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13 June 2023
Federal Jury Convicts West Virginia Inmate of Sending Obscene Matter to a MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After a one-day trial, a federal jury convicted Darrin Alonzo Miller, 41, today of transfer of obscene material to a minor under the age of 16.
Evidence at trial proved that on June 22, 2020, Miller sent a letter through the United States mail to a 14-year-old girl while he was an inmate at the Parkersburg Correctional Center. In the letter, Miller described in graphic detail he and the minor female engaging in sexual intercourse upon his release from incarceration.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
“There can be no tolerance of predatory criminal behavior targeting children,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the West Virginia State Police for investigating this case and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Francesca C. Rollo as well as our trial team for securing the guilty verdict.”
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the jury trial.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-261.
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Fayetteville Cardiologist Agrees to Pay over $5 Million to Resolve Allegedly False Medicare and Medicaid ClaimsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Fayetteville, North Carolina cardiologist Dr. Hari Saini and his current practice, Carolina Heart and Leg Center, P.A., agreed to pay $5,015,554 to the United States and North Carolina to resolve allegedly false Medicare and Medicaid claims.
“This civil fraud settlement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to protect taxpayer money and guard the integrity of our vital health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Medical doctors should never bill for unnecessary procedures. Those who do will be held accountable. Our office will zealously pursue damages and civil penalties against medical professionals where warranted.”
This settlement arose from whistleblower allegations that Dr. Saini and his cardiology practice performed unnecessary atherectomy procedures to remove minor plaque blockage in leg arteries in patients. The United States filed a complaint against Dr. Saini, Carolina Heart and Leg Center, and Carolina Cape Fear Medical Group, alleging that Defendants “systematically overstated the stenosis percentage” to justify medically unnecessary atherectomies for the maximum number of procedures for their patients. More specifically, the Government alleged that Dr. Saini—who was one of the highest billing cardiologists in North Carolina for this type of claim—conducted “risky and invasive atherectomy procedures to unnecessarily remove plaque blockage that was, at best, only minimally present, all in blatant disregard for patient safety and Program billing requirements.” Based upon billing and medical records, Defendants were paid millions from Medicare and Medicaid, which the Government alleged was not supported by the retained medical records for the services provided and billed.
Ultimately, after six years of discovery and litigation, and with trial looming, Dr. Saini and his practice agreed to pay more than $5 million to resolve the False Claims Act allegations.
“Physicians cannot perform procedures on patients who don't need them just to make more money,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “That’s a waste of taxpayer resources and a fundamental abuse of the trust we put in doctors. My office will hold accountable health care providers when they commit fraud for their own enrichment.”
The federal and state False Claims Acts mandate that the Governments recover triple the money falsely obtained, plus substantial penalties for each false claim submitted, and attorneys’ fees and costs to the whistleblower. It should be noted that the civil claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, and that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability. Dr. Saini and his practice deny these fraud allegations.
This matter was handled in partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Neal Fowler and North Carolina Senior Deputy Attorney General Eddie Kirby represented the United States and State of North Carolina in this civil action. The investigation was conducted by the HHS Office of Inspector General, including Special Agent Craig Schiffbauer, and the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division.
Eric G. Olshan Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Eric G. Olshan was sworn in yesterday as the 60th United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and began his duties immediately. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak administered the oath to Mr. Olshan, 42, of Pittsburgh.
“I have spent my entire career litigating on behalf of the United States, and I’m honored to continue that service in my new role,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “I look forward to working with the dedicated attorneys and staff in our office, as well as our trusted partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement, to pursue our shared goal of securing justice and protecting communities throughout the district.”
Prior to becoming United States Attorney, Mr. Olshan served as the Chief of the Economic/Cyber/National Security Crimes Section. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2017, focusing primarily on white collar prosecution. During his time in the district, Mr. Olshan has served as the Civil Rights Coordinator, Public Corruption Coordinator, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, Environmental Crime Coordinator, and District Election Officer.
From 2007 to 2017, Mr. Olshan served in the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., first as a Trial Attorney from 2007 to 2013 and then as Deputy Chief from 2013 to 2017. Mr. Olshan entered the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program after serving as a law clerk for Judge Richard C. Tallman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2006 to 2007.
Mr. Olshan graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003, where he earned a B.S. in physics with highest distinction. He received his J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2006.
Mr. Olshan was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on March 21, 2023, and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 8, 2023. He will lead an office currently staffed with 115 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff in offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.
The Western District of Pennsylvania covers the 25 westernmost counties in the Commonwealth.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una empresa de contratación que resuelve unas acusaciones de discriminación relacionada con la inmigraciónRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Mountain Prairie Holdings, una agencia de contratación con sede en Colorado que anteriormente operaba bajo el nombre de Apprentice Personnel. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Mountain Prairie vulneró la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad («INA», por sus siglas en inglés) al discriminar a trabajadores no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. a la hora de comprobar su permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos.
«El exigir que los trabajadores presenten documentos adicionales a los que por ley tiene el requisito de presentar para demostrar su permiso para trabajar causa estrés, dificultades económicas y obstáculos al empleo innecesarios, sobre todo en el caso de trabajadores vulnerables», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá obligando a los empleadores a rendir cuentas de tales acciones discriminatorias».
La investigación del Departamento comenzó después de que un recién contratado no ciudadano de los EE. UU. se quejó que el personal de la oficina en Colorado Springs de Apprentice Personnel exigió que presentara un pasaporte extranjero para demostrar su permiso para trabajar, a pesar de haber ya presentado suficiente documentación. Asimismo, el Departamento determinó que la oficina en Colorado Springs requería, de forma rutinaria, que ciertos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. presentasen sus documentos migratorios, incluso cuando estos trabajadores ya habían presentado otra documentación válida. Finalmente, el Departamento halló que varios no ciudadanos de los EE. UU., entre ellos la parte demandante, habían sido víctimas de esta práctica.
Conforme los términos del acuerdo, Mountain Prairie pagará una sanción civil a los Estados Unidos y se someterá a la supervisión del Departamento durante un período de tres años. Por otra parte, Mountain Prairie capacitará a su personal en cuanto a la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y repasará y revisará sus políticas de empleo antes de que la compañía o cualquiera de sus sucursales contraten a trabajadores adicionales durante el período de supervisión.
Las leyes federales permiten a todo trabajador elegir los documentos válidos y legalmente aceptables que desea presentar para demostrar su identidad y permiso para trabajar, independientemente de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen. La disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA prohíbe que los empleadores soliciten documentos específicos por motivos de la ciudadanía, el estatus migratorio o la nacionalidad de origen de un trabajador. En efecto, muchos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU., incluyendo a residentes permanentes legales, refugiados y asilados, son elegibles para varios de los mismos tipos de documentos como lo son los ciudadanos de los EE. UU. para demostrar su permiso para trabajar (tales como licencias de conducir y tarjetas de seguro social sin restricciones). Los empleadores deben permitir que sus trabajadores presenten cualquier documentación aceptable que dichos trabajadores quieran y no pueden rechazar documentación válida que parece ser genuina.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. La ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Hay información disponible en el sitio web de la IER sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación a la hora de verificar el permiso para trabajar. Aprenda más sobre cómo la IER protege los derechos de los trabajadores en este video. Para más información sobre protecciones contra la discriminación en el empleo al amparo de las leyes migratorias, llame a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llame a la línea directa para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscríbase a un seminario en línea gratuito; envíe en correo electrónico a [email protected]; o visite los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir las últimas noticias por correo electrónico de la IER.
East Hartford Man Charged with Fentanyl Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that OMARI LEWIS, 24, of East Hartford, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with fentanyl distribution offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in December 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating Lewis and others for distributing fentanyl in the East Hartford and Manchester area. In December 2021 and January 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lewis.
On June 7, 2023, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Lewis with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lewis is released on a $75,000 bond pending trial.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA and the Manchester, Glastonbury, West Haven, Hamden, Newington, and Bristol Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Stephanie T. Levick.
Dover Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Dover man was sentenced today in federal court for distributing fentanyl and possessing additional fentanyl with intent to distribute in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Tyler Ward, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On March 3, 2023, Ward pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl, and one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute it.
“The Dover Police Department and our federal partners successfully stopped these dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” U.S Attorney Jane E. Young said. “The defendant’s sentence should serve as a warning to those who traffic deadly drugs, that upon conviction, this office will seek significant periods of incarceration.”
“Tyler Ward dealt deadly fentanyl right out of his home in Dover and is now heading to prison for endangering his community,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The lengthy federal sentence Mr. Ward received today illustrates how the FBI and our law enforcement partners will work together to investigate, disrupt, and ensure those who insist on bringing harmful crime to our neighborhoods are held accountable.”
On February 2, 2022, and February 11, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted two controlled purchases of five grams of fentanyl each from Ward at his apartment in Dover. At the time of his arrest on March 3, 2022, Ward possessed eight grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement officers located an additional 625 grams of fentanyl in his apartment. Ward admitted to law enforcement in a post-arrest interview that he had intended to sell this fentanyl.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande 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.
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Department of Justice leaders meet in Seattle to discuss strategies to combat community violenceRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown is hosting the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee in Seattle this week to share what is working in communities across the country to combat gun crime and enhance community safety. The group will hear from a variety of speakers on community programs working to end the cycle of gun violence, particularly among youth. Additionally, the Director of DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhood program will lead discussions on the technical training and assistance available to support districts implementing anti-violence programs nationwide.
“This is an excellent opportunity to learn from other districts about strategies that are successfully promoting community safety,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “We are also highlighting some of the community partnerships here in Western Washington that are working to get firearms away from those who shouldn’t have them. We’ll also spend time learning directly from community stakeholders about their perspectives on violence prevention.”
The King County Prosecutor’s Office will present about the Extreme Risk Protection Order program developed in Washington State. This “Red Flag” law has been a critical tool for getting firearms away from those with behavioral health or domestic violence issues or other violence risk factors. An Extreme Risk Protection Order ("ERPO") was utilized in a federal case during the investigation of Atomwaffen leader Kaleb Cole. Cole had numerous firearms removed from his residence north of Seattle under the ERPO. The Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted Cole will present to the group about how the law was an important tool in the investigation that ultimately led to the federal prosecution and conviction for hate crimes.
The AGAC Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee is led by United States Attorney Andrew Luger of Minnesota and the Vice-Chair is United States Attorney Jacqueline Romero of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S. Attorneys or their representatives are attending from New York, Illinois, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Maine, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Iowa.
Convicted Felon and Grape Street Crip Gang Member Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Fredrick Bonner, 26, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to United States Attorney Ritz and the information presented in court, on September 29, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an operation in which Bonner sold a MAG Tactical Systems, multi-caliber rifle to investigators. Bonner was arrested on October 15, 2021, for the federal law violation as well as multiple outstanding state warrants.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Bonner had previously been convicted of a felony in Memphis and was affiliated with the Grape Street Crips gang.
Bonner pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the ATF and our valued law enforcement partners in their efforts to confront violent crime. We will utilize every resource to disrupt the illegal activities gangs engage in such as the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics, and other acts of violence within the communities that we serve. This sentence is a perfect example of what it looks like when the revolving door of crime stops spinning. The cycle of violence must stop,” said Marcus Watson Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Nashville.
United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Bonner to 108 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Allen who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
Construction Firm CFO Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a Mississippi company pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to report and pay over employment taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Julian Russ of Houma, Louisiana, was the CFO of Community Construction Company LLC, a pipeline-maintenance and construction company based in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. From at least 2012 through October 2018, Russ did not file required quarterly employment tax returns or pay over the taxes withheld from employees’ wages to the IRS, despite knowing of his obligation to do so. In total, Russ caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $6 million.
Russ will be sentenced on September 19, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Construction Firm CFO Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a Mississippi company pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to report and pay over employment taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Julian Russ of Houma, Louisiana, was the CFO of Community Construction Company LLC, a pipeline-maintenance and construction company based in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. From at least 2012 through October 2018, Russ did not file required quarterly employment tax returns or pay over the taxes withheld from employees’ wages to the IRS, despite knowing of his obligation to do so. In total, Russ caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $6 million.
Russ faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory actors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Chief Engineer Convicted for Obstruction of Justice and Oil Record Book Offenses; Operating Company Pleads Guilty to Oil Record Book OffenseRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 13, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Vessel Chief Engineer Denys Korotkiy was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and failure to maintain an accurate oil record book for the vessel Donald following a five-day jury trial in San Diego.
The company that operates the vessel, Interunity Management (Deutschland) GMBH, previously pleaded guilty for maintaining false and incomplete records relating to the discharge of oily bilge water.
The evidence showed that oily bilge water was illegally dumped from the Donald directly into the ocean through the vessel’s sewage holding tank without being properly processed through required pollution prevention equipment. Oily bilge water typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. These illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s Oil Record Book as required by law. The evidence also showed that Korotkiy made false and fictitious entries in the Oil Record Book claiming transfers of oily bilge had been made from the vessel’s engine room bilge wells to the vessel’s Bilge Holding Tank when, in fact, those transfers had not been made. Finally, the evidence showed that Korotkiy conspired with others to obstruct the United States Coast Guard’s inspection and investigation into the mishandling of oily bilge water onboard the motor vessel Donald.
At the conclusion of the trial, the court remanded Chief Engineer Korotkiy to custody. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 1.
“Unlawful oil discharges can cause immeasurable harm to the marine environment,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will continue to work closely with our agency partners to safeguard our oceans by vigorous enforcement of environmental laws. Today’s case is a reflection of that commitment.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the U.S. Coast Guard for their excellent work on this case.
“The illegal discharge of oily bilge water at sea and the falsification and destruction of records in order to obstruct the United States’ ability to investigate those discharges are crimes we take seriously,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure polluters are held fully accountable.”
“This prosecution highlights the Department of Justice and the U.S. Coast Guard’s dedication in safeguarding our oceans against those that seek to deliberately harm our natural resources,” said Captain James Spitler, Sector Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Diego. “Illegal dumping of oil and falsification of oil record books are egregious violations. This guilty verdict should serve as a reminder that the Coast Guard and our partners at the Department of Justice will work tirelessly to hold accountable those that seek to deliberately discharge oil and falsify records.”
In the same matter, Interunity Management (Deutschland) GMBH pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a), for failing to accurately maintain the Donald’s Oil Record Book. Under the terms of the plea agreement and subject to court approval, New Trade will pay a total fine of $1.25 million and serve a four-year term of probation, during which any vessels operated by the company and calling on U.S. ports will be required to implement a robust Environmental Compliance Plan. Chief Engineer Korotkiy will be sentenced on September 1, 2023, by the Court for his role.
The plea agreement for the company requires it to pay $312,500 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a community service payment, to be used to fund research at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Preserve.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California and Senior Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr2762-TWR
Denys Korotkiy Age: 40 Ukraine
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1519
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
Failure to Maintain an Accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of Title 33, United States Code, Section 1908(a)
Maximum penalty: Six years in prison and $500,000 fine
DEFENDANT
Interunity Management (Deutschland) GMBH
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Failure to Maintain an Accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of Title 33, United States Code, Section 1908(a)
Maximum penalty for a corporation: Five years of probation and a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, Coast Guard Investigative Service
Buffalo Man Sentenced for His Role in Two Credit Union Robberies in Lackawanna and ClarenceRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Myron McCollum, 35, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of aggravated bank robbery, was sentenced to serve 170 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $439,293.90, by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Nicholas T. Cooper, who handled the case, stated that on July 25, 2019, McCollum and co-defendant Ronald Morris entered the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union on South Park Avenue in Lackawanna wearing dark colored clothing and face masks and conducted a bank robbery with pepper spray and a pistol. McCollum and Morris traversed the teller’s counter, sprayed the tellers with pepper spray, and went to the unlocked safe, forcibly taking $290,500 in United States currency.
On November 7, 2019, McCollum, Morris, and co-defendant Carl Wilson, armed with a pistol and donning masks and gloves, entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, and conducted a bank robbery while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. McCollum and his accomplices ordered all the employees to the ground and demanded money. McCollum and Wilson went behind the teller line and went through teller’s drawers, while Morris went to the vault. They forcibly took $148,793.90 in United States currency.
Defendant Carl Wilson was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 72 months in prison. Defendant Ronald Morris and another co-defendant, Adrian Applewhite, were also previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.
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Bridgeport man admits to taking nearly $650,000 in COVID Relief fundsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bridgeport, West Virginia, man has admitted to accepting nearly $650,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 relief funding.
James Nolte, 52, pled guilty today to one count of wire fraud. Nolte admitted to improperly securing CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for businesses he reportedly owned by falsely representing wages, staff, and tax returns. Nolte received $645,747 in fraudulent loans for PGO Veterans Services, PG Health, RJS Catering, and Dental Care Plus.
Nolte is facing up to 20 years in prison. He will be sentenced at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Anyone aware of COVID fraud can report it via email to [email protected], by telephone to 304-234-0100, or via regular mail to the U.S. Attorney, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003, Attn: COVID Fraud Unit.
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Bloomington Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Bloomington man has pleaded guilty to his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, Abdulkadir Awale, 50, admitted that from April 2020 through 2022, he knowingly participated in a fraudulent scheme to obtain and misappropriate millions of dollars in federal child nutrition program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to underprivileged children.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, Awale enrolled his businesses, Karmel Coffee, LLC, Sambusa King, Inc., and Nawal Restaurant, Inc., in the Federal Child Nutrition Program as vendors under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and Sponsor A. Awale falsely claimed that through his businesses, he provided food for more than 3.6 million meals to various sites in Minnesota, totaling approximately $11.8 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Awale also paid at least $83,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee in exchange for Awale’s participation in the program. Awale used some of funds to pay off his home mortgage, make cash withdrawals, and purchase vehicles, including two Freightliner Cascadia trucks.
Awale pleaded guilty today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel to one count of wire fraud and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $2,126,200. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, and Chelsea A. Walcker are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Bloomfield Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JOSEPH GIOVANNI SOTO, 32, of Bloomfield, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on June 7, and Soto was arrested yesterday.
As alleged in an indictment and statements made in court, beginning in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Soto. The investigation revealed that Soto was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts. Soto and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to stash houses in Bloomfield and New Britain. It is alleged that investigators intercepted and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine and have identified numerous other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.
On May 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Soto’s residence and seized two firearms, a drum magazine, various ammunition, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and approximately $12,000 in cash. Soto was arrested on state charges on that date.
It is alleged that Soto’s criminal history includes a state felony conviction for assault. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Soto with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Soto is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Levick.
Blaine Business Owner Indicted for $600,000 Scheme to Defraud Hundreds of JobseekersRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Blaine man has been indicted on wire fraud charges after devising an employment opportunity scheme to defraud hundreds of jobseekers out of approximately $600,000, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Charles Edward Fields, 43, was the owner and operator of a series of companies through which he pitched employment opportunities to prospective workers throughout the United States. The employment opportunities that Fields purported to provide were through his businesses, some of which included HOMESoft Systems Incorporated, WaterTek Marketing Corporation, Water Innovations Group, Inc., W I G Holdings Corporation, Mile High H20 Corporation, and the NEW H20. Fields, claimed that, after job applicants paid him an upfront deposit of approximately $3,000 to $5,000, he would hire them as sales contractors to sell products nationwide to the public, primarily home security or water filtration systems. As part of the scheme, Fields also misrepresented his affiliation with, and his authority to act on behalf of, Company A, a long-standing international company that designs and distributes various models of water machines and filtration systems.
According to court documents, Fields routinely posted nationwide online employment advertisements promising job seekers training, sales leads, and $6,000 in guaranteed monthly profit. In reality, the employment opportunities never materialized as promised by Fields. In order to conceal his fraud and to stave off scrutiny, Fields lulled his victims with bogus excuses as to why he was unable to fulfill his promises or to return their funds. In total, Fields defrauded at least 250 victims of at least $600,000.
The indictment charges Fields with five counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on June 30, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ebert is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty After Discovery of 588g of FentanylRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and aiding and abetting.
According to court records, in June 2022, based on information the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency had gathered during an investigation, a search warrant was obtained to search the vehicle of Chad Savage, 34. Agents found a large quantity of suspected heroin/fentanyl in the glove compartment. The substances were sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lab and were confirmed to be more than 588 grams of fentanyl.
Savage faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a $10 million fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.
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Albion Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Purchase Firearms for Convicted Felon in PalmyraRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Albion man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to providing false information to a federal firearms dealer while purchasing firearms.
According to court records, in June 2018, Charles Viles, 31, knowingly made false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in Palmyra. Viles represented in writing that he was purchasing the firearms for himself despite knowing he was buying them for, and at the direction of, someone else. That person was a convicted felon and was therefore legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Viles faces up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Massachusetts State Police investigated the case. The Middlesex County (Massachusetts) District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
STRAW PURCHASING: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.
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12 June 2023
Waterbury, CT Resident Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Kevin Francisco Torres-Gerena, 29, of Waterbury, Connecticut was sentenced to four years imprisonment, and ten years supervised release before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
The Court was advised that investigators identified Torres-Gerena on a peer-to-peer network where offenders, like Torres-Gerena, could access and share child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”). The court was further informed that law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant at Torres-Gerena’s residence on September 5, 2018, and later uncovered 116 videos, ranging from 1 minute and 10 seconds to 9 minutes and 37 seconds, and 36 images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of which involved children under the age of twelve. Torres-Gerena informed investigators that he would view the images/videos and then delete them but use the same search terms in subsequent searches to conceal his activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigations San Antonio Field Office, the North Strabane Police Department and the Canonsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Torres-Gerena.
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.justice.gov/psc.
Ventura County Man Pleads Guilty to Making Death Threats and Bomb Threats to a Nonprofit and Reproductive Health CentersRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Ventura County man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges making threatening telephone calls last year, including to a Planned Parenthood office on the day the United States Supreme Court overturned its Roe v. Wade decision.
Nishith Tharaka Vandebona, 34, of Oxnard, but who lived in Camarillo during the offenses, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of threatened forcible intimidation regarding the obtaining and provision of reproductive health services under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. He also pleaded guilty to one felony count of transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.
At today’s hearing, United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner ordered Vandebona remanded into federal custody.
According to his plea agreement, in February and June of 2022, Vandebona used an internet application to create anonymous telephone numbers to make the threatening calls.
During the spring of 2022, there was news coverage that the Supreme Court was considering overturning Roe, its 1973 decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion, after an initial draft of the new opinion was leaked.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court published a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe and ruled that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.
Vandebona admitted in his plea agreement that on the same day, using an anonymous number, he left a voicemail message containing death threats with Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, a Santa Barbara-based reproductive health services organization.
On June 25, 2022, Vandebona called Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and spoke with a call center specialist. Vandebona said, “I’m calling to let you know that I’m going to come in there and kill all of you, including your staff and your security. You got it? You’re overdue for an attack.”
Within an hour, Vandebona telephoned Planned Parenthood Los Angeles again and made several death threats, including “I’m gonna come in there and murder your staff.”
Prior to the threats to the Planned Parenthood facilities, Vandebona called in a bomb threat in February 2022 to the office of Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS), a Ventura-based non-profit organization that advocates for “zero population growth,” primarily through immigration restrictions.
Vandebona admitted to using anonymous numbers he obtained from the internet to make threatening phone calls to CAPS. In one of the calls, he said, “I’m gonna come in there and kill all of you, dude. Be careful.”
In another call to CAPS in February 2022, Vandebona said, “I’m gonna come in there, plant a bomb, and kill as many white Americans as possible. You understand that? Servicemen, families, everybody.”
Judge Klausner scheduled an October 2 sentencing hearing, at which time Vandebona will face a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison for the FACE Act count and up to five years in federal prison for the transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce count.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Santa Barbara Police Department, the Santa Monica Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis and Julius J. Nam of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats, and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov.
For more information about clinic violence, and the Department of Justice’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.
Urbana Man Convicted of Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on June 8, 2023, against an Urbana, Illinois, man, Phoutasone Champanine, 37, of Ivanhoe Drive, for conspiracy to possess fifty grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possessing a firearm as a felon. Sentencing for Champanine has been scheduled for October 13, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Champanine, a felon with multiple prior drug convictions, was dealing in pounds of methamphetamine in the Champaign-Urbana area. Further, investigators with the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force found several firearms and multiple calibers of ammunition in Champanine’s storage unit in Savoy, Illinois.
The investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for Champanine’s home. During the execution of the warrant, agents found Champanine on the front porch of the home with eight pounds of methamphetamine in a bag on his shoulder. A further search of Champanine’s home revealed another pound of methamphetamine, two more firearms, and ammunition.
Champanine remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. At sentencing, Champanine faces statutory penalties of ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and a maximum life term of supervised release for the conspiracy conviction. He faces up to twenty years of imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for maintaining a drug-involved premises. Finally, he faces up to ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon.
The case investigation was conducted by the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional group composed of officers from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the Champaign Police Department, the Urbana Police Department, and the University of Illinois Police Department, with assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Sullivan and William J. Lynch represented the government at trial.
The case against Champanine 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.
Two North Carolina Lawyers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Scam Political Action CommitteeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 9, 2023, and June 12, 2023, respectively, Jack Daly (age: 51) and Nathanael Pendley (age: 61) pled guilty to conspiring to (i) commit mail fraud and (ii) lie to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”).
According to court documents, the conspiracy centered on a political action committee (the “Draft PAC”) that Daly and Pendley ostensibly formed to convince David Clarke, Jr., the former Sheriff of Milwaukee County, to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate. In soliciting contributions to the Draft PAC, Daly and Pendley falsely represented that donor contributions would be used to support an effort to draft Clarke to run for Senate. Over the relevant period, the Draft PAC raised over $1.6 million. Most of this money was spent on additional fundraising to personally benefit Daly and Pendley, not genuine efforts to convince Clarke to run for office.
Court documents further demonstrate that Daly and Pendley solicited donations through the Draft PAC after they became aware that Clarke had publicly announced that he would not run for a Senate seat and had characterized the Draft PAC as a “scam.” When confronted by Clarke about the Draft PAC’s ongoing solicitations, Daly and Pendley lied to Clarke and suggested that the Draft PAC’s new Treasurer was responsible. They also submitted false and misleading information to the Federal Election Commission, including a post-dated “FEC Form 1” which identified the Draft PAC’s intern, Z.Z., as its Treasurer, replacing Daly. In fact, as Daly and Pendley knew, Z.Z. was not performing any duties as Treasurer or undertaking any responsibilities as Treasurer.
Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing hearings before District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller in September 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Benjamin Taibleson.
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Troy Felon Receives 37 Months for Firearm and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Frankie Rios, age 42, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and for possessing and intending to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Rios, a convicted felon, pled guilty before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, on January 6, 2023. Rios admitted that he possessed a .25 caliber Mauser handgun with six rounds of ammunition on March 30, 2019. The handgun was recovered from Rios by Troy Police Officers responding to a stabbing at a bar on 4th Street in Troy. Rios also admitted that on February 17, 2021, he possessed more than 100 grams of cocaine and cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine) with intent to distribute those substances, in Troy. Rios is required to forfeit the firearm and ammunition as part of his plea, and will serve a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
ATF and the Troy Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted this case.
St. Tammany Man Indicted for Violation of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MATTHEW LAURENT, age 21, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, was indicted on June 9, 2023 for possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, on or about December 16, 2022, LAURENT, possessed machineguns, that is three (3) Glock auto-sears and two (2) swift links, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted of possessing a machine gun, LAURENT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Greg M. Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
St. Petersburg Man Who Orchestrated Multimillion Dollar Fraud Scheme While on Supervised Release Sent Back to Prison for Theft of Government Property and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Matthew Walker Meredith (40, St. Petersburg) to six years in federal prison for theft of government money and money laundering. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered an order forfeiting real property, six Mercedes Benz vehicles, and $6,374,576.92, which represents the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Meredith pleaded guilty on March 24, 2023.
According to court documents, in 2016, Meredith was sentenced in federal court to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute Ethylone, also known as “Molly.” Those charges stemmed from Meredith’s importation of kilogram quantities of Ethylone from China. The Bureau of Prisons released Meredith in October 2017, and he began serving a three-year term of federal supervised release. While under federal supervision, Meredith began to submit claims for tax refunds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the names of entities under his control. Specifically, in just six months, Meredith submitted five claims to the IRS seeking in excess of $170 million. Each claim was false and fraudulent, in that Meredith falsified both his income and withholdings.
On November 23, 2019, the IRS issued Meredith a refund check in the amount of $6,374,576.92, which Meredith quickly deposited into his bank account. In the weeks that followed, Meredith laundered the illicit proceeds by purchasing luxury vehicles and a waterfront home. Specifically, and as described below, in one week he purchased six new Mercedes Benz totaling $843,269.32.
Date of Purchase
Type of Vehicle
Cost
11.30.19
2020 Mercedes Benz S63AMG3
$187,327.68
11.30.19
2019 Mercedes Benz SL63
$156,404.27
11.30.19
2020 Mercedes Benz C63WS
$103,547.17
12.6.19
2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350W
$72,707.55
12.6.19
2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GTR
$232,368.12
12.7.19
2019 Mercedes Benz C63WS
$90,914.53
And on December 5, 2019, Meredith purchased, in cash, a 6,500 square foot waterfront mansion (pictured below) in St. Petersburg, for $2,625,000.
“The American tax system is designed to provide vital government services to our people. It is not a slush fund for thieves and fraudsters,” said Brian J. Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “As today’s sentence demonstrates, those who illegally target our nation’s tax dollars for personal financial gain, will face criminal prosecution and a lengthy stay in prison.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
St. Petersburg Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Fifteen Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Jamel Middleton (27, St. Petersburg) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Court also ordered Middleton to forfeit approximately $7,500 is cash, an American Tactical semi-automatic rifle, a Norinco SKS semi-automatic rifle, a Springfield semi-automatic pistol, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, and assorted rounds of ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense and used in the commission of the offense. Middleton had pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023.
According to court documents, On February 17, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a federal search warrant at a residence in St. Petersburg, where Middleton was found. During the search, agents located 56.79 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. A field test of the white powdery substance showed a positive result for Mannitol, a commonly used cutting agent for narcotics. An additional 93.12 grams of a substance tested positive for fentanyl.
During the search of a bedroom on the northeast side of the residence, agents located a loaded handgun under the mattress. To the right of the handgun agents located a folder that had “Middleton, Jamel” written in black ink. Additionally, agents located two rifles inside the closet of the bedroom. Underneath the television within the bedroom was a black safe. Inside was a bag with six clear plastic baggies containing a crystalline substance and a handgun. The DEA laboratory determined the crystalline substance to be 658.58 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Middleton has multiple prior convictions, including for shooting at or within a building and sale of controlled substance. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
St. Louis Lawyer Sentenced for Faking Legal Documents for at Least 30 ClientsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Monday sentenced a St. Louis, Missouri lawyer to 31 months in prison for faking legal documents and forging judges’ signatures in cases involving at least 30 clients.
Judge Pitlyk also ordered Andrew Gavin Wynne to pay $351,000 in restitution for losses suffered by his former law firm. Wynne created fictitious documents with forged signatures in cases in St. Louis as well as St. Louis and St. Charles counties. Wynne created bogus court orders, judgments and emails authored by at least ten separate judges, some of which falsely claimed to award money to his clients.
In one example, Wynne sent an email to a client on Feb. 28, 2020 that included a fictitious judgment and decree of dissolution with a forged judge’s signature. That divorce decree said Wynne’s client's marriage was dissolved and the parties would have joint legal and physical custody of the minor children. The decree also said the client was owed $900 per month child support, $5,000, a vehicle and other assets.
On July 21, 2020, Wynne emailed another client an order with a forged judge’s signature that claimed $20,200 in payments were owed to that client.
Wynne’s series of deceptions and lies began unraveling when a client complained to Wynne’s boss.
One victim told Judge Pitlyk during Monday’s sentencing hearing that his divorce was still not finalized, and that Wynne’s actions had cost him his relationship with his two daughters.
Wynne’s former boss said Wynne’s actions and deceptions were unprecedented in Missouri, had “stunned” clients and caused him “abject humiliation, utter despair and fear for the future.” The firm is still unwinding and trying to repair Wynne’s misdeeds, which the boss said victimized both clients and the judicial system.
Wynne, 35, pleaded guilty in March to five felony counts of identity theft.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Wiseman and Kyle Bateman are prosecuting the case.
South Lake Tahoe Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timothy Mackey, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Mackey was a member of chat groups that shared child pornography on the social media platform LiveMe, including a group named “No Limit!!!” On Feb. 6, 2020, and Feb. 25, 2020, Mackey, using the username “bag of rock,” posted multiple images of child pornography in the “No Limit!!!” group.
Mackey had worked as a snowboarding instructor and applied to become a foster parent prior to his arrest in April 2020.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.
Mackey is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 11, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
South Korean Clothing Manufacturer Admits Evading U.S. Customs Duties and Enters Civil Settlement AgreementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A South Korean company today admitted that it evaded customs duties on clothing that it imported into the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anyclo International Inc. (Anyclo) pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging the company with evading customs duties. Anyclo was also sentenced on this charge today to a criminal fine of $250,000 and ordered to pay restitution to the United States in the amount of $2.05 million.
Anyclo also agreed to a civil settlement with the United States, which includes paying $2.05 million, plus interest, over 15 months to resolve its potential liability under the False Claims Act.
Anyclo admitted that from Oct. 5, 2012, to Aug. 5, 2019, it evaded customs duties on clothing and apparel that it manufactured abroad and imported into the United States. Anyclo perpetrated the scheme by preparing two invoices for the same shipments: an accurate invoice provided to U.S. purchasers, and a false invoice undervaluing the goods that Anyclo furnished to U.S. Customs. By falsely undervaluing its merchandise, Anyclo drastically underpaid customs duties that it owed based on the true value of those goods.
The civil settlement with Anyclo resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The relator, Yang Sup Cha, will receive 18 percent of the civil settlement amount recovered by the United States pursuant to the False Claims Act.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, and members of the Office of Trade, Regulatory Audit & Agency Advisory Services, under the supervision of Acting Field Director of the New York Office Teresa Halpin, with the investigation leading the guilty plea and civil settlement.
The government is represented in the criminal case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, and in the civil case by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
anyclo.settlement.pdf anyclo.information.pdfSioux City Man to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Guns and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Chance Rebel Nielsen, 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on June 12, 2023, to 54 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. Nielsen was previously convicted of a felony in October 2021. This conviction prohibited him from possessing a gun or ammunition.
Nielsen pled guilty on January 31, 2023. Evidence at the hearings showed that on August 29, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which defendant was a passenger. During the stop, a Glock 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and ammunition were found. Further investigation showed that, on August 23, 2022, Nielsen was at Scheels in Sioux City where he was observed possessing a Glock 9mm in his waistband. Nielsen purchased ammunition from Scheels which matched the ammunition found in the vehicle. Scheel’s Loss Prevention Unit provided evidence which was used by law enforcement to obtain a search warrant. Pursuant to a search warrant on recovered cell phones in this investigation, Nielsen was seen in a video shooting a firearm at a gun range, and text messages in which Nielsen discussed buying and selling firearms and made threats to others were found.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Nielsen was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Nielsen remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Le Mars Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4077. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sentences Announced in Operation Red Reaper that Targeted the Criminal Activities of the Nuestra Familia Prison Gang in Kings and Tulare CountiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the sentencings today in cases brought in 2019 following Operation Red Reaper, a multi-agency investigation into the Nuestra Familia prison gang and the Norteño street gang in Kings County. The last defendant in case number 1:19-cr-143, Angel Montes, 27, of Visalia, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison for facilitating the distribution of the gang’s drugs and the collection of the gang’s proceeds. Also today, Eric Mercado, a defendant in a related case (1:19-cr-248) was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for illegal possession of a machine gun.
The investigation uncovered that the Nuestra Familia was responsible for large-scale trafficking of methamphetamine and other controlled substances, as well as various firearms offenses and other violent crimes. According to court documents, high-ranking Nuestra Familia members Salvador Castro Jr. and Raymond Lopez used contraband cellphones from inside Fresno County’s Pleasant Valley State Prison to arrange the transport of illicit narcotics from drug sources in California and Mexico to a stash house in Kings County. From that stash house, gang members outside of the prison coordinated the preparation and delivery of the drugs to distributors throughout Kings and Tulare Counties.
The sentences of the other defendants in the case are as follows:
- Salvador Castro Jr., 53, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison;
- Raymond Lopez, 35, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison;
- Jesse Juarez, 32, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison;
- Manuel Garcia, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in prison;
- Rafael Lopez 42, was sentenced to 15 years in prison;
- Raul Lopez, 52, was sentenced to 15 years in prison;
- Michael Rocha, 40, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison;
- Ramon Amador 33, was sentenced to 10 years in prison;
- Daniel Juarez, 31, was sentenced to 8 years in prison;
- Manuel Barrera, 28, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison;
- Joann Bernal, 36, was sentenced to time served.
On May 30, 2023, in another case also generated by Operation Red Reaper, Florentino Gutierrez, 41, of Hanford, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. According to court documents, in April and May 2019, Gutierrez conspired with others to traffic over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Gutierrez’s plan included using his Cadillac Escalade as collateral to purchase the methamphetamine. His co-conspirators then traveled from Hanford to Bakersfield where they picked up the methamphetamine. On the return trip, investigators stopped the car, searched it, and seized five bags containing a total of over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.
One of Gutierrez’s co-defendants, Ernesto Zibray, 34, of Delano, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine up to $10 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Operation Red Reaper is the product of an investigation by the Kings County Gang Task Force, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the FBI, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Kimberly A. Sanchez are prosecuting the cases.
These cases are 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 U.S. 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.
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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
SCDC Inmate Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Conspiracy and MurderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Daniel Allen Shannon, 43, an inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, was sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The court also held Shannon responsible for his role in orchestrating the 2019 murder of a Kershaw man as a part of this conspiracy.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Shannon used contraband cellphones to coordinate the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Lancaster and Kershaw counties. After coming to believe that one of his drug couriers had been robbed, Shannon sent his associates to retaliate, and a Kershaw man was shot and killed in September of 2019. Shannon then ordered his co-conspirators to burn the residence where the murder occurred and dispose of the victim, whose body was discovered discarded alongside a highway in Westville, South Carolina.
Prosecutors presented evidence that, in addition to the drug trafficking and violence described above, showed Shannon also engaged in a “sextortion” scheme while incarcerated.
“This case illustrates the extreme danger posed by the presence of contraband cellphones in our prisons,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We will not sit by as inmates use these phones to perpetrate violence, drug trafficking, sex crimes, and fraud, and will work with our federal and state partners to vigorously prosecute these offenders and protect the public.”
“This life sentence should serve as a warning, to anyone involved in heinous crimes such as the exploitation of children and drug trafficking, that you will be brought to justice and the punishment will be severe,” said Ronnie Martinez, special agent in charge for HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities by disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations involved in these destructive and deadly activities.”
“This is yet another example of prisoners using contraband cellphones from behind state prison fences to continue committing crimes,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections.
At the time of his offense, Shannon was already serving a life sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for the 2001 kidnapping, robbery, and murder of a Lexington restaurant manager.
Shannon was initially indicted on federal charges in February of 2022 and pleaded guilty in February of 2023.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Shannon to life in prison and recommended that he be incarcerated in one of two select high-security facilities within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Shannon will be transferred to federal prison only if and when he is ever released from custody in SCDC. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Schoen and Ben Garner prosecuted the case.
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Romanian National Who Operated “Bulletproof Hosting” Service That Facilitated the Distribution of Destructive Malware Sentenced to Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MIHAI IONUT PAUNESCU, a/k/a “Virus,” was sentenced to three years in prison today in Manhattan federal court for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion in connection with running a “bulletproof hosting” service that enabled cybercriminals to distribute the Gozi Virus, the Zeus Trojan, the SpyEye Trojan, and the BlackEnergy malware, all of which were designed to steal confidential financial information. PAUNESCU also enabled other cybercrimes, such as initiating and executing distributed denial of service (“DDoS”) attacks and transmitting spam. PAUNESCU previously pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo on February 24, 2023. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Paunescu ran a ‘bulletproof’ hosting service that enabled cyber criminals throughout the world to spread malware that stole confidential financial information, crashed websites, and caused other harm. By allowing cybercriminals to acquire online infrastructure for their unlawful activity without revealing their true identities, Paunescu’s bulletproof hosting service shielded his criminal customers from both law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals, while enriching himself. Paunescu now faces prison time and will be required to forfeit his ill-gotten gains.”
In imposing today’s sentence, Judge Schofield said that PAUNESCU facilitated the distribution of “some of the most serious malware circulating at the time” and “made considerable money from it.”
As alleged in the Complaint, the Indictment, other documents in this case, and statements made in court:
The Gozi Virus is malicious computer code or “malware” that stole personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords, from the users of affected computers. The Gozi Virus infected over one million victim computers worldwide, among them at least 40,000 computers in the United States, including computers belonging to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), as well as computers in Germany, Great Britain, Poland, France, Finland, Italy, Turkey, and elsewhere. The Gozi Virus caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to the individuals, businesses, and government entities whose computers were infected. Once installed, the Gozi Virus – which was intentionally designed to be undetectable by anti-virus software – collected data from the infected computer in order to capture personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords. That data was then transmitted to various computer servers controlled by the cyber criminals who used the Gozi Virus. These cyber criminals then used the personal bank account information to transfer funds out of the victims’ bank accounts and ultimately into their own personal possession.
Similar to the Gozi Virus, the Zeus Trojan and the SpyEye Trojan were designed to steal confidential financial information from victims’ computers. BlackEnergy was initially designed to launch World Wide Web-based DDoS attacks and later upgraded to include the ability to steal account access credentials.
“Bulletproof hosting” services helped cyber criminals distribute the Gozi Virus with little fear of detection by law enforcement. Bulletproof hosts provided cyber criminals using the Gozi Virus with the critical online infrastructure they needed, such as Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses and computer servers, in a manner designed to enable them to preserve their anonymity.
PAUNESCU operated a “bulletproof hosting” service that helped cyber criminals to distribute some of the world’s most harmful malware, including the Gozi Virus, the Zeus Trojan, the SpyEye Trojan, and BlackEnergy, as well to as commit other cybercrimes, such as transmitting spam, which is an often used means of distributing malware. PAUNESCU rented servers and IP addresses from legitimate Internet service providers and then, in, turn rented those resources to cybercriminals; provided servers that cyber criminals used as command-and-control servers to conduct DDoS attacks; monitored the IP addresses that he controlled to determine if they appeared on a special list of suspicious or untrustworthy IP addresses; and relocated his customers’ data to different networks and IP addresses, including networks and IP addresses in other countries, to avoid being blocked as a result of private security or law enforcement scrutiny.
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In imposing the sentence, Judge Schofield gave PAUNESCU credit for the approximately one year and two months that the defendant was held in Romanian and Colombian custody prior to his extradition to the United States. In addition to his prison sentence, PAUNESCU, 39, of Bucharest, Romania, was ordered to forfeit $3,510,000 and pay restitution in the amount of $18,945.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the NASA Office of Inspector General and the Colombian National Police. In addition, Mr. Williams thanked the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section for its partnership in this matter. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section Judicial Attachés in Bogota, Colombia, and the U.S. Marshal Service provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Lai is in charge of the prosecution.
Readout of the First SAFER Team Visit to FCI TallahasseeRead the Press Release
On Friday, June 9, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General (PADAG) Marshall Miller led a Sexual Abuse Facility Enhancement and Review (SAFER) team, comprised of representatives of multiple components of the Justice Department, in a visit and review at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Tallahassee. This is the first in a series of SAFER visits to women’s facilities throughout the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The Deputy Attorney General launched the SAFER team project to visit women’s facilities in each of BOP’s six regions and engage with leadership, staff, and women in custody at those facilities, as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the BOP. The SAFER team that visited FCI Tallahassee included representatives from the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the BOP, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Office for Access to Justice, and was joined by U.S. Attorney Jason Coody for the Northern District of Florida and representatives from the FBI.
During the visit, the team reviewed the facility’s progress implementing the recommendations of the Department’s Sexual Misconduct Working Group, including its initiatives to promote timely and effective reporting consistent with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The team also reviewed the facility’s conditions, medical and mental health services, reentry programming, and Special Housing Unit, and spoke directly with women in custody. Following the visit, PADAG Miller and several team members visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida (the USAO), where they discussed the office’s work to prioritize cases involving misconduct committed by BOP personnel, including the USAO’s recent conviction of a former corrections officer at FCI Tallahassee who sexually abused a woman in his custody.
Readout of Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta's Trip to ChicagoRead the Press Release
On Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta traveled to Chicago. During her visit, she met with community members and local leaders to hear about critical issues in the Chicago area and discuss the department’s efforts to fight gun violence and violent crime through thoughtful work on policing, a focus on building trust between police and the communities they serve, and empowering communities to be co-producers of public safety. She was joined throughout the trip by Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Amy Solomon.
University of Chicago Law School’s Law of Policing Conference
The Associate Attorney General kicked off her trip on Thursday, June 8, by serving as a featured speaker at the University of Chicago Law School’s Law of Policing Conference. During the UChicago event, she participated in a fireside chat with Professor Sharon Fairley to discuss the department’s work, including efforts to build police-community trust, pattern and practice investigations, work with law enforcement agencies seeking assistance through programs like the department’s Collaborative Reform Initiative and fund organizations and programs that center community voices in public safety conversations.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta (left) speaks with University of Chicago Law Professor Sharon Fairley as part of the school’s Law of Policing Conference.Site Visits with Justice Department-Funded Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs and Families of Gun Violence Victims
On Thursday afternoon, the Associate and department officials visited the North Lawndale area for a site visit and community meeting, hosted by UCAN, to speak with representatives from organizations that help fund, provide and study community violence intervention and related services. Participants included: Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), an OJP grantee that received both site-based and capacity-building grants through the department’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22); a sub-grantee that will be receiving funds and other support from MFS through the capacity-building award; researchers from Northwestern University who are studying community violence intervention programs; and others. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to make federal grant funds more effective and accessible, and shared their experiences working with local law enforcement and collaborating with other community-based organizations to reduce violence in Chicago. Later that day, the Associate and other department officials met with mothers who have lost children to gun violence to listen to their concerns and challenges, including with navigating resources and services for victims. The meeting was hosted by New Life Centers of Chicagoland.
Justice Department officials meet with local and community leaders to discuss their efforts in the community violence and prevention space. New Life Centers of Chicagoland Executive Director Matt DeMateo leads Justice Department officials on tour of facility. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta (center, right), Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon (far right, top) listen to mothers who lost their children to gun violence.Bringing Critical Stakeholders Together: Meetings with U.S. Attorney’s Office, University of Chicago Crime Lab, and Mayor of Chicago
On Friday, June 9, Associate Attorney General Gupta and Assistant Attorney General Solomon met with Acting U.S. Attorney Sonny Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois and senior staff from his office, followed by a visit to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, which was joined by Senator Dick Durbin, to learn about the Crime Lab’s innovative work, including research on the effectiveness of community violence intervention programs, early warning systems in law enforcement agencies and more. The trip concluded with a meeting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago’s first-ever Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood.
Through OJP, local organizations can access critical funding that can be used to support community-focused violence intervention and prevention programming. In FY22 alone, the department provided $100 million in funding for CVIPI, aimed at helping scale this type of community-based work and innovation to tackle public safety concerns. In addition, through OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime, the department offers grants, training and technical assistance to support victims and survivors of crime as they navigate difficult journeys of recovery and healing.
Providence Man Sentenced for Role in Counterfeit Check SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who willingly participated in a bank fraud scheme that obtained the bank routing and account information of unsuspecting individuals, and later used that information to create and deposit counterfeit checks and withdraw funds, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
In pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, Julio Ariza, 27, previously admitted to a federal judge that from approximately October 28, 2020, to November 4, 2020, he arranged for, and coordinated the deposit of ,at least seven counterfeit checks, with the intent to defraud banks out of $102,694.38.
According to information presented to the court, Ariza recruited individuals to allow counterfeit checks to be deposited into their accounts; deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts; and aided and abetted in the withdrawal of funds from those accounts.
Ariza was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith on June 8, 2023, to 24 months on incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ariza was ordered to pay restitution to banks totaling $22,976.21, which reflected the actual loss to banks due to his criminal conduct.
A co-defendant in this matter, Nestor Concepcion, 27, of Johnston, similarly charged, pleaded guilty on January 21, 2022, and was sentenced on April 25, 2022, to sixteen months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. Concepcion admitted to the court that the intended loss to banks due to his criminal conduct totaled $71,717.77.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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Port Allen Pharmacy and Pharmacist to Pay $275,000 to Resolve Federal Civil Lawsuit Under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson has accepted and entered a Stipulated Order and Consent Judgment against Port Allen-based Stevens Pharmacy, Inc. and its owner, Steven W. Gough. The consent judgment resolves the United States’ claims under the federal Controlled Substances Act in the civil action, United States of America v. Stevens Pharmacy, Inc. and Steven W. Gough, Case No. 22-414-BAJ-SDJ in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Stevens Pharmacy and Steven Gough are required to pay $275,000.00 in civil penalties to the United States for the alleged unlawful dispensing or distribution of controlled substances based on facially invalid prescriptions and for allegedly failing to maintain accurate inventories of certain controlled substances.
As specified in the Stipulated Order and Consent Judgment, the United States contends that, between January 1, 2018, and March 4, 2020, Stevens Pharmacy and Steven Gough filled 1,179 facially invalid prescriptions for controlled substances. The purported violations of the Controlled Substances Act identified by the Government include: (a) dispensing more opioids—including hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl—than prescribed; (b) filling expired prescriptions for controlled substances; (c) filling unsigned prescriptions for controlled substances; (d) filling prescriptions for controlled substances lacking required elements, such as patient addresses or prescribers’ DEA registration numbers; (e) filling prescriptions for controlled substances in which the prescribers were unidentified; and (f) filling prescriptions for controlled substances before the prescriber-specified start dates of those prescriptions.
The consent judgment also requires Steven Gough to provide written notice to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) if he engages in the practice of pharmacy within the United States and to consent to warrantless inspections and audits by the DEA for three years if he operates a pharmacy practice owned by him at any location within the United States. Mr. Gough previously surrendered the DEA Registration for Stevens Pharmacy following the March 4, 2020 execution by the DEA of an administrative inspection warrant at the pharmacy.
The Stipulated Order and Consent Judgment entered by the district court is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Stevens Pharmacy or Steven Gough, nor is it a concession by the United States that its claims are not well-founded.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was litigated by Assistant United States Attorneys Chase E. Zachary and Davis Rhorer, Jr.
Owner of Firearm Used in Shooting of Newport News Teacher Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News woman pleaded guilty today to illegally obtaining and possessing a firearm and making a false statement on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form to purchase the firearm.
“It is clear from this case that enforcement of our existing federal firearm laws is critical to ensuring public safety,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Federal requirements for firearm ownership are not optional and exist to protect owners, their family members, and the communities where they live. Failing to abide by those requirements when purchasing or possessing a firearm can have far-reaching consequences.”
“The safety of our communities is one of my utmost concerns and our efforts will always reflect that. I want to be clear, anyone that is an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances such as marijuana are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law,” said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai. “ATF will continue to collaborate with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that people who violate this condition of firearm ownership are held accountable for their actions.”
According to court documents, on January 6, 2023, a six-year-old male child, John Doe, shot and severely injured a first grade Richneck Elementary School teacher with a Taurus, Model PT111, G2A, 9mm, semiautomatic handgun. Shortly thereafter, agents from the ATF conducted a trace on the firearm used in that incident, which revealed that the firearm was purchased by Deja Nicole Taylor, 25, on July 19, 2022. On January 19, federal agents executed a court-ordered search of Taylor’s home, during which agents discovered narcotics packaging, narcotics paraphernalia, marijuana, marijuana edible packaging, a box of ammunition, and a black firearm barrel lock. Agents also searched the home of Taylor’s mother, where Taylor was residing at the time, and found approximately 24.5 grams of marijuana, marijuana edible packaging, and marijuana paraphernalia. A search of Taylor’s phone revealed numerous text messages illustrating the pervasive scope of Taylor’s marijuana use. A lockbox was not found in either of the residences, nor was a trigger lock or key to a trigger lock ever found.
The investigation also uncovered a police report from the Williamsburg Police Department which stated that on Saturday April 3, 2021, Taylor was pulled over during a traffic stop in a vehicle with two other persons, including John Doe, who was four years old at the time. The Williamsburg Police officer conducting the stop detected an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and marijuana was in plain view inside the vehicle. Several marijuana edibles that looked like rice treats were found inside the vehicle directly next to John Doe. A backpack claimed by another person in the vehicle was found to contain numerous individually packaged marijuana rice treats, gummies containing THC, suspected crack cocaine, two large bags of marijuana, two packages of “BackpackBoyz” marijuana from California, suspected oxycodone pills, green plant material, a smoking device, and more edibles. Digital scales were also found inside the vehicle. Taylor’s purse was searched, and marijuana edibles and three unknown white pills were found. During that traffic stop, Taylor was advised of her Miranda rights, and she denied all knowledge of drugs inside the vehicle.
On July 19, 2022, Taylor purchased the Taurus handgun used in the shooting. She was required by law to complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473. She falsely stated on this form that she was not an unlawful user of marijuana or other controlled substances.
Taylor pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during purchase of a firearm and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18. She faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig B. Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Peter Osyf are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-45.
Oconto County Man Sentenced to over 20 years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 9, 2023, Rocky R. Sonkowsky (age: 33) of Oconto County, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, in Summer 2021, while babysitting his girlfriend’s infant child and changing the child’s diaper, Sonkowsky sexually assaulted the child and captured 21 images of the abuse on his smartphone. The images were discovered when police began investigating Sonkowsky for his online activities, which included downloading child pornography and engaging in online communications with underage children.
When sentencing Sonkowsky, Judge Griesbach noted the horrendous nature of the crime and the horrific abuse of trust inherent in Sonkowsky’s criminal acts. Judge Griesbach found a strong need to protect the public from Sonkowsky, a self-described pedophile. Ultimately, Judge Griesbach determined that 260 months in federal prison was a fair and just sentence. Upon the completion of his federal prison sentence, Sonkowsky will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will also have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Oconto Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – PEDRO SARANTE, age 42, a resident of Bronx, New York, pled guilty on June 8, 2023, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on May 2, 2022, a Louisiana State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Peterbilt tractor bearing a New Jersey license plate to perform a motor carrier inspection on Interstate 12 East near milepost 57. The trooper identified the driver of the tractor (Co-conspirator 1) and the passenger in the sleeper area of tractor (SARANTE) and confirmed that SARANTE owned the tractor.
The trooper interviewed both vehicle occupants regarding their itinerary and cargo. Neither of them were able to identify the cargo or detail their itinerary. Troopers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle and seized three (3) rolling duffel bags containing a total of approximately seventy-four (74) kilograms of suspected cocaine from the sleeper area of the tractor. The troopers arrested both Co-conspirator 1 and SARANTE.
In a post-arrest interview, SARANTE admitted that he was hired to travel from the Bronx, New York, NY to Baytown, TX to pick up a load of narcotics and transport them to Newark, NJ. SARANTE advised the interviewing agents that he was going to be paid $1,000.00 per kilogram, once he delivered the drugs to Newark, NJ.
For the conspiracy count, SARANTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three (3) years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. SARANTE is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
New Orleans Man Charged in Superseding Indictment with Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAURICE FLORANT, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on June 9, 2023, in a one-count superseding indictment for a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
FLORANT is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The superseding indictment alleges that FLORANT possessed two separate firearms, a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 .556 caliber pistol, and a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 9milli-meter pistol.
FLORANT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department . Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is assigned the prosecution.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Multi-Million-Dollar Kickback Scheme to Defraud Williams SonomaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Michael Podhurst pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to his role in a multi-million-dollar fraudulent kickback scheme, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian. The guilty plea was accepted by the Hon. Richard Seeborg, U.S. District Judge.
In his plea agreement, Podhurst, 62, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, admitted he conspired with a co-defendant, a former executive at Williams Sonoma, Inc. (WSI), to defraud WSI by paying kickbacks to a shell company controlled by the co-defendant. In the agreement Podhurst admitted that he paid kickbacks in exchange for his co-defendant directing WSI business to three warehouse logistics companies where Podhurst held executive positions and ownership interests. Per Podhurst’s plea agreement, the kickbacks were concealed from WSI. WSI is a home-goods retailer headquartered in San Francisco that operates brands such as Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm.
As alleged in the indictment and admitted to in the plea agreement, between approximately October 2018 and July 2022, Podhurst worked for three companies that provided WSI warehouses with forklifts, warehouse racking systems, and machinery. WSI used these warehouses to store and distribute WSI goods around the United States. Using his position and interest within the companies where he worked, Podhurst caused his companies to pay his co-defendant kickbacks in exchange for his co-defendant causing WSI to award and sign contracts with and make payments to the companies affiliated with Podhurst. During a four-year period, Podhurst directed the three companies where he worked to pay more than $12 million in kickbacks to a shell company owned and controlled by his co-defendant.
Podhurst was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on April 11, 2023. He was charged with one count of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; six counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1346; and one count of money laundering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 1956(h). Under the plea agreement, Podhurst pleaded guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy and the money laundering conspiracy counts. If Podhurst complies with his plea agreement, the remaining counts will be dismissed at sentencing.
Podhurst is currently released on bond. His next scheduled appearance is November 14, 2023. Podhurst faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy counts, as well as a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud conspiracy count and a $500,000 fine for the money laundering conspiracy count. As part of any sentence the court also may order Podhurst to serve an additional term of supervised release and to pay restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
On May 30, 2023, co-defendant Kourosh Mirmedhi pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges. Charges against two of Podhurst’s co-defendants remain pending.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Christiaan Highsmith are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Elizabeth Kim. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS-CI.New Jersey Man Charged with Using Postal Keys to Steal Mail from Mail Collection Boxes in New Haven and West HavenRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that IXAVIER HOLMAN, JR., 31, of Secaucus, New Jersey, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with mail theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on at least six occasions between December 2022 and June 2023, Holman used stolen mail collection box keys to steal mail from blue collection boxes at post offices located at 95 Fountain Street in New Haven and 589 Campbell Avenue in West Haven. Holman was arrested this morning after he returned to the West Haven post office and accessed the collection box in an attempt to steal mail.
It is alleged that, at the time of his arrest, Holman possessed two mail collection box keys.
The complaint charges Holman with possession of a postal key, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; theft of mail, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; and theft of U.S. Postal Service property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Holman appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on bond.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Haven and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 877-876-2455 or by visiting https://www.uspis.gov/report.
Multiple defendants indicted, prosecuted on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Three people have been indicted in the Southern District of Georgia on felony charges including illegal firearms possession, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal charges including illegal possession of firearms.
The cases were investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally carry guns.
“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to the safety and security of our communities,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Removing guns from the hands of violent criminals and convicted felons makes all of us safer.”
In the past four years, more than 830 defendants have been federally prosecuted in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for possessing a firearm after conviction for a previous felony. That charge carries a statutory penalty of up to 15 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.
Those indicted during the June term of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury include:
- Ashley Chase Lee, 40, of Alma, Ga., charged in a superseding indictment with Escape from Custody; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Stolen Firearm; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
- Thomas Antonio Heard, 36, of Washington, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
- Isaac Wilford Stewart, 23, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:
- Ricky Maurice Johnson, 35, of Swainsboro, Ga., sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In June 2022, Johnson sped away from a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempting a traffic stop and was arrested after a brief foot chase. Savannah Police officers found a pistol Johnson dropped during the chase. Johnson has a prior felony conviction for illegal firearms possession.
- Robert Triche, 40, of Savannah, sentenced to 110 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In connection with a vehicle stop, Triche was determined to be in possession of a firearm. Triche, who previously was convicted on state drug trafficking charges, was on state parole at the time of his arrest.
- Titus Nathaniel Travis, 23, of Augusta, sentenced to 70 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Travis was on probation from a prior felony conviction in June 2022 when Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents and officers from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision searched Titus’ residence and found two pistols and a rifle. Travis is a member of a Bloods-affiliated criminal street gang.
- Antonio D’Avaris Bowens, 35, of Gray, Ga., sentenced to 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, relating to a prior conviction for domestic violence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection found a pistol in Bowens’ vehicle as Bowens attempted to enter the Port of Savannah in May 2022.
- Kevon Quantae Davis, 23, of Augusta, sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Davis in January 2022 as part of Operation Grace, a gang-focused investigation in coordination with the FBI. A member of the Bolt Alley Drive Boyz street gang, Davis dropped a pistol while running on foot from deputies.
- Amir Dontell Foreman, 27, of Augusta, sentenced to five years’ probation and fined $1,200 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Foreman in August 2022 after finding a pistol in his vehicle during a traffic stop as part of Operation Grace.
- Christopher Washington, 53, of Savannah, sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Washington was charged after a Georgia Ports Authority officer found a firearm in Washington’s vehicle during a routine screening at a port facility in Port Wentworth, Ga. Washington has prior felony convictions for domestic violence, gun possession, and robbery.
- Kenneth Sallen, 43, of Savannah, sentenced to 56 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Sallen was arrested in July 2022 when Pooler police officers found a pistol in his waistband during a traffic stop. Sallen previously was convicted of armed robbery and was on probation for a firearms charge at the time of his arrest.
- Nicholas Robinson, 22, of Savannah, sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers arrested Robinson in March 2022 after finding two pistols in Robinson’s pockets while investigating a domestic disturbance at a motel.
- Calvin Lomont Powell Jr., 22, of Waynesboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Georgia State Patrol troopers found a pistol, drugs, and cash in Powell’s car during a June 2022 traffic stop.
- Javonte Deshawn Washington, 30, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Straw Purchase of a Firearm. In his plea, Washington agreed that in November 2022 he aided and abetted Nygeria Tasheema Brown, 32, of Savannah, in purchasing a semi-automatic pistol for Washington from a Chatham County gun store even though he knew that, as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Garden City police officers found Washington in possession of the gun later that month when responding to a report of a man pointing a gun at motorists outside an apartment complex. Brown awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.
- Tekayo Spencer, 39, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers arrested Spencer in June 2022 during an investigation into a man brandishing a firearm during a domestic dispute. Spencer has convictions for assault and gun possession.
- Melvin Jamarcus Lanier, 42, of Statesboro, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Statesboro police officers arrested Lanier in January 2021 during a traffic stop after finding a pistol in his vehicle.
- Lyondo Larell Ware, a/k/a “China,” 43, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Ware was on felony probation when Richmond County deputies found a loaded pistol while searching his residence in September 2021.
- Tavares L. Freeman Jr., 22, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Freeman was arrested in August 2022 after he was seen tossing a pistol from a window of his home as Richmond County sheriff’s deputies and agents from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision arrived to conduct a search of the residence. Freeman was on probation from a state felony conviction at the time.
- Todd Joseph Harbuck, 47, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Harbuck was arrested on an outstanding warrant after a domestic violence incident in Columbia County. Harbuck has a previous federal conviction for gun possession by a convicted felon, and multiple state-level convictions for violent felonies.
Agencies investigating these cases include the ATF, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Savannah Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol.
The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473
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Midwest Veterinary Supply Sentenced for Misbranding Veterinary DrugsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Midwest Veterinary Supply (Midwest), a Minnesota-based company that supplies prescription drugs for animals to veterinarians, farms, feedlots, and other businesses, was sentenced today to one year of probation for introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. In addition, Midwest Veterinary Supply agreed to pay over $ 11 million in criminal fines and forfeiture.
“This case is an example of how seriously the United States Attorney’s Office takes the distribution of misbranded prescription drugs, whether for human or animal consumption,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “The law is designed to ensure that prescription drugs are kept within a controlled chain of distribution to prevent diversion and inappropriate use, and companies must be held accountable when they go outside of that chain. I am grateful for the work of the FDA and Virginia State Police in bringing justice in this case and their continued work keeping our prescription drug programs here in Virginia safe for all.”
“The FDA recognizes the importance of controlling the prescription drug supply for animals. The careless or uncontrolled distribution of prescription animal drugs poses a danger not only to the medicated animals but to the U.S. public health by increasing the risk that humans will become resistant to antibiotics that we unknowingly consume through our food supply.” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who distribute prescription animal drugs unlawfully.”
According to court documents, from 2011-2021, Midwest charged and shipped over $10 million in prescription drugs from their non-pharmacy locations throughout the United States to end-users that were not authorized to receive prescription drugs. Shipments from non-pharmacy locations to non-authorized end-users or locations are deemed “misbranded.”
Midwest will forfeit $10,150,014, pay $1,000,000 to the Virginia Department of Health Professions, and pay $500,000 in fines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Virginia State Police investigated the case, with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case.
Microsoft Agrees to Pay $20 Million Civil Penalty for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy LawsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced today that the United States has resolved a case against Microsoft Corp. regarding its practices for collecting and retaining personal information from children who use Microsoft’s Xbox Live service. The stipulated order issued by the court today requires Microsoft to pay $20 million in civil penalties and imposes injunctive relief to settle allegations that Microsoft violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) in connection with the Xbox Live service, which consumers use to connect online and with others through the Xbox brand of gaming consoles.
In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the United States alleges that Microsoft knew that certain users were children but nonetheless continued to collect personal information, such as telephone numbers, before notifying parents of Microsoft’s information collection practices and before obtaining parental consent. In addition, the complaint alleges that, while Microsoft provided some notice to parents, that notice was incomplete and thus failed to comply with the COPPA Rule’s requirements. Finally, the complaint alleges that in certain instances when children started, but did not complete, creating Xbox Live accounts, Microsoft retained their personal information for longer than permitted by the COPPA Rule.
“It is essential that before collecting children’s personal information, online companies provide complete and timely disclosures about their information collection practices so that parents can make informed decisions,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “The department and the FTC are committed to ensuring that companies comply with the laws specifically designed to safeguard the privacy of children.”
“This settlement requires Microsoft to clearly communicate with parents about their child’s data and sets up procedures to monitor Microsoft’s compliance with federal statutes regarding children’s online privacy. This work will make children safer online,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown for the Western District of Washington. “I commend Microsoft for quickly acknowledging it was illegally collecting and retaining personal data of children younger than 13, and for taking steps to fix the problem.”
“Our proposed order makes it easier for parents to protect their children’s privacy on Xbox, and limits what information Microsoft can collect and retain about kids,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This action should also make it abundantly clear that kids’ avatars, biometric data, and health information are not exempt from COPPA.”
This matter is being handled by Trial Attorney Katherine M. Ho, Senior Trial Attorney James T. Nelson, and Assistant Director Lisa K. Hsiao of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca S. Cohen for the Western District of Washington. Megan Cox and Peder Magee represent the FTC.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa. For more information about the FTC, visit its website at www.FTC.gov.
Massachusetts Drug Courier Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for his role in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and cocaine from Lawrence, Mass. to the Sanford area, where it was further distributed by other members of the conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced Franklin Frias, 58, to 48 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Frias pleaded guilty on November 29, 2022.
According to court records, in November 2019, Frias was tasked by a drug dealer in Lawrence, Mass. known as “Junior,” to collect a drug debt from a local dealer in Sanford. Both Frias and “Junior” were unaware that the previous couriers had been intercepted by law enforcement, who had seized the most recent shipment to the Sanford dealer—approximately 50 grams of fentanyl and 107 grams of powder cocaine. When Frias arrived at the pre-determined location and stated that he was there to collect “Junior’s” money, he was arrested by agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In imposing sentence, Judge Singal reflected on the gravity of the fentanyl epidemic, and how corrosive it has been to community and families in Maine.
The DEA, in partnership with the Maine State Police, investigated the case.
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Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins with State Agencies and Non-Profits to Combat Financial Exploitation of Older AdultsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - The U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with AARP Maryland, the Maryland Attorney General, the Comptroller of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Aging, the Maryland Department of Human Services, and the Office of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor, as well as businesses and consumer groups to sponsor PROTECT Week to raise awareness and help prevent financial fraud targeting older adults. A press conference was held today to kick-off PROTECT Week, held June 12-16, 2023. PROTECT Week offers opportunities to learn about the many forms of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older Marylanders. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is participating in events all month, including public outreach events such as a tele-town hall, and educational programming.
“Targeting vulnerable elderly victims is unconscionable and PROTECT Week is a great time to learn about scams targeting older adults and how to avoid them,” said Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. “But if you, or someone you know, is a victim of financial fraud, I urge you to report it. Help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) and you could prevent someone else from becoming a victim.”
PROTECT WEEK EVENTS:
Interview with Shawn Perry of the Senior Zone – airing June 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron will participate in an interview with Shawn Perry of the Senior Zone AM radio program to promote PROTECT Week. The interview will discuss tips for recognizing and avoiding scams, the importance of reporting fraud, and the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Hotline.
Tele-town Hall – June 15 at 11:30 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Erek Barron, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Karen Straughn with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division will participate in an AARP tele-town hall. The tele-town hall will discuss Maryland’s new Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, trends in fraud schemes, and resources for reporting fraud. The tele-town hall reaches thousands of Marylanders in every county throughout the state.
Now in its sixth year, PROTECT Week 2023 includes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15. More information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day can be found here. For a list of PROTECT Week coalition members and to register for events, visit www.aarp.org/md.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help older adults, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative.
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Madill Resident Sentenced for Assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Paul Blagg, age 44, of Madill, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for intentionally assaulting another individual with a dangerous weapon.
The charges arose from investigations by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
On July 20, 2022, Blagg pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with the Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. According to court documents, on August 12, 2020, Blagg entered another individual’s residence and struck the victim multiple times with the stock of a shotgun. The crime occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Timothy D. DeGiusti, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City. Blagg 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 Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.
Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Hill, age 34, of Plymouth, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hill admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between 2019 and 2020. Hill was indicted by a grand jury in August 2020 for fentanyl trafficking.
The charge against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Under federal law, the carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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