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6 June 2023
Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Stemming from Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts ManRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAMARI SMITH, also known as “Dakota,” 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a charge stemming from the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Calvin Roberson and another individual kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from a residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Roberson and his associate threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Roberson and his associate forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s 2010 Acura ZDX, and transported Roman and the other stolen property to Connecticut. Roberson’s associate shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove the car to Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street.
Roberson and his associate then drove to an apartment that Roberson shared with Smith in Waterbury, and took most of the property stolen during the robbery into the apartment. Smith subsequently learned that property was stolen during a robbery, and that the victim had been murdered. Smith then helped sell or dispose of the stolen property.
Roberson was arrested on February 11, 2021. In an interview with federal law enforcement agents on that date, Smith lied about her role in the sale or disposal of the stolen property.
Smith pleaded guilty to misprision of felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. She is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.
On April 27, 2023, Roberson, also known as “Cutty,” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnaping, and one count of causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. At sentencing, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He has been detained since his arrest.
As to Roberson’s associate, who is awaiting trial, U.S. Attorney Avery that charges are not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Angel M. Krull.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their assistance in this matter.
Combatting Gun Violence in the Northern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Acts of gun violence are far too frequent in communities throughout the Northern District of Florida. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms.
“The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is central to our mission to protect the public,” said Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “We will continue to utilize every resource available to us to make our streets safe. Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to combat violent crime.”
The most effective way to reduce gun violence is through partnerships – federal, state, and local agencies working together to effectively enforce the laws. This strategy has been successful in this area, including such cooperative initiatives as: ALLin LEON, and the Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative, which are making a meaningful difference to reduce gun violence in the Northern District of Florida.
“ALLin LEON” is a comprehensive plan to unify people, agencies, and organizations to work collaboratively to reduce crime in Leon County. It is a partnership which allows all stakeholders to work towards a common goal. “ALLin LEON” is comprised of four components: prevention, re-entry, enforcement, and community involvement. Each component seeks to use reliable data to implement proven strategies. The joint federal, state, and local strike force is a concerted effort to crack down on violent crime under the Leon County Sheriff’s Office ALLin LEON umbrella. This initiative has engaged community volunteers to regularly take at-risk youth to places of worship, activated Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and conducted other activities to target neighborhoods that are perennial hotspots for violence. The effort also aims to help connect individuals who are reentering the community from incarceration with education, job skills, and substance abuse treatment.
Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative (GVI) is a joint effort of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Gainesville GVI was established in April 2019, by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida in an effort to stem the escalating gun violence in Gainesville and the surrounding area. As GVI partners, the State Attorney’s Office for the Eight Judicial Circuit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua Police Department, the University of Florida Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections share this commitment to protecting public safety.
Intelligence tools come in many forms. One source is the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which digitally analyzes and compares fired shell casings to help investigators link shootings that may have previously seemed unrelated. Administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the system is being used at more than 250 sites as a crime gun intelligence tool by law enforcement agencies around the country.
“Extending NIBIN technology to state and local agencies strengthens our collective ability to identify trigger-pullers before they shoot again,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk D. Howard. “ATF works hand-in-hand with our partners because no one agency can reduce the level of violence gun crime in North Florida alone.”
To learn more about ATF and its crime gun intelligence programs: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/tools-services-law-enforcement
Gun violence is an acute problem across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. firearm homicide rate in 2021 was the highest documented since 1993. While the numbers have slightly declined since 2021, they remain high.
In 2021, for the first time ever, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death for American children, ages 1-19, according to the New England Journal of Medicine (see also here).
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Collins Sex Offender Convicted at Trial of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Collins, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been convicted of receiving child pornography on his cell phone following a bench trial yesterday.
Billy Puckett, 39, was found guilty of one count of receiving child pornography following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Monday, June 5. Puckett has been detained in federal custody without bail since his arrest on the federal indictment.
Puckett, a registered sex offender, has two prior felony convictions for statutory rape and a prior felony conviction for statutory sodomy.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 13 and East 316 Road in Bolivar, Mo., on Aug. 28, 2020. The trooper, who learned that Puckett was a registered sex offender, searched Puckett’s vehicle and found a cell phone plugged into a cigarette lighter. When the phone’s screen activated, the trooper noticed Puckett had Facebook and Snapchat applications on the phone, which were not authorized due to Puckett’s status as a registered sex offender. The trooper seized Puckett’s phone, on which he located multiple images of child pornography, and Puckett was arrested.
Investigators conducted a forensic examination of Puckett’s phone and found hundreds of images of child pornography.
Under federal statutes, Puckett is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Cherokee Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on June 6, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Jason Werner, 37, from Cherokee, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Werner admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from December 2019 through May 2022. Werner further admitted to assisting at least six others in the conspiracy in obtaining roughly four pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana from sources in California and Nevada and transporting it via a hidden vehicle compartment to Cherokee, Iowa, for further distribution.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Werner is in the custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Werner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Cherokee Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4066. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Canóvanas Man Indicted for Production of Child Pornography and Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced that Christopher Joel Rabell-Pineiro, a 25-year-old man from Canóvanas was indicted on counts of production of child pornography and child exploitation.
Pursuant to the allegations in the indictment, Rabell-Pineiro used his cell phone and internet instant messaging services from November 2021 through March 2022 to use and coerce a 12-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that sexual conduct and transmitting the images in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2422(b) and 2251(a) and (e).
The charges of coercion and enticement under Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b), carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life. The sentences on a conviction for Production of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a), vary from 15 years to life depending on the enhancements set out in Section 2251(e).
On May 31, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rabell-Pineiro with counts of production of child pornography and child exploitation and he was arrested on June 6, 2023. These charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan along with the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF) during which materials used for the production and distribution of child pornography were seized from the defendant.
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos explained that: “the diligent and extensive investigative work by our special agents led to the identification and prosecution of this defendant who will face the consequences for his actions. He will now have to answer for the crimes for which he is charged.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains steadfastly committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws regarding child endangerment,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, along with our federal, state and local partners, are committed to protecting children from those who would seek to exploit them.”
HSI and the PRCACTF conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Emelina Agrait, from the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting this case.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians, and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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CEO of Dozens of Companies and Entities in Florida and New Jersey Admits Role in Massive Scheme to Traffic in Fraudulent and Counterfeit Cisco Networking EquipmentRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Florida resident and dual citizen of the United States and Turkey pleaded guilty to running an extensive operation over many years to traffic in fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking equipment, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna, District of New Jersey, and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. announced today.
Onur Aksoy, aka “Ron Aksoy” and “Dave Durden,” 39, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court on June 5, 2023, to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiring with others to traffic in counterfeit goods, to commit mail fraud, and to commit wire fraud (Count 1); and mail fraud (Count 4).
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Aksoy ran at least 19 companies formed in New Jersey and Florida as well as at least 15 Amazon storefronts, at least 10 eBay storefronts, and multiple other entities (collectively, the “Pro Network Entities”) that imported from suppliers in China and Hong Kong tens of thousands of low-quality, modified computer networking devices with counterfeit Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, and packaging, all bearing counterfeit trademarks registered and owned by Cisco, that made the goods falsely appear to be new, genuine, and high-quality devices manufactured and authorized by Cisco. The devices had an estimated total retail value of hundreds of millions of dollars. Moreover, the Pro Network Entities generated over $100 million in revenue, and Aksoy received millions of dollars for his personal gain.
The devices the Pro Network Entities imported from China and Hong Kong were typically older, lower-model products – some of which had been sold or discarded – which Chinese counterfeiters then modified to appear to be genuine versions of new, enhanced, and more expensive Cisco devices. The Chinese counterfeiters often added pirated Cisco software and unauthorized, low-quality, or unreliable components – including components to circumvent technological measures added by Cisco to the software to check for software license compliance and to authenticate the hardware. Finally, to make the devices appear new, genuine, high-quality, and factory-sealed by Cisco, the Chinese counterfeiters allegedly added counterfeited Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, packaging, and other materials.
Fraudulent and counterfeit products sold by the Pro Network Entities suffered from numerous performance, functionality, and safety problems. Often, they would simply fail or otherwise malfunction, causing significant damage to their users’ networks and operations – in some cases, costing users tens of thousands of dollars. Customers of Aksoy’s fraudulent and counterfeit devices included hospitals, schools, government agencies, and the military.
Between 2014 and 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 180 shipments of counterfeit Cisco devices being shipped to the Pro Network Entities from China and Hong Kong. In response to some of these seizures, Aksoy falsely submitted official paperwork to CBP under the alias “Dave Durden,” an identity that he used to communicate with Chinese co-conspirators. To try to avoid CBP scrutiny, Chinese co-conspirators broke the shipments up into smaller parcels and shipped them on different days, and Aksoy used a fake delivery address in Ohio. After CBP seized a shipment of counterfeit Cisco products to Aksoy and the Pro Network Entities and sent a seizure notice, Aksoy often continued to order counterfeit Cisco products from the same supplier.
Between 2014 and 2019, Cisco sent seven letters to Aksoy asking him to cease and desist his trafficking of counterfeit goods. Aksoy responded to at least two of these letters by causing his attorney to provide Cisco with forged documents. In July 2021, agents executed a search warrant at Aksoy’s warehouse and seized 1,156 counterfeit Cisco devices with a retail value of over $7 million.
The charge of conspiracy to which Aksoy pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charge of mail fraud to which Aksoy pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Both offenses carry a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Pursuant to the plea agreement that the court conditionally accepted pending sentencing, Askoy faces a sentence of four to six years and six months in prison and must forfeit $15 million in illicit gains from his scheme and make full restitution to his victims. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2023.
Attorney for the United States Khanna and Assistant Attorney General Polite credited special agents and members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang; the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny; the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, Southeast and Caribbean Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Floyd Martinez; the U.S. Navy, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Economic Crimes Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross; HSI Miami, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury; and HSI Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The CBP Electronics Center of Excellence; the CBP Los Angeles National Targeting and Analysis Center; and the CBP Office of Trade, Regulatory Audit and Agency Advisory Services, Miami Field Office, provided valuable assistance.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Aksoy or the Pro Network Entities, please visit http://www.justice.gov/largecases or https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/united-states-v-onur-aksoy-pro-network for more information.
The Pro Network Entities include at least the following:
Pro Network Companies
Approximate Month and Year of Formation
State of Formation
Pro Network LLC
August 2013
New Jersey
Netech Solutions LLC
November 2016
Florida
Target Network Solutions LLC
January 2017
Florida
Easy Network LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
ACE NETUS LLC (a/k/a Ace Network)
April 2017
New Jersey
My Network Dealer LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
1701 Doral LLC
May 2017
New Jersey
Maytech Trading LLC
August 2017
Florida
NFD Trading LLC
September 2017
Florida
Kenet Solutions LLC
September 2017
Florida
Team Tech Global LLC
January 2018
New Jersey
Tenek Trading LLC
January 2018
Florida
The Network Gears LLC
February 2018
Florida
All Networking Solutions LLC (a/k/a All Network)
April 2018
Florida
San Network LLC
October 2018
Florida
Pro Network US Inc.
January 2019
Florida
Jms Tek LLC
August 2019
Florida
Renewed Equipment LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Ship US LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Network Amazon Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
Albus Trade Hub
January 2014
EasyNetworkUS
March 2014
Get Better Trade
July 2015
Mercadeal
February 2017
Netech Solutions
February 2018
Netkco LLC
September 2014
NFD Trading LLC
January 2018
Palm Network Solutions
June 2017
Renewed Equip
August 2017
Servtaur
August 2019
Smart Network
July 2017
SOS Tech Trade
August 2017
Target-Solutions
September 2020
TeamTech Global
March 2016
TradeOrigin US
August 2015
Pro Network eBay Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
connectwus
March 2014
futuretechneeds
July 2017
getbettertrade
July 2017
getontrade
April 2016
maytechtradingllc
October 2017
netechsolutions
April 2017
netkco
September 2014
nfdtrading
February 2018
smartnetworkusa
January 2014
tenektradingllc
May 2018
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark, Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section in Washington, D.C., and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit in Newark.
aksoy.indictment.pdfCEO of Dozens of Companies Pleads Guilty to Massive Scheme to Traffic in Fraudulent and Counterfeit Cisco Networking EquipmentRead the Press Release
A Florida resident and dual citizen of the United States and Turkey pleaded guilty yesterday in the District of New Jersey to running an extensive operation over many years to traffic in fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking equipment.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Onur Aksoy, 39, of Miami, ran at least 19 companies formed in New Jersey and Florida, as well as approximately 15 Amazon storefronts and at least 10 eBay storefronts (collectively, the “Pro Network Entities”), that imported from suppliers in China and Hong Kong tens of thousands of low-quality, modified computer networking devices with counterfeit Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, and packaging, all bearing counterfeit trademarks registered and owned by Cisco, that made the goods falsely appear to be new, genuine, and high-quality devices manufactured and authorized by Cisco. The devices had an estimated total retail value of hundreds of millions of dollars. Moreover, the Pro Network Entities generated over $100 million in revenue, and Aksoy received millions of dollars for his personal gain.
The devices the Pro Network Entities imported from China and Hong Kong were typically older, lower-model products – some of which had been sold or discarded – which Chinese counterfeiters then modified to appear to be genuine versions of new, enhanced, and more expensive Cisco devices. The Chinese counterfeiters often added pirated Cisco software and unauthorized, low-quality, or unreliable components – including components to circumvent technological measures added by Cisco to the software to check for software license compliance and to authenticate the hardware. Finally, to make the devices appear new, genuine, high-quality, and factory-sealed by Cisco, the Chinese counterfeiters added counterfeited Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, packaging, and other materials.
Fraudulent and counterfeit products sold by the Pro Network Entities suffered from numerous performance, functionality, and safety problems. Often, they would simply fail or otherwise malfunction, causing significant damage to their users’ networks and operations – in some cases, costing users tens of thousands of dollars. Customers of Aksoy’s fraudulent and counterfeit devices included hospitals, schools, government agencies, and the military.
Between 2014 and 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 180 shipments of counterfeit Cisco devices being shipped to the Pro Network Entities from China and Hong Kong. In response to some of these seizures, Aksoy falsely submitted official paperwork to CBP under the alias “Dave Durden,” an identity that he used to communicate with Chinese co-conspirators. To try to avoid CBP scrutiny, Chinese co-conspirators broke the shipments up into smaller parcels and shipped them on different days, and Aksoy used fake delivery addresses in Ohio. After CBP seized a shipment of counterfeit Cisco products to Aksoy and the Pro Network Entities and sent a seizure notice, Aksoy often continued to order counterfeit Cisco products from the same supplier.
Between 2014 and 2019, Cisco sent seven letters to Aksoy asking him to cease and desist his trafficking of counterfeit goods. Aksoy responded to at least two of these letters by causing his attorney to provide Cisco with forged documents. In July 2021, agents executed a search warrant at Aksoy’s warehouse and seized 1,156 counterfeit Cisco devices with a retail value of over $7 million.
Aksoy pleaded guilty to (1) conspiring with others to traffic in counterfeit goods, to commit mail fraud, and to commit wire fraud and (2) mail fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6, and under the plea agreement that the court conditionally accepted yesterday pending sentencing, faces a sentence of four to six and a half years in prison. Also pursuant to the plea agreement, Aksoy must forfeit $15 million in illicit gains from his scheme and make full restitution to his victims. The court will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey; Acting Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Western Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Floyd Martinez of the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG), Southeast and Caribbean Division; Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Economic Crimes Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of the HSI Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of the HSI Newark Field Office made the announcement today.
HSI, DCIS, GSA-OIG, NCIS, and CBP are investigating the case.
Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
The CBP Electronics Center of Excellence; the CBP Los Angeles National Targeting and Analysis Center; and the CBP Office of Trade, Regulatory Audit and Agency Advisory Services, Miami Field Office provided valuable assistance.
If you believe you are a victim of Aksoy or the Pro Network Entities, please visit www.justice.gov/largecases or www.justice.gov/usao-nj/united-states-v-onur-aksoy-pro-network for more information.
The Pro Network Entities include at least the following:
Pro Network Companies
Approximate Month and Year of Formation
State of Formation
Pro Network LLC
August 2013
New Jersey
Netech Solutions LLC
November 2016
Florida
Target Network Solutions LLC
January 2017
Florida
Easy Network LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
ACE NETUS LLC (aka Ace Network)
April 2017
New Jersey
My Network Dealer LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
1701 Doral LLC
May 2017
New Jersey
Maytech Trading LLC
August 2017
Florida
NFD Trading LLC
September 2017
Florida
Kenet Solutions LLC
September 2017
Florida
Team Tech Global LLC
January 2018
New Jersey
Tenek Trading LLC
January 2018
Florida
The Network Gears LLC
February 2018
Florida
All Networking Solutions LLC (aka All Network)
April 2018
Florida
San Network LLC
October 2018
Florida
Pro Network US Inc.
January 2019
Florida
Jms Tek LLC
August 2019
Florida
Renewed Equipment LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Ship US LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Network Amazon Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
Albus Trade Hub
January 2014
EasyNetworkUS
March 2014
Get Better Trade
July 2015
Mercadeal
February 2017
Netech Solutions
February 2018
Netkco LLC
September 2014
NFD Trading LLC
January 2018
Palm Network Solutions
June 2017
Renewed Equip
August 2017
Servtaur
August 2019
Smart Network
July 2017
SOS Tech Trade
August 2017
Target-Solutions
September 2020
TeamTech Global
March 2016
TradeOrigin US
August 2015
Pro Network eBay Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
connectwus
March 2014
futuretechneeds
July 2017
getbettertrade
July 2017
getontrade
April 2016
maytechtradingllc
October 2017
netechsolutions
April 2017
netkco
September 2014
nfdtrading
February 2018
smartnetworkusa
January 2014
tenektradingllc
May 2018
Bộ Tư pháp Đưa ra thông báo về Thỏa thuận trong Cuộc điều tra Công lý Môi trường đối với tình trạng Đổ rác Bất hợp pháp tại Thành phố HoustonRead the Press Release
Hôm nay, Bộ Tư pháp thông báo rằng họ đã đạt được thỏa thuận dàn xếp trong cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường đối với phản hồi của Thành phố Houston về vấn đề đổ rác bất hợp pháp ở các khu dân cư của người Da đen và người Latinh. Thỏa thuận này được xây dựng dựa trên sáng kiến One Clean Houston (Khối thống nhất Houston Xanh sạch đẹp) được công bố gần đây của thành phố, đây là một kế hoạch toàn diện nhằm giải quyết tình trạng đổ rác trái phép diễn ra rộng khắp và những tác động tiêu cực của vấn đề này đối với sức khỏe, an sinh và chất lượng cuộc sống của cư dân Houston. Thỏa thuận ngày hôm nay kỷ niệm hoạt động hợp tác của thành phố với Bộ Tư pháp trong việc triển khai các bước hành động mới này để chống lại tình trạng đổ rác bất hợp pháp và phát triển các dịch vụ quản lý chất thải được cải thiện cho cư dân trên khắp Houston.
“Các bãi rác bất hợp pháp ở Houston đã làm ô nhiễm nước và đất, thu hút các loài sâu hại và gây nên sự tàn phá trong các khu dân cư trước đây vốn sở hữu nguồn lực hạn chế trên khắp thành phố”, Trợ lý Tổng chưởng lý thuộc Ban Dân quyền (Civil Rights Division, CRT) của Bộ Tư pháp, Kristen Clarke cho biết. “Tôi trân trọng phương hướng lãnh đạo của Thị trưởng Turner trong việc giải quyết những mối quan ngại này và quyết tâm của ông ấy trong việc phát triển One Clean Houston. Thỏa thuận này sẽ đảm bảo rằng Houston giải quyết triệt để các bãi rác tồn tại lâu năm bất hợp pháp, cung cấp khả năng tiếp cận đến các dịch vụ quản lý chất thải đầy đủ và cải thiện chất lượng cuộc sống trong các cộng đồng người da màu. Bộ Tư pháp sẽ tiếp tục thúc đẩy công lý môi trường và đảm bảo rằng người da màu trên khắp đất nước chúng ta được sống trong các cộng đồng an toàn, sạch sẽ và lành mạnh”.
“Sẽ không có ai phải sống kế bên những chiếc lốp xe bỏ đi, túi rác, xác động vật thối rữa, đất nhiễm khuẩn và nước ngầm bị ô nhiễm bắt nguồn từ tình trạng đổ rác trái phép.”, Luật sư Hoa Kỳ, Alamdar S. Hamdani thuộc Quận phía Nam Texas cho biết. “Đã quá lâu rồi, các cộng đồng có thu nhập thấp và không có đủ nguồn lực của Houston đã phải chịu gánh nặng về sức khỏe do không hành vi khoanh tay đứng nhìn và các hành động sai trái của những người khác. Tôi hy vọng rằng quyết tâm này là một bước tiến quan trọng trong việc khắc phục những việc làm không đúng đắn đó.”
Vào tháng 7 năm 2022, Bộ Tư pháp đã bắt đầu cuộc điều tra sau khi nhận được đơn khiếu nại về hành vi vi phạm dân quyền được đệ trình thay mặt cho các cư dân Houston, cáo buộc rằng thành phố đã có sự phân biệt đối xử đối với cư dân là người Da đen và người Latinh đang sống tại khu dân cư Trinity/Houston Gardens ở phía bắc Houston, vi phạm Title VI (Tiêu đề VI) của Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Đạo luật Dân Quyền năm 1964). Title VI cấm những người tiếp nhận quỹ liên bang phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da hoặc nguồn gốc quốc gia trong các chương trình và hoạt động do liên bang cấp vốn.
Cuộc điều tra kéo dài mười tháng của bộ tập trung vào những nỗ lực giải quyết tình trạng đổ rác trái phép của Houston, một vấn đề dai dẳng và diễn ra rộng khắp, xuất hiện thường xuyên hơn ở các khu dân cư trong thành phố có người Da đen và người Latinh sinh sống. Vào tháng 3 năm 2023, thành phố đã công bố dự án One Clean Houston của mình. One Clean Houston tập trung vào việc vệ sinh nhanh chóng và hoạt động thực thi, phòng ngừa cũng như giáo dục tốt hơn. Ngoài việc xác định cam kết của thành phố đối với One Clean Houston, thỏa thuận này còn thiết lập một giai đoạn kéo dài ba năm trong đó diễn ra hoạt động giám sát của liên bang; thực hiện nghĩa vụ báo cáo dữ liệu; tăng cường khả năng tiếp cận cộng đồng với các khu dân cư bị ảnh hưởng, bao gồm cả việc tương tác với những cư dân có trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế; cân nhắc các hành động bổ sung để chống lại các nguồn hoạt động thương mại thực hiện hành vi đổ rác trái phép và giảm bớt các hạn chế đối với những cư dân muốn sử dụng các bãi chứa chất thải và một chương trình đào tạo dân quyền cấp liên bang cho nhân viên thành phố được chỉ định.
Federal Coordination and Compliance Section (Bộ phận Tuân thủ và Điều phối Liên Bang) của Ban Dân quyền tiến hành cuộc điều tra này với sự hỗ trợ của Văn phòng Luật sư Hoa Kỳ thuộc Quận phía Nam của Texas.
Giải quyết các tác động phân biệt đối xử về môi trường và sức khỏe thông qua việc thực thi luật dân quyền của quốc gia là ưu tiên hàng đầu của Ban Dân Quyền. Thông báo ngày hôm nay đánh dấu lần giải quyết vấn đề công lý môi trường thứ hai theo các đạo luật dân quyền liên bang. Vào tháng trước, ban này đã đưa ra thông báo về nghị quyết của cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường áp dụng cho Sở Y tế Alabama và Sở Y tế Quận Lowndes ở Quận Lowndes, Alabama. Vào tháng 4 năm 2022, Bộ Tư pháp đã thiết lập Văn phòng Công lý Môi trường và Chiến lược Thực thi Công lý Môi trường Toàn diện.
Những cá nhân tin rằng các họ đã bị vi phạm dân quyền hoặc có những mối quan ngại về công lý môi trường có thể nộp đơn khiếu nại cho Ban Dân quyền tại địa chỉ www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Bronx Man Convicted of 2018 Murder During Which He Shot the Victim’s Five-Year-Old SonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” was found guilty at trial of the October 23, 2018, murder of Jaquan Millien in connection with a drug trafficking crime. RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Millien in the Butler Houses in the Bronx, New York. During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son, who was with his father at the time. Thankfully, his son survived. The verdict followed a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jaquan Millien was bringing his five-year-old son to an after-school program — something parents do in New York City every day — when he was gunned down in his building’s stairwell. His son not only was shot, but he had to see his father die before his eyes. Today, a unanimous jury returned a verdict within hours that found Rodriguez shot and killed Millien. While the verdict cannot bring Millien back, we hope today’s verdict brings some measure of justice for Millien’s family and his community. We remain committed to ridding our neighborhoods of gun violence, and today’s verdict, made possible by the career prosecutors of this Office and our FBI and NYPD law enforcement partners, is an important step in that fight.”
According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:
Between in or about 2012 and in or about 2018, JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ conspired with others to sell marijuana in an apartment building located at 1408 Webster Avenue (the “Apartment Building”). In connection with his narcotics dealing, on or about October 23, 2018, RODRIGUEZ followed Jaquan Millien and his son into the Apartment Building and into a stairwell. RODRIGUEZ then fired multiple shots, killing Jaquan Millien and hitting Millien’s son in the arm.
* * *
RODRIGUEZ, 31, of the Bronx, New York, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute for remuneration, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of using a firearm to commit murder during a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the judge. RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2023.
Mr. Williams thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Courtney Heavey, and Jim Ligtenberg are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist William Coleman.
Brambleton Man Sentenced for Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Brambleton man was sentenced today to two years in prison for an oil, gas, and energy investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents, between January 2014 and August 2019, Ryan Riley, 50, a registered investment advisor, defrauded at least nine investors of approximately $434,100 by making false promises about oil, gas, and energy investments. Riley made false statements about promised returns, supposed partners, and specific wells and leases that had been identified for the projects he was pitching. He told investors that their funds were going to be used for oil, gas, and energy related projects. Over time, Riley told those victims that certain deals fell through, but that the victims’ investments would be converted to new oil, gas, and energy projects. However, despite Riley’s promises, he routinely transferred the funds to his personal accounts where he used the funds for other purposes including paying at least $149,000 towards his mortgage and making risky stock trades, which resulted in substantial losses.
As part of his sentence, Riley was ordered to pay $434,100 in forfeiture, $388,750 in restitution.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Wayne A. Jacobs; Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The U.S. Attorney also commends the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC), which conducted parallel civil investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Shartar prosecuted 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. 1:23-cr-43.
Battle Creek Couple Sentenced on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Couple charged with COVID-19, SSI, and Food Assistance Fraud; Combined Fraud $216,000
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN—U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Antonio and Keturah Mixon, of Battle Creek, Michigan were sentenced after pleading guilty to COVID-19 Relief, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Food Assistance Program fraud charges before U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering. The combined alleged fraud totals approximately $216,000, with Antonio defrauding $36,000 and Keturah defrauding $180,000. The prosecution noted that the guilty pleas represented only a portion of the fraudulent conduct the Mixons committed. Antonio was sentenced to four months in prison and Keturah was sentenced to 18 months and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution.
“These programs were meant to protect people who had fallen on hard times,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office will continue to aggressively hold accountable scam artists and cheats who steal hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”
Antonio Mixon committed wire fraud by falsely claiming he was entitled to financial assistance under the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program was used to provide loans and grants to small businesses hurt by the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Antonio Mixon claimed that he ran Kingdom Warriors Ministry, allegedly a nonprofit organization to help children in Battle Creek. He received $36,000 in grants and loans based upon the number of his purported employees. This claim was false because Kingdom Warriors Ministry never operated, never assisted children, and had no employees. After the money arrived in the Mixons’ bank account, Keturah Mixon immediately withdrew it.
Keturah Mixon falsely obtained subsistence benefits from two federal programs: SSI and the Food Assistance Program. Both programs are meant for people experiencing economic hardships, so anyone applying for assistance must demonstrate that they financially qualify. Keturah Mixon did not qualify because she owned several parcels of real estate, ran a business, and had access to Antonio Mixon’s income, all of which disqualified her. However, she unlawfully concealed this information and received approximately $180,000 in funds.
“Ms. Mixon knowingly concealed from and failed to disclose information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) which would have made her ineligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By doing so she abused the SSI program, a needs-based safety net for the most vulnerable among us,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who defraud SSA. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support of our investigation and holding Ms. Mixon accountable for her actions.”
The couple was charged with federal fraud offenses in December 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2023.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Social Security Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey.
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Airline Employee Indicted in Alleged Scheme to Fraudulently Create and Sell Travel VouchersRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A customer service representative for Southwest Airlines fraudulently created and sold travel vouchers worth more than $1.87 million, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago.
While working for Southwest at Midway Airport in Chicago, DAJUAN MARTIN used fictitious customer names to fraudulently generate the vouchers without the airline’s knowledge or approval, the indictment states. Martin then sold the vouchers at below market value to co-defendant NED BROOKS and others in exchange for cash, the indictment states. The vouchers, known as “Southwest Luv Vouchers,” were supposed to be used to compensate customers who had unfavorable travel experiences on the airline.
The indictment was returned Monday. It charges Martin, 36, of Bolingbrook, Ill., with 12 counts of wire fraud, and Brooks, 46, of Chicago, with four counts of wire fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Martin et al indictment
5 June 2023
Wholesale Drug Trafficker and Distributor Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a Brockton-based drug-trafficking organization (DTO) was sentenced on June 1, 2023 for gun and drug offenses committed while on pretrial release for two pending state gun charges.
Kevin Cardoso, 26, of Brockton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On Feb. 1, 2023, Cardoso pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of methamphetamine; and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Cardoso oversaw a DTO that distributed wholesale quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around the Brockton area. Multiple locations where DTO members stored, prepared, or distributed narcotics were located during the investigation. Some of those locations were identified based on the electronic location monitoring data from the ankle bracelet Cardoso was wearing at the time while on pretrial release for two pending state gun charges. Specifically, the locations were determined according to the corresponding date and time of drug-trafficking communications Cardoso sent via his Snapchat. Additionally, a food delivery account that Cardoso and his associates utilized similarly revealed a commonality of locations – later determined to be stash locations – where Cardoso was directing food orders.
During an October 2021 search of a stash location Cardoso operated and managed in Dedham, at least 2,000 grams of cocaine, at least 3,000 grams of fentanyl, at least 5,000 grams of methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, blender parts, multiple respirators, press equipment (including a hydraulic press, press plates and various symbols, logos and emblems for drug-labeling purposes) and approximately $72,000 cash were recovered.
Additionally in October 2021, during a search of Cardoso’s apartment, a firearm and ammunition, at least 20 cellphones, over $26,000, an Audemars Piguet watch and a diamond pendant with the number “39” were recovered. A number of the seized phones contained drug-trafficking communications between Cardoso and others regarding the supply and/or distribution needs of the DTO’s members and its customer base. Digital evidence also showed Cardoso instructing others to obtain legal documents from a lawyer’s office for purposes of smuggling drugs into the jail via attorney mail. At the time of Cardoso’s arrest, over $6,000 was recovered from his person and vehicle, as well as three additional cellphones.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher D. Delmonte; East Bridgewater Police Acting Chief Michael Jenkins; Westport Police Chief Keith A. Pelletier; Dedham Police Chief Michael D’Entremont; Plymouth Police Chief Michael E. Botieri; Newton Police Chief John F Carmichael Jr.; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux; and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Levy’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waynesburg Resident Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Waynesburg, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Johnathan Fannon, age 32, Waynesburg, PA, as the sole defendant. Fannon was arrested on these federal charges last Thursday.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about November 4, 2021, Fannon attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Indictment also charged Fannon with possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, both Schedule II controlled substances.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least four years. If, however, the defendant has a prior conviction for a serious drug felony or a serious violent felony that is final, then the potential penalties include a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years to a maximum of life, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least eight years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 2, 2023, ALEX REYES, also known as “A.J.,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to an effective term of imprisonment of 60 months, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
Judge Shea sentenced Reyes to 39 months of imprisonment. Reyes has been detained in state custody since August 2021 and he will not receive credit on his federal sentence for his time served to date.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an ongoing investigation into gangs, drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms in Waterbury. The investigation revealed that Reyes and his associate, Julian Goodman, were distributing fentanyl and heroin. On August 26, 2021, Waterbury Police attempted to execute search warrants for Reyes’s residence and person. Reyes, who was sitting in his car as officers approached, fled the scene and struck two police vehicles. He was located later that day using Goodman’s vehicle. After Reyes was apprehended, a search of his person revealed a 9mm handgun and $1,433 in cash, and a search of Goodman’s vehicle revealed more than 80 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, multiple cell phones, and $3,492 in cash. Goodman was apprehended a short distance away.
In 2016, Reyes was convicted in state court of drug and firearm offenses. 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.
On December 13, 2022, Reyes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Reyes has been detained since his arrest.
Goodman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Connecticut State Police; the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police; the Waterbury Police Department; the Wolcott Police Department; and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Introducing Misbranded Drugs into Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonathan Corbett Cosie (54, Chesterfield, VA) has pleaded guilty to two counts of introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Cosie faces a maximum penalty of six years in federal prison. His sentencing is set for September 21, 2023. As part of his plea, Cosie agreed to forfeit any unapproved or misbranded drugs.
According to the plea agreement, in Jacksonville, Florida and elsewhere, Cosie operated a business called HCSGRX from approximately 2016 through 2020. HCGRX advertised itself as a distributor of weight loss and bodybuilding supplements. Among other supplements, Cosie sold a number of products containing HCG, which he falsely stated consumers could purchase as a weight loss supplement without having to obtain a valid prescription. Cosie falsely claimed on his website that his company was cooperating with international pharmacies to ship orders out. The investigation revealed that Cosie obtained unapproved prescription drugs containing HCG from foreign manufacturers and other sources, then applied to the vials his own counterfeit labels which contained false and misleading information. Cosie then knowingly and intentionally sold the drugs to consumers without a prescription or the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. From October 28, 2017, through December 24, 2020, Cosie received approximately $626,202 in proceeds from the distribution of misbranded drugs, and $20,000 when he sold the HCGRX business.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (“HCG”) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription drugs containing HCG for the treatment of female infertility and for other medical conditions. The FDA has not approved any HCG-containing products for weight loss, nor for any purpose without a prescription.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Utah Fraudster Sentenced to 24 Months After Stealing Thousands of Dollars in PPP Loan MoneyRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A Utah man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $450,000 in restitution after he admitted to making false statements in a COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, and money laundering.
According to court documents, in May 2020, in the District of Utah and elsewhere, Chris E. McCormick, 64, of Cottonwood Heights, illegally made false representations to Mountain America Credit Union to obtain approximately $266,000 in PPP funds for his small business, Peak Debt Consumption LLC. Mountain America Credit Union is a bank where deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in connection with PPP loan applications. McCormick falsely stated and caused to be falsely stated that Peak Debt Consumption LLC had 12 employees and had a monthly payroll of $100,000. In McCormick’s plea agreement, he further admitted that he committed money laundering by sending an online wire transfer for $225,000 of fraudulently obtained PPP loan money from his small business Mountain America Credit Union account to his personal TD Ameritrade account. McCormick was ordered by the court to pay $465,995 in restitution and will have 36 months of supervised release following his 24 months prison sentence.
“Mr. McCormick’s actions were illegal and unfair to other honest and hard-working small businesses trying to make ends meet during a challenging time,” said U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah. “PPP fraud imposes serious penalties, and we hope cases like these serve as a deterrent to other potential scammers seeking to defraud the U.S. Government.”
“Mr. McCormick’s crimes impacted all taxpaying citizens and small business owners that legitimately needed pandemic-related assistance,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “When opportunistic fraudsters seek to profit from federal programs in search of an illegitimate payday, the FBI and our partners stand ready to hold them accountable.”
“Mr. McCormick intentionally took hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds intended to provide relief for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress. “Our agency is committed to bringing justice to those who have exploited the pandemic for personal gain and have stolen from America’s taxpayers.”
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. Gully and Jacob J. Strain of the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref Administers the Oath of Office to Three Women Selected to Serve as Federal Prosecutors in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane and Richland, WA – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that three women – Laurel J. Holland, Frieda K. Zimmerman, and Allie S. Jensen – were sworn in as federal prosecutors for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Holland, Zimmerman, and Jensen will represent the United States of America in criminal and civil cases prosecuted in federal court. Holland and Zimmerman will serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), and Jensen will serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA).
AUSA Holland is the first ever federal prosecutor appointed to serve fulltime in the newly staffed U.S. Attorney’s Office in Richland, Washington. AUSA Zimmerman and SAUSA Jensen will serve out of the main office in Spokane.
After administering the oath of office, U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Today, each of these incredible women affirmed their commitment to execute faithfully their duties to serve and defend the Constitution of the United States. Each brings a wealth of experience, talent, and a strong commitment to public service.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued,” We know from experience that these three women are exceptional attorneys and prosecutors. They are dedicated to building safer and stronger communities for everyone in Eastern Washington.”
AUSA Holland will serve in the Criminal Division, which handles all manner of federal criminal cases on behalf of the United States. Holland previously served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Benton County from October 2009 through October 2015 and again from January 2019 through May 2023. In between, Holland served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Yakima, Washington from 2015 through 2018. From April 2022 until now, Holland served as a SAUSA, handling cases in both state and federal court. Throughout her career, Holland has been recognized for her work prosecuting cases involving the exploitation of young children.
AUSA Zimmerman, another member of the Office’s Criminal Division, will handle a variety of cases ranging from narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms possession to fraud and public corruption. Earlier this year, Zimmerman was honored by Attorney General Merrick Garland for her work at the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. As a SAUSA for DOE, Zimmerman has been recognized as an expert in the areas of white-collar crime, False Claims Act cases, health care fraud, civil rights, and COVID-19 fraud. Prior to her federal service, Zimmerman served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General and worked at a local law firm in Spokane.
SAUSA Jensen will handle white collar fraud for both the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2022, and later this year, she will begin a clerkship for the Honorable Zia M. Faruqui, who serves as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Prior to law school, Jensen was an elementary school teacher for the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington D.C.
With today’s announcement, the Tri-Cities now has, for the first time ever, a staffed U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Laurel Holland’s appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney marks a significant milestone for the Eastern District of Washington. When I became the United States Attorney a little more than a year ago, I made a commitment to open a staffed branch office in the Tri-cities, and we have worked tirelessly to make this happen. Today, we officially have fulfilled that promise.” She continued, “Our expansion in the Tri-Cities area is just getting started. We anticipate additional growth in the weeks, months, and years to come.”
U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref (center) with, from left to right, SAUSA Allie S. Jensen, AUSA Frieda K. Zimmerman, AUSA Laurel J. Holland, and Criminal Chief Alison Gregoire
United States Attorney Ihlenfeld announces new domestic violence reduction initiativeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld and a team of state and federal partners announced a new domestic violence reduction strategy on Monday, along with the first round of indictments that resulted from it.
Ihlenfeld unveiled the Berkeley County Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center.
The initiative was formed in January to protect domestic violence victims, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and enhance community safety. The program focuses on prosecuting violent offenders, keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals, and conducting training for law enforcement. The agencies involved meet regularly to share intelligence, make charging decisions, and provide support to victims.
“Domestic abusers are some of the most dangerous individuals in our community,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This new and innovative approach will make Berkeley County safer for everyone, and especially for victims of domestic violence.”
Multiple federal indictments were returned in May under the initiative, including the following:
- Paul Richard Tomlinson, 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted on firearms, witness tampering, and interstate violations. According to court documents, Tomlinson had a protective order filed against him in Berkeley County. Tomlinson violated that order, having someone on his behalf contact the protected party, trying to persuade the victim to drop the protective order and claim ownership of a .22 caliber pistol that investigators say belongs to Tomlinson. He is prohibited from having firearms due to a prior conviction.
- Brian Michael Lewis, 42, of Levels, West Virginia, has been charged with two firearms charges involving eight firearms, two receivers, and ammunition. According to court documents, Lewis, who has previous convictions that prohibit firearms possession, was arrested after officers responded to a domestic violence call and found the various firearms, including an unregistered short-barrel rifle.
- Gabriel Ian Smith, 45, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was charged with one firearms violation. Smith, who cannot have firearms because of a domestic battery conviction in Berkeley County, had a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
- Justin Scott Shaw, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted on a firearms charge for having a 9mm pistol and ammunition despite a domestic battery conviction in Berkeley County.
Investigators on the cases include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; and the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office assisted.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Ward, also with the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Un Guardia De Seguridad Armado En El 26 De Federal Plaza Acusado Por Infringir Los Derechos Constitucionales De Una Persona Utilizando Agresión Sexual A La FuerzaRead the Press Release
Damián Williams, el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos del Distrito Sur de Nueva York, y Michael J. Driscoll, el Subdirector a Cargo de la Oficina Local en Nueva York del Buró Federal de Investigaciones ("FBI"), han anunciado hoy que JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, un ex guardia de seguridad armado en el Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building ubicado en el 26 de Federal Plaza en Manhattan, fue formalmente acusado por un Gran Jurado Federal, por haber violado los derechos constitucionales de un solicitante de asilo (la "Víctima") por forzar a la víctima, y haber utilizado amenaza de muerte o lesiones corporales graves, para que la misma realizara sexo oral en SOLANO-ARIAS mientras dicha víctima estaba adentro de una oficina cerrada en el 26 de Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS fue arrestado y se le imputó un cargo por Querella Federal, el 5 de mayo del 2023. El caso está asignado al Juez de Distrito de los Estados Unidos, su Señoría, El Honorable Paul G. Gardephe.
El Fiscal de los Estados Unidos, Damián Williams ha dicho: "Como se ha alegado, Jimmy Solano-Arias, un guardia de seguridad armado que tenía la tarea de mantener seguros a los muchos empleados federales y visitantes del 26 de Federal Plaza, usó su uniforme y arma de fuego para obligar a una persona vulnerable que buscaba asilo a que le practicara sexo oral en su persona. Esta Oficina se compromete a responsabilizar a todos aquellos que actúan bajo el manto de la ley cuando abusan de su poder e infringen los derechos constitucionales de los demás. Alentamos a cualquier persona que pueda tener información adicional sobre la conducta de Jimmy Solano-Arias, que llame al FBI al 1-800-CALL-FBI".
El Subdirector a Cargo del FBI, Michael J. Driscoll ha dicho: "Como se alega, Solano-Arias, quien estaba empleado como guardia de seguridad armado asignado al 26 de Federal Plaza, agredió sexualmente a la víctima, que había venido al edificio para completar su papeleo de asilo. Al hacerlo, violó los derechos constitucionales de la víctima a través de la agresión sexual forzada. Tal y cómo la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado de hoy debiera demostrar, el FBI nunca tolerará este tipo de actividad, y Solano-Arias se verá obligado a enfrentar las consecuencias de sus acciones".
Según las alegaciones en la Querella y la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado, que se presentaron en el Tribunal Federal de Manhattan:[1]
En o alrededor del 4 de mayo del 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS, estaba empleado como guardia de seguridad con una empresa que tiene un contrato con el Servicio Federal de Protección para proporcionar servicios de seguridad armada en el 26 de Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS estaba vestido de uniforme negro y gris de guardia de seguridad y llevaba su arma de fuego en la cintura, la cual le proveía su empleador.
En o alrededor del 4 de mayo del 2023, la víctima acudió al 26 de Federal Plaza con el fin de presentar una solicitud de asilo. Una vez allí, SOLANO-ARIAS se ofreció a ayudar a la víctima con su documentación de asilo. En vez de prestar ayuda, SOLANO-ARIAS, sin embargo, llevó a la víctima a una oficina cerrada en el segundo piso del 26 de Federal Plaza, donde SOLANO-ARIAS exigió que la víctima practicara sexo oral en SOLANO-ARIAS. Cuando la víctima intentó resistirse a las exigencias de SOLANO-ARIAS, SOLANO-ARIAS tocó su arma de fuego, que estaba enfundada en su cintura. Temiendo que SOLANO-ARIAS lo matara, la víctima, le practicó sexo oral a SOLANO-ARIAS, lo que causó dolor físico y daños a la víctima. Después del ataque, cuando la víctima pudo salir de la oficina, inmediatamente denunció la agresión sexual a las autoridades.
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SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, del Bronx, Nueva York, se le ha imputado un cargo de privación de derechos bajo el manto de la ley, lo cual incluyó el secuestro y el abuso sexual agravado, lo que conlleva una condena máxima de cadena perpetua.
La posible condena máxima, está prescrita por el Congreso y se menciona aquí sólo con fines informativos, ya que cualquier sentencia del acusado será determinada por un juez.
El Fiscal Williams elogió el impresionante trabajo de investigación por el FBI. El Fiscal Williams, al igual, pide que cualquier persona que tenga información con respecto a JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, se comunique con la línea de información del FBI llamando al 1-800-CALL-FBI.
El proceso de este caso está siendo dirigido por la Oficina de Derechos Civiles, una unidad en la División Penal. La Fiscal Auxiliar Lindsey Keenan está a cargo del enjuiciamiento.
El cargo contenido en la Querella y en la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado, es meramente una acusación, y el acusado es presunto inocente a menos y hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.
[1] Lo que significa la frase introductoria, y la totalidad del texto de la Querella y la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado y la descripción de la Querella y las acusaciones establecidas en este documento, constituyen sólo alegaciones, y cada hecho descrito debe tratarse como una alegación.
u.s._v._solano-arias_complaint.pdf u.s_v._solano-arias_indictment.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office and Not in Our Town Present First Sacramento Screening of Documentary Film Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of LifeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Sunday, June 4, community members and leaders gathered at The Crest Theatre to watch the first screening in Sacramento and the Central Valley of “Repairing The World: Stories From The Tree Of Life.” The documentary film is about Pittsburgh’s powerful community response to hate in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, showing what it means to be “stronger than hate.”
The documentary follows survivors, families of the victims, diverse community members, students, and civic leaders as they examine their vulnerabilities and the impact of rising antisemitism, racism, hate speech, and gun violence. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in the country, a local community that has faced violence and trauma works to heal and grapple with what it means to be stronger than hate.The screening was presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and Not In Our Town, and co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, Jewish Community Relations Council, Leonard M. Friedman Bar Association, Federal Bar Association Sacramento Chapter, Asian/ Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento, Women Lawyers of Sacramento, and SacLegal, Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association. The U.S. Attorney’s Office leads Hate Crimes Task Forces in Sacramento and Fresno that bring together federal, state, and local law enforcement with community partners to address and combat hate crimes.
“Hate-based violence is a serious crime that destroys communities, and preventing these crimes is a top department priority,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our community and law enforcement partners, will continue to shine a light on the impact of these crimes and work with our partners to stand united against hate.”
The film’s director, Patrice O’Neill said, “Not In Our Town is honored to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office and leading organizations in the Sacramento area for this first screening of “Repairing the World” in Central California. The Pittsburgh community presents powerful lessons about how we can build alliances in our cities and towns that will help us become stronger than hate.”
Learn more about this important film here: https://repairingtheworldfilm.org/.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada Expands Office Mission of Prosecuting Crimes Involving Consumer Protection IssuesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – United States Attorney Martin Estrada, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, today announced the establishment of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, a newly fortified unit that will focus on protecting the health, safety, economic security and dignity of individuals across the Central District of California.
This Office aims to further its goal of bringing impactful consumer protection cases by vigorously prosecuting cases that involve fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices; consumer product safety; food, drug, and dietary supplement safety; and other conduct that may cause or threaten to cause serious harm to the people in this district and throughout the United States.
“Safeguarding the health, safety and economic security of our district’s residents – especially the elderly, children and other vulnerable people – is one of my Office’s paramount goals,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Under this revamped section, we will continue to pursue all appropriate measures to bring to justice any culpable entity – particularly corporations acting illegally – that endangers the welfare of the population we serve.”
“Protecting consumers from harm is a priority for the Department of Justice” stated Amanda Liskamm, Director of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch. “The Consumer Protection Branch has a strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District and we look forward to working with the revamped Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section on significant consumer protection investigations and prosecutions. Our joint efforts will protect the safety of our communities and ensure that those that put consumers at risk will be held accountable.”
The Office’s recent commitment to consumer protection includes a $91 million resolution with Gree USA Inc., a City of Industry-based subsidiary of a Chinese appliance company that was ordered in April 2023 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that millions of dehumidifiers it sold to domestic consumers were defective and could catch fire.
The Central District of California – the nation’s most populous federal district – is a seven-county area encompassing approximately 20 million residents in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams will lead the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section as section chief. The section also includes Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda M. Bettinelli – who in October 2022 was appointed the Office’s Environmental Justice Coordinator – Laura A. Alexander, Dan Boyle, Dominique Caamano, Joseph O. Johns, Dennis Mitchell, Matthew W. O’Brien, Juan M. Rodriguez, and Erik M. Silber.
Two Sinaloa Cartel Associates Sentenced to 38 and 30 Years in Prison for Importing Thousands of Kilograms of NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CORNELIO CAZAREZ MADRID and SINOHE ANTONIO ARAJUO MEZA, both citizens of Mexico, were sentenced today to 38 and 30 years in prison, respectively, in connection with their importation of thousands of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the United States. The defendants pled guilty to the charges in the Indictment on July 30, 2019, which charged them with conspiring to import and distribute controlled substances into the United States. U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods imposed today’s sentences.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Madrid and Meza were two prolific drug traffickers who worked with the Sinaloa Cartel to import thousands of kilograms of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine into this country and who relied on brutal violence to protect their drug organization. Today’s sentence sends a message that anyone who participates in the Sinaloa Cartel’s assault on Americans by flooding our communities with poison will be held accountable and will face significant consequences. This Office is committed to addressing the ongoing threat posed to the health and safety of all Americans by the Sinaloa Cartel and every partner in its distribution chain.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment, court transcripts, sentencing submissions, and other publicly filed documents:
CORNELIO CAZAREZ MADRID and SINOHE ANTONIO ARAJUO MEZA ran an illicit drug business in coordination with the Sinaloa Cartel — a notorious and violent drug trafficking organization based out of Sinaloa, Mexico. The defendants sent massive quantities of narcotics to the United States. Between 2015 and 2016, the defendants and their coconspirators were responsible for trafficking more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, more than 130 kilograms of heroin, and more than 300 pounds of methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) seized approximately 675 kilograms of cocaine, 70 kilograms of heroin, and 26 kilograms of methamphetamine. As the defendants flooded the United States with dangerous and addictive substances, they and other members of the Cartel made millions of dollars. The DEA seized $3.4 million in cash through its investigation of the defendants and their coconspirators.
This sprawling drug trafficking operation was not only dangerous in its importation of thousands of kilograms of poison into the United States but also in its use of firearms and violence, including murder, to protect the operation. Through the course of the investigation, the DEA seized seven guns connected with the defendants’ drug shipments in the United States. As an example of the violence used by this conspiracy, in April 2015, two Cartel associates exchanged messages with MADRID concerning two individuals suspected of cooperating with law enforcement (the “Victims”). One of the Cartel associates then sent MADRID messages showing that the Victims had been brutally murdered and sent MADRID photographs of the Victims shot dead in a pool of blood.
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MADRID and MEZA, both 42 and citizens of Mexico, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to import controlled substances and one count of distribution of controlled substances. In addition to the prison terms, MADRID and MEZA were each additionally sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, the New York Strike Force, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the DEA’s Guatemala Country Office, the DEA’s Costa Rica Country Office, and the DEA’s Bogota Country Office. Mr. Williams also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance in securing the extradition of the defendants.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Houle and Rebekah Donaleski are in charge of the prosecution.
Two Men Sentenced for 21-Carjacking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy believed responsible for 21 carjackings or attempted carjackings in the St. Louis area.
U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Monday sentenced Detrich Lamon Williams Jr., 21, to 19 years in prison.
Judge Pitlyk sentenced Aaron L. Morris, 22, on May 31 to 14 years in prison.
Both men pleaded guilty to all five counts that they faced: carjacking conspiracy, two counts of carjacking, brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
They admitted as part of their guilty pleas that they were among a group of teenagers from the Castle Point neighborhood in St. Louis County that committed carjackings and attempted carjackings in St. Louis and St. Louis County between July and October of 2020. Police believe the group committed a total of 21 carjackings.
In most of the incidents, Morris drove a relative’s SUV or a stolen car and Williams or another person stole the victims’ vehicles at gunpoint. Williams used Morris’ pistol, which had a distinctive green laser sight that had been described by several victims and helped lead investigators to the carjacking ring.
In his plea, Williams admitted stealing a Toyota Camry at gunpoint on Aug. 17, 2020, and then leading police on a high-speed chase that began in St. Louis and ended near Castle Point only after police used spike strips to disable the Camry.
Both men also admitted the following incidents:
- On Sept. 26, 2020, Williams and another person, who was armed with a pistol, stole a 2017 Volvo S60 sedan from a pizza delivery driver in St. Louis. Morris was driving.
- On Oct. 11, 2020, Morris drove Williams and others to the South County Mall. Williams approached a woman who had just parked and exited her 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, fired a shot in the air and stole the woman’s purse and 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Later that same day, Williams was with Morris and two others in St. Louis when they spotted a Jeep Cherokee in an alley. Williams and Morris stayed in the vehicle while the others confronted the owner of the Jeep. One of the others shot the Jeep’s owner before the group fled, Williams’ plea says.
The case was investigated by the Webster Groves Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce is prosecuting the case.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Armed Robbery of a Columbia Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Don Everett Peters, III, a/k/a “Pop,” 20, and Shylik Lamont Smalls, a/k/a “Mitch,” 21, both of Columbia, South Carolina, along with Elijah Rasue Dewayne Ellis, a/k/a “Smoke,” a/k/a “Black,” 20, of Valdosta, Georgia, have each pleaded guilty to their roles in the March 17, 2022, armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier in Columbia.
Peters, Smalls, and Ellis each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, assault/armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, and theft/possession of a United States Postal arrow key. Peters and Smalls also each pleaded guilty to theft/possession of United States mail.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Peters, Smalls, and Ellis conspired to rob a postal carrier of his arrow key, which would give them access to locked mail collection boxes. On the afternoon of March 17, 2022, after surveilling another postal carrier in the Hollywood-Rose Hill/Rosewood area of Columbia, the trio decided to rob a letter carrier making his rounds on Hollywood Drive. While Peters waited in the getaway car, Smalls and Ellis—while wearing masks—approached the carrier. Ellis pointed a gun at the carrier and demanded his keys. Peters then picked up the two co-conspirators and they fled the area.
After an extensive investigation, including review of numerous surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement authorities linked the getaway vehicle to Peters. After a review of Peters’ prior encounters with law enforcement and cell phone records, postal inspectors were able to link Smalls to Peters. They determined that Smalls matched the description of one of the robbers, that both Smalls and Peters had access to firearms, and that Smalls was in possession of clothing matching the description of the clothing worn by one of the robbers.
Search warrants were obtained for Peters’ and Smalls’ apartments and vehicles and executed on May 4, 2022. Smalls was found with the stolen arrow key in his pants pocket. Investigators also recovered stolen mail, check making materials, several electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and two privately made firearms, which are commonly known as “ghost guns.” One ghost gun was found in Peters’ bedroom and the other in Smalls’ bedroom. Inside Peters’ car, Inspectors found documentation belonging to Ellis.
After waiving their rights, both Peters and Smalls admitted to being involved in the robbery, along with Ellis. Peters and Smalls were placed under arrest and a warrant was issued for Ellis. On May 31, 2022, Ellis was arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was found in possession of a “ghost gun” and a quantity of marijuana. After advice of rights, Ellis admitted to being involved in the robbery with Peters and Smalls. Peters, Smalls, and Ellis remain in custody as they were federally detained following their 2022 arrests.
“Robbing postal carriers for their keys is becoming a national trend, and it will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We are committed to using federal investigative and prosecutorial resources to swiftly bringing to justice those who harm Postal Service employees.”
“Protecting the employees of the United States Postal Service is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We want to thank our law enforcement partners that worked tirelessly to apprehend these dangerous individuals.”
The three men face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the assault/armed robbery of the postal carrier charge, a maximum of 10 years in prison on the theft/possession of an arrow key charge, and a maximum of 5 years in prison on both the conspiracy and the theft/possession of mail charges. They each also face a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge, restitution, and up to 5 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the trio after receiving and reviewing sentencing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Columbia Police Department. Additionally, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of Ellis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Lamar Fyall are prosecuting the case.
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The City of New York Agrees to Clean up Radioactive Materials on City-Owned Property in Queens, New YorkRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that the City of New York has agreed to remediate radioactive materials on New York City-owned property located near the former Wolff-Alport Chemical Company facility, and to pay the United States $1.6 million for costs incurred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under a proposed Consent Judgment filed with the Court today, the City of New York will fund and perform remedial work on City property.
“This action protects New York City residents and communities from exposure to hazardous substances including radioactive waste at the Wolff-Alport Site,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This settlement demonstrates that this Office and our Environmental Justice Team are committed to addressing environmental concerns, including the removal of hazardous substances from communities that have been disproportionally burdened by environmental health hazards.”
"EPA has collaborated extensively with local, state and federal partners to address risks posed by this Superfund site since our first actions in 2012. This agreement tackles the continued cleanup of radioactive pollution on the City-owned portion of the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund site and pays back EPA $1.6 million for its vital work to safeguard public health," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Today's settlement takes us one step closer to completing our cleanup of this site so that one day it will be restored land that is ready for reuse and economic activity."
Background
The Wolff-Alport Company operated at the facility on the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund Site (Wolff-Alport Site) from the 1920s until 1954. The Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund Site (Wolff-Alport Site) is located in Ridgewood, Queens, which borders Bushwick, Brooklyn. The company’s operations included importing monazite sand that was processed to extract rare earth elements. Residues from the processing of the monazite sands contained radioactive materials, including thorium and uranium, along with their decay products, such as radium. These materials contain radionuclides, which are hazardous substances.
The company disposed of these hazardous wastes in the New York City sewer system or buried them on the former facility. Exposure to these radionuclides and their decay products either internally or externally can cause damage to deoxyribonucleic acid and body tissues, and can cause an increase in the risk of cancer over a lifetime.
Consent Judgment
After conducting extensive assessments of the Wolff-Alport Site, EPA added it to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2014 and issued a Record of Decision in 2017, which sets forth the site remediation plan. Further information concerning the Wolff-Alport Site and the ongoing remediation can be found here.
The United States lodged a proposed Consent Judgment, which sets forth the terms of the settlement with the City of New York pursuant to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as the Superfund statute. The agreement provides for the City to perform the cleanup of contamination at City owned property to protect human health and the environment, reimbursement to EPA of $1.6 million of its relevant past response costs, and for the City of New York to make periodic payments for future EPA oversight costs related to the cleanup of property owned by the City of New York. The Consent Judgment also includes a Statement of Work which sets forth the parameters of the City’s remedial work commitments.
The proposed Consent Judgment will remain lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days, and notice of the Consent Judgment will be published in the Federal Register. This will afford members of the public the opportunity to submit comments on the Consent Judgment to the Department of Justice prior to it seeking court approval of the settlement.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York vigorously enforces the nation’s environmental laws to address environmental, health, and climate impacts on individuals and communities within the district. Any member of the public who wishes to notify the United States of environmental justice concerns may contact the Office’s Environmental Justice Team here.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ekta Dharia and Matthew Silverman from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, EPA Office of Regional Counsel Team Leader James Doyle, Assistant Regional Counsel Jean Regna, EPA New York Remediation Branch Section Chief Joel Singerman and Remedial Project Manager Thomas Mongelli.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CV-476
Tehachapi Man Arrested for Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On May 25, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 15-count indictment against Blake Wayne Reed, 27, of Tehachapi, charging him with bank fraud, use and possession of unauthorized debit and credit cards, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and unauthorized possession of a Postal Service key, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed following his arrest today.
According to court documents, from August 2020 to April 2021, Reed obtained hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that included at least 130 checks and 30 debit cards or credit cards belonging to other individuals and businesses. Reed then altered and forged signatures on the stolen checks and used stolen debit cards to deposit the checks into victims’ bank accounts and into his own bank account. He then made cash withdrawals from the inflated accounts. He also used victims’ stolen debit cards to make cash withdrawals from their accounts. Reed’s scheme caused more than $40,000 in fraudulent transactions to be made on the victims’ bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany M. Gunter and Joseph D. Barton are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Reed faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for each of the bank fraud charges, a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for use and possession of unauthorized debit and credit cards and unauthorized possession of a Postal Service key, a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of stolen mail charge, and a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to other counts and a fine of up to $250,000 for the aggravated identity theft charge. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keia Marie Beaver, age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.
The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 9, 2022, Beaver pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Beaver admitted that on October 17, 2017, she shot and killed the victim in the heat of passion. The investigation revealed Beaver transported the victim to the hospital after the shooting and initially told law enforcement the gun accidentally went off while she was loading it. Later, Beaver admitted to shooting the victim during an argument.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Beaver 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 Richard Lorenz represented the United States at sentencing.
Small town meth and cocaine traffickers sent to prisonRead the Press Release
VICTORIA, Texas – With the sentencing of two Sinton residents, nearly a dozen criminals have now been brought to justice for their respective roles in narcotics trafficking on local streets, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jonathan “John Bear” Olbera, 37, pleaded guilty to March 8, 2022, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, while Lisza Marie Vera, 44, entered her plea Oct. 5, 2020, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Olbera to 78 months in federal prison, while Vera was ordered to serve a 60-month-term of imprisonment. The sentences will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
“In a small town like Sinton, drug trafficking and gang activity endangers every resident,” said Hamdani. “Worthless gangs, including a motorcycle gang, cared nothing about Sinton’s children and families when they distributed cocaine and meth, even near a school and park. My hope is that these sentences send a strong message to others thinking of putting their neighbors at risk.”
In 2019, local, state and federal law enforcement conducted investigations to address drug trafficking and gang activity in various small towns in San Patricio County including Sinton with a population of less than 6000.
The investigation led to the identification of the Garcia drug trafficking organization. Several individuals in that group were members and associates of various gangs including the Calaveras Outlaw motorcycle gang, Texas Syndicate, 59 Bounty Hunters and the Bloods. They operated out of a multi-family residence known as “The Compound” in the heart of Sinton located within 1000 feet of a public park and an elementary school.
Olbera and Vera were part of that group responsible for distributing cocaine and multi-kilogram amounts of meth to residents in Sinton, Odem and Aransas Pass. The organization was selling approximately one kilogram of meth every week.
The leader of the organization - Jacob Eli Garcia, 31 - previously received a sentence of 300 months in federal prison. Collectively, the total sentences imposed in this case totals approximately 1100 months in federal prison.
“The Compound” was sold at auction as a result of the criminal convictions in this case.
Olbera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Vera was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
“The success demonstrated in this case is a prime example of community and public safety partnerships working hand-in-hand for the betterment of all served,” said Aransas Pass Police Department Chief Eric Blanchard. “And, this tremendous outcome would not be without our close working relationship with our federal partners.”
Task force officers from Aransas Pass Police Department working with the Drug Enforcement Administration lead the investigation with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, Sinton Police Department and San Patricio Sheriff’s Office conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Jensen prosecuted the case.
Shiprock Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Death of DaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Maylene John was arraigned on an indictment charging her with second degree murder. John, 33, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted John on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on Oct. 24, 2022, John allegedly stabbed her 7-year-old daughter in the chest. John claimed not to know what precipitated the stabbing and that she “blacked out” after the incident.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, John faces up to life in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
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Sex offender gets 40 years for sharing child pornography in two statesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of distributing and possessing child pornography in two separate federal cases, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Timothy Lee Tyler, pleaded guilty Sept. 12, 2022, to distributing child pornography in 2020 and to possessing child pornography in both 2019 and 2020.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen sentenced Tyler to 360 and 240 months for the distribution and possession convictions, respectively. A portion of the sentences will run consecutively for a total 480-month term of imprisonment. Before imposing sentence, the court heard Tyler had previously committed hands-on offenses against children he knew through friends and loved ones and that he had encouraged other users on the Kik messaging app to create child pornography for his enjoyment.
Tyler was further ordered to pay a total of $28,100 in restitution to his victims and will serve 20 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Tyler will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“For years, this person preyed upon children,” said Hamdani. “Online, he encouraged other predators to abuse their own children for his sick gratification. In real life, he terrorized and abused children of people close to him. This sentence will help ensure he isn’t allowed access to children ever again.”
At the time of his plea, Tyler admitted he was staying with friends in Conroe in September 2020. During that time, he started distributing child pornography from his cellphone on the Kik messenger app. When Tyler was arrested, his cellphone contained hundreds of images and videos depicting bestiality, bondage and sexual abuse of children. Tyler also admitted to possessing hundreds of child pornography files on a flash drive while residing in Milwaukee in June 2019.
Tyler, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Conroe Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Sherri Zack prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Schenectady Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthew Peters, age 48, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and to committing a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Peters admitted that between October 2 and October 7, 2020, he initiated and exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old child on a social networking site. After learning the apparent child was 14 years old, Peters repeatedly asked the minor for “nudes” and “live” pictures. Peters also asked the minor to meet him on multiple occasions and discussed engaging in various sexual acts with the minor when they met. On October 6, Peters arranged to meet the minor the following day in Menands, New York. On October 7, Peters arrived at the prearranged meeting location in Menands, where he was encountered by law enforcement officers and arrested.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2023 before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. Due to Peters’ status as a convicted sex offender, Peters faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel L. Williams and Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sacaton Man Receives Sentence of over 20 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Reggie Marion Lewis, Sr., 46, of Sacaton, Arizona, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 245 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Lewis pleaded guilty on September 21, 2022, to Second Degree Murder.
On May 15, 2021, Lewis shot the victim, killing him. Lewis is an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community.
The Gila River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Raynette Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00331-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-086_Lewis# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Readout of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Trip to MississippiRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division traveled to Lexington, Jackson, Indianola, and Clarksdale, Mississippi, on June 1 and June 2 to continue the division’s tour to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.
On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi met with community leaders and stakeholders in Lexington at the Holmes County Circuit Court Complex. Holmes County is ranked as one of the poorest counties in the nation. In her remarks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke discussed the Justice Department’s commitment to address civil rights issues, including enforcing federal school desegregation orders, addressing jail and prison conditions and prosecuting hate crimes. The meeting focused on civil rights issues, like law enforcement accountability.
In the afternoon, Assistant Attorney General Clarke met with staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. She thanked the office’s leadership and staff for their service and commitment to protecting civil rights. After the meeting, she toured the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
In the evening, Assistant Attorney General Clarke participated in a community conversation at Jackson State University that was opened by NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson. The Mississippi Center for Justice’s President and CEO Vangela Wade moderated a conversation with Assistant Attorney General Clarke, who discussed her career as a civil rights attorney and the department’s efforts to protect the right to vote and to achieve economic justice, among others After the moderated discussion, local stakeholders raised concerns about local civil rights issues, including law enforcement accountability.
On Friday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi traveled to Indianola. There, she toured Lockard Elementary School, a majority-Black public school, and visited Indianola Academy, a majority-white charter school, with State Representative Otis Anthony. The school tours were followed by a community meeting at the Mississippi Center for Justice’s Indianola office. During the meeting, community leaders and educators discussed efforts to advance equitable educational experiences throughout the state.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke ended the day at the Clarksdale City Hall for a community meeting with Mayor Chuck Espy, U.S. Attorney Joyner and local stakeholders. She reiterated the Justice Department’s commitment to work with state and local partners to address civil rights and racial equity issues.
In the upcoming weeks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke will travel to South Carolina to meet with stakeholders in underserved communities.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney LaMarca speak to community members in Lexington. Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S Attorney LaMarca with the staff for the Southern District of Mississippi. Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Center for Justice. Assistant Attorney General Clarke and Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy. Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Civil Rights MuseumPontotoc County Resident Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lloyd Ray Hatley, age 68, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On April 29, 2022, a federal jury found Hatley guilty of involuntary manslaughter at trial. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on February 22, 2017, Hatley was driving on State Highway One in Pontotoc County when he rear-ended another vehicle. The investigation revealed that Hatley failed to brake until less than a second before impact. The collision killed a passenger in the other vehicle, and severely wounded the driver.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Hatley 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 Kevin Gross and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Ibanez represented the United States.
Peabody Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute over Four Kilograms of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Peabody man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with selling approximately 40,000 fentanyl pills.
Manuel E. Tejeda, 42, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2023. In January 2020, Tejeda was arrested and charged with co-defendant Jose Esmerlin Diaz.
In January 2020, Diaz delivered an estimated 13,800 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms) disguised as Percocet 30s to a cooperating source on Jan. 17, 2020, at a price of $6 per pill. Shortly thereafter, Tejeda and another man arrived in the vicinity of the drug transaction to deliver additional pills, and were found in possession of an estimated 27,000 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 3.1 kilograms). A subsequent search of a storage unit used by Tejeda in Salem resulted in the discovery of approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl and/or heroin, $150,000 in cash and an industrial/commercial grade pill press that could be used to press powder-form opiates into pills. Keys located on Tejeda at the time of his arrest opened locks to the storage unit.
On May 23, 2023, Diaz was sentenced to 52 months in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno, Craig Estes and Kunal Pasricha of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Nicaraguan Woman Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Avoid DetentionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ, age 18, a native of Nicaragua, was indicted on June 2, 2023, for illegally using a social security number to maintain her status in an Alternative to Detention program of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr.of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Newport News Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to persuading a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Timothy Desain, Jr. 40, distributed CSAM over a social media platform. On October 26, 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from the social media platform and forwarded the tip to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, who forwarded the tip to the FBI. A federal search warrant was issued for the home of Desain and electronic devices were seized. The search of his home also yielded containers of marijuana, scales, Garda deposit bags, and three firearms. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Desain exploited a minor. Desain also admitted to embezzling approximately $35,000 from Garda.
Desain pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a child and distribution of child pornography, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wilson Hanes accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa McKeel is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-23.
Navajo Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Harley Etcitty made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Etcitty, 19, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for June 6, 2023.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 9, 2022, in Shiprock, Etcitty assaulted two victims, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 in the indictment, with a knife. John Doe 1 was seriously injured and had to be transferred to Flagstaff for a higher level of care. John Doe 2 received multiple lacerations which required sutures.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Etcitty faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.
FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.
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Muskegon Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Stalking His Ex-Wife and Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten Vows to Fight Gender-Based Violence
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced today that Mitchell Pierce, 45, of Muskegon was sentenced to 180 months in the Bureau of Prisons after he pleaded guilty to stalking and being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker also ordered that when Pierce is released from prison, Pierce will be on supervised release for 3 years.
“Gender-based violence harms families, perpetuates social inequities, and leaves victims fearful and feeling like they have nowhere to turn,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “As this prosecution demonstrates – one of the worst stalking cases we’ve seen in years – my office is fully committed to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, especially abusers who illegally possess firearms.”
WATCH: Video of U.S. Attorney Totten speaking about this case immediately following the sentencing hearing
In August 2021, Pierce pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-wife; he was placed on probation and ordered to have no contact with her. They divorced. While the no contact order was in place, Pierce began repeatedly calling, texting, messaging, FaceTiming, and emailing his ex-wife, threatening to harm and kill her, her children, and her friends and family. Pierce also threatened to kill himself and sent images of firearms. On April 23, 2022, he sent an email that included the line “OK I got my f---ing body armor together I got my guns ready.” On April 30, he sent texts that said, “Your dead b----” and “so r your kids.”
On May 2, 2022, his ex-wife noticed a Jeep following her and pulled into a parking lot; when Pierce exited his Jeep and approached her, she struck him with her minivan and fled the scene. Police responded and searched Pierce’s rented Jeep and found a loaded pistol, two rifles, seven magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet-proof vest. Pierce told officers he was hoping to scare her into giving him another chance and if that did not work, had planned to commit “suicide by cop,” i.e., hold a gun and refuse to comply with commands until officers killed him.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe in their relationships with others,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “The women and men at ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent felons who terrorize our community members accountable.”
Below are a few of the text messages Pierce sent his ex-wife between April 22 and April 30.
Gender-based violence generally refers to any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. One form of gender-based violence is stalking. This term generally refers to a pattern of repeated harassing or threatening behavior, causing fear, substantial emotional distress, or safety concerns for the victim. Stalking tactics can include approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to be there; following and watching a victim; sending unwanted texts, photos, emails, and messages through social media; and using technology to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim. For more information on the stalking see the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventing Stalking.
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey – 2016/2017 Report on Stalking Updated Release (2022), nearly 1:3 women and 1:6 men reported stalking victimization at some point in their lifetime. Each year, an estimated 13.5 million period are stalked in the United States. Moreover, stalking especially impacts young people. More than half of all female victims of stalking reported that the first incident of stalking occurred before age 25.
On May 25, 2023, the White House announced a National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action. On May 30, 2023, the Department of Justice followed the release of the National Plan with a summary of several initiatives the Department is undertaking to hold perpetrators accountable and protect survivors.Victims who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 911. The following national hotlines are also available to help victims of stalking and other gender-based violence:
- Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or text START to 88788)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
This case was investigated by the Fruitport Township Police Department, the Muskegon Police Department, the Muskegon Township Police Department, the Muskegon County Sheriff, the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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Milton Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution ActivitiesRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Stephen Boles, 30, of Milton Vermont, was sentenced today by the Hon. William K. Sessions III, United States District Judge, to 5-years of incarceration to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute the drug. According to the facts agreed to by the parties, on or about May 18, 2022, Stephen Boles was found in possession of over 10,000 glassine baggies of fentanyl, a CZ 9-mm pistol, and ammunition at his home in Milton. Officers also found over $190,000.00 and drug packaging materials at the residence.
This was Boles’s second federal drug conviction. In imposing the 5 year sentence, Judge Sessions varied downward from the otherwise applicable Advisory Sentencing Guidelines in part to recognize Boles’s struggles with addiction.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the DEA and the Milton Police Department for their work on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represented the United States. Mark Kaplan, Esq. represented Mr. Boles.Millbury Man Arrested for Possessing Large Quantities of Ammunition in Violation of Court Restraining OrderRead the Press Release
UPDATE: Charges against the defendant were dismissed in August 2023.
BOSTON – A Millbury man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing large amounts of ammunition, including armor-piercing ammunition, in violation of a 2021 restraining order.
Nial Luu, 31, was charged on June 2, 2023 with unlawful possession of ammunition by a person subject to a court order restraining him from harassing stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy, Luu was detained pending a hearing set for June 7, 2023.
According to court records, Luu is subject to an active California State Court order restraining him from assaulting, threatening, abusing, harassing, following, interfering, or stalking a former intimate partner. As a result, Luu is prohibited from possession or receiving firearms or ammunition. During a search of Luu’s residence, approximately 200 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, capable of being fired from and AR 15-style rifle, which were marked as “green tipped” or armor-piercing, as well as approximately 300 rounds of 9 mm ammunition were seized. According to the charging documents, various component parts necessary to assemble multiple AR-15 style rifles and Glock-style handguns, and four 30-round magazines compatible with an AR 15 style rifle were also seized from Luu’s residence.
The charge of unlawfully possession ammunition while subject to a court order restraining him from harassing stalking, or threatening an intimate partner provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Millbury Police Chief Brian Lewos made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Worcester Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lubec Man Sentenced to 2+ Years for Stealing Firearms from Machias True Value, Threatening WitnessRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Lubec man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, witness tampering and retaliating against a witness.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Jeremy C. Lyons, 29, to 33 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Lyons pleaded guilty on December 9, 2022.
According to court records, in October 2021, Lyons broke into Pineo’s True Value in Machias and stole three Colt pistols. Maine State Police Crime Laboratory testing matched Lyons’ DNA to a Gatorade bottle he left at the scene of the crime. Lyons became aware that he was a target in a federal criminal investigation involving his theft of the pistols. In July 2022, he threatened a confidential source who had provided information to federal law enforcement with bodily harm and later challenged the source to a fight. Lyons later asked the confidential source to testify for him in his case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maine State Police investigated the case, with invaluable assistance provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
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Law Enforcement Disrupts Networks Used to Transfer Fraud ProceedsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Over the past three months, federal, state, and local law enforcement operating in Arizona took part in a national campaign to disrupt networks used by foreign fraudsters who obtain proceeds through various schemes. The campaign addressed conduct by individuals sometimes referred to as “money mules,” who provide critical services to fraudsters by receiving money from victims and forwarding the fraud proceeds to the perpetrators, many of whom are based overseas.
In Arizona, law enforcement took approximately 52 disruption actions against individuals responsible for facilitating a range of fraud schemes. These schemes included those that target consumers such as romance and lottery schemes. During this same time period around the United States, law enforcement took over 4,000 disruption actions against such individuals.
In Arizona, law enforcement that took part in these disruption actions served warning letters on the “money mules,” notifying them that they are moving illicit proceeds and that their activities are facilitating fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with its federal and state law enforcement partners, also conducted outreach events to raise public awareness about scams and how fraudsters recruit and use people to receive and transfer fraudulent proceeds.
The agencies involved in this effort urge consumers to be on the lookout for signs someone is trying to recruit them to receive and transmit fraud proceeds. Do not agree to receive money or checks mailed to you or sent to your bank account for someone you have met over the phone or online. Do not open bank accounts or cryptocurrency accounts at someone else’s direction or request. Fraudsters will lie to persuade you to help them. They may falsely tell you various stories to persuade you to help; for example, that they are helping you get a lottery prize, or initiate a purported romantic relationship, that they need money for some type of fake “emergency,” or pretend to offer you a job, an opportunity to invest in a business venture, or the chance to help a charitable effort.
Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline:1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-084_Money Mule Campaign
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Justice Department Honors Law Enforcement Officers in Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, recognizing the exceptional work of 19 law enforcement officers and deputies from 15 jurisdictions across the country.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn rank-and-file officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing. This year, the Department received nominations for almost 200 individual officers, deputies, and troopers. Nominations came from 49 states, representing state, local, campus, sheriff, and other agency types.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across the country are asked to respond to some of the most difficult, most dangerous, and most traumatic moments that our communities face,” said Attorney General Garland. “Today’s awardees exemplify the very best of the noble profession of policing.”
The work being honored this year ranges from individuals who created and run creative programs geared to marginalized youth and senior citizens; officers whose diligent and dedicated efforts solved cold cases after many years; and law enforcement who peacefully resolved situations that could have resulted in great harm to others, were it not for their heroic efforts.
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing is made possible through the Department’s work with national law enforcement stakeholder groups, who play a vital role in the review process. The various components throughout the Department also play a critical role, providing the review process with a depth of knowledge and experience that is inherent across the Department. The result is this annual awards program, which allows the Department to highlight a group of officers whose commitment to their communities is obvious through their exceptional efforts.
A list of award winners can be found here. Complete information on the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing can be found here.
Jefferson Parish Woman Charged with Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ROSE B. DEMERS, of Marrero, LA, age 68, was indicted on June 2, 2023, by a federal grand jury for one count of misprision of a felony related to funds received from a fraud victim announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the charging documents, DEMERS received $8,600 from a fraud victim on or about July 9, 2021. Rather than contact the authorities, DEMERS converted some of the funds to her own use and attempted to wire the funds elsewhere.
DEMERS faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. 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 United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Section in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Co-Owner of Minnesota Vikings Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison for Providing Shadow Banking Services to Cryptocurrency ExchangesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that REGINALD FOWLER was sentenced to 75 months in prison for arranging to process more than $700 million of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges, in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws, lying to U.S. banks to do so, and defrauding the Alliance of American Football (“AAF”), a short-lived professional football league, in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Reginald Fowler evaded federal law by processing hundreds of millions of dollars of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges as a shadow bank. He did so by lying to legitimate U.S. financial institutions, which exposed the U.S. financial system to serious risk. He then victimized a professional football league by lying about his net worth in exchange for a substantial portion of the league. Let it be clear: this Office is committed to prosecuting people who lie to banks and skirt the law as a means to conduct their business.”
According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:[1]
In or about February 2018, REGINALD FOWLER established Global Trading Solutions LLC (“GTS”) and began working with Crypto Capital and other related companies (the “Crypto Companies”), which were operated by Israeli nationals. The Crypto Companies marketed themselves as providing a seamless way for individuals to exchange standard currency for cryptocurrency. A number of cryptocurrency exchanges began using the Crypto Companies to process their fiat-to-cryptocurrency transactions.
Because banks were reluctant to handle cryptocurrency transactions, in reality, the Crypto Companies could not access legitimate financial institutions. Instead, the Crypto Companies lied to banks in order to open accounts that were used to process cryptocurrency transactions without the banks’ knowledge. FOWLER opened dozens of such accounts in the United States and around the world. He did not disclose GTS’s involvement with the Crypto Companies and the fact that it was operating as a payment processor for hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transactions. FOWLER also directed other individuals to include false information on wire transfer instructions to further deceive banks about the nature of GTS’s business. In less than 10 months, FOWLER processed approximately $750 million in cryptocurrency transactions in various currencies. At no point were FOWLER, GTS, nor any of the Crypto Companies ever licensed as a money transmitting business in the United States, as required by federal law.
Additionally, in 2018, FOWLER defrauded the AAF in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league. In the course of negotiating his investment in the AAF, FOWLER falsely claimed personal ownership of GTS funds that, in fact, belonged to clients of FOWLER’s illegal money transmission service established in support of the Crypto Companies. As he did when opening bank accounts, FOWLER lied to AAF executives, telling them that the funds in the GTS bank accounts derived from real estate investments as well as government contracts and that the tens of millions of dollars in the GTS accounts were liquid assets he could use to invest in the AAF. FOWLER did not disclose his involvement with the Crypto Companies. Moreover, although FOWLER experienced account closures and government seizure of GTS funds in the month leading up to his investment in the AAF, FOWLER did not disclose those facts to the AAF. FOWLER acquired a significant investment stake in the AAF in November 2018 yet was unable to fund that investment. Based, in part, on FOWLER’s lies, the AAF declared bankruptcy in about April 2019, ending the season and dashing the hopes of FOWLER’s victims.
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In addition to the prison sentence, FOWLER, 64, of Chandler, Arizona, was ordered to pay forfeiture of $740,249,140.52 and restitution in the amount of $53,189,261.80 to the AAF.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad and Special Agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Samuel Raymond, Samuel Rothschild, and Sheb Swett are in charge of the case.
[1] As to FOWLER’s co-defendants, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the descriptions in the Indictments set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Food Wholesaler Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Tainted Chinese EelRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Pomona man and his food wholesale company have pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to smuggle Chinese frozen roasted eel for human consumption which had been previously refused entry into the United States, federal authorities announced today.
Kevin Sheng Hsiang Fang, 41, and Fang’s City of Industry-based food wholesale business, Yong Chang Trading Co., Ltd. (dba Heng Xing Foods, Inc.), each pleaded guilty May 31 to one count of smuggling and one count of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce.
Fang was a high-volume importer of Chinese frozen roasted eel, commonly known as unagi. The criminal case stems from a shipment of Fang’s imported Chinese frozen roasted eel that was sample tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found to be unsafe for human consumption, which prompted the FDA to refuse its entry into the United States. Fang admitted that he knowingly re-imported the previously refused Chinese frozen roasted eel, using new entry information and comingled with other eel to evade detection.
When he pleaded guilty, Fang admitted that the Chinese frozen roasted eel which he tried to import and distribute was adulterated with Gentian Violet, Leucogentian Violet and Malachite Green, unsafe new animal drugs. The use of these antibiotics or chemicals during various stages of aqua-cultured food can result in the presence of residues of the parent compound or its metabolites in the edible portion of the aqua-cultured seafood. The presence of antibiotic residues may contribute to an increase of antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens, according to an FDA alert. Moreover, prolonged exposure to Malachite Green and Gentian Violet has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect.
The FDA, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serves as the first line of defense for America’s imported seafood supply chain and utilizes import alerts for aqua-cultured seafood from countries around the world. Seafood and fish products are temporarily detained with FDA detention holds to prevent the introduction of contaminated food product into commerce. The FDA contacts importers to advise of the hold with a detention hold notification and waits for the sample testing results to establish that a seafood or fish product is non-violative. The regulatory framework prevents the entry and distribution of potentially violative or unsafe seafood to customers in the United States, and it serves to protect the integrity and safety of the imported fish and seafood supply chain for human consumption.
“Federal laws that prohibits the smuggling of certain food products are intended to protect consumers from hazards to their health,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the American people from such public health dangers and to ensure the safety of our food supply.”
“Today’s announcement serves as a reminder that food importers have a critical responsibility to sell food that is safe for American consumers to eat,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who put the public health at risk by distributing adulterated foods in the U.S. marketplace.”
“This individual showed complete disregard for the health and safety of the U.S. consumer by knowingly bringing tainted products into the market,” said Eddy Wang, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of multiple partner agencies, this criminal activity has been disrupted.”
“The result of this investigation to detect and prevent the illegal trade of wildlife species was made possible through the diligent work, dedication, and collaboration among all law enforcement agencies involved,” said Special Agent in Charge Manisa Kung of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, Pacific Southwest Region.
Fang is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14 by United States District Judge Percy Anderson. As a result of his guilty pleas, Fang will face a statutory maximum sentence of 21 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Amanda M. Bettinelli of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section is prosecuting the case.
Felon Sentenced to 60 Months for His Role in Illegal Firearms PurchaseRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Keymal Bert Rucker, 31, of Laughlin, Nevada, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 60 months in prison. Rucker pleaded guilty to Aiding and Abetting a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.
From May 2019 to July 2020, Rucker directed his co-defendant, Rochelle Renee Conlin, to buy at least 102 firearms from Arizona gun stores on his behalf. Rucker provided Conlin with the money to purchase firearms, instructed her on what firearms to purchase, and took possession of the firearms after she purchased them. At the time, Rucker knew that he was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Five of the handguns that Conlin purchased for Rucker have been recovered by law enforcement in California.
At the time of Rucker’s arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives seized two machine gun conversion devices, a Glock pistol, an AR-15 style rifle, and several hundred rounds of ammunition from his residence. A machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch,” converts a pistol from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Previously seized from his vehicle and residence were two loaded .40 caliber handguns, an AK-47 pistol, extended and drum magazines, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, approximately $14,000 in U.S. currency, marijuana, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, an embossing machine with accessories, seven jars of Tannerite, and binary explosives.
This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-08082-SMB-PHX
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-085_Rucker# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Dominican Man Previously Convicted in Fentanyl Conspiracy Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man was sentenced on May 31, 2023 in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Milton Jose Arias, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 21 months incarceration. Arias will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On Jan. 10, 2023, Arias pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry.
Arias is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who illegally entered the United States at an unknown time and location without inspection. In July 2019, Arias was convicted in federal court in Boston of fentanyl distribution and fentanyl distribution conspiracy and, in March 2020, was removed from the United States.
In January 2022, Arias was found to have unlawfully reentered the United States without the appropriate permission sometime after his removal.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.