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Wednesday 1 March 2023
District Man Sentenced to 40 Years for First-Degree Murder While Armed for Killing a 15-Year-Old in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Malik Holston, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. Holston had been found guilty on November 2, 2022. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Rainey R. Brandt ordered five years of supervised release. Holston was also sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm, and 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license, with those sentences ordered to run concurrently with the murder sentence
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 13, 2018, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Holston and a second assailant – both armed and wearing masks – pursued 15-year-old Gerald Watson through the parking lot area near buildings in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Mr. Watson ran inside a multi-unit apartment building, followed by Holston, while the second gunman waited outside. Inside the building, Holston cornered Mr. Watson at the top landing and shot him 16 times with a .40-caliber revolver. Holston and the second gunman then fled the scene. Mr. Watson was taken to a hospital, where he died from the injuries.
The shooting took place shortly after Mr. Watson returned home from school and headed outside to play basketball. Within about five minutes of leaving home, the shooting occurred.
Holston was arrested on Dec. 18, 2018. The second assailant was himself killed by gunfire on Sept. 10, 2019.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who provided assistance in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Special Agents Durand Odom and Mark Crawford of the Criminal Investigations Unit; Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Gilbert and Kelly Blakeney; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen; Witness Security Coordinators Marlon Hernandez-Quijano, Maenylie Watson, and Katina Adams-Washington; former Witness Security Coordinator La June Thames; Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling and Litigation Technology Specialist Claudia Gutierrez; Chrisellen Kolb, Chief of the Appellate Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Curt, Daniel Lenerz, and Peter Roman.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Liebman and Andrea Coronado, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on February 27, 2023, to 210 months in prison for Receiving Child Pornography and Possession of Obscene Visual Representation of the Sexual Abuse of Children.
The investigation of Adam Carney Conn, 40, began when the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip that images and videos of child pornography were downloaded to two of Conn’s Google accounts. Conn’s Google accounts had over 1,100 images of child pornography, which were categorized and organized. When law enforcement arrested Conn, he was in possession of electronic devices that contained several hundred more images of child pornography.
Prior to this investigation, a child disclosed that Conn had sexually abused her. The government submitted evidence of the sexual abuse at sentencing, which the Court found to be credible.
Conn’s sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a sentence he is currently serving in the Iowa Department of Corrections. Following his prison term, Conn was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release and pay $24,000 of restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Lying to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in federal prison for lying to a federal grand jury.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Kaleb Bentley, 23, was called to testify as a witness before a federal grand jury in May 2021. While under oath, Bentley provided multiple false statements to the grand jury about a felony investigation involving multiple shots fired incidents and drug trafficking. Bentley’s false statements substantially interfered with the grand jury’s investigation.
After Bentley completes his prison sentence, he will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
Cumberland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cumberland man who accessed and downloaded images and videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children, was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
In January 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with information that they obtained from a Canadian-based online messaging and chat service that, on multiple dates, an IP address and email, later determined by law enforcement to belong to Patrick K. Newton, 27, was used on multiple dates to access and view child pornography.
On March 30, 2022, HSI agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Newton’s residence and found that electronic media storage devices possessed by Newton contained videos and images of child pornography.
Newton pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022, to a charge of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to thirty-three months in federal prison to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fairfax man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in March and April 2022, Calvin Ray Brown, 50, and a co-conspirator sold counterfeit pressed pills containing fentanyl to a Fairfax County Police Department confidential source and undercover detective on multiple occasions. When a search warrant was executed on Brown’s residence, officers recovered 999 counterfeit pressed pills containing fentanyl, approximately 723 grams of methamphetamine, over 500 grams of cocaine, and 665 grams of N,N-dimethylpentylone, a federally unscheduled substance similar to MDMA.
Officers also recovered $25,001 in cash, a loaded semi-automatic “ghost” gun, and a bulletproof ballistics vest. During an interview, Brown admitted that he and his co-conspirator had been distributing fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, MDMA, and crack cocaine since January 2021. He stated that, over the course of the conspiracy, they obtained about 1000 fentanyl pills every two weeks, and had also obtained 1 kilogram of methamphetamine and 8 kilograms of cocaine. Brown has a lengthy criminal history, which includes numerous convictions for drug trafficking, as well as a conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-30.
Columbus man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Sergio Ruiz was sentenced to 240 months in prison. A federal jury convicted Ruiz, 58, of Columbus, New Mexico, on one count each of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and importation of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine into the United States on June 8.
A federal grand jury indicted Ruiz on March 23. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 28, 2021, Ruiz attempted to cross into the United States at the Columbus Port of Entry, coming from Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ruiz, a regular crosser at Columbus, was carrying a large amount of cinder blocks and two 55-gallon drums and was directed to the secondary inspection area. A scan revealed an anomaly in the spare tire, prompting inspection by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine unit that resulted in a positive alert.
CBP officers removed and inspected the spare tire. Inside the tire, inspectors found five packages containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the five packages was 20.8 kilograms (45.76 pounds).
Upon his release from prison, Ruiz will be subject to 5 years of supervised release.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Randy M. Castellano are prosecuting the case.
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Clinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Clinton man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 178 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jovan Fedrick, 38, was identified as part of a large-scale methamphetamine drug trafficking organization operating in California, Iowa, and Illinois. Fedrick and a co-defendant traveled to California to have large quantities of ice methamphetamine transported to Chicago. As part of the investigation, agents seized more than 15 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine and conducted a half-pound purchase of methamphetamine from Fedrick at his residence in Clinton. Following his prison term, Fedrick was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
In December 2021, co-defendant Brent White, 52, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. In January 2022, co-defendant Michaelene Damian Rojas, 50, of Hemet, California, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. Rojas served as a source of supply for the methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Child Predator Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Following a Child on the Street and Later Communicating with her OnlineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marcus Douglas, 53, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for the coercion and enticement of a minor. Douglas pleaded guilty to the charge on August 31, 2022.
In July of 2021, Douglas approached a 14-year-old girl he saw walking on a sidewalk in downtown Washington, D.C. He placed a note on her cell phone suggesting that he wanted to pay her to engage in sexual activity with him. The note contained his first name, Marcus, and his cell phone number. The victim immediately went to a nearby firehouse and reported the incident. Police officers with the Metropolitan Police Department responded, interviewed the victim, and quickly traced the phone number to Douglas. An undercover officer then initiated a text conversation with Douglas, pretending to be the 14-year-old girl. During messaging with the individual he believed was a minor, Douglas asked for pictures of the victim, told her about his sexual fantasies, and asked for an opportunity to meet the minor victim in person. A location for this meeting was discussed during this text conversation. When Douglas arrived at the agreed upon meeting location, he was arrested.
In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Judge Florence Y. Pan ordered 10 years of supervised release and ordered Douglas to register as a sex offender for 25 years. She also ordered Douglas to pay the minor victim $36,956 in restitution.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee, III commended the work of the detectives and patrol officers of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Yvonne Bryant, the Victim/Witness Specialist assigned to this matter, and paralegal Alexis Spencer-Anderson. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Larson, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
If you have information that a child is being physically or sexually abused or neglected, you can help by reporting the abuse to the Child and Family Service Agency for the District of Columbia (CFSA). CFSA takes reports of child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (202) 671-SAFE or (202) 671-7233.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – David Daniel Lynn Bowden, 21, of Caldwell was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in April 2021, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received an investigative lead that Bowden possessed child pornography. ICAC is an investigative task force within the Idaho Office of the Attorney General funded by the State of Idaho and federal grants.
ICAC further investigated the tip and found corroborating evidence that Bowden possessed child pornography. Based on ICAC’s investigation, law enforcement secured a search warrant for Bowden’s residence in Caldwell to search for evidence of child pornography crimes. During the search of Bowden’s residence, law enforcement discovered 187 images of child pornography on Bowden’s phone. Some of the child pornography depicted prepubescent children.
“The collaborative efforts in Idaho to prosecute those who possess and distribute child pornography is second to none,” said U.S Attorney Hurwit. “Those who engage in this reprehensible conduct should know they have nowhere to hide.”
“Thank you to ICAC, the Caldwell Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work that led to this sentencing. I am proud to work beside these agencies as they strive to keep Idaho’s children safe," Attorney General Raúl Labrador said.
Senior U.S. District Judge Lynn B. Winmill also ordered Bowden to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence and ordered restitution to the victims. Bowden pleaded guilty to the charges on December 8, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, and the Caldwell Police Department for their cooperative efforts that led to the prosecution.
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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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CEO of Publicly Traded Health Care Company Charged for Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Terren S. Peizer, the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ontrak Inc., a publicly traded health care company, for allegedly engaging in an insider trading scheme in which he fraudulently used Rule 10b5-1 trading plans to trade Ontrak stock.
“Today’s groundbreaking insider trading indictment demonstrates that the Department of Justice, together with our law enforcement partners, will not allow corrupt executives to misuse 10b5-1 plans as a shield for insider trading,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As this case shows, we have embraced the use of data to proactively identify and investigate fraud as we continue to ensure that ordinary investors are on an equal playing field with corporate insiders.”
According to court documents, between May and August 2021, Peizer, 63, a resident of Puerto Rico and Santa Monica, California, allegedly avoided more than $12.5 million in losses by entering into two Rule 10b5-1 trading plans while in possession of material, nonpublic information concerning the serious risk that Ontrak’s then-largest customer would terminate its contract. In May 2021, Peizer allegedly entered into his first 10b5-1 trading plan shortly after learning that the relationship between Ontrak and the customer was deteriorating and that the customer had expressed serious reservations about continuing its contract with Ontrak. The indictment alleges that Peizer later learned that the customer informed Ontrak of its intent to terminate the contract. Then, in August 2021, Peizer allegedly entered into his second 10b5-1 trading plan approximately one hour after Ontrak’s chief negotiator for the contract confirmed to Peizer that the contract likely would be terminated.
In establishing his 10b5-1 plans, Peizer allegedly refused to engage in any “cooling-off” period – the time between when he entered into the plan and when he sold stock – despite warnings from two brokers. Instead, Peizer allegedly began selling shares of Ontrak on the next trading day after establishing each plan. On Aug. 19, 2021, just six days after Peizer adopted his August 10b5-1 plan, Ontrak announced that the customer had terminated its contract and Ontrak’s stock price declined by more than 44%.
“Mr. Peizer is accused of using his insider knowledge as CEO of a publicly traded company to line his own pockets in violation of his duty to his company and its shareholders,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Mr. Peizer allegedly exploited material nonpublic information and tried to shield himself with a rule designed to ensure a fair and level playing field for all investors. With this indictment, we again affirm that the law applies equally to all and that corporate executives who unlawfully denigrate the integrity of our financial markets will be held accountable.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to holding insiders accountable at all levels, including those who act in bad faith when establishing trading plans in order to evade regulations,” said Assistant Director in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Americans must have trust in the marketplace and that can only be achieved when offenders who violate their obligations are held responsible.”
Peizer is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme and two counts of securities fraud for insider trading. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud scheme charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider trading charges.
The indictment represents the first time that the Department of Justice has brought criminal insider trading charges based exclusively on an executive’s use of 10b5-1 trading plans. The investigation is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans.
Rule 10b5-1 trading plans can offer an executive a defense to insider trading charges. However, the defense is unavailable if the executive is in possession of material, nonpublic information at the time he or she enters into the 10b5-1 trading plan. Additionally, a plan does not protect an executive if the trading plan was not entered into in good faith or was entered into as part of an effort or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Christina McGill of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Moghaddas for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. For additional information and case event updates, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-terren-s-peizer.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CEO of Nevada-Based Publicly Traded Health Care Company Charged with Federal Crimes for Alleged Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An indictment was unsealed today charging Terren S. Peizer, the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ontrak Inc., a Henderson, Nevada-based publicly traded health care company, for allegedly engaging in an insider trading scheme in which he fraudulently used Rule 10b5-1 trading plans to trade Ontrak stock.
“Mr. Peizer is accused of using his insider knowledge as CEO of a publicly traded company to line his own pockets in violation of his duty to his company and its shareholders,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Mr. Peizer allegedly exploited material nonpublic information and tried to shield himself with a rule designed to ensure a fair and level playing field for all investors. With this indictment, we again affirm that the law applies equally to all and that corporate executives who unlawfully denigrate the integrity of our financial markets will be held accountable.”
According to court documents, between May and August 2021, Peizer, 63, a resident of Puerto Rico and Santa Monica, allegedly avoided more than $12.5 million in losses by entering into two Rule 10b5-1 trading plans while in possession of material, nonpublic information concerning the serious risk that Ontrak’s then-largest customer would terminate its contract. In May 2021, Peizer allegedly entered into his first 10b5-1 trading plan shortly after learning that the relationship between Ontrak and the customer was deteriorating and that the customer had expressed serious reservations about continuing its contract with Ontrak.
The indictment alleges that Peizer later learned that the customer informed Ontrak of its intent to terminate the contract. Then, in August 2021, Peizer allegedly entered into his second 10b5-1 trading plan approximately one hour after Ontrak’s chief negotiator for the contract confirmed to Peizer that the contract likely would be terminated.
In establishing his 10b5-1 plans, Peizer allegedly refused to engage in any “cooling-off” period – the time between when he entered into the plan and when he sold stock – despite warnings from two brokers. Instead, Peizer allegedly began selling shares of Ontrak on the next trading day after establishing each plan. On Aug. 19, 2021, just six days after Peizer adopted his August 10b5-1 plan, Ontrak announced that the customer had terminated its contract and Ontrak’s stock price declined by more than 44%.
“Today’s groundbreaking insider trading indictment demonstrates that the Department of Justice, together with our law enforcement partners, will not allow corrupt executives to misuse 10b5-1 plans as a shield for insider trading,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As this case shows, we have embraced the use of data to proactively identify and investigate fraud as we continue to ensure that ordinary investors are on an equal playing field with corporate insiders.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to holding insiders accountable at all levels, including those who act in bad faith when establishing trading plans in order to evade regulations,” said Assistant Director in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Americans must have trust in the marketplace and that can only be achieved when offenders who violate their obligations are held responsible.”
Peizer is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme and two counts of securities fraud for insider trading. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud scheme charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider trading charges.
The indictment represents the first time that the Department of Justice has brought criminal insider trading charges stemming from an executive’s use of a 10b5-1 trading plan. The investigation is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans.
Rule 10b5-1 trading plans can offer an executive a defense to insider trading charges. However, the defense is unavailable if the executive is in possession of material, nonpublic information at the time he or she enters into the 10b5-1 trading plan. Additionally, a plan does not protect an executive if the trading plan was not entered into in good faith or was entered into as part of an effort or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Moghaddas of the Major Frauds Section and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Christina McGill of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. For additional information and case event updates, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-terren-s-peizer.
Baraboo Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Paul R. Ripp, 50, of Baraboo, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in prison for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Ripp pleaded guilty to this charge on December 8, 2022.
On March 28, 2022, Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Ripp driving a truck near a hotel in Portage off the interstate highway, pursuant to an arrest warrant for state offenses. Ripp fled from officers in a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour. Ripp avoided apprehension, then abandoned his truck and fled on foot. The following day, Sauk County Sheriff’s deputies located Ripp at a hotel in Wisconsin Dells. At the time Ripp was encountered and arrested by deputies outside the hotel, he was carrying a bag that contained multiple individually packaged bags of methamphetamine that totaled 111 grams of the drug. In the months prior to his arrest, Ripp was involved in multiple sales of methamphetamine in both Columbia and Sauk Counties.
Judge Conley said that a significant period of incarceration was necessary because Ripp had been trafficking methamphetamine in the community for an extended period of time and, further, endangered both officers and the public by engaging in high-speed flight when police attempted to apprehend him. Judge Conley also considered the fact that Ripp had been convicted of drug trafficking in recent years with little deterrence from sentences that had not imposed meaningful terms of incarceration.
The charge against Paul Ripp was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sauk and Columbia County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Mitcham Lorence Admitted to American College of Trial LawyersRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Lindsey Mitcham Lorence, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is now a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America.
The induction ceremony at which Lindsey became a Fellow took place recently before an audience of approximately 525 during the Spring Meeting of the College in Key Biscayne, Florida.
Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.
Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,800 members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows. The College maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Lindsey has been practicing in Little Rock for twenty-six years. The newly inducted Fellow is an alumna of the William H. Bowen University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law, where she is now an adjunct professor. Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in the civil division, Lindsey was a law clerk for retired Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza, worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the 6th Judicial District and was a Partner at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Arizona man pleads guilty to extorting Georgia TechRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion.
“The defendant tried to extort Georgia Tech and egregiously tarnish the reputation of the university’s coach with a false claim of sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “By his guilty plea he acknowledged the lie and his criminal conduct, and will now face the consequences for his crime.”
“Bell sought to severely damage the reputation of the institution and their coach solely for his own financial gain,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not tolerate false allegations and will do everything in our power to seek the truth and hold individuals who commit these type of crimes accountable for their selfish actions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Ronald Bell pleaded guilty to conspiring with his co-defendant, Jennifer Pendley, and a security guard at Georgia Tech, to falsely accuse the coach of Georgia Tech men’s basketball team of sexual assault. Bell admitted he recruited the security guard to falsely claim that the guard witnessed an assault. Bell told the security guard that the false accusation of sexual assault could be worth $20 million and promised the guard a share of the money.
Bell also communicated with representatives of Georgia Tech and demanded money in exchange for not reporting the claimed sexual assault. For example, he texted a representative of Georgia Tech that: “This is going to get very ugly. GT has made no effort . . . to amicably resolve this . . . I guess this has to get ugly. I tried to resolve this without damaging GT’s reputation . . . .”
After Georgia Tech refused to pay the bribe, Pendley filed a lawsuit claiming sexual battery, sexual assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. These claims falsely alleged that the guard witnessed the coach sexually assault Pendley. Ultimately, the security guard admitted that his statements were false and that Bell asked him to lie to support the false sexual assault claim.
Pendley previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion on February 22, 2023.
Sentencing for Ronald Bell, 56, of Oro Valley, Arizona, is scheduled for June 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Albany Felon Sentenced to 85 Months for Possessing Cocaine and Heroin for Distribution, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Rodney Matthews, age 50, of Albany, was sentenced today to 85 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute cocaine and heroin, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department (APD) made the announcement.
When he pled guilty in this case, Matthews admitted to possessing 306 grams of cocaine and 95 grams of heroin at his apartment in Albany, which he intended to distribute, as well as $11,966, which represented the proceeds of his drug trafficking. Matthews, a previously convicted felon, further admitted to possessing a loaded, privately manufactured .357 caliber semi-automatic pistol (aka a “ghost gun”) to guard against the potential theft of his drugs and proceeds. Matthews was initially arrested by APD officers after he was observed firing the pistol into a telephone pole outside his residence.
Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also ordered that Matthews forfeit the $11,966 seized from his apartment, and that he serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including APD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
16 Defendants Charged in 112-Count Indictment Alleging Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Stolen Mail SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Sixteen individuals are facing federal bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges alleging their participation in a stolen mail scheme in and around the Americus, Georgia, community and Florida amounting to more than $165,000.
The federal indictment was returned on Feb. 15 charging the following defendants:
Jalen Tylee Hill aka “Roscoe Hill,” 24, of Americus, is charged with 68 counts of bank fraud, one count of fraud in connection with identification documents, 42 counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to possess stolen mail. On each count if convicted, Hill faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for bank fraud, a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for fraud in connection with identification documents, two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for aggravated identity theft and a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 for possession of stolen mail;
Tyavia Deashia Richardson, 21, of Edison, Georgia, is charged with three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Richardson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Quontavius Markee Hill, 31, of Americus, is charged with six counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Hill faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Laquashia Nichole French, 25, of Americus, is charged with six counts of bank fraud. If convicted, French faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Accacia Gordon, 25, of Americus, is charged with 13 counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Dekeyvia Moasha Blackshear, 22, of Leslie, Georgia, is charged with two counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Blackshear faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Jenetta Small, 27, of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with four counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Small faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Jazmon Lace Whitehead, 29, of Oglethorpe, Georgia, is charged with seven counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Whitehead faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Chasity Lacole Wellons, 28, of Cordele, Georgia is charged with three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Wellons faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Kelbresha Danielle Thomas, 28, of Montezuma, Georgia, is charged with four counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Kimbreyanna Andranique Peeples, 21, of Butler, Georgia, is charged with two counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Peeples faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Victoria Carter, 23, of Americus, is charged with one count of bank fraud. If convicted, Carter faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;
Chelsea Ja’Nay Tullis, 26, of Americus, is charged with one count of bank fraud. If convicted, Tullis faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;
Janita Bre’Shaye Terry, 22, of Columbus, is charged with four counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Terry faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count;
Shaneria Sharae Murray, 31, of Ellaville, Georgia, is charged with two counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Murray faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; and
Mercedes Lashon Brown, 24, of Americus, is charged with three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Brown faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.
Defendant Jalen “Roscoe” Hill remains at-large; the remaining defendants were taken into custody on Feb. 23. Those defendants had initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Q. Langstaff on Feb. 23. Quontavius Hill was ordered detained today, Feb. 28. Individuals with information regarding Jalen “Roscoe” Hill’s whereabouts can contact the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office at (770) 216-3000 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
According to the indictment, Jalen Hill and others would allegedly steal checks out of residential and commercial mailboxes around Americus, as well as other locations in Georgia and Florida. Jalen Hill is alleged to have recruited his co-defendants via social media to cash the checks at various banks and used other people’s means of identification to commit bank fraud on 14 occasions. In addition, Jalen Hill is alleged to have used the stolen identities of 28 people. The total amount of theft alleged in the indictment is $165,743.68.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, the U.S Secret Service (USSS) and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tuesday 28 February 2023
Watertown Man Charged with Several Counts of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Watertown, South Dakota, man for two counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Ted Jeffrey Hurkes, age 44, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 24, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life years of supervised release, and $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 2, 2022, and again on November 12, 2022, Hurkes knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
The Indictment also alleges that between on or about October 2, 2022, and January 13, 2023, Hurkes knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Hurkes is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Hurkes was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 2, 2023.
WFBMC Agrees to Pay U.S. $754,585 Following Documentation Issues Relating to Therapy Services at Wilkesboro Skilled Nursing FacilityRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC) has agreed to pay the government $754,585 to resolve an overpayment resulting from improper documentation at the Wilkes Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit (“Wilkes SNU”), announced U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston.
WFBMC acquired Wilkes Medical Center, including the Wilkes SNU, on July 1, 2017. The United States contends that between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2019, the Wilkes Medical Center submitted or caused to be submitted claims to Medicare for physical and occupational therapy services provided to patients at the Wilkes SNU that were not supported by documentation.
The United States initiated its investigation when a whistleblower filed a lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. WFBMC cooperated with the United States’ investigation and took remedial actions to address the issues discovered during the investigation.
“Medical facilities that submit claims to Medicare must ensure that those claims are supported by documentation and are medically necessary,” said Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “This office is dedicated to protecting federal health care programs and ensuring that the government does not pay for unsupported claims.”
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina with assistance from Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Cook v. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center et al., No. 20-CV-386 (M.D.N.C.). The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The Settlement Agreement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by WFBMC.
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Visalia Man Charged with Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal magistrate judge issued an arrest warrant based on a complaint for Angel Uriarte, 35, of Visalia, charging him with assault on a federal officer involving a weapon, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
“The shots fired at the ATF agents executing the search and arrest warrants in this case underscore the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement face,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We are forever in the debt of the federal agents who willingly serve and protect us every day. Those who attempt to use deadly force against a federal officer engaged in his or her duties should expect to face a federal prosecution that employs the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice.”
“The FBI is committed to thoroughly investigate any assault on a federal officer, a violation of federal law that falls within our jurisdiction,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Assaults on federal agents and/or task force officers are serious crimes that deserve our full attention. We appreciate the support of all investigative agencies involved to ensure a thorough investigation in pursuit of justice.”
“Personnel with the ATF San Francisco Field Division and ATF’s Special Response Team 4 were serving a search and arrest warrant for a defendant connected to the recent six-person homicide in Goshen,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “During service of these warrants, the defendant responded by shooting at ATF agents. Our team responded with an appropriate level of force and professionalism to disarm and take the defendant into custody, and protect the community from further harm. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the community from violent crime and hold those accountable who choose to commit violent crime.”
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux stated, “As the Sheriff of Tulare County, I am thankful that all aspects of the Goshen mass shooting are being identified, and the egregious felony acts, including this shooting at agents, are being addressed.”
According to court documents, on Feb. 3, 2023, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in serving warrants related to a January 2023 murder in Goshen in which six victims were killed. One of the warrants was for the arrest of Angel Uriarte on murder charges arising from those murders. The other was for a residence in Visalia where evidence showed Uriarte was located.
The ATF Special Response Team (SRT) began efforts to serve the warrant. Prior to making entry into the residence, the SRT announced their presence over a public address system and directed that the residents come out with their hands up. Several residents exited the residence, but Uriarte was not one of them. After a period of time passed, agents began to prepare to make entry into the residence. As this occurred, Uriarte ran through the yard and fired a gun in the direction of the home and ATF agents. He then fired three rounds at an ATF agent, who returned fire striking and wounding Uriarte. Agents rendered medical aid.
Agents found a Bersa .380 semi-automatic pistol near where Uriarte fell. Uriarte has a 2014 felony conviction for assault with a firearm on a person for which he had been sentenced to seven years in prison.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, and other agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio J. Pataca and Stephanie M. Stokman are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of assault on a federal officer, Uriarte faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence and a fine of up to $250,000, and if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
United States Enters into Consent Decrees with Principals of CISNE NY Construction, Inc. for Violating Lead Paint Safety RulesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States entered into Consent Decrees settling a civil lawsuit against the principals of CISNE NY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (“CISNE”) — EDISON RUILOVA and JOSE PACCHA — for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”) and EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (“RRP Rule”). Defendants violated provisions of TSCA and the RRP Rule that protect public health by reducing the risk of lead poisoning during renovations in residential buildings that may contain lead paint.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “CISNE NY Construction, Inc. put the public health at risk by failing to abide by lead-safe work practices during renovations of residential buildings. These consent decrees will help ensure that CISNE NY’s principals abide by safety standards moving forward and send a message that companies and the individuals that run them cannot prioritize profits over complying with health and safety regulations.”EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said: “Protecting children from the harmful effects of lead exposure is a top priority for EPA. In New York, where most housing predates the 1978 federal ban on lead in residential paint, lead exposure is a critical public health concern, particularly for children. Exposure to chips and dust from lead-based paint can cause irreversible brain damage and other debilitating effects, making it essential for renovators to be certified and trained in lead-safe work practices and to implement these practices when disturbing lead-based paint in homes. EPA remains committed to enforcing these vital federal requirements and increasing accountability and awareness to safeguard families and workers from lead exposure.”
The Consent Decrees, which are subject to public comment and approval by the District Court, would resolve a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court in 2022, which alleged that CISNE, its principals EDISON RUILOVA and JOSE PACCHA, and several related entities, violated TSCA and the RRP Rule in the course of renovating several Manhattan apartment buildings. The lawsuit also alleged that the same defendants violated TSCA and the RRP Rule by failing to provide EPA with records necessary to enable EPA to monitor the defendants’ compliance.
In the Consent Decrees entered today, JOSE PACCHA and EDISON RUILOVA admitted, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility for the fact that they were the principals of CISNE who were responsible for ensuring the firm’s compliance with the RRP Rule in 2017 and 2018 and that CISNE “violated the RRP Rule and TSCA” as a result of the following conduct during two Manhattan renovation projects:
- Failing to obtain an RRP firm certification prior to conducting renovation work;
- Failing to have a certified renovator direct the renovations and to ensure that all other persons performing the renovations received training on lead-safe work practices;
- Failing to post warning signs defining the work areas and cautioning occupants and other persons not involved in the renovation activities to keep out;
- Failing to provide an EPA pamphlet on lead hazards, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools, to the owner of the units being renovated;
- Failing to contain the renovation work areas to minimize the risk of lead exposure;
- Failing to clean the work areas after the renovations were completed to ensure that no dust, debris, or residue remained in those areas; and
- Failing to make available to EPA the records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the RRP Rule.
* * *
Pursuant to the Consent Decrees, EDISON RUILOVA and JOSE PACCHA will each pay $25,000 in civil penalties, an amount based on each individual’s documented inability to pay the full civil penalty for which he otherwise would be liable. Further, the Consent Decrees require each individual to receive training before conducting future RRP Rule-covered work and require them to operate any future renovation firm that they own, operate, or control in compliance with safe work practices and other RRP Rule requirements. Failure to comply with the Consent Decrees will result in significant additional penalties.
To provide public notice and afford members of the public the opportunity to comment on the Consent Decrees, the Consent Decrees will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days before it is submitted for the Court’s approval.
Mr. Williams thanked the attorneys and enforcement staff at EPA Region 2 for their critical work in this matter.
This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zack Bannon is in charge of the case.
Paccha_Consent_Decree.pdf Ruilova_Consent_Decree.pdfUnited States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure PolicyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the implementation of the new United States Attorney’s Offices’ Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy. The policy, which is effective immediately, details the circumstances under which a company will be considered to have made a voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) of misconduct to a United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), and provides transparency and predictability to companies and the defense bar concerning the concrete benefits and potential outcomes in cases where companies voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, fully cooperate and timely and appropriately remediate.
The goal of the policy is to standardize how VSDs are defined and credited by USAOs nationwide, and to incentivize companies to maintain effective compliance programs capable of identifying misconduct, to expeditiously and voluntarily disclose and remediate misconduct, and to cooperate fully with the government in corporate criminal investigations. The policy was developed pursuant to the Deputy Attorney General’s September 15, 2022 memorandum, “Further Revisions to Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policies Following Discussions with Corporate Crime Advisory Group” (Monaco Memo), which directed each Department of Justice (DOJ) component that prosecutes corporate crime to review its policies on corporate voluntary self-disclosure and, if there was no formal written policy to incentivize self-disclosure, draft and publicly share such a policy.
Under the new VSD policy, a company is considered to have made a VSD if it becomes aware of misconduct by employees or agents before that misconduct is publicly reported or otherwise known to the DOJ, and discloses all relevant facts known to the company about the misconduct to a USAO in a timely fashion prior to an imminent threat of disclosure or government investigation. A company that voluntarily self-discloses as defined in the policy and fully meets the other requirements of the policy, by—in the absence of any aggravating factor—fully cooperating and timely and appropriately remediating the criminal conduct (including agreeing to pay all disgorgement, forfeiture, and restitution resulting from the misconduct), will receive significant benefits, including that the USAO will not seek a guilty plea; may choose not to impose any criminal penalty, and in any event will not impose a criminal penalty that is greater than 50% below the low end of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) fine range; and will not seek the imposition of an independent compliance monitor if the company demonstrates that it has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
The policy identifies three aggravating factors that may warrant a USAO seeking a guilty plea even if the other requirements of the VSD policy are met: (1) if the misconduct poses a grave threat to national security, public health, or the environment; (2) if the misconduct is deeply pervasive throughout the company; or (3) if the misconduct involved current executive management of the company. The presence of an aggravating factor does not necessarily mean that a guilty plea will be required; instead, the USAO will assess the relevant facts and circumstances to determine the appropriate resolution. If a guilty plea is ultimately required, the company will still receive the other benefits under the VSD policy, including that the USAO will recommend a criminal penalty of at least a 50% and up to a 75% reduction off the low end of the USSG fine range, and that the USAO will not require the appointment of a monitor if the company has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
In cases where a company is being jointly prosecuted by a USAO and another DOJ component, or where the misconduct reported by the company falls within the scope of conduct covered by VSD policies administered by other DOJ components, the USAO will coordinate with, or, if necessary, obtain approval from, the DOJ component responsible for the VSD policy specific to the reported misconduct when considering a potential resolution. Consistent with relevant provisions of the Justice Manual and as allowable under alternate VSD policies, the USAO may choose to apply any provision of an alternate VSD policy in addition to, or in place of, any provision of its policy.
United States & Tennessee Settle False Claims Act Allegations Against Three Medical ProvidersRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Three Tennessee medical providers have agreed to settle allegations of False Claims Acts violations relating to the submission of claims seeking reimbursement for autonomic nervous system testing, announced U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
The United States and Tennessee contend that: Premier Internal Medicine of Giles County, PLLC (Premier) violated the False Claims Act and the Tennessee Medicaid False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting claims for non-reimbursable and/or medically unnecessary autonomic nervous system testing during the period of January 2, 2015, through April 28, 2021. As a result of the settlement, Premier will pay $440,518.84, of which $264,050.17 is restitution.
Christine King-Patterson (King), a medical practitioner at a former medical practice in Waverly, Tennessee, violated the FCA by submitting claims for non-reimbursable and/or medically unnecessary autonomic nervous system testing during the period of January 2, 2015, through December 31, 2020. King will pay $126,988.65, of which $82,118.36 is restitution.
Monica Masingale, formerly a nurse practitioner in Englewood, Tennessee, violated the FCA by submitting claims for non-reimbursable and/or medically unnecessary autonomic nervous system testing during the period of February 1, 2015, through October 30, 2019. Masingale will pay $315,000 in restitution under the terms of the settlement.
Of the $882,50749 in settlements, the United States will receive $639,551.41 and Tennessee will receive $242,956.08.
The civil claims resolved by these settlements are allegations. There has been no determination or admission of liability.
These matters were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara F. Sweet of the Middle District of Tennessee and Senior Assistant Attorney General Tony Hullender of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
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U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson Statement in Recognition of Black History MonthRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada issued the following statement from United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson in recognition of Black History Month:
“As our celebration of Black History Month comes to a close this year, I would like to acknowledge the generations that have come before us as well as those who continue their work advancing justice and equality in our country. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has joined communities throughout Nevada to celebrate African American history and culture, and have paid tribute to individuals whose achievements impacted our community and society as a whole. We acknowledge individuals at all levels who work today to advance the Department of Justice’s mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.
I am humbled to serve as the first African American to hold the position of United States Attorney in the District of Nevada. As we strive to reflect the community that we serve, I am also proud that we have more African American Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of Nevada than ever before. It is an honor to work alongside dedicated Assistant United States Attorneys, professional staff, law enforcement partners, and community organizations to make Nevada a safer place to live and work.”
Tulsan Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing a 7-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
A Tulsan who sexually abused a young child for approximately one year was sentenced Monday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary sentenced Robert William Perry II, 32, to life in federal prison. In May, Perry was found guilty at trial for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and for abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country.
“Robert Perry’s crimes are despicable. The defendant repeatedly abused a 7-year-old girl for whom the defendant was responsible,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This week, the Court made it clear that Perry’s predatory crimes and blame shifting warranted a lifetime in federal prison.”
During the hearing, the judge called Perry’s actions intentional and manipulative. He reflected on the long-term trauma the child would have to live with then noted that protecting children was one of society’s highest duties.
Perry sexually abused the minor from May 6, 2017, to May 15, 2018,. Prosecutors contended that Perry would coerce the young child into sex acts then “reward” her with candy, other items, and the opportunity to play video games in what the defendant termed as a “man cave,” a closet where Perry regularly played video games and watched pornography. Most of the abuse occurred in the closet while the child was in the defendant's care. The child eventually told a friend at school about the abuse. Another student overheard the discussion and reported it to her teacher. The teacher had a conversation with the victim, who then disclosed the abuse and wrote about it. The teacher reported the crimes to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
In a forensic interview, the young child was initially hesitant to speak about the abuse but indicated that Perry made her keep secrets. She eventually drew a picture of the abuse when she was examined by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She also testified about the abuse at an earlier state trial and at the federal trial in May 2022.
Perry was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court in 2020, but the conviction was later dismissed because the state lacked jurisdiction to prosecute the case following the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v Oklahoma. Perry is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the crimes occurred within the tribe’s reservation. Only the federal government or tribes have jurisdiction to prosecute cases that occur in Indian Country that involve Native American defendants.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex M. Scott and Valeria G. Luster prosecuted the case.
*Note: The defendant, Robert Perry II, now identifies as she/her.
Staten Island Gang Member Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a five-count indictment was unsealed charging Justin Dixon, a member of the Crips street gang, with sex trafficking, coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and felon in possession. On February 6, 2023, Dixon was arraigned on a complaint before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl and a permanent order of detention was issued.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the indictment.
As set forth in court filings, in January 2023, Dixon allegedly used violence and threats of violence to compel the commission of commercial sex acts by a 14-year-old minor for his financial benefit. Dixon transported the minor victim – as well as other women – to a small geographical area off of Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn, which is known as the “Penn Track” or the “Blade.” Dixon would then force the women to engage in prostitution and demanded that the proceeds of prostitution be turned over to him. Any resistance from the victims was met with violence.
Dixon used social media and other internet applications to establish relationships with potential victims, groom them and manipulate them into working for him as prostitutes. The 14-year-old minor was forced to live in a Staten Island house, along with Dixon and various other women. In that house, Dixon continued to enslave the women by forcing them to clean the house, cook for him and bathe him. The defendant would not allow the women to be clothed inside the house and would physically punish the women if they disobeyed any of these rules.
The investigation revealed that the defendant would call Jane Doe “tiny,” presumably due to her petite figure as a small fourteen-year-old. Dixon constantly overfed Jane Doe and consistently told her that she needed to eat more, in order to look older than her current age. The defendant also told Jane Doe he was arranging a trip to Florida for Jane Doe to have plastic surgery, including breast implants, in order to make her appear older than her current age.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of sex trafficking of a minor through force, fraud and coercion, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison.
If you are a victim or have information, there are several ways to contact the FBI: send a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. They are ready to work with you in your native language, regardless of your immigration status.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Elbert and Lorena Michelen.
The Defendant:
JUSTIN DIXON
Age: 32
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-90
Springfield, Illinois Man Sentenced to 60 Months and One Day in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois man, Jason Craig, 46, of the 2000 block of Normandy Road, has been sentenced to 60 months and one day for possession with intent to distribute a substance containing cocaine base (crack), possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Craig was indicted in November of 2019 and pleaded guilty in June of 2022.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute are not more than 20 years in prison, not more than a $1,000,000 fine, and not less than 3 years of supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime are not less than five years and up to life in prison, not more than a $250,000 fine, and not more than 5 years of supervised release.
The Springfield Police Department, Illinois State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Craig 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.
South Carolina Man Who Trafficked Guns into Connecticut Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Marquis Jerome Pollard, 42, of Yemassee, South Carolina, was sentenced by the United States District Court in Connecticut to 96 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses related to an illegal gun trafficking operation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the Spring of 2021, ATF Task Force officers learned that Pollard used straw purchasers to obtain firearms in South Carolina, and sold the firearms in Connecticut. On April 19, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of a 9mm Glock handgun and a drum magazine from Pollard and Quinn Mooring in New Haven, Connecticut, in exchange for $1,500. The firearm was one of five 9mm handguns that had been purchased by an individual at a pawn shop in Port Royal, South Carolina, in the month prior to the transaction in Connecticut.
On May 3, 2021, investigators surveilled the firearm purchaser as he picked up two additional handguns from the Port Royal firearm dealer and traveled to a restaurant parking lot in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he transferred them to Pollard. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Pollard, he fled in his vehicle at a high rate of speed. Pollard drove on sidewalks and over curbs during the pursuit, and was eventually apprehended in a residential neighborhood after abandoning his car and attempting to flee on foot. Investigators recovered three firearms from his vehicle, including the two handguns that he received in the restaurant parking lot, and a loaded .40 caliber pistol with a 30-round magazine.
The investigation revealed that Pollard paid two separate straw purchasers to acquire at least 17 firearms for him. In addition to the two handguns that were seized from Pollard’s vehicle and the 9mm handgun that investigators purchased from Pollard in New Haven in April 2021, five additional firearms have been recovered by law enforcement. One was recovered from a felon in New Haven in June 2021; one was recovered from the scene of a shooting in Hamden, Connecticut; one was recovered after it was used in a shooting in New Haven; one was recovered from a juvenile in South Carolina after it had been used in multiple crimes; and one was recovered earlier this month in Hamden from an individual who was fleeing from law enforcement in possession of the firearm and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine. Nine firearms have not been recovered.
Pollard’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Pollard was charged by indictments in both the District of Connecticut and in the District of South Carolina. The South Carolina case was transferred to Connecticut for further prosecution.
Pollard has been detained since his arrest. On October 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
On January 13, 2022, Mooring, of New Haven, pleaded guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon. He awaits sentencing.
The individuals who purchased firearms for Pollard in South Carolina were charged and convicted in the District of South Carolina.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); West Haven, Connecticut, Police Department; New Haven, Connecticut, Police Department; Beaufort, South Carolina, Police Department; and Beaufort County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra J. Henderson in the District of South Carolina and Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman in the District of Connecticut.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
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Seven Defendants Sentenced for Defrauding Federal Program That Provided Technology Funding for Rockland County SchoolsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the sentencing of all seven defendants who previously pled guilty to defrauding the federal “E-Rate” program, designed to provide information technology to underprivileged schools, in connection with E-Rate funds provided to private religious schools in Rockland County, New York. PERETZ KLEIN, BEN KLEIN, MOSHE SCHWARTZ, SIMON GOLDBRENER, SHOLEM STEINBERG, ARON MELBER, and SUSAN KLEIN had each pled guilty in White Plains federal court to one count of conspiring against the United States and were sentenced in proceedings held between June 2022 and today. PERETZ KLEIN was sentenced to 48 months in prison; BEN KLEIN was sentenced to 27 months in prison; MOSHE SCHWARTZ was sentenced to 27 months in prison; SIMON GOLBRENER was sentenced to 24 months in prison; SHOLEM STEINBERG was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison; AARON MELBER was sentenced to nine months in prison; and SUSAN KLEIN was sentenced to time served. U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas imposed all sentences.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The seven defendants who have now pled guilty in this case sought to steal from our most vulnerable population: economically disadvantaged children. The defendants created elaborate schemes with complete disregard for the fact that the money they selfishly stole should have gone towards providing children with much-needed technology to further their education and brighten their future. Each defendant now faces serious penalties for their callous crime.”
According to the allegations made in the Indictment and the Informations to which the defendants pled guilty, as well as the defendants’ admissions in court:
The E-Rate program distributes funds to schools and libraries mostly serving economically disadvantaged children so that those institutions can afford needed telecommunication services, internet access, and related equipment. Over 30,000 applications from schools and libraries seeking funds to serve economically disadvantaged children were received each year during the relevant time period, and every year, requests for E-Rate funds have exceeded funds available. In order to obtain those funds, educational institutions certify that they are purchasing equipment and services from a private vendor. If approved, the program defrays the cost by up to 90%. The educational institution is supposed to enter into an open bidding process in order to select a vendor, and the educational institution and vendor then submit a series of certifications that they comply with a number of requirements of the E-Rate program. A school applying for E-Rate funds may employ a consultant, but that consultant must be independent of the vendors competing to sell E-Rate funded equipment and services.
The schools at issue in this case never received millions of dollars’ worth of these items and services for which the defendants billed the E-Rate program. In other cases, the schools and the defendants requested hundreds of thousands of dollars of sophisticated technology that served no real purpose for the student population. For example, from 2009 through 2015, one day care center that served toddlers from the ages of two through four requested over $700,000 – nearly $500,000 of which was ultimately funded – for equipment and services – including video conferencing and distance learning, a “media master system,” sophisticated telecommunications systems supporting at least 23 lines, and high-speed internet – from companies controlled by certain defendants. In still other instances, the schools received equipment and services that fulfilled the functions for which the schools had requested E-Rate funds (such as providing the school with internet access), but the schools and the defendants materially overbilled the E-Rate program for the items provided in order to enrich themselves at the expense of the underprivileged children the program was designed to serve.
The defendants also perverted the fair and open bidding process required by the E‑Rate program. Defendants who held themselves out as independent consultants working for the schools in truth worked for and were paid by other defendants who controlled vendor companies. These defendants presented the schools with forms to sign or certify, awarding E-Rate funded contracts to companies owned by several defendants. As a result of false and misleading filings, the defendants received millions of dollars in E-Rate funds for equipment and services that they did not, in fact, provide and which the schools did not use, and the defendants purporting to act as consultants accepted payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the vendors, despite falsely presenting themselves as independent of the vendors.
In return for their participation in the scheme to defraud the E‑Rate program, certain schools and school officials received a variety of improper benefits from certain defendants, including a percentage of the funds fraudulently obtained from E-Rate for equipment and services that were not, in fact, provided to the schools; free items paid for with E-Rate funds but not authorized by the program, such as cellphones for school employees’ personal use and alarm systems and security equipment (which the E-Rate program does not authorize) installed at the schools; and free services for which the E-Rate program authorizes partial reimbursement (such as internet access) but for which the schools did not – contrary to their statements in filings – make any payment at all.
PERETZ KLEIN, SUSAN KLEIN, BEN KLEIN, and SHOLEM STEINBERG held themselves out as vendors to schools participating in the E‑Rate program. Corporations controlled by these defendants requested over $35 million in E‑Rate funds and received over $14 million in E‑Rate funds from in or about 2010 to in or about 2016. Each of these defendants has now admitted that the companies they controlled did not, in fact, provide much of the equipment for which they billed the federal government.
SIMON GOLDBRENER and MOSHE SCHWARTZ held themselves out as consultants who worked for educational institutions supposedly helping schools to participate in the E-Rate program by, among other things, holding a fair and open bidding process to select cost-effective vendors. GOLDBRENER and SCHWARTZ have now admitted that they were, in fact, paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by the vendors to complete and file false E-Rate documents that circumvented the bidding process and resulted in the payment of millions of dollars to the vendors.
ARON MELBER was an official at a private religious school in Rockland County, New York, that participated in the E-Rate program with some of the defendants. MELBER has now admitted that he filed false certifications with the E-Rate program, falsely claiming to have obtained authorized E‑Rate funded equipment and services from vendors selected through a fair and open bidding process.
Each defendant pled guilty to one count of a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
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PERETZ KLEIN, 68, of Spring Valley, New York, was sentenced on June 8, 2022, to 48 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $1,144,288.37 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
BEN KLEIN, 43, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced on October 19, 2022, to 27 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $412,586.37 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
MOSHE SCHWARTZ, 50, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced on June 9, 2022, to 27 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $275,160.00 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
SIMON GOLDBRENER, 59, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, to 24 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $479,357.18 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
SHOLEM STEINBERG, 43, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, to 12 months and one day in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $191,423.50 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
ARON MELBER, 47, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to nine months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $127,654.55 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
SUSAN KLEIN, 62, of Spring Valley, New York, was sentenced on June 8, 2022, to time served followed by 12 months of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $1,144,288.37 and to pay restitution of the same amount.
Mr. Williams thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Communications Commission - Office of the Inspector General, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work on the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Maimin, Hagan Scotten, and Vladislav Vainberg are in charge of the prosecution.
Serial Con Artist Sentenced to 51 Months in Connection with Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TRACII SHOW HUTSONA was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for her embezzlement of more than one million dollars as part of a confidence scheme. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Not long after serving a lengthy sentence for a previous federal conviction, Tracii Show Hutsona betrayed her employer’s trust by misusing her employer’s financial information to fund her own luxury lifestyle for years. Her desire to live the high life at the expense of her victim has placed her back where she began — facing another substantial federal sentence.”
According to public court filings and statements made in Court:
Between October 2015 and November 2019, SHOW HUTSONA engaged in a confidence scheme to embezzle over a million dollars from a victim (the “Victim”). The Victim hired SHOW HUTSONA to serve as a personal assistant at the Victim’s home and trusted SHOW HUTSONA with access to the Victim’s financial information. Just a few months after she was hired, and while SHOW HUTSONA was on supervised release in connection with a previous federal fraud conviction in California, SHOW HUTSONA began using that access to finance her own luxury lifestyle.
In February 2016, SHOW HUTSONA opened a credit card account in the Victim’s name without the Victim’s knowledge or authorization. In September 2018, after the Victim learned about significant expenditures from the Victim’s financial accounts, the Victim confronted SHOW HUTSONA, who confessed that she had used the Victim’s financial accounts for her own personal use and repeatedly apologized to the Victim. Shortly thereafter, SHOW HUTSONA and the Victim signed an agreement, which stated, among other things, that SHOW HUTSONA had obtained an “additional user card” (the “User Card”) and that SHOW HUTSONA “had been using [the Victim’s] account since July 2016.” The agreement further stated that SHOW HUTSONA needed to repay $307,498.02 to the Victim. Having regained the Victim’s trust, in the days and months after executing the agreement with the Victim, SHOW HUTSONA continued to use the Victim’s financial accounts without permission, including through use of the User Card, which SHOW HUTSONA had represented to the Victim had been destroyed.
In September 2019, the Victim terminated her relationship with SHOW HUTSONA after discovering additional unauthorized charges made by SHOW HUTSONA. The Victim reported fraudulent expenditures on the Victim’s financial accounts to her bank. During the bank’s subsequent investigation, SHOW HUTSONA faxed the bank a fraudulent “Power of Attorney” document (the “Power of Attorney”), which appeared to be signed by the Victim and notarized. The Power of Attorney stated that SHOW HUTSONA would serve as the Victim’s “attorney-in-fact” and have control over the Victim’s “Banking and other financial institution transactions.” In fact, the Victim did not provide SHOW HUTSONA with any such power of attorney, the Victim did not sign the document, and the notary did not notarize it.
During the scheme, SHOW HUTSONA, without authorization, added herself as an additional account holder to at least two checking accounts and a savings account maintained by the Victim and obtained multiple credit cards in her own name but drawn on accounts of the Victim (collectively, the “Fraud Accounts”). Over the course of approximately four years, SHOW HUTSONA used the Fraud Accounts to steal over $1 million from the Victim. SHOW HUTSONA used the proceeds of her fraud scheme to make payments to SHOW HUTSONA’s concierge business and for personal expenses, such as mobile phones, restaurants and nightclubs, luxury hotels, and jewelry. To cover the purchases, SHOW HUTSONA transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Fraud Accounts from a checking account of the Victim and two 529 college savings accounts maintained by the Victim on behalf of the Victim’s children.
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In addition to her prison term, SHOW HUTSONA, 54, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. She was further ordered to forfeit $1,148,759.28 and to pay restitution in the amount of $1,148,759.28.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the United States Secret Service and the New York City Police Department.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy V. Capozzi is in charge of the prosecution.
San Diego Resident Charged for Maintaining a Steroid Distribution Center in Spring ValleyRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office unsealed a complaint today charging San Diego resident Edgar Lopez Feliciano with maintaining a steroid distribution center in Spring Valley. As detailed in the complaint, Feliciano’s network is allegedly involved in the creation and distribution of significant quantities of anabolic steroids throughout the United States.
In a coordinated takedown that took place today, federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers arrested Feliciano and executed search warrants at the steroid distribution center in Spring Valley and Feliciano’s personal residence in Poway. During the searches, agents seized a large amount of anabolic steroids - estimated to be hundreds of thousands of individual dosage-units. They also seized more than $25,000 in U.S. currency, six Rolex watches and other luxury jewelry, and multiple high-end luxury vehicles including a 2023 Mercedes Maybach S580 and a 2023 Mercedes AMG G63.
During the investigation, agents learned that Feliciano allegedly purchases his anabolic steroid powders from sources of supply located in China and Turkey and then uses the steroid powders to create and manufacture anabolic steroids for distribution throughout the United States through the U.S. Mail system. According to postal meter readings, law enforcement officials estimate that Feliciano distributed more than 10,000 parcels containing anabolic steroids between June 2022 and August 2022 and until his arrest continued to distribute anabolic steroids from the distribution center in Spring Valley on a daily basis.
According to the complaint, between 2018 and 2021, agents identified multiple financial accounts held by Feliciano with the total amount of deposits into these accounts being approximately $7 million, and more than $2.5 million in wire transfers sent from these accounts to overseas entities believed to be involved in the production and distribution of Schedule III Controlled Substances.
“The complaint alleges a national steroid distribution network operating in the San Diego community,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will continue to work closely with our federal and local partners to prosecute those who traffic in controlled substances using our U.S. mail system.”
Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“According to the complaint, the defendant was manufacturing and trafficking illicitly produced anabolic steroids,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “DEA and our state and local partners will continue to actively pursue drug traffickers whether they are trafficking illicit drugs or controlled substances.”
“The best way to disrupt and dismantle any criminal organization is to follow the money and take ill-gotten gains,” said Tyler Hatcher Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation's Los Angeles Field Office, “IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our partners in investigating this case.”
“This investigation shows our persistence and dedication in protecting the U.S. Mail from criminal misuse and disrupting the flow of these dangerous drugs being trafficked in our communities,” said Carroll Harris, Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division. “The arrest of Feliciano demonstrates our collaborative efforts to continue to work closely with our partners to identify and prosecute those who are seeking a profit at the expense of the public safety.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23MJ0630-BLM
Edgar Lopez Feliciano Age: 54 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 856(a)(1) and (2)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fineAGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Internal Revenue Service
United States Postal Inspection Service
*The charges and allegations contained in a complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Roundup man admits coercing minor girl to produce sexually explicit imagesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Roundup man today admitted allegations that he coerced a minor girl into producing sexually explicit images of herself after providing the girl with a laptop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Marshall Vincent Lucas, 42, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement. Lucas faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to a lifetime in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lucas was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021, Lucas provided the victim, Jane Doe 1, who is under the age of 16 years, with a laptop for purposes of communicating with her. Lucas had met Jane Doe 1 through her mother. Lucas began to correspond with Jane Doe 1 using an alias. Through electronic and in-person communications, Lucas asked Jane Doe 1 how she felt about him and requested nude pictures of her. Lucas persisted, and Jane Doe 1 ultimately provided him with nude pictures of herself that she produced as his direction. Lucas also sent Jane Doe 1 nude pictures of himself and instructed her to delete electronic communications between them.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Janard D. Warnick, 30, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated Warnick sold cocaine for profit and maintained a Clifford Avenue residence in Rochester to store, process, and sell controlled substances. On February 23, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the Clifford Avenue residence, seizing approximately 61 grams of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, approximately two grams of crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also recovered three firearms and a variety of ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 9, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Rochester Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jerry Wesson, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on September 23, 2022, Wesson was wanted by the Rochester Police Department for an assault that had allegedly occurred on July 25, 2022. At approximately 12:30 p.m., officers saw Wesson in a van on Champlain Street and took him into custody. At that time, Wesson possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol and ammunition. In In October 2012, and July 2018, Wesson was convicted of felonies in Monroe County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Robbinsdale Felon Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Robbinsdale man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, to be served consecutively to a prior sentence of 70 months for illegal possession of a firearm, followed by three years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, on December 15, 2021, Travon Lavelle Blackman, 26, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright, for a felon in possession conviction. Blackman failed to surrender himself to begin his sentence, and a federal warrant for his arrest was issued by the Court.
According to court documents, on April 5, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at a Robbinsdale apartment associated with Blackman and arrested him on the federal arrest warrant. During the search of the apartment, investigators discovered a Glock, model 21 Gen 4, .45-caliber pistol, with an attached high-capacity magazine, loaded with 18 rounds, on the floor of the bedroom closet. The firearm had an attached auto-sear or “switch,” enabling the firearm to fire as a fully automatic weapon, and the slide lock appeared to be glued into place. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Eden Prairie in May 2019. The defendant’s fingerprints were found on the firearm. Because Blackman has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time.
On August 29, 2022, Blackman pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. Blackman was sentenced February 24, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Robbinsdale Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Readout of the Justice Department’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative MeetingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative convened a virtual listening session today with representatives from organizations serving veterans. The listening session was part of the Civil Rights Division’s celebration of Black History Month. The discussion focused on issues faced by Black veterans, particularly in the transition from military to civilian life, and the programs and resources available to help them. The meeting participants also discussed the civil legal needs of veterans with regard to access to veteran benefits, housing, homelessness and child custody.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke welcomed the participants and described the Division’s role in protecting servicemembers and veterans from discrimination and unfair treatment. Other Justice Department attendees included representatives from the Office for Access to Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Justice Management Division and Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys.
Representatives of organizations serving veterans also participated in the discussion. They include, among others, the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Association of Black Military Women, the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center and several law school veteran legal services clinics.
The Servicemember and Veterans Initiative, housed in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, works to ensure that the rights of the brave men and women of our Nation’s armed forces, and the veterans who have served in the past, are safeguarded from discrimination and unfair treatment. To learn more about the Justice Department’s Servicemember and Veterans Initiative, please visit Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (justice.gov). To learn more about the Justice Department’s Office for Access to Justice, please visit Office for Access to Justice.
Philadelphia Man Found Guilty by Jury on Murder-For-Hire Charges; Attempted Homicide in Southwest Philadelphia ThwartedRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Darnell Jackson, a/k/a “Major Change,” 51, of Philadelphia, PA was convicted at trial of federal charges of murder-for-hire and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The defendant orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot which stemmed from an ongoing state drug trafficking investigation. On Monday, July 19, 2021, and in the days immediately following, Jackson communicated with an individual via cell phone calls and text messages in an effort to arrange the killing of a different individual (the intended victim), sending a photo of the intended victim and indicating that he was willing to pay $5,000 to someone to commit the murder. Once the individual reported to the defendant that he had located the intended victim, they allegedly agreed that the killing would occur on the evening of Wednesday, July 21st.
That same evening, the individual called Jackson to report that the intended victim had been killed, but this was actually false. In response, the defendant replied that he was on his way to meet the individual in order to pay him for carrying out the murder. A few minutes later, Jackson was stopped by law enforcement while driving a vehicle in the vicinity of 65th Street & Guyer Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. He was found in possession of a Glock-style Personally Manufactured Firearm (PMF or “ghost gun”) loaded with 16 live rounds of ammunition, and nowhere near the amount of $5,000. The defendant was immediately arrested and taken into custody pursuant to a Criminal Complaint.
“Every day, members of law enforcement agencies at all levels work tirelessly to prevent violent events from occurring in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “In this case, the work of the FBI and the Philadelphia Department of Police ensured the swift arrest and filing of a Criminal Complaint that stopped Darnell Jackson en route to an attempted murder plot.
“Darnell Jackson not only wanted his intended target dead, he was open to killing others in the process,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Given his lack of respect for human life, he belongs behind bars and that’s exactly where the jury’s verdict today will keep him. The FBI and Philadelphia Police Department are committed to working together and bringing all our resources to bear, to take violent criminals like Jackson off the street for the safety of all Philadelphians.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Field Office and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter.
Peoria Man Sentenced to Almost 22 years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Dante Latice Williams, 51, formerly of the 700 block of NE Madison Street, has been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Williams’ girlfriend and accomplice, Irene Belton, pled guilty in January 2022 and was sentenced to 43 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Darrow, the government presented evidence that on February 27, 2019, Belton drove Williams from Peoria to Galesburg in her van, knowing he was planning to rob a bank. The two ultimately picked First Mid Bank and Trust, 101 E. Main Street, Galesburg for their target robbery. Once in Galesburg, Belton experienced mechanical problems with the van, so she parked and waited in the van while Williams proceeded on to First Mid Bank and Trust. Upon arrival, Williams approached the teller counter and then demanded money. During the robbery, Williams was displaying a taser in a threatening manner and, on several occasions, caused the taser to discharge part of its electrical charge. In response to Williams’ threat, the teller handed him more than $2,000. Williams then met up with Belton where they used the ill-gained funds to make small purchases at local stores and restaurants. They were arrested in the parking lot of one of the local restaurants. At the time of their arrest, Belton had most of the stolen money in her purse, and Williams had the purple electrical discharge weapon in his coat. The disguise Williams wore was also located in the vehicle they had driven to Galesburg.
The Government also noted in its arguments that Williams had a long, storied history of convictions, starting with auto thefts at age 15, aggravated battery at age 17, armed robbery (a Class X felony) at the age of 28, and his first bank robbery in 2007 at the age of 36. After several violations, he was placed on supervised release in December 2018, just 3 months prior to the First Mid Bank and Trust robbery.
During the hearing, Judge Darrow commented on the profound impact that Williams actions had on the lives of the tellers he robbed. She also commented on Williams’ significant criminal history including the fact that he was on supervised release for bank robbery when he committed this bank robbery.
Williams originally pled guilty in November 2021, but his sentencing was delayed by a series of unsuccessful motions, an effort that he chose to abandon in December 2022. Williams has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for armed bank robbery are up to 25 years imprisonment, followed by up to 5 years of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas McMeyer stated that “this sentence should send a strong message that hurting others—even if only through threats—will not be tolerated.” He further praised the bravery and professionalism of the bank tellers who followed their training and likely prevented violence on that day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, The Knox County Sheriff’s Department, and the Galesburg Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas F. McMeyer represented the government in the prosecution.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced to 70 months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Pascagoula man was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Karlos Laton Brown, 41, was sentenced on February 27, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court documents, On September 11, 2018, FBI and MBN agents utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Karlos Brown and his co-defendant in the parking lot of Walmart on Denny Avenue in Pascagoula.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 17, 2022. He pled guilty on February 17, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison for Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Keith Ingersoll (46, Orlando) to nine years and one month in federal prison for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Ingersoll to forfeit $9,814,993.36 in proceeds traceable to the offense and ordered him to pay $12.748 million in restitution to the victims. Ingersoll had pleaded guilty on October 18, 2022.
According to court documents, in one conspiracy, Ingersoll and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained $12.7 million from a victim between 2016 and 2021. The co-conspirators falsely represented that the funds provided by the victim would be used as refundable deposits for specific real estate transactions, that the funds would be held in escrow by an attorney, and that the funds would be returned to the victim upon request. In fact, the funds were sent to two conspirators who were not licensed attorneys. Rather than retain the funds as had been promised, these conspirators diverted portions of the funds for their own personal benefit, including for luxury car rentals, travel, and adult entertainment and transferred the majority of the funds to Ingersoll. As part of the conspiracy, Ingersoll and other conspirators provided the victim with fake real estate purchase contracts and other documents that were not executed by the owners of the properties, but rather contained forged signatures or were executed using the names of fictitious individuals and that falsely represented the entities that owned the properties. Ingersoll and other conspirators also falsely claimed that specific entities and individuals had expressed interest in purchasing the real estate, when those potential buyers did not exist, had never been contacted about purchasing the real estate, or had declined to pursue a transaction.
When the victim requested a return of some of the funds, Ingersoll provided false excuses about why the funds could not be returned, including false claims that the purported escrow agent was in Costa Rica and was not allowed to leave that country due to having COVID-19.
In another conspiracy that took place in 2017, Ingersoll conspired to defraud a local government entity in the Middle District of Florida out of $262,000 through the straw purchase and markup of a piece of real estate. As part of that conspiracy, Ingersoll used his position as a consultant for the local government entity to find a straw purchaser to buy a piece of real estate. On the same day that the straw purchaser bought this real estate, Ingersoll caused the property to be transferred to the local government agency for an extra $262,000 above the purchase price. The $262,000 windfall was then divided amongst Ingersoll, the straw purchaser, and other conspirators.
In yet another scheme, on March 31, 2020, Ingersoll submitted a fraudulent application to the U.S. Small Business Administration seeking $66,500 in emergency COVID-19 funding in the form of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for a business controlled by him named “The Ingersoll Group.” In this application, Ingersoll made false representations regarding The Ingersoll Group’s revenues and costs in an attempt to fraudulently increase the amount of the loan. The application was ultimately denied.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg and Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels, Chauncey A. Bratt, and Jennifer M. Harrington.
North Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening LettersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – David Backus, age 40, of North Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to six counts of mailing threatening communications. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Backus admitted that between November 2021, and September 2022, he mailed 18 threatening letters to 6 victims using the U.S. Postal Service. In each of those letters, Backus threatened, among other things, “I’m going to kill you dead!!!” Backus admitted that he intended for each of these mailings to be a threat, and he knew that they would be viewed as a threat.
At sentencing, scheduled for June 28, 2023, Backus faces up to 5 years in prison on each count, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. 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.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated the case, with the assistance of the New York State Police, the Town of Kirkland Police Department, the Town of New Hartford Police Department, the Village of North Syracuse Police Department, and the City of Oswego Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
New York Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for 2010 East Harlem MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JAMAL ADAMSON, a/k/a “J-Rock,” was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for the June 20, 2010, murder of David Moore in East Harlem and other racketeering offenses. ADAMSON previously pled guilty before United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jamal Adamson callously took the life of another during a gang-related shooting. As today’s sentence shows, those who commit acts of gang violence in New York City are subject to spending serious time in federal prison.”
As alleged in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court and based on statements made in public court proceedings:
The Cash Money Boys (“CMB”) gang was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robberies, and assaults, in and around Manhattan. Members and associates of CMB engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of CMB, and to protect the gang’s narcotics sales.
From at least in or about 2006 to in or about 2017, members and associates of CMB regularly distributed crack cocaine and other drugs in the vicinity of Lexington Avenue between East 122nd Street and East 123rd Street. CMB controlled drug sales within this area by preventing non-members, outsiders, and rival drug dealers from selling drugs in the area controlled by the gang. This included gang members shooting at, assaulting, and/or robbing other drug dealers and members of rival gangs who entered CMB’s territory.
On June 20, 2010, after members of CMB and a rival gang got into a physical altercation, ADAMSON shot and killed David Moore, 23, near the corner of East 122nd Street and Lexington Avenue.
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In addition to his prison sentence, ADAMSON, 28, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maurene Comey, Dominic A. Gentile, Christopher J. Clore, and Peter J. Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
Men Involved in Arlington Restaurant Shooting Sentenced to Combined 20 Years for Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Two men involved in a shooting at a restaurant in Arlington have been sentenced to a combined 20 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
James Edward Johnson, 34, and Leroy Harold White, Jr., 53, were charged via criminal complaint in August 2022 and indicted the following month. Mr. White plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in October 2022; Mr. Johnson plead guilty to the same charge two weeks later. They were sentenced on Friday to 10 years each in federal prison.
According to court documents, Mr. Johnson and another patron got into a physical altercation with Mr. White and another security guard at JJ’s Corner Lounge in Arlington just before midnight on July 29, 2022.
During the altercation, Mr. White fired his a Smith & Wesson pistol, missing the unidentified patron involved in the altercation. In response, Mr. Johnson fired his Ruger at a random group of citizens that had just entered the business, hitting a victim in their right foot.
Mr. White then approached Mr. Johnson from behind, striking him in the head with his hand. Mr. Johnson whirled around and fired at Mr. White, striking him two times in the front of his body armor and one time in his left arm.
In plea papers, both men admitted that they were previously convicted felons and thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
“ATF is proud of our long standing relationship with the Arlington Police Department. Chief Jones is a national leader amongst law enforcement in the fight against firearms violence. His vision to create the NIBIN Engagement Team (NET) led us to these convictions. Mr. Johnson and Mr. White will now have ten years to think about carrying guns illegally in Arlington, Texas. Gun crime will always equal hard time,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division and Arlington Police Department’s Violent Crime United conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl prosecuted the case.
McMinnville Man Faces Federal Charges After Selling Fentanyl that Caused Seven to Overdose, One FatallyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A McMinnville, Oregon man is facing federal charges after selling fentanyl he claimed was cocaine that caused seven people to overdose, one fatally.
John Kyle Donnahoo, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death.
According to court documents, on February 10, 2023, Donnahoo sold powdered fentanyl he claimed was cocaine to an individual at a residence in McMinnville for $100. Seven individuals, including the buyer, were present in the residence during the sale. One of the individuals tested the powder twice using fentanyl “test kits,” but neither test produced a positive result. All seven individuals consumed and overdosed on the fentanyl. Four were treated with Narcan at the scene by responding police officers and medical personnel before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. One of these victims later died and three were admitted to an intensive care unit. Donnahoo took the other three individuals to the hospital himself where they were treated and eventually discharged.
Donnahoo made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. Donnahoo was ordered detained as a danger to the community pending further court proceedings.
This case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, McMinnville Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McDonough County, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Bardolph, Illinois, man, Shawn Thomas Connelly, 48 of the 100 block of Jackson Street was sentenced on February 23, 2023, to 188 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Sara Darrow found that Connelly was involved in a conspiracy to knowingly distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams of “ice” methamphetamine. In sentencing Connelly, Judge Darrow emphasized the devastating impact that methamphetamine has had on communities.
Connelly pleaded guilty to the charges on March 23, 2021, and has been in custody since his arrest on September 16, 2020.
Connelly’s other co-defendants were sentenced on October 27, 2022, to multi-year terms in federal prison.
John William Yates, 56, of the 700 block of North Jackson Street in Bushnell, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Christopher Allen Yates, 39, of the 1500 block of Jones Street in Joliet, Illinois, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Jeanna Rechkemmer, 36, of the 600 block of East Osborne Street in Bushnell, was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Amber Michelle Phelps, 31, of the 600 block of Sherry Street, in Colchester, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Jerel Jay Guarin, 44, of the 600 block of Sherry Street in Colchester, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
Amanda Sue Edwards, 42, of the 200 block of Poplar Street in Bardolph, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Trenton Lee Sealock, 28, of the 100 block of South Jackson Street in Bardolph, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
The statutory penalty for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine is a mandatory minimum term of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for distribution of methamphetamine is up to a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release.
“This sentencing brings to a close another important methamphetamine prosecution and is an example of the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew. “The scourge methamphetamine can have, especially on smaller rural communities, is reflected in the significant penalties imposed in this case.”
“Methamphetamine has plagued our communities and region for many years, and a multitude of adults and children have been negatively impacted by the presence of this substance,” said Jerel Jones, Chief of the Macomb Police Department. “We will tirelessly labor to prevent the usage, sale, and delivery of this drug, as the safety and well-being of our residents remains a priority.”
The Macomb Police Department, and the McDonough County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the cooperation of the McDonough County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.
Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor on Fort Polk Sentenced to 50 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Bobby Joe Mincey, 30, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12. Mincey was sentenced to 50 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
A federal jury in Alexandria convicted Mincey of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 on September 9, 2022, following a trial. Evidence introduced at the trial established that in December 2019, Mincey was living with his wife, who was a soldier in the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. During this time, Mincey and his wife at the time and her two minor daughters were living in Base Housing at Fort Polk. On December 6, 2019, the two stepdaughters of Mincey, who were ages 6 and 9 at the time, confided to their mother that Mincey had been sexually abusing them. The mother immediately contacted the Fort Polk Military Police and reported the allegations made by her daughters. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation into the allegations and interviewed both of the female minor victims about the incidents that had taken place. As a result of their investigation, Mincey was indicted in May 2021 and charged with aggravated sexual abuse. The minor victims testified at trial about the sexual abuse that they suffered as a result of Mincey’s actions.
“The 50-year sentence handed down today in U.S. District Court sends a clear message that those who take advantage of others by sexually abusing them will lead to strong punishment for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “The minor victims in this case did nothing to deserve the abuse inflicted on them by this defendant and we applaud their bravery. This conviction and lengthy sentence are the result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agents with the FBI and the U.S. Army, Criminal Investigation Division.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Army, Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and LaDonte A. Murphy.
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Local woman indicted in romance scamRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 38-year-old resident of Richmond has been charged for operating as a “money mule” as part of her involvement in a nationwide romance fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Akua Dufie is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison at 2 p.m. today.
On Feb. 16, a federal grand jury returned the seven-count superseding indictment adding Dufie to an existing case against her co-conspirator, Kenneth Anim, 39, a dual citizen of Ghana and the United States who is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on these charges.
From 2014 to 2019, Dufie and Anim allegedly created individual sham businesses. The charges allege they operated as money mules in relation to various mail and wire fraud schemes including internet fraud and romance scams.
Dufie and Anim also allegedly opened and maintained bank accounts to collect proceeds from the schemes and to send the money to themselves, co-conspirators and overseas.
If convicted, Dufie and Anim face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $500,000 maximum fine.
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Grace Murphy are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Local leader of violent drug trafficking ring sentenced to 12+ years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – One of the leaders of a violent international drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Puget Sound region was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 148 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Jose Elias Barbosa, 37, of Kent, Washington, was sentenced to 5 years of supervised release to follow prison. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said Barbosa had a leadership role in a massive drug trafficking organization that used guns and threats of violence to collect debts.
“This cartel connected drug trafficking ring damaged our community with dangerous drugs, and with their guns and threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “Our focus is on curtailing the flow of dangerous and addictive drugs into western Washington. We need the community to work together to reduce the market for these substances.”
“Every day the men and women of the DEA in Seattle and throughout the US are working tirelessly to stop dangerous drugs from entering our country,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “We will continue with all of our partners in holding those like Mr. Barbosa accountable and protecting our communities from illicit narcotics, guns, and violence.”
According to records filed in the case, Barbosa pleaded guilty in August 2022, admitting he was one of the leaders of a transnational drug trafficking organization. Law enforcement has linked the organization to the CJNG cartel in Mexico. In November 2019, the DTO received a shipment of liquid methamphetamine concealed in candles. Barbosa helped DTO members to extract the methamphetamine and cook it into crystal form at a Port Orchard, Washington location.
While surveilling the Port Orchard residence, law enforcement heard multiple gunshots and later learned Barbosa had been shot in the collarbone. Members of the drug ring grew concerned law enforcement would arrive at the Port Orchard house, so they loaded the meth infused candle wax into a van. The van was later stopped by law enforcement who seized the meth and the processing equipment.
In all, Barbosa was responsible for the distribution of at least 55 pounds of methamphetamine, 600 grams of heroin, and fentanyl throughout Western Washington and elsewhere.
The wiretapped phone calls revealed that Barbosa pursued those who owed drug debts to the organization and possessed firearms during the drug conspiracy. According to the plea agreement, on one occasion, Barbosa took a car from another DTO member to satisfy a drug debt. Barbosa later threatened that same DTO member. The wiretapped calls show Barbosa and others talked frequently about kidnappings, assaults, and even murders as ways to get debtors to pay up.
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 investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office in partnership with Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Kent Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, SeaTac Police Department, Thurston County Narcotics Team (TNT), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amy Jaquette and C. Andrew Colasurdo.
Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jamie Edward Smith, 36, of Montgomery, was sentenced today to seven years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine and violating his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2022, Smith sold approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on Third Avenue in Montgomery for $350. Smith admitted to selling additional quantities of methamphetamine totaling approximately 51 grams to the confidential informant in Montgomery on two other occasions in February 2022. Smith further admitted to possessing a pistol and showing it to the confidential informant during one of the transactions.
Smith was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 21, 2017. Today’s prison sentence includes 10 months for committing a crime while on supervised release.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich 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. 2:22-cr-195.
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Kalamazoo Felon on Parole Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Teiun Tyree Walker, 22, of Kalamazoo, Michigan was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief Judge Jarbou also ordered Walker to spend 3 years on supervised release after his confinement. In imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Jarbou highlighted Walker’s “history of assaultive behavior, firearm possession, and not respecting authority,” along with his extensive criminal history despite his young age.
“At a moment when violent crime has increased and communities across Michigan feel the fear and anguish that comes with every senseless death and near-death incident, my office is committed to enforcing our nation’s gun laws and holding people accountable who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “No parent, no child, no senior citizen – no one should have to live with the fear of violence.”
On May 2, 2022, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers were surveilling the area around Daysha’s Liquor Store in Kalamazoo because several individuals were illegally gambling in the parking lot. Officers seized a stolen, loaded Ruger 9mm pistol from the crossbody bag Walker was wearing. Walker has prior state court felony convictions, including for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon, and thus was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a felon under both state and federal law. In February 2022, Walker was released from the Michigan Department of Corrections and was still on parole at the time of the current illegal firearm possession. While he was being arrested, Walker resisted and threatened the police, which Chief Judge Jarbou noted was “unacceptable.”
“This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to working cooperatively with our law enforcement partners to stop felons from illegally possessing firearms,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “I would like to thank the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for their work on this investigation, their continued partnership, and their commitment to helping us keep our communities safe.”
“Our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to keep our community safe,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Director David Boysen. “As our federal partner, we thank them in their help in the Walker case and all cases that help keep crime off of our streets.”
This case was investigated by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, FBI, and ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren F. Biksacky as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Holding those who are prohibited from possessing firearms accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of the PSN Program, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
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KC Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Heroin, Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through several neighborhoods, past two schools, and into a park.
Michael A. Baldwin, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Baldwin was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions. Today’s sentence also reflects an enhancement for recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from a law enforcement officer.
On June 2, 2022, Baldwin pleaded guilty (a few days before his trial was scheduled to begin) to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Baldwin was arrested on Nov. 18, 2019, when a confidential source met him at the Peachtree Restaurant on Eastwood Trafficway in Kansas City, Mo., and delivered cocaine and heroin from co-defendant Darey Enrique Salcido-Dominguez, 39, of Mesa, Arizona.
As the confidential source left the area after delivering the cocaine and heroin to Baldwin, law enforcement officers approached Baldwin in police vehicles with their emergency equipment activated. Baldwin, who was driving a 2007 Land Rover, took off at a high rate of speed, fleeing from the officers at speeds up to 70 miles per hour through several neighborhoods and past George Washington Carver Dual Language Elementary School and George Melcher Elementary School. Baldwin ran stop signs and drove through the green space of Vineyard Park before he wrecked his vehicle in a wooded area. Baldwin attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.
When officers searched the Land Rover they found several bundles that contained a total of approximately 3.27 kilograms of heroin and approximately 1.19 kilograms of cocaine.
On the same day as the delivery to Baldwin, the confidential source also had been instructed by Salcido-Dominguez to deliver three kilograms of cocaine to co-defendant Kelvin R. Williams, 53, of Kansas City, Mo., one kilogram of cocaine to co-defendant Raleigh G. Austin, Jr., 53, of Kansas City, Mo., and two kilograms of cocaine to co-defendant Terry D. Finch, 53, of Kansas City, Mo. Finch also gave the confidential source $2,000.
According to court documents, the confidential source began cooperating with law enforcement after he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol on Nov. 14, 2019. The trooper seized a duffel bag from the vehicle of the confidential source, which contained $269,020. He told federal investigators he worked as a courier for Salcido-Dominguez and had been transporting nine to 18 kilograms of cocaine and black tar heroin every two weeks for the past eight months. He also transported the illicit proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy back to Salcido-Dominguez. He told investigators that Baldwin typically received two or three kilograms of heroin every two weeks.
Baldwin has a prior felony conviction for second-degree murder and a prior felony conviction for aggravated robbery/aggravated assault for an armed robbery in which an employee of the victim business was shot.
Baldwin is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in this case. Williams was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison without parole. Finch was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Austin was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole.
Salcido-Dominguez pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and will be sentenced on April 5, 2023.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregg Coonrod and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.