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27 April 2023
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Escape from Federal Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Aaron Jason Burkholder, 46, of Nebraska, was sentenced today to 18 months for escape from a federal reentry center by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Burkholder will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In December of 2021, Burkholder was serving a prior federal sentence for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual. He was transferred from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Kearney, Nebraska, to finish serving the remainder of his sentence and was scheduled for release in November of 2022. However, on June 28, 2022, Burkholder escaped from the custody of the RRC by cutting off his GPS ankle monitor after being ordered to return to the RRC due to rules violations. Attempts by RRC staff to contact Burkholder were unsuccessful and he was placed on escape status. He was arrested on a federal warrant on October 18, 2022. Burkholder’s RRC placement on his previous federal sentence was revoked, and he is scheduled to complete his incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons on that sentence in April of 2024.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Muscatine Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Muscatine woman was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to 192 months in prison following her guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, law enforcement received information that Cristina Kaye Briones, 38, and her co-conspirators were obtaining large quantities of pure methamphetamine through the mail directly from California suppliers. Following her prison term, Briones was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison Following Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On April 27, 2023, Patrick Maurio Bass, 43, from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The federal judge also ordered that Bass serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and statements made in open court, on August 14, 2020, the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) received information that Bass had a large quantity of illegal drugs in his possession. Later that day, MPD officers observed Bass at a Montgomery gas station, parked in a sport utility vehicle. The officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers found significant amounts of cocaine and marijuana, along with a handgun. Bass is a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On June 6, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Bass for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute the controlled substance, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Bass pleaded guilty to these charges on December 19, 2022.
MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Wendell prosecuted the case.
Mission Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead 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 Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on April 21, 2023.
Frank White Thunder, age 35, was sentenced to 20 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.
White Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 11, 2023.
White Thunder was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2008. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In February of 2022, White Thunder was released from prison and began a period of supervised release. White Thunder initially registered and resided at an address in Mission, but he subsequently moved from his registered address and did not update his registration. His whereabouts were unknown until his arrest in Mission on August 13, 2022.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
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.
White Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Erskine Jones, 31 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jones was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in October 2022 Jones was on federal supervised release and state parole with active arrest warrants on both cases. When investigators found Jones, he had a loaded .380 semi-automatic firearm in his pocket. Jones’ prior convictions include two for robbery and one for felon in possession of a firearm. Any one of Jones’ prior felony convictions prohibit him from possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the St. Joseph County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Four TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported four times was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.
Aron Vargas-Acosta, age 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Marshalltown, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 28, 2022, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Vargas-Acosta admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Vargas-Acosta was previously deported in April 2003, January 2008, July 2010, and April 2016.
Vargas-Acosta was convicted of operating while intoxicated in Marshall County in April 2000, in Tama County in January 2001, and in Polk County in October 2001. In June 2002, he was convicted of operating while intoxicated in Marshall County and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. In April 2003, Vargas-Acosta was deported to Mexico for the first time.
In September 2004, Vargas-Acosta was convicted of domestic assault. In December 2005, he was convicted of driving while barred, identity theft and possession of marijuana. In July 2006, he received his fifth conviction for operating while intoxicated and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. In January 2008, Vargas-Acosta was deported to Mexico for the second time.
In May 2008, Vargas-Acosta was arrested by immigration authorities in Texas. In October 2008, he was convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegally reentering the United States and sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. In July 2010, Vargas-Acosta was deported to Mexico for the third time.
In November 2014, Vargas-Acosta was convicted in the Southern District of Iowa of illegally reentering the United States and sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. In April 2016, Vargas-Acosta was deported to Mexico for the fourth time.
On September 13, 2022, immigration officials learned Vargas-Acosta had illegally returned to the United States and found Vargas-Acosta at the Tama County Jail following his arrest and conviction for possession of a controlled substance and operating while intoxicated.
Vargas-Acosta was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Vargas-Acosta was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Vargas-Acosta is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-90.
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Metro East Drug Trafficking Leader Sentenced to 198 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District Court judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to 198 months after he pled guilty to several drug charges for his involvement in a national trafficking ring as the local, Metro East leader.
Jeffrey Taylor, 40, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Cocaine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Money Laundering. In addition to imprisonment, Taylor will serve 5 years of supervised release.
“The defendant was responsible for bringing significant quantities of illicit, destructive narcotics across state lines and into southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This sentence demonstrates the severity of drug trafficking, and I applaud DEA’s efforts for bringing these offenders to justice.”
"This sentence concludes an investigation that perfectly represents DEA's mission," said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Rehg, head of Drug Enforcement Administration enforcement operations in southern Illinois. "We want the entire criminal drug organization, from the dealers to the highest level of distribution leadership, off our streets. Jeffrey Taylor and his entire network will not be putting his illegal products in our communities any longer."
“Drug traffickers are in business to make money. IRS CI special agents have an important role in following the money and disrupting a drug trafficking organization’s ability to operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “This sentence is a victory for communities in southern Illinois and metropolitan St. Louis. We are proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners on this important mission.”
DEA investigated the drug trafficking ring from February 2017 to August 2018 in Madison and St. Clair counties, primarily in East St. Louis. The conspiracy involved at least 240 pounds of ice methamphetamine and 48 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Taylor ran operations in the drug organization, recruited members for illegal activities and provided direction. Sixteen co-defendants were also indicted in the conspiracy to various drug charges and have been sentenced from time served and supervised release up to 262 months in federal prison. During the investigation, the defendants resided in East St. Louis, Washington Park and Wood River in Illinois as well as California, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with contributions from the IRS, the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Fischer is prosecuting the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Memphis Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Robbery and Attempted RobberyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Rodercus Freeman, 42, was sentenced to over two decades in federal prison for bank robbery and attempted credit union robbery. Freeman was convicted of the charges following a five-day jury trial in August 2022. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to United States Attorney Ritz and information presented in court, on August 18, 2018, Freeman robbed Independent Bank on Poplar Avenue in Memphis, using a simulated firearm. Two weeks later, Freeman attempted to rob Southern Security Federal Credit Union on Ridge Meadow Parkway.
United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Freeman to 240 months for the bank robbery and 22 months for the attempted credit union robbery, to run consecutive to one another for a total of 262 months. The court also sentenced the defendant to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Ritz said: “These federal robbery crimes were very serious, and this defendant will justifiably serve a significant period of time in federal prison. Our office appreciates the hard work of the FBI and the MPD in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“The Memphis Police Department has a strong working relationship with United States Attorney Kevin Ritz’s office and the Safe Streets Task Force, as is evident in the recent arrest and charges against Mr. Rodercus Freeman. The Memphis Police Department is committed to continuing these collaborative investigations to create a safe place for all,” said Chief of Police Cerelyn J. Davis.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Memphis Police Department.
United States Attorney Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Tony Arvin and Scott Smith, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow @ WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
Mebane Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Commercial Leasing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Mebane man pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a $20 million dollar leasing fraud scheme. Dan Raymond, an owner and operator of multiple computer equipment and small business financial consulting companies had a role brokering fraudulent lease deals valued at more than $20 million dollars with 25 victim financers. Raymond pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced later this year.
“Federal law enforcement specializes in unraveling complex financial frauds like this one, where a computer equipment supplier bilked financiers for millions in a scheme that lasted years,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Research Triangle is a hub for tech and innovation. We are ramping up white collar fraud enforcement to ensure fraudsters who take advantage of our booming tech sector are held accountable.”
According to court documents and information presented in court, from March 2016 to January 2022, while he was living in Cary, Raymond executed a scheme to defraud financing companies in connection with computer equipment lease deals. The targets of Raymond’s scheme were financing companies who offered small to medium-sized businesses (“customers”) financing and secured leases for computer servers and other computer equipment. Under these leasing programs, financers paid for and took title to the equipment and then in turn leased it to the customers for a fixed term. Financers entered into agreements with brokers who, for a fee, could bring potential equipment leasing opportunities to the financers for evaluation and approval. As a third-party independent financing source, financers did not manufacture or supply the computer equipment. Instead, the brokers, like Raymond, arranged for the purchase and delivery of the equipment to the customers, who then leased that equipment from the financers.
Raymond targeted financially-distressed small business customers throughout the country and offered them leases for computer equipment. Typically, the customers Raymond targeted were seeking a cash infusion for operating expenses and had no immediate needs for computer equipment. Nonetheless, Raymond enticed customers by offering lease deals that included large cash rebates and long-term payback options. Raymond falsely assured customers that this was a common and legitimate practice, and that they could always sell the computer equipment if they chose to. The cash rebates and payback options offered by Raymond were not known to or approved by the financers.
Raymond executed the lease agreements with the customers and then submitted the leases and invoices to a financer. If approved, the financer paid Raymond a lump sum payment which was intended to represent the cost of the computer equipment to be supplied by Raymond, plus a small fee to be retained by Raymond as profit. After the leases were signed and approved by the financer, Raymond instructed the customers to falsify documents representing that the computer equipment was delivered, installed and working properly at their business locations when, in fact, no equipment had been delivered or installed. These false declarations enabled Raymond to be paid by the financer. After Raymond obtained payment from the financers, he wired the cash rebates to the customers from his business checking account. Raymond sometimes did ship computer equipment to the customers. However, whereas the leases called for name brand computer servers and hardware valued between $30,000 - $100,000, Raymond sent generic computer parts valued at $50 - $3,500.
Raymond’s was affiliated with businesses, including Integrity IT Solutions, Inc. (“IITS”), Logos Consulting, LLC (“Logos”), Lendberry Corp. (“Lendberry”), US Server Supply (“USSS”), Online Concepts Inc. (“OC”), Referral Marketing Services (“RMS”), Sandriver Group, Inc. (“Sandriver”), Business Repair Consultants (“BRC”), and Buyback Funders, LLC (“Buyback”).
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-96-BO.
Maury County Corrections Officer Convicted of Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A Maury County, Tennessee corrections officer was convicted today by a federal jury of obstruction of justice, announced U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
James Justice, aka James Stewart Thomas, 32, of Columbia, Tenn., a corrections officer with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office, was indicted in May 2022 and charged with falsifying records relating to nonconsensual sexual contact that he had with a female inmate in his custody.
“Today’s verdict ensures that James Justice will be held accountable for his actions. As importantly, it ensures that he will no longer be entrusted to serve as a law enforcement officer,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “I commend our trial team and partners at the FBI for an excellent job of investigating and presenting this case to the jury.”
Testimony and evidence produced at trial established that Justice wrote an official report in which he falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at a hospital. The report also falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about the alleged sexual advances by the inmate, and the report omitted that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after her release from the custody of the Maury County Jail.
Justice faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 18, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Klopf of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
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Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A Mason City, Iowa man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced yesterday to the statutory maximum term of 10 years in federal prison.
Harley Davidson Llewellyn, age 44, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 26, 2022, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In a plea agreement, Llewellyn admitted to being convicted of domestic abuse assault impeding air/blood flow causing bodily injury. Llewellyn admitted to knowing he was prohibited from being in possession of a firearm.
The case began after Llewellyn threatened a co-worker with a firearm, which led to termination of his employment. Over the course of the next two months, Llewellyn went on a shooting spree in Mason City and fired shots from a 9 millimeter pistol into 4 houses in Mason City. First, on April 7, 2022, Llewellyn shot multiple times into a house that he incorrectly believed to be the home of a co-worker whom he had threatened. On April 25, 2022, he fired a shot into another home where he believed the co-worker lived and then on May 3, 2022, he fired a round into the home of his co-worker’s parents, where the co-worker previously resided. Also on May 3, 2022, Llewellyn shot into a sober living facility in Mason City.
Following this shooting spree, Mason City police served a search warrant at defendant’s residence in Mason City where they located two Hi-Point 9 millimeter handguns, one of which had been used in all four of the shootings.
Llewellyn was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Llewellyn was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, the statutory maximum sentence for the crime. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Llewellyn is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-3026.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Member of CongressRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Justin Kuchta, age 40, of Annapolis, Maryland, to four months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capitol Police; and Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr.
According to his plea agreement, Kuchta made threats to murder a Member of the U.S. Congress. Specifically, a U.S. Member of Congress’ district office in Texas reported that on July 18, 2022, it received a threatening message via an event management website. The website was being used by an event planner to coordinate an event held in the State of Missouri, being attended by Member of Congress 1. The Subject line of that email read, in relevant part: “Rally in Missouri – Featured Guest [Member of Congress 1], [Individual 1], and [Individual 2].” The message stated, “Thank you for the address!!! I’m coming to murder all of you Satanist f*ckers!!! Especially the chuckle-f*ck Zodiak [sic] Killer [Member of Congress 1]!! That fat fake f*cker ass will be the first on the gallows!! SEE ALL OF YOU F*CKERS REALLY SOON!!! With my fresh militia and weapons!!! Thanks for the info f*ckers!!!” The Member of Congress’ Washington office reported that a similar message was sent on July 22, 2022, using the same event management website.
As detailed in the plea agreement, an investigation revealed that the IP address was registered to a private high-speed network operated by the State of Maryland. Network records revealed that the IP address originated from a Virtual Private Network and computer assigned to Kuchta. Kuchta was subsequently interviewed, after being advised of his rights, by Special Agents with the U.S. Capitol Police and investigators assigned to the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit at his place of employment in Annapolis, Maryland. While Kuchta initially denied sending the email messages, he ultimately admitted that he sent the July 18, 2022, threatening message over the website.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the United States Capitol Police and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, and its efforts to protect national security, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/anti-terrorism.
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Maple Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Carjacking at Blaine Grocery Store Parking LotRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Maple Grove man has pleaded guilty to an armed carjacking at a Blaine grocery store, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 24, 2022, Justin Michael Kittleson, 20, targeted two victims as they left the Cub Foods grocery store in Blaine and loaded groceries into their car. Kittleson approached one of the victims at the trunk of the car and pointed a gun at them. The second victim attempted to intervene, and a struggle ensued. The gun discharged, and the shot is believed to have grazed the second victim’s ear. Kittleson took control of the car and drove away. A 9MM shell casing was recovered at the scene by officers with the Blaine Police Department. After reviewing surveillance video footage and with the assistance from other members of the public, officers were able to identify and locate Kittleson. On September 29, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Kittleson and recovered two 9MM firearms (the same caliber as the casing found at the scene of the carjacking) and a hooded sweatshirt that matched the sweatshirt Kittleson was seen wearing in the surveillance footage.
Kittleson pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Kittleson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 16, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Blaine Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Semiautomatic FirearmRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Esteban Gonzalez-Melendez, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Gonzalez-Melendez also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Gonzalez-Melendez pleaded guilty to Possession of Firearms and Ammunition knowing that he was an undocumented non-citizen illegally and unlawfully in the United States.
On September 9, 2022, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Gonzalez-Melendez was a passenger. One of the officers observed the muzzle of a rifle on the passenger floorboard protruding from under a blanket covering Gonzalez-Melendez. A search of the vehicle revealed a semiautomatic AR-15 pistol with large capacity magazine capabilities, along with a 9mm pistol and .380 pistol where Gonzalez-Melendez was seated. The search further revealed a two-way radio, a 30-round AR-15 magazine, a 100-round AR-15 drum magazine, two .380 magazines, a 9mm magazine, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 14 rounds of .380 ammunition, 92 rounds of 5.56x45 NATO ammunition, and a pair of handcuffs.
United States Border Patrol agents, who were called by DPS, determined that Gonzalez-Melendez was illegally present in the United States. Gonzalez-Melendez stated he knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm and indicated he had purchased two of the weapons in Phoenix, and a friend gave him the third gun “to hold.”
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bolling, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-02127 -TUC-JGZ (EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-063_Gonzalez-Melendez# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Man Sentenced for Stealing over 712 Bitcoin Subject to ForfeitureRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Ohio man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for stealing over 712 bitcoin that were the proceeds of the darknet bitcoin mixer Helix and subject to forfeiture in a then-pending criminal case.
According to court documents, Gary James Harmon, 31, of Cleveland, perpetrated a scheme to steal cryptocurrency that was the subject of pending criminal forfeiture proceedings in the case of Larry Dean Harmon, Gary Harmon’s brother. In February 2020, Larry Harmon was arrested for his operation of Helix, a darknet-based cryptocurrency money laundering service, known as a “mixer” or “tumbler.” Helix laundered over 350,000 bitcoin – valued at over $300 million at the time of the transactions – on behalf of customers, with the largest volume coming from darknet markets. Law enforcement seized various assets, including a cryptocurrency storage device containing Larry
Harmon’s illegal proceeds generated through the operation of Helix, which were subject to forfeiture in the criminal case. However, law enforcement was initially unable to recover bitcoin stored on the device due to the device’s additional security features.Knowing that the government was seeking to recover the bitcoin stored on the seized device for forfeiture in Larry Harmon’s criminal case, Gary Harmon used his brother’s credentials to recreate the bitcoin wallets stored on the device and covertly transfer more than 712 bitcoin, valued at approximately $4.8 million at the time, to his own wallets – stealing those funds and obstructing the pending criminal forfeiture proceeding. Gary Harmon further laundered the proceeds through two online bitcoin mixer services before using the laundered bitcoins to finance large purchases and other expenditures.
Gary Harmon agreed to the forfeiture of cryptocurrencies and other properties derived from the fraudulently taken proceeds, including more than 647.41 Bitcoin (BTC), 2.14 Ethereum (ETH), and 17,404,400.64 Dogecoin (DOGE). Due to the increase in market prices, the total value of these forfeitable properties exceeds $20 million.
In August 2021, Larry Harmon pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy in connection with his case.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and the IRS-CI District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), both now also members of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, prosecuted the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Michon Tart, Angela De Falco, and Brian Rickers, and former Paralegal Specialist Chad Byron. Additional assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Segev Phillips and Daniel Riedl for the Northern District of Ohio and CCIPS Trial Attorney S. Riane Harper.
Man Sentenced for Stealing over 712 Bitcoin Subject to ForfeitureRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for stealing over 712 bitcoin that were the proceeds of the darknet bitcoin mixer Helix and subject to forfeiture in a then-pending criminal case.
According to court documents, Gary James Harmon, 31, of Cleveland, perpetrated a scheme to steal cryptocurrency that was the subject of pending criminal forfeiture proceedings in the case of Larry Dean Harmon, Gary Harmon’s brother. In February 2020, Larry Harmon was arrested for his operation of Helix, a darknet-based cryptocurrency money laundering service, known as a “mixer” or “tumbler.” Helix laundered over 350,000 bitcoin – valued at over $300 million at the time of the transactions – on behalf of customers, with the largest volume coming from darknet markets. Law enforcement seized various assets, including a cryptocurrency storage device containing Larry Harmon’s illegal proceeds generated through the operation of Helix, which were subject to forfeiture in the criminal case. However, law enforcement was initially unable to recover bitcoin stored on the device due to the device’s additional security features.
Knowing that the government was seeking to recover the bitcoin stored on the seized device for forfeiture in Larry Harmon’s criminal case, Gary Harmon used his brother’s credentials to recreate the bitcoin wallets stored on the device and covertly transfer more than 712 bitcoin, valued at approximately $4.8 million at the time, to his own wallets – stealing those funds and obstructing the pending criminal forfeiture proceeding. Gary Harmon further laundered the proceeds through two online bitcoin mixer services before using the laundered bitcoins to finance large purchases and other expenditures.
Gary Harmon agreed to the forfeiture of cryptocurrencies and other properties derived from the fraudulently taken proceeds, including more than 647.41 Bitcoin (BTC), 2.14 Ethereum (ETH), and 17,404,400.64 Dogecoin (DOGE). Due to the increase in market prices, the total value of these forfeitable properties exceeds $20 million.
In August 2021, Larry Harmon pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy in connection with his case.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and the IRS-CI District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), both now also members of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, prosecuted the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Michon Tart, Angela De Falco, and Brian Rickers, and former Paralegal Specialist Chad Byron. Additional assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Segev Phillips and Daniel Riedl for the Northern District of Ohio and CCIPS Trial Attorney S. Riane Harper.
Man Indicted Following Seizure of More Than 150 Pounds of Fentanyl at Border Patrol CheckpointRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Isidro Pantoja-Ramirez, 57, of Mexicali, Mexico, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.
The United States alleges that, on March 24, 2023, Pantoja-Ramirez was stopped while in a vehicle at a Border Patrol checkpoint located between Yuma and Wellton, Arizona. United States Border Patrol agents conducted an inspection that revealed a total of 16 packages hidden within the vehicle’s tailgate and spare tire. The total weight of the packages was more than 150 pounds, and they contained a substance that field tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
A conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and up to lifetime supervised release.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Yuma Office, is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua B. Tesoriero, District of Arizona, Yuma, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00594-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-064_Pantoja-Ramirez# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Logan County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Vada Leann White, 32, of Big Creek, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 1, 2021, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which White was a passenger in the Jeffrey area of Boone County. The officer searched the vehicle and found seven bags containing a total of approximately 139 grams of methamphetamine. The officer also found $3,436 on White’s person and in the vehicle. White told the officer that she possessed the methamphetamine and intended to sell it.
White is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-142.
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Licking County man sentenced to prison for committing $1.5 million in fraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jeremie Adam Elkins, 46, of Newark, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 43 months in prison for causing more than $1.5 million in fraud in connection with access devices. Elkins committed wire fraud and illegally possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony crime.
According to court documents, from July to October 2020, Elkins used his Verizon company-issued credit card to pay for personal expenses like hotels/resorts, restaurants, bars, pawn shops and auction houses. Elkins had been employed as a Network Engineer at Verizon, Inc.
Elkins also used an old Verizon work order number to place multiple fraudulent orders with vendor W.W. Grainger, Inc. Grainger provides tools and equipment for Verizon service vans.
Elkins placed 46 unauthorized orders to Grainger and personally picked up most of the equipment, which totaled approximately $936,000. He used the illicit proceeds to purchase two boats and a motorcycle.
The defendant placed an additional 20 unauthorized orders to Grainger, for items totaling nearly $954,000, but never obtained the equipment.
As part of his sentence, Elkins will pay nearly $24,000 in restitution to Verizon and more than $936,000 in restitution to Grainger.
When he was arrested in August 2021, Elkins illegally possessed a pistol and admitted to investigators that he has sold 15 to 20 firearms. Elkins was previously convicted of a felony crime in Licking County, prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. and commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda S. Shoemaker is representing the United States in this case.
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Jackson Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud InvestorsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jackson lobbyist Ted Brent Alexander pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to defraud investors in a timber deed investment scheme, announced United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office. Alexander, 57, of Jackson, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday afternoon before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to a Criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Alexander admitted that between 2011 and 2018, he and a co-conspirator participated in a scheme to defraud investors by soliciting millions of dollars under false pretenses and failing to use investor funds as promised. Alexander and his co-conspirator represented to investors that they were in the business of loaning funds to a “timber broker” to buy timber rights from landowners and then to sell the timber rights to lumber mills at a higher price. Alexander and his co-conspirator promised investors a return of 10% or more over twelve or thirteen months on each unit of invested capital. Alexander and his co-conspirator represented to their investors and led their investors to believe that Alexander and his co-conspirator were inspecting each tract of land and were vetting each document, deed, and contract in support of their investments. These promises and representations were material in that they were intended to cause investors to believe that their investments were secured by valid assets and to believe that the financial incentives and interests of Alexander and his co-conspirator aligned with those of the investors. In fact, Alexander and his co-conspirator failed to inspect each property related to the timber rights underlying each investment, and they failed to verify each executed lumber mill agreement related to each investment. Alexander and his co-conspirator made few or no such inquiries, and if Alexander and his co-conspirator had made such inquiries, they would have discovered that the timber deeds, lumber mill agreements, and related documents had been falsified and were not valid.
Alexander and his co-conspirator also represented to their investors that Alexander and his co-conspirator would only profit from each series of the investment if it performed as promised to the investors. This gave the investors the misleading impression that their interests were fully aligned with those of Alexander and his co-conspirator. In fact, in addition to receiving a predetermined percentage of return on the investors’ funds, Alexander and his co-conspirator also received undisclosed payments of approximately 3% for recruiting investments to the timber investment scheme immediately upon transferring the investment funds to the purported timber broker. Alexander and his co-conspirator did not disclose to the investors: (a) the fact of these payments, or (b) the amount of the payments in relation to the investments made, or (c) the timing of the undisclosed payments to Alexander and his co-conspirator before any repayment was made to the investors.
Alexander will be sentenced on August 21, 2023, before Judge Reeves. Alexander faces a maximum sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Restitution is mandatory under federal law.
This guilty plea resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Dave Fulcher.
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Indictment Charges Postal Employee with Cocaine Distribution, Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging SHAWN R. FULLER, 36, of Hamden, with cocaine distribution and mail theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Fuller, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in Meriden, was under investigation for stealing mail packages. On April 17, 2023, an investigator observed Fuller at the Meriden post office opening two mail packages, removing two items from the packages, and placing the items in the trunk of his car. He then notified his supervisors that he had to leave work for the day. Hamden Police subsequently stopped Fuller’s car for a motor vehicle violation. After a police K9 alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics, a search of the trunk of the car revealed approximately four kilograms of a substance containing cocaine. Fuller was arrested at that time.
The indictment charges Fuller with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and three counts of theft of mail by a postal employee, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fuller is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Hamden and West Haven Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Brendan J. Keefe.
Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Ammunitions ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Chicago, Illinois man was sentenced on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, to 92 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On October 13, 2020, law enforcement identified Michael Jermaine Hambrick, 38, after responding to a burglary and domestic assault call at a residence in Davenport. Officers had served Hambrick with a No Contact Order earlier, which prohibited him from having contact with a female resident, his former significant other. Hambrick previously entered the residence and stole the female’s firearm and magazines. Late that night, he broke into the residence, struck the female in the face with the firearm, and fled. Once Hambrick left, the female found one of her firearm magazines on the floor, which had Hambrick’s fingerprints on it. Law enforcement also located Hambrick’s vehicle nearby, which contained a second magazine to the female’s firearm. As a convicted felon, Hambrick knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Following his prison term, Hambrick was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Houston resident sentenced for smuggling minorsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 46-year-old man has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to smuggle undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Medardo Cano pleaded guilty Feb. 15.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Cano to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted the seriousness of the offense and expressed her concerns that Cano had no way to verify the minors would be reunited with family had the smuggling attempt been successful.
“Do not hire smugglers to transport your children,” said Hamdani. “You may never know where they took them or the degree of danger associated with the trip. Do not place your child’s life in the hands of criminals.”
On Dec. 7, 2022, Cano traveled with two minor children from Mexico to the United States. He encountered law enforcement at the Pharr Port of Entry and presented them with fraudulent Texas birth certificates on behalf of the minors. The investigation revealed the minor children were undocumented aliens.
Cano later admitted he had been hired to transport the children to the United States and knew the birth certificates were fraudulent.
Cano will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Phelps prosecuted the case.
Houston Men Sentenced for Beaumont Taqueria RobberyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Houston men have been sentenced to prison for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Robert Lewis Johnson, Jr., 31, pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on May 17, 2022 and was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. Bryant Demetri West, 24, pleaded guilty to the same offense on May 9, 2022, and was sentenced earlier this week to 120 months in federal prison by Judge Crone.
According to court documents, the morning of December 15, 2018, Johnson and West drove a stolen truck to Tacos La Bamba in Beaumont and entered the restaurant brandishing handguns. The two masked men then forced store employees to the floor and took $13,862.97 in cash belonging to the restaurant before returning to Houston. During the robbery, West discharged his firearm in the vicinity of two restaurant employees.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Hot Springs Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on April 20, 2023.
Brian Lynn Spitzer, 59, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Spitzer will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Spitzer was indicted for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in January of 2021. He pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022.
Spitzer was arrested and federally indicted after attempting to exploit an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 14-year-old female. Spitzer sent the undercover agent multiple sexually explicit messages between August of 2020 and September of 2020.
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 Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Blair and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Spitzer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Honduran Woman Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ENNA SERRANO-CRUZ, age 31, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on April 27, 2023 for illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced SERRANO-CRUZ to (1) one year of probation and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, on December 14, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information that certain individuals used fraudulent Social Security cards in an initial application to obtain employment. Prior to finalizing employment with their prospective company, the individuals had to report to the Gulf Coast Safety Council, which provides safety courses to applicants applying to work with companies that service petrochemical processing plants. On December 14, 2022, SERRANO-CRUZ arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course to finalize his employment with Company “A.” On that day, SERRANO-CRUZ presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, which she represented to be her own, in order to obtain employment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney M. Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Hinds County Sheriff Candidate Indicted for Soliciting Bribes and Providing Ammunition to a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A federal grand jury in Jackson returned an indictment charging Marshand Crisler with soliciting bribes and with providing ammunition to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, Crisler, 54, of Jackson, is charged with having solicited and accepted thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for agreeing to pass information concerning criminal investigations to the person who paid the bribes. Crisler also allegedly agreed to protect a jailed family member of that person and agreed to award employment with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office to that person. These actions are alleged to have taken place during Crisler’s previous unsuccessful campaign for Hinds County Sheriff in 2021. The indictment also alleges that Crisler gave ammunition to a person he knew to be a convicted felon. It is against federal law for a public official to solicit or accept bribes. It is also against federal law to provide firearm ammunition to a known convicted felon.
Crisler will make his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac in U.S. District Court in Jackson.
If convicted, Crisler faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each of the two counts in the indictment.
The FBI is investigating 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.
Haines Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Haines man was sentenced today to 2 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release for drug conspiracy.
According to court documents, Fredrick Daniel Folletti, 63, of Haines, Alaska pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy involving the transportation of 79.67 grams of actual methamphetamine from Washington state to Haines, Alaska. Folletti facilitated and arranged the travel of a drug courier located in Washington to acquire methamphetamine to deliver it to Folletti in Haines, Alaska.
“Drug trafficking has a disproportionate effect in small rural communities in Southeast Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker, District of Alaska. “This sentence serves as a reminder that we will prosecute and hold accountable those who are harming our communities, and with our law enforcement partners, will persist in the disruption of narcotics into this district.”
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
Fouad K. Zeton Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy for Role in Insurance Fraud and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the guilty plea of FOUAD K. ZETON for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
ZETON admitted that he falsely claimed to his home insurer that valuable paintings were stolen from his New Orleans home. ZETON also admitted that he was aided in the scheme by a New Orleans Police Department officer who agreed to document the purported theft in a police report in exchange for a share of the anticipated proceeds.
Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years imprisonment followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled before Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on August 17, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Valdosta Police and School Resource Officer Sentenced to 15+ Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former police and school resource officer who admitted to producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was sentenced to serve more than 15 years in prison for his crime.
Jonathan Eric Hancock, 32, of Hahira, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 190 months in prison to be followed by 12 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on April 26, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of production of child sexual abuse material on Oct. 12, 2022. In addition, Hancock will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“It is intolerable that an individual in a position of trust and with access to children would produce child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement and school authorities moved quickly to ensure the protection of children and to help us hold the defendant accountable.”
The plea agreement in this case remains sealed for the protection of the minor victim.
Hancock worked as an officer for the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) from June 29, 2015 – August 2, 2019, and during this time served as a school resource officer at JL Lomax Elementary School in Valdosta. Hancock was also previously employed with the Homerville, Georgia, Police Department between Dec. 12, 2020 – March 19, 2021. Parents and guardians of children who might have encountered Hancock and have concerns related to this investigation can contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2950.
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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former University Administrator Sentenced for Role in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Brian Carroll (47, New Market, Tennessee) to 15 months in federal prison for wire fraud. The court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $42,000, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme. Carroll had pleaded guilty on January 5, 2023.
According to court documents, at the time of the commission of the offense, Carroll was serving as the Executive Vice President of Southeastern University, a private university in Lakeland, Florida. Carroll became involved in a project to redesign the website and digital brand of the university’s President. Carroll conducted a self-dealing scheme to enrich himself by setting up an “anonymous” LLC based in New Mexico and setting up a bank account in the name of that LLC, both of which he controlled. The Board of Directors and President of Southeastern University were unaware of Carroll’s involvement in this LLC.
The LLC that Carroll controlled then submitted a bid to the university to perform the web rebranding project for a total price of $185,000. Carroll recommended and promoted the acceptance of this contract, thereby causing the university to make a number of wire payments to that LLC for work done on the project. Unbeknownst to the university, Carroll’s LLC contracted with an unrelated company based in New York to do the actual work on the project and create the new website. This New York company charged Carroll’s LLC $30,000 for the project. Carroll thus engineered a scheme to pay his LLC $185,000 for a project that, in reality, cost only $30,000 to perform. He thereby defrauded Southeastern University out of approximately $155,000.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Former Stoneham Police Officer Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former detective sergeant for the Stoneham Police Department has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly concealing his history of evictions and using a family member’s credit report to obtain an apartment lease and then defrauding his landlord by intentionally withholding rent payments.
Robert Kennedy, 53, of Stoneham, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud. Kennedy was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud on March 31, 2023.
According to the charging documents, Kennedy defrauded his last three landlords by providing materially false and misleading information in his rental applications to obtain the respective apartment leases. After moving in, it is alleged that Kennedy would intentionally withhold rent payments, despite making $141,000 - $187,000 a year from the Stoneham Police Department. As a result, Kennedy lived in the apartments rent-free by allegedly taking advantage of the slow eviction process.
Specifically, it is alleged that Kennedy defrauded his most recent landlord by submitting materially false and fraudulent information during the rental application process. The landlord required Kennedy to submit to a tenant screening service, which included a credit check and eviction history check. Instead of providing his own date of birth and social security number to the tenant screening service – which would likely have shown Kennedy’s history of collections, delinquent payments, defaults and evictions – Kennedy allegedly provided the date of birth and social security number of a relative who shared his first and last name. The landlord relied on the information from the fraudulently obtained tenant screening report to approve Kennedy’s rental application and give Kennedy a lease for the apartment. It is further alleged that Kennedy immediately and intentionally violated the terms of the lease by giving the landlord bad checks for his rent and security deposit and failing to make subsequent rent payments. Kennedy lived in the apartment for approximately four months without making rent payments and currently owes the landlord approximately $14,000 in overdue rent.
The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Stoneham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former St. Joseph Police Officer and His Wife, a Former Deputy, Plead Guilty to Fraud Scheme Against Fraternal Order of PoliceRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former St. Joseph, Mo., police officer and his wife, a former Buchanan County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy, have pleaded guilty in federal court to a wire fraud scheme in which they used debit cards from a local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, where they served as officers, for unauthorized expenses.
Michael A. Hardin, 47, and his wife, Sarah J. Hardin, 43, pleaded guilty in separate appearances to multiple counts of wire fraud. Michael Hardin appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts on Tuesday, April 25. Sarah Hardin appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, April 26.
Michael Hardin, a former officer with the St. Joseph Police Department, was the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 for approximately 10 years, until January 2020. Sarah Hardin, formerly a deputy with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, was the treasurer of the lodge for approximately 10 years, until January 2020. The lodge, headquartered in St. Joseph, is a fraternity of approximately 300 law enforcement officers from police departments in nine northwest Missouri counties.
By pleading guilty, the Hardins admitted they used debit cards linked to the bank accounts of the Fraternal Order of Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 to make unauthorized purchases.
Sarah Hardin admitted that she made hundreds of personal purchases with the lodge’s debit card while serving as treasurer, which the government’s financial analysis concluded totaled at least $77,342. The government’s financial analysis concluded an additional $22,484 in unauthorized purchases were made from the lodge’s bank accounts between 2015 and 2019.
Sarah Hardin specifically admitted to making personal purchases at Menards, Party City, HyVee, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. The purchases included fence panels and fence posts for a fence at her residence; flowers, potting soil, bench cushions, and LED lights for her residence; and letter balloons spelling out the word “Falcons” for an event at her child’s school.
Michael Hardin specifically admitted to fraudulently using the lodge’s debit card for payments in 2017 to Hampton Inn twice and to Life Lock Advantage. The government’s financial analysis concluded that Michael Hardin conducted transactions to cover unauthorized expenses that totaled between $6,500 and $15,000 with lodge funds during his time as lodge president.
Under the terms of their plea agreements, the Hardins must pay a money judgment in an amount to be determined by the court based on the proceeds they obtained as a result of the fraud scheme.
Under federal statutes, the Hardins are each subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of three counts of wire fraud. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the FBI.
Former Overland Park Man Indicted for $800,000 COVID Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Overland Park, Kansas, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving more than $800,000 in fraudulent business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Mirza Michael Reazuddin, 65, who currently resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia, was charged in an 11-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 4, 2023. That indictment was unsealed and made public upon Reazuddin’s arrest and initial court appearance Tuesday, April 25, in Atlanta, Georgia.
The federal indictment alleges that Reazuddin received two loans under the Paycheck Protection Program totaling $804,100. As a part of the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program was created to provided forgivable loans to small businesses. The purpose of the loans was to provide support to small businesses and assist their payroll to their employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the indictment, Reazuddin claimed to be the owner of Grandview Hotel, LLC, a Missouri corporation. Reazuddin submitted a loan application to First Home Bank in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 25, 2020. He allegedly claimed Grandview Hotel was an operating business with an average monthly payroll of $148,680, and submitted false documents in support of his loan application. Reazuddin submitted a second loan application to First Home Bank on Jan. 26, 2021. He allegedly claimed Grandview Hotel had a monthly payroll of $120,000, and submitted false documents in support of his loan application.
In fact, the indictment says, Grandview Hotel ceased doing business in March 2018.
On July 14, 2020, First Home Bank transferred $384,100 to Reazuddin’s bank account in the name of Grandview Hotel. On Feb. 22, 2021, First Home Bank transferred $420,000 to Reazuddin’s bank account in the name of Grandview Hotel. Reazuddin allegedly transferred most of those funds into his other bank accounts.
Reazuddin is charged with four counts of wire fraud and seven counts of money laundering.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Former Mississippi Department of Corrections Official Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force Against an InmateRead the Press Release
A former case manager with the Mississippi Department of Corrections pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Tom Lee for using excessive force against an inmate, involving the use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury.
According to court documents and information presented in court, on July 11, 2019, Nicole Moore willfully deprived inmate L.C. of the Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment when the defendant, aiding and abetting others, kicked a non-resisting inmate in the head even though L.C. was not resisting.
“When corrections officials working inside jails and prisons violently assault inmates held in their custody, they will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department stands ready to hold all prison officials accountable for violating the Eighth Amendment right of prisoners to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.”
“Those that abuse positions of power will be dealt with accordingly,” said U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi. “This should be a reminder to those responsible for the care and control of inmates, that they too must abide by the laws of this nation.”
“Our citizens serving time for crimes against the public deserve the safety and protection from harm by those officials who are charged with their care,” said Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby for the FBI Jackson Field Office. “Ms. Moore's blatant violation of this trust is a disservice to those in the penal system, the corrections officers who take pride in their profession and citizens in general. The FBI is committed to protecting all citizens of our community.”
Moore faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 25.
The FBI Jackson Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes for the Southern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Mississippi Department of Corrections Official Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force Against an InmateRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A former case manager with the Mississippi Department of Corrections pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Tom Lee for using excessive force against an inmate, involving the use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury.
According to court documents and information presented in court, on July 11, 2019, Nicole Moore willfully deprived inmate L.C. of the Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment when the defendant, aiding and abetting others, kicked a non-resisting inmate in the head even though L.C. was not resisting.
“When corrections officials working inside jails and prisons violently assault inmates held in their custody, they will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department stands ready to hold all prison officials accountable for violating the Eighth Amendment right of prisoners to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.”
“Those that abuse positions of power will be dealt with accordingly,” said U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi. “This should be a reminder to those responsible for the care and control of inmates, that they too must abide by the laws of this nation.”
“Our citizens serving time for crimes against the public deserve the safety and protection from harm by those officials who are charged with their care,” said Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby for the FBI Jackson Field Office. “Ms. Moore's blatant violation of this trust is a disservice to those in the penal system, the corrections officers who take pride in their profession and citizens in general. The FBI is committed to protecting all citizens of our community.”
Moore faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 25.
The FBI Jackson Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes for the Southern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Green Haven Correction Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Inmate in State CustodyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that TAJ EVERLY pled guilty to a deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law. On May 28, 2020, EVERLY, then a correction officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility, assaulted an individual incarcerated in the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”), striking and tackling the inmate without provocation, and then attempted to obstruct the investigation of his assault by preparing a false report. EVERLY’s actions deprived the incarcerated individual of the constitutional right to be free from excessive force amounting to cruel and unusual punishment. EVERLY pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted today, former correction officer Taj Everly violated the constitutional rights of an incarcerated individual by using excessive force amounting to cruel and unusual punishment. The protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution extend to all Americans, including those who are serving time in prison. When individuals in power abuse their authority to injure the powerless, we will act aggressively to ensure justice is served.”
According to the Superseding Indictment and other documents in the public record as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
EVERLY previously worked as a correction officer assigned to Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville, New York. On May 28, 2020, while on duty, EVERLY assaulted an incarcerated individual without provocation, striking him with a closed fist and then tackling him to the ground. After the assault, EVERLY falsified a report about the incident, identifying the inmate as the aggressor, thereby obstructing the investigation into the unjustified use of force.
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EVERLY, 32, of Cortlandt Manor, New York, pled guilty to a deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations.
The case is being handled by the Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo and Lindsey Keenan are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Chief Financial Officer of Two SPACs Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that COOPER MORGENTHAU, the former chief financial officer (“CFO”) of two special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) — African Gold Acquisition Corp. (“AGAC”) and Strategic Metals Acquisition Corp. (“SMAC”) — was sentenced to 36 months in prison for committing wire fraud when he embezzled more than $5 million from the two SPACs. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer imposed today’s sentence
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “With today’s sentencing of Cooper Morgenthau, SPAC promoters have been sent a message that fraud in the SPAC markets will be punished, and greed on Wall Street will be met with serious consequences.”
According to the allegations in the Information and statements made in public court proceedings and filings:
Between approximately June 2021 and August 2022, MORGENTHAU, who was the CFO of AGAC and SMAC, embezzled more than $5 million from the two SPACs. AGAC had recently had its initial public offering (“IPO”), while SMAC was raising money from private investors in preparation for its anticipated IPO. MORGENTHAU used the embezzled funds to trade equities and options of so-called “meme stocks” and cryptocurrencies, losing almost all of the money that he stole. To conceal and facilitate his embezzlement from AGAC, MORGENTHAU fabricated bank statements, which he provided to AGAC’s accountant and auditor; made and caused to be made material misstatements in AGAC’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); and transferred some of SMAC’s funds to AGAC to cover up the funds he had misappropriated from AGAC.
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MORGENTHAU, 36, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud. In addition to his prison term, MORGENTHAU was also ordered to forfeit $5,111,335 and to pay restitution of $5,111,335.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the SEC for its assistance and cooperation in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force and Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Naftalis and Anden Chow are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Providing Contraband to Federal InmatesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Edward Davis (52, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of providing contraband into a prison. He faces a maximum penalty of six months in federal prison.
According to court records, Davis is a retired Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) correctional officer. In 2019, he was working as a BOP correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary II, Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Florida. Between December 10, 2018, and February 1, 2019, Davis gave contraband to Coleman inmates in exchange for payment. When confronted, Davis told BOP staff that he “really messed up,” had “a weak moment,” and “brought cigarettes in for an inmate.” Davis added that he had been paid in two separate transactions for smuggling in the contraband—one payment was for $1,300 and another payment was for $1,400. Cigarettes are an item prohibited by the prison’s rules. If possessed by inmates, they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison as well as the life, health, and safety of other prisoners and staff.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Five Southwest Missouri Residents Plead Guilty to KidnappingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Five southwest Missouri residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in the death of the victim.
Amy Kay Thomas, 39, of Webb City, Mo., and Lawrence William Vaughan, also known as “Scary Larry,” 51, of Newton County, Mo., pleaded guilty today in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool. Thomas and Vaughan each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Thomas also pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Co-defendants Carla Jo Ward, 49, of Joplin, Mo., James B. Gibson, 40, of Neosho, Mo., and Russell Eugene Hurtt, also known as “Uncle,” 51, of Greenwood, Mo., pleaded guilty earlier this month to their roles in the kidnapping conspiracy. Ward and Gibson also each pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
By pleading guilty, the five defendants admitted they participated in a conspiracy to kidnap the victim, identified as “M.H.,” in July 2020 in retaliation for him helping to retrieve a stolen trailer. Ward picked up M.H. and took him to Vaughan’s residence. Thomas and Gibson arrived at Vaughan’s residence in the early morning hours of July 15, 2020. They bound M.H.’s hands with handcuffs, and duct tape was placed around his mouth and other parts of his body. In Vaughan and Ward’s presence, Thomas cut M.H. repeatedly with a knife; Gibson beat M.H. with a club and burned him with a blowtorch. M.H. was fatally shot in the head. They wrapped M.H.’s body in plastic wrap and transported it to Hurtt’s property.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hurtt’s property on July 28, 2020, based on information that a deceased body was located on the acreage. When officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence, a co-conspirator fired multiple shots from inside the residence at the officers before being apprehended. Officers found M.H.’s body on the property.
Officers searched the residence and found multiple firearms, including a disassembled HR1871 12-gauge shotgun with a sawed-off butt and a shotgun barrel inside a box. Officers also found a burned cell phone that contained photos and screen shots from a video of M.H. being assaulted.
Under federal statutes, each of the five defendants is subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Neosho, Mo., Police Department, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, and the Cherokee County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who acted as a supplier of fentanyl to a mid-level drug trafficker was sentenced today to nearly six-and-a-half years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Keven Restrepo, 32, formerly of Kissimmee, FL, was arrested in September 2021, as the result of a wide-ranging FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Providence Police Department drug trafficking investigation in Rhode Island that resulted in the arrest of sixteen individuals.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Restrepo set up multiple deliveries of fentanyl to a Providence man, and instructed him on how to “cut,” or increase the weight of fentanyl he was selling to him to increase its volume and provide a greater profit. On at least two occasions Restrepo set-up deliveries that totaled 70 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents, with judicial approval, law enforcement monitored and recorded telephone conversations in which Restrepo boasted of supplying significant quantities of drugs to others in the past; detailed how to “cut” and increase the volume of drugs; and discussed obtaining a firearm.
At the time of his arrest on federal drug trafficking charges, Restrepo was on bail and awaiting sentencing in Rhode Island state court, having been convicted of multiple firearm and assault charges in a case in which an individual was shot in a gang-related incident and suffered serious injuries.
In the matter charged in federal District Court, Restrepo pleaded guilty on December 12, 2022, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to seventy-seven months in federal prison to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
The Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, United States Marshals Service, Central Falls Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Providence Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and Rhode Island State Police.
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Federal Government Reaches Settlement with Providence Skilled Nursing Center for Alleged Violations of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE –Elmhurst Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center (“Elmhurst”) has entered into an agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, resolving allegations that Elmhurst failed to furnish sign language interpreting services during interactions with a resident who is deaf, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Under the settlement agreement, Elmhurst will adopt new ADA policies and practices, train its staff on those policies, will report any future complaints, and agrees to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure ongoing compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement. Elmhurst will also pay a settlement of $30,000 to the complainant and a $5,000 civil penalty.
“When deaf Rhode Islanders seek medical care, they shouldn’t have to worry whether a lack of legally required interpreter services will keep them from communicating effectively with their healthcare providers,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Today’s settlement ensures that those services will be provided, as the law requires, for all patients.”
Elmhurst is a private medical practice that provides skilled nursing services, post-acute medical services, and rehabilitation programs in Providence. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in places of public accommodations, such as medical centers. The ADA requires places of public accommodation to provide the necessary auxiliary aids and services to ensure that communication is effective. Such aids and services can include American Sign Language interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and must be paid for by the place of public accommodation.
The matter was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including Effective Communication and a Business Brief on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5000 or by email at [email protected].
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East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Attacking Park Rangers on Arch GroundsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from East St. Louis was sentenced Wednesday to 37 months in federal prison for assaulting Park Rangers in an incident that began on the grounds of the Gateway Arch National Park.
On Feb. 28, 2021, Park Rangers made a lawful traffic stop of a vehicle in the Old Cathedral parking lot. Antione Lamont Hawkins, now 39, was in the driver’s seat and an open beer bottle and an open beer carton were in the vehicle. Hawkins admitted that he had been drinking.
Hawkins provided his name but wouldn’t provide identification. He refused to keep his hands on the steering wheel and then became confrontational.
When rangers tried to handcuff Hawkins, he struggled, stomping on one ranger’s foot and kicking him in the leg. When rangers tried to put him in a patrol vehicle, he kicked a ranger in the face. Hawkins grabbed a different ranger by the throat during a struggle in jail.
Hawkins pleaded guilty in December in front of U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry to two counts of assaulting an officer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.
Duval Man Pleads Guilty to Lying on A Federal Form While Attempting to Purchase A Firearm While Subject to an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dr. Rakesh Verma (46, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federal firearms dealer. Verma faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on October 16, 2020, Verma attempted to purchase a Smith and Wesson, 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Verma falsely stated that he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner, when in fact he was subject to a permanent injunction for protection against domestic violence. The instant background check prevented Verma from receiving the firearm. All instant background denials are referred to law enforcement for possible prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
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.
Dual citizen admits to laundering romance scam proceedsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old man who holds citizenship in the United States and Ghana has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money transmitting business, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Kenneth Anim had resided in the Houston and Richmond areas.
He admitted that from 2014 to 2019, he operated an unlicensed money transmitting business to launder funds from wire fraud schemes including internet fraud and romance scams. Anim ran the unlicensed money transmitting business by using shell companies that existed only on paper.
As part of the plea, he acknowledged opening and maintaining bank accounts to collect proceeds from internet and romance fraud schemes to send the money to himself, co-conspirators and overseas.
A romance scam occurs when criminals adopt fake online identities to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a close relationship to induce the victim, under false pretenses, to send money to the scammer.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 21. At that time, Anim faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Amin has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Grace Murphy are prosecuting the case.
Drug-trafficking indictment names 15 Chatham County defendantsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A newly unsealed federal indictment names 15 defendants as part of a major drug trafficking network operating in the greater Savannah area.
The indictment in USA v. Smiley et al., dubbed “Operation Be Real Every Second,” charges all defendants with a drug trafficking conspiracy that carries a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The indictment was unsealed Wednesday, April 26, in U.S. District Court.
“Working with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and eradicating the conduits of illegal drugs into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This indictment sends a clear message that we will hold accountable those who would profit from distributing deadly and addictive drugs in in the Southern District.”
Initiated as an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation, the indictment in Operation “Be Real Every Second” alleges that from about January 2017 through March 2023, the defendants conspired to distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Chatham County.
Along with drug possession and distribution charges against multiple defendants, all 15 defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Five Kilograms or More of Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and a Quantity of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana. The charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. They include:
- Gregory Smiley, 45, of Savannah, the lead defendant in the case;
- Lena Smiley, 42, of Savannah, Gregory Smiley’s wife;
- James Burton, a/k/a “Muffin,” 48, of Savannah;
- Jason Burton, a/k/a “JB,” 45, of Savannah;
- Charles Tolbert, a/k/a “Charlie Boy,” 42, of Savannah;
- Wilbert Gordon, a/k/a “Slap,” 47, of Savannah;
- Anthony Williams, 49, of Savannah;
- Ebony Coleman, 44, of Savannah;
- Richard Wood, 38, of Savannah;
- Armond Smith, 42, of Savannah;
- Jerome Jenkins, 46, of Pooler, Ga.;
- Robert Jones, 36, of Savannah;
- Leon Brown, 57, of Savannah;
- Shadar Wright, 40, of Garden City, Ga.; and,
- Tywanna Lewis, 46, of Savannah.
Thirteen of the defendants are in custody and are having initial appearance hearings. Armond Smith and Shadar Wright are being sought.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, the 40-count indictment alleges Gregory Smiley, conspiring with Lena Smiley and Tywanna Lewis, used gambling casinos in Nevada and Maryland to illegally launder and conceal profits derived from the conspiracy.
The indictment also includes a notice of the government’s intent to seek the forfeiture of nearly $200,000 in cash seized during the investigation; three bank accounts registered to the lead defendant; four Savannah residences; and high-end jewelry valued at more than $138,000, including a Rolex watch.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Savanah Resident Office; the Chatham Savannah Counter Narcotics Team; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Savannah Police Department; the Chatham County Police Department; and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, a Des Moines man was sentenced to 170 months in prison for his role in a fentanyl conspiracy and his possession of several firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Jacquone Karrie Ford, also known as Antwon, 41, distributed a heroin-fentanyl mixture throughout the Des Moines area dating back to summer 2021. Law enforcement knew Ford utilized two residences, one of which operated as an in-home daycare, and a storage unit to facilitate his drug dealing. During an April 2022 search warrant at one residence, Ford was found in possession of over $75,000 and two firearms. At the other residence, officers found Ford’s co-defendant, Edgar Riley, and a firearm. In Ford’s storage unit, officers seized over six pounds of fentanyl and seven firearms, two of which were stolen.
Following his prison sentence, Ford will serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In February 2023, Riley, 43 of Jefferson, Missouri, was sentenced to a 36-month term of imprisonment following his plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE).
Denver Woman Pleads Guilty to $3.3 Million Covid FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces DeJane Reaniece Lattany, age 32, of Denver, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for receiving more than $3.3 million of fraudulent COVID-19 loans.
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. The CARES Act mandated that only businesses in operation on February 15, 2020, for PPP, or before February 1, 2020, for EIDL, were eligible under the programs. In addition, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to issue advances of up to $10,000 to small businesses, known as Economic Injury Disaster Grants (“EIDG”). The amount of the EIDG was determined by the number of employees the applicant certified having. The EIDGs did not need to be repaid.
According to court documents, beginning in June 2020 and continuing through January 2022, the defendant prepared and submitted fraudulent EIDL applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of business entities that she purportedly owned. In these fraudulent EIDL applications, Lattany made false statements regarding the entities’ number of employees, gross revenues, and cost of goods sold; she further falsely certified that the information provided in the EIDL applications was true and accurate and that the funds would be used to pay payroll and other permissible expenses when, in fact, she used the bulk of the proceeds for her personal benefit. The SBA approved and funded five EIDL applications and three EIDGs for a total of $430,000 in EIDLs and $20,000 in EIDGs. From June 2020 through December 2021, Lattany submitted fraudulent PPP applications to participating lenders on behalf of business entities that she purportedly controlled and obtained $2,887,976.94 in PPP loans as a result of the Scheme. These PPP applications contained a number of false and fraudulent certifications and representations regarding Lattany’s ownership of other businesses, as well as the businesses’ average monthly payroll and number of employees. Lattany falsely represented that all PPP funds would be used to pay eligible business expenses, when, in fact, the bulk of the proceeds were used for her personal benefit. She also submitted false and fraudulent documentation in support of the PPP applications to the participating lenders. Lattany also sought loan forgiveness for PPP loans by submitting loan. In total, $3,337,976.94 of PPP, EIDL, and EIDG proceeds were paid out as a result of the scheme.
The defendant pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Nina Y. Wang on April 26, 2023. Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole C. Cassidy and Rebecca S. Weber.
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.
CASE NUMBER: 23-cr-00074-NYW
Convicted Felon Charged with Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a convicted felon for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Timothy Jabbar Wyatt, 31, of Clanton, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to the indictment, on January 15, 2023, Wyatt illegally possessed a Sundance .25 caliber pistol. Wyatt is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions. Wyatt was convicted in the Circuit Court of Elmore County, in May 2006, of the offense of Obstructing Justice Using a False Identity; in the Circuit Court of Chilton County in October 2005, of the offense of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and in October 2003, Criminal Mischief, First Degree. Wyatt was convicted in the Municipal Court of Prattville, Alabama, in May 2014, of a misdemeanor crime of Domestic Violence, Third Degree - Harassment.
The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 15 years in prison.
ATF investigated the case, along with the Calera Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Child Rapist Sentenced for Naturalization Fraud and Judicially DenaturalizedRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Yesterday in federal court, Cruz Miguel Aguina, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to eight months in prison following a guilty plea to immigration fraud. Moreover, Aguina was judicially denaturalized as a U.S. citizen.
According to court records, on July 3, 2019, Aguina fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship by making materially false statements under oath regarding his naturalization application. In response to the question “Were you EVER involved in any way with any of the following:…Forcing, or trying to force, someone to have any kind of sexual contact or relations?” he answered “No.” Also, in response to the question “Have you ever committed, assisted in committing, or attempted to commit, a crime or offense for which you were not arrested?” he answered “No.”
On June 16, 2022, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Johnston County, Aguina was convicted of statutory rape of a child. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 240 and 348 months and ordered to register as a sex offender. According to the transcript of plea and judgment issued by the court, Aguina confessed to having committed the crime from January 1, 2019, through December 30, 2019. Therefore, the offense was ongoing at the time he made the false statements for his naturalization application.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Agents with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sebastian Kielmanovich prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-253-1BO-RJ.