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8 May 2023
First Defendant Charged with Violating Anti-Doping Act Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant ERIC LIRA pled guilty today for his role in providing banned performance-enhancing drugs (“PEDs”) to Olympic athletes in advance of the 2020 Olympic Games held in Tokyo in the summer of 2021. LIRA is the first defendant to be charged under the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, signed into law on December 4, 2020, which proscribes doping schemes for the purpose of influencing international sports competitions, including the Olympic Games. LIRA pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This conviction is a watershed moment for international sport. Lira provided banned performance-enhancing substances to Olympic athletes who wanted to corruptly gain a competitive edge. Such craven efforts to undermine the integrity of sport subverts the purpose of the Olympic games: to showcase athletic excellence through a level playing field. Lira’s efforts to pervert that goal will not go unpunished.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:
The charges in this case arise from an investigation of a scheme to provide Olympic athletes with PEDs, including drugs widely banned throughout competitive sports, such as human growth hormone and the “blood building” drug erythropoietin, in advance of and for the purpose of corrupting the 2020 Olympic Games, which convened in Tokyo in the summer of 2021. LIRA, who claims to be a “kinesiologist and naturopathic” doctor operating principally in and around El Paso, Texas, obtained unapproved versions of these, and other, prescription drugs from sources in Central and South America before bringing those drugs into the United States and distributing them to, among others, the two athletes referred to in the Indictment. Throughout the scheme, LIRA and an athlete competing for Nigeria communicated via encrypted electronic communications regarding the sale, shipment, and use of LIRA’s illegal drugs and specifically discussed the “testability” of those drugs by anti-doping authorities. LIRA separately communicated with an athlete competing for Switzerland, also via encrypted electronic communications, discussing the use of human growth hormone and erythropoietin. Both athletes tested positive for prohibited substances, and in both cases, LIRA directly and indirectly advised that the athletes should blame the positive drug test on contaminated meat, knowing full well that the drug tests had accurately detected the presence of banned, performance-enhancing drugs.
LIRA is the first defendant charged and convicted pursuant to the recently enacted Rodchenkov Act. On December 4, 2020, the Rodchenkov Act was signed into law, Pub. L. 116-206, and incorporated into Title 21 of the United States Code at sections 2401 through 2404. The Rodchenkov Act prohibits any person, other than an athlete, to knowingly carry into effect, attempt to carry into effect, or conspire with any other person to carry into effect a scheme in commerce to influence by use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method any major international sports competition. 21 U.S.C. § 2402.
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LIRA, 43, of El Paso, Texas, pled guilty to violating the Rodchenkov Act, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the FBI’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Anti-Doping Agency for their support of this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mortazavi and Benjamin Gianforti are in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Jury Convicts Former El Paso Independent School District Employee on Kidnapping ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Jeffrey Steven Clay. The jury convicted Clay, 51, of Anthony, New Mexico, on one count each of kidnapping and transportation for illegal sexual activity. United States District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales presided over the trial.
A federal grand jury indicted Clay on Nov. 9, 2022. At the time, Clay was employed as the Executive Director of Analytics, Strategy, and Assessment and Public Education Information Management Systems for the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). Clay previously worked for EPISD in various roles including as a teacher and school principal.
According to the evidence at trial and other publicly available court records, on Aug. 4, 2021, Clay offered a ride to Jane Doe near Copia Street in El Paso, Texas, ostensibly to take her to a friends’ residence in El Paso. Instead, Clay took Jane Doe to his residence in Anthony, New Mexico. There, Clay attempted to kiss Jane Doe. When she rebuffed him, Clay struck Jane Doe in the face and handcuffed her. Clay then took Jane Doe to a bedroom where he struck her in the face and sexually assaulted her while she was handcuffed, crying, and pleading with Clay to stop. Afterward, Clay drove Jane Doe back to El Paso. Jane Doe escaped when Clay was stopped at a traffic light and sought help at a nearby convenience store.
At trial, another woman testified that Clay repeatedly sexually abused her as well, both when she was a minor and when she was an adult, including while she was seven months pregnant.
“This crime was disturbing and relentless,” said Raul Bujanda, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “The conviction of Jeffrey Steven Clay is a great achievement in keeping our communities safer from those who target and prey on innocent people. The FBI will always work together with our partners and hold these criminals accountable and prevent such violence from happening in our communities.”
“Even in darkness there is light,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “For those of us who serve in law enforcement, the light is working with these heroic victims and witnesses whose courageous testimony ensures that sexual predators will never ruin another life. I stand in awe of these two brave women who shared their stories so that others would be safe.”
Clay faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Clay would be subject to registration as a sex offender.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Police Department, and the Third Judicial District of New Mexico District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
The FBI is seeking other potential victims of Clay. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or report online to tips.fbi.gov.
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23-102
Federal Authorities Seize 13 Internet Domains Associated with ‘Booter’ Websites that Offered DDoS Computer Attack ServicesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – As part of an ongoing initiative targeting computer attack “booter” services, the Justice Department today announced the court-authorized seizure of 13 internet domains associated with these DDoS-for-hire services.
The seizures this week are the third wave of U.S. law enforcement actions against prominent booter services that allowed paying users to launch powerful distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, attacks that flood targeted computers with information and prevent them from being able to access the internet. Data relating to the operation of booter sites previously seized by law enforcement show that hundreds of thousands of registered users have used these services to launch millions of attacks against millions of victims. School districts, universities, financial institutions and government websites are among the victims who have been targeted in attacks launched by booter services.
Ten of the 13 domains seized today are reincarnations of services that were seized during a prior sweep in December, which targeted 48 top booter services. For example, one of the domains seized this week – cyberstress.org – appears to be the same service operated under the domain cyberstress.us, which was seized in December. While many of the previously disrupted booter services have not returned, today’s action reflects law enforcement’s commitment to targeting those operators who have chosen to continue their criminal activities.
Authorities emphasized that investigations into booter services remain ongoing.
In relation to the domains seized this week, the FBI opened or renewed accounts with each booter service and used cryptocurrency to pay for subscription plans. Each service was tested by using the website to launch DDoS attacks on computers controlled by the FBI. The FBI then observed the effects of the attacks at their “victim” computers, confirming that the booter websites operated as advertised. In some cases, despite the “victim” computer being on a network with a large amount of capacity, the test attack was so powerful that it completely severed the internet connection.
In addition to harming victims by disrupting or degrading access to the internet, attacks from booter services can also completely sever internet connections for other customers served by the same internet service provider via a shared connection point.
“Victims who are attacked by such services, or those providing Internet services to the victims, often have to ‘overprovision,’ that is, pay for increased Internet bandwidth in order to absorb the attacks, or subscribe to DDoS protection services, or purchase specialized hardware designed to mitigate the effects of DDoS attacks,” according to the affidavit in support of the seizure warrants filed this week. “The prices of such overprovision or DDoS protection services are usually significantly more expensive than the cost of a given booter service.
In conjunction with the domain seizures, the Justice Department announced today that four defendants charged in Los Angeles late 2022 pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal charges and admitted that they operated or participated in the operation of booter services. Those defendants are:
- Jeremiah Sam Evans Miller, aka “John The Dev,” 23, of San Antonio, Texas, who pleaded guilty on April 6 to conspiracy and violating the computer fraud and abuse act related to the operation of a booter service named RoyalStresser.com (formerly known as Supremesecurityteam.com);
- Angel Manuel Colon Jr., aka “Anonghost720” and “Anonghost1337,” 37, of Belleview, Florida, who pleaded guilty on February 13 to conspiracy and violating the computer fraud and abuse act related to the operation of a booter service named SecurityTeam.io;
- Shamar Shattock, 19, of Margate, Florida, who pleaded guilty on March 22 to conspiracy to violate the computer fraud and abuse act related to the operation of a booter service known as Astrostress.com; and
- Cory Anthony Palmer, 23, of Lauderhill, Florida, who pleaded guilty on February 16 to conspiracy to violate the computer fraud and abuse act related to the operation of a booter service known as Booter.sx.
All four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced this summer.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cameron L. Schroeder, Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, and Aaron Frumkin, also of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, are prosecuting the criminal cases. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the seizure of the domains.
In recent years, booter services have continued to proliferate, as they offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercriminal activity. These types of DDoS attacks are so named because they result in the “booting” or dropping of the targeted computer from the internet. For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/fbi-intensify-efforts-to-combat-illegal-ddos-attacks.
The cases announced today are being investigated by the FBI’s Anchorage and Los Angeles field offices.
These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructures worldwide, and holding accountable the administrators and users of these illegal services.
In the first law enforcement action targeting booters in late 2018, the Justice Department charged three defendants who facilitated DDoS-for hire services and seized 15 internet domains associated with DDoS-for-hire services.
Essex County Man Charged in Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain More Than $4 Million from Government ProgramsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was arrested this morning for his involvement in a scheme that obtained more than $4 million in government funds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Gbenga Akinbode, 33, of Newark, New Jersey, is scheduled to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was released on $300,000 bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Akinbode opened a bank account in December 2020. Within a year, approximately 120 debit cards were used to purchase approximately $500,000 in money orders that were deposited into the account. The investigation revealed that the debit cards had been funded with $4 million in fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits, Paycheck Protection Program loans and payments from the IRS.
The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gross profits or twice the gross loss suffered to the victims of his offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region, Postal Inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, and Special Agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
akinbode.complaint.pdfEDVA and FBI Seek Information About Victims of Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – The Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and the FBI’s Norfolk Field office have issued a call for victims of a Virginia Beach-based fraudster to come forward.
According to a criminal complaint filed on April 3, 2023, between approximately July 24, 2020, and August 18, 2020, Dion Lamont Camp, 38, allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud Navy Federal Credit Union. Camp allegedly obtained fraudulent loans for vehicles that were never actually purchased, keeping the proceeds of the loan for himself. He concealed his involvement by using women and business entities to apply for the loans. Camp deceived the women about the purposes of the loans, used their personally identifiable information (PII) without their consent, and used other coercive means such as threats and physical and sexual assault.
Anyone who believes they have information relating to or are a victim of this scheme, are encouraged to fill out the questionnaire at https://forms.fbi.gov/dionlamontcamp. All responses are voluntary and encouraged as they help law enforcement identify and assist potential victims of the fraud scheme. Based on the information provided, respondents may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.
Camp is charged with bank fraud. If convicted, Camp faces maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Elizabeth Yusi are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-mj-00051.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Iranian National for Immigration Fraud and Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an 11-count indictment charging an Iranian national with leading a visa fraud scheme to facilitate the illegal entry of individuals from Iran into the United States.
According to the indictment, from approximately September 2013 to October 2015, Hesam Fatehi Peykani, 38, allegedly organized, led, and worked with others in his Iranian-based smuggling network to facilitate the entry of Iranian citizens into the United States under false pretenses. Peykani allegedly carried out his scheme by charging Iranian citizens between $1,000 to $30,000 to submit or cause to be submitted tourist visa applications with false information on their behalf at a nearby U.S. consulate or embassy. The purportedly false information made the Iranian citizens appear to have strong ties to Iran to increase the likelihood of receiving a U.S. tourist visa, even when the applicants intended to remain in the United States permanently. Peykani allegedly coached the applicants to repeat the lies on their tourist visa application during their visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. On one or more occasions, Peykani allegedly provided fraudulent documents to the Iranian citizens to support the lies in their visa application during their visa interview. Peykani is believed to reside in Sweden and remains at large
“Peykani allegedly exploited individuals and the U.S. immigration system through his visa scheme, trading on lies and fake documents to facilitate the illegal entry of Iranian citizens into the United States under false pretenses,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to holding accountable those who seek personal monetary gain by compromising and undermining the integrity of the immigration process.”
“Hesam Fatehi Peykani is alleged to have fraudulently facilitated the entry of Iranian citizens into the United States when they were not entitled to otherwise do so – enriching himself in the process, by charging large fees for his services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As this case demonstrates, the department continues to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to profit from conduct that undermines our system of legal immigration.”
“This case represents the finest efforts of cooperative law enforcement,” said Supervisory Special Agent Gregory Batman of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). “DSS pursued investigative leads which led to disrupting and dismantling human smuggling operations. These crimes threaten the national security of the United States and the trustworthiness of our visa process.”
“Hesam Fatehi Peykani is allegedly part of a larger Iranian smuggling network that purportedly lined their own pockets by cheating Iranian citizens out of thousands of dollars and lying to the U.S. government,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Field Office. “They allegedly enabled Iranians to enter the U.S. under fictitious pretenses. HSI Washington cannot allow such breaches of security to happen without consequences. We are constantly looking to reinforce our nation’s security in order to provide safety for the American people.”
Peykani is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit visa fraud, visa fraud, conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien to come to the United States for profit, and encouraging and inducing an alien to come to the United States for profit.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch, with assistance from HSI Washington D.C., and is supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raizza K. Ty and Trial Attorney Clayton O’Connor of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section 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.
Crime Victims Assistance Awards Ceremony to be Held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the West Virginia State CapitolRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will preside over the 2023 Annual Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the West Virginia State Capitol.
The ceremony is part of Operation Reach Out and follows up on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” which calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and commit to creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.
Several individuals and organizations will be honored for their service, support and advocacy on behalf of crime victims and survivors. The ceremony’s featured speakers include Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tera Salango, whose brother was murdered when she was 16, and Angie Conn, a human trafficking survivor, victim advocate and founder of SheWhoDares Consulting LLC.
Operation Reach Out is sponsored by the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of West Virginia in partnership with the Operation Reach Out Committee. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative effort involving local advocacy programs that raise awareness of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and of the various organizations that provide services to crime victims.
WHAT: 2023 Annual Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: West Virginia State Capitol, outside the Senate Chamber.
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.
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Court Sentences Dominican Drug Smuggler Caught with 50 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
On May 5, 2023, United States District Court Judge, Kristi K. DuBose, sentenced Justo Ariel Hurtado Gonzalez, a Dominican national, to 96 months imprisonment for smuggling 510 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. Hurtado Gonzalez had previously plead guilty to the drug smuggling offense.
Documents filed with the Court established that On March 4, 2022, while on routine patrol, a U.S. Maritime Patrol Aircraft detected a suspect vessel operating in international waters, approximately 52 nautical miles south of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The HNLMS Friesland, a Dutch ship working in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard, (USCG) diverted to intercept the drug smuggling vessel. As HNLMS Friesland closed in on the suspect vessel, it launched a smaller boat with a USCG boarding team to board the drug smuggling vessel. After boarding by the USCG, Hurtado Gonzalez made a claim of Dominican registry of the vessel.
The USCG communicated with the Dominican Republic, which denied the nationality of the vessel. Consequently, the vessel was considered a “Vessel Without Nationality” because was the claim of registry that was denied by the nation whose registry was claimed.
The USCG boarding team found approximately 510 kilograms of cocaine on the vessel.
Hurtado Gonzales was with another Dominican national on the drug smuggling boat, Jose Alberto Garcia, who also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing before Judge DuBose.
United States Attorney Sean P. Costello praised the outstanding work of the United States Coast Guard and federal investigators in interdicting and bringing these international drug smugglers to justice. Costello stated that the wholesale value of the cocaine seized in this case is conservatively valued at approximately 15 million dollars.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Conyers man indicted for selling “tranq dope” mixture of fentanyl and xylazine that killed one and injured anotherRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Masi Lenard Fears has been arraigned on federal charges of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death, stemming from his sale of a lethal combination of fentanyl and xylazine (commonly referred to as “tranq”).
“The use of illicit fentanyl is already deadly and now drug dealers seek to increase their unlawful profits by mixing fentanyl with xylazine – a powerful sedative used by veterinarians,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The emergence of ‘tranq’ or ‘tranq dope’ in our community is beyond alarming and so our office is committed to partnering with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and community stakeholders to help educate the public about this significant threat.”
“Adding xylazine to an already dangerous drug like illicit fentanyl illustrates the ruthlessness of drug dealers’ pursuit of higher profits,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division. “But the DEA remains relentless in bringing drug dealers to justice.”
“The reckless disregard for life by drug dealers can wreak havoc in any community,” said Conyers Deputy Chief of Police Kim Lucas. “It will not be tolerated in our city, and we are grateful for the partnership with the DEA and the work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold such persons accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: In March 2021, Masi Fears allegedly sold two men a $20 amount of a powdery substance at a gas station in Conyers, Georgia. The men believed they were buying cocaine or heroin, but the powder Fears sold them was actually a deadly combination of fentanyl and xylazine (commonly referred to as “tranq”). The men used some of Fears’ fentanyl/xylazine powder, which quickly killed one of the men and caused serious injury to the other.
The Conyers Police Department (CPD) investigated the incident and identified Fears as the dealer of the narcotics. Fears was in possession of a loaded handgun when CPD officers later arrested him.
Masi Lenard Fears, 36, of Conyers, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III. Fears was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 11, 2023. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
According to a recent DEA Public Safety Alert, “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.” The full Public Safety Alert is available at https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Conyers Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Forsyth is prosecuting 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.
Colombia’s “Prince of Semi-Submersibles” Sentenced to over 20 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Thousands of Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Oscar Adriano Quintero Rengifo, a/k/a “Guatala,” (35, Colombia) to 20 years and 10 months in federal prison for smuggling cocaine into the United States of America. Referred to in the Colombian media as the “Prince of Semi-Submersibles,” Quintero Rengifo was arrested in Colombia at the request of the United States on January 29, 2021, and extradited to the United States on January 26, 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 20, 2022.
According to the plea agreement filed in this case, Quintero Rengifo was part of a transnational criminal organization that smuggled cocaine from South America to Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. The organization primarily sent vessels such as self-propelled semi-submersible vessels to Guatemala, where the cocaine was then smuggled over the Guatemala/Mexican border and then into the United States. A former mayor in Guatemala, who controlled drug routes in northern Guatemala into Mexico, oversaw the smuggling of cocaine to Mexican cartel members. Quintero Rengifo progressed within the group, from organizing smuggling operations, to ultimately investing in shipments and securing investors.
From at least as early as January 2015 through September 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted at least four vessels, including two semi-submersible vessels, directly linked to the defendant’s organization, and involving more than 13,000 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia substantially assisted in in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant to the United States. The Government of Colombia and the Colombian Office of the Attorney General provided significant assistance and support. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and illegal possession of firearm send man to prison for more than eight yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A felon who admitted to passing stolen checks at a bank and to illegally possessing a gun during a standoff with law enforcement before his arrest was sentenced today to eight years and five months in prison and to five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jesse Lee Hopkins, 38, a transient, pleaded guilty in February, to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and prohibited person in possession a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that Hopkins defrauded Stockman Bank by passing stolen and forged checks at branch offices to obtain money. Hopkins forged the signature of John Doe 1, a real person whom Hopkins knew was a real person. Hopkins cashed one of the stolen checks for $600 in March 2022. In August 2022, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, who had an arrest warrant for Hopkins, tracked him to a residence in Billings. Hopkins refused to come out and told officers he would shoot himself or force them to shoot him. After a while, Hopkins surrendered. Officers searched the residence and found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a room where Hopkins was located during the standoff. Hopkins has multiple state and federal felony convictions, including armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and burglary, and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations and the Billings Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Alabama Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with a ChildRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Whitehorse Ducharme, a/k/a Stanley Ducharme, age 51, of Huntsville, Alabama, formerly residing in Belcourt, North Dakota, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, this week and was sentenced to life in federal prison for abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. Ducharme pleaded guilty to this offense on November 1, 2021.
“The Court reasonably sentenced this individual to life in prison based upon the facts, and that sentence ensures he will never abuse another child,” Schneider said. “This result is a testament to the courage of those who stepped forward to put an end to this abuse. It is also a credit to the professionalism of our law enforcement partners and career prosecutors who helped obtain a measure of justice in this case.”
"The FBI is fully committed to combating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children,” said Michal Krause, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the FBI. “This life sentence sends a clear message to those who target kids - we will find you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
As charged by the United States Attorney’s Office, Ducharme engaged in sexual abuse of a Native American child under the age of 12 from about 2008 until approximately 2016. An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Ducharme sexually abused a child from the ages of 3 to 11. The child was interviewed by the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center during the investigative process.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorneys Dawn M. Deitz and Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case.
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6 May 2023
Convicted Health Care Fraud defendant fails to report to prison; warrant out for his arrestRead the Press Release
Seattle – The former co-owner of a defunct medical testing company failed to report to prison as directed last week, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Richard Reid, 53, was convicted in March 2022, of five federal felonies connected to his scheme to profit from illegal kickbacks in the medical testing industry. In January 2023 he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Reid has repeatedly petitioned the judge to delay his prison reporting date, claiming to have COVID-19 and then long COVID. Judge John C. Coughenour refused to delay the date past the end of April.
Law enforcement has been working to locate Reid so that he can begin serving his sentence. Reid had been living in Astoria, Oregon but could not be located at his address. Law enforcement has learned Reid may be carrying a firearm and asks that the public contact the Seattle office of the FBI, at 206-622-0460, if they have information on his whereabouts.
The activities of Bellevue-based Northwest Physicians Laboratory (NWPL) have been the subject of extensive civil and criminal litigation. Richard Reid was one of the owners and the Vice President of Sales for NWPL. Reid helped NWPL obtain more than $3.7 million in kickback payments by steering urine drug test specimens to two labs that could bill the government for testing.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion
reid_fbi_wanted_poster.pdfColorado Springs Man Indicted for Covid Relief Program FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces the indictment of Charles James Lacona, Jr., age 65, of Colorado Springs for his alleged role in a scheme to defraud Covid Relief Programs.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which provided emergency assistance to small business owners suffering adverse economic effects caused by the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and expanded existing programs, including programs created or administered by the SBA. Two sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) program.
According to allegations in the indictment, beginning in April 2020, the defendant obtained more than $500,000 in PPP loans on behalf of his company, National Financial Services. The defendant allegedly obtained the loans by inflating payroll costs and gross receipts, and submitting fabricated tax documents and payroll reports. The indictment also alleges the defendant drew a check of $67,704.13 from the loan proceeds to purchase a 2019 Cadillac from a Colorado Springs dealership.
The defendant made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell in Federal Court in Denver on May 4, 2023.
The case was investigated by IRS-CI. Assistant United States Attorney Craig Fansler is handling the prosecution.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The charges in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case No. 23-cr-00104-DDD
5 May 2023
Zuni Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Rodney Waikaniwa made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. Waikaniwa, 51 years old, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for May 9.
According to the complaint, on or about February 10, 2023, the Zuni Police Department learned of allegations of sexual abuse against Waikaniwa. The investigation was referred to the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, which conducted interviews with two victims. Following interviews with the victims, agents interviewed Waikaniwa at his home and he admitted to sexually abusing both victims. The incidents of abuse occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Zuni.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Waikaniwa faces a minimum of 30 years in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
Walker Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Counterfeit ManufacturingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Thor Teal, age 32, of Walker, Louisiana, to 36 months in federal prison following his convictions for manufacturing and possessing counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. The Court further sentenced Teal to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered all instrumentalities used in the commission of this crime to be forfeited.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Teal made and possessed over 48 counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs) in the Middle District of Louisiana. Specifically, on October 27, 2021, while investigating a burglary, law enforcement recovered from his vehicle and home over $4,800 in counterfeit $100 FRNs, and items used to manufacture counterfeit FRNs including six sheets of counterfeit security strips (found in $100 FRNs), two printers (one with marks to assist with making FRNs), boxes of linen paper, several printer cartridges, a paper cutter, and spray starch. When questioned about the contraband, Teal admitted to law enforcement he had been making the counterfeit FRNs for several months and went on to describe how he made it.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.
United States Attorney’s Office Joins in Recognizing Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that she will join with Federal, State, Local, and Tribal leaders in recognizing May 5, 2023, as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. In doing so, U.S. Attorney Waldref called on all citizens and residents in Eastern Washington to support Tribal governments and Tribal communities’ efforts to increase awareness of missing or murdered Indigenous People.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington fully supports efforts to reduce violence and bring awareness to this important issue. “Recognizing and honoring missing or murdered Indigenous people is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington,” U.S. Attorney Waldref stated. “It remains unacceptable that Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country, a situation that is all the more tragic in light of the generations of trauma already suffered by Indigenous people. We will continue the important work of prosecuting those who perpetrate violence on Tribal land and who victimize those who reside on our District’s four Reservations.”
“The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to address the causes and symptoms of this difficult problem.” U.S. Attorney Waldref added, “During the past several years, the Department has sought the help and input from Tribal leaders and Tribal communities to develop sustainable protocols to help our communities respond when a tribal member is reported missing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office supports these efforts, and we are fully committed to working closely with Tribal leaders, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders to further implement these initiatives, as we strive to keep Eastern Washington communities safe and strong for everyone.”
“While each case is unique, what all MMIP cases have in common is the hole left in a community when a member goes missing.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “As the principal law enforcement agency charged with investigating violent crimes on our state’s reservations, I want to stress the importance the FBI places on bringing those who target our indigenous populations to justice.”
“The Office of Justice Services, Missing and Murdered Unit is committed to confronting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis head-on. Relying on strong federal, tribal, state and local partnerships, we are more now than ever able to ensure cases are thoroughly investigated so those responsible for these horrific crimes are brought to justice,” said Justin Hooper, BIA Office of Justice Services Regional Agent in Charge, Missing and Murdered Unit.
If you or someone you know has information about a missing or murdered Indigenous person, please contact the FBI Seattle Field Office by calling (206) 622-0460 or by visiting tips.fbi.gov.
U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, May 5, 2023Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023, as National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to unacceptable levels of violence that have caused a crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice.
“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
The department’s response to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort taking many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission with the mission of reducing violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. Later this year, the commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and Secretary Haaland.
“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”
“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”
In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reaffirming the department’s commitment to addressing the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives and the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. For more information about the Justice Department’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.
In early 2022, the District of Oregon established an MMIP Working Group to increase multi-agency communication and collaboration in support of and response to Oregon-connected MMIP cases. The working group includes at least one representative from each of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior Regional Solicitor’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, and Oregon State Police.
If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP program coordinator Cedar Wilkie Gillette by emailing [email protected] or by calling (503) 727-1000.
U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness DayRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office joined the Department of Justice, partners across the
federal government, and people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day (MMIP).
“Today, we honor and remember Native Americans who have fallen victims to violence or remain missing and pledge our commitment to their loved ones to solve missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. “We will also continue to work with our Tribal partners to increase public safety in Tribal communities and address the underlying causes of violence that disproportionately harm Native American women and children.”
The Department of Justice’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the Commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis.
“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”
“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”
For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website. Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.
Two Men Arrested for Allegedly Robbing Armored Truck in Chicago SuburbRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two men have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly robbing an armored truck at gunpoint in a Chicago suburb earlier this week.
DEVONTE DAVIS and DARRELL SINGLETON robbed the Brink’s armored truck on Tuesday morning in Homewood, Ill., according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The robbery occurred as two guards were picking up money from a bank inside of a grocery store in the 3100 block of 183rd Street in the Chicago suburb, the complaint states. During the robbery, one of the robbers struck a guard in the head with a firearm, the complaint states. Law enforcement on Tuesday afternoon located the defendants in a residence in Calumet Park, Ill., and took them into custody.
The government will seek to have both defendants remain detained pending trial. Davis, 26, of Chicago, is scheduled for a detention hearing on May 8, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman. Singleton, 18, of Chicago, waived his right to a detention hearing. His case is scheduled for a status hearing on May 10, 2023, before Judge Weisman.
The complaint and arrests were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Chicago, Calumet Park Police and Fire Departments, Homewood Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Country Club Hills Police Department, Evergreen Park Police Department, Calumet City Police Department, Dolton Police Department, Alsip Police Department, Orland Park Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Lansing Police Department, and Illinois State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elie Zenner and Kirsten Moran.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The robbery charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Texas Man Who Lied About Origin of Chinese-Made Products Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison, Ordered to Pay $1.15 MillionRead the Press Release
A Grand Prairie man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison and ordered to pay $1.15 million in restitution for lying to the federal government about where his company’s products were manufactured, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Suhaib Allababidi, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in November 2022. His company, 2M Solutions Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of filing false or misleading export information. Mr. Allababidi was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who sentenced 2M to five years of probation plus a $1 million fine and ordered the company jointly and severally liable for the $1,154,634.11 in restitution.
According to court documents, Mr. Allababidi, the owner and president of 2M, admitted that the company – which provided security cameras, solar-powered light towers, digital video recorders, and other electronics to various U.S. government agencies – claimed that its products were manufactured in the United States, when in actuality they were manufactured in the People’s Republic of China by Chinese companies.
In order to secure contracts with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Allababidi represented that 2M was “a USA Manufacturing Company.” In actuality, 2M did little to no manufacturing but instead often purchased products from Chinese companies, removed labels indicating the true country of origin, and replaced them with labels indicating they were manufactured in 2M’s Grand Prairie facility.
By falsely representing that its products were manufactured in the United States, 2M was able to secure contracts subject to the Buy America Act (BAA), a law which generally prohibits United States Government agencies from purchasing products made outside the United States with some limited exceptions.
2M repeatedly certified to the government that its products were BAA-compliant and took various steps to conceal their Chinese origin. On one occasion, when products were to be shipped directly from a Chinese company to the government agency, a 2M employee sent the Chinese company an email reminding them, “we do not want any Chinese characters or stickers on the shipment” and adding that such stickers “will cause many problems for us.”
2M also pled guilty to submitting false information in relation to products exported to foreign customers. In contravention of export laws, the company submitted false information to the Automated Export System, a government-run platform that collects export information and distributes it to multiple federal agencies to assure compliance. The company falsified the description of items exported, misrepresented the ultimate recipient of the items, and falsely stated that no export license was needed for shipments that required a license.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Philip Koester, age 37, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Endicott, New York, pled guilty yesterday to transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Koester admitted that in January of 2016, he possessed thousands of images and videos of child pornography on a heavily encrypted homebuilt desktop computer that was seized by law enforcement during a search of Koester’s apartment. In addition to the child pornography Koester possessed, Koester’s homebuilt desktop computer also contained log files showing that, in March of 2011, Koester had uploaded videos of child pornography to a censorship-resistant, secure, and anonymous online peer-to-peer network called Freenet. As part of his guilty plea, Koester admitted to uploading the files to Freenet and then making the files available for other Freenet users to download.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Koester faces a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life to begin after imprisonment. Koester will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle, Michael Gadarian, and Geoffrey Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of “Molly”Read the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Rory R. Williams, aka “Wildman,” aka “Wild,” aka “Man,” aka “Shawn Carter,” age 45, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 120 months in prison for illegally distributing N-Ethylpentylone, also known as “molly,” a Schedule I controlled substance.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Lieutenant Timothy Pritchard of the Oswego County Drug Task Force, and Chief Joseph Cecile of the Syracuse Police Department.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Williams admitted that on November 30, 2021, he distributed approximately 267 grams (approximately 10 ounces) of N-Ethylpentylone, also known as “molly,” to a customer outside his residence in Syracuse, New York, in exchange for $2,500. Williams also admitted to distributing controlled substances on other occasions: on March 10, 2022, Williams gave another individual approximately 770 grams of N,N-dimethylpentylone (dipentylone), to deliver to a customer in Oswego, New York, and on December 21, 2020, the defendant distributed approximately 388 grams of eutylone to a customer outside his residence in Syracuse. Both dipentylone and eutylone are also known as “molly.” Williams further admitted that on March 10, 2022, he possessed at his residence approximately 7 kilograms of dipentylone, which he intended to distribute to others. Williams also admitted that $203,204 in cash found at his residence was drug proceeds and agreed to its forfeiture.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Williams to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Oswego County Drug Task Force (comprised of Special Agents of HSI, members of the Oswego City Police Department, Fulton Police Department, Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Border Patrol), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Syracuse Police Department, and United States Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.
Slidell Man Indicted for Federal Carjacking and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAMPAIN POOLE, age 22, of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury on May 5, 2023, in a three-count indictment for carjacking and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
POOLE is charged in Count 1 with carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). He is charged in Count 2 with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). He is charged in in Count 3 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
If convicted of Count 1, POOLE faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 2, he faces a minimum of seven years up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count, POOLE also faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Salem Man Involved in Lynchburg Shootout Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Salem, Virginia man who was involved in a shootout in Lynchburg during a methamphetamine deal in November 2021, pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court to a pair of federal charges.
Jeriwon Lee Taylor, 42, pled guilty this week to one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of discharging and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“This case is a direct result of the United States Attorney’s Office’s public commitment to prosecute federal crimes involving a discharged firearm. We will continue to vigilantly enforce our nation’s gun laws to hold accountable those individuals who commit violent acts in our community,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I am grateful we have collaborative partnerships with agencies like the Lynchburg Police Department, DEA, and ATF to help us continue this important work in helping make our communities safer.”
“It is clear that drug traffickers have no respect for human lives and conduct criminal business in the open public, disregarding the damage they can cause to human life or property. Thanks to the combined efforts of our local law enforcement partners, subsequent search warrants were executed at locations associated with Taylor’s Drug Trafficking Organization that resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, heroin, fake pills, methamphetamine and the retrieval of the firearm used in the shooting. We will continue our efforts aimed at disrupting and stopping these illegal endeavors,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division.
“There is no place for this type of behavior in Lynchburg. This case sends a very clear message that the illegal use of firearms and related drug activity will not be tolerated,” Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema said today. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute those responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics and those who choose to commit violent acts in our community, to the fullest extent of the law.”
“When we as law enforcement professionals collaborate effectively, our communities see tangible results such as this,” ATF Washington Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel said. “We will continue to work alongside our partners to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics and other acts of violence that negatively impact public safety.”
According to court documents, on November 21, 2021, Taylor arranged to meet an individual in a Walmart parking lot in Lynchburg, Virginia to sell methamphetamine. When the buyer, Kendall Simonton arrived, he got into Taylor’s vehicle, pointed a gun at Taylor’s face and took the drugs from him.
After the robbery, Simonton left Taylor’s vehicle and began walking away. However, Taylor also got out of his vehicle with a firearm, and the two men began shooting at each other. Both Taylor and Simonton fired multiple shots at each other, ducking behind various cars in the parking lot. Eventually, Simonton ran out of the parking lot and Taylor drove away.
Simonton pled guilty last month to related charges and will be sentenced June 8, 2023.
At sentencing, Taylor faces a minimum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lynchburg Police Department, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Jones is prosecuting the case.
Repeat offender sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to robbing a Savannah bankRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A man who pled guilty to a 2022 bank robbery in Savannah has been sentenced to more than 13 years federal prison.
Shawn Kelley, 45, from Baton Rouge, La., was sentenced to 163 months in prison after pleading guilty to Robbery, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker ordered Kelley’s sentence to run consecutively with time remaining for his state probation violation, ordered Kelley to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term, and there is no parole in the federal system.
“For most of his adult life, Shawn Kelley has committed robberies, served time in prison, and re-offended,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “A lengthy term of incarceration will keep the community safe from this serial criminal and hopefully deter others from making the same choices.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Kelley walked into the Wells Fargo Bank at 136 Bull St., Savannah, on Sept. 15, 2022, and demanded cash from the teller. After leaving with a substantial amount of money, Kelley walked to the bus station where Savannah Police officers found him in the bathroom changing out of the clothes he’d worn during the robbery, still in possession of the cash.
Kelley, who was on probation after being paroled from a 2015 conviction for a Gwinnett County, Ga., credit union robbery, has a total of six prior convictions for robberies dating back to a mugging conviction in 2000 in Baton Rouge, La., with subsequent bank and credit union robberies during the following two decades in Louisiana and Georgia.
“This sentence makes it very clear that criminals who repeatedly break the law will be held accountable with lengthy prison terms, without the opportunity for parole,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies make these sentencings possible, ultimately making our communities safer.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese, and by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Gregory Gilluly Jr.
Red Water Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Red Water man was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for assault on a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, Errol John, II, 22, assaulted a tribal police officer who was responding to a domestic disturbance at John’s home. Court documents revealed John assaulted the officer by firing a shotgun in the officer’s direction, resulting in a shotgun blast striking the windshield of the officer’s patrol car. Fortunately, the officer was unharmed.
In April of 2021, a federal grand jury indicted John on charges of assault on a federal officer and illegal possession of a firearm. On December 13, 2022, John pled guilty to assaulting a federal officer.
U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 18 Months of Imprisonment for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of federal supervised release on his conviction of theft of mail matter, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Tyrone Mobley, age 55. According to information presented to the court, from approximately December 2020 until approximately September 2021, Mobley stole US mail and other packages shipped via the United States Postal Service from authorized depositories for mail matter located at various addresses in the Oakland and Shadyside areas of Pittsburgh. Losses to Mobley’s victims totaled over $5,000 in value.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Services conducted the investigation which resulted in the conviction in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Perryopolis Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Perryopolis, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Sean Ryan McKenzie, age 38, pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 5, 2020, December 13, 2020, and June 8, 2021, McKenzie attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor known to him to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. McKenzie further admitted to sending some of the videos that he had surreptitiously created of this minor, as well as one other video depicting another minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to a Dropbox account. McKenzie also acknowledged that, while in the employ of the Pennsylvania State Police as a Corporal, he knowingly possessed videos and images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, McKenzie remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McKenzie.
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.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 72 Months After Jury Convicts Her of Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kristen M. Patterson, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced Patterson to 72 months’ imprisonment. She was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
In the early morning hours on April 7, 2021, Omaha Police officers observed Patterson’s truck and attached trailer parked and blocking the entrance of a storage facility in Omaha. After running the plates, officers discovered the trailer was stolen. Using their loudspeakers, patrol lights, spotlight, and sirens, law enforcement attempted to call Patterson out of the truck for approximately 20 minutes. Despite observing Patterson actively moving around the driver’s seat several times, Patterson did not comply with officer requests. After law enforcement made contact with Patterson, they discovered a knife on her driver’s seat and a firearm within hands reach in the inside open pocket of the center console. Patterson knew she was a felon at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Patterson was the sole person in the truck. Her truck and the stolen trailer were packed with her household items because she was moving.
At trial, Patterson testified that she did not know that the firearm was in her truck despite it being next to her leg and visible from the driver’s seat. After hearing this testimony and other evidence at trial, the jury found her guilty. In determining her sentence Judge Buescher found that Patterson obstructed justice by lying when she testified at her trial. He ultimately sentenced her to 72 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Omaha Men Sentenced for Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Marques Eiland, 28, and Aarion Jenkins, 29, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute marijuana. Jenkins had already served 11 months in state and federal prison for conduct relating to the conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Jenkins to an additional 40 months of imprisonment. Judge Buescher sentenced Eiland to 31 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, Jenkins and Eiland will both begin a three-year term of supervised release.
Between October of 2018 and December of 2020, Jenkins and Eiland were part of a marijuana conspiracy in Omaha, involving greater than 50 kilograms of marijuana. As part of the conspiracy, individuals shipped marijuana from California to locations in Omaha, including Eiland’s residence. Jenkins and Eiland were both involved in the distribution of the marijuana in Omaha. On December 18, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at Eiland’s residence and located approximately 22.5 pounds of marijuana. Jenkins and Eiland and two co-conspirators, Shawn Thomas and Julio Ayala, were all present. Thomas and Ayala have also pleaded guilty to being part of the marijuana conspiracy and are pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Sacramento California County Sheriff’s Department.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 30 Months in Federal Prison for Lying During Firearms TransactionsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY — Today, a federal judge sentenced NEMORY ZAHID RAMOS CASTRO, 22, of Oklahoma City, to serve a total of 30 months in federal prison for lying during firearms transactions, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 5, 2022, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Oklahoma returned a one-count Indictment against Ramos, charging him with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. On August 17, 2022, a five-count Superseding Indictment charged Ramos with conspiracy to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and transferring a firearm to a person residing outside the State of Oklahoma.
On January 5, 2023, Ramos pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. The government agreed to dismiss the other charges against him pursuant to a plea agreement.
At a sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Ramos to serve 30 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Friot cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and the dangerous nature of the specific firearms involved. Judge Friot also ordered Ramos to serve three years of supervised release upon release from prison.
According to public record and evidence presented at sentencing, Ramos made false written statements in connection with the purchases of two assault-style firearms, one in Oklahoma City and one in Luther, Oklahoma. In one instance, Ramos submitted an ATF Form 4473 stating he was not acquiring the assault-style firearm for another person, but a few hours after the transfer law enforcement found another individual in possession of it during a traffic stop. The ATF requires prospective firearm buyers to complete Form 4473, which requires prospective buyers to answer several questions related to the transfer.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsie A. Pratt and Jacquelyn Hutzell, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
Reference is made to public record for further information.
Nine Members of Jefferson County Ring Affiliated with Jalisco New Generation Cartel Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal indictment unsealed on Wednesday charges nine defendants in a fentanyl trafficking and money laundering conspiracy based in Jefferson County, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard.
A seven-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Juan Francisco Castaneda, aka Pariente, 40, Karol Carlota Del Castillo-Cardozo, aka Guerra, 40, of Wilsonville, Bryant Lamar Reynolds, aka Bear, 37, Preston Omar Chatman, aka Peno, 41, of Birmingham, Jose Lopez Flores, 44, of Birmingham, Cheryl Johnson, 57, of Pinson, and Francisco Del Castillo, aka Paco, 26, with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl between March 2022 and March 2023. The indictment further charges Castaneda, Castillo-Cardozo, Blanca Iris Ozuna, aka Flaca, 35, of Birmingham, and Juan Fidencio Lerma Gomez, 40, with conspiracy to commit money laundering of drug trafficking proceeds between March 2022 and March 2023.
The indictment includes special findings of the grand jury regarding the amount of fentanyl attributable to various defendants as part of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Castaneda, Flores, and Johnson are charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Castillo-Cardozo, Chatman, Reynolds, and Castillo is charged with conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Castaneda, Castillo-Cardozo, Reynolds, Chatman, Castillo, Flores, and Johnson are also charged with distribution of fentanyl.
Castaneda and Reynolds were already in custody serving state prison sentences. Castaneda is serving multiple life sentences for Murder in Bullock Correctional Facility. According to public records, Castaneda pleaded guilty to a multi-homicide in Shelby County in 2008, in which five individuals were murdered over a cartel debt. Reynolds is serving multiple life sentences for Murder in St. Clair Correctional Facility.
The indictment also seeks a money judgment in the amount of $700,000.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is life in prison.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years in prison.
“The indictment represents a collaborative effort between multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of fentanyl trafficking and organized crime in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force remains committed to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods by disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises.”
“The DEA is committed to defeating the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and bringing to justice those members responsible for the trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous illicit drugs” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James. “DEA along with our federal, state, and local partners will continue to pursue all avenues to deny drug traffickers and money launderers the one thing they value the most – their profit.”
“This indictment sends a clear message to those that attempt to turn a profit by distributing poison in our communities that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Our community is a much safer place thanks to the tireless efforts of all our federal, state and local partners.”
The DEA and HSI investigated the case, along with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Hoover Police Department, Birmingham Police Department, Bessemer Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Corrections, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Garnett and Blake Milner are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation “Wildcard.” OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Newark, New Jersey Man Imprisoned for Possessing Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Christian Torruellas, 30, of Newark, New Jersey, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 41 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Torruellas serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison. Torruellas has been detained since his arrest in February 2021.
According to court records, on October 6, 2020, a federal arrest warrant issued for Torruellas for supervised release violations. On February 10, 2021, members of the United States Marshal Service arrested Torruellas while he was driving in Brattleboro, Vermont. Officers recovered a .38 caliber pistol from the floor of Torruellas’ car. Torruellas is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has a 2016 felony conviction in federal court in New Jersey for possessing firearms as a prohibited person.
Torruellas is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq. The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Stendig and Gregory Waples.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
Nedrow Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ernest Shaw, Jr. pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Ernest Shaw, Jr. admitted that on September 25, 2019, he possessed 14 grams of cocaine base for distribution, and a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun at his residence in Nedrow, New York. DEA Special Agents, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, executed a federal search warrant and seized the cocaine base and the loaded handgun from the defendant’s bedroom, along with scales and plastic bags.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2023, in Syracuse, New York, at which time Ernest Shaw, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of up to 20-years imprisonment for his possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a 5-year mandatory consecutive sentence for his possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, and a post-prison term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Syracuse Resident Office, which includes Task Force Officers from the City of Auburn Police Department, the City of Syracuse Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Other Agencies that assisted in this investigation included the New York State Police, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person’s Awareness DayRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023, as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.
The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission — who are department leaders and subject matter experts — have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary.
In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction—along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ—to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.
In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines, which were updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Today and every day, we recognize, support, and stand with the disproportionate number of Native women in South Dakota who suffer violence in their communities and elsewhere in our state. Federal, Tribal, and State authorities are committed to ending this unacceptable scourge of violence and bringing to justice its perpetrators.
If you are aware of a person being victimized in any way, we urge you to call 911 and report it so that authorities can respond appropriately.
Missouri Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Drug and Gun Offenses following Interstate Traffic Stop in Montgomery CountyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Park Hills, Missouri, man, Thomas J. Wilkinson, IV, 56, was sentenced on May 1, 2023, to 240 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government proffered evidence that on February 20, 2021, an Illinois State Police Trooper pulled over a vehicle being driven by Wilkinson that was speeding at approximately 90 miles per hour. When the trooper approached, the trooper observed what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine in plain view on Wilkinson’s lap. During a subsequent search, troopers found over 200 grams of methamphetamine, other illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9 mm handgun. Wilkinson has five prior drug-related convictions in Missouri.
Wilkinson faced statutory penalties of no less than fifteen years and up to life imprisonment for the drug-trafficking count; a mandatory consecutive penalty of five years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and up to ten years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon.
“Armed criminals who traffic drugs pose a great risk to the community, including the vulnerable drug addicts on whom they prey,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “This defendant created an even greater risk when he dangerously drove down one of our busiest interstates while intoxicated and at high speeds. We appreciate the work of our state and federal law enforcement partners in keeping our communities safe.”
“ISP’s arrest of this convicted felon and his sentencing will help keep illegal drugs off the streets and make our communities safer,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all Project Safe Neighborhood partners to combat drug trafficking and gun violence.”
The Illinois State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Wilkinson 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.
Missouri Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with robbing a bank in Kansas.
According to court documents, in February 2023, Troy Robbins, 53, of Smithville, Missouri, is accused of entering a Chase Bank in Leawood, Kansas, and using force to take U.S. currency from a bank employee.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is 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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Minnesota Man Indicted for Mosque ArsonRead the Press Release
A Minnesota man was indicted on one count of arson and one count of damage to religious property, for setting fire to a mosque.
According to court documents, on April 23, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Jackie Rahm Little, 36, started a fire in the bathroom of the Masjid Omar Islamic Center. On April 24, just before 7:00 p.m., Little was captured on surveillance video entering the Masjid Al-Rahma. Shortly thereafter, a fire broke out on the third floor of the mosque, and the building was evacuated.
Little, who was arrested in Mankato on April 29, was arraigned Thursday morning in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. He was ordered to remain in detention pending further court proceedings.
The FBI, the ATF, the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights and National Security Divisions, the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Lugar for the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Manda M. Sertich for the District of Minnesota, Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Meth trafficking sends Great Falls man to prison for eight yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Great Falls man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine while on supervision for a federal felony conviction was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Rand Michael Emineth, 31, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in Missoula County in August 2021, law enforcement with the Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Land Management conducted a traffic stop of Emineth’s vehicle for erratic driving. A parole-approved search of his vehicle resulted in the recovery of meth, a scale, and drug paraphernalia. Emineth later admitted to recent drug use, and a search of his cell phone indicated he had been distributing meth. Emineth was trafficking meth while he was on supervised release for a federal conviction for possession of stolen explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Montana Probation and Parole.
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.
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Member of Zohannon Criminal Organization Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing MachinegunRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident and convicted felon who is a member of a local criminal street gang was sentenced to federal prison this week for illegal possession of a machinegun.
Tyquerrious Ford, 23, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on May 3. Ford pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun on Dec. 20, 2022. Co-defendant, Bernard Shaw, 23, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on April 13. Shaw pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Dec. 7, 2022. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is illegal for felons to possess firearms, let alone machineguns with extended magazines,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are committed to bringing federal resources to bear in our close partnership with the Columbus Police Department and Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.”
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined to make our streets safer by removing violent felons—especially those in possession of high-capacity firearms—and holding them accountable with prison terms and no opportunity for parole,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2022, Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers were on uniform patrol when they observed a vehicle driven by Ford traveling on Dawson St. in Columbus with multiple traffic violations. Ford did not immediately stop and when he did, he did not have a license and attempted to walk away from the officers and was detained. Shaw, who was a passenger, leaned against the door to prevent the officer from accessing the vehicle, then got out of the car and fled the scene. Officers found a loaded Glock Model 17 pistol with an extended 31-round magazine in the driver’s seat belonging to Ford. The firearm had been illegally modified with an automatic selector switch, also known as a “Glock switch,” allowing the operator of the firearm to continuously fire bullets with one pull of the trigger. In the passenger seat of the vehicle, there was a green bookbag containing a stolen Springfield XD semiautomatic pistol belonging to Shaw. Officers also found bags of marijuana, a scale and 100 small baggies.
On July 22, 2022, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies and FBI agents located Shaw seated inside a car in the parking lot of the AutoZone on Buena Vista Road in Columbus. He was quickly detained; officers found a loaded Del-Ton 5.56 semiautomatic rifle with two 30-round magazines taped together containing a total of 37 rounds in both magazines belonging to Shaw. Additionally, a brass catcher was mounted on the firearm. Shaw was arrested and his cell phone and rifle were seized. Shaw has prior convictions in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Louisville, Kentucky, to include theft by taking and fleeing police. Ford has prior convictions, including theft by receiving. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Both Ford and Shaw are confirmed members of Zohannon, a Columbus-based criminal street gang.
The case was investigated by FBI, CPD and MCSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the government.
Member of Violent Chicago Street Gang Convicted in Federal Racketeering and Drug Trafficking ProbeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a member of a violent Chicago street gang of participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included murder and attempted murder. The multi-district investigation previously resulted in the convictions of 20 other defendants.
The jury on April 28, 2023, convicted MARDI LANE, 34, of Chicago, after a two-week trial in U.S. District Court. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Lane was a member and known “shooter” of the LAFA street gang, which violently controlled territory in the Jeffery Manor neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The jury found that Lane in 2015 personally participated in a murder and multiple attempted murders.
The conviction is punishable by up to life in federal prison. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., set sentencing for Dec. 8, 2023.
Twenty other defendants were previously convicted as part of the federal investigation. The probe revealed that from 2008 to 2018, LAFA members committed multiple murders, attempted murders, robberies, and witness tampering, while trafficking cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA in Chicago and Duluth, Minn. LAFA members used violence and intimidation to protect the gang’s enterprise and keep rivals and witnesses in fear of retaliation. Law enforcement during the probe seized 34 firearms, a machete and sheath, approximately a kilogram of cocaine, 78 pounds of marijuana, more than $190,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, designer clothing appraised at more than $300,000, Rolex watches, and numerous pieces of jewelry, including two necklaces containing 14-carat gold pendants with the initials “LAFA” written in diamonds.
Lane’s conviction and the results of the investigation were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Eric Carter, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Northern Indiana and Minnesota; the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; Illinois State Police; Cook County Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Orland Park, Ill., Evergreen Park, Ill., Bolingbrook, Ill., and Joliet, Ill.; the Minnesota-based Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force; Duluth, Minn., Police Department; St. Louis County, Minn., State’s Attorney’s Office; and FBI offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Indianapolis, Ind. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Trustee Program. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mower, Siva Sundaram, and Simar Khera.
The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.
The 20 defendants previously convicted in this investigation are listed below.
- AKEEM ASAD, 31, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug charges. Awaiting sentencing.
- COTTRELL MACKEY, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, including participating in a 2014 murder. Awaiting sentencing.
- DIJON FOSTEN, 34, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, firearm, and drug charges. Sentenced earlier this year to nearly 17 years.
- MARTEZ EASTER, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Awaiting sentencing.
- REGINALD JONES, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, including participating in a murder and attempted murder. Awaiting sentencing.
- CAREY HINTON, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to 20 years, with a 40-month credit for time served in a related case.
- TONY PARKER, 28, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Awaiting sentencing.
- QUENTIN LUCIOUS, 32, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to 20 years and seven months, with a 76-month credit for time served in related cases.
- RAKIM ASAD, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and a firearm offense. Awaiting sentencing.
- HARRIETTE MCPHERSON, 50, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to four years.
- DERRICK MCNEAL, 50, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to six years.
- RASHAD UNDERWOOD, 46, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a drug charge. Sentenced in 2021 to five years.
- DEONTE BINGHAM, 42, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a firearm charge. Sentenced in 2020 to four years and two months.
- KELVIN EVERETT, 42, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced earlier this year to nine years and two months.
- GREGORY BLACKWELL, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced in 2022 to six years.
- QUINCY WRIGHT, 41, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced earlier this year to four years and five months.
- JERRY PEOPLES, 46, of Chicago, was convicted by a federal jury in 2022 of robbery offenses. Awaiting sentencing.
- RACHAD LUCAS, 42, of Calumet City, Ill., pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges. Sentenced in 2020 to five years and ten months.
- SINCERE BRANNON, 23, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a firearm charge. Sentenced in 2022 to five years.
- ERNESTO MADRIGAL-GARZA, 34, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to an immigration offense. Sentenced in 2022 to four years.
Maryland Fraudster Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Selling Fraudulently Obtained Cell Phones Worth More Than $500,000Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Danisha Thomas, age 39, of Bladensburg, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, related to a scheme to receive and sell cell phones that were fraudulently obtained using the identifying information of at least 24 victims.
The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
According to her guilty plea and court documents, between July 2019 and March 2020, Thomas was part of a conspiracy to obtain new cell phones by opening new cell phone service accounts or upgrading existing accounts in the names of individual identity theft victims without the victims’ knowledge or permission, then selling the cell phones to others for a profit.
Specifically, co-defendants Chantelle Harris and Robert Patterson were employed by a third-party vendor contracted to handle wireless phone transactions, including sales and phone upgrades for Walmart. Harris and Patterson, who worked inside Walmart stores, admitted that they abused their positions by conducting fraudulent transactions in furtherance of the scheme and for Thomas’ benefit. With Thomas’ agreement, or upon her request, the co-defendants applied for new cell phone accounts and for upgraded cell phones on existing cell phone accounts in the names of identity theft victims without the victims’ knowledge or permission. As detailed in her plea agreement, Thomas provided the victims’ personally identifiable information (“PII”), including date of birth and Social Security number, to Harris and Patterson for this purpose, aware that the victims were real persons who did not authorize these transactions. With Thomas’ agreement or upon her request, the co-defendants used the victims’ PII to obtain credit approval and authorization for new accounts for cell phone service and/or to upgrade existing cell phone service accounts, then charged the purchase of new cell phones to the fraudulent service accounts opened in the victims’ names. Harris communicated with the co-defendants by phone and text to coordinate the fraudulent purchase and exchange of the cell phones and was observed on video surveillance during and/or after each of the fraudulent transactions meeting with co-conspirators and/or receiving stolen cell phones directly from them.
Thomas admits that the total value of the fraudulently obtained cell phones was approximately $537,000.
Thomas faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud and a mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Thomas on September 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Chantelle Harris, age 34, and Robert Patterson, age 22, both of Hyattsville, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the fraud scheme. Harris was sentenced to time served and Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Colleen E. McGuinn, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Man from the Ring Thunder Community Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Ring Thunder, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on May 2, 2023.
Marshall Knife, 39, was sentenced to five years and eleven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Knife was indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2023.
In September of 2020, Knife and other individuals were consuming alcohol at Knife’s residence in the Ring Thunder Community in Todd County, South Dakota. The victim, who was approximately 14-years old at the time, was also present. As the night progressed, Knife made a comment about wanting to take the victim’s virginity and proceeded to engage in sexual acts with the victim.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Knife was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Leader of a Major Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Jefferson County Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. – A federal indictment unsealed on Monday charges the leader of a major drug trafficking organization and one of his lieutenants on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A ten-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court charges Lumon Andre Layton, aka “Loom”, 49 , of Birmingham, and Cedric Lamar Nelson, aka as “Ced”, 36 , of Midfield, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and distribution of fentanyl between March 2022 and January 2023.
Layton is also charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Layton was convicted of Manslaughter on May 2, 2000, in the Circuit Court of Talladega County, Alabama, as well as several drug crimes in Jefferson County, Alabama, prior to 2000.
According to the indictment, on January 6, 2023, Jefferson County Sherriff deputies executed four search warrants on properties involved in the conspiracy. The deputies seized $1,088,000 from these properties, in addition to five firearms seized during the investigation.
The penalty for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute or distribution of a controlled substance is a minimum mandatory penalty of ten years to life in prison. The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute or distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine is life in prison. The penalty for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime is a minimum mandatory term of five years in prison up to life to run consecutive to any other count. The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 15 years in prison.
The FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Cross is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Laguna Hills Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Two Fatal Overdoses in Six WeeksRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose deaths of two victims – one in Utah, the other in Aliso Viejo – within six weeks of each other in early 2021.
Jason Amin Soheili, 28, of Laguna Hills, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton.
Soheili pleaded guilty in December 2022 to two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. He has been in federal custody since May 2021.
In January and February of 2021, Soheili exchanged text messages with a Utah-based victim – identified in court documents as “J.N.” – regarding the shipment of fentanyl pills. J.N. instructed Soheili to address the package containing the pills to an alias at an address in Fillmore, Utah.
On February 15, 2021, Soheili shipped via U.S. mail a parcel containing at least two counterfeit oxycodone pills that were laced with fentanyl. The parcel arrived in Utah three days later. On February 21, 2021, J.N. ingested at least one of the pills and died of fentanyl toxicity.
On April 1, 2021, Soheili exchanged text messages with another victim – identified in court papers as “J.M.” – regarding Soheili selling cocaine and alprazolam (commonly referred to by its brand name, Xanax) to the victim. That evening, Soheili and J.M. met at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Laguna Hills to perform the drug deal.
After this meeting, J.M. accompanied Soheili to his home in Laguna Hills, where Soheili supplied the victim with additional drugs. At some point late that evening, the victim ingested the narcotics that Soheili had given him.
Victim J.M. died on April 2, 2021 from acute fentanyl, alprazolam, and cocaine intoxication.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kristin N. Spencer of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on April 28, 2023.
Shayne Justin Begay, 45, was sentenced to two eight-year terms in federal prison, to run consecutively, followed by five years of supervised release. Begay was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Begay was indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on February 2, 2023.
The conviction stems from Begay filming two minor females while they showered at the Juvenile Detention Center in Kyle, South Dakota, where he was employed as a corrections officer.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Begay was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kissimmee Man Pleads Guilty for Lying to the FBI in Connection with an International Terrorism InvestigationRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, announces that Moad Mohamed Benkabbou (23, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to a federal agency. He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
On August 9, 2022, FBI agents interviewed Benkabbou and asked him several questions relating to a terrorism investigation. When asked if he ever talked about ISIS with a person known to FBI, Benkabbou falsely answered “No, I didn’t.” Benkabbou was asked if he ever made plans to travel overseas to join ISIS. Again, he falsely stated, “No, I didn’t.”
According to the plea agreement and evidence admitted during a detention hearing, Benkabbou swore an oath to support ISIS in January 2020, made plans to travel to Turkey and Syria to fight for ISIS, sent money to support ISIS, purchased airplane tickets for travel to Turkey in August 2020 and January 2021 (later canceling both tickets), and sent ISIS propaganda videos to others, including ISIS-sponsored videos showing the executions (by gunshot and beheading) of American allies fighting against ISIS. Benkabbou also sent a picture of himself dressed as an ISIS fighter with the statement, “Hey Crusaders hey Jews die within your rage.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Justice Department strengthens efforts to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
Seattle – The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day.
The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis.
“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”
“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”
“Tribal Nations in the Western District of Washington are working on their response plans to be ready to act if a tribal member is reported missing. The Tulalip Tribes is the first to adopt and implement their plan, and we celebrate that milestone,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “The Washington State Patrol data notes 142 Indigenous persons in Washington are missing and we must keep them front and center as we undertake this important work.”
There are various activities planned throughout Western Washington. Today, several tribes are having walks and healing circles to honor the missing. This evening, the Tulalip Tribes and the Muckleshoot Tribe will gather for ceremonial observances. Tomorrow the community is invited to join the 3rd Annual MMIP Families March from Westlake Park in Seattle to Seattle Center. The march begins at 10:00 AM, and the public is encouraged to wear red in honor of the Murdered and Missing.
The Washington State Coalition against Domestic Violence has a list of events on its website.
Attached to this release is a fact sheet on DOJ resources
doj_mmip_resources.pdfregarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and the latest information from the Washington State Patrol regarding MMIP in our state.
missing_list_for_public_release_050123_002.pdfJustice Department Strengthens Efforts to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
May 5th is MMIP Awareness Day“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities. Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
– Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime. Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”
– Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco
“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis. In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”
– Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta
The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day.
The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the Department’s representatives on the commission — who are Department leaders and subject matter experts — have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the Department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis.
Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases
In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each U.S. Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at the Justice Department — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.
Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance
In October 2022, Attorney General Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines, which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how Department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
National Native American Outreach Services Liaison
Last year, the Department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the Department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the Department’s continued response.
Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis
In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here.
Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases
In December 2022, the Department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases. This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities.
Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library
On Monday of this week, the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases.
Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program
The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases.
Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women
In September 2022, the Department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here.
National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico
Last year, the Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward.
Additional Department of Justice Resources
For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.
Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.