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14 March 2023
Tacoma man pleads guilty to producing images of child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 37-year-old Tacoma man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. William Alexander Crisolo was arrested October 1, 2021, after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Crisolo admitted today that he made sexually explicit images of two young children. One set of images was traded via the internet application KIK for other images of child sexual abuse. Crisolo faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison when sentenced on July 16. 2023.
According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center received a tip from a foreign law enforcement agency that Crisolo was claiming, via internet chats, that he was abusing two different minor children and filming the abuse. Law enforcement moved to search Crisolo’s residence and electronic devices. On his custom-built computer, investigators found more than 4,000 child sexual abuse images and 100 child sexual abuse videos. On Crisolo’s phone, law enforcement identified sexually explicit images of the two young child victims.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense will recommend a 16-and-a-half-year sentence. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.
The plea in federal court also resolves state court charges for child molestation.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Tacoma Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Matthew Hampton.
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 United States 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.justice.gov/psc
Stockton Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 16 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Miguel Castellanos Huitron, (aka Efrain Tavarez Lopez) 52, of Stockton, was sentenced today to 16 years and six months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Huitron operated a drug trafficking organization in the Stockton-Tracy area. At Huitron’s direction, members of the conspiracy distributed more than 4 kilograms of methamphetamine to confidential sources between April 2009 and December 2009. Huitron employed at least five people to deliver methamphetamine on his behalf. In late 2009, Huitron left the United States to spend the Christmas holiday in Mexico and remained there until 2017. Huitron continued directing and receiving money from the organization while in Mexico, until his drug trafficking organization was ultimately dismantled in 2010. He was arrested in September 2017.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola prosecuted the case.
Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Rodney Shawn Henry, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Henry to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration, and ordered Henry to pay $48,000 in restitution to the identified victims. Henry will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Aug. 16, 2022, Henry pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Henry was a registered sex offender prior to this federal case due to his conviction for sexually abusing a 9-year-old child.
Springfield police officers arrested Henry on Jan. 21, 2019, for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements by not reporting his home address. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Henry’s residence the next day and seized his cell phone and digital storage devices. A forensic investigation of the cell phone and digital storage devices resulted in the discovery of well over 100,000 videos and images of child pornography. The images included children as young as toddlers being sexually brutalized.
Prior to Henry’s arrest, investigators had received a Cybertip Report after Dropbox, Inc., discovered images of child pornography that Henry had uploaded to his account.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fraud & Money Laundering SchemesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023, in Sioux Falls.
Marvin Antuan Williams, age 32, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $584,250.24 in restitution, to forfeit his interest in money and personal property, as well as to pay a $100 statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on November 9, 2022.
According to court documents, from 2020 to April 2022, Williams, along with his co-defendants, conspired with others to commit bank fraud. The scheme impacted multiple financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area were and elsewhere, as the defendants obtained money from those banks by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
After obtaining funds through fraud, Williams and his co-conspirators engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing currency and funds at financial institutions to conceal and disguise the proceeds of the fraud scheme.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Sioux Falls Police Department; U.S. Postal Service; and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Williams was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Sioux City Woman Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Escaping from Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
A woman who escaped from custody was sentenced March 8, 2023, to more than one year in federal prison.
Karen Rose Merrick, age 39, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a December 13, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from custody, and revocation of her supervised release.
At the guilty plea, Merrick admitted that on August 2, 2022, she signed out of Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center (RRC) to report for work at a company in Sioux City. RRC staff called the company to verify Merrick had arrived at work on August 1 and 2, 2022. The company advised she had not arrived at work. She did not return to the RRC on August 2, 2022, or after. Defendant’s whereabouts were unknown until her arrest on September 9, 2022, by the Minneapolis, Minnesota, Police Department.
In January 2020, Merrick was convicted of Accessory After the Fact to Bank Robbery in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Iowa, where she was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a term of supervised release of 2 years after her term of imprisonment. On January 27, 2021, defendant started her original supervised release term. In July 2022, she was placed at the RRC located in Sioux City for a period of 90 days.
Merrick was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Merrick was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Merrick is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-4088.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms Twice in One MonthRead the Press Release
A man with a lengthy criminal history entered a plea of guilty March 13, 2023, after seating a jury in federal court in Sioux City.
Marlo Harper, aka Umar Amir Al-Sayyaad Allahdheen, age 46, from Sioux City, Iowa, plead guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
After proceeding to a trial and seating a jury, Harper admitted that on two separate occasions, within the month of August 2021 he unlawfully possessed firearms.
On August 10, 2021, Harper was stopped by Sioux City Police for traffic infractions. Upon contact with the occupants in the vehicle, the officer detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The occupants were removed, and a subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted. When Harper exited the vehicle, he admitted having a firearm and a knife on his person. A loaded handgun – with a round in the chamber – was removed from his waistband. Officers also located a fanny pack in the trunk that contained ammunition. Harper also had an open container of alcohol.
On August 24, 2021, Harper was stopped for illegal window tint. When the Iowa State Trooper made contact with the occupants, he noted an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. During the traffic stop investigation, approximately 2 grams of marijuana was found, along with a loaded handgun in the center counsel, which was positioned for easy access by Harper, who was driving the car. Harper also had a set of nunchucks between the driver seat and center counsel. Three additional firearms were found in the trunk as well as ammunition and a samurai sword.
Harper has a lengthy criminal history including: Assault in the 1st Degree, in Hennepin County, Minnesota; Assault in the Second Degree, in Ramsey County, Minnesota; Aggravated Assault (Family Violence), and one count of Terroristic Threats in Fulton County, Georgia; and Theft, in Tarrant County, Texas.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set for a later date, after a presentence report is prepared. Harper remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Harper faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5-years of supervised release following any imprisonment on each of the two counts of conviction.
This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office and the Sioux City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4085.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Rhode Island Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Falsifying Military Service; False Use of Military Medals; Identity Theft; and Fraudulently Collecting More Than $250,000 in Veteran Benefits and Charitable ContributionsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island woman who never served in the U.S. Military but perpetrated a massive fraud scheme by falsely masquerading as a Purple Heart and Bronze Star-decorated United States Marine who claimed to have been wounded by an IED in Iraq and to have developed service-related cancer was sentenced today to nearly six years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Sarah Jane Cavanaugh, 32, whose near-daily criminal conduct over a period of five years is described in court documents as being “among the more reprehensible seen in this District from a fraud defendant,” defrauded veterans, veterans’ organizations, veterans’ charities, friends, and co-workers in a “methodical and calculated manner.”
Cavanaugh previously admitted to a federal judge that, while employed as a civilian by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Rhode Island Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a role in which she was supposed to help and support military veterans, she used her position to misappropriate veterans’ identities, their combat experiences, their diagnoses of illnesses, and their valor to devise schemes to enrich herself by using the stolen information to obtain more than $250,000 in cash, charitable donations, and services reserved for injured veterans.
“Sarah Cavanaugh’s conduct in the course of her scheme is nothing short of appalling,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “By brazenly laying claim to the honor, service, and sacrifice of real veterans, this defendant preyed on the charity and decency of others for her own shameless financial gain. I am grateful that, with today’s sentence, she has been brought to justice and will face the consequences of her actions.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those who would represent themselves as something they’re not in order to profit from the kindness and respect shown to our nation’s deserving veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in bringing this defendant to justice.”
"Individuals who falsely represent themselves as decorated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces degrades the service of the men and women who selflessly serve our country," said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement component of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. "Profiting from such an egregious scheme is an affront to the U.S. military's long-standing tradition of honoring and awarding its brave service members. Today's sentencing demonstrates our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate allegations of stolen valor."
“Ms. Cavanaugh deserves to be held fully accountable for falsely claiming to be wounded Marine veteran as part of a reprehensible scheme to collect more than $250,000 in veterans benefits and charitable contributions that should have been directed to real veterans in need,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Wiest of the NCIS Northeast Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain committed to investigating all allegations of fraud that harms Department of the Navy service members and their families.”
“Sarah Cavanagh feigned having cancer, and falsely claimed valor where there was none, to gain hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits and charitable donations. Her actions are an insult to every veteran who has served our country, and today she learned her fate for her criminal conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking justice for anyone who lies about serving our country and illegally takes money from federal programs that help veterans who rightfully deserve it.”
Court documents detail Ms. Cavanaugh’s “repugnant” criminal activity: falsely purporting to be a combat-injured veteran allowed her to gain introduction to, and acceptance by, friends, charities, businesses, and organizations whom she then exploited and/or defrauded. Nine veterans’ charities combined to fund Cavanaugh’s travel to retreats, in-home care, gym memberships, physical therapy, paying electric bills, and provided donated gift cards for use in obtaining groceries and other essentials. Cavanaugh also used false documentation to fraudulently obtain months of paid leave from two federal employee benefit programs based on her cancer claims.
Even more brazenly, Cavanaugh exploited her purported experiences to assume leadership roles in the veteran community, including as commander of a VFW Post in North Kingstown, RI; gave public speeches while dressed in full U.S. Marine uniform, complete with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star that she purchased on the internet; and secured a spot in an arts program at the University of Southern California, a program she described to a U.S. Army veteran she met through the Wounded Warrior Program who was later accepted into the program. In a letter to the court, the Army veteran faulted Cavanaugh for taking “a spot [in the program] from another veteran who could have participated in the program and, ultimately, may not have committed suicide.”
Sarah Cavanaugh pleaded guilty on August 9, 2022, to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, forged military discharge certificate, and fraudulent use of military medals. She was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of federal supervised release. Additionally, the court ordered Cavanaugh to pay restitution to all victims perpetrated by her fraud totaling $284,796.82. The court also issued an order that the federal government reinstate a total of 261 hours of federal employee paid leave time they donated to Cavanaugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service; U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service; FBI; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.
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Resident Doctor Arrested for Possessing Images and Videos of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A resident doctor in Western Massachusetts was arrested this morning for allegedly possessing child pornography.
Bradford Ferrick, 32, of Winchester, Mass., and Amherst, Mass., was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Ferrick will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 11:45 a.m. today via remote proceeding. At the time of his arrest today, Ferrick was on home confinement restrictions for pending related state charges.
According to the charging documents, Ferrick lived in Syracuse, N.Y., between approximately 2018 and 2022 while he attended State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University. After graduating from SUNY, Ferrick began a medical residency in July 2022 focused on Family Medicine with Baystate Franklin Family Medicine, including rotations at facilities in at least Greenfield, Deerfield and Springfield, Mass. It is alleged that during a search of Ferrick’s Winchester, Mass., residence on Feb. 13, 2023, approximately 61 devices – including external hard drives, computers, cell phones, hidden camera systems and SD cards – which state investigators allege contained thousands of images and videos of suspected child pornography were seized. Ferrick was arrested by state authorities and released on home confinement after posting bail in Woburn District Court. On Feb. 17, 2023, a second search of Ferrick’s residence in Winchester, Mass., resulted in the recovery of 11 additional devices by state investigators. A preliminary review of some of the devices seized allegedly revealed images and videos depicting child pornography of victims who appear to be between the ages of six and 11 years old.
During a search of a separate residence Ferrick was renting in Amherst, Mass., on Feb. 21, 2023, eight additional devices including multiple hidden camera devices and USB storage devices were seized. It is alleged that one of the hidden camera devices – which was designed to be worn as a bracelet – was found to contain at least two surreptitiously recorded videos of Ferrick administering medical exams. It is alleged that two minors who investigators believe to be patients could be heard and, at times, partially seen in the videos. Forensic review of the devices seized at both residences remains ongoing.
“I can think of no greater fear as a parent or guardian than potential harm coming to your child. Today we allege that this doctor, who held a position of trust with access to children, maintained child sexual abuse material. The investigation is active and ongoing,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Members of the public with questions, concerns or any information pertaining to this doctor are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI via the provided form. As members of law enforcement, the safety of children is our highest priority. Together, in close cooperation with the medical facilities where Dr. Ferrick was employed, we will do all that we can to identify the duration and scope of his alleged offenses and proceed accordingly and expeditiously.”
“Today, the FBI arrested Dr. Bradford Ferrick, a resident doctor with access to children, who now stands accused of extremely troubling behavior,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This is very much an active investigation and we urge anyone with information to contact us. Thanks to our close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are grateful to have been able to put a stop to Dr. Ferrick’s alleged conduct.”
Members of the public who have information, questions or concerns regarding this case should visit this link: https://forms.fbi.gov/FerrickInvestigation
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Winchester Police Chief Daniel O'Connell; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine G. Curley and Michael Mazur of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Readout of Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta and Access to Justice Director Rachel Rossi’s Trip to IowaRead the Press Release
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta joined Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) in Des Moines, Iowa, today as part of the Department’s National Public Defense Day Tour to recognize the 60th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which held that criminal defendants are entitled to counsel when facing felony charges and celebrate the role of public defenders in the American legal system.
Associate Attorney General Gupta and Director Rossi met with Iowa Supreme Court Justice Matthew McDermott, who is also the Chair of the Iowa Access to Justice Commission, about the Commission’s work to help individuals struggling with fully accessing Iowa’s justice system. They also met with Iowa State Public Defender Jeff Wright, who hosted the visit and helped lead a listening session with local leaders about the issues facing the indigent defense bar in Iowa, including high caseloads and low pay, recruitment and retention concerns, and particular challenges facing attorneys in rural areas. Associate Attorney General Gupta and Director Rossi were joined at the listening session by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa Richard Westphal.
The Associate Attorney General announced during the listening session an initiative to help the Justice Department connect with and address the needs of public defenders in communities across the country, with the creation of a new attorney position in ATJ dedicated to supporting, collaborating with, and engaging the state and local public defense community.
The department’s National Public Defense Day Tour has also made stops in Miami; Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Nashville, Tennessee; and Las Vegas. The tour will conclude on Friday at the Justice Department with an event recognizing federal, state and local public defenders that will be livestreamed for the public.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta (left center) with Access to Justice Director Rachel Rossi (left), Iowa State Public Defender Jeff Wright (right center) and Iowa Supreme Court Justice and Chair, Access to Justice Commission Matthew McDermott (right). Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta (mid, center), Access to Justice Director Rachel Rossi (left, center), U.S. Attorney Rich Westphal (right, center) and others participate in a listening session with members of the public defense community.Providence Man Arrested for Oxycodone SalesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man has been charged with selling oxycodone in Worcester on multiple occasions to an undercover officer.
Brandon Jones, 32, was charged with distribution of oxycodone. Jones was arrested yesterday in Worcester and made an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester this morning before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy.
According to the charging documents, in July 2022, Jones was identified as an oxycodone and cocaine distributor in the Worcester area. Specifically, it is alleged that Jones traveled to Worcester in rental vehicles on a daily basis to sell drugs throughout the area in the afternoon before returning to Providence. On at least three occasions between October 2022 and January 2023, Jones allegedly distributed oxycodone pills to an undercover officer in controlled purchases.
The charge of unlawful distribution of oxycodone provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Southbridge Police Chief Shane D. Woodson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Friedholm of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Physician Indicted on Thirteen Counts of Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Chicago on thirteen counts of health care fraud for submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement.
As alleged in the indictment, from February 2018 to April 2022, MONA GHOSH, 50, of Inverness, a licensed physician who owned and operated Progressive Women’s Healthcare, S.C. (Progressive) in Hoffman Estates, participated in a scheme to defraud the government programs of TRICARE and Medicaid, along with several private insurance companies. The indictment alleges that Ghosh knowingly submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement for services that were not provided and for services that were not medically necessary. These included claims for purported telemedicine visits when Ghosh did not speak to the patient, claims for office visits and procedures when Ghosh did not see the patient, claims for procedures predicated on false diagnosis, and claims for medically unnecessary procedures and tests, including endometrial ablations and laboratory testing. Ghosh fraudulently obtained, and caused Progressive to obtain, approximately $796,000 in fraudulent payments from multiple health care benefit programs for services that were not provided as billed.
The indictment is announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Darrin K. Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office; Mario Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and the Illinois Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty Wright and Kavitha Babu.
“Targeting government and private healthcare programs relied on by the public to maintain their well-being is a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “In addition to submitting false claims, the allegation that defendant performed medically unnecessary procedures to enrich herself is particularly disturbing. This office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who steal from healthcare programs and who needlessly put patients at risk.”
“When healthcare providers illegally manipulate our healthcare system, it diminishes the trust Americans have in vital programs. The FBI is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners and ensure justice is served” said Special Agent in Charge Wheeler.
“Health care providers who submit fraudulent claims for unnecessary and non-rendered services not only waste valuable taxpayer dollars, but also undermine the trust and confidence of their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Pinto. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit fraud against our federal health care programs are held accountable.”
“Those who place profit before patient care, impacting the welfare of our service members and their families, must be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “DCIS proudly stands together with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in the healthcare industry.”
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of health care fraud is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Dr. Mona Ghosh or if you have any information, please contact the FBI at [email protected].
Pennsylvania Man Admits Robbing Two Camden County BanksRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man today admitted robbing two banks in Camden County, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Leon I. Stanford, 54, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an information charging him with two counts of bank robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 22, 2020, Stanford entered the TD Bank in Oaklyn, New Jersey and handed the bank teller a note which announced a robbery and demanded cash. The bank teller complied, and witnesses saw him depart in a white SUV. On Feb. 24, 2020, Stanford entered the Republic Bank in Cherry Hill, and handed the bank teller a note which announced a robbery and demanded cash. The bank teller complied, and witnesses saw Stanford depart in a white SUV.
Law enforcement officers were able to obtain a partial license plate number for the white SUV from surveillance videos in the area of both bank robberies, which generated a lead to a vehicle driven by Stanford, who was subsequently identified as the person in the bank surveillance videos.
At the time of these bank robberies, Stanford was on federal supervised release as a result of prior bank robbery convictions, for which he served a 10-year term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2023.
Each bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire in Philadelphia; the New York/New Jersey U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force Camden Division, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay; the Oaklyn Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jayne Jones; and the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Kempf, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg in Camden.
stanford.information.pdfPanama City Physician Pays $225,000 to Settle Allegations That He Overprescribed Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Dr. George Barrio, a pain management physician who formerly practiced medicine at the NeuroMedical Institute in Panama City, agreed to pay $225,000 to resolve allegations that he unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to patients. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“We are holding physicians accountable for disregarding patient safety and violating federal law when they write prescriptions that lack a legitimate medical purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Their actions not only violate the Controlled Substance Act but contribute to the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities. With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to combating this epidemic at all levels. This settlement and the associated surrender of the physician’s DEA controlled substance registration are evidence of our resolve.”
The government alleged that Dr. Barrio wrote prescriptions that lacked a legitimate purpose and were issued outside the usual course of professional practice, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. In addition to payment of the $225,000 monetary fine, Dr. Barrio also agreed to surrender his DEA registration for Schedule II and IIN controlled substances.
“One of DEA’s most important missions is to ensure physicians comply with the federal laws and regulations set forth in the Controlled Substance Act. Failing to comply with these laws increases the potential for the diversion of controlled substances, which puts the safety and health of our communities at risk,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA remains committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure DEA registrants follow these laws and regulations.”
This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Dr. Barrio, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch, Kathryn Drey, and Marie Moyle represented the United States in this matter, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Diversion Control Program), Bay County Sherriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Oregon Man Sentenced to over 34 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – Brett Michael Malone, 31, of Adrian, Oregon, was sentenced to 412 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Malone to a lifetime of supervised release and entered an order forfeiting the electronic device used to commit the offense. Malone was ordered to pay restitution to the victim of the offense and will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
Malone was convicted by a jury on October 24, 2022, after a four-day trial. Following the jury’s verdict, Malone admitted to a sentencing enhancement for committing the enticement offense while having a duty under state law to register as a sex offender. In 2013, Malone was convicted of rape in the third degree in Malheur County, Oregon.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Malone used Facebook to communicate with a 15-year-old girl in Idaho. During the communications, Malone sent the victim sexually explicit images and videos and enticed her to meet him for sexual contact. The victim’s mom located messages between Malone and the victim on the victim’s cellphone and reported the messages to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI assumed the victim’s online identity and began communicating with Malone in an undercover capacity. During the communications, Malone continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent posing as the victim and arranged to meet the victim for sexual contact. When Malone traveled to meet the victim, he was apprehended by law enforcement.
“While nothing can make up for the trauma suffered by the victim in this case and all victims of child exploitation, this sentence sends a strong message that those who victimize children will be prosecuted and severely punished,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “In this case, we are glad that the community will be protected from further predation by this repeat offender. I am grateful to the federal, state, tribal, and local investigators, parents, teachers, and all others who take action to protect vulnerable minors.”
“Malone’s days of preying on and exploiting the minors of Idaho are hopefully over,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This sentence should serve as a warning to those engaged in this type of criminal behavior, if you seek to exploit our children HSI and our Idaho law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to hold you accountable. This outcome highlights the consequences of believing otherwise. The partnership with Idaho State police and Boise Police Department was tremendous on this case and was critical to its overall success."
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Idaho State Police, and Boise Police Department, which led to the charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Omaha Man Sentenced to 77 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kevin Gray, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gray to 77 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On November 10, 2020, Gray sold a Ruger 5.7-caliber handgun to a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. Due to three previous felony convictions for robbery, Gray is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/archives/ag/about-project-guardian.
Oklahoma Man with Prior Felony Convictions Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Kewon Yarbrough, 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was charged yesterday by criminal complaint for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Yarbrough was arrested Sunday evening in Rutland, Vermont. Yarbrough appeared yesterday for his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, and will appear again today for a detention hearing.
According to court records, on March 7, 2023, Yarbrough was involved in a car accident in Rutland County. Yarbrough was the sole occupant of his vehicle at the time of the crash. Yarbrough’s vehicle was towed to an auto shop in Killington after the accident. A person called the auto shop multiple times inquiring about property left in the vehicle. An employee of the auto shop checked the vehicle, and located a Taurus Model G3C 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol in the center console. The auto shop then called the Killington Police Department, who secured the firearm from the auto shop. On March 8, 2023, Yarbrough went to the auto shop looking for his handgun, and became upset when he learned that Killington Police had taken the firearm. Yarbrough thereafter emailed Killington Police asking that his weapon be returned. Yarbrough’s criminal history includes several prior felony convictions in the State of Oklahoma for which he received sentences exceeding one year.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Yarbrough remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime. Yarbrough faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Killington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Vermont State Police.
The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Corinne Smith and Jonathan Ophardt. Yarbrough is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
Norfolk Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dallas Sherman Rhinehart, 53, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rhinehart to 130 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Rhinehart will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
In May of 2020, Rhinehart was identified as someone distributing methamphetamine in the Norfolk area. On July 6, 2020, and July 22, 2020, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from Rhinehart. The total amount of methamphetamine purchased included 52 grams of pure methamphetamine and 30 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine.
Rhinehart’s co-conspirators include Katherine Marie Tacheira, who has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing, and Lindsey Ann Rokahr, who has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Nonimmigrant visa holder convicted of violating US gun lawsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 25-year-old citizen of Niger on firearms charges related to his status in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately one hour following a one-day trial before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts as charged against Moctar Ahmadou Gouroudja Ahmadou.
Even though Ahmadou was lawfully present in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, he violated the terms of that status by illegally using a firearm and ammunition.
“Thousands of people enter this country each year and honor and appreciate the terms of their presence in the United States,” said Hamdani. “This individual disrespected that privilege not once or twice, but four times by illegally possessing and using firearms and ammunition. We cannot allow non-citizens to violate our gun laws, and we thank the jury for returning the verdicts as they did today.”
Ahmadou entered the United States on March 24, 2016, from Niger. At the time, he had a nonimmigrant F1 visa, or student visa, to study at the North American University in Stafford. Under that status, he was not permitted to possess or use firearms or ammunition.
However, the jury heard that on or around May 17, 2021, Ahmadou participated in handling and firing a handgun at a Texas-based gun range. He purchased a course called “First Shot” which provided training on pistol shooting and range time. Immediately after completing the course, Ahmadou rented and later purchased a Glock 45. He was seen at the firing line at the gun range holding a pistol and shooting down range towards a target.
On May 18, 2021, Ahmadou returned to the same gun range to participate in handling and firing a rifle. The course consisted of firearms safety, manipulation and shooting a rifle. He also possessed and shot a Smith & Wesson, model MP15, .223 caliber rifle and purchased and possessed four boxes of Fiocchi .223 caliber ammunition which he used with the rifle.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and has set sentencing for June 22. At that time, Ahmadou faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Ahmadou has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Customs and Immigration Service; and Texas Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Richard Bennett prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the Justice Department’s Counter Terrorism Section.
Niagara Falls Man Going to Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Pedro Melendez, 28, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of attempted receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in July 2021, Melendez engaged in sexually explicit communications with an 11-year-old minor victim residing in Connecticut, via several email and PlayStation accounts and applications. Melendez specifically asked the minor victim if she was 11 years old, which she confirmed, and he continued to engage in sexually explicit conversations. During these conversations, Melendez repeatedly asked the minor victim to send him sexually explicit images of herself, while sending the minor victim naked images of himself. Melendez also said that he wished he lived near the minor victim so that he could be her “teacher” and her “training partner.” In addition, Melendez told the minor victim to delete her messages saying “[t]hen ya might show people then I'm a pedophile,” and “[o]nly because your [sic] young enough to be my kid.”
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 8, 2023, CHRISTIAN GUITY, age 26, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty to three counts of a four-count indictment for federal drug and weapons violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged GUITY with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Count 2 charged GUITY with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, Count 3 charged GUITY with possession of a machine gun. GUITY’s sentencing is set for June 7, 2023.
As to Count 1 of the indictment that charges GUITY with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), he faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and at least 2 years of supervised release. Additionally, in Count 1, GUITY is charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C). For this charge, GUITY faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to Count 2 that charges GUITY with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1), he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 5 years supervised release. Finally, as to Count 3 that charges GUITY with possessing a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), he faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, GUITY must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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, as well as the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being 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 Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENNETH MUSE, age 24, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2023, before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
According to court records, MUSE admitted to being arrested after fleeing from Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies on a dirt bike for possessing a machinegun and tramadol pills he was selling. The gun MUSE possessed had been equipped with a “Glock switch,” transforming the normally semi-automatic pistol into fully automatic. MUSE admitted possessing the tramadol with the intent to distribute, that he possessed the gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and that he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Sentencing is set for June 13, 2023. On the drug offense, MUSE faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least 1 year of supervised release. On the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, MUSE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MUSE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Pursuant to the terms of his plea agreement, MUSE and the government agreed that a sentence of 15 years was an appropriate disposition of 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 is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Missouri Doctor Admits Defrauding Medicare, MedicaidRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A doctor from Moberly, Missouri pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges and admitted falsely using his father’s name to bill Medicare and Medicaid for medical services.
Dr. Justin G. LaMonda, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters.
Dr. LaMonda admitted as part of his plea that he and his father agreed to bill Medicare and Missouri Medicaid for services performed by Dr. LaMonda as if they had actually been performed by Dr. LaMonda’s father, who was also a doctor.
The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts suspended Dr. LaMonda’s medical license for 30 days effective Aug. 10, 2017 after he was accused of engaging in sexual activity with his office manager and prescribing her controlled substances “without sufficient examination and outside of the usual course of professional practice,” the plea says.
On Dec. 20, 2018, a Medicare administrative contractor revoked his Medicare Part B privileges after determining that he submitted reimbursement claims for services performed when he was suspended. Then, on Sept. 12, 2019, the Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit terminated his Medicare provider number.
Dr. LaMonda admitted that as early as Dec. 20, 2018, he and his father agreed to bill Medicare for services performed by Dr. LaMonda as if they had been performed by his father. After Dr. LaMonda’s Missouri Medicaid billing privileges were terminated, the pair expanded their scheme to include Medicaid claims, the plea says.
Dr. LaMonda instructed his billing personnel to use his father’s unique billing provider number on claims for payment, on referrals to other health care providers and on orders for durable medical equipment, falsely claiming that the father had performed the medical services or ordered additional equipment or treatment, the plea says.
When payments were received for services performed by Dr. LaMonda, his father would transfer the funds to Dr. LaMonda, the plea agreement says.
Dr. LaMonda admitted causing total losses of $537,322 to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid.
At sentencing, Dr. LaMonda could face up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI and the Missouri’s Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting the case.
Mission Man Sentenced for Assault by Strangulation and SuffocationRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Alexander Brave, age 29, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brave was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in October of 2021 in Todd County, South Dakota, wherein Brave assaulted his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Brave was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minneapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm after engaging in a shootout in North Minneapolis, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2021, Dominique Marquise McCaskel, 25, was in possession of a loaded Sig Sauer, model P365, 9mm semiautomatic pistol. According to the defendant’s plea agreement, surveillance footage from a nearby business showed a vehicle drive slowly past McCaskel, stopping momentarily in an alleyway. Upon seeing the vehicle, McCaskel pulled his Sig Sauer firearm from his pocket, ran towards the vehicle, and exchanged gunfire with individuals in the vehicle. McCaskel was shot and fell to the sidewalk, and the vehicle fled the area. Officers with the Minneapolis Police Department responded to the scene and recovered two 9mm discharged cartridge casings near McCaskel on the ground, and later recovered McCaskel’s firearm. The Minneapolis Police Forensics Division determined that the two recovered discharged cartridge casings were shot from McCaskel’s Sig Sauer firearm. The Forensics Division also found McCaskel’s thumbprint on the loaded magazine that was inserted into the firearm.
Because McCaskel has several prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from lawfully possessing any firearms or ammunition. McCaskel pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery to one count of possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal felon. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 19, 2023.
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. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Hillary A. Taylor are prosecuting the case.
Miami Man Charged for Running Fraudulent Cryptocurrency and Stock Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted Ryan James Crawford, a/k/a “Brody,” 30, with eight counts of wire fraud for running a fraudulent cryptocurrency and stock investment scheme.
According to the charges, from around June 2020 through March 2022, Crawford tricked victims into investing about $800,000 in his scheme by: falsely claiming to be a highly successful licensed stockbroker who had made tens of millions of dollars through similar cryptocurrency and stock investments; falsely claiming to have access to enough money to timely repay potential investors; falsely claiming that he had developed an artificial intelligence trading software that “never lost,” and misrepresenting the investment as low-risk and high reward, among other things.
It is alleged that Crawford did not return any victim funds, or generate the exponential returns he promised. Rather, on some occasions, he simply diverted investors’ funds and cryptocurrency for his own personal use, including to pay for luxury rental cars and gambling at the casino.
Crawford was arrested in Colorado and made his initial federal court appearance on March 13, in Denver federal court.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, acting Special Agent in Charge Maged Behnam of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, and Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), announced the charges.
FBI Miami, USSS Miami, and Miami-Dade Police Department Cyber Crimes Investigative Unit investigated the case, with assistance from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hauser is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture.
An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20100.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Neri Mendoza-Rodriguez, 31, was sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine and fentanyl drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mendoza-Rodriguez to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Mendoza-Rodriguez will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Mendoza-Rodriguez is subject to deportation to Mexico by U.S. immigration authorities when he completes his sentence of imprisonment.
In March 2021, a confidential source (CS) contacted Mendoza-Rodriguez to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine. On April 5, 2021, the CS met with Mendoza-Rodriguez and Mendoza-Rodriguez’s cousin, Rigoberto Madrid-Morga, and successfully purchased 399.78 grams of pure methamphetamine. During this controlled delivery, the CS discussed purchasing M-30 fentanyl pills from Mendoza-Rodriguez. Mendoza-Rodriguez confirmed he had fentanyl pills available, and on April 29, 2021, Madrid-Morga delivered 106.79 grams of fentanyl to the CS in Omaha.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Maryland MS-13 Gang Members Plead Guilty to Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including MurderRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Hernan Yanes-Rivera, a/k/a “Recio,” age 22, of Adelphi, Maryland, and Agustin Eugenio Rivas Rodriguez, a/k/a “Terrible,” age 25, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to their participation in a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to their activities as part of the MS-13 gang.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, and throughout the United States. In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.
As detailed in the plea agreement, from at least August 2018 through July 2021, Rivas Rodriguez and Yanes-Rivera were members and associates of Weedams Locos Salvatrucha, (WLS), an MS-13 clique operating primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Rivas Rodriguez was the clique’s second in command.
On February 23, 2020, at the direction of Rivas Rodriquez and another MS-13 leader, Yanes-Rivera and co-defendant MS-13 member Franklyn Sanchez, shot and killed Victim 1, a former WLS member, in retaliation for the victim’s suspected cooperation with law enforcement. According to the plea agreement, Victim 1 sat for interviews with local police following a robbery he committed with a fellow WLS member. Victim 1’s co-defendant pleaded guilty prior to Victim 1’s murder. In the weeks prior to the murder, Victim 1 had been in touch with WLS members over social media, text messages and voice calls. Records show that WLS members told Victim 1 that if he met with gang members to make amends, his cooperation would be forgiven. Victim 1 was instructed to wait on the side of a road at a location in or near Adelphi, Maryland, on February 23, 2020. A junior WLS member drove Yanes-Rivera and Sanchez to the location, where they picked up Victim 1. They drove to a location in or near Hyattsville, Maryland. Yanes-Rivera, Sanchez and Victim 1 got out of the car and walked into a wooded area, where Yanes-Rivera and Sanchez shot Victim 1. Victim 1 died from his gunshot wounds. As a result of his participation in the murder, Yanes-Rivera was promoted within the hierarchy of MS-13.
On August 8, 2020, WLS members, including Franklyn Sanchez, were gathered at a park in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Sanchez and several of the WLS members agreed to the murder of Victim 4, who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and to whom Sanchez owed a debt. Sanchez and another MS-13 member murdered Victim 4, then WLS members dragged Victim 4’s body to a stream and left it there. As he was leaving the woods, Sanchez was concerned that his DNA may have been left on the body. To prevent the discovery of DNA or other evidence and to hinder the investigation and prosecution of Victim 4’s murder, Rivas Rodriguez and other WLS members were called and ordered to bring shovels to the wooded area, where they dug a hole and buried Victim 4’s body. Victim 4’s body was later recovered with a bullet wound to the head.
Rivas Rodriguez also conspired with other MS-13 members to kill a female member of the rival 18th Street gang. Rivas Rodriguez and the WLS leader ordered subordinate members of the gang to track the female to a house and kill her. The group of MS-13 subordinates gathered with guns and were preparing to follow their orders, when police arrived on scene and stopped the plan from coming to fruition.
Rivas Rodriguez and Yanes-Rivera were also responsible for collecting extortion payments, or “rents,” from at least two extortion victims on behalf of WLS. Rivas Rodriguez and Yanes-Rivera knew that the victims making extortion payments did so under the threat of death or bodily injury by members of WLS. For example, when WLS imposed rent on Victim-2, an MS-13 member told Victim-2 that “people who don’t pay go down.”
Finally, Yanes-Rivera also participated in money laundering by transferring gang funds obtained through its extortion activities to MS-13 members and associates in El Salvador.
The government and the defendant have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Yanes-Rivera will be sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and Rivas Rodriguez will be sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Rivas-Rodriguez and Yanes-Rivera on July 21, 2023 and July 28, 2023, respectively.
Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, a/k/a “Delinquente,” age 26, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the same charges on March 7, 2023. Judge Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Sanchez on May 19, 2023.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Barron and Assistant Attorney General Polite commended the FBI, HSI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Montgomery County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo, and Trial Attorneys Brendan Woods and Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Marshfield Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Marshfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Kyle R. Evans, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On May 23, 2022, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 18, 2017, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy saw Evans driving a motorcycle northbound on West Bypass near the intersection with Nichols Street. Evans was speeding and driving erratically, and the deputy followed him from a distance. Nichols turned the corner from Eldon Street onto Nichols Street at a high rate of speed and slid into a Ford pickup truck. The deputy saw a Glock firearm lying on the road near where Evans was laying. The deputy detained Evans and searched him. Evans had $1,000 in one pocket, $633 in another pocket, and a nylon pistol holder tucked into his front waistband. Officers also found a motorcycle bag in the crash debris that contained several baggies with a total of five grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Evans has prior felony convictions for domestic assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer, possessing a chemical with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, distributing a controlled substance, assault, armed criminal action, tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness in a felony prosecution.
According to court documents, Evans fled from law enforcement officers on Aug. 24, 2017, and left a firearm in the vehicle he had been driving. On Sept. 27, 2017, he again fled from officers in a high-speed chase. His vehicle was later found in a field with a firearm between the center console and passenger seat.
On Nov. 16, 2017, Evans shot a victim identified as “K.B.” while stealing his motorcycle. According to court documents, Evans conspired to tamper with a witness while he was in custody after being arrested. Evans was convicted of the shooting and motorcycle theft in Greene County, Mo., and sentenced to 20 years in state prison. He is currently incarcerated in that case and will serve his state sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case.
Evans is also serving a 15-year state sentence after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance in Webster County, Mo., and also will serve that sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case.
During his time in state prison, according to court documents, Evans joined a violent prison gang, the Southwest Honkys. During a drug investigation involving members of the Honkys in 2017, Evans was caught on a wire threatening to harm an individual he believed had cooperated with police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Cape Girardeau County Gun Store BurglaryRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced Chayce Harrell, 21, of Cairo, Illinois, to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a 2020 gun store burglary in Cape Girardeau County and ordered him to pay $1,700 in restitution.
Harrell pleaded guilty in December in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to the offense of aiding and abetting the theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer. According to the plea agreement, Harrell and two accomplices broke into a business in Cape Girardeau County known as JSE Surplus in the early morning hours of August 7, 2020. After forcing entry into the building, the group began gathering multiple firearms from the inventory to steal. Unfortunately for the burglars, however, the owner of the business was staying upstairs to keep watch on the property due to several recent reports of gun store burglaries in the area. The owner quickly went downstairs and opened fire at the burglars with a shotgun. The three accomplices escaped unharmed, but dropped all but two firearms as they scrambled out the door.According to court documents, Harrell was identified as a suspect nearly two years later as part of an ongoing investigation. Harrell co-defendant Senque S. Bingham has also been charged. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Court documents further reflect that the third accomplice has been identified as a juvenile.
This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester is prosecuting the case. As in all criminal cases, co-defendant Senque Bingham is presumed to be innocent unless and until his guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Carjacking in Alabama’s Wiregrass RegionRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Iziquel Pasheng Vang, 23, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received a sentence of 30-years in prison for kidnapping and carjacking. The federal judge also ordered that Vang serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, in 2021, Vang was living in Alabama’s Wiregrass area. During that time, he became friends with a 16-year-old girl from Slocomb, Alabama. The friendship eventually ended when Vang became aggressive. In early May of 2021, Vang began watching the girl’s house. On May 9, 2021, Vang entered the home and threatened the girl and her mother with a gun. Vang forced the girl to drive him in her family’s car to Georgia. They later left Georgia and headed south to Florida. Law enforcement in southern Georgia spotted Vang and the victim in the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull them over. Vang refused to stop. Instead, Vang led law enforcement on a chase into Florida at excessive speeds, shooting at the pursuing officers multiple times. Vang ultimately wrecked the vehicle and was apprehended. The girl suffered minor injuries during the crash.
On November 30, 2022, Vang pleaded guilty to kidnapping and carjacking. Vang’s sentencing hearing occurred on March 10, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant in this case inflicted unimaginable terror upon a minor and her parents,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “No family should be forced to endure events like those caused by Vang. Moreover, by trying to run from law enforcement, Vang placed at risk the lives of countless individuals. Given the disturbing facts of this case, the 30-year sentence is certainly appropriate.”
The FBI and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case, with assistance from: the Geneva County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; the Slocomb, Alabama Police Department; the Dale County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Police Department; the Brooks County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; the Georgia Highway Patrol; the Lowndes County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; the Morven, Georgia Police Department; the Florida Highway Patrol; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission; and the Madison County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin P. Davidson prosecuted this case.
Lead defendant in Scioto County child sex trafficking operation sentenced to 40 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The lead of 11 defendants charged in a Scioto County child sex trafficking operation was sentenced in federal court here today to 480 months in prison.
“Larry Dean Porter is a predator who manipulated and abused children and drug-addicted women in southern Ohio for many years. He used force, violence, and threats to coerce these vulnerable victims to engage in sex acts with him,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Though no sentence can undo the indescribable, despicable harm he caused, it is fitting that he will spend the rest of his life where he belongs – in a federal prison.”
A federal grand jury originally indicted Larry Dean Porter, 72, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and several of his family members and associates in June 2020. All 11 defendants have since been convicted.
Porter’s physical and sexual abuse of women and children in Scioto County spanned numerous decades and involved additional victims other than those identified in the charged offenses in this case.
Porter exchanged drugs obtained in Columbus and elsewhere for sexual access to the children of drug-addicted parents and guardians.
Agents with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force began investigating Porter in April 2019 following reports from several sources that Porter was involved in sexually abusing male and female minors with the consent of the minors’ parents in exchange for illegal drugs from Porter.
Porter sexually abused multiple children and produced child pornography that he kept on flash drives and used extreme methods to conceal, including by burying the flash drives in the yard surrounding his house.
In addition to sexually assaulting the children himself, Porter also instructed drug-addicted parents to sexually abuse children and recorded it to use as blackmail. Porter also used other methods of force, such as duct taping and tying women to chairs, burning them with cigarettes and firing guns by their ears, to ensure they continued to comply with his various sexual demands and remained silent about his crimes.
Porter’s manipulation and sexual assaults of women and children took place several times a week for years. For example, several of Porter’s co-conspirators took three children under the age of 10 to Porter’s residence on a regular basis to traffic the children sexually in exchange for pills. The abuse occurred a few times per week for up to five years.
Porter was arrested in March 2020 on local charges during a human trafficking sting operation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
After Porter was arrested locally, his friends and relatives – including two of his daughters and one of his cousins – attempted to destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses on Porter’s behalf.
For example, family and friends dug holes in the ground on Porter’s property to retrieve and attempt to conceal or destroy SD cards containing child pornography that had been buried in Porter’s yard. Agents also found eight DVDs containing child pornography linked to Porter’s home computer at the house of one of Porter’s friends. Porter’s cousin discussed in jail calls with Porter their plans to assault and potentially kill a witness they believed was a source for law enforcement.
Porter pleaded guilty on Aug. 10, 2022, to conspiring to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, child sex trafficking, and participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Porter was also ordered today to pay more than $300,000 in restitution to the victims.
Co-defendants sentenced to date include, Joshua D. Aldridge (324 months in prison), Charity Rawlins (210 months in prison), Frank E. Andrews (121 months in prison), Ronnie L. Rawlins (63 months in prison), Jonathan David Flagg (60 months in prison), Ralph Albert Aldridge (48 months in prison), Crystal D. Porter (30 months in prison), Denna Sue Porter (three months in prison), and Erroll Wayne Porter (six months of home detention).
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Jackson County Sheriff Tedd E. Frazier; Jackson County Prosecutor Justin Lovett; Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Scioto County Prosecutor Shane A. Tieman announced today’s sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rausch and Jessica W. Knight are representing the United States in this case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 33 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for committing multiple child sexual exploitation crimes.
Stephen Thomas Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” (38) pleaded guilty in October 2022, to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Parshall is required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned of Parshall’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to cause destruction during protests on May 30, 2020, and of Parshall’s alleged membership in the “Boogaloo” movement. Parshall was arrested and search warrants were executed on Parshall’s electronic devices. Law enforcement officers located 10 images of child sexual abuse material, and numerous images of child erotica, on Parshall’s cellular phone. Investigators identified Victim 1, a child under the age of 18 years old, in two of the child sexual abuse images located on Parshall’s phone. Parshall forced Victim 1 to perform sex acts upon him while he photographed it.
Investigators also located social media conversations on a second cell phone owned by Parshall, under account names “cptkiwi1”, “nopictoobad”, and “pervysage”. In some of those social media conversations, Parshall messaged with Victim 2, another child under 18 years old, and convinced Victim 2 to take sexually explicit pictures. Victim 2 sent the requested child sexual abuse material to Parshall.
Additionally, in separate social media conversations, Parshall traded child pornography material with other users.
“As part of our Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with law enforcement partners, we will use all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who exploit children,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the hard work by the prosecution team and law enforcement, the defendant is no longer a threat to children and the community.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”
The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.
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Laredo resident indicted on charges of fraud and aggravated identity theftRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 52-year-old woman who used multiple aliases has been charged with using someone else’s identity on multiple occasions and lying to authorities in connection with obtaining a passport, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Elizabeth Ann Berbel is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Dos Santos at 9:30 a.m.
Berbel, who turned herself in to authorities yesterday, is also known as Ana Elizabeth Gomez-Garcia, Ana Elizabeth Gomez Garcia, Ana Elizabeth Gomez, Anna Elizabeth Gomez Garcia, Anna Elizabeth Gomez, Elizabeth Berbel, Elizabeth Ann Gomez, Tina Gomez-Manns and Anna Gomez.
A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment March 7. The charges include one count of passport fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft linked to the passport fraud as well as four counts of lying to a federal agency and three counts of misusing a Social Security number.
On March 22, 2019, Berbel applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual, according to the charges. As part of that process, she allegedly provided false information to include she was born in Chicago when she was not. The indictment further alleges she gave fraudulent information about her parents and provided a Social Security number that did not belong to her as part of the application process.
Along with the allegedly fraudulent passport application, the charges also allege that on two separate occasions, she had applied for a Texas driver’s license. In each instance, Berbel allegedly used the same victim’s Social Security number.
If convicted, Berbel faces up to 10 years for the passport fraud in addition to five years each for lying to authorities and for misusing a Social Security number. She will also receive a mandatory two years for the identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The Department of State conducted the investigation with assistance from the Social Security Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Long-Time Sureno Gang Member Pleads to Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly WeaponRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Randy Coy James Holmes, age 25, of Spokane, Washington, pled guilty today in federal court in Spokane, Washington to Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1), (b), as well as to Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The charges stem from Holmes’s attempted robbery and shooting of an undercover law enforcement officer in November 2021. United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice, who presided at today’s hearing, set sentencing for June 21, 2023.
According to court documents and information disclosed at court proceedings, in early November 2021, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Confidential Informant reported that Holmes, who is a documented Sureno gang member and uses the alias “Whispers,” was looking to obtain a firearm to conduct future strong-arm robberies. The informant arranged for Holmes to contact an undercover ATF agent so Holmes could purchase a firearm from the agent. ATF intended to sell Holmes an in operable firearm and then arrest him. The same day, a second ATF confidential informant advised ATF that Holmes contacted the second informant to obtain a firearm.
On November 5, 2021, Holmes agreed to meet the undercover ATF agent at the Motel 6 parking lot in Spokane to purchase the firearm. Holmes had offered to pay the undercover agent approximately one ounce of methamphetamine in exchange for the firearm, instead of U.S. Currency.
Holmes arrived at the Motel 6 as scheduled, driving a Dodge Charger. Holmes’s co-defendants, Vincent Petrushkin and William Huntington Burns, who are also Sureno gang members, were inside the Dodge Charger with Holmes. Before Holmes’s got out of the car, Burns provided Holmes with a firearm, which later was identified as a Glock Model 17 9mm semi-automatic handgun, as “protection” during the transaction with the undercover agent. Holmes then exited the Charger and got into the front passenger seat of the undercover ATF agent’s vehicle. During the transaction, the undercover agent expressed concerns to Holmes about conducting the transaction at that location given that Holmes arrived with two additional individuals in his car. The undercover agent then asked to move the transaction to a nearby parking lot, away from the two men in the Dodge Charger.
Holmes responded that he would “tell the homies” and started to get out of the undercover agent’s vehicle. Holmes, however, stopped short of fully exiting the vehicle. Instead, Holmes re-entered the vehicle, pulled out the Glock Model 17 9mm semi-automatic handgun, pointed the gun at the undercover agent’s head, and demanded the firearm the undercover agent was going to sell him. The undercover agent, who was in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm, advised Holmes the firearm was in the back of the car. Holmes then fully exited the undercover agent’s vehicle and ran around to the back of the car to obtain the firearm. When Holmes did so, the undercover agent exited the vehicle and directed Holmes to drop the gun. Rather than drop his firearm, Holmes repeatedly discharged the Glock Model 17 9mm semi-automatic handgun at the undercover agent, striking the agent multiple times, and causing the agent serious and permanent bodily injury. The undercover agent returned fire, striking Holmes a number of times. ATF surveillance agents quickly arrived at the scene and rendered life-saving aid to Holmes before he and the undercover agent were transported to the hospital. At the hospital, emergency room personnel located approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine in Holmes’s jacket pocket.
Codefendants Petrushkin and Burns have both previously pled guilty to federal offenses related to this incident and are pending sentencing. Petrushkin pled guilty on April 1, 2022 to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2). Burns, who was not a felon at the time of this incident, pled guilty to Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(d), 924(a)(2) on March 1, 2023. Both codefendants are pending sentencing.
At the time of this incident, Holmes was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2019 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2). Holmes also was on Washington State Department of Corrections community custody supervision from an unrelated state felony conviction. At today’s hearing, as part of his plea agreement, Holmes admitted to all pending violations of his federal supervised release. Holmes will be sentenced for that conduct on June 21, 2023 as well.
“This tragic case demonstrates the danger and violence that too frequently occurs when convicted felons possess firearms and engage in illegal drug trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the exceptional courage and bravery of law enforcement officers, who put their personal safety at risk to protect our community, and I commend the ATF agents involved for their exceptional professionalism in rendering life-saving aid to Mr. Holmes before he could be treated at a hospital. Our community is stronger as a result of these agents’ tremendous service.”
ATF Resident Agent in Charge Sterling Nixon stated, “Our agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. When one of our agents was tragically shot in November 2021, the law enforcement community, including state, local, and federal agencies came together to investigate and prosecute this case. We’re grateful for the combined efforts to seek justice on behalf of our colleague and friend.”
“Mr. Holmes shot and seriously injured a federal law enforcement agent in an attempted robbery,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field Office. “Every day, the brave law enforcement officers in Washington state and across the country face dangerous situations to keep our communities safe. This case demonstrates the consequences of attacking law enforcement personnel. An attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on the rule of law, and an attack on our community.”
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Patrick Cashman.
Case No.: 2:21-CR-164-TOR
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Michigan Rental Property OwnerRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act against the owner and manager of rental properties in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleges that Mohamad Hussein, who owns or manages over two dozen rental properties in Dearborn Heights, has subjected actual and prospective female tenants to sexual harassment on multiple occasions since at least 2017. The complaint alleges that Hussein made unwelcome sexual comments and advances, and offered actual and prospective female tenants housing-related benefits in exchange for engaging in sex acts with him or sending him sexually explicit images. According to the complaint, many of these instances took place in the spring of 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was difficult to secure housing in Michigan. The complaint also alleges that Hussein sent sexually explicit images of himself to prospective female tenants.
“No one should be denied the right to housing because they refuse to submit to a landlord’s sexual demands,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking justice for those sexually harassed by landlords and other housing providers.”
“Every resident of our district should be able to find and secure housing without facing discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Any feeling of safety and security is ripped away when individuals face sexual harassment in their own home. Our Civil Rights Unit works closely with the Civil Rights Division to hold those who violate the Fair Housing Act accountable.”
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The initiative, which is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative, the department has filed 29 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.8 million for victims of such harassment.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Mohamad Hussein, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, select a language, and select option number 2, then option number 6 to leave a message. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan at 313-226-9151, or by email at [email protected]. Individuals may also submit a report online. Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Jelly Bean Communications Design and its Manager Settle False Claims Act Liability for Cybersecurity Failures on Florida Medicaid Enrollment WebsiteRead the Press Release
Jelly Bean Communications Design LLC (Jelly Bean) and Jeremy Spinks have agreed to pay $293,771 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they failed to secure personal information on a federally funded Florida children’s health insurance website, which Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained.
“Government contractors responsible for handling personal information must ensure that such information is appropriately protected,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will use the False Claims Act to hold accountable companies and their management when they knowingly fail to comply with their cybersecurity obligations and put sensitive information at risk.”
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) is a state-created entity that offers health and dental insurance for Florida children ages five through 18. FHKC receives federal Medicaid funds as well as state funds to provide children’s health insurance programs. On Oct. 31, 2013, FHKC contracted with Jelly Bean for “website design, programming and hosting services.” The agreement required that Jelly Bean provide a fully functional hosting environment that complied with the protections for personal information imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and Jelly Bean agreed to adapt, modify, and create the necessary code on the webserver to support the secure communication of data. Jeremy Spinks, the company’s manager, 50% owner, and sole employee, signed the agreement. Under its contracts with FHKC, between 2013 and 2020, Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained the website HealthyKids.org for FHKC, including the online application into which parents and others entered data to apply for state Medicaid insurance coverage for children.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from January 1, 2014, through Dec. 14, 2020, contrary to its representations in agreements and invoices, Jelly Bean did not provide secure hosting of applicants’ personal information and instead knowingly failed to properly maintain, patch, and update the software systems underlying HealthyKids.org and its related websites, leaving the site and the data Jelly Bean collected from applicants vulnerable to attack. In or around early December 2020, more than 500,000 applications submitted on HealthyKids.org were revealed to have been hacked, potentially exposing the applicants’ personal identifying information and other data. The United States alleged that Jelly Bean was running multiple outdated and vulnerable applications, including some software that Jelly Bean had not updated or patched since November 2013. In response to this data breach and Jelly Bean’s cybersecurity failures, FHKC shut down the website’s application portal in December 2020.
“Safeguarding patients’ medical and other personal information is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “This settlement demonstrates the commitment by my office and our partners to use every available tool to protect Americans’ health care data.”
“Companies have a fundamental responsibility to protect the personal information of their website users. It is unacceptable for an organization to fail to do the due diligence to keep software applications updated and secure and thereby compromise the data of thousands of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that enrollees can rely on their health care providers to safeguard their personal information.”
On Oct. 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the Department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S information or systems at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents and breaches. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Michael Hoffman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Jelly Bean Communications Design and Its Manager Settle False Claims Act Liability for Cybersecurity Failures on Florida Medicaid Enrollment WebsiteRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Jelly Bean Communications Design LLC (Jelly Bean) and Jeremy Spinks have agreed to pay $293,771 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they failed to secure personal information on a federally funded Florida children’s health insurance website, which Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained.
“Government contractors responsible for handling personal information must ensure that such information is appropriately protected,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will use the False Claims Act to hold accountable companies and their management when they knowingly fail to comply with their cybersecurity obligations and put sensitive information at risk.”
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) is a state-created entity that offers health and dental insurance for Florida children ages five through 18. FHKC receives federal Medicaid funds as well as state funds to provide children’s health insurance programs. On Oct. 31, 2013, FHKC contracted with Jelly Bean for “website design, programming and hosting services.” The agreement required that Jelly Bean provide a fully functional hosting environment that complied with the protections for personal information imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and Jelly Bean agreed to adapt, modify, and create the necessary code on the webserver to support the secure communication of data. Jeremy Spinks, the company’s manager, 50% owner, and sole employee, signed the agreement. Under its contracts with FHKC, between 2013 and 2020, Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained the website HealthyKids.org for FHKC, including the online application into which parents and others entered data to apply for state Medicaid insurance coverage for children.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from January 1, 2014, through Dec. 14, 2020, contrary to its representations in agreements and invoices, Jelly Bean did not provide secure hosting of applicants’ personal information and instead knowingly failed to properly maintain, patch, and update the software systems underlying HealthyKids.org and its related websites, leaving the site and the data Jelly Bean collected from applicants vulnerable to attack. In or around early December 2020, more than 500,000 applications submitted on HealthyKids.org were revealed to have been hacked, potentially exposing the applicants’ personal identifying information and other data. The United States alleged that Jelly Bean was running multiple outdated and vulnerable applications, including some software that Jelly Bean had not updated or patched since November 2013. In response to this data breach and Jelly Bean’s cybersecurity failures, FHKC shut down the website’s application portal in December 2020.
“Safeguarding patients’ medical and other personal information is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “This settlement demonstrates the commitment by my office and our partners to use every available tool to protect Americans’ health care data.”
“Companies have a fundamental responsibility to protect the personal information of their website users. It is unacceptable for an organization to fail to do the due diligence to keep software applications updated and secure and thereby compromise the data of thousands of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that enrollees can rely on their health care providers to safeguard their personal information.”
On Oct. 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the Department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S information or systems at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents and breaches. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Michael Hoffman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Jacksonville Man Charged with Being an Illegal User of Narcotics While Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Joshua Earrey (44, Jacksonville) has been charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal user of narcotics while possessing firearms. If convicted, Earrey faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, Earrey unlawfully used a controlled substance and possessed a firearm from between at least as early as November 7, 2022, through December 5, 2022. He has been employed as a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper for approximately 22 years and was assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since June 2020.
A complaint is merely a charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Hamilton.
The United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and United States Customs and Border Protection thank the Florida Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their cooperation during this investigation.
High Point Man Sentenced for Hacking Snapchat Account of Soldier and Selling Nude Images of VictimsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A High Point man was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release for two counts of computer fraud and abuse and one count of wire fraud. On October 6, 2022, Patrick Marquez Black pled guilty to the charges.
“We are targeting hackers and cybercriminals who invade privacy for cash,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This defendant hacked the Snapchat of an active-duty soldier, used her account to steal from her friends, sold her photos for cash and violated her privacy. Our cyber-prosecutors are partnering with law enforcement to ensure that the world wide web does not become the wild, wild west.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Black, 30, hacked into the Snapchat account of a female soldier stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, and changed the password to lock the victim out of her account. Once he gained access, Black used the account in three ways. First, he pretended to be the victim and requested her Snapchat friends send money to CashApp and other online money accounts to cover the costs of a fake emergency. Second, he shared and sold nude images and videos of the victim that he was able to access from the Snapchat account. Third, he used her account to obtain the username and password of other Snapchat accounts as well as nude images and videos of other victims. This activity occurred for at least three years.
Due to the actions of this defendant, nude images and videos of the victim were seen by co-workers, friends, and family members. She was threatened by people who believed that they had loaned her money, and she had not paid them back. She paid over $300 to her friends as “re-payment” for the money the defendant stole. While serving in the U.S. Army, the defendant caused this victim mental and emotional damage.
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. US Army CID investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe 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-141.
Heart Butte man admits murdering woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte man today admitted to murdering a woman after an argument on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, pleaded guilty to second degree murder as indicted. Aimsback faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for July 26. Aimsback was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Aimsback unlawfully killed the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with malice aforethought. On Nov. 24, 2022, Aimsback called 911, claiming Jane Doe would not wake up, although she was still breathing. Law enforcement officers arrived and immediately noticed Jane Doe was cold and had died hours earlier. When interviewed, Aimsback admitted he killed Jane Doe. Aimsback and Jane Doe began arguing, and Aimsback beat Jane Doe with a stick. Jane Doe died from the injuries. Aimsback and Jane Doe were in a romantic relationship at the time of the murder.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Greenville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A Greenville man was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to court documents, Corey Allen Stephens, 31, used a social media application to chat with others, and in the chat, he posted an image of his sexual abuse of a toddler. He boasted that it was “Not the first time I’ve done it.” Homeland Security officers traced the chat to Stephens’s home, where agents recovered additional evidence of child pornography offenses.
In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Stephens was ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $3,000.
“I appreciate the exceptional work of HSI, KSP, and AUSA Sewell in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Protecting the children of the Western District from predators like the defendant is a top priority of this office. We remain vigilant and will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to sexually exploit our children.”
“The significant sentence imposed on Corey Stephens sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. Stephens will serve 20 years in federal prison for his incomprehensible acts,” stated HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue predators who traumatize and victimize children and maintain our vigilance to bring them to justice.”
The case was investigated by the HSI and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Madison Sewell of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Grand Junction Man Sentenced to Prison for Enticing Children OnlineRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Benjamin David Harbin, age 33, of Grand Junction, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and a life term of supervised release for enticing minors to engage in the production of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, the defendant came to law enforcement's attention after he utilized Instagram accounts to communicate with minor females online, several of whom were between seven and nine years of age. During the course of the communications, the defendant persuaded some of these minors to send him sexually explicit images of themselves. The defendant was the subject of law enforcement investigations in the United States, Canada, and England.
Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced the defendant on March 13, 2023.
"The sexual exploitation of children is a despicable crime that causes immense harm to the victims and their families,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We will not tolerate the predatory behavior of those who seek to exploit the innocence of our children, and we will work tirelessly to hold them accountable for their heinous actions."
“The defendant in this case underestimated the steadfast dedication of the FBI when it comes to protecting children. He thought that by hiding behind an online profile and targeting children in another state, he could evade law enforcement. He was wrong,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “FBI Denver will do what it takes to investigate allegations of child exploitation and hold those accountable who commit such shameful crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division, Grand Junction Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
CASE NUMBER: 20-cr-00164
Fresno Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Trayvon Smith, 32, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday to six years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, law enforcement officers received a report of two individuals possessing a firearm in a hotel parking lot. When the officers responded to the parking lot, they located the suspected car and activated their emergency lights. Edward Page, 33, of Fresno, and Smith exited the car. Smith initially fled, but both were eventually detained. The officers then searched the car and found two loaded semi-automatic firearms, one of which had a corresponding a high-capacity magazine attached. Page and Smith are both prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of their criminal history.
On Jan. 17, 2023, Page was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former South Florida Regional Bank Manager Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Daniel Hernandez, 51, a former South Florida regional manager for a leading national bank has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of loan proceeds. These loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Hernandez conspired with Erich Alfonso Barata, Armando De Leon, and others to submit over 90 fraudulent PPP loan applications. The applications were primarily submitted to two banks, Hernandez’s employer at the time, and his previous employer, another leading national bank.
Hernandez also conspired to submit fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications through the SBA, but most of the applications were declined.
Hernandez and his co-conspirators attempted to defraud the PPP and EIDL programs out of approximately $25 million. The conspiracy caused approximately $15 million in losses. The investigation has recovered over $800,000 so far.
Daniel Hernandez pled guilty on December 21, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. De Leon and Alfonso Barata previously pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. De Leon was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on February 21. Alfonso Barata is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region; acting Special Agent in Charge Maged Behnam of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Small Business Administration, Investigations Division’s Eastern Region (SBA-OIG), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.
FDIC-OIG, FBI Miami, and SBA-OIG investigated the case, with assistance from the Florida Department of Revenue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 22-cr-20529 (Hernandez), 22-cr-20420 (De Leon), and 22-cr-20487 (Alfonso Barata).
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Former Sheriff Victor Hill sentenced to federal prison for civil rights violationsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill has been sentenced for violating the civil rights of six pre-trial detainees at the Clayton County, Georgia, Jail by ordering the detainees strapped into restraint chairs for hours without legal justification.
“This district is fortunate to be served by thousands of law enforcement officers who bravely perform their duties with great honor, but former Sheriff Victor Hill is not one of them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Former Sheriff Victor Hill chose to disregard the welfare of some within his control. The evidence was clear in this case, there was absolutely no justification for Hill to order pretrial detainees to be strapped into restraint chairs for hours on end. These men suffered painful injuries. Without question, his actions not only hurt the victims but eroded the public’s trust in law enforcement. Hill brazenly abused his power and has been held accountable by a jury and a judge and will go to federal prison. Hill rejected one of the most basic tenets of law enforcement: that the U.S. Constitution forbids an officer – even a sheriff – from using unreasonable force.”
“All of our communities pay a significant price when law enforcement officials abuse their power. We hope this sentence brings some closure to the victims of civil rights violations,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentencing should send a strong message to any law enforcement officer who wants to follow their own version of the law. Badges and guns don’t come with the authority to ignore the Constitution. They come with the responsibility to protect it.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: At the time Hill committed these crimes, his Sheriff’s Office “Inmate Restraint Chair Policy” stated that, “a restraint chair may be used by security staff to provide safe containment of an inmate exhibiting violent or uncontrollable behavior and to prevent self-injury, injury to others or property damage when control techniques are not effective.” Consistent with the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause, the policy emphasized that use of a restraint chair would “never be authorized as a form of punishment.” Hill flagrantly disregarded these policies, and a jury convicted him of violating the constitutional rights of the following victims:
Victim R.P.
On December 8, 2019, Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) responded to a robbery in progress. An officer saw R.P. standing with a firearm at the driver’s window of a car occupied by two men. R.P. ran into his apartment when he saw the officer. Officers used a patrol car’s public address system to convince R.P to exit his apartment. R.P. eventually complied with the commands and was taken into custody without further incident. R.P. told officers that he believed the men in the car had come there to rob him. R.P. was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A CCPD officer transported R.P. to the Clayton County Jail. According to the officer, R.P. offered no resistance and caused no trouble after he was arrested.
According to R.P. and other trial witnesses, when R.P. arrived at the jail, he was immediately taken to a holding cell with about 15 other inmates. R.P. heard people yelling, “Sheriff on deck.” Hill, escorted by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Scorpion Response Team (SRT) arrived at the cell. Hill questioned R.P. about the incident which led to his arrest. When R.P. attempted to explain, Hill ordered the SRT to strap R.P. into a restraint chair which was then wheeled into the jail’s medical unit. While R.P. was strapped in the chair, R.P. could feel his blood pressure rising and his hands swelling. R.P. yelled for help and urinated on himself. R.P. spent at least four hours in the chair and the restraints cut and scarred one of his wrists.
Victim D.B.
On February 2, 2020, deputies of the CCSO’s vice operations obtained a search warrant for D.B.’s home in Hampton, Georgia, based on incriminating evidence found in trash outside the residence. While CCSO was waiting to execute the search warrant, D.B. left his home and drove away at a high rate of speed. Deputies stopped D.B. and detained him after finding a small amount of marijuana in his car. During the search of D.B.’s home, deputies allegedly found several stolen firearms. D.B. sat in the back of a patrol car for several hours while deputies searched his home. D.B. caused no trouble for the deputies during his detention at the scene or during the drive to the jail.
According to D.B. and other witnesses, when D.B. arrived at the jail, he was put in a holding cell. Within minutes, Hill and several members of the SRT arrived. Hill asked D.B. questions about his alleged offenses until D.B. stated he no longer wanted to answer Hill’s questions. At that point, Hill ordered D.B. to be strapped into a restraint chair. D.B. was handcuffed behind his back and strapped in the chair for approximately seven hours. The restraints were so tight that D.B. suffered cuts to both wrists which caused him to bleed. The scars on D.B.’s wrists remain visible more than three years later.
Victim J.A.
In February 25, 2020, a man identified as J.A. was accused of assaulting two women during a dispute at a Clayton County grocery store several weeks earlier. He was arrested by Forest Park, Georgia, Police Department officers and CCSO deputies without incident. According to Clayton County records, J.A. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance. A short time later, J.A. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee. During the booking process, J.A. was escorted by a group of officers and SRT members to the fingerprinting area where Hill confronted J.A. A deputy recorded the interaction with a cell phone.
Hill asked J.A. what he had been doing in Clayton County on the day of the alleged assault. J.A. replied, “It’s a democracy, sir. It’s the United States.” Hill snapped back, “No, it’s not. Not in my county.” When J.A. asked whether he was entitled to a fair and speedy trial, Hill replied, “Roll that chair around here. You stay out of Clayton County, you understand me? You sound like a dummy.” When J.A. asked again whether he was entitled to a fair and speedy trial, Hill replied, “You entitled to sit in this chair, and you’re entitled to get the hell out of my county and don’t come back. That’s what you’re entitled to. You sound like a damn jackass. Don’t you ever put your hand on a woman like that again. You’re fortunate that wasn’t my mother or grandmama or you wouldn’t be standing there. Now, sit there and see if you can get some damn sense in your head.”
During J.A.’s interaction with Hill, J.A. was surrounded by law enforcement personnel, was handcuffed most of the time, and never posed a threat to anyone. Despite those facts, J.A. was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for hours per Hill’s orders.
Victim C.H.
On April 26, 2020, C.H., who had just turned 17 years old, allegedly vandalized his family home during an argument with his mother. Shortly thereafter, a CCSO deputy apprehended C.H. near his home without incident and turned C.H. over to the custody of the CCPD. Clayton County records indicate C.H. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance.
The deputy, a CCSO supervisor, then spoke with Hill on the phone, texted Hill a photograph of C.H. handcuffed and seated in a CCPD vehicle, and had the following text exchange with Hill:
Hill: “How old is he?”
Deputy: “17”
Hill: “Chair”
A few hours later, early on April 27, 2020, C.H. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee pending trial on charges stemming from the incident at his home. Although C.H. had been compliant with law enforcement during and after his arrest and never posed a threat to anyone, he was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for hours per Hill’s orders.
Victim G.H.
In April 2020, G.H. and a CCSO deputy had a payment dispute over some landscaping work G.H. did for the deputy in Butts County, Georgia. The work and dispute were unrelated to the deputy’s employment with CCSO. After learning about the dispute, Hill called G.H. on April 23, 2020. During the call, Hill identified himself as the Clayton County Sheriff and asked G.H. why he was harassing his deputy. G.H. replied that Hill should tell his deputy to pay his bill and added, “you can go f--- yourself.” Unsure whether the caller had actually been the Clayton County Sheriff, G.H. used FaceTime to call back several times until Hill answered and removed a face mask he was wearing. After the FaceTime calls, Hill texted G.H., warning him not to call or text anymore. G.H. responded via text, “So this is Victor Hill correct[?]” Hill responded with a second text warning for G.H. not to call or text him anymore. Although G.H. did not call or text again, Hill instructed a CCSO deputy to swear out an arrest warrant against G.H. for harassing communications.
The next day, April 24, 2020, Hill texted G.H., “[T]his is Sheriff Victor Hill. We have a warrant for your arrest. Would you like to turn yourself in, or have my Deputies find you?” G.H. did not respond. The next morning, April 25, 2020, Hill again texted G.H., “My Deputies are actively looking for you. We have not and will not agree for you to turn yourself in when you want to. Turn yourself in today.” Meanwhile, Hill had sent a fugitive squad armed with handguns and AR-15 rifles to Butts County to arrest G.H. on the misdemeanor arrest warrant.
After retaining a lawyer, G.H. turned himself in at the CCSO during the evening of April 27, 2020. Clayton County records indicate that G.H. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance. Shortly thereafter, G.H. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee pending trial on the harassing communications charges. Surveillance footage from the jail shows G.H. interacting with jail personnel for more than half an hour, during which time he appeared cooperative and compliant before Hill arrived and confronted him. Immediately upon Hill’s arrival, although G.H. was surrounded by law enforcement personnel, remained compliant, and never posed a threat to anyone, G.H. was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for at least four hours per Hill’s orders.
Victim W.T.
On May 11, 2020, a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper observed W.T. driving at 85 miles per hour on 1-75 in Clayton County. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and W.T. immediately pulled his vehicle over to the shoulder. W.T. presented a suspended Florida driver’s license. The trooper took W.T. into custody and drove W.T. to the Clayton County Jail without incident.
According to W.T. and other witnesses, when W.T. arrived at the jail, he was instructed by officers to face the wall. In response, W.T. turned and rested his head on the wall. Hill saw this and it angered him. Hill ordered that W.T., who was restrained in handcuffs, be strapped into a restraint chair. Members of the SRT assisted deputies to strap W.T. into the chair where he remained for approximately five hours and suffered significant pain. W.T. urinated three times while confined to the chair.
Victor Hill, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to 18 months in federal prison. After Hill serves his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for six years, during which time he cannot have any role in law enforcement. Hill was found guilty by a jury on October 26, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Admits Role in Health Care and Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A former pharmaceutical sales representative today admitted defrauding New Jersey state and local health benefits programs and other insurers by submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary prescriptions, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.
Vincent Tornari, 49, of Linwood, New Jersey, pled guilty today via videoconference before Judge Robert B. Kugler to one count of an indictment charging him with conspiring to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Tornari was previously charged with Dr. Brian Sokalsky, 44, of Margate, New Jersey, and former advanced nurse practitioner Ashley Lyons-Valenti, 66, of Swedesboro, New Jersey, in June 2020. Lyons pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2023, to health care fraud conspiracy. The conspiracy to which Tornari pleaded guilty also involved former pharmaceutical sales representative Mark Bruno, 48, of Northfield, New Jersey, who pleaded guilty on Dec.16, 2019, to health care fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice. The charges against Sokalsky remain pending and he is scheduled to proceed to trial on April 24, 2023. The charges and allegations against Sokalsky are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to court documents and statements made in Court:
Compounded medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as if a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient.
The conspirators learned that certain medications made by compounding pharmacies reimbursed for up to thousands of dollars for an individual’s one-month supply. They learned that certain insurance plans – including insurance plans for state and local government employees and certain other insurance plans – covered these medications.
Tornari’s company had an agreement with a compounding pharmacy in Pennsylvania to receive 50 percent of the insurance reimbursement for prescriptions that were arranged by him and those working with him, such as Bruno. Tornari then paid Bruno 20 percent of that amount.
Tornari and Bruno approached Sokalsky to secure his authorization for prescription medications made by the compounding pharmacy. Sokalsky agreed to prescribe the medications in exchange for cash and other remuneration. Sokalsky prescribed the medications to people Bruno paid cash to agree to receive the medications, even though those individuals did not need those medications and did not have a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship with Sokalsky. Sokalsky then billed insurance plans for patient visits for the people Bruno directed to his medical practice.
Sokalsky also prescribed the medications to existing patients of his medical practice – as opposed to other medications or no medications at all – to financially benefit Tornari, Bruno, and himself. When insurance stopped covering certain formulations of the medications, Tornari and Bruno informed Sokalsky that he needed to authorize new prescriptions. Sokalsky did so, often without seeing the individual for a follow-up visit or informing the person of the change in medication. The fraudulent prescriptions cost insurers over $541,000 and Tornari personally received more than $359,000 as part of the scheme.
Tornari faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 25, 2023.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Christina O. Hud, Senior Trial Counsel in the Health Care Fraud Unit; R. David Walk Jr., Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman.
tornari.etal_.indictment.pdfFormer New Orleans Police Officer Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) was sentenced in federal court to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to the court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then-14-year-old girl, who had been sexually assaulted by another man, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. Vicknair gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. In the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair, while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, Vicknair arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15 years old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while Vicknair remained in the driver’s seat. Then, he locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. Vicknair leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. He then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. Vicknair admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
“We are grateful to this young survivor for coming forward, even though she thought no one would believe her,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Had she not been willing to do so, we would not have been able to hold the defendant accountable for his heinous crime. This case should send a strong message to law enforcement officers who sexually abuse victims, particularly children, that they are not above the law and will be held accountable.”
“The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will faithfully execute their sworn duties or face the consequences for failing to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the FBI and state and local law enforcement agencies, will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of constitutional rights.”
“The FBI is dedicated to doing the work to restore public faith in law enforcement when individuals attempt to use the badge to hide their illegal behavior,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “We also thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Unit for their efforts in this case.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case.
Criminal Chief Tracey Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Former Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
According to the court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then-14-year-old girl, who had been sexually assaulted by another man, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. Vicknair gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. In the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair, while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, Vicknair arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15 years old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the Vicknair remained in the driver’s seat. Then, he locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. Vicknair leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. He then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. Vicknair admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
“We are grateful to this young survivor for coming forward, even though she thought no one would believe her,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Had she not been willing to do so, we would not have been able to hold the defendant accountable for his heinous crime. This case should send a strong message to law enforcement officers who sexually abuse victims, particularly children, that they are not above the law and will be held accountable.”
“The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will faithfully execute their sworn duties or face the consequences for failing to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state and local law enforcement agencies, will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of constitutional rights.”
“The FBI is dedicated to doing the work to restore public faith in law enforcement when individuals attempt to use the badge to hide their illegal behavior,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “We also thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Unit for their efforts in this case.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case.
Criminal Chief Tracey Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Former Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Kentucky Federal Prison Lieutenant Convicted of Covering up the Assaults of Two Federal Inmates by Corrections OfficersRead the Press Release
After a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted former Bureau of Prisons Lieutenant Kevin Pearce, 38, on two counts of obstruction for writing false reports about the assaults of two federal inmates by corrections officers under Pearce’s command. The defendant is a former supervisor at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy in Inez, Kentucky. Two former officers, Samuel Patrick and Clinton Pauley previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the two assaults and testified for the government at trial.
The evidence at trial established that the defendant was the supervising lieutenant responding to an incident at Big Sandy in which his co-defendants, former officers Patrick and Pauley, assaulted an inmate by pepper spraying him in the face and kicking him in the head. Witnesses, including those who assaulted the inmates, testified that the inmate was not a threat and was compliant, and was assaulted for walking too slowly to his cell, rather than for any legitimate penological purpose. The defendant attempted to cover up the assault by writing a false report which untruthfully described the inmate as violent and omitted that the inmate had been kicked in the head while he was prone and unresisting.
The evidence further established that, one month later, the defendant again covered up an unrelated assault also initiated by officers Patrick and Pauley. The victim of that assault was taken to the defendant’s office in order to request protection from other inmates. When the victim, who is white, revealed that he used to affiliate with Black gangs, the defendant’s fellow officers repeatedly struck him in the head and body while one of the officers referred to him as a “race traitor.” The defendant wrote a false report about the assault in which he claimed that the inmate agreed to go to his housing unit “without incident,” and, as the cover-up expanded, he supervised efforts to discredit the inmate by recruiting another officer who was not present to write a report which falsely corroborated the agreed-upon cover story.
“This defendant abused the trust given to him as a federal correctional officer and supervisor when he attempted to cover up the assaults of two inmates in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute correctional officers who abuse inmates, and this mission includes the prosecution of supervisory officials who enable civil rights violations by protecting abusive officers. We are committed to using our civil rights laws to ensure that the rights of all people, including those detained inside jails and prisons, are fully protected.”
“The defendant betrayed the public trust placed in him, abused his authority, enabled the violation of other’s rights, and did a grave disservice to all law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Instead of enforcing the law and protecting those in his care, he chose to cover up disgraceful abuses and to discredit those who faithfully discharge their public service. His conviction is the next step in the process of restoring the public’s trust.”
“Pearce lied in an attempt to cover up an egregious assault of an inmate by his fellow officers,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Hannah of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Chicago Field Office. “This verdict sends a message that there is no room in the federal corrections system for civil rights violations nor any corrupt attempt to conceal such acts. Today, Pearce will be held accountable. I would like to thank the jury for their time, attention and careful consideration in this case.”
“While serving their sentence, inmates are entitled to equal protections under the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “When a few correctional officers choose to violate those protections, either by physical abuse or by orchestrating a cover-up, the integrity of all officers is questioned. The FBI stands ready to bare all of its resources in order to bring to justice law enforcement officials who take advantage of their position of power.”
The maximum penalties for the false report offenses are 20 years of imprisonment. The sentencing is scheduled for July 5.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Shier, Special Agent in Charge Hannah and Special Agent in Charge Cohen made the announcement.
DOJ-OIG and the FBI the investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Detroit Police Officer Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Taking Bribes Connected to TowingRead the Press Release
DETROIT– A former Detroit police officer was sentenced to 27 months in prison for accepting bribes in a conspiracy with a Detroit police lieutenant in connection with corruption in the towing industry in Detroit, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Daniel Vickers, 54, of Livonia, Michigan, spent his career as a police officer in Detroit. Vickers conspired with former Detroit police lieutenant John F. Kennedy. Kennedy at one point commanded the department’s Public Integrity Unit, a division of the Internal Affairs Division responsible for investigating reports of law violations and professional misconduct by police officers and other city employees. The two agreed to commit bribery by accepting money and other items of value in exchange for Kennedy using and promising to use his influence as a supervisor to persuade other officers to make tow referrals to a towing company in violation of the city’s ordinance and Detroit Police Department policy. Kennedy pleaded guilty to the bribery conspiracy in August 2022, and he will be sentenced on April 18, 2023.
In recorded conversations during the investigation, Vickers admitted to soliciting bribe payments from at least three towing companies in the Detroit area. In addition to the cash payments Vickers solicited, he and Kennedy also agreed to accept bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cars, car parts, car repairs, and new carpeting for Vickers’ home. Besides making illegal tow referrals in exchange for the bribes, Vickers and Kennedy also agreed to provide the towing company that Kennedy was investigating with confidential information about the status of the Public Integrity Unit’s case.
In total, between February 2018, and June 2018, Vickers accepted over $3,400 in bribe payments from the towing company. In addition, Kennedy accepted bribes amounting to $14,950 during the course of the conspiracy.
Vickers and Kennedy were charged as part of the government’s investigation known as “Operation Northern Hook.” Northern Hook is an investigation of corruption within the government and the Police Department of the City of Detroit relating to the towing industry and other matters. Thus far, six defendants have been charged in the probe.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Any police officer who chooses the path of corruption should understand that we will not tolerate unethical conduct from our public officials at any level. We commend Detroit Chief of Police James White and the Detroit Police Department for their cooperation assistance in this investigation.”
“Police officers take an oath to protect and serve their communities. Today, Daniel Vickers is being held responsible for violating that oath by using his official position to benefit himself personally. His actions were not in keeping with the integrity and professionalism exhibited by the Detroit Police Department every day,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “The FBI appreciates the partnership and cooperation of Police Chief James White as we continue to address public corruption in the City of Detroit."
“This former officer’s actions are completely unacceptable for anyone who is sworn to protect and serve our city as a Detroit Police officer,” said Detroit Police Chief James E. White. “We appreciate U.S. Attorney Ison’s work to hold those engaging in corruption accountable and will continue to collaborate with her office in any investigation of alleged wrongdoing by our officers. It is a top priority of my administration to guarantee that Detroiters can depend on our officers to act ethically.”
The case was investigated by the Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Detroit Police Department, Michigan Attorney General's Office, Michigan State Police, Customs & Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.