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2 June 2023
Las Vegas Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James Conlan, 58, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced May 31, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, to over eight years in federal prison.
On January 25, 2023, Conlan plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hears showed that between January 2021 and December 2021, he and others were involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than a kilogram of methamphetamine across Northwest Iowa. Conlan further admitted that he utilized the United States Postal Service to send methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, to an undercover post office box in Spencer, Iowa on two occasions.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Conlan was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Conlan remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick T. Greenwood and Shawn Wehde, and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Iowa State Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, and the Cherokee Iowa Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4049.
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Keswick Man Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes, Making False Statements on PPP Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – A Keswick man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failing to pay over $700,000 in employment taxes for his business, and for making a false statement for purposes of obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for the business.
According to court documents, during the years 2014 through 2020, Thomas Sieren, 60, was a co-owner of TCS Fabricating, Inc. and, during that time, failed to pay $703,615.69 in employment taxes to the IRS. This included the failure to pay taxes that he had collected from TCS’s employees through withholding, as well as matching contributions to Social Security and Medicare. In 2020 and 2021, Sieren obtained two PPP loans on behalf of TCS in the total amount of $237,379. The PPP loan applications misrepresented that TCS had paid its payroll tax obligations.
Sieren will be required to pay TCS’s unpaid payroll tax obligations, together with interest and penalties. He also will be required to pay restitution of $237,379 to the United States Small Business Administration. Following Sieren’s release from prison, he will be required to serve two years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Euclid Man on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Nicholas D. Geer, 26, of Euclid, Ohio, was found guilty on all counts by a jury after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese in Cleveland yesterday. Geer was convicted of seven counts of possession with intent to distribute various drugs and two firearms charges. Specifically, Geer was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court a search warrant was executed at a house Geer was staying at in Cleveland Heights. During the search, agents seized various quantities of drugs and a loaded .40 caliber handgun in the kitchen of the residence. Geer was discovered hiding in a closet in the basement. Law enforcement had previously conducted two controlled drug purchases from Geer, one at that residence. Geer is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cleveland Heights Police Department, and the Euclid Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vanessa Healy and Robert Kolansky.
Jacksonville, Alabama Woman Sentenced to More Than 4 Years for Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A 46-year-old Jacksonville woman was sentenced this week to 51 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Rebecca Russell conspired with her sister, Roseanna Taylor, to commit fraud using stolen identities. Taylor worked for a medical professional staffing company based in Mobile from about May 2017 through January 2019. By virtue of Taylor’s employment, she obtained personal pedigree information, including means of identification of certain medical professionals. Russell obtained these stolen identities from Taylor and made various consumer lending transactions through mid-2020. As part of the scheme, Russell used fake identification documents containing her photo along with victims’ personal information to obtain fraudulent loans for cash, at least one automobile, and other items of monetary value.Russell was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the fraud scheme in the amount of $127,663.26 and to serve a supervised release term of three years following her term of imprisonment.
Earlier this year, Taylor was sentenced earlier this year to 81 months for her role in the scheme and ordered to pay restitution.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.The United States Secret Service and Mobile Police Department the investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Bishop Ravenel and Justin D. Kopf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Jackson, 27, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 3, 2022, a FCI Beckley staff member conducted a pat-down search of Jackson and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Jackson’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened at one end and with a cloth handle on the other end fashioned from an institution-issued t-shirt. Jackson admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-232.
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Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Quordell Tarver, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 22, 2022, an FCI Beckley staff member conducted a visual search of Tarver and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Tarver’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened to a point at one end and with a piece of white shoelace wrapped around the base as a handle.
Tarver is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-62.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 2 was:
Robert Terrance Williams, III, 45, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williams faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Williams was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-152.
Appearing on May 31 was:
Nathaniel George Castro, 26, of Hardin, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Castro was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-43.
Appearing on May 18 was:
Tyler Brady Miller, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-63.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Justin Davis, 65 years old, of Maywood, IL, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Davis was sentenced to 108 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July 2021, Davis was observed driving well over the posted speed limit. Indiana State Police conducted a traffic stop and located a container with a white granular substance that Davis was attempting to hide. When confronted, Davis admitted the substance was crack cocaine. Additional narcotics and items related to drug dealing were also recovered, in addition to a loaded handgun. Davis admitted to previously dealing drugs while armed for his protection. Due to multiple prior felony convictions, Davis is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent A. Ecenbarger.
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
Hartford Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 32, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with a child exploitation offense.
As alleged in court documents, HSI has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that an account associated with Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.
On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence. Williams was arrested after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse.
The complaint charges Williams with receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the charge, Williams faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina.
Williams appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Green Bay Pastor Arrested for Online Crimes Targeting a Venezuelan ChildRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 2, 2023, a criminal complaint was issued charging Cory J. Herthel (age: 40) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, with attempted production of child pornography and the transfer of obscene material to a Venezuelan child in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 1470.
The attempted production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration in federal prison upon conviction. The transfer of obscene materials charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment. A conviction on either charge would require Herthel to register as a sexual offender.
According to the criminal complaint, Herthel met the child while performing missionary work and thereafter maintained contact with the child online. Herthel encouraged the minor to send him videos of the child’s genitalia in exchange for monetary payments. He is further alleged to have sent the child images of his genitals.
This case is being investigated by the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the Green Bay Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Georgia Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
Georgia Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking Minors
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge this week sentenced a Georgia woman for sex trafficking of minors, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Marlette Laishell Smith aka “Lala,” 29, of Rome, Georgia, to 300 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. On March 23, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor and two counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity.
According to court documents, Smith recruited two minor females (15 and 16 years of age) into prostitution for her own financial gain. The minor victims were stranded in Memphis, Tennessee, and were trying to get back home to California. Smith met them on a stairwell at the Motel 6 in Memphis – the minor victims were hungry, had no money, no place to stay, no mode of transportation, only the clothes on their back, and an uncharged cell phone. Smith told them that she would help them get back home if they would go with her to Alabama and make $200 each. Smith drove the minors to Georgia then to Alabama where she sexually trafficked them.
“The commercial sexual exploitation of children causes long-lasting harms to child victims and the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The fight to prevent and disrupt exploitation would be impossible without the support of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We are especially grateful for the work of FBI Birmingham in apprehending the defendant in this case.”
“This sentence sends a strong message to those who prey on minors and abuse their trust. The victims, who found themselves in a vulnerable state entrusted this person for assistance in returning home. The FBI is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the victims and reuniting them with their families,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. “I am proud of the diligent work of FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, the Homewood Police Department, and other law enforcement partners who assisted in bringing this individual to justice.”
The FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Franklin Man Arrested and Charged with Threatening to Kill a U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Franklin man has been charged in connection with threatening to kill a United States Senator, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Landry, 66, was charged with threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official in connection with the official’s performance of official duties. Landry will make an initial appearance in federal court today in Concord at 2:30pm.
According to the charging documents, Landry called a district field office of a United States Senator and left a voicemail on May 17, 2023, stating:
“Hey stupid. I’m a veteran sniper. And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you. You’re a dead man walking, you piece of f***ing sh**.”
Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry. When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail.
The charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, and the Franklin and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Four Defendants Involved in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Receive Sentences of over 68 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants who were charged in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation with conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area have all now been sentenced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the defendants as follows:
Frederick Cortez Walker, 33, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 292 months (24 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Felecia B. Walker, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 270 months (22 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Mario T. Nash, 42, of Haughton, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Alana M. Taravella, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 147 months (12 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all four defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and each of them have pleaded guilty to the charge. Felecia B. Walker and Alana M. Taravella each also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, five firearms were seized from Taravella and forfeited.
According to evidence presented to the court, beginning on or about March 1, 2021, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) begin an investigation into the suspect drug trafficking activities of these defendants. The DEA was able to obtain approval to intercept phone calls on Frederick C. Walker’s phone. Agents intercepted phone calls between Walker, Felecia Walker, and others, in which they discussed the purchase and sale of methamphetamine. Specifically, a call was intercepted by agents on June 14, 2021 wherein the Walkers discussed the shipment of methamphetamine in the mail via UPS. Agents were able to seize the package and discovered approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine.
On June 10, 2021, agents intercepted a call wherein Frederick Walker arranged to distribute methamphetamine to an unknown subject. Agents set up surveillance to monitor the transaction and after it was complete, conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Mario Nash. A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 488.7 gross grams of methamphetamine which was located wrapped in plastic inside the center console of the vehicle. Mario admitted to agents that he had purchased the narcotics from Frederick Walker.
On June 22, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Frederick and Felecia Walker’s residence. At their residence, officers located approximately 1042.2 gross grams of marijuana, 949.4 gross grams of methamphetamine, a Ruger AR-556, an assortment of magazines including extended magazines, ammunition, and digital scales. Felecia Walker admitted to agents during an interview that the methamphetamine would be mailed to her via the mail and then she or Frederick Walker would mail the money for the methamphetamine to the supplier. Felecia Walker would then distribute the narcotics as directed by Frederick Walker.
On June 23, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Taravella’s residence and during the search, agents recovered a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm handgun, a DPMS A-15 firearm, over $8,000 in cash, methamphetamine, packaging materials, and digital scales. In the vehicle parked outside of Taravella’s residence, agents found a Taurus G2C 9mm with extended magazine and ammunition, a Taurus PT738 .380 firearm with magazine and ammunition, a stolen Sig Sauer P365 9mm firearm with magazine and ammunition and 325 gross grams of methamphetamine. Taravella admitted to obtaining methamphetamine from Frederick Walker and distributing it to others.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Former WVDEP Official Pleads Guilty to Theft of Federal Grant FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jerry D. Elkins, 54, of Danville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to theft from programs receiving federal funds. Elkins admitted to fraudulently obtaining $94,197.93 of federal abandoned mine land (AML) remediation sub-grant funds while employed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about April 2017 until on or about August 7, 2019, Elkins assisted an individual, A.K., and his company apply for and obtain an AML sub-grant. Thereafter, Elkins set up a shell limited liability company to receive a portion of the sub-grant award funds and created fraudulent invoices in an attempt to conceal the nature of the payments.
The DEP receives grant funding from the United States Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) for accelerating the remediation of AML sites with economic and community development end uses. Since 2018, West Virginia has received $25 million in AML block grant funds. Numerous private entities apply to receive AML sub-grants, and the process for selecting projects to receive sub-grant awards is competitive.
On February 21, 2017, the DEP hired Elkins as a regional planner. Elkins’ duties included reporting to the DEP whether certain project proposals being reviewed for AML sub-grant awards were suitable and appropriate for the reclamation of old mining areas. Prior to joining the DEP, Elkins became acquainted with A.K, who resided outside of West Virginia and controlled various corporate entities. Elkins and A.K. had discussed A.K.’s intent to apply to the DEP for AML grants.
In the summer of 2017, A.K. and one of his companies applied for a DEP AML pilot program sub-grant, with a proposal to construct and operate a greenhouse that would produce commercial quantities of vegetables and fruits at a project site near Madison, West Virginia (the Greenhouse Project). Leading up to when A.K. applied for the sub-grant, Elkins agreed to assist A.K. with developing and submitting the Greenhouse Project application. A.K. compensated Elkins for those services.
Between on or about April 2017 and January 12, 2018, while Elkins was employed as a DEP regional planner, Elkins assisted A.K. and his company by collecting water samples, providing contacts for public support, offering his opinion and suggestions for improving the sub-grant application, and continuously monitoring the application’s status. Elkins admitted that he also contacted an individual to write the Greenhouse Project grant proposal for A.K., which was outside the scope of Elkins’ duties as a regional planner. Elkins also provided that individual with edits to the grant proposal. Elkins further admitted to enlisting two other local individuals to work with A.K. and serve as officers in one of A.K.’s companies.
In November 2017, Elkins submitted a report for A.K.’s project site, which was a prerequisite for A.K. to receive federal funds. In December 2017, Elkins told A.K. that Elkins would approve the proposed project site.
Elkins continued to assist A.K. after he was transferred from the regional planner position to construction inspector on January 12, 2018. Elkins’ duties as construction inspector included overseeing the later phases of AML projects, such as construction and earth moving. Elkins admitted that throughout July 2018, he communicated extensively via text messages with A.K. and other individuals associated with the Greenhouse Project about internal DEP deliberations and provided suggestions regarding the sub-grant. Elkins further admitted to pledging to undertake certain actions and make contacts on behalf of A.K.
In August and September 2018, Elkins registered a limited liability company, Wanaque, in Delaware and opened a bank account for Wanaque at a bank in Charleston, West Virginia, in order to receive and obscure payments from A.K. Elkins admitted that Wanaque had no other legitimate business purpose besides receiving funds from A.K. and A.K.’s companies. Elkins further admitted that he directed the creation of a third-party pay-bill account through Bill.com, a cloud-based payments platform, that was used to send invoices from Wanaque to companies under A.K.’s control.
From about October 19, 2018, through about August 7, 2019, Wanaque received $94,197.93 in electronic fund transfers and checks from A.K. and his companies. Elkins admitted that the $94,197.34 originated from the Greenhouse Project’s sub-grant reimbursements from the DEP and were ultimately diverted to him. Elkins further admitted that he had no right to receive those funds and fraudulently converted them to his own use. Elkins also admitted to taking steps to hide, conceal and cover up his activity and the nature and scope of his dealings with A.K. Those steps included failing to list his interest in Wanaque when he signed the federal OSMRE State Employee Statement of Employment and Financial Interest form on February 20, 2019.
Elkins is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Elkins also owes $94,197.93 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General- Office of Investigations, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson made significant contributions to the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-78.
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Former Correctional Officer at State Prison Sentenced to Serve 13 Months in Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes to Smuggle ContrabandRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TY CRAIG, 25, of Hunter, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 13 months in federal prison for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband while serving as a correctional officer at an Oklahoma state prison, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 13, 2023, Craig was charged by Information with one count of receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. On March 1, 2023, Craig pleaded guilty to accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the JCCC. The contraband included cellphones, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Court documents reflect that that Craig was formerly employed at the James Crabtree Correctional Center (JCCC) in Helena, Oklahoma, a medium-security state prison. As a correctional officer, Mr. Craig was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the JCCC and its inmates.
Today, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Craig to serve 13 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, upon release from prison. In addition to the 13-month term of imprisonment, Craig was ordered to forfeit the cash bribes he received.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filing for further information.
Former Bank Employee Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Opening Bank Accounts as Part of a Larger Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Churches and Religious OrganizationsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Diape Seck, age 29, of Rockville, Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain almost $2 million by fraud, including the theft of checks from the mail of churches and religious institutions. Judge Chuang also ordered Seck to pay restitution in the amount of $1,708,446.49, and to forfeit $114,647.50. A federal jury convicted Seck on February 24, 2023.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Terry Sult of the Cary, North Carolina, Police Department; and Sheriff Dusty Rhoades of the Williamson County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office.
According to the evidence presented at his eight-day trial, from at least January 2019 to January 2020, Seck, a customer service representative with Bank A, conspired with Mateus Vaduva, Marius Vaduva, Vlad Baceanu, Nicolae Gindac, Florin Vaduva, Marian Unguru, Daniel Velcu, Vali Unguru and others to commit bank fraud. Specifically, the evidence showed that Seck fraudulently opened bank accounts in fake identities in exchange for cash bribes. Co-conspirators engaged in fraud that included fraud involving rental cars and the deposit of checks stolen from the incoming and outgoing mail of churches and other religious institutions, into the fraudulently opened bank accounts. The co-conspirators then withdrew the funds and spent the fraudulently obtained proceeds.
As detailed in the trial evidence, Diape Seck facilitated the opening of hundreds of bank accounts at Bank A for his co-conspirators, who used purported foreign identities, often but not universally Romanian, to fraudulently open bank accounts with him at Bank A, as well as bank accounts at other victim financial institutions. Seck opened accounts for co-conspirators without their presence in the bank, without verifying identity information, and opened accounts for co-conspirators who opened multiple accounts at a time under different identities. To conceal his improper activities, Seck opened accounts for the co-conspirators at the same time he conducted legitimate bank activities. The co-conspirators paid Seck up to $500 in cash in exchange for each of the fraudulent bank accounts he opened.
According to court documents and witness testimony, Seck violated numerous bank policies in opening approximately 412 checking accounts in a one-year period from approximately January 2, 2019 through January 3, 2020, relying predominantly on purported Romanian passports and driver's license information. Checks payable to and written from churches and other religious institutions from around the country were deposited into many of the 412 checking accounts which were not opened in the names of the churches.
The co-conspirators fraudulently negotiated the stolen checks by depositing them into the victim bank accounts, including the fraudulent accounts opened by Seck at Bank A, often by way of automated teller machine (ATM) transactions. After depositing the stolen checks into the bank accounts, the conspirators made cash withdrawals from ATMs and purchases using debit cards associated with the bank accounts. Co-conspirators also used fraudulently obtained debit cards to rent cars which they used and then failed to return, resulting in charges by the rental car companies which had to be “written off” by Bank A.
According to court documents, co-conspirators deposited at least approximately $780,064.04 in stolen checks into the accounts Seck personally opened on their behalf and the bank had to write off at least approximately $921,590.50 from the co-conspirators’ rental car fraud in the accounts Seck opened for them.
Co-conspirators Vlad Baceanu, age 38; Marian Unguru, age 36; and Vali Unguru, age 20, all of Baltimore, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. Mateus Vaduva, age 29, of Baltimore was sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,320,885.84; Nicolae Gindac, age 52, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Florin Vaduva, age 31, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Marius Vaduva, age 28, of Baltimore was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,334,230.84; and Daniel Velcu, age 43, of Baltimore was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,313,499.79, after they previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, HSI, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Cary (North Carolina) Police Department, and the Williamson County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Former Baden Resident Sentenced to 124 Months’ Imprisonment for Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Baden, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a total term of 124 months’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and for violating the terms of federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Andrew Kincaid, age 35, formerly of Baden, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
According to information presented to the court, on March 16, 2021, Kincaid knowingly possessed an electronic device containing child sexual abuse material, in violation of federal law and the conditions of Kincaid’s supervised release related to his 2010 federal conviction, also for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kincaid.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Firearms and Ammunition Smuggler Sentenced to 51 MonthsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Armando Castro, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Castro pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States.
On January 19, 2022, Castro attempted to exit the United States into Mexico via the vehicle lanes at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Castro was the driver and sole occupant of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had received alerts on the Silverado and Castro related to a prior ammunition smuggling incident. Upon initial inspection of the Silverado, CBP found a bag on the front seat that contained a loaded .22 caliber revolver. CBP further inspected the vehicle and found two high-capacity Glock firearm magazines, four regular-capacity Glock firearm magazines, and one .22 caliber Walther firearm magazine.
The firearm, ammunition, and firearm magazines Castro smuggled and intended to export to Mexico are all designated on the United States Commerce Control List as prohibited by law for export from the United States into Mexico without a valid license. Castro did not have a license or any other lawful authority to export any of the items from the United States into Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Bolling and Austin Fenwick, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 4:22-cr-00678-JCH-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-083_Castro# # #
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.Federal Jury Convicts Richfield Man for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury found a Richfield man guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Following a two-day trial before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, Marquice Shaquan Morris, 26, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to evidence presented at trial, from spring 2022 to October 2022, Morris and his coconspirator Brandon Pierre Johnson, 34, of Chicago, conspired to distribute approximately 83,000 fentanyl pills, weighing about 18 pounds, or 8.3 kilograms. In late September 2022, Morris and Johnson agreed to fly from Minnesota to Arizona to pick up the fentanyl, then Johnson would bring the drugs back to Minnesota on a bus, to give them back to Morris. In return, Morris agreed to pay Johnson $1,500. On September 30, 2022, Morris and Johnson flew from Minnesota to Arizona and obtained the fentanyl pills from Morris’s source. Morris then flew home, while Johnson boarded a Greyhound bus to St. Paul. Johnson carried the pills along with a loaded 9 mm handgun onto the bus, in a duffle bag. When Johnson’s bus stopped in Amarillo, Texas, law enforcement officers found and seized the fentanyl pills and the gun. Officers arrested Johnson.
On March 17, 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2023.
Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Amarillo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes, Harry M. Jacobs, and Thomas M. Hollenhorst tried the case.
Eufaula Resident Sentenced for Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that William Clayton Brown, age 40, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in prison for one count of First Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.
The charges arose from investigations by the Eufaula Police Department, the District 25 Violent Crime Task Force, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Fugitive Apprehension and Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On September 1, 2021, Brown was found guilty by a federal jury of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. During the trial, the medical examiner testified Brown fatally stabbed a victim with a sharp instrument. Further testimony revealed Brown attempted to hide the victim’s body in a field.
On July 7, 2022, a federal jury found Brown guilty of First Degree Murder in Indian Country. During the trial, witnesses testified that while in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Brown killed a second victim in a cell, strangling him with a ligature before beating him and suffocating him with plastic bags.
“William Brown has proven he is a hardened and violent criminal, and a true menace to society,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “For the lives he took and the families he affected, he has duly earned each of his life sentences. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, Brown will never again endanger the citizens of Oklahoma.”
“The defendant is obviously an extremely violent person and the consecutive life sentences imposed by Court were fitting punishment for his heinous crimes,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in McIntosh and Pittsburg Counties, which are within the boundaries of the Creek and Choctaw Nation Reservations, respectively, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the September 2021 trial and the sentencing hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the July 2022 trial in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Brown will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 184 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, beginning in approximately September of 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified both Steven Warner and Elmer Francis as leaders of this local group. Warner was further identified as a methamphetamine source of supply for the local group.
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Steven James Warner aka Misfit: age 46, McAlester, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 400 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Elmer Nathaniel Francis aka Nathan: age 65, Cave Springs, Arkansas - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 327 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Vincent James Burrough: age 58, Spiro, Oklahoma - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 270 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Charley Edward Rouell Jr.: age 52, Stigler, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 250 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Danial Wayne Plack: age 42, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 188 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Michael Winberry: age 52, Cave Springs, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Cassandra Claire Webb: age 34, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 60 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Eunice Felicitas Cisneros: age 44, Moreno Valley, California – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 135 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Landon Dale Thompson Jr.: age 42, Van Buren, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Christie Michelle Yandell Warner: age 49, Yukon, Oklahoma – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Paul Eugene Wisdom: age 34, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 140 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Resident Office investigated the case, and were assisted by the following federal and local agencies: United States Marshals Service, ATF, FBI, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers Police Department, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections – Probation and Parole, Arkansas Counter Drug Unit, and the Arkansas State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Drug Traffickers Involved in Fatal Eastern Avenue Gunfight SentencedRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A pair of Roanoke men involved in a fatal shooting at an Eastern Avenue drug house in the City of Roanoke were sentenced yesterday in federal court for their roles in the shootings and related drug trafficking activities.
Aaron Lee Woods, 28, was sentenced yesterday to more than 20 years in federal prison. Chad Matthew Custer, 23, was also sentenced yesterday to 16 years’ incarceration. Both men previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana as well as one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
A third man, Darion Mantez Harvey was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison in May 2022 for related conduct.
According to court documents, in October 2018, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a drug trafficking organization involving Woods, Custer, and Harvey.
During the course of the investigation, authorities learned that Woods, Harvey, Custer, and other co-conspirators used Woods’ apartment on Eastern Avenue as the primary site for their large-scale distribution of marijuana in the Roanoke Valley from late 2017 through approximately August 2019. Witnesses told police that customers would stream in and out of the apartment at all hours of the day and night buying marijuana from the defendants, who kept their loaded firearms in plain view.
In the early evening hours of July 10, 2018, a car containing five individuals arrived at the Eastern Avenue apartment where a gun battle broke out with Harvey, Woods, and Custer on one side and the newly-arrived individuals on the other. While four of the individuals fled on foot, a fifth individual was in a vehicle driving away from the scene when a bullet struck him in the back of the head and killed him.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms used by Woods, Harvey, and Custer during the shootout, including high-powered, military-style rifles with laser sights as well as multiple handguns and ammunition.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai of the Washington Division and Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Roanoke Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlene R. Day, and Matthew M. Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Dozens sentenced for their roles in Atlanta-based fraud and money laundering operation that stole over $30 million from individuals and companiesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – More than three dozen individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that targeted individuals, corporations, and financial institutions throughout the United States. The defendants used business email compromise schemes, romance fraud scams, and retirement account scams, among other frauds, to steal more than $30 million from numerous victims.
“The Department of Justice has tirelessly worked for more than four years to obtain justice for dozens of victims impacted by this brazen criminal organization,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The defendants’ sentences should serve as a stark warning to others that fraud and money laundering crimes are top priorities for this office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
“Several members of this conspiracy fraudulently obtained funds from ERISA-covered employee benefit plans. The funds, which originated from unwitting individuals’ retirement accounts, were deposited into personal and business bank accounts that were created in furtherance of this money-laundering conspiracy. The greed of the conspirators caused workers and prospective retirees to lose significant portions of their hard-earned retirement funds. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“These fraud scams, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them,” said Keri Fairly, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The sentencing of all these individuals shows the FBI’s dedication to working with our partners to hold anyone accountable who would steal from hard working and honest individuals, rather than put in the work themselves.”
“These scammers defrauded individuals and companies with the sole purpose of enriching themselves,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the nation’s financial infrastructure and ensure that financial crimes do not go unpunished.”
“This sentencing illustrates the Secret Service’s dedication to protecting our nation’s financial systems,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Atlanta Field Office. “We are thankful for our law enforcement partners’ commitment and support as we worked together to bring this case to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: The defendants engaged in multiple fraud and money laundering conspiracies that stole millions of dollars from victims located throughout the United States and abroad. The defendants were charged across several related pending cases.
U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II, sentenced the following individuals for their respective roles in this criminal scheme:
- Joshua Roberts, also known as “Onyx,” 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to eight years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $9,675,739.73 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 10, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 29, 2022.
- Darius Sowah Okang, also known as “Michael J. Casey,” “Richard Resser,” “Thomas Vaden,” “Michael Lawson,” “Matthew Reddington,” and “Michael Little,” 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,204,119 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft on September 2, 2021.
- George Kodjo Edem Adatsi, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,373,797.43 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021.
- Benjamin Ibukunoluwa Oye, 29, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,163,127.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering on March 4, 2020.
- Prince Sheriff Okai, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,950,586.54 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 12, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 6, 2020.
- Hamza Abdallah, also known as “Reggie Lewis,” 33, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,051,473.87 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 24, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 18, 2020.
- Dominique Raquel Golden, also known as “Desire Tamakloe,” “Mellissa Moore,” “Nicole Nolay,” “Raquel Roberts,” “Maria Henderson,” and “Raquel Golden,” 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to four years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,830,607.05 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on March 28, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 30, 2021.
- Kelvin Prince Boateng, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $870,333 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 17, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 2, 2021.
- Jonathan Kojo Agbemafle, also known as “Skinny,” 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,637,625.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 8, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 4, 2022.
- Blessing Oluwatimilehin Ojo, also known as “Timmy,” 37, of Nigeria, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,711,304 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on July 19, 2022.
- Desire Elorm Tamakloe, also known as “Chubby,” 28, of Smyrna, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,215,357.81 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 13, 2022.
- Stephen Abbu Jenkins, also known as “Face,” “Steven Abbu Jenkins,” “Steven Jenkins,” and “Steve Jenkins,” 56, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and seven months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $726,290 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 8, 2022.
- Obinna Nwosu, 29, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,045,065.75 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 16, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 17, 2020.
- Ojebe Obewu Ojebe, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $893,879.55 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on September 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on June 2, 2022.
- Francesco Benjamin, also known as “B-More,” 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $987,070 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 1, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 19, 2022.
- Chukwukadibia Ikechukwu Nnadozie, also known as “Chuka” and “Michael McCord,” 30, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $231,507.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on May 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 28, 2022.
- Abubakar Sadik Ibrahim, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,193,750.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 1, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 27, 2021.
- John Ifeoluwa Onimole, 31, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,117,966.06 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 25, 2023, after pleading guilty to money laundering on December 7, 2022.
- Chadrick Jamal Rhodes, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and 11 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 31, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 12, 2021.
- Chadwick Osbourne Stewart, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 22, 2021.
- Macario Lee Nelson, a/k/a “Mac,” 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on September 29, 2021.
- Afeez Olaide Adeniran, a/k/a “Ola,” 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $352,830.25 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 6, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 18, 2022.
- Kahlia Andrea Siddiqui, 31, of Chamblee, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $325,811 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 9, 2022.
- Solomon Agyapong, also known as “Gumpe,” 34, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $496,123.92 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022.
- Christopher Akinwande Awonuga, 31, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $113,276.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 8, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on August 22, 2019.
- Emanuela Joe Joseph, 37, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $442,557.08 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 26, 2022.
- Seth Appiah Kubi, 63, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in custody, to be followed by one year of supervised release. He was sentenced on July 7, 2020, after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft on March 4, 2020.
- Oluwafunmilade Onamuti, also known as “Mathew Kelvin,” 29, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $167,195 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021.
- Paul Chinonso Anyanwu, 31, of Hampton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 19, 2019, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 18, 2019.
- Casey Broderick Williams, 29, of Covington, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on July 30, 2019.
- Alexus Ciera Johnson, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $106,879 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022.
- Egale Veonzell Woods, Jr., 44, of East Point, Georgia, was sentenced to one year in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $165,007.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 4, 2020.
- Gregory Thomas Hudson, 42, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $125,291.45 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on March 14, 2022.
- Uchechi Chidimma Odus, also known as “Uche,” 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $83,345.47 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 17, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on December 21, 2022.
- Matthan Bolaji Ibidapo, also known as “B.J.,” 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $82,490.50 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 1, 2022.
- Tyler Keon Roussell, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in custody, to be followed by six years of supervised release with a portion served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $368,400.49 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on May 16, 2019.
- Monique Wheeler, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $71,010 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on December 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to money laundering on July 13, 2022.
- Chineda Obilom Nwakudu, 28, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to three years of probation with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $123,645.85 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 23, 2019.
- Ahamefule Aso Odus, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted by a jury on January 30, 2023, of conspiracy to commit money laundering and multiple substantive money laundering offenses. His sentencing is pending.
- Motswana Mulongo, also known as “David Mulongo” and “Henry Tipton,” 38, of Decatur, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 10, 2023. His sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2023.
- Oumar Bouyo Mbodj of Kennesaw, Georgia, is deceased, and charges filed against him were dismissed.
This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program—the keystone drug, money laundering, and transnational organized crime enforcement program of the Department of Justice.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The investigating agencies received considerable support from the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Russell Phillips prosecuted the case.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Court Sentences Mobile Man to Ten Years' Imprisonment for Armed Robbery of Dollar Tree StoreRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On June 1, 2023, United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Carlos Dominick Balams of Mobile to 120 months’ imprisonment for robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
Cleveland Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
AKRON – Devonn Fair, 31, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, June 1, 2023, to 420 months or 35 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, money laundering, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, Fair was one of the leaders of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking organization that operated on the east side of Cleveland from September of 2019 to February of 2022. The Fair drug trafficking organization distributed fentanyl at several residences throughout the east side of Cleveland which drew customers from as far away as Medina, Wayne, and Lorain Counties. Fair and his organization profited from their crimes and laundered those profits with the purchase of expensive clothing, jewelry, and vehicles. In addition, Fair was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions.
Fair was ordered to forfeit the unlawful proceeds of his crimes which included jewelry, $68,922 in U.S. Currency, and three vehicles.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force (CGNL), and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID) with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force
(SEALE), the ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the DEA, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory. This case was prosecuted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) national program.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Lewis and Joseph Dangelo.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Two Retail Store Robberies in Illinois and IndianaRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Chicago man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison in connection with a series of retail store robberies in Illinois and Indiana.
In 2016, YASHMINE ODOM and his co-conspirators carried out two violent robberies, using force and pepper spray to coerce store employees while stealing laptops, iPads, smart watches, and cell phones. During the robberies, Odom or his co-conspirators physically assaulted and restrained the employees.
On Dec. 10, 2016, Odom and his co-conspirators traveled to the Valparaiso Simply Mac store in Valparaiso, Ind., and forced store employees to the back of the store. Odom stayed in the car as the getaway driver while his co-conspirators carried out approximately $50,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
On Dec. 16, 2016, Odom traveled with eight co-conspirators to the Cherry Valley Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, Ill. Odom and his co-conspirators forced employees to the back of the store, pepper sprayed one of them, and stole two computers.
Odom, 38, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and robbery charges. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the four-year sentence Wednesday after a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
The sentence 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 Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Surreptitiously Recording Boys in YMCA Locker RoomsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for surreptitiously recording thousands of videos of nude boys inside YMCA lockers rooms.
For approximately two decades, MICHAEL PORTER surreptitiously recorded videos of nude boys inside the locker room at three Chicago-area YMCAs, where Porter was a member. Porter placed a video-recording device inside of a bag and then strategically placed the bag on the floor of the locker rooms. Porter sexually abused at least one of the boys, capturing the abuse on video.
During the investigation law enforcement seized from Porter six recording devices, seven cameras, 30 USB drives, hundreds of cassette tapes and DVDs, and two laptops. Law enforcement discovered in his possession 46,563 images and 44,553 videos depicting child pornography, including approximately 2,245 videos produced by Porter.
Porter, 58, pleaded guilty last year to federal charges of production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis on Thursday ordered Porter to pay $63,500 in restitution to victims.
The sentence 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. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department.
“Michael Porter was a prolific manufacturer and collector of child pornography,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Totten and Elly M. Peirson argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Regardless of whether these images will ever surface again, the victims will live with the trauma imposed upon them by the defendant for the rest of their lives.”
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Leading Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Winfield Agee, 36, Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 15 years in prison for conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Agee pleaded guilty to this charge on January 26, 2023.
The government’s investigation revealed that Agee was the undisputed leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing at least 50 kilograms of cocaine from Chicago to Madison between 2014 and 2020. As a result of his lucrative operation, Agee drove high-end cars, lived in posh luxury accommodations, and collected designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, and bags.
The investigation showed that beginning in approximately 2014, Agee, who resided in Chicago, began providing cocaine to various people, including several female associates, for redistribution around Madison. One source of information (SOI-1) reported that towards the end of 2014, she began transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Chicago to Madison twice per month for Agee. The arrangement between SOI-1 and the defendant continued for several years until SOI-1 was arrested in May 2018.
Another source of information (SOI-2) reported that she started transporting cocaine at Agee’s direction between Chicago and Madison beginning sometime in 2018. According to SOI-2, she was transporting a kilogram of cocaine a week to Madison in 2019 and 2020. SOI-2 recalled that Agee gave her very specific directions on how fast to drive, which lane to drive in, and what to do if she was stopped by the police. According to SOI-2, when she would arrive in Madison with the cocaine, she would wait for Agee to tell her where to deliver it.
On November 25, 2020, SOI-2 rented a car and drove to Agee’s home in Chicago to pick up a kilogram of cocaine. Surveillance footage revealed Agee putting a bag in SOI-2’s car outside of his apartment building. SOI-2 was in Chicago for less than 30 minutes. Madison Police officers stopped SOI-2 as she was driving in Madison and a search of her car revealed the kilogram of cocaine. SOI-2 reported that she had picked up the cocaine from Agee after she had collected money from one of his associates in Madison.
A third source of information (SOI-3) reported that she resided in the Madison area and beginning sometime in 2018, she would receive large quantities of cocaine from Agee that she would distribute to his associates in Madison. SOI-3 would pick up the cocaine from SOI-2 once it arrived in Madison.
All three sources of information described a similar method of operation used by Agee and his associates. Additionally, law enforcement agents were able to corroborate much of the information based on intercepted telephone communications and surveillances.
On December 3, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at Agee’s penthouse apartment in Chicago. During the search, officers found $6,041 in cash, key fobs for a Rolls Royce, and designer clothes, jewelry, shoes, and bags. Officers later located two vehicles belonging to the defendant in the parking garage of the apartment — a 2019 Rolls Royce SUV and a 2020 BMW M8.
The jewelry seized from Agee included a Patek Phillipe watch, a diamond bracelet, a diamond necklace, and diamond earrings. Based on an appraisal from a jewelry store, the total value of the four pieces of jewelry was $472,718.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson concluded that a significant sentence was warranted because Agee’s organization was responsible for bringing a tremendous amount of cocaine into Wisconsin for a significant period of time. Judge Peterson also noted that Agee’s extraordinary success as a drug trafficker allowed him to become wealthy by exploiting the illnesses of other people.
A total of eight individuals have been charged with and pleaded guilty to participating in the cocaine distribution scheme.
The charge against Agee is the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Madison Police Department, and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Casper Woman Arraigned on Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
Lorna Roxanne Green, 22, of Casper, Wyoming, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May and was arraigned today for arson of a facility engaged in interstate commerce before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin. Green pleaded not guilty. A jury trial has been set for July 24, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.
If convicted, Green faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This crime is being investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case No: 23-CR-00066
Canadian Pastor Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Canadian pastor was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for using the internet to entice of a 15-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Detroit Field Office.
Timothy Milley, 69, of suburban Toronto, Canada, was sentenced by United States District Judge Judith E. Levy. In October 2022, Milley was convicted of the online enticement of a metro-Detroit minor. The investigation revealed that in the spring of 2013, Milley had communicated with the minor over the internet and shared text exchanges with her when she was 15 years old. After months of grooming, Milley traveled to the United States from Canada, and he convinced the minor to meet with him in front of her school in the Detroit area, where he picked her up. He took her to a hotel and had sexual intercourse with her there, before returning her to her school and abandoning her in front of the building. Milley’s crime was discovered years later when the minor victim—now an adult—looked up Milley online and found out that he had been charged and convicted in his native Canada for similar online solicitation of an undercover agent he thought was a minor. Following this discovery, the minor victim in the United States reported the incident to law enforcement agents at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who investigated and soon arrested Milley for his online solicitation of the minor victim here.
“This defendant groomed the vulnerable minor victim and preyed upon her youth and inexperience. Thanks to her bravery in coming forward years later, we were able to arrest him and prevent further victimization of other minors,” U.S. Attorney Ison said.
“Individuals who prey on children, especially those in positions of public trust, should expect to be held fully accountable for their actions,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie. M. Salazar. “I commend the victim for her courage in coming forward to ensure that Milley is unable to continue to victimize and exploit children.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Princ.
California Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Pharmaceutical DrugsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Nicolas A. Decosta, 27, of California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiring to distribute pharmaceutical controlled substances. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Decosta to imprisonment for 78 months. Upon release from prison, Decosta will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In the fall of 2019 investigators accessed an online dark net marketplace called “Empire Market” where they observed vendor “norco_king” advertising the sale of pharmaceutical controlled substances such as Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. Over the course of the investigation, investigators made a series of controlled buys of pharmaceutical controlled substances from norco_king on the dark net using an undercover identity. Norco_king accepted payment via Bitcoin and later Monero, both cryptocurrencies. The parcels containing the drugs were mailed from California to an undercover address in Omaha. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the originating post offices in the vicinity of Desert Hot Springs, California, and identified Decosta’s codefendant, Jamal Holdman, as a suspect.
On June 21, 2021, investigators served a warrant to search Holdman’s residence in Desert Hot Springs. Upon searching the residence, investigators seized approximately 21,000 pills including a significant number of pharmaceutical controlled substances in Holdman’s bedroom including opioids Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine Sulfate, Hydromorphone, Tapentadol, Methadone, and Tramadol, several amphetamines including Lisdexamfetamine (commercially known as Vyvanse), and several benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam and Alprazolam. In addition, investigators seized 420 pressed “M30” pills, as well as postal service priority mailboxes and pre-paid labels for orders to include one that was addressed to be shipped to Nebraska. Although the color and markings on the “M30” tablets indicated they contained Oxycodone, they were later confirmed through laboratory testing to contain Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Holdman told investigators that he packaged and shipped the controlled substances and named Nicolas Decosta as the supplier of the drugs and dark net site vendor. Investigators corroborated this information and arrested Decosta. Holdman was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 68 months on April 12, 2023.
This case was investigated by the United State Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
California Man Sentenced to 132 months for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jason Smith, 48, of Victorville, California, was today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 132 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After he completes his prison sentence, Smith will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 3, 2022, Smith was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 in York County, Nebraska by a Nebraska State Patrolman. The trooper became suspicious of Smith’s behavior and travel plans. A York County Deputy showed up with his drug detection dog which alerted and indicated to the odor of narcotics. During a probable cause search of the rental car, officers found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine packaged in two separate one-pound bags in the trunk. The trooper estimated the street value of the methamphetamine to be around $8,730. In the center console, officers found a methamphetamine pipe and a pill bottle with Smith’s name on the label, and which contained about four grams of methamphetamine. In the trunk, in addition to the drugs, officers found a suitcase with clothes and documents addressed to Smith.
The methamphetamine was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in both one-pound packages from the trunk as well and in the pill bottle found in the center console. Purity testing on one of the one-pound packages showed a methamphetamine concentration of 100% and resulted in at least 444.24 grams actual methamphetamine. The total weight of all methamphetamines in the car was approximately 886.5 grams. At the time of his arrest, Smith was serving a term of supervised release as a result of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine conviction out of Wisconsin from 2002.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Fraudulently Entering Competitor Laboratory and Destroying and Stealing EquipmentRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Brooklyn, New York, man was arraigned on charges he allegedly entered a laboratory business on false pretenses and destroyed and stole that business’ equipment, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Eric Leykin, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, was indicted on May 24, 2023, for committing wire fraud. He was arraigned June 1, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case:
Leykin was the chief executive officer of a clinical reference laboratory based in New Jersey. Leykin’s laboratory competed against the victim business, another clinical reference laboratory also based in New Jersey. On June 30, 2022, Leykin bought and activated a prepaid mobile phone and called an employee of the business, claiming to be a technician with a vendor that the business used to service its laboratory equipment. On that false pretense, Leykin arranged with the victim business’ employee to come to the business on the following day, supposedly to service the business’ laboratory equipment. On July 1, 2022, Leykin went to the business, entered the premises fraudulently posing as a vendor technician, and proceeded to destroy a significant amount of the business’ laboratory and computer equipment. Leykin also stole multiple computer hard drives.
The wire fraud count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Millburn Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gilfedder; and the FBI in New York, under the direction of Assistant Director Michael Driscoll, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
leykin.indictment.pdfBook Readers Look on with Pride as Students Take Next Step in EducationRead the Press Release
MIAMI – As summer approaches, many schools are holding graduations. But for staff of the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section (LEC/COS) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, two recent graduations were particularly special.
LEC/COS staff regularly hold monthly readings for pre-kindergarten students in an effort to develop in them a love of reading. And children from two of the reading program’s mainstay schools—Paul L. Dunbar K-8 Center in Miami and Trinity Christian Academy in Miami Gardens—have moved on … to kindergarten.
The students looked so excited on stage, hugging and high fiving one another as family members applauded and yelled words of encouragement. The elegantly dressed 4 and 5-year-olds beamed with pride.
“It’s tough to see them move on,” said Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Mark McKinney. “You read to them many times during the year and develop a certain relationship. I’m proud of them for taking the next step in their education, but I am going to miss them.”
Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Darcey Lindsley can relate.
“I have attended many graduations over the years and it’s always bittersweet,” she said. “We try to attend their graduation ceremonies to show our support and have one last group hug with them. It’s a special moment.”
In addition to the hug, Lindsley had a final message for the young students.
“Do you know what you have to do over the summer?” she asked to a group of future Dunbar K-8 Center kindergartners. “Read! Promise me, okay? I want you to continue to work on your reading skills so you’ll have good momentum heading into next school year.”
According to national literacy data, approximately 25 percent of children in America grow up without learning how to read. Also, upward of 80 percent of preschool programs in low-income neighborhoods lack age-appropriate books for their students. To help combat this, LEC/COS staff provide books for children to take with them to build up their home libraries.
“Reading is crucial to a child’s educational development and future success,” said LEC/COS Chief J.D. Smith. “We’ve seen the data. We know how important it is to get children interested in reading at a young age. If we can help a parent or teacher reinforce the importance of reading, we are glad to do it.”
Smith and staff have done these readings for about seven years and soon will have a fresh group of pre-K students to hear how difficult it is to catch that gingerbread man.
Anyone interested in donating children’s books may do so by emailing U.S. Attorney’s Office staff at [email protected] or by calling (305) 961-9134.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Parents, family members, and a whole bunch of balloons filled the auditoriums of two graduating pre-K classes at local South Florida schools. The students in these classes were part of a reading program put on by the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
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Billings man admits to distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to distributing child pornography using social media, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Stetson Lee Hubbard, 33, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Hubbard faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Sept. 27. Hubbard was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2020, law enforcement began an investigation using a social media application and posed as woman from Wisconsin. Law enforcement entered multiple public groups that appeared to be focused on child pornography. While in one such group, a member of the group distributed child pornography. An investigation determined that the address associated with the distribution originated in Billings and ultimately led to Hubbard as the account’s owner. When interviewed, Hubbard acknowledged using the social media application and that he may have distributed child pornography on that application. Law enforcement subsequently found child pornography on Hubbard’s cellular phone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Bayamón Psychologist Sentenced to 19 years and 7 months of Imprisonment for the Attempted Coercion and Enticement of Two Minor FemalesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico announced that this afternoon psychologist Samuel Pérez-Figueroa was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, equivalent to 19 years and 7 months, by Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for the attempted coercion and enticement of two minor females. Pérez-Figueroa will also have to serve an additional 6 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
Pursuant to the facts admitted by Perez-Figueroa as part of his plea agreement, he used a cellular telephone and internet instant messaging capabilities from October through November 2021 to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce two female minors, a 15-year-old and an 11-year-old, to engage in illegal sexual activity. Perez-Figueroa used his cellular phone to solicit sexually explicit images from two minors he was contracted to provide mental health services to. Chief Judge Arias indicated during the sentencing hearing that this crime was particularly disgraceful because Perez-Figueroa abused his position of trust as a psychologist. Instead of being a source of comfort for his patients, he chose to traumatize these minor victims.
The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, prosecuted the charges.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI encourage other victims of sexual extortion to report this type of criminal behavior. If you or anyone you know has been the victim or a witness to this or any other federal crime, please call (787) 987-6500 or visit tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
###Atlantic County Resident Admits Laundering Proceeds of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program FraudRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man admitted laundering the proceeds of fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loans, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jeremy Earley, 41, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and Lilburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty on June 1, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2020 and 2021, two companies owned by Earley received loans totaling more than $1.3 million from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal program that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The loans were approved based on fraudulent applications submitted by conspirator Rhonda Thomas stating that the companies had dozens of employees and monthly payrolls of $145,000 and $382,400, respectively. The applications also contained forged tax forms. In fact, Earley’s businesses had no employees other than himself and paid minimal to no wages. After receiving the PPP loan proceeds, Earley wrote checks totaling nearly $400,000 to Thomas to compensate her for her role in submitting the fraudulent loan applications.
The charge of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2023.
Rhonda Thomas previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and money laundering and was sentenced to five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Regional Office; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire in Philadelphia; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman and Attorney-In-Charge Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
earley.information.pdfAlda Man Sentenced for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Michael Melgaard, 54, of Alda, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States Senior District Judge John M. Gerrard for two counts of attempted production of child pornography. Melgaard was sentenced to 240 months in prison and will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Melgaard was additionally ordered to pay $6,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of crimes.
This case began in January of 2022, during a separate investigation involving Melgaard. As a result of this investigation, several search warrants were received and executed for Melgaard’s home and electronic devices. Melgaard’s devices were downloaded and forensically analyzed. Approximately 14 images that met the federal definition of child pornography were located. During the investigation, Melgaard agreed to be interviewed multiple times. He admitted that he had been taking nude photographs of several minors aged 4-11. These photographs would happen while the minor victims would change their clothes, showered, or while they were asleep. He indicated that he would keep the images for a short period of time before deleting them.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
This case was investigated by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Island Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Activity in the U. S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Child Pornography
Michael Gregory Schaefer, age 38 of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a $200 special assessment, on May 31, 2023. The case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.
Drug Trafficking
Michael Anthony Smith, age 64, of Marianna, Arkansas, was sentenced on May 25, 2023, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Smith to 70 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. According to court records, on September 29, 2020, Michael Smith was observed speeding on I‑80. Before a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop, Smith exited I-80 and parked at the Flying J truck stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A canine unit was deployed and alerted to the presence of a controlled substance coming from Smith’s vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and officers discovered over 14 kilograms of raw marijuana and over 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Smith admitted he was a regular trafficker of controlled substances. The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Cheyenne Police Department.
Wendy Delana Kaufman, age 51, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Kaufman to 78 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $500 in community restitution and a $100 special assessment. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.
Firearms Offenses
Matthew Pruitt, age 20, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm to 27 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence. The crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case.A Native of Iraq and Citizen of the Netherlands Was Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms and Ammunition UnlawfullyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A native of Iraq and citizen of the Netherlands, who has prior criminal arrests for Assault and Battery, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Larceny, was sentenced this week to 5 years in federal prison for being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, announced United State Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Chief Patrol Agent Robert Danley, United States Border Patrol, Detroit Sector.
Sentenced was Vires Al-Hakiem, age 43. Al-Hakiem was sentenced in federal court in Detroit on May 31 before United States District Judge Laurie Michelson.
According to court records, in June 2021, Al-Hakiem sent a text message containing a video to his then spouse threatening her with a gun. A subsequent search of Al-Hakiem’s bedroom found six firearms, 34 handgun magazines (7 of which were high capacity), 53 long-gun magazines (4 with extended capacity for ammunition) and over 2,600 rounds of ammunition. Al-Hakiem has prior criminal arrests for Assault and Battery, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Larceny. In January 2023, Al-Hakiem pleaded guilty in federal court to being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Al-Hakiem will be deported to the Netherlands when his sentence is finished.
“Our office is dedicated to enforcing our immigration laws. This defendant who already had a lengthy criminal history was both illegally present in the United States and illegally possessed a large number of guns and ammunition. “Today’s sentence makes our community safer,” stated U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.
“Protecting our Nation’s borders goes beyond patrolling an imaginary line on the ground or water, as this case clearly shows. The United States Border Patrol is dedicated to protecting all our communities from dangerous people such as this, and I’m proud of our Detroit Sector agents and their task force partners for the great work that made this conviction possible,” said Chief Patrol Agent Danley.
This case was investigated by agents of the Border Patrol with the assistance of the FBI Macomb County Gang and Violent crime task force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Fairchild.
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“Crips” Gang Member Receives More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conviction After Leading Law Enforcement on a High-Speed Chase and Crashing His CarRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darrell Koonce, 36, of Kinston, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He pled guilty to the charge on February 22, 2023.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on July 6, 2021, Koonce was stopped for erratic driving after he was observed leaving a known drug location in Kinston. When the Kinston Police Detectives approached the vehicle, they observed an odor of marijuana. During a search of the car, detectives located 40 grams of fentanyl and cash.
On August 4, 2022, officers observed Koonce driving a sedan on Ferrell Road in Lenoir County. The officers attempted to stop Koonce and serve a federal arrest warrant and Koonce initially stopped his car. However, Koonce then fled at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued him and Koonce’s car reached speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour. Koonce ultimately collided with a car that was travelling in the other lane of traffic, and he was arrested following the collision.
According to law enforcement, Koonce was a member of the Crips Gang and has prior convictions for Discharging a weapon into occupied property (2006), Common Law Robbery (2015), Assault Inflicting Serious Injury on a Detention Officer (2015), and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2020).
“As an agency, we’re extremely grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s Office had made it their focal point to assist communities such as Kinston,” said Kinston Police Chief Keith Goyette. “This sentence protects our community and places a career criminal where he belongs, in prison.”
This is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Kinston Police Department and the Jacksonville Police Departments investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-00036-M-RJ-1.
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Wilson County Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Lucama, N.C. man was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) between April 2020 and August 2021. On February 7, 2023, Jason Ray Batten, 39, pled guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 23, 2020, an online undercover employee observed a user of the social media platform, Kik, posting links containing CSAM. Investigators traced the IP address used by the account back to North Carolina and ultimately identified the individuals to whom the subject user accounts were registered. On August 24, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Batten’s address and also confronted Batten at a nearby property. When confronted, Batten made a number of voluntary admissions, including that he had been involved in the transmission, receipt and possession of CSAM for approximately four years, was a member of multiple online groups known for sharing of CSAM, and even served as the moderator of one such online group. A full forensic examination revealed numerous image and video files of CSAM, including files depicting the sexual abuse of minors as young as infants, and a number of CSAM videos over 10 minutes long.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Greenville Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00239-BO.
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Webster Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from WegmansRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Alicia Torres, 47, of Webster, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that Torres was employed at Wegmans Food Market, Inc. for approximately 27 years. Between 2014 and February 2023, she utilized the Enterprise System, which is used to fill customers' prescriptions, to fraudulently process approximately 350 credit card refund requests in customers' names with fictitious amounts. The fraudulent refund amounts were based on what Torres observed customers receiving in previous transactions. She then tricked the pharmacist on duty to sign off on and authorize the fraudulent refund requests. Once refund requests were approved, Torres paid the refund amounts to herself by swiping her bank debit card in Wegmans’ point of sale system. Between 2014 and February 2023, Torres received $568,021.69 in fraudulent refunds. In addition, between 2020 and February 2023, Torres fraudulently used Wegmans gift cards to steal $10,922.17 from Wegmans.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Ware County man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A Ware County man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine.
Jarvis Godwin, 39, of Homerville, Ga., was sentenced to 188 months in prison after pleading guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Godwin to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Methamphetamine and other highly addictive illegal drugs deliver devastation to communities, no matter how rural or populous,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The Ware County area will be much safer with this meth merchant behind bars.”
As described in court documents and testimony, investigators from the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an investigation of Godwin’s drug trafficking activity in 2020 and documented multiple instances of Godwin selling large quantities of methamphetamine. The investigation culminated in Godwin’s indictment and arrest in September 2022. Godwin pled guilty to one count of methamphetamine distribution in December of 2022 and was scheduled for sentencing in April of 2023.
Godwin’s sentencing was delayed after investigators recovered evidence of Godwin’s continued involvement in the illicit drug trade. While in custody pending sentencing, Godwin engaged other individuals, through the use of jail communication facilities, in a conspiracy to import distributable quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana. The investigation resulted in the successful recovery of the illegal drugs before they could be further distributed.
Godwin has a long history of criminal convictions for drug offenses.
“Driven by greed, the defendant’s trafficking of methamphetamine on multiple occasions was a significant threat to the quality of life,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “As a result, he will have to deal with the consequences with significant time behind bars.”
“The sentencing of Jarvis Godwin for methamphetamine distribution underscores our commitment to combating the devastating impact of illegal drugs on our communities. Godwin's repeated convictions for drug offenses demonstrate his disregard for the well-being of our communities, but this outcome will contribute to a safer Ware County area,” said Mike Register, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We commend the collaborative efforts of the Ware County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and our own investigators for their dedication in bringing Godwin to justice.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Marcela C. Mateo.
Vallejo Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money from U.S. Postal Service TruckRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Former U.S. Postal Service employee Edison Small, 42, of Vallejo, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 24, 2022, Small climbed inside a trailer that a USPS truck was towing in Vallejo while the truck was stopped at a red light. The trailer is used to transport money and mail. Once inside, Small grabbed a bag and hid it under his shirt. When the truck drove down the street, Small hopped out of the trailer. The bag contained $17,460 in cash, $1,300 in money orders, and $504 in checks. During a search of Small’s apartment, $15,240 was found.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.
Small is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Sept. 7, 2023. Small faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Tyler Pollender-Savery Sentenced for Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tyler Pollender-Savery, 28, of Ludlow, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court in Rutland to a time-served sentence following his guilty plea to possessing firearms while being an unlawful user of controlled substances. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered that Pollender-Savery serve two years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on December 10, 2018, Pollender-Savery was arrested and charged in state court in Windsor County, Vermont with second-degree murder in connection with the homicide of an infant. Following a jury trial in October 2022, the defendant was acquitted of those charges. As part of the investigation into the homicide, law enforcement searched Pollender-Savery’s residence and recovered nine firearms belonging to Pollender-Savery. Investigation further established that Pollender-Savery used both cocaine and marijuana in and around the time he possessed these firearms, and that he had assaulted someone with a firearm while using controlled substances.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Wendy L. Fuller represented the government. David Sleigh, Esq. represented Pollender-Savery.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .Two Eagle Pass Trucking Company Employees Arrested for Alleged Wire FraudRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – Two Eagle Pass women were arrested Friday, May 26, on a four-count indictment related to their alleged scheme to defraud and embezzle money from their employer, a Texas-based trucking company headquartered in Eagle Pass.
According to court documents, Dina Maldonado Morales, 42, and Laura Ballesteros Haby, 52, allegedly used their positions with MH Group to divert the company’s customer account receivable payments to their own bank accounts. The total amount of the embezzled, diverted and stolen funds between July 2017 and April 2019 is alleged to have been approximately $1.4 million.
Both Morales and Haby are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting wire fraud. The defendants made their initial court appearances on Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Collis White of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy count and 20 years in prison on the three wire fraud and aiding and abetting counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rex Beasley and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Businessmen Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy for Orchestrating Large-Scale Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marlin Hershey, 53, and Dana Bradley, 53, both of Cornelius, North Carolina, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler and pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for orchestrating a large-scale investment scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall and Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and the plea hearings, from approximately 2009 to 2021, Hershey and Bradley conspired to defraud numerous victims who invested in two unregistered securities offerings promoted by the defendants, Performance Retire on Rentals, LLC (Performance Retire), and Distressed Lending Fund (DLF). As the defendants admitted in court today, both projects eventually failed causing significant losses to investors.
As reflected in court documents, to induce investors to invest their money, Hershey and Bradley provided victims with investment materials for the two securities offerings that contained false and misleading statements and did not disclose material information. For example, Hershey and Bradley failed to disclose that they received commission-like payments based on the amount of investments they sold. In fact, the defendants often provided investors with offering materials that represented the opposite – that nobody would be paid a commission in connection with the investments. Contrary to their statements, the defendants received payments that were typically 10% of an investor’s initial investment and often received an additional payment when an investor extended an investment. In this manner, Hershey and Bradley received hundreds of thousands of dollars in undisclosed payments from the sale of securities. Filed documents also show that, in addition to these payments, the defendants received regular undisclosed “management” fees from Performance Retire and DLF.
According to court records, Hershey and Bradley also failed to disclose to investors other material information, including negative information about the defendants’ backgrounds and the financial woes faced by some of the entities for which they were soliciting investments. To the contrary, because the defendants often solicited the same group of investors to invest in the various projects, the defendants took steps to conceal such financial difficulties by making undisclosed loans to various entities so that the entities could, in turn, make their required interest payments to investors. Hershey and Bradley also solicited new investors and used the new investors’ money to repay the loans and to make Ponzi-style payments to previous investors. In addition, the defendants sent to investors periodic performance reports that failed to disclose material information about the status and health of their investments.
In 2019, investors learned for the first time that the projects in which they had invested were in financial distress and could no longer meet their significant obligations to investors.
After entering their guilty pleas the defendants were released on bond. The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the Securities Division of the North Carolina Secretary of State and the FBI for leading the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Ryan and Taylor Stout, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, are prosecuting the case.
Three Men Headed to Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of three defendants in connection with cases involving the trafficking of narcotics and illegal possession of a firearm. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the following individuals:
Cedric Bell, 55, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug and firearms charges. On August 20, 2021, a Caddo Parish Probation Officer searched Bell’s clothing and found a digital scale and cash in his pockets. When questioned by the officer, Bell admitted that he had some pills in his car and consented to a search of the vehicle. While searching Bell’s vehicle, officers found at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Taurus pistol, a Taurus revolver, and ammunition. Officers then searched Bell’s home and found ten more firearms, including two short-barreled rifles and a silencer. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearms and determined they functioned as designed. Bell admitted to possession of the methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying and using firearms during a drug trafficking offense.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Caddo Parish Office of Probation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.
Demetrius Sumner, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on firearms charges. Sumner went to a local pawn shop in Shreveport in July 2021 and attempted to purchase four firearms. While completing the ATF Form 4473 to purchase the firearms, Sumner indicated on the form that he had not been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. When in truth and in fact, Sumner had been convicted of a domestic violence charge in Clark County, Nevada on August 3, 2017. After waiting several days and not receiving an answer on Sumner’s background check to purchase the firearms, the pawn shop released them to Sumner. However, ten days later, the pawn shop received information denying Sumner’s application check due to his prior conviction. Law enforcement agents got the firearms back from Sumner and he admitted to making a false statement to a firearms dealer about his prior conviction.
The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.
In a separate and unrelated case, United States Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Julius Bernard Washington, 39, of Natchitoches, Louisiana to 70 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. In October 2021, Washington sold methamphetamine to an individual which was later seized by law enforcement agents. The total amount of actual methamphetamine distributed by Washington was approximately 301.5 grams. Washington pleaded guilty to the charge on January 25, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.
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Three Defendants Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Series of Commercial ArsonsRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer has sentenced to prison three of eight defendants involved in a series of 2021 arson attacks at Walmart stores in Alabama and Mississippi.
The court sentenced Jeffery Sikes, a.k.a. “Kenneth Allen,” age 42, to serve 216 months in prison. Judge Moorer ordered Alexander Olson, age 23, to serve 180 months in prison. Finally, the court sentenced Quinton Olson, age 22, to serve 36 months in prison.
According to court documents and testimony during the sentencing evidentiary hearing, these defendants initially resided in Kearney, Nebraska, and lived in Lillian, Alabama, at the time of the conspiracy. Jeffery Sikes had entered a guilty plea to wire fraud in the District of Nebraska and absconded to Alabama with several co-defendants before he was sentenced in that case. While in Alabama, Sikes led a conspiracy with seven co-defendants to set fire to Walmart stores. The conspirators held a series of planning meetings in which they also drafted a document entitled the Declaration of War and Demands for the People that made various demands and threats against Walmart locations. Alexander Olson and Quinton Olson participated in these planning meetings. The defendants circulated this document to multiple media outlets to draw attention to the arson attacks. Multiple conspirators set malicious fires at four Walmart locations. Jeffery Sikes and Alexander Olson set fires at one Walmart location, and Alexander Olson was present during the malicious fires at all four locations. At the evidentiary hearing, the Court heard from multiple witnesses who suffered the impacts from these fires.
The defendants were arrested in February 2022 after a months-long investigation. They pleaded guilty to participation in a conspiracy to set these malicious fires.
“These three defendants deliberately endangered innocent shoppers and destroyed millions of dollars of merchandise when they intentionally and maliciously set fires in four stores in two states,” said United States Attorney Sean P. Costello. “Setting fire to a business isn’t an economic or political argument, it’s a serious violent crime that has serious consequences. These criminals were brought to justice thanks to the exceptional work of the men and women of the FBI, who demonstrated persistence, creativity, and professionalism throughout this complex investigation.”
FBI–Mobile Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said, “Jeffery Sikes, the admitted mastermind of a series of Walmart store fires was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, which was double the recommended prison term under the federal guidelines. This sentence was based on the totality and severity of the defendant’s actions. Sikes will also be required to pay approximately $7.3 million dollars in restitution to Walmart. This case demonstrates domestic terrorism continues to persist in a variety of forms. The investigative rigor and professionalism of the Mobile JTTF and its partners brought this investigation to a successful conclusion.”Co-defendants Erica Sikes, Jenna Sikes, and Mikayla Scheele are scheduled be sentenced by Judge Moorer on June 2, 2023. Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff are scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2023, and August 24, 2023, respectively.
This case was primarily investigated by FBI–Mobile. In addition, Mobile Fire Investigators, ATF–Mobile, FBI–Jackson, FBI–Omaha, and various FBI Headquarters components contributed to this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bodnar, Scott Gray, and Kasee Heisterhagen prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. Substantial assistance was also provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska as well as the Department of Justice–Counterterrorism Section.