSCA offenses of firearms-trafficking and straw-purchasing, and prosecutions for engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license have increased 52% over their FY2021 level.
Funding Evidence-Based Interventions: BSCA authorized a total of $1.4 billion in funding for new and existing violence-prevention and -intervention programs between 2022 and 2026. The Department has awarded more than $231 million in Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grants that will fund state crisis intervention programs, such as drug, mental health, and veterans’ treatment programs and extreme risk protection orders that will keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. State programs funded by the grants so far include:
- Education, training, and public-awareness campaigns on extreme risk protection order (“red flag”) laws;
- School resource officer training programs related to gun violence and youth mental health; and
- Drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts and behavioral health responses such as crisis mobile response teams and stabilization facilities.
The Department has also announced the allocation of
- $40 million in supplemental STOP School Violence grants;
- $20 million in supplemental COPS School Violence Prevention Program grants; and
- $100 million in supplemental Community Violence Intervention Grants, which will go toward developing and expanding the infrastructure needed to strengthen neighborhood and community safety.
Cracking down on ghost guns: Privately made firearms (PMF) – more commonly known as “ghost guns” – are especially attractive to dangerous and prohibited persons because of their untraceable nature. In 2022, the Department recovered 25,785 ghost guns in domestic seizures, as well as 2,453 through international operations. So far in 2023, the Department has recovered more than 10,000 PMFs domestically and 1,000 internationally. These recoveries come on the heels of newly announced Department regulations that modernize firearm definitions to curb the proliferation of ghost guns.
Enhancing Firearm and Ballistics Tracing Efforts: The Department continues to expand the availability and effectiveness of federal investigative resources to help state, local, and Tribal partners solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. Last year, the National Tracing Center operated by the ATF conducted 622,735 traces for firearms associated with crimes, representing a 10% increase over 2021 and a 48% increase over 2017. As of June 2023, the National Tracing Center has conducted 299,319 traces and is forecasting a total of over 675,000 traces by the end of this year. Nearly 10,000 law enforcement agencies have now been granted access to eTrace, the online system that allows participating agencies to submit firearm traces to ATF. And since June 2022, the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) has generated approximately 200,000 leads for law enforcement partners across the country.
Holding Gun Dealers Who Violate the Law Accountable: The Department has adopted an enhanced enforcement policy for federally licensed firearms dealers who willfully violate the law – for example, by refusing to run required background checks or selling guns with full awareness that they will end up in the hands of prohibited persons. Earlier this year, the ATF published information on over 90 federal firearms license revocations.
Easton Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Easton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute cocaine in Massachusetts and Maine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy.
Christopher Riley, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 42 months and five years of supervised release. On March 22, 2023, Riley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine.
Riley was charged in November 2021 along with 12 others in connection with a large drug conspiracy centering around the Gangster Disciples gang in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen. The investigation, which began in August 2020, intercepted communications between Gangster Disciples’ leaders, members and drug suppliers pertaining to their alleged distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and Suboxone in Massachusetts, Maine and southern New Hampshire as well as into the Essex County Jail. The investigation intercepted phone calls between Riley and other gang members, who conspired distribute cocaine in Massachusetts and Maine.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn, Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Levy’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
East Windsor Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Sexual Abuse of MinorRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK ROMAN, 54, of East Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 400 months of imprisonment*, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for recording his repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement began investigating Roman after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report that Roman’s email account was transmitting images of child sexual abuse. Investigators determined that Roman’s email account also contained voyeuristic images and videos of naked children that appeared to be homemade.
On November 2, 2021, the Connecticut State Police and East Windsor Police Department executed a state search warrant at Roman’s residence and seized Roman’s iPhone, laptop, and computer storage devices. Analysis of the seized revealed more than 1,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including images and videos of Roman sexually abusing a girl who was between the ages of six and eight. The seized images also included numerous voyeuristic videos that Roman secretly took of the minor victim, another minor female who was between the ages of two and four, and adult victims.
Roman has been detained since his arrest on November 29, 2021. On January 11, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the East Windsor Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
*On June 29, 2023, Judge Bryant issued an amended judgment correcting Roman's sentence to 360 months of imprisonment.
Drug Kingpin Sentenced to More than 24 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Drug Kingpin Sentenced to More than 24 Years in Prison
DETROIT – The leader of a 13-member conspiracy to distribute cocaine, opioid pills, and other drugs was sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Ray Guerrero, age 50, of Waterford, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Bernard A. Friedman. Evidence at Guerrero’s October 2022 jury trial showed that he supplied drugs to family members, friends, and others for sale, mostly in Oakland County, from 2009 through April 2017. He owned a house on Virginia Street in Pontiac, and he supplied drugs to relatives at that house for frequent sales, turning the Virginia Street house into a “trap” or drug house. Guerrero also provided drugs for sale at other Oakland County residences and properties. He used minors as well as adults to sell drugs, and the organization he led sold drugs at and near a school in Oakland County.
Twelve other defendants in the case had previously pleaded guilty; only Guerrero proceeded to trial. The jury found him guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine, pills, including Norcos and Valium, and other drugs) and being a felon in possession of firearms.
"Today’s sentence highlights the impact that collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has on our communities when it comes to combatting drug trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Drug dealers who use minors to help them distribute poison in our communities should know that we are committed to stopping them and ensuring that they face serious consequences.”
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment, free from illicit narcotics and the violence that goes hand in hand with these criminal activities,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “This large-scale investigation conducted by the FBI’s Oakland County Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force is a great example of how law enforcement agencies at every level can work together to positively impact a community
flooded with dangerous drugs. Mr. Guerrero’s sentence should serve as deterrent to anyone who thinks they can traffic drugs in Southeast Michigan without consequence.”
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF
The FBI’s Oakland County Violent Crime Task Force was the investigating agency. The Task Force includes FBI agents and other law enforcement partners such as Deputies of the Oakland County Sheriff, Madison Heights Police Department, Southfield Police Department, Bloomfield Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, Novi Police, Ferndale Police and officials from the Michigan Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Portelli.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with Intent to Kill While Armed and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Terreance Robinson, 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty, yesterday, to assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with a retaliatory shooting, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the Government’s evidence, on October 20, 2022, around 6:08 p.m., surveillance captured the defendant in the Clay Terrace neighborhood with his juvenile co-conspirators. While there, the defendant pulled two firearms out of his waistband before providing one to a juvenile co-conspirator. At approximately 6:42 p.m., the defendant and his three juvenile co-conspirators drove a carjacked vehicle (“Suspect Vehicle”) from the Clay Terrace neighborhood to the 500 block of 51st Street Northeast, Washington, D.C. in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. The defendant and his co-conspirators targeted a group of people who were gathered by the 500 block of 51st Street NE.
While driving by the group, the defendant and his co-conspirators fired their firearms at the group, prompting everyone in the group to flee. During the shooting, the Suspect Vehicle that defendant and his co-conspirators occupied collided into a parked vehicle on the road by 519 51st Street NE. The defendant and his co-conspirators swiftly exited the vehicle and fled the scene as the defendant continued to shoot his firearm at the retreating group. At least one individual in the targeted group was shot multiple times and was hospitalized for his injuries. While fleeing the scene, the defendant and his co-conspirators ran through Marvin Gaye Park and back to the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The investigation revealed that the shooting was retaliatory in nature.
Less than a month later, on November 16, 2022, federal and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. At the commencement of the search, the defendant ran upstairs and tossed out of a window a Glock 17, 9mm firearm. Police arrested the defendant and found, on his person, distribution-quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base that were packaged for sale. Ballistics analysis linked the Glock 17, 9mm firearm recovered from the defendant’s residence on November 16, 2022, to the October 20, 2022 shooting in Lincoln Heights. At the time of defendant’s conduct on October 20 and November 16, the defendant was on supervision in a case for which he had previously plead guilty for unlawful possession of a firearm.
On June 13, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 14, 2023, at which time the defendant faces a sentence of 15 years in prison.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force in Washington, D.C., and MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Will Hart, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section, who are prosecuting the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to seven years in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, and evidence presented at sentencing, Donnell Hargrove, 54, was stopped by law enforcement on the evening of August 21, 2022 for a traffic violation. Officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Hargrove admitted that marijuana had been smoked in the vehicle earlier and showed officers the marijuana. During the traffic stop and a search of Hargrove’s person, a loaded nine-millimeter pistol was found on Hargrove’s waistband. Hargrove was a felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Hargrove will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department.
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. In May 2021, the Department of Justice 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.
Columbus Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft resulting from an investigation that originated with citizen complaints about a suspected driver’s license renewal scheme.
Amanah Childs, 43, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 13. Childs faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and a maximum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Childs also faces a maximum of three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine for each count. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 29. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant attempted to defraud taxpayers and used unsuspecting citizen’s personal information to commit these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is a good reminder to all of us to carefully protect our personal identifying information and report suspected fraud to the authorities. Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will hold fraudsters accountable.”
“This is a great example of law enforcement partners working together to investigate and identify a fraudster illegally obtaining funds for her own personal gain,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). “Postal Inspectors will not cease in their ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse.”
“IRS-CI special agents and our federal and local law enforcement partners worked together to stop Childs from her attempts to defraud taxpayers and the federal government,” said Lisa Fontanette, acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Child’s guilty plea serves as a warning to individuals contemplating committing fraud that they better find a legal means to make a living, or they will face the same consequences.”
“When the Columbus Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit began this investigation, we already had 100 victims throughout the country, including Columbus, Georgia. Two search warrants of Childs’ residence, numerous arrest warrants and several court appearances later, we are getting to see justice achieved. This would not be possible without our amazing partners at the IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service who see the importance of fraud and financial investigations, especially the horrific impact it has on our citizens, society and economy. This also sends a strong message to people who commit these types of crimes that they, too, could face similar punishment,” said Sgt. Jane Edenfield with the Columbus Police Department.
According to court documents, the Columbus Police Department began receiving complaints from people in the community and other states in 2021 about an unknown person using a Columbus, Georgia, address to apply for driver’s license renewals and replacements in their names. Law enforcement suspected this was an attempt to fraudulently apply for credit cards. A subsequent investigation revealed that Childs lived at the address and a search warrant was executed at the residence; investigators found driver’s license replacement and renewal paperwork, credit cards and mail in other people’s names. In addition, evidence revealed that Childs was applying for federal loans in other people’s names without their knowledge or authorization. Law enforcement identified 20 instances where Childs fraudulently applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). All the applications, except one, were rejected by the program for suspected fraud. Fourteen fraudulent applications were submitted in the names of other people, using their means of identification and personal identifying information in the online application. Childs also submitted six fraudulent applications in her own name claiming nonexistent businesses with spurious gross revenues, costs of goods sold and other false information. The total intended loss was $1,006,600; the actual loss was $10,000. Childs used the name of a victim to get an advance on an EIDL loan for $10,000.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Chula Vista Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 14, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Keenon Green, who used social media to try to recruit someone he believed was a 16-year-old female into prostitution, was sentenced today in federal court to144 months in prison.
A jury convicted Green of Attempted Sex Trafficking of Children and Attempted Enticement of a Minor after a three-day jury trial in February.
According to evidence presented at trial, from December 16, 2021, to January 14, 2022, Green used Instagram direct messages and cell phone text messages to lure into prostitution a social media user he knew as “Lexi,” who told him she was 16 years old.
Green promised to provide protection for Lexi on “the blade,” a slang term that refers to an area where prostitutes/sex workers solicit sex-buyers. He also promised to get her a false identification and post commercial sex advertisements for her online. He assured her that she could “charge 350 a hour and only be in there 30 mins max.” He even offered to teach her how to drive. And in return, he expected Lexi to earn $500 a night as a prostitute, and $1,000 a night if they were out of town.
When Lexi finally agreed, he arranged to pick her up at a local park and planned to take her to Orange County to work on “the blade.” Showing his intent to follow through on that plan, he arrived at the meeting location with feminine items in the trunk of his vehicle, including hair products and a bottle of Vagisil. However, Lexi was not a 16-year-old female, but an undercover officer with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and he was greeted by law enforcement and immediately arrested.
Evidence presented at trial, and also discussed at the sentencing hearing, demonstrated that Green’s pimping activity was not just aspirational. Post-arrest, he admitted he “ran” seven to nine other women and had earned tens of thousands of dollars, bragging that he “lives off the earnings of a prostitute.” Instagram records showed that at the same time he was enticing Lexi to work for him as a prostitute, he was attempting to recruit multiple other women on Instagram, telling them that their “anatomy is the most valuable thing on this earth” and that he could help them “use it wisely.” Green also was not above using violence and threats of violence to keep his prostitutes in line. In an audio message presented at sentencing, Green repeatedly threatened one woman who was working for him as a prostitute, screaming that he would “break [her] fucking jaw,” “beat the shit out of [her],” “stomp a fucking mudhole in [her],” and “play games with [her] face.”
“The sentence imposed today recognizes the severity of the crime for which Mr. Green has been convicted,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Fortunately, proactive efforts by our law enforcement partners identified Mr. Green as someone willing to exploit the most vulnerable members of our society for nothing more than his own financial gain. This case should serve as a clear warning that law enforcement will not tolerate these crimes and will do everything in our power to protect children in our communities.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for their excellent work on this case.
“Today’s announcement is a result of strong partnerships by law enforcement agencies uniting to put a stop sexual violence and exploitation,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that those who engage in sex trafficking and target vulnerable youth in our communities will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank my team with the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their collaboration in making California a safer place. When we work together, we get results. Protecting public safety is our highest priority and we won’t rest until the job is done.”
“Sex traffickers typically prey on and sexually exploit the most vulnerable population; fortunately, in this case, the defendant was speaking to a law enforcement officer – not a 16-year-old girl,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI is committed to using proactive efforts to target and prevent sex trafficking offenses. Together, we can more effectively eradicate this vile criminal activity from the community.”
“The Sheriff’s Department is proud of the collaborative efforts by all involved in this investigation and prosecution. This teamwork is vitally important in targeting the people involved in this type of criminal behavior. The department is committed to these partnerships as we continue in our efforts to prevent these crimes from occurring.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-cr-187-CAB
Keenon Green Age: 35 Chula Vista
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Attempted Sex Trafficking of Children – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $250,000 fine, with 10-year mandatory minimum
Attempted Enticement of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2422(b)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $250,000 fine, with 10-year mandatory minimum
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Child Sex Trafficker Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
A DeSoto man who drugged young girls and then forced them into commercial sex was convicted Wednesday evening of 15 counts related to sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Anjum Zafar Mian, 42, was charged via criminal complaint in December 2022 and indicted in March 2023. After two days of trial and an hour and a half of deliberation, a jury convicted him Wednesday of two counts of sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion; two counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion; four counts of sex trafficking of a minor; three counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor; two counts of sexual exploitation of a child; one count of transporting a minor across state lines for prostitution; and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution.
“This man threatened, beat, drugged, and raped these girls – mere children – so that he could make money. That is the horrific truth of human trafficking, and it’s happening in our backyard,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “These victims are hiding in plain sight. Please, if you suspect trafficking, reach out to law enforcement. The Justice Department will not rest until the invisible chains of trafficking are broken.”
“Successfully removing child predators from our communities is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force,” said Lester R. Hayes Jr., Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “During the trial, the courageous testimony of the minors abused by this defendant ensured that he will account for his actions. Today’s verdict stands as a strong message that HSI will never relent in the pursuit of those who exploit children.“
According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Mian forced at least two young girls – ages 16 and 17 – to engage in commercial sex by intimating that he would harm their family if they did not comply.
He brought another 17 year old down from Oklahoma, would not allow her to go back home when she asked, and made her engage in commercial sex.
He also attempted to traffick an adult woman from Oklahoma, who called the police after he assaulted her.
The victims testified that Mr. Mian, who also went by the “AJ” and “Dre,” used explicit photos of them to advertise their sexual service online. He communicated with customers via TextNow and Google, then plied the girls with drugs and alcohol, delivered them to customers, and demanded they turn all proceeds over to him.
On multiple occasions, Mr. Mian raped them while they were unconscious, victims testified.
Mr. Mian now faces up to life in federal prison. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, Oct. 13 in Fort Worth.
The Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, DeSoto Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This was a North Texas Trafficking Task Force case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Matthew Weybrecht are prosecuted. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor presided over trial.
If you believe you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call local law enforcement or the 24/7 confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Bridgeport Felon Caught with Loaded Gun Receives 54 Months in Prison for Fourth Federal ConvictionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years for supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. He was released from prison in September 2013. In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance. He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment. He was released from prison in March 2020.
On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release. Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
Carter has been detained since his arrest. On November 17, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Earlier today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. To learn more about these efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-update-justice-department-s-ongoing-efforts-tackle-gun-violence.
Binghamton Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Worth Brown, age 35, and Christina Martinez, age 31, both of Binghamton, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Brown and Martinez admitted to being members of a heroin trafficking conspiracy in which large amounts of heroin were transported from the New York City area for distribution in and around the Broome County area. Brown further admitted that he possessed over 200 grams of heroin and over $78,000 in drug proceeds during the conspiracy.
Brown and Martinez are both scheduled for sentencing on October 11, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Brown faces up to life with a mandatory minimum of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least five years. Martinez faces up to twenty years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a post-incarceration term of supervised release of at least three years.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Broome County Special Investigation Unit Task Force, which is comprised of members of the Binghamton Police, Endicott Police, Johnson City Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by Detectives from the Binghamton Police Department, members of the New York State Police, and Special Agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Grabowski, Rick Belliss, and Jonathan Reiner are prosecuting the case.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 26 Months Imprisonment for Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – DONALD PETER AUZINE was sentenced on June 13, 2023 to 26 months of imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release after pleading guilty in federal court relating to his role in a health care fraud conspiracy.
AUZINE, age 51, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 23, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to Count One of an indictment that charged him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1347 and 1349.
According to the indictment, in or around March 2014, and continuing through in or around October 2016, AUZINE, conspired to knowingly and willfully executing a scheme and artifice to defraud TRICARE, a federal health care benefit program affecting commerce, and other health care benefit programs.
AUZINE was the marketing manager of Prime Pharmacy Solutions (“Prime”), which was located in Slidell, Louisiana. Prime Pharmacy was mainly a closed-door pharmacy whose business focus was the production of compounded medication. Such medication, when created properly, involved drugs that were combined, mixed, or altered by licensed pharmacists or other practitioners to meet the specialized needs of individual patients.
Prime’s contracts with various entities, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (“PBMs”), obligated Prime to collect copayments from beneficiaries in order to be reimbursed by various health care benefit programs, including TRICARE. Additionally, Prime’s owner worked with AUZINE to market the compounded medications produced by Prime. AUZINE also found marketers outside of the state to find beneficiaries willing to receive medically unnecessary compounds and doctors willing to prescribe compounds without medical necessity.
AUZINE also pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions for beneficiaries where no doctor-patient relationship existed and helped create prescription pads containing the highest value prescription.
Through his fraud, AUZINE received a percentage of Prime’s profits and the reimbursements paid by TRICARE, as well as reimbursements from other health care benefit programs.
“This sentence sends a strong message to those who knowingly defraud the Defense Health Agency for their own selfish enrichment, “stated Special Agent in Charge Darrin Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office.
"The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of VA's healthcare services. Those who would commit fraud to exploit veteran care and steal taxpayer dollars will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General's South-Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.
This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit.