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Tuesday 7 March 2023
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Zachary Scott Whitmore, 32, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 19, 2022, Whitmore sold 7 grams of suspected heroin to a confidential informant near 25th Street in Huntington for $700. Whitmore also admitted to arranging the sale of 7 grams of suspected heroin to a confidential informant at a 9th Avenue residence in Huntington on October 24, 2022.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the controlled substances from both transactions was fentanyl.
Whitmore is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor 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. 3:23-cr-1.
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Human Smuggler Involved in Hwy 90 Rollover Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Perryton man was sentenced today in Federal court in Del Rio to 41 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury or placing lives in jeopardy.
According to court documents, Caleb Hernandez, 21, led a U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agent and Kinney County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies on a high-speed chase on Highway 90 near Brackettville, allowing multiple suspected undocumented individuals out of the vehicle at various locations. At one point during the pursuit, Hernandez drove into opposite lanes of traffic and onto the shoulder. He eventually lost control of the vehicle, rolling over and landing upside down. Hernandez and four undocumented noncitizens were removed from the vehicle.
Hernandez has remained in custody since March 13, 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 19, 2021. In addition to his prison term, Hernandez was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
“This defendant put untold lives at risk by evading law enforcement the way he did,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Offenders who illegally smuggle undocumented individuals into the U.S. and across this district must never doubt that they will be caught, and that our justice system will see that they are prosecuted.”
“Human smugglers have no respect for human life, as demonstrated by this defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Western District of Texas. “Those responsible for illegally moving people into and through our country place their personal profit above everything else. They are driven by greed with little regard for the health and well-being of their passengers. HSI is committed to investigating smugglers and holding them accountable for their actions.”
HSI, USBP and the KCSO investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
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Hawaii Man Indicted for Traveling to Oregon to Sexually Abuse Two Children, Sharing Video Recordings of the Abuse OnlineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment today charging a Hawaii man with sexually abusing two children and sharing video recordings of the abuse with others online.
Benjamin Victor Houghton, 27, of Captain Cook, Hawaii, has been charged with three counts of using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and two counts of aggravated sexual abuse.
According to the indictment, Houghton is accused of sexually abusing two children under the age of 12 on three separate occasions, video recording the abuse, and sharing videos of the abuse online. On two of the three occasions, Houghton is also alleged to have knowingly crossed state lines, into Oregon, for the purpose of abusing the children.
On February 24, 2023, Houghton was arrested in the District of Hawaii and made his first appearance in federal court in Honolulu. He was ordered detained pending transfer to the District of Oregon.
Using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. Aggravated sexual abuse is punishable by up to life in federal prison with a 30-year mandatory minimum sentence.
This case was investigated jointly by the FBI Portland and Honolulu Field Offices and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Portland. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting AliensRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Guajaca, age 36, and a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty today to unlawfully transporting two Mexican citizens.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.
Guajaca admitted that between February 6 and February 7, 2023, he drove from Illinois to near Ellenburg, New York, picked up two Mexican citizens who had recently illegally crossed the international border from Canada into the United States, and transported the two aliens before the vehicle was stopped. Guajaca admitted that he planned to drive the two Mexican citizens to Illinois, and expected to be paid for transporting them.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Guajaca faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
United States Border Patrol investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Former Penn Hill Man Charged with Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The seven-count Superseding Indictment, returned on March 7, 2023, named Kaung Myat Kyaw, age 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, during various periods between August 9, 2020 and September 2021, Kyaw enticed and coerced five minor victims, using the Internet and a cellular telephone service, to engage in sexual activity for which he could be charged with a criminal offense. Additionally, Kyaw is charged from the end of April 2021 through September 2021, with producing and attempting to produce material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and then on September 22, 2021, with distributing the material to another individual in Texas.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Kyaw was arrested on November 18, 2021, by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was detained pending trial.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, the Wright County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office, and other local police departments conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Pain Management Doctor Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former physician was sentenced in federal court today following his conviction for health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy sentenced John Keun Sang Lee, age 80, to five years of probation. Lee also was ordered to pay restitution totaling $417,960.51 to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as a fine of $50,000. Lee already had forfeited his Drug Enforcement Administration number and Pennsylvania state license to practice medicine prior to the sentencing hearing.
According to information presented to the court, between in and around May 2016 to in and around October 2020, Lee, a physician who owned a pain management practice, Jefferson Pain and Rehabilitation Center, knowingly and willfully submitted claims for steroid injections to Medicare and Medicaid that were neither reasonable nor medically necessary. According to former patients and employees, Lee required patients to submit to steroid injections, even when patients reported that the injections were not helping but rather causing them more pain and other injuries. Lee also instructed employees to withhold patient medication if patients objected to the injections. In order to justify billing insurance companies for the medically unnecessary injections, Lee directed staff to use templates indicating that patients received 80% relief from prior pain injections.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.
The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Former Massachusetts Resident Admits to Methamphetamine Trafficking in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Pepperell, MA, man arrested during an FBI Safe Streets Task Force drug trafficking investigation that led to the seizure of more than 461 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to conspiracy and drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to information presented to the court, Peter Walkovich, 38, was arrested on May 22, 2022, shortly after he drove away from a Cranston residence in a vehicle that was found to contain three backpacks and various other packaging materials that held a total of 461.23 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. The residence was under surveillance by FBI Safe Streets Task Force agents at the time. Also seized was a total of $21,711 in cash.
Walkovich pleaded guilty as charged by way of indictment to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and to a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Walkovich is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2023. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A co-defendant in this matter, Charles Bersch, 38, of Providence, RI, is awaiting trial on similar charges. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Cranston and Central Falls Police Departments and the DEA for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Federal Inmate Who Trafficked Cocaine While Incarcerated Sentenced to 5 More YearsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that REINALDO COLON OLIVERAS, also known as “Chucho,” 38, formerly of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release for arranging cocaine shipments to Connecticut while incarcerated in federal custody.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez of Waterbury. In the summer of 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Colon, while incarcerated in a federal prison in Atlanta and using a smuggled cell phone, arranged the shipment of cocaine to both Rodriguez and Thomas Marra of Ansonia. Rodriguez and Marra further distributed the drug to a networks of associates.
In 2015, Colon was sentenced in the District of Puerto Rico to 168 months of imprisonment for narcotics conspiracy, firearm possession and money laundering offenses related to his role as an enforcer for a drug trafficking organization that operated in Puerto Rico and Florida. Judge Hall ordered 60 months of the 78-month sentence to run consecutively to Colon’s prior sentence, which was scheduled to conclude in 2027.
On November 2, 2021, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Colon, Rodriguez, Marra and others with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Colon pleaded guilty to the charge on December 1, 2022.
Rodriguez and Marra have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fayetteville Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
WINSTON SALEM – A North Carolina man pled guilty today to a felony firearm offense after fleeing a traffic stop in January, announced Sandra J. Hairston, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, William Lawrence Bethea, Jr., 26, was charged with felony possession of a firearm after a detective with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop in January, 2023, and Bethea fled the vehicle. At the time, Bethea was well known to detectives. In his attempt to flee, he discarded a firearm which was then collected by the pursuing detective. Bethea was arrested a few days later on a federal warrant where he mentioned to authorities that they must have known he was in possession of a firearm at the time.
At the time of the incident, Bethea had been convicted in the Superior Court of Cumberland County of felony common law robbery and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm in Winston Salem Courtroom Number Four before the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs. At sentencing, Bethea faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Hoke County Sheriff's Office, Raeford Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hoke County Emergency Management investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Courtney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Emsworth Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Emsworth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervision on his conviction of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Thomas Kastory, 32.
According to information presented at the change of plea hearing and in the criminal complaint and indictment, from on or about April 12, 2022, and continuing thereafter until on or about May 29, 2022, Kastory used a facility and means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and a cellular telephone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity.
Specifically, after chatting with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old child for more than a month over his cell phone and the internet in an effort to entice the purported child to have sex, Thomas Kastory boarded a bus on May 29, 2022, to travel to meet the child where he expected to return to the child’s residence to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Kastory, believing that the child’s parent was out of town and that the child would be alone, brought condoms, lubricant, and a sex toy with him for his anticipated sexual encounter with the child.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the criminal conviction in this case.
East St. Louis Man Accused of Selling Machine Guns, Fentanyl in St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from East St. Louis, Illinois was arrested Tuesday after having been indicted on machine gun and drug charges.
Anton Bolden, 28, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on March 1 and appeared in court Tuesday. He is facing four felonies: possession of a machine gun, possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
The indictment accuses Bolden of possessing and transferring a machine gun on February 3, the same day he’s accused of the drug and gun crimes.
A motion seeking to have Bolden held in jail until trial says the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned in January that Bolden was selling Glock pistols that had been modified to be fully automatic via an aftermarket conversion device, also known as a “Glock switch.” An undercover ATF special agent bought a switch-equipped Glock in St. Louis for $1,400, as well as more than five grams of fentanyl.
In court Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin said 12 firearms were found after Bolden’s arrest, including eight Glock pistols. One of the pistols was equipped with a switch, and three other switches were found that were not installed, Martin said. Glock switches are considered machine guns under federal law, even if not installed in a firearm.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin is prosecuting the case.
East Moline Man Sentenced to 310 Days in Prison for Willful Failure to File Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – An East Moline, Illinois man, Charles Stoutt, 39, of the 4000 block of 9 ½ Street, was sentenced on March 7, 2023, to 310 days in prison, to be followed by a 1-year term of supervised release, for willful failure to file income tax returns. He was also ordered to pay $181,033 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
During the sentencing hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley considered evidence that Stoutt owned his own furniture delivery business, and that the business generated substantial income from 2016 through 2020. Despite earning income well above the minimum amount requiring that a tax return be filed, Stoutt failed to file tax returns for the tax years 2016 through 2020. As a result, Stoutt failed to pay approximately $181,033 in taxes owed to the United States.
While imposing the sentence, Judge Hawley emphasized the “significant” tax loss to the government, the importance of taxpayers fulfilling their obligation to file a tax return and pay their taxes, and the need to punish those individuals, like the defendant, who willfully fail to comply with their obligations.
“We all suffer the consequences of those who choose to evade their tax obligation.” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “The Department of Justice will continue to seek out and prosecute those individuals who cheat, not only the government, but also honest members of our society.”
“Each U.S. citizen has the responsibility to comply with federal tax laws and file accurate and timely tax returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “People who intentionally fail to file those returns are subject to prosecution and must face the appropriate penalties.”
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.
District Man Found Guilty of Charges for Shooting a Man in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stefen Farmer, 52, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of the February 2021 shooting of a man on a sidewalk in Northeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. The verdict was returned today. The Honorable Anthony Epstein scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2023.
Farmer, 52, was found guilty following a two-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and lesser included firearms offenses.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 25, 2021, the Defendant was sitting in the driver’s seat of a small black SUV parked on the 4400 block of Gault Place, around 6 pm. The victim, a longtime friend of the Defendant’s, walked up to the Defendant’s window and started a conversation. The Defendant repeatedly asked the victim for $2 and the victim said no. The Defendant, upset at the victim’s response, retrieved a gun, stepped out of the car, and shot at the victim from pointblank range three times, as the victim was walking away. Two bullets hit the victim while he was trying to escape the gunfire and he sustained injuries to his hand and leg. The Defendant only stopped shooting because a mutual friend of both men pushed the Defendant back while he was firing the gun. Three days after the shooting, Defendant sent the victim a Facebook message apologizing “for the inconvenience.”
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alec Levy and Omeed Assefi of the Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Kern, Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa, and Litigation Technology Specialist Lief Hickling.
Dental office employees charged with COVID unemployment fraudRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people from the same Morgantown dental office have been indicted for fraudulently collecting nearly $30,000 in COVID-related unemployment benefits.
Amanda J. Kincell, 42, of Fairview, West Virginia, and Casey Fike, 39, of Morgantown, were charged today by a federal grand jury with multiple counts of wire fraud. According to the indictments, Kincell and Fike filed for unemployment in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the DeVito Dental office to temporarily close. In May 2020, Kincell and Fike returned to a regular work schedule at Devito but continued to request and receive unemployment benefits. Kincell is accused of improperly accepting more than forty payments totaling $18,350. Fike is alleged to have accepted more than twenty improper payments totaling $10,388.
Kincell faces eleven counts of wire fraud while Fike faces six counts. Each count carries a penalty of up to twenty years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the sentence after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
WorkForce West Virginia investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
“We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to methodically review every instance where COVID fraud is suspected, whether it’s related to unemployment benefits, paycheck protection loans, or economic injury disaster loans,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “I appreciate the tips provided by the public and encourage their continued submission.”
Anyone aware of COVID fraud should report it via email to [email protected], by telephone to 304-234-0100, or via regular mail to the U.S. Attorney, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003, Attn: COVID Fraud Unit.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cottage Grove Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Cottage Grove man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, on November 14, 2022, law enforcement encountered Jason Steven Kearns, 38, in the driver’s seat of a truck outside of a restaurant in Woodbury. Kearns was known to law enforcement and had previously identified himself as a member of the Aryan Brotherhood gang. The officers called for backup and two Woodbury Police squad vehicles arrived and attempted to stop Kearns by activating their lights. One squad vehicle stopped in front of Kearns’s truck and the other approached from the side. Kearns accelerated his truck forward, ramming the police vehicle head-on. Kearns reversed his truck and drove into a curb and was pinned by the two police vehicles. Kearns exited his vehicle and ran from officers on foot to a parking lot across the street. Officers saw that Kearns had his right hand on what appeared to be a semiautomatic pistol. Officers drew their firearms and issued multiple commands to Kearns to drop his firearm. Kearns continued walking through the parking lot and then stopped and knelt down, still refusing to drop the firearm. Kearns stated to officers that he had a firearm in his hand. Eventually, Kearns dropped the firearm and surrendered and was taken into custody. The firearm, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol, was loaded with a round chambered and 11 rounds in the magazine. Kearns was also carrying a large knife on his person. Kearns later expressed regret that he had not fired at the arresting officers.
Because Kearns has previous felony convictions in Chisago, St. Croix, and Pierce Counties, including assault and armed robbery, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time.
Kearns pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Woodbury Police Department, and the Cottage Grove Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A Polachek is prosecuting the case.
Colorado Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Dakota Ryan Halley, age 28, of Colorado Springs has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered firearms, specifically explosive devices.
According to the plea agreement, in early May 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) obtained information that the defendant and co-defendant Dalton Turner were in possession of two hand grenades. The investigation led to an undercover ATF agent arranging to purchase one of the explosive devices from the defendant. On May 12, 2022, the undercover agent purchased one grenade and a shotgun from the defendant. Later, the defendant agreed to sell additional grenades to the agent. A second sale occurred on May 21, 2022. That day, shortly before the defendant was to meet the undercover agent for the second sale, agents observed the defendant and Turner loading two vehicles with military style tactical gear, including bulletproof vests and firearms. Turner, the defendant, and a female each drove a vehicle to the location of the second sale. The defendant conducted the sale alone, but Turner and the female staged their vehicles strategically to serve as lookouts and maintained radio communication with the defendant. The sale was conducted in a garage, and the defendant attended the sale wearing military style tactical gear, including body armor, a firearm on his hip, additional magazines. The undercover agent purchased six grenades from the defendant. The defendant was arrested on June 8, 2022. A federal search warrant was executed on the apartment the defendant shared with Turner and the following items were recovered by ATF agents: 32 explosive devices, numerous firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition. The defendant had not registered the destructive devices in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) as required by law.
The defendant pleaded guilty before Judge Daniel D. Domenico on March 6, 2023. He will be sentenced on May 30, 2023. Co-defendant Dalton David Turner pleaded guilty before Judge Daniel D. Domenico on January 26, 2023. He will be sentenced on April 19, 2023.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Denver Division investigated this case. The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00183-DDD
Child Pornographer Sentenced to Twenty Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Jesse J. Allen, age 35, of Baton Rouge Louisiana to 240 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Allen must serve 10 years of federal supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment, during which he is prohibited from contacting anyone under the age of 18, and he must complete sex offender treatment. The Court also ordered Allen to $51,000 in restitution. As a result of this conviction, Allen will be required to register as a sex offender for life
According to admissions made during his guilty plea, Allen utilized cellular telephones and the internet to seek out and receive a number of images and videos of child pornography involving a number of different victims.
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. stated, “Protecting our children and prosecuting those who exploit them continues to be a priority for my office. Searching for and obtaining images of child pornography feeds the demand for child exploitation and re-victimizes those children who suffered through the abuse. If basic human decency will not deter this conduct, we hope that sever prison sentences will.”
“This sentencing reinforces our mission to protect innocent children from child predators by utilizing the justice system,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District for their dedication to the pursuit of justice in this case.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Flowers Jr., who also serves as Chief of the Criminal Division, and Colin Clark.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Cape Coral Caretakers Plead Guilty to Stealing More Than Half A Million Dollars from Elderly VictimRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Diane Durbon and Brittany Lukasik, both of Cape Coral, today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lukasik also pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return. Durbon and Lukasik each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Lukasik also faces a maximum penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment for filing a false tax return. As part of their guilty pleas, Durbon and Lukasik have agreed to forfeit a 2016 Nissan Rogue, 2020 Kia Sorento, real property in Cape Coral, and approximately $542,760.23, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to the plea agreement, Durbon and her daughter, Lukasik, a registered nurse, were first hired in approximately 2016 to be caretakers for T.H., the 92-year-old victim. In October 2017, Durbon began unlawfully accessing T.H.’s investment accounts. To unlawfully gain access to the investment accounts, Durbon would place T.H. on the phone to answer various account security questions. Video surveillance cameras that Durbon had installed inside T.H.’s home captured Durbon putting a script that contained answers to account security questions in front of T.H. before and during each phone call.
After being given authorization to speak to the investment account representative on T.H.’s behalf, Durbon would move funds from T.H.’s investment accounts into a Prime Money Market Account (PMMA) that also functioned as a checking account. After transferring the funds, checks were unlawfully issued to Lukasik, ranging in amounts from $1,000 to $9,600, which were deposited into bank accounts that Lukasik controlled and maintained. Between November 2017 and July 2019, approximately $231,659 in checks were issued to Lukasik from T.H.’s PMMA account.
Beginning in approximately November 2018, Durbon also unlawfully gained access to T.H.’s annuity policy, similarly to how she had unlawfully gained access to T.H.’s investment accounts. In January 2019, Durbon faxed a fraudulent Annuity Withdrawal form which misrepresented that T.H. wanted to cash out her annuity policy. This caused the annuity company to issue a check to T.H. in the amount of $244,521.09. The check was deposited into one of T.H.’s checking accounts. After the check was deposited, approximately 92 checks, totaling $372,092.98, were issued to Lukasik from T.H.’s checking account between February 2019 and March 2020. The checks were deposited into bank accounts that Lukasik controlled and maintained. Moreover, Lukasik failed to report receipt of any of T.H.’s funds in her 2019 tax return.
In total, between January 2019 and March 2020, approximately $542,760.23 in fraudulently obtained funds were deposited into Lukasik’s accounts. After the funds were deposited, Lukasik and Durbon used the funds to pay off debt and make a variety of purchases. Those purchases included paying $26,354.05 for a 2018 Nissan Rogue, $17,735.17 to pay off a car loan, more than $29,000 to pay student loan debt, and more than $100,000 in credit card payments. Lukasik and Durbon also used the funds to purchase a duplex in Cape Coral, and more than $100,000 of the fraudulently obtained proceeds were used to buy electronics, furniture, and to remodel the duplex.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Lee County Sherriff’s Office, and the IRS – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness.
Bourbonnais, Illinois, Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A grand jury today indicted a Bourbonnais, Illinois, man, Corey M. Simpson, 38, of the 500 block of Thornberry Court, for allegedly possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl on February 14, 2023.
Simpson was arrested in Bourbonnais, Illinois on February 14, 2023.
If convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, the maximum statutory penalty for the alleged crime charged is up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The charge also carries up to a three-year term of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
If convicted of possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, the maximum statutory penalty for the alleged crime is not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a supervised release period of at least four years, and a fine up to $5,000,000.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the United States Postal Inspector Service and the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Sullivan is representing the government in the prosecution.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Bloods Gang Members Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Illegal Drug Distribution on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, a 15-count indictment was unsealed charging David M. Amin (D. Amin) and Bryce K. Amin (B. Amin), who are brothers, with sex trafficking by force, interstate prostitution, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base. As alleged in court filings, D. Amin and B. Amin are both members of the Bloods street gang. D. Amin was arrested this morning and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst. B. Amin is presently incarcerated on state narcotics charges and will be arraigned at a later date.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff, announced the indictment.
“As alleged, these two brothers used physical and sexual violence as well as the power of drugs to manipulate and coerce vulnerable female victims for their own financial gain,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The federal charges unsealed today hold the defendants accountable for their despicable acts of sex trafficking and the related distribution of dangerous drugs in our communities on Long Island.”
Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance with the case.
“The indictments of brothers David and Bryce Amin highlight HSI’s steadfast commitment in the fight against both human trafficking and the distribution of fentanyl in our Long Island communities,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “Bringing justice to victims of human trafficking and stopping the flow of illicit narcotics is a priority for this office. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and exhaust all of our resources to ensure vicious criminals like the Amin brothers who, as alleged, exploit young women and peddle poison in our communities are swiftly brought to justice.”
“The sexually depraved actions taken by the Amin brothers are nothing short of reprehensible,” stated SCPD Commissioner Harrison. “The Suffolk County Police Department is dedicated to working with its law enforcement partners to target perpetrators of human trafficking and it is my hope these arrests bring justice to their victims.”
“Thank you to all the law enforcement agencies that collaborated on this taskforce to take down these alleged gang members and sex traffickers and to get their dangerous drugs off our streets. Criminals have no place in our communities and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing to work with our partners to keep our neighborhoods safe,” stated Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon.
Sex Trafficking
As set forth in the court filings, between January 2020 and March 2023, the defendants allegedly conspired to use violence and threats of violence to compel multiple women to engage in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ financial benefit. D. Amin and B. Amin recruited drug addicted women for their sex trafficking operation on Long Island, taking advantage of their vulnerability to coerce victims into prostitution who were beholden to the defendants’ supply of illegal drugs. These defendants controlled the money derived from that business and manipulated their victims into believing that they were actually in debt to the defendants. Additionally, D. Amin forced victims to have sex with him, which at times came with humiliating and degrading rules. D. Amin choked and struck his victims, left one or more victims stranded in public places without money, telephones or identification, deprived them of drugs to force withdrawal symptoms, and forced at least one victim to drink his blood after claiming that he was HIV positive. Similarly, B. Amin subjected the victims to violence and drug-related manipulation. In a recorded call from jail in January 2021, B. Amin boasted about one of his victims, saying “You can groom a person to do something they’re not used to doing . . . .When I tell her sit, she listens, she does whatever I tell her to do. She’s my little puppet.”
The majority of the sex trafficking activity occurred in Suffolk County in cars, apartments and hotels, including at locations in Bohemia, Islandia, Patchogue and Bayport, as well as at the Sayville Motor Lodge, which has since been closed. Additionally, at least one victim was forced to work in Virginia, in various hotels around the Norfolk area.
If you are a victim or have information about sex trafficking, call HSI at 1-866-347-2423. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). HSI is ready to work with you in your native language, regardless of your immigration status.
Drug Trafficking
Further, the court filings allege that between August 2019 and March 2023, D. Amin conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, a fentanyl precursor known as “ANPP,” cocaine and cocaine base, including eight sales of narcotics to an undercover SCPD detective (Undercover). Specifically, between November 2022 and February 2023, D. Amin met the Undercover at various locations in Suffolk County, selling him/her a substance that masqueraded as heroin, but which oftentimes was actually a dangerous cocktail of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and ANPP. Both defendants sold drugs through female trafficking victims to customers who were also paying them for commercial sex acts. These sales were usually advertised online as “party favors.” On December 22, 2021, B. Amin was arrested in Nassau County for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance containing cocaine base. On that occasion, B. Amin was caught while directing a victim to a date with “party favors,” and the purported customer was actually an undercover NCPD detective.
Searches executed today at D. Amin’s homes in Freeport and Wyandanch, as well as two storage units in Suffolk County, revealed numerous electronic devices, large sums of U.S. currency and two luxury vehicles, both registered to D. Amin.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
DAVID M. AMIN (also known as “Sonny B,” “Rico,” “Tone,” “Anthony,” and “Jonathan Santos”)
Age: 28
Coram, Freeport and Wyandanch, New YorkBRYCE K. AMIN (also known as “Busy B”)
Age: 23
Coram, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-92 (GRB)
Birmingham Attorney Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced a Birmingham attorney today for possession of child pornography announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie Axon sentenced Chase Tristian Espy, 36, of Vestavia, to 97 months in prison followed by 20 years supervised release. Espy pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in October 2022. Espy was also ordered to pay additional special assessments of $15,000.00 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act and $5,000.00 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Assessments collected under these statutes are used to fund and enhance victim services. Espy was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
"No one is above the law, and today's sentence sends a message to anyone who preys on innocent children. We will use every tool available to us to investigate and prosecute those who target children for abuse," U.S. Attorney Escalona said. "I commend the hard work and commitment of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to bring this defendant to justice."
In October 2022, Espy pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography arising out of events that occurred from March 2021 to August 2021. Court documents reveal that the investigation was initiated when Espy engaged in online chats with an undercover law enforcement officer whom Espy believed was a 15-year-old girl. Upon being arrested, Espy’s cell phone was seized, and a search warrant was obtained. From this search, approximately 69 videos and four images of child sexual abuse material were found.
The FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF), the Homewood Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) participated in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Jonathan Cross are prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Bemidji Felon Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Bemidji man has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on December 23, 2022, Kenneth Darnell Triplett, 35, possessed a distribution amount of methamphetamine and two firearms, a Taurus model G3 9mm pistol and a H&R model 732 .32 caliber revolver. Because Triplett has multiple prior felony convictions in Michigan and Illinois, including armed robbery and controlled substance delivery, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The indictment charges Triplett with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. He made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, the Bemidji Police Department, and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Fraudulent Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Monty Matthews, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 57 months in federal prison following his convictions for wire fraud, interstate communication of an extortionate threat, and attempted escape. The Court further sentenced Matthews to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $1,066,853.
In announcing the sentence, Judge deGravelles commented that, in determining an appropriate sentence, he considered the impact of Matthews’ criminal conduct on victims aged 60 and older; that resulted in the loss of over $1,000,000 of the victims’ retirement savings, which all went to Matthews; and the fact that the victims were left with virtually no retirement savings. Judge deGravelles also commented on injuries to FBI agents resulting from Matthews’ attempt to escape custody.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in August 2017, Matthews advised two victims that he could make investments on their behalf and with very high rates of return. Matthews acted as the victims’ investment team lead, and demanded that they needed to maintain an investment account with him exceeding $550,000. Based on Matthews’ false assurances and representations regarding what were, in fact, non-existent investment opportunities, along with his threat to injure the victims if they did not continue to make payments, the victims made over 4,000 cash drops to Matthews. In addition, on March 23, 2022, Matthews was in in the custody of two special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to a lawful arrest relating to federal felony charges. Matthews attempted to escape from custody, but agents were able to prevent him from fleeing.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Paul L. Pugliese.
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners. For more information, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone and for a Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander today sentenced Gregory Santos, age 49, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 102 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm in a school zone and for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on September 17, 2019, Santos was driving in the area of 5th Street and East Patapsco Avenue. Baltimore Police officers saw Santos roll through a stop sign. When Santos saw the officers, he slammed on his brakes, ending up in the middle of the intersection. Santos then sped through a school zone, failed to stop at a second stop sign, and almost collided with another vehicle as he drove onto the 300 block of Pontiac Avenue, a posted school zone near the Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School. Officers attempted to perform a traffic stop, but Santos did not stop. Santos eventually threw a firearm out of his window in the 3600 block of 5th Street. Officers recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which had disassembled after hitting the ground, and 11 9mm cartridges of ammunition. Investigators were able to reassemble the handgun and fire it. Santos admitted he possessed the loaded firearm while he was driving in the school zone.
Santos was arrested on a state warrant for illegal possession of a firearm on October 20, 2019. While Santos was incarcerated, he instructed his girlfriend to get narcotics that were in their home and sell them. A search warrant was executed at the residence on November 22, 2019, and law enforcement recovered more than 1,000 grams of powder cocaine and approximately 771.28 grams of fentanyl, as well as items used to mix and package narcotics for sale. Santos admitted that he was conspiring with others to distribute narcotics.
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.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keelan Diana and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Fuchs, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Ayden Crips Gang Member Sentenced to More than 14 Years in Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – An Ayden man was sentenced today to 165 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. On July 19, 2022, Maurice Montrell Greene pled guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Greene was the leader of the local “Grape Street” Crips gang set during the time that he was under investigation.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Greene, 34, was involved with a group of individuals that were obtaining kilograms of cocaine for distribution in Ayden and the greater Pitt County area. A multi-year investigation spanning from 2016 to February 2019 included controlled purchases, surveillance, witness interviews, and a court authorized wiretap on Greene and others’ cellular phones led to the seizure of approximately 1800 grams of cocaine and over $382,000 in U.S. Currency. Specifically, as to Greene, over $47,000 cash, 935 grams of cocaine, and a firearm were seized from residences where Greene lived.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Greenville Regional Drug Task Force, and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-CR-9-FL-1.
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Albemarle County Home Invaders Sentenced in Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A man from Albemarle County, and another from South Carolina, who broke into a private Albemarle County home while armed in October 2021, were sentenced yesterday to federal prison terms.
Traevon Gray, 21, and Damon Williams, 23, pled guilty in November 2022 to one count each of Hobbs Act Robbery. Each received a sentence yesterday of 51 months in federal prison.
“The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool possible to address violent crime in our communities,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “This outcome proves that those individuals who use firearms to harm others will be held accountable in federal court.”
“Addressing violent crime is a priority for the FBI. These sentencings reflect the Bureau’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold those responsible accountable,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division.
According to court documents, Gray and Williams used firearms when they broke into the Albemarle County home through a backdoor and forced the victim from his upstairs bedroom into the kitchen where they ordered him to lie face-down on the floor.
After stealing approximately two pounds of marijuana, several thousand dollars, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and other valuables, the assailants bound the victim’s hands with tape, punched him in the face, and pushed him into the kitchen pantry.
After the robbery, Gray and Williams fled to Spartanburg, South Carolina where they divided up the robbery proceeds.
The FBI Richmond's Safe Streets Task Force and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Carlton prosecuted the case for the United States.
Alameda County Firefighter Indicted for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND - Charles Johnathen Harris made his initial federal court appearance today to face charges that he was in possession of child pornography in violation of federal law, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. Harris appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
On March 2, 2023, a federal grand jury handed down the indictment containing the charge against Harris, 42, of Coulterville, Calif., who is employed as a firefighter with Alameda County Fire Department. According to the indictment, Harris is alleged to have possessed images of child pornography on his iPhone, including images of prepubescent children. Additional information about the case was submitted by the government in connection with Harris’s appearance today. Specifically, the case allegedly was initiated after federal authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and an investigation uncovered that Harris allegedly uploaded child pornography over social media platform Kik—even while present at fire stations in Alameda County.
The defendant surrendered to federal authorities earlier today and was released on bond with the condition that his access to the internet will be restricted. Defendant’s next scheduled appearance is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 19, 2023, for status conference before the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution as ordered by the Court. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Volkar is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Nina Burney and Karina Ruiz. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Jose Police Department, and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday 6 March 2023
Winchester Man Sentenced for Making Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Winchester, Virginia man, who lied when he purchased a firearm that was later used by a close relative in a Washington, D.C. homicide, was sentenced recently to 24 months in federal prison.
Gerald Kendrick Oxner, 25, pled guilty in September 2022 to a one-count Information charging him with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, when Oxner purchased a Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter handgun in January 2021, he failed to disclose that he was purchasing the weapon for someone else and also provided a false home address on the required forms. Investigators obtained security camera footage and receipts from the store in Front Royal, Virginia, which show Oxner buying the firearm and using his relative’s debit card to make the purchase.
Law enforcement later recovered the firearm in Maryland, but its serial number had been obliterated. Through forensic analysis, the serial number was restored, and the firearm was subsequently linked to evidence recovered from the scene of a January 2021 shooting in Southeast Washington D.C. where one person was killed and three others were injured. Oxner’s relative was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
Oxner further admitted that he made multiple other straw purchases in Virginia. However, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, none of the firearms or related ammunition that he purchased were found in his possession or in the residence. Later, another one of the firearms he bought was found during the execution of an unrelated search warrant in Washington, D.C.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Michael Weddel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Smith, Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Joyce, and Deputy United States Attorney Katie B. Medearis prosecuted the case.
Wilmington Gang Member Gets More than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Tyzheem Nixon, 27, of Wilmington, was sentenced on Friday to 114 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Nixon is a validated member of the Bloods street gang. He pled guilty to the charge on September 15, 2022.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to put violent criminals behind bars,” said Michael Easley. “If you are a felon in possession of a firearm, we will bring federal charges that carry significant penalties.”
“Disrupting drug trafficking networks has a significant impact on reducing violent gun crime”, said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Through collaborative efforts, we are stopping the gang members and drug traffickers responsible for violent crime in our communities.”
“Mr. Nixon is a career criminal and validated gang member with a very violent history,” said District Attorney Ben David. “Removing him from our community for the next decade is exactly why we invest in this partnership.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received information in late November of 2020, that Nixon was among those involved in a shooting in the Wilmington area. At the time, Nixon was on post supervision release and was believed to have removed his ankle monitor. On December 17, 2020, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force received information regarding Nixon’s location. The USMS and sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a car in which Nixon was a passenger. During a search of the car, law enforcement found a loaded handgun with a large capacity magazine.
Nixon has prior felony convictions for discharging a weapon into an occupied property and assault with a deadly weapon (2014). Nixon was on post supervision release for these charges at the time he committed this federal offense. Nixon is also facing charges for felonious possession of a weapon by a prisoner after allegedly possessing a handmade shank while being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center.
This is part of operation “Golfer” which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and
dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriffs’ Offices investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Gabe Diaz 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. 7:21-CR-00104-D.
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Wilmer Man Sentenced to Ten Years Imprisonment for Possessing Firearms as a Previously Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Reginald McGhee, of Wilmer, was sentenced on March 3, 2023 to ten years imprisonment for being a felon in possession of firearms. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Kristi K. DuBose. McGhee previously had pled guilty to the charge.
Documents filed with the court in connection with his guilty plea established that on October 9, 2019, McGhee was stopped by a Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy for a traffic violation. At the time of the stop McGhee had methamphetamine in his pocket. The Deputy also later found a loaded .38 caliber revolver and a loaded 12- gauge shotgun in the vehicle, as well as $728 in cash and digital scales used for weighing drugs.
An investigation by the MCSO Narcotics Office also linked McGhee to three loaded weapons seized from his residence less than three months earlier, which comprised a loaded Hi-Point 9mm rifle, a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, and a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.
McGhee had been previously convicted of felonies including Robbery 1st Degree and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree, making his possession of any firearm or ammunition a crime under federal law.
This case was investigated by the MCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Valdosta Resident with Prior Aggravated Assault, Robbery Convictions Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Valdosta, Georgia, resident with a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault and robbery by intimidation was sentenced to prison after officers took him into custody in illegal possession of a loaded firearm during a domestic violence call.
Sammie Eubanks, 28, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison to run concurrently to any sentenced imposed by the Superior Court of Lanier County, Georgia, for probation violation to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 3 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.
“Armed felons with violent criminal backgrounds who illegally possess guns will face federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the Valdosta Police Department and FBI for helping us hold repeat felons caught illegally possessing firearms accountable at the federal level.”
“Eubanks, with a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault and robbery by intimidation, clearly did not learn from his past mistakes and continued to intimidate people in our community,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our local law enforcement partners in helping to convict these repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no opportunity for parole.”
According to information relayed in court, on Aug. 31, 2019, Valdosta Police Department officers responded to a report of domestic violence on North Sawgrass Circle. The officers located Eubanks, who was at first uncooperative. Eubanks then told officers he did not assault his girlfriend, but that they had an argument. Eubanks attempted to flee, and he removed a firearm he was carrying and threw it on the ground. Eubanks was restrained and officers recovered the loaded .22 caliber pistol. Eubanks was previously convicted of felony robbery by intimidation and aggravated assault in the Superior Court of Lanier County, Georgia, on Dec. 12, 2012. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is being 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.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Valdosta Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch prosecuted the case.
United States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Announce Settlement with City of Gloucester to Upgrade Sewage Treatment InfrastructureRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have entered into a consent decree with the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts, to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act regarding the city’s water pollution control facility that discharges undertreated effluent into Massachusetts Bay.
The settlement requires Gloucester to undertake a construction project to add secondary treatment to its water pollution control facility. Secondary treatment is a combination of physical and biological processes that break down many harmful elements in municipal sewage. The city has operated without secondary controls on its treatment plant under a permit waiver issued most recently in 2001. EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) more recently determined that upgrading the City’s treatment plant to provide secondary treatment was needed to address water pollution in Massachusetts Bay. In response, under the proposed settlement the city agreed to proceed with the upgrades. The cost of the remedial measures is expected to be in excess of $150 million.
“The Clean Water Act requires controls to limit the harmful impacts of sewage discharges,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The settlement will ensure significant, long-term investment into the City’s water treatment infrastructure to safeguard the health of Massachusetts Bay.”
“Fiercely protecting our environment is a civil and human rights issue. Ensuring that bodies of water are not contaminated with harmful toxins and pollutants remains a vital part of this work. This consent decree requires Gloucester to take significant steps to improve the quality of the water it discharges into Massachusetts Bay,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts. “The successful implementation of the Consent Decree will ensure a healthier environment for the residents of Gloucester and all of us in the Commonwealth. My office remains committed to fighting for healthier, cleaner and safer communities.”
“Sewage can carry harmful pollutants, posing potential harm to human health and aquatic organisms,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “By reducing discharges into Massachusetts Bay, this settlement will result in cleaner, safer water, benefiting both local communities and the environment.”
In 2022, EPA issued a new NPDES Permit to the City of Gloucester which included pollution limits that the current treatment plant cannot meet because the plant only provides primary treatment, known as clarification or settling and disinfection. Complying with the proposed consent decree, if entered by the federal court, will help ensure that Gloucester comes into compliance with the Clean Water Act.
The City of Gloucester has already provided an aggressive schedule to EPA and MassDEP for design and construction of secondary treatment. The city has proposed to complete design and bidding of the project by the end of 2024, complete construction of secondary treatment by the end of 2027, and achieve compliance with all permit limits by March 30, 2028.
Undertreated sewage from the city’s existing water treatment facility results in a variety of harmful discharges into Massachusetts Bay, including disease causing organisms and toxic pollutants.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval after it is published in the Federal Register. It is available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
The EPA and MassDEP are investigating the case.
Assistant Section Chief Henry Friedman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna for the District of Massachusetts and EPA Attorney Jeff Kopf are handling this matter.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Releases Its 2022 Annual ReportRead the Press Release
SCRANTON –U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam today issued the 2022 Annual Report for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
“As public servants, we seek to provide transparency and accountability by publicly reporting on our work and accomplishments,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our partner agencies, had many achievements in 2022.”
The accomplishments summarized in this report are due to the hard work of our 92 dedicated professionals. In 2022, Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuted approximately 385 criminal cases involving 479 defendants, and our Civil Division handled over 740 cases representing the interests of the federal government, including obtaining over $30 million in criminal and civil actions. We continued to participate in numerous community outreach programs designed to educate the public and reduce recidivism, violent crimes, and opioid dependence.
“It’s an honor to work with the members of this office and with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to seek justice and to improve the safety and quality of life for the people of the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Karam.
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United Bank Senior Vice President Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that John Figg, 56, of Grand Rapids Michigan pleaded guilty to federal charges which stem from the discovery of his embezzlement of over $870,000 from United Bank between 2014 and 2021.
“Hardworking citizens are entitled to know that when they entrust their money to a bank, it will remain there safe and secure,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “This prosecution serves as a reminder to bank officials that we will not tolerate any violation of the trust we put in our banks.”
According to court documents, Figg used his access to bank records to obtain funds in a variety of ways. First, he identified customer accounts held by depositors that did not scrutinize their accounts and used his access to them to remove funds for his own use. Second, he obtained phony loans in customer names and used the loan proceeds for his own use. Third, he funneled fees normally collected by the bank in connection with loan closing costs to his own use. This resulted in losses of approximately $870,000.
Figg generated taxable income from this activity between 2016 and 2020. However, he concealed this income from his tax preparer when that person prepared his tax returns. As a result, each year Figg underreported his taxable income knowing that it was subject to taxation and with the intent to avoid payment of those taxes.
“Mr. Figg betrayed the trust placed in him by his employer and the public, who have every right to expect bank employees to be honest and law abiding,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “This type of illegal conduct can undermine the financial health of banks and credit unions. As a result, the FBI and IRS will continue our work to hold corrupt insiders fully accountable for their crimes.”
“John Figg abused a position of trust as an officer at a federally insured bank when he stole money from unsuspecting victims. He then concealed these funds and used them for his own personal gain,” said Charles Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge Detroit Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. “The IRS is committed to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate individuals who engage in financial fraud and tax evasion and make them accountable for their crimes.”
Figg pleaded guilty to two federal crimes today. The first is embezzlement by a bank employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. This carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The second crime is tax evasion in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201, which carries a maximum prison term of five years in prison. Sentencing will occur at a date to be determined by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Prosecution of the case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey.
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Two Men Sentenced for Mercer County Arson SchemeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Scott Meadows, 53, of Welch, and Christopher Gross, 45, of Bluefield, Virginia, were sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud. Each admitted to a role in an arson fraud scheme, and was also ordered to pay $13,140 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 1, 2019, co-defendant Douglas Vineyard bought a house on Princeton Avenue in Bluefield, West Virginia, for $5,000 at the direction of Gross. On July 31, 2019, Vineyard bought an insurance policy on the house with assistance from Gross, stating that the house’s purchase price had been $50,000. The insurance coverage included $285,500 for the dwelling, $142,750 for the contents and $14,275 for other structures.
In early August 2019, Vineyard, Gross and Meadows devised a scheme with others to burn down the house and collect the insurance proceeds. On August 6, 2019, Meadows set fire to the house with the help of two other individuals who were each offered $500 for their assistance. The house was a total loss. On August 16, 2019, Vineyard faxed a Sworn Statement of Proof of Loss seeking $285,500 in insurance proceeds for the house. The insurance company spent over $13,000 investigating Vineyard’s false claim, ultimately denying it.
Vineyard, 37, of Welch, was sentenced on September 12, 2022, to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-131.
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Two Men Indicted for Series of Holiday Carjackings and KidnappingsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Adrian Pegues,
19, and Malik Malone, 18, both of Memphis, with multiple charges arising from a series of violent
events that occurred in late December 2022 in Memphis and Germantown. The indictment includes
charges of kidnapping, bank robbery, carjacking, and the use of a firearm during a crime of
violence. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the charges today.According to U.S. Attorney Ritz, the charges and other information presented in court, it is
alleged that that on December 20, 2022, Pegues and Malone carjacked and kidnapped two individuals
separately, forced one of the individuals to withdraw money from an ATM, and attempted to do the
same with the other. It is also alleged that, ten days later, on December 30, 2022, the two men
attempted to kidnap a person in Germantown with the intent to commit another robbery. That
kidnapping was unsuccessful.Both men have been arrested and are in federal custody and awaiting arraignment on the superseding indictment.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Germantown Police Department.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is an accusation and only contains charges.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner is handling the prosecution of this matter
for the government.
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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.
Two Individuals Indicted for Violent Robberies, Kidnapping an Uber DriverRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man and woman have been indicted for violent Hobbs Act robberies, one of which involved the kidnapping of an Uber driver on Christmas Day, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on December 25, 2022, Antwon Demondray Townsend-Davis, 23, and Kevena Takhyra Terry-Ford, 20, used force, violence, and fear of injury to carry out a Hobbs Act robbery by stealing a Nissan Rogue from an Uber driver who was using the vehicle for commercial business purposes. The two defendants also kidnapped the Uber driver for the purpose of accessing the victim’s ATM account.
On December 28, 2022, the defendants used force, violence, and fear of injury to carry out a Hobbs Act robbery at a Speedway gas station in Minneapolis.
Townsend-Davis and Terry-Ford are each charged with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of kidnapping. Both defendants made their initial appearances today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Anoka Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Charged in Robbery Spree in Chicago and Oak ParkRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted two Chicago residents on a total of five counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce.
EQUISHA BUTLER, 29, of Chicago has been charged with five counts of robbery and KISHAWN BROWNLEE, 26, of Chicago has been charged alongside Butler on two of those counts. The indictment, which was unsealed on March 6, alleges that between April 13 and July 29, 2022, Butler robbed five 7-11 convenience stores and that Brownlee participated in two of those robberies. The five robberies occurred at 7-11 stores located at:
- 661 South Blvd, Oak Park
- 3800 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago
- 2366 N Damen, Chicago
- 4771 N Elston, Chicago
- 4346 N Kimball, Chicago
Both Butler and Brownlee were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole on March 1, 2023.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene Hickey Sullivan.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Two Capital Region Men Plead Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Taquan Parker, age 26, of Rensselaer, New York, and Olajuwon Sutherland, a/k/a “Suave,” age 27, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $100,000 in unemployment insurance benefits under the names of other people, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
As part of his guilty plea to conspiracy and mail fraud charges, Parker admitted that he provided Kahleke Taylor, a/k/a “Flex,” with the personal identifying information of two other people, which Taylor used to file false claims online with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). Parker further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent applications submitted by Taylor, the NYSDOL paid out $60,132 in unemployment insurance benefits. Parker agreed to pay $60,132 in restitution to the State of New York and forfeit $30,000 in fraud proceeds that he personally obtained.
As part of his guilty plea to conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud charges, Sutherland admitted that he also provided Taylor with the personal identifying information of two other people, which Taylor used to file false claims online with the NYSDOL. Sutherland further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent applications submitted by Taylor, the NYSDOL paid out $48,008 in unemployment insurance benefits. Sutherland agreed to pay $48,008 in restitution to the State of New York and forfeit $12,000 in fraud proceeds that he personally obtained.
Taylor previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $207,004 in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme.
At sentencing, both Parker and Sutherland face a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Parker and Sutherland are scheduled to be sentenced on July 6 and July 12, 2023, respectively, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by HSI, the New York State Inspector General’s Office, USDOL-OIG, and USPIS, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations and the Schenectady County Department of Social Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case.
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.
Tulare County Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andras Daniel Lee, 33, of Visalia, was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in March 2017, Lee was convicted in Tulare County, of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Shortly after his release from prison, Lee moved to Liberal, Kansas. In March 2018, Lee moved back to California and intentionally did not register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) as was required as a result of his prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
On Feb. 20, 2020, Lee committed a lewd act upon a child in Tulare County while in a failure-to-register status. On Dec. 20, 2021, Lee was convicted in Tulare County of two counts of committing a lewd act upon a child.
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case.
Tulare County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Angulo, 36, of Woodlake, pleaded guilty today to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, a team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into a group of Tulare County Sureños. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Angulo and his co-defendant Jonathan Gallegos were traveling to Southern California and into Mexico to obtain illegal drugs, including kilograms of cocaine. On Oct. 26, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped Angulo and Gallegos as they were traveling northbound in Kern County in a pickup truck. Inside the truck they found over 9 kilograms of cocaine and a stolen, loaded firearm.
The case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tulare County Area Regencies Gun Enforcement Team, the Visalia Police Department, the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.
Angulo is set for sentencing on June 12, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba. Angulo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The United States Recovers Money Stolen from Embassy Baku by Former EmployeeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - A former employee of the United States Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, has paid the United States $128,000 to resolve allegations that he stole money from the State Department while employed at the embassy.
Rafiq Goyushov, a citizen of Azerbaijan, was employed by the State Department at the United States Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, for approximately 20 years. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Goyushov, in his role as Housing Assistant with the General Services Office, made fraudulent payments on behalf of the Embassy to Azer Samedov, who then returned money to Goyushov. These payments were for Goyushov’s benefit and were disguised as building operating and parking expenses for multiple residential units leased by Embassy Baku. In reality, there was no valid contract between the State Department and Samedov.
“The District of South Carolina was proud to partner with the Department of State in the worthwhile endeavor of holding accountable public servants who use their position to steal from taxpayers, even those who reside overseas,” stated Adair F. Boroughs, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina.
“Due to the persistent effort of our special agents, Embassy Baku’s Regional Security Office and DOJ, a former locally employed staff member of Embassy Baku was held accountable for his nefarious actions. This is a clear demonstration of how the State Department’s OIG will not be deterred by the complexities involved with holding fraudsters accountable internationally,” stated Elisabeth Kaminsky, Special Agent in Charge, Department of State, Office of Inspector General.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the Department of State Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Beth C. Warren in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, along with State Department OIG special agents.
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Tampa Man Sentenced for Money Laundering Conspiracy Relating to Government Impersonator ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced William Perez (28, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $245,980, the proceeds of the crime. Perez had pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022.
According to court documents, India-based conspirators falsely and fraudulently identified themselves as federal law enforcement officers, such as Social Security Administration officials, FBI agents, or IRS officers, provided “official” titles and/or “badge numbers,” and threatened their victims with imminent arrest, a lawsuit, and/or other economic consequences, usually based on alleged drug trafficking or money laundering crimes supposedly committed using the victims’ identities. The conspirators told victims, the majority of whom were older adults, that they could avoid these consequences by mailing checks or cash equivalents to conspirators in the United States. From April 2018, through at least August 2018, Perez laundered money that had been extorted from United States residents by conspirators residing in the United States and overseas. Perez received payments directly from victims, typically via packages sent via a commercial carrier. Once he retrieved the fraud proceeds, Perez provided them to his coconspirators and was paid for conducting the transactions.
“Millions of Americans, to include the most vulnerable of the population, have fallen victim to IRS impersonation scheme telephone calls which ultimately led to the loss of their life savings,” said Ronald A. Loecker IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s sentence again demonstrates our persistent resolve to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of both the system and the elderly with the hope justice has been served”.
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration will aggressively pursue anyone who defrauds taxpayers by impersonating themselves as Internal Revenue Service employees,” stated J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of our federal partners in holding this individual to account.”
This case was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Redell Williams, III, age 42, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Williams admitted that on November 10, 2022, he possessed a total of approximately 531 grams of cocaine and approximately 211 grams of cocaine base at his home in Syracuse, New York with the intent to distribute it. Williams further admitted that in his residence, he “cooked” powder cocaine to manufacture cocaine base, also known as “crack” cocaine, and that $4,587 in cash found at his residence was narcotics proceeds.
At sentencing, scheduled for July 7, 2023, Williams faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
DEA investigated the case, with assistance from Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
Surgeon Convicted of Federal Charges for Accepting over $300,000 in Illicit Payments to Perform Spinal Surgeries at Corrupt HospitalRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An orthopedic surgeon has been found guilty by a federal jury of accepting more than $315,000 in bribes and kickbacks for performing spinal surgeries at a now-defunct Long Beach hospital whose owner was imprisoned for committing a massive workers’ compensation insurance fraud, the Justice Department announced today.
Dr. David Hobart Payne, 65, of Irvine, was found guilty late Friday afternoon at the conclusion of a six-day trial. The jury found Payne guilty of one count of conspiracy, two counts of honest services wire fraud, and one count of use of an interstate facility in aid of bribery.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Drobot –the owner of Pacific Hospital – conspired with doctors, chiropractors, and marketers to pay kickbacks and bribes in return for the referral of patients to Pacific Hospital for spinal surgeries and other medical services. These services and surgeries were paid for primarily through the California workers’ compensation system. During its final five years, the scheme resulted in the submission of more than $500 million in medical bills for spinal surgeries involving kickbacks.
Payne received bribes from Drobot of up to $15,000 for each spinal surgery that he performed at Pacific Hospital. The top bribe payment was for lumbar spinal surgeries Payne performed on patients at Pacific Hospital with implants from one of Drobot’s companies. Drobot and Payne covered up the bribes by disguising them as payments for marketing services and fees based on a sham contract.
In total, Payne received more than $315,000 in illegal payments.
In April 2013, law enforcement searched Pacific Hospital, which was sold later that year, bringing the kickback scheme to an end.
To date, 24 defendants, among them doctors and surgeons, have been convicted for participating in the kickback scheme.
United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a June 2 sentencing hearing, at which time Payne will face a statutory maximum sentence of 50 years in federal prison.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the California Department of Insurance investigated this matter.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally and Assistant United States Attorneys Billy Joe McLain and Hava Mirell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
Sugar Land business owner pleads guilty to nine-year fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 56-year-old business owner has admitted to conspiring to commit mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Sudhakar Kalaga admitted that from 2010 to 2019, he engaged in a bribery and bid rigging fraud scheme to secure construction and maintenance work contracts from a company with a manufacturing facility in Houston.
Kalaga admitted he submitted fake bids from non-existent construction companies to the victim company’s facilities manager. This was designed to make it appear his companies’ bids were the lowest. In return, Kalaga paid the facilities manager millions of dollars in kickbacks. Kalaga failed to disclose he was submitting falsified bids and paying kickbacks from the victim company’s own funds.
The victim company would not have paid Kalaga’s companies’ invoices had it known about the falsified bids or the kickback payments.
Sentencing has been set for June 20 before U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal. At that time, Kalaga faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
Spearfish Woman Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Spearfish, South Dakota, woman on seven counts of Wire Fraud.
Janeen Keene, 54 was indicted in January of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on March 3, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Between May of 2020 and July of 2020, in Spearfish, Keene, along with others, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits.
The charge is merely an accusation and Keene is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Keene was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
South Sioux City, Nebraska Man Convicted of Two KidnappingsRead the Press Release
A man who committed two kidnappings, 13 months apart, was convicted by a jury on March 3, 2023, after a five-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Arjune Ahmed, age 27, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, was convicted of two counts of kidnapping. The verdict was returned Friday afternoon following about two hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on August 21, 2019, Ahmed followed a woman from the Hard Rock Casino on Fourth Street, where he tricked her into getting close to his car. Once she was close, he grabbed her and pulled her into his car. He then sped into Nebraska from Iowa, where he then sexually assaulted her.
13 months later, on October 16, 2020, Ahmed used social media to trick a woman into meeting him for breakfast. Instead of driving her to breakfast, Ahmed drove her from midtown Sioux City, Iowa to Bacon Creek Park where he then sexually assaulted her.
Additionally, the jury heard evidence that in 2015 a woman was the victim of a home-invasion and sexual assault. That crime went unsolved for nearly five years until DNA evidence discovered in the investigations of the 2019 and 2020 assaults were linked to Ahmed.
United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated that “the investigative team of local, county, and federal investigators did an exceptional job of gathering the evidence in this case. When combined with the courtroom efforts of AUSA Fairchild and his team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the result was that a very dangerous man, who preyed upon the women of our community was convicted and taken off the streets. I was impressed with courage of the victims who were able to confront their attacker and help prevent him from hurting anyone else.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ahmed remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Ahmed faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment for each count.
The case was investigated by the Dakota County, Nebraska Sherriff’s Office, the South Sioux City, Nebraska Police Department, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-04087.
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Santa Domingo man charged with aggravated sexual abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Santiago Quintana, Jr. was arraigned on a criminal complaint charging him with aggravated sexual abuse with children and offenses committed within Indian Country. Quintana, 69, a member of the Santa Domingo Pueblo, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the accusations in the criminal complaint, over a period of six years, Quintana sexually abused two victims who had not yet attained the age of 12 when the abuse began.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Quintana faces a minimum of thirty years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
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Regional Counterdrug Training Academy Recognizes Training Efforts of Law Enforcement Coordination Committee in Western District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown joins the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) in announcing that Louisiana led the nation in the number of law enforcement officers trained by the RCTA in 2022. The RCTA is a military and law enforcement training group based in Meridian, Mississippi, that receives Congressional funding to provide training to law enforcement officers across the nation, but primarily in the southeast states, throughout the year. Instructors with RCTA travel to various sites to conduct training on subjects such as narcotics, interview and interrogation, vehicle interdiction, search and arrest warrants, peer support, and officer survival.
The Law Enforcement Coordination Committee (LECC) for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana, which is led by Law Enforcement Coordinator Alan Alkire, works with RCTA to arrange and facilitate those training classes for state, local, and federal law enforcement officers in the Western District of Louisiana, including Shreveport, Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles.
At their annual Board Meeting last week, RCTA announced the training statistics for 2022 and there were 1,390 officers who received this federally funded training in Louisiana, by far surpassing those who received training in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District was commended for being the primary catalyst to the large number of officers trained in Louisiana compared to the other states.
“Training is essential for our law enforcement officers,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Congress gives funding to entities such as RCTA to provide these training classes and it is vital to the continued development for these officers. It is important to me and this office that we are able to continue to facilitate this law enforcement training for state, local, and federal agencies, and I commend the hard work of LEC Alan Alkire and his dedication to this program.”
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