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13 April 2023
Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA Appeals DecisionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland following the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA:
“The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA to deny in part our request for a stay pending appeal. We will be seeking emergency relief from the Supreme Court to defend the FDA’s scientific judgment and protect Americans’ access to safe and effective reproductive care.”
Six Indicted in Alleged Drone Prison Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging six people with conspiring to smuggle contraband into a federal prison in Kansas.
Dale Gaver III, 35, Dale Gaver II, 54, Joshua Hamilton, 37, and Rex Hill, 33, all of Omaha, Nebraska, are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide and possess contraband in prison. Additionally, Melvin Edwards, 44, and Tamarae Hollman, 36, of Riverside, California, are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide and possess contraband in prison.
According to court documents, between August 2020 and May 2021, Edwards, Gaver II, Gaver III, Hamilton, Hill, and Hollman are accused of conspiring to smuggle prohibited items into Leavenworth Penitentiary by allegedly using a drone to drop contraband such as cellular phones, K2 (synthetic cannabinoid), marijuana, and tobacco into the yard.
Hill is also charged with one count of attempting to provide prison contraband. Gaver III, an inmate at Leavenworth Penitentiary during the conspiracy time frame, is also charged with one count of attempted possession of prison contraband and one count of possession of prison contraband.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Sauk Rapids Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Unlicensed Manufacturing, Selling Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Sauk Rapids man has been sentenced to the statutory maximum 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlicensed manufacturing and selling ghost guns, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“Jay Olson was manufacturing and trafficking untraceable, unmarked firearms and accessories, including a fully automatic machinegun and a silencer. The proliferation of these ghost guns and machinegun conversion devices presents a serious threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “To underscore the significance of his crimes, Mr. Olson has been handed the statutory maximum prison term.”
“A case like this demonstrates the immense value of collaborative law enforcement efforts in curbing gun violence in our communities,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt. “I’m proud of the efforts of our West Metro Drug Taskforce and our Violent Offender Taskforce, who partnered with ATF and Stearns County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation. I would like to thank the U.S Attorney’s Office for our continued partnership as we all work to reduce violent crime in our communities.”
“Firearms trafficking puts dangerous weapons in the hands of violent criminals and will absolutely not be tolerated,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge William McCrary, of the St. Paul Field Division. “We are pleased with the outcome of this case and are grateful to work beside law enforcement partners like Sheriff Witt who make the reduction of gun violence a top priority.”
According to court documents, between the fall of 2021 through April 2022, Jay James Olson, 22, willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing firearms for profit, despite the fact that he is not and has never been a federally licensed manufacturer of firearms. In the spring of 2022, Olson offered to sell numerous unserialized firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” and various firearms-related accessories, including a silencer, a machinegun conversion device, carbine conversion kits, and multiple high-capacity magazines, to an individual for $20,000. Unbeknownst to Olson, the individual was working with law enforcement as a confidential source. During their conversations, Olson touted the illicit benefits of unserialized firearms and told the confidential source that the price for each firearm would be going up because of the federal government’s then-recent initiative targeting ghost guns.
On April 26, 2022, at a residence in Waite Park, Olson sold the confidential source 16 ghost guns, nine high-capacity magazines, one silencer, a machinegun conversion device, and other firearms accessories. Immediately after the transaction, law enforcement arrested Olson and executed a search warrant at the residence. During the search, investigators recovered various firearm assembly kits, unserialized lower receivers, and multiple miscellaneous firearms parts and accessories. On May 4, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Olson’s Sauk Rapids residence, and recovered from the basement manufacturing tools, various firearm assembly kits, and a Glock firearm assembly diagram. The investigation revealed that Olson was trafficking these firearms and offering to sell them to others whom he knew or had reason to know were otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms or intended to use them for unlawful purposes.
Olson plead guilty on September 28, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud to one count of willfully engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license. During Olson’s sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Eric C. Tostrud said Olson’s actions posed a “grave danger” to the public.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nathan Follett, 36, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between February 2016, and December 16, 2021, Follett used Instagram, Kik, and Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit communications with 11 minor victims, knowing each victim was under the age of 18. During these conversations, Follett coerced the minor victims to produce images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send those images and videos to him via Instagram, Kik, and Snapchat.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Readout of United States Attorney Kevin Ritz’s Roundtable Discussions throughout West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – This week, United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz traveled to multiple counties and state Judicial Districts in West Tennessee to host a series of roundtable discussions with law enforcement, local prosecutors, and community stakeholders. These visits focused on the 24th, 26th, and 27th Judicial Districts in West Tennessee. Roundtable participants had an open dialogue with the U.S. Attorney, addressing their issues and concerns, and learned more about the Department’s priorities.
On Monday, U.S. Attorney Ritz met in Camden with partners and stakeholders in Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin, and Henry Counties in the 24th Judicial District to address issues and community concerns.
On Tuesday morning, WBBJ-TV reporter Ryan Hodges interviewed U.S. Attorney Ritz about the mission of the roundtable discussions, his priorities, and violent crime issues. As U.S. Attorney said during the interview, “in Memphis, Jackson, and all of West Tennessee, communities are reeling from gun violence and violent crime. Addressing this violence is a top priority. We focus our efforts on the most significant drivers of violence.”
Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Ritz met in Martin with officials from Obion and Weakley Counties in the 27th Judicial District.
The district-wide visit concluded on Wednesday, when U.S. Attorney Ritz facilitated a roundtable discussion in the 26th Judicial District with officials from Chester, Henderson, and Madison Counties. He also addressed members of the Jackson Rotary Club as their keynote speaker.
Below are photos from these events. U.S. Attorney Ritz will continue to schedule roundtable discussions with stakeholders throughout the Western District of Tennessee.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow @ WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz in Benton County, Tennessee to host inaugural series of roundtable discussions. United States Attorney Ritz interviewed by WBBJ-TV Reporter Ryan Hodges. U.S. Attorney Ritz, along with AUSA Vic Ivy and District Attorney General Jody Pickens, facilitated roundtable discussion with law enforcement from the 26th Judicial District. U.S. Attorney Ritz addressed the members of the Jackson Rotary Club.Readout of Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice’s Participation in the 2023 American Bar Association Public Defense SummitRead the Press Release
Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice provided remarks today at the American Bar Association’s 2023 Public Defense Summit and named Nikhil Ramnaney as the Office for Access to Justice Senior Counsel, who will serve in a position dedicated to support for state and local public defense. Mr. Ramnaney brings over a decade of experience as a former county public defender and expert on public defense policy, and most recently served in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
In March, the Office for Access to Justice was joined by Justice Department senior officials to launch a National Public Defense Day Tour in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, which held that criminal defendants are entitled to counsel. The Tour included stops in Miami; Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Nashville, Tennessee; Las Vegas; and Des Moines, Iowa, where Director Rossi was joined by Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. At the Des Moines listening session with local leaders, Associate Attorney General Gupta announced the creation of this new attorney position in ATJ dedicated to supporting, collaborating with and engaging the state and local public defense community.
Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Meeting with Security Cabinet of the Government of MexicoRead the Press Release
Earlier today, following a bilateral meeting between the United States and Mexico at the White House, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco hosted a luncheon with U.S. and Mexican government officials focused on our partnership in fighting fentanyl and firearms trafficking. The Mexican delegation was led by Secretary for Security and Citizen Protection Rosa Icela Rodriguez, who was recently appointed as the chair of a presidential commission to combat illicit trafficking in synthetic drugs, firearms, and ammunition. Officials discussed law enforcement efforts in the fight against fentanyl trafficking and the illegal firearms smuggling that strengthens the cartels. They also noted the substantial progress that has been made on both issues through bilateral cooperation.
Both delegations pledged to increase information-sharing and cooperation on criminal investigations and prosecutions focusing on disrupting the entire fentanyl supply chain, beginning with interdiction of precursor shipments from China and other countries, through takedowns of illegal laboratories, to arrests of members of distribution networks, to targeting money laundering facilitators.
Attorney General Garland expressed his deep appreciation for all the sacrifices the Mexican military and law enforcement have made – including facing violence and death to fight the cartels. Deputy Attorney General Monaco thanked the Government of Mexico for their recent high number of extraditions to the United States.
The Mexican delegation also included Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero, Secretary of Defense General Luis Cresencio Sandoval González, Secretary of the Navy Admiral José Rafael Ojeda Durán, Secretary of Health Jorge Alcocer Varela, and Ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma Barragán.
Attorney General Garland and Deputy Attorney General Monaco were joined by U.S. colleagues, including Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, who is leading the interagency efforts against fentanyl; U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar; Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien; Director of ONDCP Dr. Rahul Gupta; and State Department Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd Robinson.
Both delegations agreed to further bilateral working groups focusing on the disruption of precursor chemicals shipments and illicit firearms smuggling.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco with U.S. and Mexican government officialsRGV area home health care company owner sent to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas ‐ An owner of a Rio Grande Valley area home health company has been ordered to prison for his conviction of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Miguel Angel Contreras, 44, McAllen, pleaded guilty April 14, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Contreras to serve a 45-month sentence to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. Contreras was also ordered to pay $1,037,353.78 in restitution. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted the lengthy duration of the fraud and the multiple ways in which the fraud was committed.
Contreras was an owner and administrator for Sambritt Home Health LLC. As part of his plea, he admitted he submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for reimbursement of home health services that were not provided, that a physician had not authorized and/or were not medically necessary.
The false and fraudulent claims Contreras submitted to Medicare totaled $724,056.02. As a result of the false and fraudulent claims, Medicare paid approximately $1,037,353.78.
Contreras further admitted he paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for patient information, including patient Medicare numbers. He and/or his co-conspirators would then use the fraudulently obtained Medicare numbers to submit claims to Medicare in order to receive reimbursements.
As part of his plea, Contreras admitted he forged and/or caused others to forge the signatures of physicians on the referral forms or 485 forms, knowing the physicians did not authorize the need for home health services and/or that the beneficiaries did not need or qualify for home health services. Contreras directed employees to create “ghost notes” for patient files which were intended and calculated to make the fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare appear legitimate. Contreras also admitted he directed employees and/or co-conspirators to bill Medicare for home health services with 485 forms which were missing physician signatures.
Contreras was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the case.
Previously Convicted Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Dealer Is Sentenced to 12+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, United States District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Daniel Ryan Robinson, 43, of Arden, N.C., to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court filings and court proceedings, on October 31, 2022, Robinson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Court records show that, between August 2019 and November 2019, Robinson was found to be in possession of more than 280 grams of methamphetamine and 35 grams of fentanyl. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also recovered from Robinson’s residence and vehicle two firearms and ammunition. In 2013, Robinson was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Robinson is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prison upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Narcotics and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as conspiring to commit money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on James Edwards, age 53, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about July 5, 2018, to on or about May 5, 2020, Edwards did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin, as well as, conspired to commit money laundering, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Further, Edwards distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The OCDETF led the prosecution of Edwards. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department.
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Possess with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Goldsboro, NC pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Charles Triplin, age 45, of Goldsboro, NC, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment, before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about June 21, 2021, Triplin attempted to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Triplin.
New York Litigation Funder Convicted in Trip-And-Fall Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 36 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ADRIAN ALEXANDER, a New York litigation funder, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his participation in a scheme to obtain large insurance settlements and lawsuit recoveries from fraudulent trip-and-fall accidents. ALEXANDER is the 11th defendant to plead guilty or be convicted at trial for his participation in this fraud scheme and the fifth defendant to be sentenced. Defendants Ryan Rainford, Bryan Duncan and Robert Locust, who recruited patients into the scheme and were convicted at trial in May 2019, were previously sentenced on January 7, 2020, July 27, 2020, and July 9, 2021, respectively. Defendant Sady Ribeiro, a surgeon who participated in the scheme, was previously sentenced on March 23, 2023. U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein imposed all sentences.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Adrian Alexander knowingly exploited some of the most vulnerable members of society – many of whom were poor, drug addicts, or homeless – in order to enrich himself and his investors. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to unscrupulous litigation funders that, together with our law enforcement partners, we will hold accountable those who engage in unlawful practices and prey on litigants without the means to avail themselves of the judicial process.”
According to the Indictment, the Superseding Information, evidence presented in court, and statements made in court:
ALEXANDER, among others, was involved in an extensive fraud scheme through which fraud scheme participants defrauded businesses and insurance companies by staging trip-and-fall accidents and filing fraudulent lawsuits arising from those staged trip-and-fall accidents.
The fraud scheme participants recruited individuals (the “Patients”) to stage or falsely claim to have suffered trip-and-fall accidents at particular locations throughout the New York City area (the “Accident Sites”). In the course of the fraud scheme, scheme participants recruited more than 400 Patients. Members of the fraud scheme often recruited Patients who were extremely poor. For example, it was common for Patients to ask for food when they would appear for their intake meetings with the lawyers. Many of the Patients did not have sufficient clothing to keep them warm during the winter and had poor-quality shoes. Members of the fraud scheme also recruited Patients who were drug addicts, and it was common for scheme participants to recruit Patients from homeless shelters in New York City.
In the beginning, scheme participants would instruct Patients to claim they had tripped and fallen at a particular location, when in fact, the Patients had suffered no such accidents. Eventually, at the direction of the lawyers who filed fraudulent lawsuits on behalf of the Patients, scheme participants began to instruct Patients to stage trip-and-fall accidents, i.e., to go to a location and deliberately fall. Common Accident Sites used during the fraud scheme included cellar doors, cracks in concrete sidewalks, and purported “potholes.”
After the staged trip-and-fall accidents, Patients were referred to specific attorneys who would file personal injury lawsuits (the “Fraudulent Lawsuits”) against the owners of the Accident Sites and/or insurance companies of the owners of the accident sites (the “Victims”). The Fraudulent Lawsuits did not disclose that the Patients had deliberately fallen at the Accident Sites or, in some cases, had not fallen at all. During the course of the fraud scheme, the defendants, together with others known and unknown, attempted to defraud the Victims of more than $31,000,000.
The Patients were also instructed to receive ongoing chiropractic and medical treatment from certain chiropractors and doctors, including Ribeiro. The fraud scheme participants advised the Patients that if they intended to continue with their lawsuits, they were required to undergo surgery, which was critical to boosting the value of any potential settlement. Fraud scheme participants, including ALEXANDER, looked for doctors who were willing to perform surgeries, even when others would not. For example, in a May 2015 email, after one doctor informed ALEXANDER that a particular patient was “not . . . a surgical candidate,” ALEXANDER directed a Patient recruiter and case manager to “[t]ake him to [another doctor]—Nothing is done until its done.”
As an incentive to getting surgery, the recruited Patients were offered a payment, in the form of loans, typically between $1,000 and $1,500 after they completed surgery (“Post-Surgery Loans”). Patients generally were told to undergo two surgeries.
The Patients’ legal and medical fees were usually paid for by litigation funding companies (the “Funding Companies”), including a funding company owned by ALEXANDER, even if the Patient maintained medical coverage through an insurance company or a government-subsidized program. The Funding Companies also paid the fraud scheme organizers and participants referral fees, typically $1,000 to $2,500, for each Patient who signed a funding agreement. In an April 2015 email about a particular Patient’s staged accident, Alexander wrote to two of the recruiters and case managers, “I am sure you realize I want to do these deals; I am just trying to see how we can, without getting in trouble.”
In exchange for funding Patients’ medical and legal costs, the Funding Companies charged the Patients high interest rates, sometimes up to 50% on medical loans and up to 100% on personal loans. The interest rates were so high that oftentimes the majority of the proceeds that were awarded in the Fraudulent Lawsuits were paid to the Funding Companies, lawyers, doctors, and others, with the Patients receiving a much smaller percentage of the remaining recovery.
In addition to the high-interest rates charged by the Funding Companies, ALEXANDER also profited from the Fraud Scheme through an MRI facility that he owned and operated (“MRI Facility-1”). ALEXANDER pushed the case managers to send Patients to MRI Facility-1, which routinely prepared MRI reports that were “positive” for medical conditions justifying surgery, even though the Patients had not sustained any injuries. ALEXANDER received $1,000 per MRI that MRI Facility-1 prepared as part of the scheme.
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In addition to the prison term, ALEXANDER, 76, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. ALEXANDER was further ordered to pay $659,011 in forfeiture. Restitution will be determined by the Court within 90 days.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Chiuchiolo, Nicholas Folly, Danielle Kudla, and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
New Britain Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL MARTINEZ, 31, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Martinez as a large-scale distributor of fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Martinez used an apartment on Sargeant Street in Hartford to store and process fentanyl for distribution, and he also distributed the drug from his residence on Hayes Street in New Britain.
On August 3, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Martinez’s New Britain residence and encountered Martinez, who they observed throwing a white powder substance from the living room window. A search of the residence revealed approximately 3,000 wax folds of fentanyl, additional loose quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia, two handguns, ammunition, and $28,777 in cash. Investigators subsequently recovered another approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, as well as items used to process and package narcotics, that Martinez had thrown from the window.
Martinez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses. 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.
Martinez has been detained since August 3, 2022. On January 25, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Navy Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty to Stalking Military Service MemberRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 13, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Sandoval, a former contract employee at a San Diego Navy hospital, pleaded guilty in federal court today to stalking his former co-worker who is a United States military service member.
According to his plea agreement, Sandoval intentionally harassed and intimated the military service member through several unwanted acts. On March 8, 2022, Sandoval rifled through the victim’s office and belongings while disregarding her requests to stop. On that same day, while in her office, Sandoval displayed a knife to the victim. Sandoval also sent the victim messages through internet messaging platforms even after the victim told him to stop sending her messages.
Sandoval admitted that he installed a hidden camera in the victim’s office without her knowledge and recorded video of the victim undressing and changing clothes in her office. And then, on March 15, 2022, Sandoval emailed the victim nude images he had taken without her knowledge and wrote in the email: “This is you naked. I’ll make sure and send all your videos of you changing. Have fun at work.”
“Stalking, harassing and surveilling someone with a secret camera is an extreme violation of privacy that causes severe distress in victims,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting victims of stalking and holding perpetrators accountable for malicious activity over the internet and in person.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and Naval Criminal Investigative Service for their excellent work on this case.
“Mr. Sandoval deserves to be held fully accountable for his reprehensible actions to harass, surveil, and intimidate a service member,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua Flowers of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to fully investigating and rooting out criminality within the ranks that threatens the safety of the Department of the Navy family.”
If you or someone you know has experienced cyberstalking by an active duty service member, please contact the following anonymous tip lines: https://www.ncis.navy.mil/Resources/NCIS-Tips/
(Navyand Marines), https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html (Army), and https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ (Air Force), or call the Department of Defense Hotline at (800) 424-9098. Victims of cyberstalking by non-active-duty members should contact local law enforcement or the FBI field office.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 23cr00178-RSH
Jonathan Sandoval Age: 30 Calexico, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Stalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Montana Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $134,000 from Her Elderly Mother-in-law and Father-in-lawRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on April 13, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced Carol Ann Feist, age 57, from Whitehall, Montana, to serve 65 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and payment of $134,000.00 in restitution after she pleaded guilty for committing Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft against her elderly mother-in-law and father-in-law. As part of this sentence, Judge Hovland imposed a $134,000.00 money judgment against Feist.
On October 26, 2021, Feist called a customer service representative at a US Bank, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, and pretended to be her elderly mother-in-law. Feist fraudulently provided US Bank Representatives with her mother-in-law’s personal identifying information and deceitfully initiated a $134,000.00 wire transfer from her mother-in-law and father-in-law’s US Bank checking account to a title company located in Helena, Montana. The $134,000.00 transaction represented the life savings of Feist’s mother-in-law and father-in-law, and Feist initiated this wire transfer without her mother-in-law or father-in-law’s knowledge or permission. Thereafter, Feist utilized the $134,000.00 wire transfer as a down payment on a home she purchased in Whitehall, Montana.
Prior to Feist stealing $134,000 from her mother-in-law, she also fraudulently impersonated her father-in-law by listing him as a co-borrower on the Whitehall, Montana property. Specifically, during the purchase of the property, Feist presented real estate closing documents which contained both her father-in-law’s forged signature and a fraudulent State of North Dakota notary stamp. Feist conducted the transactions without her father-in-law’s knowledge or permission. During the timeframe of Feist’s criminal actions, her father-in-law was in hospice care and has since passed away.
“Financial abuse of the elderly is a serious crime,” Schneider said. “Whether it is foreign-based scammers or a family member, federal law sets forth serious penalties for those who defraud senior citizens. Today’s strong sentence is a credit to our career prosecutors and partners in law enforcement.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bismarck Police Department, and the Jefferson County (Montana) Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek prosecuted this case.
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Monmouth County Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Raymond J. Salani Jr., 67, of Morganville, New Jersey, is charged by an indictment unsealed today with two counts of tax evasion. He appeared this afternoon for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Salani was the president and owner of Medical Nutrition Inc., located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, which purportedly provided management services to Lifestyles Medical LLC, a medical practice also controlled by Salani and located in the same office as Medical Nutrition. Salani, who was not a licensed physician, was prohibited under New Jersey law from owning a medical practice and employing licensed healthcare professionals. To conceal his ownership and control of Lifestyles Medical, Salani employed a licensed physician to work at Lifestyles Medical on a part-time basis and act as nominee owner of Lifestyles Medical. However, at all relevant times, Salani acted as the true owner of Lifestyles Medical, managed the day-to-day operations of Lifestyles Medical, and exercised control over the financial accounts of both Lifestyles Medical and Medical Nutrition.
Between January 2016 and May 2017, Salani attempted to conceal his income from the IRS and evade the assessment of federal income taxes by transferring income earned by Lifestyles Medical into the business bank account for Medical Nutrition, purportedly as payments to Medical Nutrition for management services rendered to Lifestyles Medical. From there, Salani used the funds from Medical Nutrition’s business bank account to pay for personal expenses, including mortgage payments on his personal residence, payments to pay down balances on a personal credit card account in his spouse’s name, and payments for a personal vehicle leased by Salani. Federal law required Salani to report the income he received from Medical Nutrition to the IRS on his personal income tax returns for tax years 2016 and 2017. Salani failed to file a personal income tax return for tax year 2016 and failed to report any of the income he received through Medical Nutrition on his personal income tax return for tax year 2017. Salani failed to report $232,739 of taxable income that he received through Medical Nutrition in tax years 2016 and 2017, resulting in the evasion of $87,635 in tax due and owing.
Each count of tax evasion carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins in Newark; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked investigators of the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, under the direction of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
salani.indictment.pdfMobile Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile, Alabama man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, in March 2021, Joseph Gray unlawfully possessed a firearm after being previously convicted of three robbery offenses. In a separate offense, committed in April 2021, Gray attempted to deliver methamphetamine, other drugs, and various items of contraband to Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. Gray entered guilty pleas to both offenses and received concurrent 20 year sentences for both offenses. Once released, Gray will serve an eight-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile Police Department, and the Alabama Department of Corrections investigated the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Stepan, Kacey Chappelear, and Scott Gray prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Missouri Man Admits Machine Gun Sales ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Stoddard County, Missouri on Thursday admitted being involved in a conspiracy to sell devices that convert AR-15-style rifles into fully-automatic weapons.
Edward Hardin, 41, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. to a charge of conspiracy to distribute machine guns. Sidney Brianne Scowden, of Stoddard County, pleaded guilty in February to the conspiracy charge and three counts of transferring a machine gun.
Both admitted that Scowden sent a Snapchat message to a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Aug. 3, 2022 offering to a sell a “lightning link,” or device that converts a semi-automatic AR-style weapon into a fully-automatic weapon. Scowden said she was selling the link on behalf of someone else.
Eight days later, Scowden sold three of the devices for $1,500 to the informant, saying her source bought a link for $10,000 and made copies. Scowden sold three more devices on Sept. 19, 2022 and another on Oct. 19, 2022. Investigators were able to determine that Hardin was Scowden’s source.
Scowden is scheduled to be sentenced May 9. Hardin is set to be sentenced July 13.
The conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. The transfer charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Both carry a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis prosecuted the case.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Ossie Bradley, 52, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After he completes his prison sentence, Bradley will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 17, 2021, Bradley was stopped for a traffic violation by a Lincoln Police officer as Bradley was traveling on Interstate 80 in Lancaster County. The officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana as he approached the car. The officer asked Bradley to come back to his patrol car to receive a traffic warning. Before Bradley entered the patrol car, the officer performed a pat-down search. During the pat-down, the officer located a handgun tucked in a small holster around Bradley’s waist. The firearm, a Ruger LCP II .380 caliber pistol, had six rounds in the magazine and came back as stolen out of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Bradley was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions, the last of which was for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Minnesota.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department. 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.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Bank Robberies, Illegal Firearm Possession, and Conspiracy to Retaliate Against an Informant.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 13, 2023, United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman sentenced Antoine L. Jackson (age 30) to 16 years in federal prison after Jackson was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, three bank robberies, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant.
The evidence presented at trial showed that between September 15, 2021, and December 23, 2021, the defendant was part of a robbery crew that committed multiple bank robberies in Milwaukee. The defendant was directly involved in three bank robberies, all at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7600 West Hampton Avenue. During the robberies, the defendant and his co-actors passed notes to the bank tellers, threatening that unless they were given money, they would blow up the building or kill everyone inside the bank. Among other evidence, the government presented forensic evidence recovered from two of the crime scenes tying the defendant to the robberies.
The evidence also showed that the defendant possessed a firearm—and left his DNA on three parts of the firearm—when he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to having previously been convicted of a felony crime.
Finally, the evidence also showed that after the defendant was arrested on January 26, 2022, he made calls from jail in which he provided instructions to have a suspected informant seriously injured.
At sentencing, Judge Adelman discussed the defendant’s extensive criminal history, which includes prior convictions for bank robbery. The judge also noted the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct in this case, the trauma he brought upon the employees of the banks he victimized, and the concerning nature of the defendant’s role in recruiting and training younger men to conduct bank robberies. The judge acknowledged that the defendant’s prior sentences failed to deter him from committing further crimes, and he indicated that the 16-year sentence in this case is an effort to justly punish Antoine Jackson and deter him and others from committing violent offenses in the future.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Margaret B. Honrath and Assistant United States Attorney Kate M. Biebel.
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For Additional Information Contact:
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414-297-1700
Milton Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert A. Kohl, age 48, of Northumberland County, PA, was indicted on charges of production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Kohl produced child pornography four separate times between August 2021 to September 2022.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each charge is 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the charge of receipt of child pornography is twenty years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Middlessex County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Child Pornography, ObstructionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. Charles F. Browne, 55, of South River, New Jersey, convicted at trial on June 27, 2023, of receiving child pornography, soliciting child pornography, possessing prepubescent child pornography, and concealing objects to impede the FBI’s investigation.
Middleburg Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Cody Mack McCormick (35, Middleburg) today pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. McCormick faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on December 12, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida issued a search warrant authorizing the search of McCormick’s home. The next day, McCormick agreed to be interviewed by a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. During the interview, McCormick told the agent that there were no firearms in his home, but that there was ammunition. McCormick admitted that he was a convicted felon and confirmed that he knew that he could not legally possess firearms.
After interviewing McCormick, law enforcement searched his home, during which they located 317 rounds of ammunition on shelves in McCormick’s bedroom. When asked, McCormick provided the combination to a safe, which was also in his bedroom. Inside the safe, agents found 43 additional rounds of ammunition and the registration to McCormick’s car. As a previously convicted felon, McCormick is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
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.
Middle District of Florida Task Force Continues to Combat COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “These cases should serve as a warning to those who might have engaged in similar fraudulent activity that holding those accountable for these crimes remains a high priority for federal authorities.”
The USAO-MDFL’s Civil Division, in conjunction with the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, recently announced a $325,000 settlement with Florida companies Kingwood Orlando Reunion Resort LLC and Kingwood Crystal River Resort Corp. (“Crystal River”) regarding allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness application submitted by Crystal River.
On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 57 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the PPP, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $65 million. 43 of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 14 defendants.
(See chart for criminal case details.)
For example, in February 2023, Keith Ingersoll (46, Orlando) was sentenced to nine years and one month in federal prison for a variety of fraud schemes, including a real estate scam and a fraudulent EIDL application.
Also in February 2023, Daniel Joseph Tisone (35, Naples) was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for a variety of COVID-19 fraud offenses. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to forfeit properties, an engagement ring, ammunition, and cash seized from bank accounts and must pay more than $2.6 million in restitution. Tisone, a convicted felon, submitted false and fraudulent EIDL, MSLP, and PPP loan applications containing false representations, including about his criminal history, average monthly payroll, number of employees, and gross revenues.
Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $16.8 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $9.8 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.
The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Alexander Leszczynski
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$200k
Charles Cunningham
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800k
Ellyn Pinkney
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$14M
Kieanna Garrett
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Nicole Bramble-King
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, and Jennifer Peresie
Orlando Division
Evan Edwards
Joshua Edwards
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Visa fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
False statements
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$8M
Emmet Bowens
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Chauncy Bratt, Shannon Laurie, and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82k
Ismaelle Manuel
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$280k
Denis Casseus
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$298k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava
Ocala Division
Henry Wade
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$500k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Keaujay Hornsby
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Kareem Spann
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Richard Simpkins
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Steve Moodie
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500k
Omar Esquivel Bello
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$242k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon
Orlando Division
Brian Blake
Possession of device-making equipment
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP/UI
$832k
Daniel Johnson
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Unlawful transfer of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
UI
$2.3M
Teresa McIntyre
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
EIDL
$730k
Jaheim Davis
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$219k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, Shannon Laurie, and Dana Hill, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Jacksonville Division
Desmond Williams
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
Kenneth Landers
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money Laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1.4M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican
Fort Myers Division
Al Clint LaRoche
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1M
This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Trent Reichling
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, III
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$815k
Kary Stevenson
Corey Quinn
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI
$1M
Bridgitte Keim
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP
$588k
Wayne Ganaway
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL
$300k
Eriaius Bentley
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI
$3M
Rolanda Wingfield
Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI
$135k
Tywon Spann
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI
$3M
Randy Jones
Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI
$250k
Julio Lugo
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$4.4M
Keith Nicoletta
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$413k
Melinda Hernandez
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Bri’antina Mills
Wire fraud and theft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
$10K
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison
EIDL
$150k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, and SAUSA Chris Poor
Orlando Division
Jacquavius Smith
Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$10k
Johnson Eustache
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$2.2M
Joseph Harrison
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI
$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP
$2M
Holly Urban
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.5M
Joel Greenberg
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison
EIDL
$430k
Don Cisternino
Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison
PPP
$7.2M
Keith Ingersoll
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.
EIDL
$66k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther
Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$2.7M
Anthony Bruey
Amber Bruey
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL
$881k
Edrica Leann Watson
False statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP
$392k
Daniel Joseph Tisone
Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person
Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL/MSLP
$10.7M
Liliana Gonzalez
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement
PPP
$169k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 27 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Types of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Middle District of Florida Second Quarter 2023 Prosecutions Include 63 Firearms and Violent Crime Indictments as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the second quarter, ending on March 31, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has charged 63 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 87 firearms from our streets in the process. In addition, law enforcement seized several silencers and machine gun conversion devises. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the second quarter involved approximately 313 citizens. These community outreach efforts included presentations to elementary, middle, and high school students, meetings with community leaders, and re-entry programs.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q2 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Ronald Dale Perkins (Ft. Myers)
On January 17, 2023, Ronald Dale Perkins was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for distributing methamphetamine. According to court documents, on April 5, 2022, Perkins, a nine-time convicted felon, sold a sawed-off .410 caliber shotgun gun and methamphetamine to an undercover ATF special agent.
United States v. Brandon Corey Skeith (Jacksonville)
In February 2023, Brandon Corey Skeith was sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, in April 2022, after officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit observed Skeith selling fentanyl from a motel in Jacksonville, a search warrant was obtained for his room. Officers seized fentanyl packaged for sale, cocaine base, scales, beakers and a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed the pistol and found Skeith’s DNA on the firearm.
United States v. Aaron Haa (Ocala)
On February 9, 2023, Aaron Haa was sentenced to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court records, on December 9, 2020, Haa was arrested by state authorities after being found with a firearm during a traffic stop. After being released from state custody, Haa was arrested again a few weeks later. During the second incident, Haa led police on a high-speed chase on U.S. 441 in Marion County. A deputy had to force Haa’s vehicle to stop when Haa started fleeing into opposite lanes of traffic. After Haa flipped his vehicle, deputies took him into custody. Deputies recovered another firearm and 70 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution from Haa’s vehicle. At the time, Haa had at least 20 prior state felony convictions, including trafficking in a controlled substance, fleeing and eluding, and sale of a controlled substance.
United States v. LaTravis Deyonta Mackroy (Orlando)
LaTavis Deyonta Mackroy was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for three bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery. According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Mackroy was a federal prisoner residing at a halfway house in Orlando. After staying at the halfway house for more than a month, Mackroy was given a home pass which allowed him to spend the weekend with his family. On April 16, 2022, while on his home pass, Mackroy robbed a credit union by passing a demand note and threatening the teller. He left the credit union with $3,231 and returned to the halfway house the following day. The next weekend, Mackroy was again given a home pass. He robbed one bank on Friday, one bank on Saturday, and attempted to rob another bank on Saturday, which was not successful. During the final robbery, the teller walked away from his station after reading the demand note, which caused Mackroy to flee the bank empty-handed, leaving behind the demand note. That note contained four prints matching Mackroy’s fingerprints which were on file with the FBI. At the time of the robbery spree, Mackroy was still serving a federal sentence for a robbery of a pawn shop in Apopka in 2014.
U.S. v. Francisco Cabrera (Tampa)
In January 2023, Francisco Cabrera (28, Dover) was charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, and attempting to murder federal agents. According to court documents, in January 2022, Cabrera robbed two smoke shops and a gas station. During each robbery, he showed victims a loaded magazine, inserted it into his pistol, and pointed the gun at the victims. Cabrera also approached a victim at a gas station and carjacked him at gunpoint. When law enforcement tried to conduct a traffic stop on Cabrera, he fled at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in heavy midday traffic, firing multiple shots at the agents and officers pursuing him. ATF agents returned fire, striking Cabrera, which ended the pursuit. No one else was struck by the gunfire. If convicted on all counts, Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum mandatory sentence of 28 years, up to life, in federal prison. The case is currently set for trial in June 2023. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Zachary Pegg (27)
Carjacking
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Brandishing a firearm during commission of a crime of violence
Min. 7 years to max. of up to life imprisonment
1
Jimmy Diggs (57)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Min. penalty 15 years up to max. penalty of life imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Simon R. Eth.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Byron Keith Jones, Jr. (34)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Max. penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment
1
Antoine Danielle Pearson, Jr. (28)
Possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment
1
Bronquell Aurion Hutchinson (23)
Misrepresentation to firearms dealer during purchase of firearm
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment
0
Cody Mack McCormick (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Day’Jon Ma’Ki Major (19)
Possession of a machine gun and a stolen firearm
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment per charge
2
Donnell Bernard Demps, Jr. (26)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Maisha K. Daniels (47)
Stealing contents of postal package as postal employee and possessing, selling, and disposing of a stolen firearm
Max. penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment for postal crime and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Samuel Arthur Thompson (52)
Possession, receipt, and production of child sex abuse material, intrusion of protected computer causing damage; production of child sex abuse material by registered sex offender; failure to register as a sex offender; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of minimum 10 years’ imprisonment and maximum of 50 years’ imprisonment on child abuse charges and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Tony Kenneth Paul, Jr. (22)
Possession of a machinegun and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for drug charge
0
David Wayne Riddle, Jr. (29)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Pocols Lashawn Jackson (38)
Distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for drug charge and up to 15 years imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Trevor Jonathan Wright (31)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Avery Fuller (28)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Antonio Saquan Tate (19)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Jameise Vaughn Christian (32)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Delonte Antonio Martin (33)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Jaylaun Brown (20)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Lucas Shirley (27)
Possession of unregistered short-barreled rifles and transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each firearm charge
10 firearms
5 silencers
Lenwall Watts (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and distribution a controlled substance.
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment up to life for firearm charge and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for drug charge
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, John Cannizzaro, Laura Taylor, Michael Coolican, Aakash Singh, Kirwinn Mike, and David Mesrobian.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Luis Alicea (29)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Christopher Worlds (36)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Brady Williams (27)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Sarah J. Swartzberg, William Hamilton, and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Bernard Rogers (35)
Hobbs Act robbery (2 counts), bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (3 counts)
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and bank robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for each firearm charge
1
Michael Jerome Virgil (28)
Bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for bank robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Carlos Aquino (41)
Possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
Min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Min. mandatory consecutive 5 years up to life imprisonment
2
Edward Charlesalton Chappell (40)
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to 40 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Armed Career Criminal
Min. mandatory of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Rany Jonathan Parrales (35)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the purchase of a firearm
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
7
Robert Potocnak (48)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years consecutive up to life imprisonment
2
Alvarez Caprio Cosby (25) and Desmond Nyshon Smith (18)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
3
Jeremy Deion Middleton (24)
Receiving stolen firearms and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
13
Geoffrey Gaston (38)
Hobbs Act robbery (5 counts), and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (4 counts)
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each Hobbs Act robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for each firearm charge
0
Rico Allen Gandy (44)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Antione Oshea Ladson (28)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon (2 counts)
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years consecutive up to life imprisonment
1
Jahroy Elijah Sackey (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to 40 years’ imprisonment
1
Terrell Anthony Robinson (36)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Armed Career Criminal
Min. mandatory of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Antavious Anton Gray, Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Allen Lee Glover (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon (2 counts)
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment
2
Leo Lamar Massey, III (47)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
1
Jatariuis Nyquan Horne (26)
Possession of ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Michael Joseph Hathaway (37)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, Kara Wick, Michael Felicetta, Terry Livanos, Ranganath Manthripragada, John Gardella, Aakash Singh, David Pardo, Stephanie McNeff, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Ashley Washington.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Evan Ingram (42)
Distribution of controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, and mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment for each possession of firearm and ammunition charge
1
Nicholas Quinton Hanson (32)
Marcus Dewonn Mobley, Jr. (22)
Possession of ammunition as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years imprisonment
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Terrance Paul Snow (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Martez Manning (26)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawfully possessing a firearm
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Clinton Justesen (48)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and 20 years’ imprisonment for the drug offense
3
Francisco Cabrera (28)
Armed robbery, armed carjacking, and attempting to murder federal agents
Mandatory minimum 28 years up to life imprisonment
0
Dempsey Gilmore (32)
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum penalty of life imprisonment
1
Jojuan Lindsey (27)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Dartis Cobb (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Shawn Lanier Lowman (23)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Leonon Ricky Davis (37)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Michelle Denise Herds (44)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment
1
Rodrick Quinelle Dallas (35)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
De’Antez Morgan (28)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Lennard Rashard Monroe (30)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment
Felon in possession of a firearm
Mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Milton Anthony Bradshaw (42)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Christopher Murray, David P. Sullivan, David W. A. Chee, Diego Novaes, Samantha Beckman, and Michael Kenneth.
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Giovanni Francois (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and MDMA
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to life imprisonment
1
Shaborn Washington
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Alphonso James (29)
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Jontavious Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon R. Eth.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Gregory Austin Eward (25)
Conspiracy to possess and transfer unregistered firearm silencers
Max. penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment
0
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (46)
Selling fentanyl and high-purity methamphetamine while armed and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the three counts of selling fentanyl, minimum mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment per count of selling methamphetamine, and
minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive for each of two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
2
Cory Lee Kelly (34)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Sonja Leigh Quinn (50)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kirwinn Mike, Michael J. Coolican, Cherie Krigsman, Laura C. Taylor, and Michael Coolican.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Antonio Eugene Brutton (35)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Minimum of 15 years, maximum of life imprisonment
2
Christopher Richard Munroe (55)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment
3
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, and Belkis Crockett.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Nacoe Ray Brown (54)
Bank robbery and violating the term of supervised release
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for bank robbery and max. penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment for violating term of supervised release
1
Darius Rodney Capers (18)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier and attempted robbery of postal carrier
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Jesus Rojas (21)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, armed postal robbery,
theft of Arrow Key and receipt of stolen property
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment
0
Elsie Marie Crespo (27)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (3 counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Min. of 10 years up to life imprisonment for drug offenses; min. penalty of 5 years’ up to life imprisonment for firearm offense
1
Bengie Emannual Silva-Ramos (31)
Unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms, transferring and possession of machine guns, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy
Mandatory min. of 10 years and
up to life imprisonment
4
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Kara Wick, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Christopher Alvarez (19)
Four robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each robbery count, and a mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment, served consecutive to any other sentence
1
Patraic Setzer (28)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
1
James Junior Williams (44)
Bank robbery
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
0
Jamaal Black (22)
Robberies and discharging a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies.
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each robbery count, and min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment for firearm offense
1
Omar Rochester Miller, Jr. (23)
Robbery of a postal carrier, theft of postal keys, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery; 10 years’ imprisonment for theft of postal keys; mandatory min. of 7 years’ imprisonment for brandishing the firearm
1
Thomas Bellere (40)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Mandatory min. penalty of 10 years up to life imprisonment
1
Reginald Roberts a/k/a “Rudy” (22)
Nathaniel Keith Carr a/k/a “Nate”(28)
Chrishawn De’Earl Butler a/k/a “Baby” (22)
Conspiracy to commit robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging firearms in the commission of crimes of violence
Mandatory min. of 14 years up to life imprisonment
0
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawfully possessing a firearm
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Yasin Carnegie (32)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Ilyssa M Spergel, Stacie B. Harris, Diego Novaes, Michael Sinacore, and David P. Sullivan.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Ronald Dale Perkins (45)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and distributing methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: four years and nine months’ imprisonment
1
Cambrel Jamal Smart (29)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, and Trent Reichling.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Brandon Corey Skeith (40)
Possession of fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 7 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
1
John Nathan Hemingway (52)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 9 years’ imprisonment
1
Frederick Lamont Sams (41)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 7 years’ imprisonment
1
Cornelius Dewyane Moore (30)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 2 years’ imprisonment
1
Raekwon Cannon (26)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years’ imprisonment
2
Terry Lenard Shipman (48)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years of imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Michael J. Coolican, and John Cannizzaro.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Jaedyn Tiryse Presley
(23)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: Time Served: (4 months)
1
Michael Tyrone Young (32)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed:
33 months’ imprisonment
1
Aaron Haa (42)
Possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
Sentence imposed: 17 years and 7 months’ imprisonment
3
Troy Nix (29)
Possession of a firearm by a felon; possession with intent to distribute heroin
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
1
Rey Daniel Facio-Garcia (29)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Sentence imposed: 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
1
Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 3 years and 4 months’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., Tyrie K. Boyer, William S. Hamilton, and Hannah Nowalk.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Kevin Deane Jones (30)
Unlawfully possessing ricin, a biological toxin, and for possession of two firearms as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
2
Nathan Joel Arledge (29)
Possession of machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, unregistered silencers, and child abuse material
Sentence imposed: 6 years’ imprisonment
3
Carlos Tawan Reed, Jr. (23)
Bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of an ATM
Sentence imposed: 4 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
0
Daniel Stephen King (28)
Possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
9
Carlos Alberto Roman (56)
Possession of controlled substances and possessing a firearm equipped with a silencer in furtherance of drug crime
Sentence imposed: 40 years’ imprisonment
19 firearms,
6 silencers,
3 grenades
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Jennifer M. Harrington, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, Michael P. Felicetta, John M. Gardella, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Edwin Hill a/k/a “Z” (51)
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence imposed: 21 years and 10 months’ imprisonment
1
Damien Boatwright (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 5 months’ imprisonment
1
Terry Augusta Newsome (34)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 7 years’ imprisonment
1
Robert Humberston (39)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years’ imprisonment
3
Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (30)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
1
Raequin Smith (27)
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
1
Demetrius Haynes (32)
Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
Sentence imposed: 14 years’ imprisonment
1
Marques Howard (31)
Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 17 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
1
Cedric Durham Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years’ imprisonment
1
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Dan Baeza, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, David P. Sullivan, Maria Guzman, Shauna S. Hale, Samantha Newman, and David W. A. Chee.
Mexican man sentenced for smuggling over 8 kilos of narcotics in candy boxRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Monterrey, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of smuggling two kilograms of cocaine and six kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before convicting, Nestor Alan Garcia before returning a guilty verdict Sept. 22, 2022, on all six counts as charged following a four-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Garcia to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard arguments on whether Garcia had a larger role in the conspiracy beyond his participation as a transporter. The court heard that Garcia should receive an appropriate sentence based on the amount and purity of the drugs he and others smuggled into the country.
According to the testimony, Garcia attempted to enter the Hidalgo Port of Entry in a taxi on May 13, 2022. He claimed he was going to a party in McAllen and had a box of “pulparindo” candy, puppies and various meat products. Authorities referred Garcia to secondary inspection. There, a search of the box of candy revealed approximately 6.2 kilograms of meth and 2.08 kilograms of cocaine.
Law enforcement testified Garcia had attempted to hide the narcotics in a box of candy and later lied when he claimed he did not know how the drugs had been placed in the box or came into his custody. He coordinated the smuggling of the narcotics with his mother for days ahead of the smuggling event at the Hidalgo Port of Entry.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Garcia had no knowledge of the drugs and was simply doing a favor for his mother. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez and Lee Fry prosecuted the case.
Memphis Man Charged with Committing Sex Trafficking Offenses Against Two Minors and Two AdultsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging MACEO ROBERTS, age 24, from Memphis, Tennessee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
In Count One of the indictment, ROBERTS was charged with conspiring with Jeremy Talbert and Dominique Peeples to traffic an adult victim and a 14-year-old victim for commercial sex purposes between at least August 2020 and January 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(c).
In Counts Two and Five, ROBERTS was charged with trafficking two different adult victims for commercial sex purposes by means of force, fraud, or coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591. Count Three of the indictment charged ROBERTS with Coercion and Enticement of an Individual to Travel to Engage in Prostitution from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(a). Count Four charged ROBERTS with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a).
If convicted, ROBERTS faces up to life imprisonment as to Count One. Counts Two and Five carry a mandatory minimum of fifteen years up to a maximum of life in prison. As to Count Three, ROBERTS faces up to twenty years in prison. Count Four carries a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison.
As to each count, the defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, a requirement that the defendant participate in the sex offender registration and notification program, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Memphis Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit and Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Member and Associate of Newark Street Gang Charged with Unlawful Possession of Machinegun used in Shooting of Three PeopleRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of a Newark street gang made his initial court appearance today on firearms charges related to the shooting of multiple victims, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
Munir Muhammad, aka “Mu,” 18, of Newark, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a machinegun and possession of an unregistered firearm. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Since 2021, law enforcement officers have been investigating a series of retaliatory shootings between rival neighborhoods in Newark involving individuals in the area of Clinton Place and Weequahic Avenue, which is known on the street as “Cake Block.” These individuals are aligned with others who operate in the area of Vorhees Street and individuals who operate around the Bradley Court Housing Complex. Muhammad is a member and associate of this neighborhood street gang. He and his fellow gang members have committed numerous shootings that targeted individuals who operate in the area of the Oscar Miles Housing Complex and Goodwin Avenue.
On April 8, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a shooting in the area of the Oscar Miles Housing Complex and discovered three shooting victims, one of whom remains in critical condition.
On April 12, 2023, after the investigation identified Muhammad as a primary suspect in the shooting, law enforcement arrested Muhammad while he was in possession of a 9mm handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device and loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition in an extended magazine. A subsequent ballistics analysis of the machinegun confirmed that the machinegun fired 28 rounds during the April 8, 2023, shooting at the Oscar Miles Housing Complex.
The charge of possession of a machinegun carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Fritz Fragé; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; and special agents of the Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney, New York Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Jose Riera, Newark Field Office, with the investigations leading to the charges.
This case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Board of Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
muhammad.complaint.pdfMassachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Second Amendment Outdoors in DerryRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Lawrence, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jaythean Diaz, 19, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2023. Diaz was indicted on July 11, 2022.
On December 8, 2021, the Diaz and his co-conspirators broke into Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry, New Hampshire and stole 12 firearms—11 pistols and one rifle. Videos recovered from the phone of a co-conspirator show Diaz holding the stolen firearms, and messages recovered in another search show attempts by Diaz to sell at least one of the stolen firearms.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000 and restitution in an amount to be determined at sentencing. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Derry Police Department, Atkinson Police Department, Plaistow Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Windham Police Department, Hooksett Police Department, and Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Maricopa County Election Official and to Official with Office of Arizona Attorney GeneralRead the Press Release
An Iowa man pleaded guilty today to sending a threatening communication to an election official on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and to sending a threatening communication to an official with the Office of the Arizona Attorney General.
According to court documents, on or about Sept. 27, 2021, Mark A. Rissi, 64, of Hiawatha, said the following in a voicemail message he left for Clint Hickman, an election official with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: “Hello Mr. Hickman, I am glad that you are standing up for democracy and want to place your hand on the Bible and say that the election was honest and fair. I really appreciate that. When we come to lynch your stupid lying Commie [expletive], you’ll remember that you lied on the [expletive] Bible, you piece of [expletive]. You’re gonna die, you piece of [expletive]. We’re going to hang you. We’re going to hang you.”
Additionally, on or about Dec. 8, 2021, Rissi said the following in a voicemail message he left for then-Attorney General of Arizona Mark Brnovich: “This message is for Attorney General Mark Brnovich . . . . I’m a victim of a crime. My family is a victim of a crime. My extended family is a victim of a crime. That crime was the theft of the 2020 election. The election that was fraudulent across the state of Arizona, that the Attorney General knows was fraudulent, that the Attorney General has images of the conspirators deleting election fraud data from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors computer system. Do your job, Brnovich, or you will hang with those [expletive] in the end. We will see to it. Torches and pitchforks. That’s your future, [expletive]. Do your job.”
“Public officials who administer the most fundamental aspect of our democracy – elections – must be able to do their jobs free from illegal threats,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, our Election Threats Task Force, working with partners across the nation, will continue to hold accountable those who unlawfully threaten election workers.”
“I’m proud of Arizona’s public servants who administer elections with integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “When the people speak at the ballot box, all Americans should respect their voices.”
“As part of the FBI’s mission to defend the democratic process, we are equipped with the expertise to respond to allegations of election interference – whether by fraud, cyber intrusion, or in this case, intimidation,” said Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “Election security is and will continue to be one of the FBI’s highest national security priorities.”
Rissi pleaded guilty to two counts of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI Cedar Rapids Field Office.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the Task Force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The Task Force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and United States Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the Task Force is continuing this work and supporting the United States Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the Task Force has begun.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the Task Force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at: tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Conspiracy Involving over 30 HandgunsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to an illegal straw purchasing conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, between December 2021 and July 2022, Abdullahi Issak, 26, conspired to have 36 firearms straw purchased for him at federal firearms dealers throughout central and southern Maine. Issak directed the straw purchasers where to buy the firearms and what firearms to buy, and provided them cash or drugs in return for engaging in the illegal transactions. Issak took possession of the firearms from the straw purchasers following each sale. He also pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing one of the firearms, which was purchased for him at a federal firearms dealer in Jay. A 2019 New York felony conviction precluded Issak from possessing firearms.
Straw purchasing typically involves a buyer who can lawfully purchase firearms but who then provides them to another person who is legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, therefore allowing the prohibited person to illegally obtain firearms and avoid the national background check system.
Issak faces up to 10 years in prison on the felon in possession charge and five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Following any sentence of imprisonment he faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
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Leader of Multistate Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – On April 11, 2023, Judge Ralph Beistline of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska sentenced a Mexican national to 14 years imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for his role as the head of a drug trafficking organization that spanned multiple states. Judge Beistline also sentenced a lower-level coconspirator based in Alaska to a term of seven years of imprisonment on April 12, 2023.
According to court documents, Rene Alejandro Pompa-Villa pleaded guilty to continuing criminal enterprise and money laundering conspiracy for his role in a drug trafficking and distribution enterprise that stretched from Alaska to Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. From 2016 through October 2020, Pompa-Villa, the leader of the organization, regularly mailed large amounts of drugs to distributors throughout the country, including mailing parcels to drug dealers in Anchorage, and deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug proceeds into various bank accounts. During the nearly three-year investigation, law enforcement officers seized about six kilograms of heroin, four kilograms of methamphetamine and four kilograms of fentanyl sent through the mail. The Alaska drug distributor, Kyle Redpath, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for receiving drugs through the mail from the drug trafficking organization. Redpath also deposited thousands of dollars into bank accounts owned by the organization.
The continuing criminal enterprise statute that Pompa-Villa was convicted of violating applies to high-level leaders of large and organized criminal organizations.
Pompa-Villa and Redpath were indicted in April 2021 along with 8 other members of the enterprise located in Anchorage, San Diego, and Tucson. Dustin Noonan was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment on March 23, 2023. Tyler Landroche was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment on February 23, 2023. Kimberly Renee Mackey was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment on February 22, 2023. Jessica Twigg was sentenced to time served on May 16, 2022. Carlos Camacho, Christopher Pompa-Villa, and Heydimar Marrero are awaiting sentencing. Victor Pompa-Villa remains at large.
“Today’s sentence disrupts a continuing criminal enterprise that spanned coast-to-coast and border-to-border,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “The United States Attorney’s Office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek justice against traffickers of fentanyl and other illegal drugs that are poisoning our communities.”
“The sentence imposed today underscores the commitment of the DEA to tirelessly pursue, and go wherever an investigation leads, to ensure those who traffic poison into our communities are held accountable,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.
“The US Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively investigate individuals like Pompa-Villa who use the US Mail in support of their criminal activities.” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti, “This should also serve as a reminder to those who abuse our community by peddling dangerous narcotics; law enforcement will find you and bring you to justice. Cases like these don’t come together without teamwork and we thank all agencies involved.”
“A rockstar once said ‘I’ve never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police.’ Though not a rock star, Mr. Pompa-Villa, because of his drug trafficking, also has problems with the police,” said Special Agent in Charge Bret Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), Seattle Field Office. “Illegal drugs are a tremendous plague on our communities. Because of that, IRS:CI will continue to work with our partners in the community and in law enforcement to stop the flow of drugs and cause as many problems for drug traffickers as possible, rockstar or not.”
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Alaska State Troopers and the Anchorage Police Department are investigating the case. The U.S. Marshals had a significant role in making the arrests and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Tucson and San Diego played a critical role in the indictment of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Schroeder and Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
This investigation and prosecution are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Beware of pills bought on the street: One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opiate that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of Oxycodone, Percocet, and other drugs, but can be obtained at a lower cost. However, very small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl create huge effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills and can easily cause death. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills are usually shaped and colored to resemble pills that are sold legitimately at pharmacies. For example, the counterfeit pills involved in this case, known as M30s, mimic Oxycodone, but when sold on the street they routinely contain fentanyl. These tablets are round and often light blue in color, though they may be made in many colors, and have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill.
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Leader of Hillsborough Drug Trafficking Organization and His Wife Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Franqui (37, Tampa) to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Franqui’s wife, Marie Rodriguez (41, Tampa), was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Franqui and Rodriguez had both pleaded guilty on May 31, 2022.
According to court documents, beginning no later than September 1, 2017, and continuing through August 27, 2020, Franqui and others, including his wife and codefendants Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado, Edgardo Colon Rosado, and Orlando Muniz Escalera, conspired to distribute heroin and fentanyl in in the Middle District of Florida. Franqui, who was the leader of his drug trafficking organization, used “runners” to field calls from customers and fulfill orders. The runners distributed the heroin to users in plastic baggies for $10 per bag. Well over a kilogram of heroin was distributed through the runner network alone. Franqui also distributed larger quantities of heroin and fentanyl to other drug dealers.
On three occasions between June 17 and August 14, 2020, Franqui and Rodriguez arranged transactions and sold heroin to a confidential source (CS). Franqui and Rodriguez provided the CS with more than 83 grams of heroin. In one of the distributions, fentanyl was mixed with the heroin.
Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado, Edgardo Colon Rosado, and Orlando Muniz Escalera, who were all part of Franqui’s runner network, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and were sentenced in previous hearings. Diaz Tirado was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, Muniz Escalera was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and Colon Rosado was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Last Defendant in Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Is Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Rebecca Lynn Barker, 50, of Sylva, N.C., was sentenced today to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug conspiracy charges, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between April 2019 and August 2021, federal, state, and local law enforcement determined that Barker was part of a drug conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine in Haywood, Buncombe, and Jackson Counties as well as Georgia. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement used controlled buys, seizures, and the execution of search warrants to determine that the drug conspirators were responsible for trafficking more than 36 kilograms of methampehetamine in Western North Carolina. Law enforcement also seized thousands of dollars in drug proceeds and nine firearms. Court records show that Barker was responsible for distributing more than 230 grams of actual methamphatamine and over 3,100 grams of methamphetamine mixture. Law enforcement also seized from Barker a handgun and a shotgun, and more than $7,200 in cash.
On August 4, 2022, Barker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containig methamphetamine. She is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Barker’s co-defendants were previously sentenced as follows:
Robert Allan Burnette was sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Angela Vance Carver was sentenced to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Derek Michal Cluff was sentenced to 30 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
Marcus Brandon Cobaugh was sentenced to 60 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
Lindsay Nicole Cobb was sentenced to 135 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
David Hunter Creson was sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
William Joseph Craig was sentenced to 179 months in prison and ten years of supervised release.
Arthur Shane Douville, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Jaime Gamez, was sentenced to 151 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Justin Caroll Gibson was sentenced to 151 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Jane Ivison Gill was sentenced to 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Roberty Illerma Ibarra was sentenced to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Elizabeth Gabrielle Mann was sentenced to 84 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
Jose Andress Martinez was sentenced to 130 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Keith Allen McMahan was sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Nicholas Ray Miller was sentenced to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Ryan Warren Muster was sentenced to 132 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Kelly Woodrow Ross was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release.
Richard Anthony Swanger was sentenced to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Christy Helen Trull was sentenced to 57 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Michael Kevin Vanlandingham was sentenced to 12 months of probation.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited an investigation led by the Western District’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), and thanked United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Waynesville Police Department, the Canton Police Department, the Maggie Valley Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative efforts.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Kent, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Assault with Intent to Kill While ArmedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Anthony Braxton, 47, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury, of assault with intent to kill while armed and other charges in a mid-morning stabbing that took place in November 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Braxton also was found guilty of aggravated assault while armed, stalking, and other offenses. The verdict was returned on April 12, 2023, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Maribeth Raffinan scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 4, 2017, Braxton went to the home of his former romantic partner in violation of a court ordered stay away. He then approached the woman in broad daylight and stabbed her nearly 30 times with a pair of needle nose pliers in front of their child in common.
Braxton had been ordered by a District of Columbia Superior Court Judge on Oct. 16, 2017, to stay away and have no contact with the victim. Evidence showed that he violated that order over 500 times between Oct. 16, 2017 and Nov. 4, 2017.
The victim received medical treatment for her stab wounds at Howard University Hospital. She ultimately required surgery to save her right hand.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Wolf, Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Coleman and Daniel Lenerz, Pretrial Mental Health Coordinator Jennifer Mika, Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Fogle, Victim/Witness Advocate Shawn Slade and Tracy Owusu, and interns Jessica Wasserman, Julianne Saunders, Molly Patrick, and Kate Dougherty.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana Joseph and Brian Yang, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Judge Sends Convicted Mercer County Drug Dealer to Prison for 15 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Joshua Peters was sentenced to 180 months in prison for committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes in Mercer County, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Peters, age 37, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab ordered Peters to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Peters was convicted at the conclusion of a jury trial in December 2022 of committing the following crimes on March 15, 2022: (1) possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (3) possession of a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction.
The trial evidence demonstrated, among other things, that Peters was distributing cocaine and fentanyl from a house in Greenville, Pennsylvania, in 2022. The house was searched by the Mercer County Drug Task Force on March 15, 2022. Thirty-four grams of cocaine, six guns, and over $2,500 in cash were found inside the house on that date.
The investigation established that Peters was responsible for the distribution of over 500 grams of cocaine and over 80 grams of fentanyl as part of a continuing course of conduct in 2021 and 2022. The investigation also revealed that he, at times, distributed cocaine and fentanyl in return for guns and sexual acts.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.
This case was prosecuted as 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 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.
Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting an Intimate PartnerRead the Press Release
A man who punched the mother of his children in the face twice was sentenced today to over a year in federal prison.
Dawson Davenport, age 42, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2022 guilty plea to assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury.
Information from the case showed that on January 24, 2022, Davenport was intoxicated and involved in a fight with another man. The victim, who was the mother of three of Davenport’s children, tried to separate the two men. She then retreated into a nearby house and sat on the couch. Davenport entered the home and punched the victim in the face twice, striking near her left eye each time. He attempted to punch her a third time but missed and fell onto the victim. Davenport has previously been convicted of domestic assault five times in state court.
Davenport was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Davenport was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Davenport is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-cr-66.
Harrison County man guilty of firearms and witness tampering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Shinnston, West Virginia, man was found guilty this week of illegally having an assault rifle and tampering with a witness to cover up the crime.
Charles Raymond Wable, 62, was found guilty by a federal jury after a two-day trial. Wable, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior drug convictions, was under supervision by the U.S. Probation Office. During a home check, officers found a loaded assault rifle hidden under his bed. During a hearing in federal court to revoke his probation, Wable had someone falsely testify about the ownership of the firearm.
Wable will be sentenced on August 2, 2023. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearms charge and faces up to 20 years for witness tampering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harborer linked to deceased migrant sent to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican woman illegally residing in Edinburg has been sentenced for her role in harboring aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Sanjuana Yurit Garcia-Salazar pleaded guilty Nov. 2, 2022.
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced her to a total of 24 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Garcia-Salazar is expected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Garcia was an indispensable link in the chain of events that led to the death of a migrant. In handing down the sentence, the court noted alien smuggling is an inherently dangerous crime, and the harborers, transporters and money launderers in the conspiracy all understand the risks migrants face as they must walk through the South Texas brush in sweltering heat.
“Leaving a migrant’s dead body on the side of the road is a growing and common tragedy along the southern border and shows the callousness of human smugglers,” said Hamdani. “Today’s sentence is a message that our office will aggressively prosecute those who smuggle migrants and harbor migrants, treating them as chattel and endangering their lives solely for profit.”
Law enforcement had discovered the body of a deceased Guatemalan citizen in Edna near FM 234.
The investigation revealed the victim had been harbored at a residence in Edinburg before transportation further into the United States.
Authorities went to a residence believed related to the crime residence Sept. 13, 2022, where they encountered Garcia-Salazar. A subsequent search led to the discovery of 21 individuals illegally present in the United States. Garcia-Salazar admitted she harbored 50 to 60 individuals per week for two years for financial gain.
She further acknowledged knowing about the Guatemalan male whom she had harbored at her residence. She noted he had a really bad cough before being transported away from her residence.
Garcia-Salazar has been in custody since her arrest where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jongwoo Chung prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of the Missing Migrant Program (MMP). Established in 2021, MMP’s objective is to review migrant smuggling fatalities and determine if there is the possibility of further investigation and prosecution.
Hawaiian Man Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment on Possession of Methamphetamine ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jason Lee Current, 45, was sentenced as a career offender to 12 years imprisonment by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis on his conviction of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Lewis also sentenced Current to five years of supervised release, a fine of $2,500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment.
According to court documents, on November 5, 2020, Custom and Border Protection in San Juan, PR, intercepted a package that was shipped from California and addressed to Current. The package contained 112 grams of methamphetamine and 341 grams of marijuana. The contraband was removed and replaced with sham drugs and outfitted with a tracking device. On November 10, 2020, Current picked up the package from the Sunny Isle Post Office in St. Croix. Current attempted to eluded capture after he detected the tracking device but was subsequently taken into custody. In July 2020, Current absconded from Hawaii to avoid sentencing on his felony robbery and assault convictions.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Greece Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason Lane, 28, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in July and August 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received tips from Yahoo that a user uploaded approximately 260 files of possible child pornography to a Yahoo email account. NCMEC forwarded the information to the New York State Police and a subsequent investigation traced the files to an IP address belonging to Lane, a former Town of Greece police recruit, who was terminated following a probationary period. The files include an image of a partially nude preschool-aged child, which appears to have been taken at a childcare facility in the Rochester, NY, area. The files also include sexually explicit images of two minor victims (Victim 1 and Victim 2), that appear to have been taken by Lane.
On August 9, 2022, the NYSP executed a search warrant at a residence in Brighton, NY, and seized a cellular phone belonging to Lane. A second search warrant was executed at a residence in Greece, NY. A forensic analysis of the phone recovered child pornography. A search warrant was also executed on Lane’s Yahoo account. That search recovered additional images of child pornography that were produced by Lane, in images that Lane obtained via the internet, and images of students at Spencerport High School that appear to have been take surreptitiously by Lane when he worked as a security guard at the school.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Grant County residents sentenced to a combined 50 years for child pornRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Petersburg, West Virginia, residents have been sentenced for creating and distributing sexual images of a minor under the age of 12.
Christine Shook, age 34, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison. Jasper E. Shook, age 35, was sentenced in February to 365 months. Both defendants pleaded guilty in 2022 to child pornography charges.
Jasper Shook messaged an undercover FBI agent using the KIK app, bragging about sexual contact with a minor and sending sexually explicit images of the child. A search warrant was later executed at the Shook home, where officers seized electronic devices that contained child pornography, with some of the images also identifying Jasper Shook and Christine Shook.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Gang Leader Sentenced for Possessing Ammunition While on Federal Supervised Release Less Than a Year After Serving More Than Fifteen Years in Prison for Trafficking DrugsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man identified by law enforcement as a leader of the Trinitarios street gang, has been sentenced to thirty months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Juan Guerrero, 42, was found to be in possession of 9 mm cartridges in October 2019, ten months after he completed serving a fifteen-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence for trafficking drugs. The October 2019 arrest occurred while Guerrero was subject to a five-year term of supervised release that followed his term of incarceration.
Minutes after Providence Police saw a vehicle driven by Guerrero speed away from an area where they were investigating reports of shots fired, a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of a knapsack containing 9 mm ammunition in Guerrero’s vehicle. The investigation later determined that ten spent shell casings recovered by police from the shooting location carried the same marking as did live 9 mm cartridges retrieved from the knapsack.
“Gang violence and gun crimes sow fear on our streets and rob Rhode Islanders of the safety that every one of us deserves in all of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Rather than learning from the consequences of his past crimes, this Defendant chose to reoffend and put lives at risk. Thanks to superb investigative work by the Providence Police, however, he has been held accountable yet again, and our streets are safer for it.”
“I commend the outstanding work conducted by our officers to assist in removing this dangerous career criminal from our streets,” said Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez. “The continued partnership amongst our law enforcement partners has been an invaluable resource in the reduction of drug and gun violence and in this case the defendant is more than deserving of the sentence he was given. We will continue to utilize every resource available to us to make our streets safe and I thank the Office of the United States Attorney for their commitment to public safety.”
According to a government Sentencing Memorandum filed with the court, on October 21, 2019, at approximately 1:20 am, Providence Police received reports of shots fired. As they were responding, they saw a vehicle speed away from the general area. Providence Police followed the vehicle and attempted to stop it. At first, the driver refused to stop. When it did, the driver, Juan Guerrero, was uncooperative with police and refused officers’ commands. Guerrero was removed from the vehicle at gunpoint and handcuffed. Police later determined that the 16-year-old was, at the time, in the custody of the Rhode Island Training School, but was allowed home under the supervision of his mother. A knapsack containing the ammunition was discovered in the vehicle.
As detailed in court filings, a subsequent investigation by Providence Police revealed surveillance video showing several shots being fired into the air by a person that matched a physical description of Guerrero and the clothing he was wearing at the time of his arrest. The individual is seen in the video firing the gun into the air, and nine or ten muzzle flashes can be seen as shots are fired. The shell casings retrieved from the scene of the shooting and the ammunition contained in the knapsack retrieved from Guerrero’s car carried the same markings.
As a result of his arrest related to this incident, Guerrero was found to have violated the conditions of his federal supervised release and was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration.
On March 23, 2023, Guerrero pleaded guilty to a separate charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. He was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 30 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. The Court ordered Guerrero to serve the additional 30-month sentence imposed today consecutive to the term of incarceration he is currently serving for violating his supervised release conditions.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
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Fredericksburg Man Sentenced for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fredericksburg man was sentenced today to 19 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, from at least December 11, 2018, through April 8, 2019, Chad Michael Lehofer, 37, repeatedly engaged in sexually explicit discussions with a minor online and enticed and coerced the minor to produce sexually explicit pictures and videos and send them to Lehofer. After the minor tried to break off contact with him, Lehofer pretended to be a different person and continued to communicate with the minor online. Lehofer sent threatening messages to the minor, telling the minor that if the minor did not send him sexually explicit videos, he would expose the minor to others, including the minor’s mother and friends. Lehofer claimed to be watching the minor’s house and would send the minor messages indicating he knew the minor’s location and he would be waiting at the minor’s home. In response to these threats, the minor produced a sexually explicit video and sent it to Lehofer.
After obtaining a warrant to search Lehofer’s cell phone, law enforcement discovered that his phone contained numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors. Lehofer was previously convicted in Connecticut in 2006 for state offenses involving his sexual abuse of two minors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Bedell and Lauren Halper, as well as Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo from the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
In 2021, EDVA launched “UnMasked,” a community-based educational outreach and prevention program in Virginia dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about the prevalence of online sexual exploitation involving children and young adults. UnMasked is a multi-disciplinary partnership of local, state, federal, and non-profit stakeholders. The core curriculum is provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) NetSmartz program. To report an incident involving online sexual exploitation, call 1-800-843-5678 or submit a report at report.cybertip.org. To request an UnMasked event at your school or organization, please contact EDVA’s Community Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].
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. 1:22-cr-82.
Four People Indicted for Roles in Romance and Internet Frauds, Illegal Money TransmittingRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A husband and wife formerly of Burlington County, New Jersey, and a Nigerian national were indicted for their roles in an online romance fraud and other internet frauds, resulting in the loss of $4.5 million to over 100 victims, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Martins Inalegwu, 34, of Philadelphia, Phildelphia, Steincy Mathieu, 26 of Brooklyn, New York, and Moses Chukwuebuka Alexander of Nigeria, were indicted on April 6, 2023, for various charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, transacting in criminal proceeds, and tax evasion.
A fourth defendant, Oluwaseyi Fatolu, of Springfield, New Jersey, was indicted for conducting an unlawful money transmitting business. Fatolu was arraigned on April 12, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court. Inalegwu and Mathieu are scheduled to be arraigned before Judge King on April 20, 2023. Alexander remains at large.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between April 2016 and May 2020, Inalegwu, Mathieu, Alexander and their conspirators, several of whom reside in Nigeria, allegedly participated in an online romance scheme, defrauding more than 100 victims throughout the country. The conspirators made initial contact with victims through online dating and social media websites, then corresponded with victims via email and phone, pretended to strike up a romantic relationship with victims, wooed them with words of love, and then requested the victims send money to them, or their associates, for fictitious emergency needs. In all instances, the individuals whom the victims believed they were speaking to did not exist, and instead they were speaking to the conspirators of this scheme. Inalegwu, Mathieu and their conspirators engaged in apartment rental scams wherein they advertised the rental of a property, not owned or controlled by them, for the purpose of collecting money from the victims in the form of application fees and security deposits. After Inalegwu, Mathieu and conspirators collected the money, the victims never heard from them again.
Conspirators used myriad email accounts and phone numbers to communicate with the victims and instruct them on where to wire the money, including recipient names, addresses, financial institutions and account numbers. Victims wired money to bank accounts held by Inalegwu and Mathieu in the United States, and also mailed checks directly to Inalegwu and Mathieu. Some victims transferred money to the conspirators via money transfer services, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, and others wired money to bank accounts held by conspirators overseas.
Federal law enforcement agents have identified more than 100 victims who sent a total of $4.5 million directly to Inalegwu and Mathieu, who spent the money on personal expenses, withdrew money in cash, transferred money to other bank accounts they personally controlled, and transferred money to bank accounts held by Alexander and other conspirators in Nigeria and Turkey. Inalegwu also used the unlicensed money transmitting business run by Fatolu to send money to Nigeria. Fatolu operated a “hawala system,” wherein she directed Inalegwu and other customers to deposit money into her bank accounts and the accounts of her associates in the United States, and thereafter facilitated the movement of corresponding money into the destination bank account overseas, as directed by the customer. Fatolu charged a fee for this service. Inalegwu and Mathieu failed to report the income derived from the victims, and evaded the payment of tax on the entirety of this victim money.
The counts of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of transacting in criminal proceeds is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The counts of tax evasion are each punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The count of unlicensed money transmitting is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Trenton office.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
inalegwu.indictment.pdfFour Indicted in Scheme to Deliver Drugs into State Prisons by DroneRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — An indictment, brought on Feb. 16, 2023, has been unsealed, charging four defendants in a scheme to use drones to deliver drugs and other contraband into state prisons, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Michael Ray Acosta, 48, an inmate at Pleasant Valley State Prison, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, conspiracy to own and operate an unregistered drone and serving or attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, and using a cellphone in aid of racketeering.
Jose Enrique Oropeza, 34, of Colton in San Bernardino County, is charged with conspiracy to own and operate an unregistered drone and serving or attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, possessing with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, owning and operating a drone that is not registered, and serving or attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate.
Rosendo Rene Ramirez, 34, of Sacramento, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, conspiracy to own and operate an unregistered drone and serving or attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, serving and attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
David Ramirez Jr., 34, of Sacramento, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, conspiracy to own and operate an unregistered drone and serving or attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, and owning or operating a drone that is not registered.
According to court documents, between Jan. 1, and Dec. 10, 2021, Acosta used a contraband cellphone to coordinate multiple drone deliveries of contraband into Pleasant Valley State Prison and other prisons across the state. Oropeza, Rosendo Ramirez, and David Ramirez Jr. flew drones over the prisons and dropped packages of contraband into the prisons. Acosta and his associates would then recover the contraband for further distribution throughout the prison population. The packages that Acosta helped to smuggle into the prisons included methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, cellphones, cellphone accessories, butane oil, and various other items.
Acosta’s conspirators took various steps to prevent corrections officers from detecting and intercepting the contraband. They planned drone drops when it was night and the drones were less likely to be seen. Rosendo Ramirez flew the drones from concealed positions in the fields surrounding the prison. The incursions included the following facilities: Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran; Salinas Valley State Prison, High Desert State Prison, Pleasant Valley State Prison, California State Prison, Sacramento; and California State Prison, Corcoran.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. If convicted of possessing with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana or distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, the defendants face a statutory penalty of five to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million. If convicted of conspiracy to own and operate an unregistered drone, serving, owning or operating a drone that is not registered, attempting to serve as an airman without an airman’s certificate, or using a cellphone in aid of racketeering, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Ramirez faces a maximum penalty of 10 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Fort Myers Roofing Contractors Plead Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Two Florida businessmen pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion.
According to court documents, David Aaron and Russell Ultes were co-owners of Marlin Construction Group LLC (Marlin), a Fort Myers-based residential and commercial roofing company. In 2018 and 2019, Aaron and Ultes diverted millions of dollars of customer checks made payable to Marlin, by cashing them at check-cashing businesses in nearby counties. Aaron and Ultes used the cash to pay personal expenses and caused Marlin’s books and records to falsely underreport the business’s gross receipts and income for those years. Aaron and Ultes provided false information to Marlin’s tax return preparers, resulting in the preparation of false 2018 and 2019 corporate income tax returns (Forms 1120S) that did not report all of the gross receipts and income. Because the income from the false corporate returns flowed through to Aaron and Ultes’s personal returns, their 2018 and 2019 personal income tax returns (Forms 1040) were similarly false. In total, Aaron and Ultes caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $1.4 million.
Aaron and Ultes each face a maximum of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger Handby for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Stanley J. Okula, Jr., and Trial Attorney Richard J. Hagerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with a Consumer ProductRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Catherine Shannon Dunton, 54, has pled guilty in federal district court in Fort Pierce to tampering with a consumer product.
From approximately February 28 to April 18, 2022, Dunton, a Florida licensed Registered Nurse (RN), worked at an outpatient surgical center in Jensen Beach, Martin County, Fla. as a circulating nurse. While working at the center, Dunton took vials of fentanyl, a narcotic painkiller in liquid form, and self-administered it by injection. To avoid detection, she replaced the fentanyl from nearly 450 vials with saline solution, and then returned the adulterated vials to the center for use during outpatient surgical procedures.
At sentencing, Dunton faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for June 27, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
FDA-OCI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana M. Acosta is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-14073.
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Former Correctional Officer at the Metropolitan Transition Center in Baltimore Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy Related to a Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III today sentenced Shanese Butler, age 35, of Baltimore, a former Correctional Officer at the Metropolitan Transition Center (“MTC”) in Baltimore, to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy related to a scheme to smuggle contraband the MTC.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
According to court documents and her guilty plea, from June 2020 to November 2020, Butler engaged in a romantic relationship with Christopher Mann while he was a detainee at the Metropolitan Transition Center, and conspired with Mann, other employees, detainees, and associates of MTC to participate in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug distribution and bribery.
Specifically, Butler, Mann and at least two other conspirators, including outside facilitator, Cania Jefferson, age 35, and Correctional Officer Thomas Green, worked together to smuggle contraband into MTC in exchange for bribe payments. At Mann’s direction, Butler sent $1,000 bribe payments to Green on multiple occasions. In exchange for these bribe payments, Green smuggled contraband into MTC and delivered it to Mann. For example, in July 2020, after receiving a bribe payment from Mann, Green smuggled two cell phones, suboxone, and K2 into MTC but was apprehended by law enforcement on their way to MTC.
The evidence showed that Butler controlled Mann’s Cash App account, through which multiple payments were made to Green and facilitator Cania Jefferson; and multiple payments from and on behalf of Mann’s customer’s inside MTC were received. The government presented evidence that, not only did Butler assist in managing the day-to-day financial aspects of Mann’s contraband smuggling organization, she assisted in liquidating the operation’s proceeds. Cash App records confirm that between September 16 and October 3, 2020, Butler withdrew approximately $33,000 from the account. The FBI recovered approximately 10 percent of that amount, $3,020, while searching Butler’s home on October 2, 2020. The balance of the proceeds is unaccounted for.
According to court documents, in September 2020, law enforcement intercepted a series of phone calls in which Butler and Mann devised a scheme to spray liquid K2 onto a piece of paper, and to smuggle the paper into MTC through the United States mail service. Butler sent the piece of paper to another detainee as a “trial.” The mailing was seized by jail administrators, tested by a chemist, and found to have been soaked in synthetic marijuana. When the FBI raided Butler’s home in October 2020, they recovered a spray bottle containing liquid K2, as well as multiple pieces of paper that had been soaked in liquid K2.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Co-defendants Christopher Mann, age 40, of Baltimore; Thomas Green, age 34, of Pikesville, Maryland; and Cania Jefferson, age 36, of Lansdowne, Maryland previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and were sentenced to between a year and a day and three years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DPSCS Intelligence and Investigative Division for their work in this joint investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Florida Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Assaulting Two Military Police Officers with His CarRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Florida man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for assaulting two U.S. Air Force military police officers with his car. Hal Wander, 26, of Port Charlotte, Florida, pleaded guilty by teleconference on Feb. 8, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez, to an information charging him with assault on two federal officers using a deadly and dangerous weapon, namely, a motor vehicle.