Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 13 February 2023
Arizona Man Sentenced to 12 ½ Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew M. Peeples, 44, of Pine, Arizona pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 ½ years in prison for receiving child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 30 years of supervised release.
In October 2021, the father of a 16-year-old girl reported to law enforcement that in reviewing the victim’s Snapchat messages, he observed images of the family dog performing oral sex on the girl. The father allowed police to search his phone which contained the Snapchat application associated with the girl’s account.
The Snapchat application contained conversations between the victim and Peeples between September 23 and October 25, 2021. Within these conversations, the victim said she was 16 years old. The defendant lied and said he was too. He then repeatedly asked the victim to perform sexual acts with her dog. When she complied, he recorded the activity.
Peeples then sent the recordings of the victim and her dog to someone else to attempt to convince them to engage in similar behavior. He also portrayed himself as a 16-year-old boy to obtain explicit images from other minors. By his own admission, he has been exploiting minors for approximately 10-12 years.
Judge Conley found that a significant sentence was warranted because the defendant manipulated and coerced the victim to persuade her to engage in humiliating conduct for his own sexual gratification. Judge Conley was also concerned that Peeples was living a double life, with people in his life having no idea of the horrific life he was living online.
The charge against Peeples was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Waunakee, Middleton, and Truckee, California Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Saturday 11 February 2023
Alleged Drug Trafficking Ring Leader and Utah Business Owner Behind Bars Following Massive Narcotics BustRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal judge ordered detention of the leader of a large Utah narcotics organization. In the Memorandum Decision and Order filed Friday, the judge wrote that the decision to detain Jaafar Altalibi was based in part on “the significant role defendant played in distributing highly toxic substances throughout the community for approximately a decade…”
In October, a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned a 15-count indictment charging multiple defendants, including foreign nationals, with drug-related offenses, including synthetic drugs commonly referred to as “bath salts,” and providing defendants notice that if convicted of the charges, they would forfeit millions of dollars in cash, bank accounts, property and other assets.
According to court documents, Jaafar Altalibi, 40, Salt Lake County; Mountazar Altalibi, 34, Salt Lake County; Haydar Altalibi, 43; Salt Lake County; David Lovato, 42, Salt Lake County; Allen Jervis, 54, Salt Lake County; Hannah Taylor, 26, Salt Lake County; Samantha Barber, 39, Salt Lake County; Roble Abdinoor, 42, Seattle, Washington; Faris Musa, 30, Salt Lake County; Hussein Alsalemi, 39, Salt Lake County; Khadim Musa, 31, Salt Lake County; Martinus De Koning, a foreign national; Smokers Haven J, LLC; and Lake City Auto Sales, LLC, are all charged with a number of drug related offenses, which include but do not apply to all defendants, conspiracy to distribute schedule I controlled substances; conspiracy to commit money laundering; attempted possession of α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) with intent to distribute; possession of α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) with intent to distribute; distribution of α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP); distribution of α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) for the purpose of unlawful importation; and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Defendants were also provided notice that if convicted of the charges, defendants would forfeit property constituting, or derived from, any proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as the result of such offense and any property used, or intended to be used, in any manner or part, to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, the offense(s). This property includes seven real estate properties; six bank accounts; all vehicles parked at an involved business; four additional vehicles to include a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, 2022 Cadillac Escalade, 2017 Landrover Range Rover Sport, and a 2017 Lexus GS350; other luxury items, multiple residences, and two businesses.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force, made up of officers from the DEA, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake/Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, West Valley City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are investigating this case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Utah Department of Public Safety, Tooele Police Department, Sandy Police Department, South Jordan Police Department, Murray Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Park City Police Department, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Seth Nielsen, from the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Assistant United States Attorneys Vernon G. Stejskal, and Cy H. Castle, for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Friday 10 February 2023
Weymouth Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Weymouth man has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed prodigious amounts of cocaine from Puerto Rico, which he and a co-conspirator obtained via the U.S. mail.
John Tavares, 36, was sentenced on Feb. 7, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. Tavares was also ordered to forfeit $91,940 in drug proceeds. In October 2019, Tavares pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
“Mr. Tavares was a significant wholesale cocaine supplier who cultivated a major drug pipeline that funneled more than $1 million worth of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “In addition, this dangerous drug trafficker kept firearms to protect his cocaine stash and illicit proceeds – putting the community at risk with the potentially lethal combination of drug distribution and deadly weapons. Thanks to the exceptional work by our state, local and federal partners, Mr. Tavares and his gun laden cocaine venture have been brought to a halt and communities across the South Shore are safer.”
“What we have here today is a perfect example of what happens when different law enforcement agencies pool their recourses and expertise to achieve a common goal…to protect American citizens from the many perils of illegal drugs. The safety and security of Postal Service employees and customers is the core mission of the Postal Inspection Service. It is our duty as postal inspectors to aggressively investigate those individuals who ship illicit drugs through the U.S. Mail. Make no mistake, we will find you and hold you accountable. I would like to thank our federal, state, and local partners for helping us achieve our goal to protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse,” said Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.
“Tavares and his coconspirator are responsible for trafficking significant amounts of cocaine to the Massachusetts area. HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt trafficking operations like this one and prevent dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
“DEA is committed to investigating Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Tavares who is responsible for distributing cocaine to the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “This sentence not only holds Mr. Tavares accountable for his crimes but this should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the drug epidemic in order to profit and destroy the lives of others. We will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison. This investigation demonstrates the continued commitment we have to keeping our communities safe.”
Between March 2017 and August 2018, federal inspectors identified more than 40 suspicious parcels that had been sent through the mail from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Massachusetts including residences in Quincy, North Dartmouth, Weymouth and New Bedford. The suspicious parcels were often sent on the same day from Puerto Rico to two or more addresses in Massachusetts. During the investigation, two parcels were intercepted in the mail and approximately two kilograms of cocaine was found hidden in sealed coffee cans. Through surveillance, it was determined that Tavares and co-conspirator Cristina Lopez were receiving the majority of the parcels. It was also determined that Tavares and Lopez had flown regularly from Massachusetts to Puerto Rico for trips lasting only 30 to 72 hours, and that the parcels suspected of containing cocaine were then typically sent to Massachusetts within one to three days after their return. In total, Tavares and Lopez arranged for at least 44.9 kilograms of cocaine to be shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. After collecting the parcels, Tavares and Lopez prepared the cocaine for distribution.
Searches of residences used by Tavares and Lopez in Weymouth, North Dartmouth and Boston resulted in the seizures of more than three kilograms of cocaine, over $100,000, firearms, ammunition and various drug paraphernalia. Additionally, CDs containing photos taken from Lopez’s phone were seized which depicted Tavares posing in a bedroom with rifles, one of which was equipped with a silencer, as well as photos of Tavares with large stacks of cash.
In October 2019, Lopez pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and was sentenced in June 2020 to six years in prison and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; USPIS Acting INC Edwards; HSI SAC Millhollin; DEA SAC Boyle; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III; and Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, North Dartmouth and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Nadine Pellegrini of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney’s Office Releases 2022 Fourth Quarter Immigration Enforcement StatisticsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office announced its immigration enforcement statistics for October 2022 to December 2022. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the Tucson and Yuma Sectors of the Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the three-month period ending December 31, 2022, the United States brought criminal charges in Arizona against 1,456 individuals who illegally entered or re-entered the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 260 cases against individuals responsible for smuggling undocumented noncitizens to and within the District of Arizona.
Reducing migrant smuggling and mitigating the risk to communities impacted by these offenses continues to be a priority for the Office and its law enforcement partners. Some of these prosecutions are directed against leaders and coordinators of non-U.S. citizen smuggling organizations. Other prosecutions are aimed at deterring young adult drivers, often recruited over social media platforms, from engaging in this dangerous activity. Prosecutions against young drivers include three cases brought against juvenile smugglers during this time period.
These statistics represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-017_2022 Fourth Quarter Immigration Enforcement Statistics
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recovers $2 Million from Autism Therapy Provider for Alleged False Healthcare Claims in District’s Largest TRICARE SettlementRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has recovered $2,000,000 for taxpayers as part of a civil settlement with an Indiana autism therapy provider, ABA Programming Inc., Applied Behavior Center for Autism, and its owner, Sherry Michael (“ABCA”). ABCA is a provider of applied behavior analysis services for clients with autism throughout Indiana. The settlement will resolve allegations that ABCA submitted false claims to the TRICARE and Indiana Medicaid programs.
TRICARE is a health insurance system for members of the uniformed services and their families. It serves millions of beneficiaries, including many Hoosier families. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It is jointly funded by federal and state governments.
ABCA is a healthcare provider operating in multiple locations throughout the State of Indiana. It provides applied behavior analysis services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Sherry Michael is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABCA.
According to a settlement agreement between the United States, the State of Indiana, and ABCA, the government maintained that ABCA submitted false claims to the government through several fraudulent billing schemes. These schemes included submitting upcoded, concurrent, and duplicate claims, claims for services not covered by TRICARE, and claims already paid by third-party sources.
Specifically, ABCA submitted claims to TRICARE and Medicaid for Analyst and Technician services rendered concurrently to the same patient, on the same date of service, upcoded claims for services rendered by Technicians, and submitted claims for group therapy services when the services were not covered by TRICARE. ABCA also submitted claims to Medicaid for group therapy services improperly billed as direct one-on-one provider therapy and claims already paid by third-party sources, namely TRICARE and the Indiana CareSource marketplace, without indicating to Medicaid that the claims had already been paid.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Defense – Office of the Inspector General (“DOD-OIG”), Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“Indiana MFCU”), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office.
Based on the investigation, the estimated loss to the Medicaid program was $348,194.60 and the estimated loss to TRICARE was $626,795.90. ABCA has agreed to pay $2,000,000 to the United States and the State of Indiana to resolve the government’s allegations, which includes double damages and some of the government’s investigative costs. This settlement is the largest TRICARE settlement ever collected in the Southern District of Indiana.
“Waste, fraud, and abuse in healthcare claims wrongfully take funds intended to provide needed care to our military and Medicaid families,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Behavioral services providers must not exploit the needs of patients and families living with autism spectrum disorder to claim public funds to which they are not entitled. Our office is committed to working with our partners with the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to protect taxpayer money and ensure that providers comply with the law.”
“Health care providers who seek to defraud TRICARE and profit at the expense of patients under their care, particularly those with special needs, should be held fully accountable,” stated Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Today’s settlement demonstrates the commitment of DCIS, along with our partners, to safeguard critical resources for the health and well-being of our military members, their families, and retirees, who deserve the best care available.”
“Behavioral analysis services for children, and other Medicaid beneficiaries, are of crucial importance to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our office is committed to working together with our law enforcement partners to hold those to account for fraud in these, and other, Federal health care programs.”
“These programs are designed to help our most vulnerable Hoosiers,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “Parents and families across the state rely on the aid of autism therapy providers to better care for their loved ones. By submitting false claims, the Applied Behavior Center for Autism deprived low-income families, disabled people, and pregnant mothers of adequate funding. We are fighting back to ensure taxpayers are protected and the Medicaid funds are being used to benefit those in need."
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Olson, who prosecuted this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. In agreeing to the settlement terms, ABCA denied all liability under the False Claims Act. In investigating the case, HHS-OIG, DOD-OIG, and MFCU did not uncover any evidence of injury or harm to patients as a result of the alleged conduct.
Two Women Sentenced to Prison for Illicit Massage Parlor Operation and Attempted Bribe of Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Two women from Flushing, New York and Wilmington, North Carolina were sentenced today to combined 33 months in prison for their management and involvement in an illicit massage parlor operation between August of 2020 and June of 2021. Ming Ji Cao, sentenced to 18 months and a $1000 fine, and Og Bun Park, sentenced to 15 months and a $750 fine, previously pled guilty to the charges. Both women were also sentenced to three years of supervised release following their release from prison.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Cao and Park, were arrested as part of a broad undercover operation for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers to provide protection for their massage parlors in Cary and Wilmington, where sexual services were being offered.
The case arose from an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of other agencies, which determined that, in addition to the massages, clients were also obtaining sexual services at the parlors. Additionally, an HSI agent began going undercover to meet with Cao, Park, and other individuals who provided bribes to the agent, believing that the bribes would provide protection from law enforcement inquiries at the various massage parlors.
On June 16, 2021, HSI, with the assistance of numerous law enforcement agencies, led a coordinated takedown across four different federal districts that included the execution of search warrants at eight different massage parlors, multiple residences, and the arrest of six individuals, including Cao and Park. Cao and Park are each responsible for coordinating several thousand dollars in bribery payments.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Department of Homeland Security–Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and other state and local investigators , and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:21-cr-00079-Fl.
###
Two Men Indicted for Online Romance Fraud Schemes Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two men have been charged in separate indictments by a federal grand jury for their roles in online romance fraud schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to separate indictments, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated online romance fraud schemes that targeted primarily elderly victims. As part of the schemes, the perpetrators contacted victims through e-mail and other online social media applications, using false personas to obtain victims’ trust. The scheme participants typically sought a romantic connection with the victims including suggestions of marriage. For example, according to the indictment, Wilfred mailed cards and rings on numerous occasions to victims located in other states. Once a relationship was established, the scheme participants would introduce the victims to others, such as a purported assistant, diplomat, government official, or even supposed law enforcement officers. The intermediaries furthered the scheme by helping with purported logistical issues and lulling the victims. It was further part of the scheme that the participants of the fraud scheme would request money from victims consistent with the supposed needs of the false personas. Scheme participants routinely increased the size of the requests over time and would direct victims to send money and other items of value to specific addresses.
According to court documents, Wilfred and Kordorwu used numerous addresses and/or bank accounts to receive and process packages and funds sent by victims under false and fraudulent pretenses. Between May 2018 and June 2022, Kordorwu received more than $2.3 million in fraud proceeds from electronic fund transfers and approximately 90 separate victim mailings. Kordorwu used some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and shared proceeds with other scheme participants. Between June 2020 and March 2021, Wilfred received over 400 victim packages containing more than $1.2 million in fraud proceeds and used some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and shared proceeds with other scheme participants.
Wilfred is charged with seven counts of mail fraud. In a separate indictment, Kordorwu is charged with eight counts of mail fraud. Both defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and a Digital Forensic Investor with Hennepin County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tucson Man Arrested for Dealing Firearms Without a License and Possessing Unregistered FirearmsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Brian Jesus Hernandez, 24, of Tucson, Arizona, was arrested and charged Monday, with Dealing Firearms Without a License and Possessing Firearms Not Identified by a Serial Number.
During an investigation, detectives from the Tucson Police Department discovered that Hernandez was using a SnapChat account to advertise and sell firearms. On November 17, 2022, Hernandez sold a fully automatic 9mm pistol with no serial number to an undercover detective from the Tucson Police Department.
On February 6, 2023, Hernandez sold a “drop-in auto sear” to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A drop-in auto sear is a conversion device that allows a semiautomatic AR-15 style assault rifle to fire fully automatic. Hernandez told the agent that he made the device with his 3D printer and showed the agent a video that gave instructions on how to use the device. That same day, agents executed a search warrant at Hernandez’ residence. They seized two 3D printers, four firearms, and various firearms parts and took Hernandez into custody.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: MJ-23-05662-BGM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-019_Hernandez# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Three San Diego Residents Sentenced for Conspiring to Kidnap a Former Business Associate with Intent to Intimidate or MurderRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Salam Razuki, Sylvia Gonzales and Elizabeth Juarez were sentenced in federal court yesterday for conspiring to have a former business associate kidnapped. Razuki and Gonzales were sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Juarez was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
All three defendants pleaded guilty in November of 2022, admitting that they conspired in a plan to have the intended victim kidnapped and taken to Mexico to be intimidated or murdered. The victim had ongoing business disputes and civil litigation pending against Razuki and others, which could have resulted in significant monetary judgments. The person they solicited and eventually paid to commit this crime contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately, at which point a federal investigation was initiated. Through the cooperation of that individual, subsequent planning meetings were recorded, leading to the arrest of Razuki, Gonzales, and Juarez before the plan could be executed.
In pronouncing the sentence, the Honorable Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo noted the “extremely egregious” nature of the defendants’ plan to have the victim “brought to Mexico to disappear, whether that meant leaving him there, intimidating him there or, as the defendants have all pled to, anticipating him being killed there."
“Fortunately, due to a tip from a conscientious citizen, this cold, calculated and terrifying plan was thwarted,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The tables have been turned, and the justice system has held all perpetrators accountable.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI agents for their excellent work on this case.
“These three defendants callously conspired to kidnap and use violence in order to resolve a business dispute, reducing the value of a person's life to a dollar figure,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The tireless work of FBI personnel alongside our law enforcement partners in the DEA, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department has held these defendants accountable for this bad business. It is another example of our agencies’ collaborative commitment to public safety and our collective determination to bring criminals to justice.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18-cr-05260-CAB
Salam Razuki Age: 53 San Diego, CA
Sylvia Gonzales Age: 53 San Diego, CA
Elizabeth Juarez Age: 42 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Kidnap, a Felony in violation of 18 U.S.C § 1201(c)
Maximum Penalty: Life imprisonment
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Office
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the District’s Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Three More Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Beckley-to-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Three more defendants were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Derrick Woodard, also known as “D,” 27, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license.
Tyana Bly, also known as “Biggie,” 23, of Beckley, and Megan Bickford, 34, of Oak Hill, were sentenced to five years of federal probation for making false statements in the acquisition of firearms. Bickford must serve the first four months of her probation on home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Woodard admitted to traveling to Beckley with Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” and several other co-defendants on October 17, 2020, to obtain firearms with plans to resell them for profit in Philadelphia.
Bly and Bickford each admitted to buying firearms for Jones, who selected which firearms to buy at businesses within the Southern District of West Virginia and provided the money for the purchases. Each time Bly and Bickford bought a firearm for Jones, they falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that they were the buyers of the firearms when they knew they were purchasing them for Jones and his trafficking conspiracy.
Bly admitted to buying two SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistols and a Taurus G3C 9mm pistol for Jones in Beckley on April 2, 2021. Bly further admitted to purchasing at least five firearms for Jones in March and April 2021 so he and others could transport and resell them outside of West Virginia.
Bickford admitted to buying a IWI, Model Jericho 941, 9mm pistol in Rainelle on November 2, 2020, and further admitted to carrying out at least 54 straw purchases throughout 2020.
Woodard, Bly and Bickford are among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with the firearms trafficking. Of the over 140 firearms trafficked in the conspiracy, approximately 45 have been recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia and have been connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses. Nineteen of the firearms recovered from Philadelphia crime scenes were purchased by Bickford.
After five days of trial, a federal jury found Jones guilty on December 16, 2022, of conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to deal in firearms without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and interstate travel with the intent to deal in firearms without a license. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Steve Loew prosecuted the cases.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-46 and 5:22-cr-78.
###
Three Men plead Guilty to Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Three men pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to committing sex crimes against children, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Caleb Lee Giles, 23, of Afton, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and coercion and enticement of a minor. Giles perpetrated sex crimes against two minor victims starting in 2020. The crimes continued for several years. Giles began communicating with the first victim when the minor was 13 years old, which became a sexual relationship when she was 14. Giles began communicating with the second victim for the purpose of coercing her into sexual activity when she was 12 years old. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Valeria G. Luster are prosecuting the case.
Ronald Paul Phillippe, 58, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. Phillippe admitted that between September 2018 and Oct 1, 2021, he touched a minor younger than 12 years old in a sexual manner numerous times through the clothes. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case.
Mark Kevin Henshall, 28, of Springfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and incest in Indian Country. Henshaw raped and regularly engaged in sexual activity with a minor relative for two years, starting when Henshall was 21. The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Bartlesville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris is prosecuting the case.
All defendants will be sentenced at later dates.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Three Men from Lake Charles Area Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of three defendants for illegally possessing firearms. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the three men yesterday in United States District Court.
Paul Wilson, 49, of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On November 30, 2019, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene of a reported shooting of a dog. During their investigation, deputies learned that Wilson had come to the victim’s residence and shot his dog. Wilson was still on the scene when deputies arrived, and they found him to be in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. On another occasion in May 2020, Wilson was also found to be in possession of a Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol. Wilson has a prior felony conviction for aggravated battery and is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He was charged in an indictment and pleaded guilty on September 15, 2022. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.
Robert Joubert, 38, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. In this case, officers with the Lake Charles Police Department were flagged down in reference to an abandoned vehicle and a disturbance between Joubert and his girlfriend. Joubert and his girlfriend had left the scene. Officers began a search for the suspects and located them walking a few blocks away. Joubert was carrying a camo-colored backpack and was given a verbal command to stop but continued to walk away from officers. The officer observed him throw an item under a nearby residence which was later determined to be a marijuana blunt. Joubert was detained and admitted to throwing his backpack in a nearby trash can. Officers found synthetic marijuana inside the backpack, as well as Ecstasy, a digital scale and a firearm. Joubert has three prior felony convictions for possession of controlled substances, and possession of a weapon while in possession of a controlled substance. Joubert pleaded guilty on October 26, 2022. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.
Brian W. Chappell, 58, of LaPlace, Louisiana, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of firearms. Chappell was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a firearm without a serial number. Chappell pleaded guilty to the charges October 5, 2022. On September 29, 2021, a tow truck being driven by Chappell was stopped by officers with the Leesville Police Department. A search warrant was obtained and officers with the Leesville and deputies with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office searched Chappell’s vehicle. During their search, officers found several firearms and three firearm suppressors. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the suppressors and found them to be contain the same parts as a silencer. Chappell admitted to owning the silencers and had not registered them with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Leesville Police Department and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.
# # #
The Detroit Land Bank Authority Pays $1.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Blight Elimination CostsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The Detroit Land Bank Authority (“DLBA”), a public organization working on behalf of the City of Detroit and the Detroit Building Authority in the City’s redevelopment and demolition management efforts, has agreed to pay the United States $1,503,000 to resolve allegations relating to unsubstantiated backfill dirt costs invoiced by demolition contractors and paid by the DLBA from December 2016 through June 2022, in connection with the DLBA’s blight elimination program. The United States contends that the claims for payment violated the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733.
Congress created the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) in response to the financial crisis of 2008 to restore liquidity and stability to the financial systems of the United States. In 2010, the United States established the Hardest Hit Fund (“HHF”) using TARP funds to provide targeted aid in states hit hard by the economic and housing market downturn. Beginning in 2013, the City of Detroit received approximately $258 million from the HHF to help demolish blighted properties within the City of Detroit and assist neighborhoods with high vacancy rates and blighted residential properties. The DLBA allocated a portion of its HHF award for neighborhood improvement projects, which included acquiring properties, demolishing blighted properties, and providing ongoing property maintenance for neighborhood improvement projects.
“The False Claims Act is an important tool to deter and to hold accountable those who misuse public funds,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “The Hardest Hit Fund’s blight elimination program is important to the safety and rebuilding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, and our office will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that taxpayer funds are properly used for that purpose.”
“I would like to commend the outstanding work of SIGTARP staff and the Detroit US Attorney’s Office in this investigation. This settlement stems from SIGTARP’s review of the Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program in Detroit, and the approval of unsubstantiated costs for backfill dirt by the DLBA,” said Melissa Bruce, SIGTARP Principal Deputy Inspector General. “The requirement to substantiate material costs before reimbursing contractors is critical to ensuring that TARP funds are properly spent on costs that are both reasonable and necessary to achieve the goals of this program.”
This case was investigated by the Office of Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”). SIGTARP was created as an independent law enforcement agency to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse related to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John Spaccarotella from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Textile Converter Pays $344,516.80 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— Tabb Textiles Co., Inc. (“Tabb”), and individuals affiliated with the company, have paid $344,516.80 to resolve allegations that Tabb improperly billed Federal Prison Industries, Inc. for fabric that was sourced overseas, in violation of contract requirements.
Federal Prison Industries, Inc., also known as “UNICOR,” is a corporation wholly owned by the United States that allows inmates of the Bureau of Prisons to obtain occupational skills and work experience prior to their release. UNICOR’s operations include the manufacturing of apparel and other textile goods at twenty-three locations across the United States. Through these operations, UNICOR also strives to support the domestic economy, acquiring its manufacturing supplies from American companies.
On April 1, 2016, UNICOR awarded Tabb a contract for the provision of domestic fabric for use in UNICOR’s textile operations. Under the contract, Tabb supplied over six million yards of fabric to UNICOR. Of these six million yards of fabric, approximately 200,000 yards of fabric came from a foreign source, an error that arose from Tabb intermingling foreign and domestic fabric after the bleaching process.
A qui tam complaint prompted the United States’s investigation. A qui tam is a lawsuit under the False Claims Act that is brought by a private citizen on behalf of the United States, allowing the private citizen to share in the financial recovery. Although the investigation demonstrated that Tabb purchased domestic fabric for the contract, an internal investigation by Tabb revealed the intermingling of foreign and domestic white fabric, causing UNICOR to accept delivery of foreign-sourced fabric. Tabb cooperated with the United States’ inquiries, disclosing the results of its internal investigation and agreeing to compensate the United States for its error. The private citizen who brought the qui tam suit will receive approximately $65,000 from the settlement.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Melton represented for the United States. The case is United States ex rel. Perlstein v. Tabb Textiles Co., Inc., et al., Case No. 21-cv-70-REW. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
– END –
Texas Woman Charged with Importing Fentanyl, Meth into U.S.Read the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A Presidio County woman was indicted in federal court in Alpine Thursday on charges related to importing and possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Court documents allege that Cherakee Lee Perez, 32, provided a negative declaration during a Customs and Border Patrol vehicle inspection at the Presidio Port of Entry from Mexico into the U.S. A narcotic detection canine discovered more than three dozen packages hidden in the vehicle. 29 of packages contained approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, while the other 13 contained seven kilograms of fentanyl.
Perez is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of importation of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The defendant made her initial court appearance January 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge David B. Fannin of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum 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.
###
Texas Man Transporting Cocaine Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Emilio Rodriguez, 28, from Channelview, Texas, was sentenced today for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Rodriguez was sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented to the court, on November 17, 2021, a Louisiana State Police trooper stopped a vehicle bearing Texas license plates on Interstate 20 in the Western District of Louisiana for committing a traffic violation. After stopping the vehicle, the trooper approached the front passenger side of the vehicle and Rodriguez rolled down both front windows. He was the sole driver and occupant. The vehicle, however, was registered to another individual. Rodriguez admitted to the trooper that he did not have a Texas driver’s license but provided a Texas identification card.
While talking with Rodriguez, the trooper noticed a strong smell of air freshener coming from the vehicle and when asking questions about his travel itinerary, became suspicious of the story Rodriguez provided. A K-9 officer and his dog arrived on the scene and the dog positively alerted to the vehicle. The troopers searched the vehicle and found vacuum-sealed packages of brick-shaped items suspected to be cocaine hidden in the side panel on the passenger side of the dashboard. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted, and the drugs were seized and sent to the laboratory to be analyzed. The lab results confirmed that the seized substance was 3,003.9 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick.
# # #
Tennessee Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– On February 10, 2023, Robert Z. Whipple, III, 50, currently of Crossville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Whipple pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with three counts of bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a). Following his release from prison, Whipple will be on three years of supervised release, and he will be required to pay restitution to the victims.
According to the written plea agreement filed with the court, Whipple robbed a Home Federal Bank, First Horizon Bank, and Fifth Third Bank, all of which were in West Knoxville and located within the Eastern District of Tennessee. Whipple robbed one bank each day from March 5 to March 7, 2020, and he took approximately $6,950 in total. Whipple was finally apprehended on the evening of March 7, 2020, at a Red Roof Inn hotel in Knoxville. During a search of Whipple’s hotel room and vehicle, law enforcement located over $4,000 in cash and several items that Whipple used to commit the bank robberies, including a wig and a demand note.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of a joint investigation by the Knoxville Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This investigation was led by FBI Special Agent Wesley Leatham.
Assistant United States Attorney LaToyia Carpenter represented the United States at sentencing.
###
Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 80 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2023, United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Malik Adoyi, age 25, of Stroudsburg, PA, to 80 months of imprisonment and a 4-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of heroin and over 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from July through November 2021, either personally or through a co-conspirator, Adoyi distributed over 100 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, in several instances in the area near Stroudsburg High School. The approximately 110 grams of fentanyl distributed by Adoyi corresponds to approximately 4,400 doses of the potentially lethal substance.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its state and local law enforcement partners in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted 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.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
# # #
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Wire Fraud in Connection with Fraudulent Scheme to Obtain Pandemic Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chaz Ryan Watkins, age 35, of Springfield, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain pandemic unemployment benefits. As a result of his plea, Watkins faces up to 20 years imprisonment.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, between December 2019, and continuing through at least September 2021, Watkins obtained the personal identifying information (“PII”) of inmates incarcerated in Louisiana prisons and of other individuals, including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. Watkins submitted claims for pandemic unemployment assistance (“PUA”) benefits to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (“LWC”) in the names of the inmates, who were ineligible for such benefits, and in the names of other individuals, often without the individual’s knowledge or consent. In these applications, Watkins requested that the PUA benefits be transmitted via direct deposit to his financial accounts or via pre-paid debit cards mailed to addresses under his control. Once the funds were received, Watkins withdrew the funds as cash from ATMs at various financial institutions in the Middle District of Louisiana. Watkins received over $95,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits.
U.S. Attorney Gathe stated, “Those who take advantage of COVID relief benefits, of any type, will be dealt with harshly by this office. I want to thank our prosecutors and our federal and state partners for their hard work bringing this offender to justice.”
“Theft of federal pandemic funds intended to help those in need will not be tolerated,” said Dr. Joseph Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “We will continue to work with our partners at the State of Louisiana OIG, the Department of Labor OIG, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and aggressively investigate allegations of fraud, protecting the integrity of programs funded by the taxpayer.”
Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “Once again we see that whenever there is a public emergency, fraudsters will be there to pounce. Chaz Watkins used the names and personal identifying information of incarcerated prisoners and deceased individuals to fraudulently enrich himself and deprive others who had a legitimate need for these emergency benefits. Now Mr. Watkins must bear the criminal consequences for his actions. The Louisiana Inspector General will continue to relentlessly pursue fraudsters who take advantage of an emergency to steal from the taxpayers.” Street added, “I want to thank United States Attorney Ron Gathe and his staff, and our partners at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security OIG and US Department of Labor OIG for another successful criminal outcome.”
This matter is being investigated by the Louisiana Office of State Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Lundin Craig.
Spokane Resident Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $50,000 in COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Natasha Ann Opsal, 41, of Spokane, Washington, has pleaded guilty to felony charges of fraudulently obtaining more than $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. This conviction is the most recent obtained by the COVID-19 Relief Fraud Strike Force Strike Force, which has brought criminal charges against numerous individuals and recovered millions of dollars in fraudulently obtained COVID relief funding.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided government-backed loans to small businesses which could be forgiven so long as the proceeds were used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
“COVID-19 relief programs were designed to lift up our community during crisis, and due to the number of people and businesses that requested funding, some deserving small businesses were not able to obtain funding to keep their businesses in operation,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the Strike Force to ensure that those who misused COVID-19 relief funding are held accountable and to protect the strength and safety of our vital small business community.”
In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service,
Department of Energy OIG, and others.According to court documents and information disclosed during court proceedings, Opsal fraudulently obtained over $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funding through three PPP loans she obtained in the spring of 2021 for a purported car detailing business. Opsal acknowledged she devised a scheme to defraud the SBA and made false representations about the purported business in order to obtain COVID-19 funding. Opsal pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years.
“I commend the stellar investigative work on these cases performed by the Strike Force and especially in this case by SBA OIG, U.S. Secret Service, and DHS OIG” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute those who abuse and misuse COVID-19 relief funding, and to strengthen our communities by protecting our small and local businesses.”
“Individuals making false statements to fraudulently obtain pandemic funds will face justice,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Opsal’s guilty plea and set sentencing for May 10, 2023, in Spokane.
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by the SBA OIG, U.S. Secret Service, and DHS OIG. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman, and Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Brian Donovan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
Case No. 2:22-CR-53-TOR
Smuggler sentenced for importing fentanyl bundles labeled as tomatoesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43 year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to import 13 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Angel Amed Gomez-Garcia pleaded guilty Nov. 9, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered him to serve a total of 108 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Gomez-Garcia is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On Aug. 23, 2022, Gomez-Garcia attempted to enter into the United States after driving from Mexico across the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge at Laredo. He claimed he was simply going to shop.
However, upon inspection, authorities found 12 bundles hidden in the rear seat which contained a total of approximately 13 kilograms of fentanyl. The word “tomate,” (tomato in English) was stamped on each bundle.
Gomez-Garcia admitted he had been working for a drug trafficking organization in Mexico sometime on or after December 2021 to bring drugs into the United States. He would also take large amounts of cash from drug proceeds to Mexico.
Upon his arrest, he further acknowledged he was on his way to Chicago, Illinois, to pick up $3 million for the drug trafficking organization.
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 (AUSA) Homero Ramirez and former AUSA Samara Sweet prosecuted the case.
Smuggler sent to prison for three deathsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo resident has been sent to prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Abraham J. Ahumada pleaded guilty May 4, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Ahumada to serve 262 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $4,077 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Ahumada showed no remorse and laughed about his crime. The defense argued he grew up with ADHD and a learning disability, struggled in school and fell into crime. Judge Alvarez commented that was no excuse because such conditions, while difficult, are common among law-abiding people too.
At the time of his plea, Ahumada admitted to causing a car accident and leaving multiple victims behind.
“Three people are dead because of this human smuggler’s reckless behavior,” said Hamdani. “Traveling over 100mph on a highly trafficked rural highway, his actions caused one victim to be ejected from the vehicle and another to be killed on impact - his body trapped inside the burning car. This man took three lives, ruined his own and will pay the price in federal prison for decades.”
On Nov. 13, 2021, Ahumada drove a black Nissan Murano down U.S. Highway 83. Law enforcement attempted to pull him over, but he proceeded to flee. He did not yield and instead accelerated above the speed limit.
Ahumada disregarded a red light during the pursuit along U.S. 83 and collided with a passenger vehicle crossing the intersection with the right of way. The collision resulted in three deaths.
Two individuals in Ahumada’s vehicle were pronounced dead on the scene as well as a woman who was traveling in the struck vehicle with children. The three children suffered bodily injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Ahumada 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 Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
Sixteen Individuals Plead Guilty in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy – “Operation Titan Fall”Read the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that 16 individuals, charged in 3 indictments, have all pleaded guilty to their respective roles in conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine, in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) “Operation Titan Fall” investigation. This investigation yielded evidence from three drug trafficking organizations, and each defendant faces penalties of up to life in federal prison (see chart below):
Name
Drugs, Drug Quantities, Other Charges
Date of Plea
Sentencing Date
Sentence or Sentencing Range
Alexander Acosta-Zapata
5 kilograms cocaine; 400 grams fentanyl
12/13/22
4/10/23
15 years to life
Frank Cadiz
5 kilograms cocaine
12/14/22
3/20/23
15 years to life
Adal Antonio Navas-Feliciano
400 grams fentanyl
1/18/23
4/10/23
15 years to life
Jonathan Andres Marte-Rodriguez
5 kilograms cocaine
2/8/23
TBD
10 years to life
Juan Felipe Sanchez
40 grams fentanyl
2/7/22
4/24/23
10 years to life
Nimesh Rashmikant Patel
500 grams cocaine
2/9/23
TBD
10 years to life
Joseph Juan Torres-Torres
500 grams cocaine
9/7/22
12/21/22
5 years
Gabriel Isaac Irizarry-Aponte
500 grams cocaine
2/10/23
TBD
5-40 years
Jacob Nelson
500 grams cocaine
1/25/23
4/17/23
10 years to life
Carlos Alberto Roman
cocaine, firearm w/silencer possessed in furtherance of drug offense
12/6/22
3/14/23
30 years to life
James Richard Howell
cocaine, fentanyl
12/5/22
3/14/23
Up to 20 years
Joely Manuel Burgos
40 grams fentanyl
12/28/22
3/13/23
5-40 years
Kenneth Angel Vera
cocaine
12/6/22
3/14/23
Up to 20 years
James Mirabal
5 kilograms cocaine
12/27/23
3/20/23
10 years to life
Jonathan Beharry
5 kilograms cocaine
11/29/22
2/13/23
15 years to life
Vilnarie Figueroa-Matos
5 kilograms cocaine
1/30/23
4/17/23
10 years to life
According to plea agreements and other court documents, during the course of this investigation the DEA seized an estimated 110 kilograms of cocaine along with kilograms of fentanyl through the mail, traffic stops, and search warrants. Many of the communications between Acosta-Zapata, Cadiz and their conspirators related to the “brand” or “logo” of the cocaine – for example, an anchor or Ferrari – that was visible on the exterior of the packaging of the cocaine that was seized.
A search warrant executed on Carlos Alberto Roman’s home on August 9, 2022, yielded 19 firearms, 6 silencers, 3 flash-bang grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition, depicted here along with three firearms seized from Cadiz’s home.
Mirabal and his conspirators were linked to a seizure of 50 kilograms of cocaine in April 2022, and the seizure of 20 kilograms of cocaine seized in Beharry’s apartment in the Baldwin Park area in October 2022 (pictured below):
In addition to controlled substances, the DEA seized proceeds and other assets used in the offenses. Upon the arrest of Beharry on October 17, 2022, the DEA seized $39,560; upon the arrest of Mirabal on October 31, 2022, 24 cellphones and $124,598 was seized (pictured below):
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Winter Garden Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Kissimmee Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Clermont Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Apopka Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Operation Titan Fall is a multi-agency Organize Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) 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.
Shooting Near Federal Courthouse in Elizabeth City Gets Man a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – An altercation near the Federal Courthouse in Elizabeth City landed Tavori Ditron Lindsey 10 years in federal prison after he shot at another man with a handgun and AR-15. On October 18, 2022, Tavori Ditron Lindsey pled guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Lindsey, 36, and another man, Amos Parker, were involved in an early morning shooting on September 5, 2021, at the intersection of East Colonial Avenue and McMorrine Street in Elizabeth City, which is about a block away from the federal courthouse. Street cameras captured the shooting and showed Parker and Lindsey engage in a verbal altercation with a man outside the Cue, a nearby establishment. Parker can be seen on video surveillance firing a handgun at another man as he fled the area on foot. Lindsey can also be seen shooting an AR-15 style rifle at the same man. The Elizabeth City Police Department (ECPD) quickly responded and noticed damage to a nearby building consistent with gun shots. Officers recovered several .223 caliber and .45 caliber shell casings in the street where the shooting occurred. The pair were later arrested by ECPD and charged with state offenses, and they were later indicted in federal court.
Lindsey is a convicted felon, having prior convictions for common law robbery, second degree kidnapping, and selling or delivering marijuana, as well as several misdemeanor convictions.
Parker pled guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon on October 18, 2022 was sentenced to 103 months in federal prison on January 18, 2023.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Elizabeth City Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-CR-33-BO.
Seven newly indicted on federal charges for crimes including drugs and illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Seven defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in U.S. District Court include guilty pleas and criminal sentences related to illegal gun possession.
The indicted cases are being investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally carry guns.
“An essential component in the fight against violent crime is our effort to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to remove from our communities those who threaten the safety of our streets.”
In the past four years, more than 800 defendants have been federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for possessing a firearm after conviction for a previous felony. Recent federal legislation increases the maximum penalty for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to 15 years, up from 10, for those found in possession after June 25, 2022.
Defendants named in federal indictments from the February 2023 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- Javonte Deshawn Washington, 30, of Savannah, and Nygeria Tasheema Brown, 32, of Savannah, charged with False Statement during the Purchase of a Firearm. Washington also is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, while Brown also is charged with Straw Purchase and with Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person;
- Melvin Brinson, 29, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Darrell Lamar Williams, 24, of Claxton, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Calvin Lomont Powell Jr., 21, of Waynesboro, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Lear A. Williams, 33, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; and,
- Tekayo Spencer, 39, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional defendants recently have been adjudicated on federal charges that include illegal firearms possession:
- Gregory Mitchell, 58, of Savannah, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers investigating a report of gunshots arrested Mitchell in November 2020 after finding a pistol in his waistband.
- James Deon Green, 51, of Savannah, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers arrested Green in December 2020 after a traffic stop and foot pursuit when they found a pistol in Green’s waistband.
- Melvin Jamarcus Lanier, 42, of Statesboro, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Statesboro Police officers arrested Lanier in January 2022 during a traffic stop after finding a pistol in his vehicle.
- Devonte Malik Jorame, 25, of Aiken, S.C., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Jorame in June 2022 after finding a pistol in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Jorame has prior state criminal convictions for domestic violence and gun possession.
Agencies investigating these cases include the ATF, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Savannah Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol.
The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473
Rochester Man Going to Prison for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daryl Green, 53, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that in October 2020, law enforcement began investigating the illegal drug activities of Green and his wife, Pamela Green. Daryl and Pamela Green sold cocaine to customers at their East Main Street residence, where they also stored, processed, and packaged cocaine for sale. They also met customers at various locations throughout Monroe County to sell cocaine.
In the early morning hours of October 26, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the Green residence, seizing approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, a drug ledger, a digital scale with white powder residue, strainers with a white powder residue, and numerous empty plastic bags. Approximately $45,446 in cash, which consisted of drug proceeds, was also seized during the search.
Pamela Green was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under the direction of Field Office Director Thomas Brophy; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David M. Smith; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi; and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.
# # # #
Renton, Washington man sentenced to 11 years in prison for huge stash of guns and drugsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 44-year-old Renton, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 11 years in prison for federal drug and gun crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. David Christopher Pitts was arrested in December 2021, following an undercover investigation of his drug trafficking activities. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones urged Pitts to recognize the damage drug addiction does in our community saying, “Look at all the people you see in our city clutching foil and a straw… You are feeding their addiction every day… They can’t pay their rent, they can’t feed their children… They may have an addiction because of what you put into the community… I want you to develop a conscience beyond the money you put in your pocket.”
“Mr. Pitts has consistently shown that he cannot live in the community without endangering others,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “Firearms are destroying countless lives, and Mr. Pitts’ possession of 25 firearms, combined with his extensive drug trafficking activity, is alarming. I hope that this sanction will convince him to change his ways.”
According to records filed in the case, in November and December 2021, a person working with law enforcement purchased fentanyl from Pitts at his residence in Renton. After obtaining a search warrant, Seattle Police officers arrested Pitts without incident and searched his residence. In the main bedroom, officers found three different handguns – one of them stolen. In the closet of the bedroom, there was a hard-shell case containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and Xanax bars. In a safe, in that same closet, investigators found heroin, cocaine, suboxone, ketamine, fentanyl pills, and medical grade fentanyl. There was also more than $55,000 in cash.
In a second bedroom, which Pitts had been using as a storage space, officers found fifteen handguns, four semiautomatic assault rifles, two bolt action rifles, and a 12-guage shotgun. Throughout the residence, there were numerous items that appeared to be stolen goods, such as power tools, computer equipment, laptops, and camera gear. Many of these items are often traded for drugs.
Pitts is prohibited from possessing guns due to two prior state convictions for possessing firearms while dealing drugs.
In asking for a 12-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Erin H. Becker wrote to the court, “Looking just at his fentanyl powder and pills, the defendant intended to enrich himself by distributing more than 470,000 lethal doses. Worse, many of the doses were disguised as pharmaceutical pills that would not put the user on notice that he was ingesting such a potentially dangerous substance…. In addition, the defendant possessed 25 firearms. Several of these guns were loaded, at least one was stolen, two had extended magazines, [and] all of them were possessed to facilitate his drug trafficking.”
“One fentanyl dose may be one too many” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Considering the amount of fentanyl found in his residence, as well as the number of weapons and cash, Mr. Pitts posed an immediate and significant threat to the safety and security of our community. This case illustrates how, working with our partners, the FBI is committed to getting fentanyl off our streets.”
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department as part of the FBI’s Violent Crime, Gang and Organized Crime Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin H. Becker.
Receiving and storing child pornography via social media lands man in prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 22-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Ricardo Reyna pleaded guilty July 7, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Reyna to 210 months and 210 months for the possession of child pornography and receipt of child pornography convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently. The court also heard additional information today including letters from identified victims detailing the trauma and revictimization they have experienced as a result of the Reyna’s crimes.
In handing down the prison term, the court noted that eventually Reyna would be released from prison and the self-described hell he is going through while incarcerated, but the victims of his crimes can never escape their trauma. They will have to continue enduring their abuse for the rest of their lives.
Reyna was further ordered to pay a total of $16,000 in restitution and will serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Reyna will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
At the time of his plea, he admitted to viewing and sharing child pornography between May 1, 2020, and May 6, 2022.
During the investigation, authorities found 51 video files and 16 images of child pornography on Reyna’s cellphones. Reyna admitted to viewing and sharing child pornography on Kik starting in 2020.
Reyna will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Mark Hicks handled the sentencing. Former AUSA April Ayers-Perez prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Prison Sentence for Possession of Pipe Bombs and Drug SalesRead the Press Release
A man who manufactured pipe bombs and distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.
Thomas Jay Downer, age 34, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 7, 2022 guilty plea to distribution of more than 5 grams of pure methamphetamine, possession of multiple destructive devices (pipe bombs) and possession of firearms as a felon.
At the guilty plea, Downer admitted he distributed more than 5 grams of pure methamphetamine on October 27, 2020. He further admitted possessing and selling 5 pipe bombs on October 30, 2020. Downer also admitted possessing firearms after being convicted of one or more felony offenses on November 13, 2020. At his detention hearing, it was shown that Downer’s pipe bombs were made of plastic plumbing pipe and included BBs and nails as shrapnel. At sentencing, Downer was found to be a career offender based upon his serious prior criminal history.
Downer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Downer was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Downer 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 Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02015.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Pearl River Woman Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl River woman pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCall.
In June of 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Joyce Cauthen in a four-count indictment involving the possession and distribution of methamphetamine and hydrocodone on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. Cauthen entered a plea of guilty to count four of the indictment, possession with the intent to distribute hydrocodone. As stated in Court, Cauthen admitted her role in the offense.
According to court documents, tribal and federal investigators executed a search warrant on Cauthen’s home following the introduction of methamphetamine into the Choctaw Detention Center by an inmate. During the search of her home, investigators recovered hydrocodone tablets and Cauthen’s cellular telephone which revealed numerous text messages between Cauthen and other persons regarding the price and quantity of hydrocodone sold by Cauthen.
Cauthen will be sentenced on May 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Four other co-defendants have all pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is dedicated to fighting drug trafficking in Tribal and non-tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the members of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.
North Royalton Man Charged with Defrauding Victims Out of More Than $800k in Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - A federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment charging Paul Lebo, 40, of North Royalton, Ohio, with wire fraud related to an alleged investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents, from April 2017 to October 2021, the defendant is accused of devising a scheme to defraud approximately 99 victim investors out of more than $800,000.
As part of the scheme, court documents say that the defendant solicited and accepted deposits from victim investors purportedly for deposits on future equity ownership in the defendant’s hedge fund, Paul Kimmins Investments (PKI), LP, as well as for investment into various options trades. However, court records state that the defendant used investor funds for personal expenses and to repay earlier investors.
According to court records, the PKI hedge fund was insolvent, and the defendant took steps to conceal the alleged misuse of investor funds from investors by using shell companies with no legitimate operations or assets, making false statements to victims about the status of their investment, and using funds from his relatives and new investor funds, without permission or authorization, to repay prior victims.
In total, the indictment alleges that the defendant caused approximately $800,124.86 in losses to victim investors, utilized approximately $49,630 in funds from relatives to repay individuals who invested or loaned money to the defendant, and accepted approximately $18,565 from seven different victims for the purported “sale” of the same item that the defendant never delivered.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any; the defendant’s role in the offense; and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum; in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Barnhill.
Norfolk Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm Used in an Attempted Malicious WoundingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 5 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 7, 2021, Louis Bernard Lee, III, 26, a former affiliate of the criminal street gang the United Blood Nation, was stopped by an Old Dominion University Police Department (ODUPD) officer for speeding. Lee had an outstanding warrant for an attempted malicious wounding that occurred on April 26, 2021. During the arrest, ODUPD discovered two firearms in Lee’s vehicle. Also recovered from the vehicle was a loaded 30-round extended clip and a loaded 50-round drum magazine. Lee was previously convicted of a felony in the City of Norfolk and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Lee admitted he used one of the firearms recovered from the vehicle in a shooting on April 26, 2021. For the April 2021 shooting he was convicted in Norfolk Circuit Court for attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lee was sentenced for those charges on December 22, 2021, and received a 4-year sentence.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; and Christopher Amon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle and Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler prosecuted the case. Stolle also serves as an Assistant Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-85.
Noel, Missouri Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Noel, Missouri man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2022, officers with the Sulphur Springs Police Department responded to the area of North Highway 59 to assist deputies from the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri in the pursuit of Trevor Dean Meeker, age 31. While enroute to the area, the Sulphur Springs officers received notification that the suspect vehicle, operated by Meeker, wrecked out at the Dollar General Store located in Sulphur Springs.,
Upon arrival at the Dollar General, officers observed that the vehicle driven by Meeker went through a privacy fence owned by Dollar General and wrecked out near the entrance of the business. A search of the vehicle, resulted in officers locating a small backpack in the front passenger seat, which contained what appeared to be a large amount of methamphetamine, along with numerous plastic baggies and various counterfeit bills. As officers continued to search the scene of the crash, they located a black bag in the parking lot near the vehicle. Inside the bag officers located two loaded firearms.
On March 31, 2022, a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer conducted an interview of Meeker at the Benton County Jail. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Meeker admitted to knowledge of the methamphetamine and firearms seized on March 18, 2022. Meeker further admitted to being involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory in Miami, Florida, where it tested positive for 173 grams of actual methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department, the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Drug and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant, ARTHUR ALLEN, of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on February 8, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 90 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee on Counts One, Two, and Four of a four-count indictment.
Count One of the indictment charges ALLEN with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). Count 2 charges ALLEN with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2. Count 4 charges ALLEN with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). ALLEN was not charged in Count 3 of the indictment.
On July 29, 2021, New Orleans Police Officers conducted a stop on a vehicle containing three individuals, including ALLEN. During this stop, ALLEN fled the vehicle but was later apprehended by officers. Upon a search of the vehicle, officers discovered illegal drugs and weapons.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
* * *
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and the Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALE ADAMS, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 7, 2023 to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and one count of felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, On Saturday July 17, 2021, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Task Force Officer conducting surveillance at a convenience store in New Orleans, Louisiana observed ADAMS loitering outside the convenience store. The officer also observed a large bulge in ADAMS’s front right waistband consistent with a firearm being concealed.
The officers alerted nearby New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) uniformed units. Several units arrived and approached ADAMS who removed a firearm from his waistband and ran behind a vehicle. The officers apprehended ADAMS, seized the firearm and placed him under arrest.
While searching ADAMS, officers seized a clear bag containing multiple drugs from ADAMS’s front right pocket along with $366 in cash. The seized drugs consisted of approximately 6 grams of marijuana, .58 grams of methamphetamine, 4.49 grams of heroin, and approximately 5 of a heroin and fentanyl mixture. The recovered firearm, a gLock Model 19, was stolen as confirmed by law enforcement.
It was determined that ADAMS had possessed the heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute the substances and that he had previously distributed heroin and fentanyl near the 1300 block of France Street in New Orleans, Louisiana on many occasions.
ADAMS was previously convicted of felony offenses, making it illegal for him to be in possession of a firearm. Between 2004 and 2009, in Orleans and Jefferson Parish, ADAMS was convicted possession of crack cocaine, attempted armed robbery, possession of ecstasy, possession of heroin, theft of goods, and possession of stolen firearms.
For the drug count, ADAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least three (3) years. For the felon in possession count, ADAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years. For each count, ADAMS must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 at sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
* * *
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDDIE HARRIS, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 8, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jane T. Milazzo, to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, HARRIS admitted to possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic weapon after he had been convicted of several state felony offenses, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm or weapon. HARRIS also admitted to possessing 25 baggies of cocaine with the intent to distribute them.
For the drug trafficking offense, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. For the firearms offense, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. For each count, HARRIS must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 at sentencing.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit.
New Britain Man Indicted for Scheme Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging ALRICK ANTHONY GARDNER, 32, of New Britain, with fraud offenses stemming from his alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.
Gardner was arrested yesterday. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford, entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial.
The indictment alleges that, since at least 2020, Gardner and his associates used a sweepstakes scheme to induce elderly victims to provide them with money. As part of this scheme, scammers notified victims, primarily by telephone, that they won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The victims were told that in order to collect their winnings, they must pay fees and taxes. Following the initial phone call, Gardner sometimes mailed the victims fake documents, including a “winning notification” letter from Publishers Clearing House and a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the victims were required by law to pay taxes on their winnings. Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut and throughout the U.S. Gardner deposited some of that money into his personal bank account.
The indictment charges Gardner with six counts mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Nebraska Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Cindy Anne Ortiz, age 46 of Omaha, was sentenced on February 1, 2023, to 156 months in prison. In September 2022, a jury rendered a guilty verdict convicting Ortiz of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Upon her release from prison, Ortiz was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
On November 21, 2021, law enforcement officers were called to the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs regarding an unresponsive male in one of the hotel rooms. Ortiz rented the hotel room and reported the unresponsive male (an acquaintance) in her room to the front desk. The male was pronounced dead. Law enforcement searched the hotel room and bags Ortiz was seen carrying into the room on surveillance footage. Ortiz’s bag contained 643 grams of methamphetamine, empty baggies, a scale, and other paraphernalia.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.
Nearly 40,000 Victims Receive over $115M in Compensation for Fraud Schemes Processed by MoneyGramRead the Press Release
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced today the disbursement of over $115 million to 38,889 victims in connection with fraud schemes processed by MoneyGram International Inc. (MoneyGram). The victims, many of whom are elderly, will recover the full amount of their losses.
“This distribution of $115.8 million to nearly 40,000 victims – each of whom is being fully compensated for their losses – demonstrates the Department of Justice’s continued commitment to making victims whole,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This is an example of how the department will use every tool at its disposal, including in corporate criminal matters, to provide justice to victims.”
MoneyGram originally entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Department of Justice in 2012 for willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and aiding and abetting fraud schemes that generally targeted the elderly and other vulnerable groups. In November 2018, MoneyGram agreed to extend its DPA, implemented additional enhanced compliance obligations, and forfeited $125 million – representing the volume of consumer fraud transactions it processed during the DPA term. The USPIS is using these forfeited funds to compensate the victims of the fraud through the remission process. MoneyGram completed its DPA in May 2021.
“This $115 million disbursement provides a measure of financial justice for the many victims who were harmed by fraudsters who preyed on them,” said Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen of the USPIS Philadelphia Division. “The USPIS is proud to be part of this exemplary collaborative effort with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, particularly the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to facilitate a process where victims are delivered restitution.”
“Working together with the skilled and dedicated investigators of the USPIS, the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and the FTC, we have achieved outstanding results,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “This $115.8 million disbursement to over 38,000 victims demonstrates the commitment to compensate and serve justice to the victims of these frauds.”
The USPIS is managing the victim remission. The victim compensation in this case would not have been possible with the extraordinary efforts of the USPIS Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, office, which investigated the case, and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, who prosecuted the case.
More information about the remission process is available at http://moneygramremission.com/.
Missoula fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 46 months in prison after investigation of overdose deathRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the community after law enforcement responded to a drug overdose death was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $10,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jacob Eugene Odman, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 18, 2022, law enforcement responded to a Missoula County residence for a reported drug overdose and found the victim, John Doe, deceased. Next to John Doe was a small blue pill engraved with “M30,” Officers recognized this pill as consistent with counterfeit Oxycodone, and lab testing determined that the pill contained fentanyl. A toxicology report confirmed that John Doe had fentanyl and a fentanyl metabolite in his blood when he died. The investigation determined that Odman provided fentanyl pills to John Doe the previous evening. Law enforcement officers spoke with Odman, who denied any knowledge of pills and asked if John Doe was ok. Agents executed a search warrant on Odman’s residence and found 409 fentanyl pills. In addition, four days before John Doe’s death, Idaho State Police stopped an individual, searched his vehicle and found more than 300 fentanyl pills hidden in containers that looked like soda cans. Odman was texting the individual about purchasing a product and asked for travel updates. The individual texted Odman that, “Idaho is searching my car.” Odman responded, “Oh no.” The individual then said, “It’s in cans.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
XXX
Minneapolis Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been charged in a federal indictment for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 17, 2022, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department observed Muhnee Jaleel Bailey, 23, step out of his vehicle and enter an Auto Zone store in Minneapolis. Officers could see, in plain view, an extended magazine of a firearm sticking out from under the driver’s seat of Bailey’s vehicle. Officers approached Bailey when he came out of the Auto Zone store and Bailey began to flee on foot. Bailey eventually stopped running and officers apprehended him. Officers later searched Bailey’s vehicle and recovered a Glock, Model 30, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Because Bailey has prior felony convictions in Ramsey County, including drive-by shooting and possession of a machinegun, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The indictment charges Bailey with one count of possession of a firearm as felon.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mexican resident sent to prison for trafficking firearms under new lawRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Mexico has been ordered to prison for trafficking handguns into Mexico under the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Said Isaac Hernandez admitted to one count of trafficking firearms Sept. 29, 2022, and is the first person believed to be convicted under the new law.
The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act is part of the broader Safer Communities Act, passed June 25, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez imposed an 80-month term of imprisonment for Hernandez. In handing down the prison term, Judge Alvarez noted that although Hernandez had no criminal history, the number firearms he was trafficking to Mexico was disturbing, and the guns were likely ending up in the wrong hands.
“Hundreds of firearms likely ended up in the hands of Mexican cartel members thanks to Hernandez’s firearms trafficking, only worsening the ongoing gun violence terrorizing the citizens of Mexico and the United States,” said Hamdani. “He worked with a contact in Mexico who instructed him on the type and number of firearms to purchase. Hernandez’s actions exemplify why laws such as the Trafficking in Firearms Act are so important.”
“This was a textbook case of trafficking firearms to Mexico,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Firearms trafficking is illegal and immoral. Unfortunately, the consequences of a firearm illegally possessed in the United States and Mexico can cause danger and harm for decades. As demonstrated by this case, we will continue to investigate and prosecute gun traffickers who endanger the lives of law-abiding citizens in our communities.”
On July 11, 2022, authorities apprehended Hernandez while he was traveling south on U.S. Interstate 35 towards the port of entry in Laredo. At the time of his arrest, they discovered 17 firearms hidden in his car.
Hernandez had been the subject of an investigation related to the purchasing of a large number of firearms and transporting them to Mexico. Between Jan. 21, 2020, and July 11, 2022, Hernandez purchased a total of 231 handguns in calibers of 9mm, .380 and .22.
Hernandez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.
Methamphetamine Drug Traffickers Receive Sentences Totaling over 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that James Pittman, 41, and Jeffery Southern, 51, both from the Ruston, Louisiana, area have been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for trafficking methamphetamine. Pittman was sentenced to 153 months (12 years, 9 months) in prison, and Southern was sentenced to 150 months (12 years, 5 months) in prison. Both will be under supervised release for 5 years following their release from prison.
Law enforcement agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Ruston area. During their investigation, agents learned that Pittman and Southern were traveling together to Houston, Texas to obtain methamphetamine on February 18, 2022. Agents conducted surveillance of their vehicle and observed the men as they returned from Houston and traveled through Shreveport and Bossier City. A deputy with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office observed the vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a stop of their vehicle. Pittman was identified as the driver and Southern as the passenger. Pittman admitted to the deputy that he had a warrant out of Webster Parish. The deputy confirmed that the warrant was valid and returned to the vehicle and asked Pittman to step out. While conducting a pat down of Pittman, Southern slid over into the driver’s seat and fled the scene. A back-up deputy gave chase and shot out the back tire of the vehicle as it fled. Southern was eventually stopped and taken into custody.
A search of the vehicle was conducted, and law enforcement officers found a duffel bag in the trunk containing 4.5 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. In addition, officers found a black zippered bag which Southern had thrown from the vehicle when he fled. The bag contained methamphetamine which was sent to the DEA Southeast Laboratory for testing, and it was confirmed to be 1460.7 grams of pure methamphetamine. Southern and Pittman were charged in an indictment, and both pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath.
# # #
Meth importer and courier sent to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two Laredo residents have received significant sentences for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 19 kilograms of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Antonio Ruiz, 37, and Timothy Andrew Hernandez, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import a controlled substance Nov. 9 and 1, 2022, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Ruiz to serve 30 years in prison, while Hernandez received a 130-month-term of imprisonment. In handing down the sentences, the court noted Ruiz’s long history of crime since turning 18 years of age. She further noted that as an older relative of Hernandez, Ruiz should have pushed him away from crime, instead of bringing him into it. After she imposed the sentence, Ruiz remarked that he was not the kind of man who uses or traffics in drugs and that the sentence was too long. The judge replied that sometimes it’s enough if you do it just once.
On May 7, 2022, an undercover agent whom Ruiz believed he had hired drove a meth-laden truck to a location Ruiz had designated. Ruiz had hired Hernandez to pick it up from him. Ruiz remained in the area to oversee the operation – guiding Hernandez to the location of the vehicle and informing the driver of his progress.
Upon arrival, the driver showed Hernandez the hidden compartment within the truck where the meth was stored. Hernandez was then supposed to drive the vehicle to another location in Laredo where the drugs would then be transferred to different vehicle. Another driver would then transport the drugs into the interior of the United States.
The meth was found to be 99% pure.
Hernandez and Ruiz were was taken into custody after arrest warrants were issued for them on July 7 and Sept. 9, 2022, respectively.
Both men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety and the United Independent School District Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Meriden Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine Through the MailRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEAN CARLOS MERCADO, 34, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug trafficking organization that used the U.S. Mail to ship kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, law enforcement identified suspicious parcels that were being mailed from Puerto Rico to an address in Meriden. On October 26, 2020, investigators identified Mercado after he picked up a parcel from that location. After Mercado picked up another parcel from the location on November 6, 2020, investigators coordinated a traffic stop of his vehicle, which was unregistered, and towed the vehicle and seized the parcel. A court-authorized search of the parcel revealed two kilograms of cocaine. In the following months, Mercado conspired with others to pick up postal parcels, and law enforcement seized four more kilograms of cocaine linked to Mercado.
Mercado was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 21, 2021. On July 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
At the conclusion today’s court proceeding, Mercado, who was released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
This matter was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Meriden Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman 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.
Memphis Man Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Memphis man was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor and interstate sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wayne Edwards Settles, 31, trafficked a minor for commercial sex and transported another individual from Louisiana to Mississippi to engage in commercial sex. Settles posted advertisements online for the minor and branded her with a tattoo. The minor was trafficked in Jackson, Memphis, and New Orleans.
Settles was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2022. He pled guilty on October 25, 2022 to one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of interstate sex trafficking.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and Richland Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Prison for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Kings Mountain-based Pagans Motorcycle Club (PMC) member was sentenced today to 330 months in prison for armed drug trafficking. On June 7, 2022, Justin Matthew Fite, also known as “Raw,” pled guilty to the charges. Fite, 31, is one of 20 defendants charged as part of Operation Ice Diamond, which was announced last week, when Christopher Lamar Baker, a national leader of the PMC was sentenced to 75 years (900 months) in prison on drug trafficking, firearm and money laundering charges. The PMC is recognized by law enforcement as an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG).
The investigation was initiated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department into individuals involved in the distribution of firearms and methamphetamine in multiple states. Investigators utilized controlled purchases, confidential informants, and undercover agents to successfully identify 20 individuals, including Fite and Baker, who were involved in the drug trafficking operation.
“This case is yet another example of the coordinated action that law enforcement is taking to address organized crime and stem the flow of methamphetamine into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “It should serve as a warning to gangs and other armed drug traffickers.”
“This collaborative effort was aimed at disbanding a violent criminal operation from the top down,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Not only were we recently able to apprehend, charge, and sentence one of the top leaders in this organization, but we also worked to make sure that those participating in the violence and drug crimes associated with this group were also brought to justice.”
Fite was associated with Baker through their shared involvement in the PMC, a criminal enterprise with leaders across the United States of America and Puerto Rico. Fite was stopped in July of 2021 when law enforcement in Aiken County, South Carolina, initiated a traffic stop on a motorcycle operated by Fite. Law enforcement knew that Fite was picking up methamphetamine on behalf of Baker from his source in the Atlanta area. The officer observed a concealed firearm and Fite was detained. A K9’s positive hit on the motorcycle’s saddlebag revealed two large bags containing nearly two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Fite admitted he was a member of the PMC and was federally arrested at his residence in Kings Mountain on March 18, 2022.
It was discovered during interviews conducted by law enforcement that Fite repeatedly dealt and purchased crystal methamphetamine for himself and other members of the PMC. Fite is accountable for distributing nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine between October of 2020 and March of 2022.
The prosecution of Fite is part of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) Ice Diamond. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Raleigh Police Department (NC), and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (SC) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Sandling prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00434-M.
###
MediaMuv L.L.C. Principal Pleads Guilty to Stealing Millions in Music RoyaltiesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jose Teran, 32, of Scottsdale, Arizona, pleaded guilty last week to Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, and Transactional Money Laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2023, before United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes.
Teran pleaded guilty to charges from a federal indictment issued on November 16, 2021. The indictment charged Teran and Webster Batista with 30 felony counts involving Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Transactional Money Laundering, and Aggravated Identity Theft. In pleading guilty, Teran admitted to conspiring with Batista to monetize music on Y.T. that he had no lawful rights to monetize or otherwise control. Teran further admitted that the entity, MediaMuv L.L.C., was created for the purpose of falsely claiming ownership over music recordings. He admitted that false claims were made to Y.T. that MediaMuv L.L.C. owned over 50,000 songs. Teran also admitted that he and Batista fraudulently received approximately $23,400,000 from their fraudulent scheme.
Teran faces up to five years in prison for the Conspiracy conviction, up to 20 years for the Wire Fraud conviction, and up to 10 years for the Transactional Money Laundering conviction. He may also be fined up to $250,000 per felony conviction.
Batista pleaded guilty to Conspiracy and Wire Fraud on April 21, 2022.
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Seth T. Goertz, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
If you believe you were defrauded by the defendants in this case, please contact our Victim Witness Section at [email protected].
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-0955-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-018_Teran# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Maryland Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Prison for Fatally Stabbing AcquaintanceRead the Press Release
Defendant Followed Victim’s Car, Stabbed Him After Vehicle Crashed
WASHINGTON – Herbert Smallwood, 42, of Suitland, Maryland, was sentenced today to 275 months in prison for stabbing an acquaintance last year in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Smallwood pleaded guilty on April 4, 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of second-degree murder while armed. The Honorable Milton C. Lee, Jr. accepted the plea and sentenced Smallwood accordingly. Following his prison term, Smallwood will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 30, 2021, at approximately 7 p.m., Smallwood was traveling in an SUV that was following another vehicle being driven by an acquaintance. The other vehicle, a Ford Focus, crashed and flipped over in the rear of the 1600 block of 17th Place SE. Smallwood got out of the SUV with a knife and stabbed the victim, Joseph Ogundoju, approximately 31 times. Mr. Ogundoju, 46, died a short time later.
Surveillance video shows Smallwood’s vehicle following Mr. Ogundoju’s vehicle immediately before it crashed. The victim’s blood also was found on Smallwood’s clothing. Smallwood was arrested on June 30, 2021. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, which investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Latrice Washington-Williams and Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 9 Months for Stealing Dozens of Catalytic Converters from Around St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Friday sentenced a man from East St. Louis, Illinois to nine months in prison for stealing 39 catalytic converters from trucks and vans around the St. Louis, Missouri area.
Matthew Jennings, 31, was also ordered to repay $46,001 to victims.
Beginning in December of 2019, Jennings and his co-defendant, D’Ante Carter, stole a total of 39 catalytic converters and tried to steal three more, primarily from pickup trucks and vans parked overnight at landscaping companies, other commercial businesses and an organization that helps those with disabilities.
Carter was the lookout and Jennings used a reciprocating saw to cut away the converters, which contain trace amounts of precious metals. The men then sold the converters to a recycling company in Illinois.
Carter, 38, of Florissant, was sentenced in September to nine months in prison and ordered to repay victims after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to transport and sell stolen goods.
Jennings pleaded guilty in November to the same charge.
The FBI and the St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Creve Coeur, Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, O’Fallon, Missouri and Webster Groves police departments investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware prosecuted the case.