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Wednesday 25 January 2023
District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Killing Man in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
Victim Shot in Broad Daylight in the Presence of Minors
WASHINGTON – Jarell Harris, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 13-year prison term for confronting and killing a man in broad daylight in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Harris waived a preliminary hearing, and pleaded guilty in September 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to voluntary manslaughter while armed. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a 10 ½ to 13-year prison term, consistent with the Court’s voluntary sentencing guidelines. The Honorable Rainey R. Brandt accepted the plea and sentenced Harris accordingly. Following this conviction, Harris will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 4, 2022, at approximately 8:30 in the morning, Sedrick Miller was walking with two minor children and an adult in the 2300 block of 18th Street NE when Harris confronted Mr. Miller and shot at him 13 times. Mr. Miller, 42, suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including four gunshot wounds to the face and neck. He died a short time later.
Harris fled the scene after the shooting. He was arrested on May 6, 2022 and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocates Jennifer Clark and Latrice Washington-Williams, and Forensic Interview Specialist Tracy Owusu. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Prava Palacharla, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Dental Practice Owners Charged with Fraud and RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Multiple dental practice owners and co-conspirators were charged in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for allegedly engaging in a multifaceted racketeering conspiracy through a multi-state network of dental practices and related dental businesses.
On Jan. 18, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 12 individuals with operating and participating in a series of dental practices and related companies (the Savani Group) that engaged in visa fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud involving federal tax evasion, and money laundering. Six of the defendants were charged with being part of a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO) conspiracy based on their roles in the Savani Group, and three defendants were also charged with obstruction of justice.
According to court documents, the defendants were allegedly part of a wide-ranging scheme to defraud Medicaid, U.S. Immigration authorities, the IRS, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and to launder the fraud proceeds. Bhaskar Savani, 57, and Niranjan Savani, 51, both of Maple Glenn, Pennsylvania and both licensed dentists, owned and controlled the Savani Group dental practices. Arun Savani, 55, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, owned and managed the Savani Group companies and was responsible for the Savani Group’s financial affairs. The three brothers – Bhaskar, Niranjan, and Arun – allegedly conspired to recruit foreign workers for U.S. work visas while concealing the workers’ true job titles and responsibilities.
Sunil Philip, 57, of Newton, Pennsylvania, was an outside accountant for the Savani Group and personal accountant of Bhaskar, Arun, and Niranjan Savani. Philip, along with Bhaskar, Arun, and Niranjan Savani, allegedly engaged in a wire fraud scheme to evade federal taxes.
Amen Dhyllon, 44, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, was a licensed dentist for the Savani Group. Aleksandra Radomiak, 45, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, was an employee and dental practice manager of the Savani Group. Dhyllon and Radomiak, along with Bhaskar, Arun, and Niranjan Savani, allegedly executed a scheme to use nominee owners of “on paper” dental practices to obtain and continue to profit from Medicaid contracts after managed care companies terminated the Savani Group dental practices’ Pennsylvania Medicaid contracts.
Jon Julian, 70, of South Carolina, was a licensed dentist for the Savani Group. Along with Bhaskar and Niranjan Savani, Julian allegedly conspired to place adulterated and misbranded dental devices in U.S. commerce.
Vivek Savani, 35, Bharatkumar Parasana, 55, and Hiteshkumar Goyani, 39, all of North Wales, Pennsylvania; and Piyusha Patel, 41, of Ankenny, Iowa, were employed under the H1B visa program under the pretense of serving in specialty occupations for the Savani Group but actually performed office support roles for the Savani Group’s dental practices.
Susan Malpartida, 27, of Passaic, New Jersey, served in an office support function and allegedly obstructed the investigation when she made false statements about a Savani Group employee’s job function.
The defendants and their charges:
Name
Charges
If convicted, each defendant faces maximum imprisonment of:
Bhaskar Savani
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury, wire fraud, and conspiracy to distribute an adulterated and misbranded medical device in interstate commerce.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Visa Fraud: (10 years)
Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice: (5 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud: (10 years)
Health Care Fraud: (120 years)
Money Laundering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Money Laundering: (210 years)
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Treasury: (5 years)
Wire Fraud: (20 years)
Conspiracy To Distribute an Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Device in Interstate Commerce: (5 years)
Arun Savani
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury, and wire fraud.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Visa Fraud: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice: (5 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud: (10 years)
Health Care Fraud: (120 years)
Money Laundering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Money Laundering: (210 years)
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Treasury: (5 years)
Wire Fraud: (20 years)
Niranjan Savani
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury, wire fraud, and conspiracy to distribute an adulterated and misbranded medical device in interstate commerce.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Visa Fraud: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud: (10 years)
Health Care Fraud: (30 years)
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Treasury: (5 years)
Wire Fraud: (20 years)
Conspiracy To Distribute an Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Device in Interstate Commerce: (5 years)
Sunil Philip
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury, and wire fraud.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Money Laundering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Treasury: (5 years)
Wire Fraud: (60 years)
Amen Dhyllon
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud: (10 years)
Health Care Fraud: (80 years)
Money Laundering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Aleksandra Radomiak
Conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and health care fraud.
Racketeering Conspiracy: (20 years)
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud: (10 years)
Health Care Fraud: (20 years)
Jon Julian
Conspiracy to place adulterated and misbranded dental devices in commerce.
Conspiracy To Distribute an Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Device in Interstate Commerce: (5 years)
Vivek Savani
Conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Bharatkumar Parasana
Conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Hiteshkumar Goyani
Conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Piyusha Patel
Conspiracy to commit visa fraud and visa fraud.
Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud: (5 years)
Visa Fraud: (10 years)
Susan Malpartida
Conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice: (5 years)
Bhaskar, Arun, and Niranjan Savani, Sunil Phillip, and Aleksandra Radiomak made their initial court appearances on Jan. 20 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, FDA, Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the case.
Senior Policy Advisor Darrin L. McCullough and Trial Attorney Colin W. Trundle of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie S. Bonney, Meaghan A. Flannery, Sarah L. Grieb, and Kevin L. Jayne for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Culpeper Couple Sentenced to 9 Years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, Va.,– A Culpeper, Virginia man, who conspired with others, including his wife, to sell multiple kilograms of methamphetamine as well as thousands of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, was sentenced this week to 9 years in federal prison.
Fahid Rashid, 32, pled guilty in November 2022 to one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of distributing methamphetamine.
Co-conspirators Akhter Ahmed, 30, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Rashid’s wife, Kahlisah Zuma Khan, 31, both previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges. Khan and Ahmed were sentenced in December 2022 to 45 months and 46 months, respectively.
According to court documents, beginning in at least June 2020 and continuing through April 2021, Rashid, Khan, and Ahmed used multiple addresses in Culpeper, Spotsylvania, Fairfax, and elsewhere for their drug trafficking of kilos of meth and pills laced with deadly fentanyl.
The Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division, the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfax County Police Department, the Arlington County Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force is comprised of investigative personnel from the Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, and Rappahannock Sheriffs’ Departments as well as the Culpeper and Warrenton Police Departments and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation - Culpeper Field Office.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division announced the sentence today.
Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Cagle Juhan and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rumsey prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Aggravated Assault of a Federal Officer and Discharge of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cody James Dimmett, 29, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for assault of a federal officer and the use and discharge of a firearm during the assault. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on May 25, 2021, the FBI and the Southaven Police were notified that Dimmett, wanted for multiple warrants, would be travelling through the area. When law enforcement noticed Dimmett's vehicle, they began a pursuit that ended in Memphis. Dimmett got out of his car with an SKS rifle and fired multiple rounds, striking an officer in the arm. He fled the scene in the officer’s vehicle and was later spotted in Arkansas. During the chase, Dimmett used the vehicle’s blue lights and led officers on a high-speed chase of more than 120 miles per hour, into Palestine, Arkansas, where he crashed and fled on foot. After several hours, the defendant surrendered.
On January 20, 2023, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Dimmett to 183 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Southaven Police Department, DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Memphis Police Department, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia - State and Local Police Departments.
United States Attorney Ritz said: "This significant prison sentence justly reflects the severity of the crimes this defendant committed. I am glad we could hold him to account for his armed assault on law enforcement officers.”
“Federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and defend our communities from violent criminals on a daily basis, and all too often those acts of violence are directed against law enforcement,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This sentencing reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to hold violent members of society accountable and send to prison those who commit crimes against the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to upholding and enforcing the law.”
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lorraine Craig and Greg Wagner, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow @WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates
Convicted Felon Found Illegally Possessing a Firearm Sentenced to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Pernell Deon Russell, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to evidence presented to the court, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to a complaint of shots being fired throughout the day at a residence in Shreveport. When officers approached the residence, Russell’s mother answered the door and told officers she was not aware of a firearm in the residence, or any shots being fired. Officers proceeded to talk with her son, Pernell Deon Russell, who lived at the residence. Russell admitted to officers that he did have a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol that he had purchased from an individual, as well as 388 grams of marijuana that he intended to sell, in his possession.
Russell has a previous felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute narcotics and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He was charged in this case with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and pleaded guilty to that charge on September 13, 2022.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Company Operating Aluminum Processing Facility in the Dalles Pleads Guilty to Clean Air Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—On January 24, 2023, an Illinois-based company that operates an aluminum processing facility in The Dalles, Oregon, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act by negligently releasing a hazardous air pollutant from its facility, endangering employees and nearby community members.
Hydro Extrusion USA (Hydro), a limited liability corporation based in Rosemont, Illinois, pleaded guilty to negligent endangerment by discharging a hazardous pollutant.
“No cost savings or competitive advantage are worth the risk posed to the health and safety of Hydro’s workers or members of the community,” said Ethan Knight, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We will continue working closely with our partners at the EPA to ensure all businesses play by the rules.”
“By illegally melting contaminated scrap metal, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully violated environmental regulations and in doing so exposed their workers and the local community to hazardous air pollutants,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal investigation program in Oregon. “EPA, along with its state partners, are committed to holding companies accountable when they endanger the health of their employees and local communities.”
According to court documents, Hydro operates a secondary aluminum processing facility in The Dalles where it melts aluminum scrap in induction furnaces to produce reusable aluminum billets. While operating, air emissions from the company’s furnaces were open to the interior of the building and did not pass through any pollution control devices before reaching employees or being vented to ambient air.
Under the Clean Air Act, secondary aluminum production facilities are only permitted to use “clean charge,” aluminum scrap free of paints, coatings or lubricants. Despite this requirement, from July 2018 through June 2019, Hydro acquired and melted scrap aluminum coated in a mineral-oil based mixture that, when combusted, produced hazardous smoke. Hydro saved approximately $466,000 purchasing the unclean charge. During this time, Hydro employees noticed excessive smoke in the facility. Despite being notified by inspectors from EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (Oregon DEQ), Hydro continued melting the unclean charge.
On August 23, 2022, after fully cooperating with the government’s investigation of this matter and agreeing to plead guilty, Hydro was charged by federal criminal information with one count of negligent endangerment.
Negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act is punishable by a fine of up to $200,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense. As part of its plea agreement, Hydro has agreed to pay $550,125 prior to sentencing. The company will be sentenced on April 24, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.
This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) with assistance from Oregon DEQ. It is being prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Chinese National Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Acting Within the U.S. as an Unregistered Agent of the People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chinese national was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for acting illegally within the United States as an agent of the People’s Republic of China.
A jury in the Northern District of Illinois last year convicted JI CHAOQUN, 31, on one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government, specifically the People’s Republic of China, without first notifying the Attorney General; one count of acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China without first notifying the Attorney General; and one count of making a material false statement to the U.S. Army. U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman imposed the sentence.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice; and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The U.S. Army 902nd Military Intelligence Group provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vikas Didwania and Barry Jonas of the Northern District of Illinois, and Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Ji worked at the direction of high-level intelligence officers in the Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security, a provincial department of the Ministry of State Security for the People’s Republic of China. Ji, a Chinese citizen residing in Chicago, was tasked by Xu Yanjun, a Deputy Division Director within the Ministry of State Security, with providing biographical information on certain individuals for possible recruitment by the JSSD. The individuals included Chinese nationals who were working as engineers and scientists in the United States, some of whom worked for U.S. defense contractors. This tasking was part of an effort by the Jiangsu provincial department to obtain access to advanced aerospace and satellite technologies being developed by companies within the U.S. Xu was sentenced last year to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted in the Southern District of Ohio of conspiracy and attempting to commit economic espionage and theft of trade secrets.
In 2016, Ji enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, which authorized the U.S. Armed Forces to recruit certain legal aliens whose skills are considered vital to the national interest. In his application to participate in the MAVNI program, Ji falsely stated that he had not had contact with a foreign government within the past seven years. In a subsequent interview with a U.S. Army officer, Ji again failed to disclose his relationship and contacts with a foreign intelligence officer.
Evidence at trial further revealed that in 2018 Ji had several meetings with an undercover law enforcement agent who was posing as a representative of the Ministry of State Security. During these meetings, Ji explained that with his military identification, he could visit and take photos of “Roosevelt-class” aircraft carriers. Ji also explained that once he obtained his U.S. citizenship and security clearance through the MAVNI program, he would seek a job at the CIA, FBI, or NASA. Ji intended to perform cybersecurity work at one of those agencies so that he would have access to their databases, including databases that contained scientific research.
Chinese National Sentenced to Eight Years for Acting within the United States as an Unregistered Agent of the People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
A Chinese national was sentenced today to eight years in prison for acting illegally within the United States as an agent of the People’s Republic of China.
A jury in the Northern District of Illinois last year convicted Ji Chaoqun, 31, on one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government, specifically the People’s Republic of China, without first notifying the Attorney General; one count of acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China without first notifying the Attorney General; and one count of making a material false statement to the U.S. Army. U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman imposed the sentence.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Ji worked at the direction of high-level intelligence officers in the Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security, a provincial department of the Ministry of State Security for the People’s Republic of China. Ji, a Chinese citizen residing in Chicago, was tasked by Xu Yanjun, a Deputy Division Director within the Ministry of State Security, with providing an intelligence officer with biographical information on certain individuals for possible recruitment by the JSSD. The individuals included Chinese nationals who were working as engineers and scientists in the United States, some of whom worked for U.S. defense contractors. This tasking was part of an effort by the Jiangsu provincial department to obtain access to advanced aerospace and satellite technologies being developed by companies within the U.S. Xu was sentenced last year to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted in the Southern District of Ohio of conspiracy and attempting to commit economic espionage and theft of trade secrets.
In 2016, Ji enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, which authorized the U.S. Armed Forces to recruit certain legal aliens whose skills are considered vital to the national interest. In his application to participate in the MAVNI program, Ji falsely stated that he had not had contact with a foreign government within the past seven years. In a subsequent interview with a U.S. Army officer, Ji again failed to disclose his relationship and contacts with a foreign intelligence officer.
Evidence at trial further revealed that in 2018 Ji had several meetings with an undercover law enforcement agent who was posing as a representative of the Ministry of State Security. During these meetings, Ji explained that with his military identification, he could visit and take photos of “Roosevelt-class” aircraft carriers. Ji also explained that once he obtained his U.S. citizenship and security clearance through the MAVNI program, he would seek a job at the CIA, FBI or NASA. Ji intended to perform cybersecurity work at one of those agencies so that he would have access to all their databases, including databases that contained scientific research.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois and Special Agent in Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. of the FBI Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army 902nd Military Intelligence Group.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vikas Didwania and Barry Jonas for the Northern District of Illinois, and Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Chillicothe, Illinois, Man Charged with Setting Fire to Planned ParenthoodRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Chillicothe, Illinois, man, Tyler W. Massengill, 32, of the 1000 block of North Sante Fe Avenue, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with malicious use of fire and an explosive to damage, and attempt to damage, the Planned Parenthood building in Peoria, Illinois.
On January 15, 2023, law enforcement received a report of a fire in progress at the Planned Parenthood in Peoria. Subsequent investigation, including a review of area surveillance from the fire scene, revealed that at approximately 11:20 PM, an older white pickup truck with red doors parked in an area adjacent to Planned Parenthood. Video footage depicts a man walking up to the building with a laundry detergent-sized bottle. The man lit a rag on fire on one end of the bottle, smashed a window with an object, then placed the container inside of the Planned Parenthood building. He then quickly left the area on foot.
The complaint alleges that law enforcement, acting on several tips, linked the truck to Massengill and ultimately recovered the truck from an individual in Sparland, Illinois, where Massengill had left it with a request to paint its doors white. After Massengill’s truck was seized, Massengill met with investigators at the Peoria Police Department on January 24, 2023, and was taken into custody.
If convicted of the malicious use of fire charge, Massengill faces a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of at least five years and could receive up to 40 years in prison. The charges also carry up to three years of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Massengill’s arrest followed investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the Peoria Police Department; and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Peoria Fire Department is also participating in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Members of the public are reminded that the charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Cherry Creek Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact with a ChildRead 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 Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Mitchum Dupris, age 33, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Dupris will have to register as a sex offender.
Dupris was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.
Dupris had sexual contact with a minor child during a time when the child was at the residence of Dupris’ girlfriend.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Dupris was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Cedar Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Check Kiting SchemeRead the Press Release
A Cedar Falls man who kited checks in a bank fraud scheme was sentenced on January 24, 2023, to one year and one day in prison. Nolan Otto DeWall, age 39, received the prison term after a June 7, 2022 guilty plea to one count of bank fraud.
Evidence at hearings in DeWall’s case established that DeWall was a manager and shareholder at a Black Hawk County grain cooperative. DeWall also was a part owner of a trucking company based in Dike, Iowa. In May 2018, DeWall devised a so-called “check kiting” scheme in which he transferred large amounts of funds by check during a short period of time between accounts of the grain cooperative and the trucking company, as well as other accounts. The checks had no legitimate business purpose but were instead designed to falsely and temporarily inflate the balances of the accounts to benefit the grain cooperative, which was in financial distress. DeWall also forged the signature of one of the partners in the trucking company on a check. When the check-kiting scheme collapsed, the trucking company’s account was left with a negative $247,000 balance. As a result, the trucking company had to sell all its assets and went defunct. One of DeWall’s partners in the trucking business had to file for personal bankruptcy and another partner was forced to repay the trucking company’s negative bank balance at its bank with personal funds and a loan.
DeWall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. DeWall was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment. He was ordered to make $217,441.96 in restitution to his partners in the trucking business. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
DeWall was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-213.
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California Man & Woman Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two people with transporting methamphetamine across state lines.
According to court documents, Orlando Payan-Parra, 39, and Erika Cardona-Carrizales, 43, both of Coachella, California, are charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in air of racketing enterprises. Payan-Parra and Cardona-Carrizales allegedly traveled from California to Kansas with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Miguel Ordonez-Ramirez, 29, was indicted on one count of unlawful entry after deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Buffalo Woman Who Sold Heroin Which Led to the Death of A 24 Y/O Man Going to Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Genesis Tolentino-Cruz, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on February 27, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers responded to a drug overdose call and found a 24-year-old male deceased. The deceased man’s girlfriend told officers that the day before, she met Cruz, and co-defendant Orlando Albert-Arroyo, at a gas station in Cheektowaga to purchase heroin. Later that night, the girlfriend said that she and the deceased male used some of the heroin purchased from the defendants. The girlfriend went to sleep, and when she awoke, she found her boyfriend was deceased. In March and April, 2019, investigators conducted six controlled purchases of heroin from Cruz and Arroyo. On April 19, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Cruz and Arroyo’s residence, during which heroin, ammunition, a rifle, a pistol, and drug processing items were seized.
Orlando Albert-Arroyo was previously convicted and scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2023.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Esteven Matos, 31, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper and Joshua A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that on October 30, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed on a USPS Priority Mail Parcel addressed to “Antonio Cortes 1326 ELECTRIC Ave. LACKAWANNA, NY 14218.” The package contained one kilogram of cocaine. On November 3, 2020, the parcel, the contents of which were replaced with “sham,” was delivered to 1326 Electric Avenue and taken inside by a co-defendant. A short time later, investigators conducting surveillance observed defendant Matos arrive at the residence. After Matos arrived, the parcel was opened. A search warrant was then executed at the residence. Investigators seized two loaded firearms, one of which was stolen, approximately 260 grams of fentanyl, 1,451 pills containing methamphetamine, the kilogram of “sham” cocaine, digital scales, sandwich baggies, five cell phones, and over $63,000 in US currency, which constituted proceeds from Matos’s illegal narcotics sales.
Matos was previously convicted of felony offenses in 2010, 2011, and 2015, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Brockton Man Arrested for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly coercing three minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Zaire Aquil Lodge, 45, was indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography. Zaire was arrested on Jan. 23, 2023 and appeared in federal court in Boston today for a detention hearing before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein, who has taken the matter under advisement. Lodge was remanded to federal custody until further notice.
According to the indictment, on various dates in 2021, Lodge employed, used, persuaded, induced and coerced three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM. It is also alleged that Lodge knowingly received and attempted to receive CSAM between February and October 2021.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and 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.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $1.2 Million and Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $1.2 million from his employer and fraudulently obtaining government benefits in his employer’s name.
Jack Massarsky, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2023. Massarsky was charged on Dec. 13, 2022.
Between 2015 and 2021, Massarsky worked as a dentist and bookkeeper for a general dentistry practice located in Hyannis. In 2015, Massarsky opened a secret bank account in the name of the dentistry practice. Massarsky then intercepted insurance reimbursement checks sent to the dentistry practice in the mail and deposited those checks in the secret bank account. Massarsky continued this practice for over five years and embezzled over $1.2 million. Massarsky used the stolen funds for personal and family expenses.
Additionally, Massarsky used the dentistry practice’s name to defraud the United States. In July 2020, Massarsky submitted a fraudulent application to the Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund (HRSA PRF) in the name of the dentistry practice. The HRSA is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated or otherwise vulnerable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HRSA PRF provided economic assistance to qualifying healthcare providers, including certain dentistry practices. By submitting the fraudulent application to the HRSA PRF, Massarsky obtained over $52,000 in pandemic relief funds that were deposited in the secret bank account Massarsky had opened in the name of his employer.
The charges of mail fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, restitution and forfeiture. 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 and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Attorneys and Associate of Immigration Law Firm Plead Guilty to Participating in Asylum Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ILONA DZHAMGAROVA, ARTHUR ARCADIAN, and IGOR REZNIK have each pled guilty to conspiracy to commit immigration fraud. DZHAMGAROVA and ARCADIAN pled guilty today, and REZNIK pled guilty on August 24, 2022, each before U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendants — a husband and wife team of licensed immigration attorneys and a writer who worked with them — invented offensive lies to cheat our country’s asylum process, which is meant to protect vulnerable people who legitimately fear persecution because of their race, religion, political beliefs, or sexual orientation. When attorneys cynically exploit those fears for financial gain by pedaling false claims and coaching clients to lie under oath, they abuse the trust placed in them and make a mockery of the asylum system. With their guilty pleas, the defendants are being held accountable for their serious crimes.”
According to the Indictment against DZHAMGAROVA, ARCADIAN, and REZNIK, other documents filed in this case, and statements made in open court:
Between November 2018 and December 2021, ILONA DZHAMGAROVA, an immigration attorney, ran the Dzhamgarova Firm, an immigration services firm based in Brooklyn, New York. The Dzhamgarova Firm worked with clients — primarily aliens from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States — seeking visas, asylum, citizenship, and other forms of legal status in the United States. Among other things, the Dzhamgarova Firm advised certain of its clients regarding the manner in which they were most likely to obtain asylum in this country, fully understanding that those clients did not legitimately qualify for asylum. The firm also prepared and submitted to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) clients’ fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications, asylum affidavits — statements of an asylum applicant’s personal history and claimed basis for asylum, often including allegations of past persecution — and related supporting documentation. Members and associates of the firm also coached certain clients to lie under oath during interviews conducted by USCIS Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to their clients during various immigration proceedings.
Among other things, DZHAMGAROVA advised clients to seek asylum by falsely claiming that they were members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community who suffered persecution in their native countries, when DZHAMGAROVA fully understood that these clients were not members of that community and suffered no such persecution. Additionally, DZHAMGAROVA and her husband, ARTHUR ARCADIAN, also an attorney, prepared and submitted clients’ fraudulent asylum applications and affidavits to USCIS, under penalty of perjury, fully understanding that these documents at times contained material falsehoods. DZHAMGAROVA, ARCADIAN, and REZNIK also coached certain clients to lie in asylum interviews conducted by USCIS asylum officers and represented these clients as they lied under oath during immigration proceedings.
The Dzhamgarova Firm also employed writers, including IGOR REZNIK, who knowingly concocted and drafted clients’ fraudulent asylum affidavits so that they could be submitted as part of clients’ asylum applications. These affidavits, which were designed to support clients’ persecution claims, conveyed narrations of clients’ personal histories that were filled with falsehoods, including events and incidents of alleged persecution that were completely made up by REZNIK.
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DZHAMGAROVA, 46, ARCADIAN, 44, both of Brooklyn, New York, and REZNIK, 41, of New York, New York, each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit immigration fraud and each face a maximum of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. DZHAMGAROVA and ARCADIAN are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil on May 31, 2023. REZNIK is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Vyskocil on May 5, 2023.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, USCIS’s New York Asylum Office and Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Williams further thanked United States Customs and Border Protection for its assistance.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton and Jonathan E. Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.
Arrest of Richard D. Hines, Jr. for Bank Robbery and Brandishing of A FirearmRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Richard D. Hines, Jr. (“Hines”), was arrested today in Knoxville, Tennessee by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) on federal criminal charges of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
An initial appearance is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., January 25, 2023, in United States District Court in Knoxville, before the Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge.
The details of the charges are outlined in the complaint and supporting affidavit, which are on file as public records in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan S. Kirk will represent the United States in this case.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Ardid de Estafa de Diploma de Enfermería Conduce a la Detención de Más de Dos Docenas de AcusadosRead the Press Release
MIAMI - Más de dos docenas de individuos han sido imputados en el Distrito Sur de Florida por su presunta participación en un ardid de fraude electrónico que creó un método abreviado de empleo y licenciatura ilegal para aspirantes a enfermeros(as).
Según tres acusaciones de conocimiento público emitidas por el jurado acusatorio federal del sur de Florida, y tres denuncias radicadas por los fiscales federales, los acusados participaron en un ardid para vender títulos de enfermería y transcripciones fraudulentas obtenidas de escuelas acreditadas de enfermería en Florida a individuos buscando licencias y puestos de trabajo como enfermeros(as) diplomados (RNs) y enfermera práctica titulada/auxiliar de enfermería (LPN/VNs).
Los diplomas y transcripciones falsos calificaban a los compradores para presentarse al examen nacional de enfermería, y después de haberlo aprobado, para obtener títulos y puestos en varios estados como RNs y LPN/VNs. El esquema general implicaba la distribución de mas de 7,600 títulos de enfermería falsos emitidos por tres escuelas de enfermería en Florida: Siena College en el Condado de Broward, Fla., Palm Beach School of Nursing en el Condado de Palm Beach, Fla., y Sacred Heart International Institute en el Condado de Broward. Estas escuelas hoy en día están cerradas.
Cada acusado contempla hasta 20 años de reclusión en prisión.
"La demanda de enfermeros es muy alta y continua creciendo," dijo el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de Florida, Markenzy Lapointe. "Es una lástima que ciertas personas e instituciones vinculadas a la profesión de enfermería traten de eludir los requisitos educativos. Esta oficina y sus socios de las fuerzas del orden están comprometidos a enjuiciar este ardid de estafa tanto como a otras estafas similares que pongan en peligro al público."
Este tipo de delito, lamentablemente sigue surgiendo, especialmente en esta zona.
"El fraude del cuidado de salud no es nada nuevo para el sur de Florida, ya que muchos estafadores lo consideran, aún siendo ilegal, como una manera fácil de ganar dinero" dijo Chad Yarbrough, Agente Interino Especial a Cargo, FBI Miami. "Lo más perturbador de ésta investigación es que hay más de 7,600 personas a
través del país con credenciales de enfermería fraudulentos quienes potencialmente trabajan en funciones de cuidados críticos tratando a pacientes. Si no fuera por la diligencia y el arduo trabajo de los investigadores en este caso, el alcance de este fraude puede no hubiera podido ser descubierto."
Los cargos hablan de la finalidad de una licencia de enfermería que es la de proteger al público de los daños estableciendo calificaciones y competencias mínimas.
"La presunta venta y compra de títulos y transcripciones de enfermería a personas dispuestas y no calificadas es un delito que potencialmente pone en peligro la salud y seguridad de los pacientes, y un insulto a la profesión de enfermería," dijo Omar Pérez Aybar, Agente Especial a Cargo del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales, Oficina del Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "En coordinación con nuestros socios de las fuerzas del orden, HHS-OIG continúa investigando agresivamente a estos malos agentes quienes desprecian descaradamente el bienestar de los demás para enriquecerse fraudulentamente."
Cargos Relacionados a Títulos de Enfermería y Transcripciones Fraudulentas de Siena College.
U.S. v. Witherspoon, et al., no. de caso: 23-60005-Cr-Smith
U.S. v. Sanon, no. de caso: 23-60013-Cr-Moreno
Los documentos acusatorios describen a Siena College como una escuela acreditada en el Condado de Broward por la Comisión de Educación Independiente y el Consejo de Enfermería Profesional del Estado de Florida que ofrece un Programa de Enfermería Práctica Titulada y de Enfermería Diplomada hasta un programa en Ciencias de Enfermería. Eunide Sanon era el gerente de Siena College.
La acusación imputa a los acusados Stanton Witherspoon del Condado de Burlington, N.J.; Alfred Sellu del Condado de Burlington, N.J.; y Rene Bernadel del Condado de Westchester, N.Y. de conspirar para cometer o cometiendo fraude electrónico. La acusación alega que Witherspoon, Sellu y Bernadel contactaron y reclutaron a individuos que buscaban credenciales de enfermería para obtener puestos de empleo como RN o LPN/VN. Se alega que estos acusados acordaron con Sanon quien dirigía a Siena College y quien está acusado através de una denuncia de conspiración de fraude electrónico, para crear y distribuir títulos y transcripciones falsas y fraudulentas. Estos representaban que los aspirantes a RN y candidatos de LPN/VN habían asistido el programa de enfermería de Siena College en el Condado de Broward y habían completado los cursos y formación clínica necesarios para obtener sus títulos de RN o LPN/VN. De hecho, los aspirantes a la enfermería nunca completaron los cursos y formación clínica necesarios.
La información en contra de Sanon alega que él y otros vendieron miles de títulos de enfermería y transcripciones de educación falsos a los solicitantes de enfermería quienes, a cambio los utilizaron para obtener sus títulos de RN o LPN/VN en varios estados y puestos de trabajo con proveedores del cuidado de salud desinformados a través del país.
Cargos Relacionados a Títulos y Transcripcionsoes de Enfermería Fraudulentas de Palm Beach School of Nursing.
U.S. v. Russ, et al., no. de caso: 23-60007-Cr-Singhal
Según los documentos acusatorios, el objetivo de Palm Beach School of Nursing era la preparación de los alumnos para reunir todos los requisitos de títulos de Florida y los requisitos del Consejo de Enfermería Profesional y calificar para presentarse al examen nacional para poder trabajar como enfermeros(as) titulado(a).
La acusación imputa a Gail Russ del Condado de Broward; Cheryl Stanley del Condado de Collier, Fla; Krystal Lopez del Condado de Palm Beach; Damian Lopez del Condado de Palm Beach; François Legagneur del Condado Nassau, N.Y.; Reynoso Seide del Condado de Union, N.J.; Casssandre Jean del Condado de Palm Beach; Yelva Saint Preux del Condado Suffolk, N.Y.; Evangeline Naissant del Condado de Nassau, N.Y.; Rony Michel del Condado de Monmouth, N.J.; Vilaire Duroseau del Condado Esssex, N.J.; y Yvrose Thermitus, a/k/a "Yvrose Thompson," del Condado Union, N.J., de conspirar para cometer y cometiendo fraude electrónico. La acusación alega que estos acusados contactaron y reclutaron a individuos que buscaban credenciales de enfermería para obtener puestos de trabajo como RN o LPN/VN.
Se alega que éstos acusados reclutadores acordaron con Johanah Napoleon, dueña del Palm Beach School of Nursing, y empleados de la escuela Gail Russ, Cheryl Stanley, Krystal Lopez, y Ricky Riley para crear y distribuir títulos y transcripciones falsas y fraudulentas representando que el aspirante a RN y candidatos al LPN/VN habían asistido al Palm Beach School of Nursing y completado todos los cursos y formación clínicas necesarios para obtener el título de RN o LPN/VN. De hecho, los aspirantes a la enfermería nunca completaron los cursos y formación clínicas necesarios.
Los solicitantes de enfermería utilizaron éstos títulos y transcripciones falsas que habían comprado del dueño y empleados del Palm Beach School of Nursing para obtener títulos de RN o LPN/VN en varios estados y obtener puestos de trabajo con proveedores de cuidado de salud desinformados a través del país.
Napoleon había sido acusada anteriormente mediante una información y se ha declarado culpable de conspirar para cometer fraude al cuidado de salud y fraude electrónico, tanto como fraude electrónico (nos. de casos 22-60111-Cr-Smith y 22-60118-Cr-Smith).
Cargos Relacionados a Títulos y Transcripciones Fraudulentas del Sacred Heart International Institute.
U.S v. Jean, et al., no. de caso: 23-60010-Cr-Smith
U.S. v. Etienne, no. de caso: 23-60012-Cr-Singhal
Según los documentos acusatorios, Sacred Heart International Institute era una escuela acreditada en el Condado de Broward por el Consejo de Enfermería Profesional que ofrecía un programa diseñado para preparar a los alumnos para puestos de empleos como enfermero(a) práctica titulado.
La acusación imputa a Ludnie Jean del Condado Harris, Texas; Serge Jean Simon Itaman del Condado de Harris, Texas; Anna Itaman del Condado de Harris, Texas; Rhomy Louis del Condado Suffolk, N.Y.; Nadege Auguste del Condado de Broward de conspirar a y cometer fraude electrónico. Se alega que éstos acusados contactaban y reclutaban a individuos en busca de credenciales en enfermería para obtener puestos de empleo como LPN/VN. Estos reclutadores acordaron con Charles Etienne, dueño de Sacred Heart para crear y distribuir transcripciones y diplomas falsos y fraudulentos representando que el candidato aspirante había asistido a Sacred Heart y completado todos los cursos y formación clínicas necesarios para obtener sus títulos de LPN/VN. De hecho, los aspirantes a enfermería nunca completaron los cursos y formación clínica necesarios. Etienne ha sido imputado mediante una denuncia de conspiración para cometer fraude electrónico.
Los candidatos de enfermería utilizaron estos títulos y transcripciones falsas que habían comprado de Sacred Heart para obtener sus títulos de LPN/VN en varios estados y puestos de trabajo con proveedores del cuidado de salud desinformados a través del país.
Una denuncia criminal contiene alegaciones. Todo acusado es considerado inocente hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.
El anuncio fué hecho por el Fiscal Federal del Distrito Sur de Florida, Markenzy Lapointe; el Agente Interino a Cargo Chad Yarbrough, FBI Oficina local de Miami; Oficina del Inspector General de Asuntos dee Veteranos de EE.UU.; Servicio de Inspección Postal de EE.UU., Miami; Unidad de Control del Fraude a Medicaid del Fiscal General de la Florida, Oficina de Mid-Atlantic. Fiscal Federal Adjunto de los Estados Unidos Christopher J. Clark que está llevando este caso y la Fiscal Federal Adjunta de los Estados Unidos Nicole Grosnoff que gestiona el decomiso de bienes. Este caso está siendo enjuiciado en conjunto con un asunto penal relacionado con el Distrito de Maryland.
Todos los documentos e información relacionada se pueden encontrar en el sitio web del Tribunal de Distrito, Distrito Sur de Florida en www.flsd.uscourts.gov o en http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Haga click aquí para accesar los documentos acusatorios:
23-cr-60005
23-cr-60007
23-cr-60010
23-cr-60012
23-cr-60013###
60 Southside Locos Gang Members and Associates Convicted for Drug Trafficking Operation Directed from Oklahoma State PrisonsRead the Press Release
Law Enforcement Seize Nearly 200 Pounds of Drugs, 69 Guns, and $300,000 in Cash
OKLAHOMA CITY – A multi-year investigation targeting members and associates of the Southside Locos gang who directed their drug-trafficking activities using contraband cell phones from state prison cells has resulted in 60 convictions through multiple federal and state cases, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Last month, the investigation culminated in the sentencing of Eduardo Rosales, 35, of Oklahoma City. Rosales who was one of the incarcerated leaders of this drug trafficking network operated by Southside Locos gang members and their associates. On December 15, 2022, Rosales was sentenced to serve 30 years in federal prison after he completes his current state prison sentences. At the sentencing hearing, the court took into consideration that Rosales used incarcerated associates, non-incarcerated associates, and contacts in Mexico to orchestrate a massive drug-trafficking ring that distributed methamphetamine throughout Oklahoma. The court also noted Rosales’ leadership role in the organization, his continued propensity to engage in criminal activity despite incarceration, the need for long-term incapacitation, and his criminal history. Public records reflect that Rosales holds multiple felony convictions and is currently serving a 15-year term of imprisonment with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC).
Through the course of this investigation, public records reflect that federal, state, and local law enforcement used various investigative tools and techniques, including judicially authorized wiretaps on contraband cell phones being used in ODOC institutions. Defendants used these cell phones to direct trafficking operation outside prison walls, including to coordinate drug shipments from sources in Mexico, instruct couriers to store drugs for them and make deliveries to buyers, and direct third parties to collect and store proceeds of the drug sales.
Crimes for which these defendants were convicted include drug trafficking, drug conspiracy, distribution or possession with intent to distribute, using a communication facility to facilitate drug distribution, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, felon in unlawful possession of a firearm, and maintaining drug-involved premises.
In this investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 180 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately ten pounds of heroin, more than 200 grams of cocaine, 69 firearms, and approximately $300,000 in currency. Furthermore, coordination with ODOC Office of Inspector General resulted in the seizure of approximately 12 contraband cell phones and five dangerous weapons from incarcerated individuals associated with the charged conspiracies.
This investigation was led by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Office of Inspector General, with valuable assistance from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley, David McCrary, and Chelsie Pratt prosecuted these cases.
These prosecutions were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Tuesday 24 January 2023
Woman Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Aiding St. Louis Reality Show Star’s Murder PlotRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Tuesday sentenced a woman who aided a reality show star’s plot to murder his nephew to three years in prison.
Terica Taneisha Ellis helped James Timothy Norman, who appeared on the reality show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” locate his nephew, Andre Montgomery Jr., who also appeared on the show. Norman then passed his nephew’s location to another man, who fatally shot Montgomery, 21, at 3964 Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis on March 14, 2016.
Ellis, now 39, pleaded guilty in July to a charge of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. The exotic dancer from Memphis, Tennessee admitted being paid $10,000 to locate Montgomery and lure him outside before the shooting.
Norman, 43, was convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in September of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 2, and is facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Norman took out a life insurance policy worth $450,000 on Montgomery, then arranged for Montgomery’s murder, according to testimony and evidence at his trial.
Before announcing the sentence Tuesday, Judge Ross said that without what he called “an incredible effort” by investigators, “This could easily have been just another unsolved killing.”
He also recognized Ellis’ testimony against Norman at trial and said Norman would likely have succeeded in having Montgomery killed, whether Ellis helped or not.
The shooter, Travell Anthony Hill, 31, was sentenced in October to 32 years in prison. Hill pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of murder-for-hire and testified at Norman’s trial.
Waiel Rebhi “Wally” Yaghnam, Norman’s former insurance agent, was sentenced in November to three years in prison on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Yaghnam, 44, admitted conspiring with Norman to fraudulently obtain a life insurance policy on Montgomery and then helping Norman file a claim after Montgomery’s murder.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angie Danis and Gwendolyn Carroll are prosecuting the case.
Woman Sentenced to 2 ½ Years in Prison for Embezzling $1.2 Million from Ralls County BusinessRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a woman to two and one-half years in prison for embezzling $1.2 million from a Ralls County, Missouri agricultural business.
Stephanie D. Carper, 51, was also ordered to repay the money she stole while exploiting her position as secretary of the company. From September 2013 to September 2019, Carper filled in her own name on at least 44 checks that had been pre-signed by the company’s owner and his relatives, Carper admitted in her guilty plea. The checks were intended to be used to pay vendors. Carper then wrote in false explanations on bank deposit slips and the check registry to conceal her thefts.
Carper used the money to buy a 2015 Nissan Murano SUV, a 2016 Toyota Tundra pickup and a Caterpillar 247 skid loader and spent more on vacations to Alaska and elsewhere. The vehicles and $31,000 in a bank account have been seized to help repay her debt.
A letter to Judge Autrey on behalf of the victims said the family sold their company for a reduced amount because a co-founder was ill and profits appeared to be falling due to Carper’s theft. Had the company books reflected their true profits, the family would have either kept the business to support the next generation or been able to sell it for more money.
“The damage done is irreparable. All that (the founders) worked for was lost with the damage that Ms. Carper did,” the letter says.
“Stephanie Carper shamelessly abused the good nature, sympathy, and trust of the owners of a family business in rural Missouri,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis Division. “After being hired as a secretary, she paid the owners back by robbing them blind.”
Carper, who moved to Eufaula, Alabama, pleaded guilty in October to a felony bank fraud charge.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Javyn Johnson, 24, of Wichita sold Chanelle Pratt, 29, of Wichita, what she thought to be two Percocet pills in August 2019. Later the same day, Pratt was found dead in her home after ingesting one of the pills. An autopsy determined her cause of death to be Fentanyl toxicity. In his plea agreement, Johnson claims he didn’t know the tablets contained Fentanyl, however, he acknowledges giving her the Fentanyl that caused her death.
“Our nation is in the midst of a crisis where lives are lost every day due to Fentanyl poisoning,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “This case is an example of how the Department of Justice will hold people who distribute Fentanyl accountable.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.
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Vitaly Borker Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Customers of His Eyewear Websites for the Third TimeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VITALY BORKER, the operator of “EyeglassesDepot.com” and other online retailers of purported designer eyewear, pled guilty today to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud customers of his websites. BORKER pled guilty before United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Once again, Vitaly Borker has pled guilty to crimes relating to his fraudulent operation of eyewear websites. Borker’s plea today demonstrates this Office’s intolerance for recidivism, and we can only hope that the third time is the charm and that Borker finally learns his lesson.”
According to the previously filed Complaint and Indictment in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in at least June 2020, after being released from federal custody and entering a Residential Reentry Center, VITALY BORKER operated an eyewear sales and repair services website called EyeglassesDepot.com. EyeglassesDepot.com claimed, among other things, that it sold “brand new and 100% authentic designer eyeglasses and sunglasses” and that it had “thousands of pairs of glasses in stock…ready for shipping as early as TODAY.” In truth, however, the eyewear sold to customers of EyeglassesDepot.com was often used or counterfeit. Rather than carrying a large inventory of “brand new and 100% authentic eyewear,” EyeglassesDepot.com filled its customers’ orders by purchasing comparable items on a third-party online marketplace (the “Marketplace”). The eyewear purchased by EyeglassesDepot.com from the Marketplace was often used or counterfeit, but EyeglassesDepot.com passed off the glasses as new and authentic. In addition, while EyeglassesDepot.com claimed to be a “leader in the repair of sunglasses and eyeglasses” and able to “fit any eyeglasses or sunglasses with your custom prescriptions,” customers who sent eyewear to EyeglassesDepot.com either did not have their eyewear repaired at all or otherwise received unsatisfactory work.
In order to conceal his role in operating EyeglassesDepot.com, BORKER – who has twice previously been convicted in this District of crimes relating to his operation of eyewear websites – used the identities of other individuals in connection with the operation of EyeglassesDepot.com.
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BORKER, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. BORKER is scheduled to be sentenced at 10:00 a.m. on April 21, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Weinberg, William Kinder, Jeffrey Coyle, and Sarah Mortazavi are in charge of the prosecution.
Virginia Family Sentenced for Conspiracy for Years-Long Forced Labor of Pakistani WomanRead the Press Release
A federal court in Richmond, Virginia, sentenced three defendants today for conspiracy to commit forced labor for compelling the domestic labor of a Pakistani woman for 12 years.
Zahida Aman, 80, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, Mohammed Rehan Chaudhri, 48, to 120 months in federal prison and Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri, 55, to 60 months in federal prison in the Eastern District of Virginia. Additionally, the Court ordered Aman and Rehan Chaudhri to pay the victim $250,000 in restitution for back wages and other financial losses she incurred as a result of the defendants’ criminal conduct.
Following a seven-day trial in May 2022, the jury convicted all of the defendants of conspiracy to commit forced labor, convicted two of the defendants of forced labor and convicted Aman of document servitude. Aman arranged for her son’s marriage to the victim in 2002, but even after the victim’s husband moved away from the home, the defendants kept the victim in their Virginia home to serve the extended family.
“These defendants callously exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities and brutally coerced her labor through physical violence and emotional abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Human trafficking is an affront to human rights and to our nation’s core values. The Department of Justice is committed to vindicating the rights of survivors and bringing human traffickers to justice.”
“Human trafficking is a global issue that cannot be tackled alone,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will remain committed to investigating all forms of human trafficking and work with our law enforcement partners in combatting the problem.”
According to the evidence presented in court, the defendants compelled the victim to serve the family as a domestic servant, using physical and verbal abuse, restricting communication with her family in Pakistan, confiscating her immigration documentation and money and eventually threatening to separate her from her children by deporting her to Pakistan. The defendants slapped, kicked and pushed the victim, even beat her with wooden board, and on one occasion hog-tied her hands and feet and dragged her down the stairs in front of her children. All of these coercive means were employed by the defendants to compel the victim’s labor in their home.
The evidence further showed that the defendants required the victim to work every day, beginning early each morning. They restricted her food, forbade her from learning to drive or speaking to anyone except the defendants’ family members and prohibited her from calling her family in Pakistan.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Miller, Shea Gibbons and Heather Mansfield for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Violent Repeat Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Dontell Anderson, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on July 29, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers executed a search warrant at Dontell Anderson’s northeast Indianapolis residence. During a search of the home, officers found methamphetamine, pills, synthetic marijuana, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
Anderson is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including battery resulting in injury, dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug, possession of methamphetamine, and a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Anderson was still under court supervision following his release from federal prison when he was again arrested for illegal gun possession.
“Illegally armed, repeat felons drive the gun violence plaguing our state,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the response by IMPD and the work of ATF to protect the public from this dangerous criminal. The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates that those who illegally possess firearms risk serious federal time. Returning to prison isn’t worth it—put down the guns, or we will hold you accountable.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Anderson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick G. Gibson, who prosecuted this 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.
Vacherie Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – STEPHEN CHENIER, age 40, a resident of Vacherie, Louisiana, was sentenced on January 11, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to sixty-six (66) months’ imprisonment, four (4) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $300.00 special assessment fee after pleading guilty to two counts of distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on January 6, 2021 and February 3, 2021, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential source to make controlled purchases of methamphetamine from CHENIER. On February 18, 2021, the agents used the confidential source to arrange a third controlled purchase of methamphetamine from CHENIER in Gramercy, Louisiana. After CHENIER left his residence in Vacherie and drove toward Gramercy to meet the confidential source, St. John Parish Sheriff’s deputies executed a traffic stop of CHENIER for a violation. While a deputy was writing a citation for CHENIER, a canine from the Sheriff’s Office conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and detected the odor of an illegal controlled substance. After CHENIER admitted that he smoked marijuana in the vehicle, deputies searched the vehicle and located 111.6 grams of methamphetamine. CHENIER acknowledged ownership of the methamphetamine and told the officers there was more methamphetamine at his house. CHENIER led the deputies to his residence where they seized an additional 76.7 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
United States Attorney’s Office Reaches $639,916 Settlement with Governor of Maryland’s Office on Service and Volunteerism to Resolve Alleged False Claims for AmeriCorps Program FundsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The State of Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism (“GOSV”), a division within the Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives (“GOCI”), has agreed to pay the United States $639,916 and enter into a compliance agreement to resolve a civil False Claims Act investigation relating to the operation of its AmeriCorps program.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and AmeriCorps’ Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey.
“This settlement demonstrates our firm commitment to protect taxpayer money and to guard the integrity of federal grant funds,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “State agencies, such as GOSV and GOCI, are required to properly account for their use of federal grant funds and when they fail to do so they will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Barron.
“AmeriCorps depends on state service commissions to be partners in stewardship of national service funds. The Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism failed in that trust by overstating its expenses and other irregularities that deprived at-risk communities of benefits intended for them,” said Deborah Jeffrey, AmeriCorps’ Inspector General. “We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland for their work in protecting the integrity of national service.”
AmeriCorps’ mission is to engage millions in service and national volunteer efforts. State Commissions, such as the State of Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism (“GOSV”), administer AmeriCorps programs which includes oversight and administration of AmeriCorps’ grant funds to subgrantees. GOSV, which is part of GOCI, supports more than 800 AmeriCorps members each year in the State of Maryland through its grant-making program. In 2016 AmeriCorps awarded GOSV a grant “[t]o promote and recognize volunteer activities throughout the state with events such as: Governor’s Service Awards, Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Maryland State Fair, and Honor Rows to recognize youth groups who are active in their community the chance to attend a Baltimore Ravens game free of charge.” Pursuant to the terms of the AmeriCorps’ grant, GOSV was required to maintain a financial management system that provided accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award and retain records that identify adequately the source and application of funds. GOCI provides accounting services to GOSV and other coordinating offices and thus was involved in the administration of the AmeriCorps grant awards.
The United States contends that GOSV and GOCI engaged in widespread violations of the AmeriCorps grant requirements, including distributing Orioles and Maryland State Fair tickets that were intended to be given to volunteers to individuals who were not eligible under the grant, including GOSV employees themselves, charging salaries of GOSV and GOCI employees, including the Director of GOSV, to the AmeriCorps grant without timesheets or time records to reflect the fact these individuals worked on the AmeriCorps grant, and overcharging AmeriCorps on certain Federal Financial Reports (“FFR”) that were submitted to AmeriCorps to demonstrate how GOSV expended the grant funds. Additionally, GOSV and GOCI entered into an expansive, three year Compliance Agreement with AmeriCorps that will govern and monitor the AmeriCorps GOSV awards to ensure compliance with AmeriCorps grant procedures.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the investigation which was conducted by the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Corcoran.
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Two Springfield Rappers Indicted for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two Springfield, Mo., men who are part of a local rap group were indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing several firearms that have been linked to recent shootings.
Ezekiel Josiah King, 19, and Jardell Carlin Williams, 19, were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.
Today’s indictment charges King and Williams each with two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms. The indictment replaces separate criminal complaints that were filed against King and Williams on Dec. 21, 2021.
King allegedly was in possession of a Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol and an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle on Feb. 15, 2022. He allegedly was in possession of an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 23, 2022.
Williams allegedly was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Feb. 15, 2022, and a C3 Defense 5.56-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 23, 2022.
According to affidavits filed in support of the federal criminal complaints, this case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives into numerous shooting incidents in the Springfield area. Many of the shooting suspects identified themselves as gang members and/or rappers. A review of their social media accounts showed them in rap music videos and photographs possessing what appeared to be handguns, AR-style pistols, and rifles. Most of the identified subjects were under the age of 21 and were prohibited from purchasing handguns. In many of the rap videos, targets of this investigation appear to be smoking marijuana and have been documented as users of controlled substances.
Springfield police detectives stopped a gold Nissan Altima for multiple traffic violations on Feb. 15, 2022. King was driving the vehicle, with Williams in the front passenger seat. The Anderson AM-15, loaded with 31 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, was in the back seat with another passenger. Detectives found the Glock pistol, loaded with an extended magazine that contained 29 rounds, as well as another extended magazine and two factory Glock magazines, under the driver’s seat. Detectives also found a loaded Glock pistol under the front passenger’s seat, and two more boxes of ammunition on the front floorboard. Officers also found marijuana in a backpack inside the vehicle, and in Williams’s possession.
On Oct. 22, 2022, deputies with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and agents with the ATF were conducting surveillance in downtown Springfield because King was performing at a rap concert in that area. They saw King in the front passenger seat of a white Jeep Compass near South Avenue and Walnut Street. There were also two men and three women in the back seat, including Williams. Following a traffic stop, deputies found the Anderson AM-15 pistol on the front passenger floorboard. The pistol was loaded with 36 rounds in the 40-round capacity magazine. The C3 Defense pistol was found where Williams had been seated. A third firearm was found close to where another passenger had been sitting.
According to the affidavit, the Glock pistol seized from Williams was used in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 30, 2022. In that incident, several shots were fired into an occupied residence in the 700 block of S. Nettleton in Springfield. The C3 Defense AR-style pistol was tentatively identified as being used in three shooting incidents in the Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas, areas.
According to the affidavit, the Anderson AM-15 pistol seized from King was tentatively identified as one used in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 8, 2022. In that incident, a vehicle was shot during a drive-by shooting at or near the 1700 block of N. Washington.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Two Sentenced to Prison for Participation in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pennsylvania and a resident of Nevada have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand sentenced James Williams Jr., age 58, of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, to 46 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Williams was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained between 350 grams and 500 grams of methamphetamine as part of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and redistributed it to meth users.
Judge Weigand also Christopher Robertson, age 61, of Reno, Nevada, to 23 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Robertson transported over 200 pounds of methamphetamine from Stockton, California, to various post offices located in Nevada. Robertson then mailed parcels containing meth on behalf of suppliers in California to distributors based in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Two Former Arkansas Sheriff’s Deputies Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offenses for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – The Justice Department announced today that a federal Grand Jury returned an Indictment charging former Crawford County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Deputies Levi White, age 32, and Zackary King, age 27, with federal civil rights offenses for using excessive force on a 27-year-old man during the arrest of that man at a gas station in Mulberry, Arkansas, on August 21, 2022.
Specifically, Count One of the Indictment alleges that, while the arrestee was lying on the ground, White struck him multiple times. Count Two of the Indictment alleges that King struck the arrestee multiple times, also while the arrestee was lying on the ground. The Indictment further alleges that the arrestee suffered bodily injury as a result of White and King’s actions.
If convicted, White and King face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the excessive-force charge; both defendants also face up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Little Rock Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Anna Gotfryd and Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.Two Former Arkansas Sheriff's Deputies Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offenses for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging former Crawford County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Deputies Levi White and Zackary King with federal civil rights offenses for using excessive force on a 27-year-old man during the arrest of that man at a gas station in Mulberry, Arkansas, on Aug. 21, 2022.
Specifically, count one of the indictment alleges that, while the arrestee was lying on the ground, White struck him multiple times. Count two of the indictment alleges that King struck the arrestee multiple times, also while the arrestee was lying on the ground. The indictment further alleges that the arrestee suffered bodily injury as a result of White and King’s actions.
If convicted, White and King face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the excessive-force charge; both defendants also face up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas and Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Little Rock Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Anna Gotfryd and Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Defendants Indicted for Civil Rights Conspiracy and FACE Act Offenses Targeting Pregnancy Resource CentersRead the Press Release
Two Florida residents were indicted by a federal grand jury for spray-painting threats on reproductive health services facilities in the state.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida, alleges that Caleb Freestone, 27, and Amber Smith-Stewart, 23, engaged in a conspiracy to prevent employees of reproductive health services facilities from providing those services. According to the indictment, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants targeted pregnancy resource facilities and vandalized those facilities with spray-painted threats. According to the indictment, Freestone and Smith-Stewart, and other co-conspirators, are alleged to have spray painted threats, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U,” and “We are everywhere,” on a reproductive health services facility in Winter Haven, Florida. The indictment further alleges that facilities in Hollywood, Florida, and Hialeah, Florida, were also targeted.
The indictment also alleges that Freestone and Smith-Stewart violated the FACE Act by using threats of force to intimidate and interfere with the employees of a reproductive health services facility in Winter Haven because those employees were providing or seeking to provide reproductive health services. The indictment further alleges that Freestone and Smith-Stewart violated the FACE Act by intentionally damaging and destroying the facility’s property because the facility provides reproductive health services.
If convicted of the offenses, Freestone and Smith-Stewart each face up to a maximum of 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines of up to $350,000.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Miami Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Thelwell for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Department of Justice’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.
An indictment is merely allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Men Indicted in San Antonio on Charges Related to $14.5 Million Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Update: On August 19, 2024, a federal jury acquitted Kuba Zarobkiewicz and Anthony Fermin of all charges alleged in the indictment described in the press release below. Farrukh Mirza has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio recently returned an indictment charging a group of three defendants with 22 counts related to healthcare fraud, identity theft and kickbacks.
According to court documents, Kuba Zarobkiewicz, 35, of San Antonio, and Anthony Fermin, 32, of Boca Raton, Florida, own various medical equipment companies and pharmacies involved in a scheme to defraud Medicare by paying kickbacks to telemarketing firms owned and operated by Farrukh Mirza, 39, of Richmond, Texas, in exchange for signed doctor’s orders issued for unnecessary hip, knee and back braces.
Zarobkiewicz, Fermin and Mirza were charged in December 2022 with one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks; one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud; six counts of healthcare fraud; and six counts of aggravated identity theft and aiding and abetting. Additionally, Zarobkiewicz and Fermin are charged with four counts of payment of illegal healthcare kickbacks, while Mirza is charged with four counts of receipt of illegal healthcare kickbacks.
All three defendants are currently released on bond while they await trial. If convicted, they each face maximum penalty of five years in prison on the count of conspiracy to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks, 10 years in prison on the respective counts pertaining to healthcare fraud, plus a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence if convicted on the aggravated identity theft counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division made the announcement.
The FBI, Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Texas woman admits lying regarding whereabouts of son, grandson in Sanders County parental interference investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Texas woman today admitted to lying to law enforcement about the whereabouts of her son and grandson, who ultimately were found in Costa Rica, during an investigation into parental interference in Sanders County, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Candace Kathleen Bright, 68, of Midland, Texas, pleaded guilty to false statements during a video court appearance from Midland, Texas. Bright faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for May 31 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Bright was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 19, 2021, Bright’s son and co-defendant, Jacob Israel Strong, failed to return his son, who was four years old, to his ex-wife at the end of his visitation. Sanders County Sheriff’s deputies were unable to locate Strong or his son. Sanders County charged Strong on Aug. 31, 2021 with felony parental interference. The FBI opened an investigation to assist Sanders County in the search for Strong and the child. The FBI interviewed Bright on a few occasions, including on Oct. 4, 2021 in which the agent told Bright that lying to a federal officer is a crime. Bright responded, “I know.” The government further alleged that Bright repeatedly lied to the agent, telling him she did not know where Strong and her grandson were and had not seen them since approximately Aug. 17, 2021. In December 2021, Bright called the case agent and continued to deny knowing where Strong and her grandson were located.
In January 2022, the FBI learned that Strong and his son had left the United States near Midland, Texas, in approximately October 2021 and drove through Mexico to Costa Rica. The FBI also learned that Bright had been traveling with Strong and her grandson off and on since August. Bright was aware of Strong’s whereabout during all of her conversations with the FBI and was physically present when Strong and her grandson left Texas for Costa Rica. Bright communicated with Strong regularly using encrypted messaging services installed on both of their cellular phones. Bright’s lies to the FBI contributed to the time and expense of the search for Strong and his son. Had Bright been honest with the FBI, Strong and his son likely would have been found in the fall of 2021. Instead, based largely on Bright’s false statements, Strong was not arrested until May 22, 2022, nine months after he absconded with his son. Strong has pleaded not guilty to charges in the case and is pending trial.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Taunton Man Pleads Guilty to Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Cody Mercure, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2023. Mercure was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2021.
On Feb. 19, 2021, Mercure sexually abused a toddler in his care and video-recorded the abuse. Mercure also distributed numerous files of CSAM over the internet using a messaging application. For example, on Jan. 16, 2021, Mercure distributed CSAM depicting the sexual abuse of a prepubescent child to another user of the messaging application. Over 100 images and videos depicting child pornography were stored on one of the phones seized at the time of Mercure’s arrest.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and 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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Rhode Island State Police and the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Area Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Junior Williams (44, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Williams faces up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Williams robbed or attempted to rob three banks in Tampa. On February 18, 2022, Williams robbed a bank by passing a note to a teller and obtaining cash through intimidation. Several weeks later, on March 8, 2022, Williams robbed the same bank a second time. On April 13, 2022, he attempted to rob another bank in the Tampa area, but the teller did not have access to any funds. Later that day, Williams robbed a third bank and obtained cash from a clerk through intimidation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.
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.
Tallahassee Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison in Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Gretchen Buselli (a/k/a “Gretchen Yarbrough”), 48, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for use of an interstate commerce facility in the commission of murder-for-hire and making a false statement to a federal officer. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
"This sentence not only punishes the malevolence of the defendant but should serve as a significant deterrent to those inclined to initiate violence," stated U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody. "Despite calculation and concealment, the defendant's murderous plot was averted due to the exceptional work of a citizen and our law enforcement partners. They are to be commended."
Evidence introduced during the trial revealed between on or about June 17, 2021, and on or about September 16, 2021, Buselli used the U.S. mail as well as a facility of interstate commerce, a cellular phone, with the intent that a murder be committed in violation of the laws of the State of Florida. Testimony revealed that Buselli communicated with an acquaintance via the U.S. mail, telephone calls, text, and an encrypted mobile application to solicit the murder of her estranged husband. The acquaintance reported Buselli’s request to law enforcement, who then engaged an undercover agent to further the investigation. Buselli communicated her desire to have her estranged husband killed to the undercover agent, providing a description of the intended victim, his whereabouts, and his routines. In subsequent conversations with the undercover agent, Buselli negotiated the price for committing the murder and discussed the manner in which the act would take place, acknowledging that she would be interviewed by law enforcement thereafter. Buselli was later surveilled depositing the agreed upon $5,000 in U.S. currency at the amphitheater in Cascades Park. Following her delivery of the payment, agents observed Buselli dispose of the clothing she had worn during delivery of the payment. After being notified by the undercover agent that her estranged husband had been killed, she was approached and then questioned by law enforcement, Buselli made multiple false statements denying her awareness of nor involvement in the plot and her desire to have her estranged husband killed.
"This case demonstrates the FBI's commitment to investigate with a sense of urgency in order to prevent violent crime in our communities," said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks. “I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort by the FBI, Tallahassee Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service to ensure a life was protected and a defendant was brought to justice."
“The Tallahassee Police Department is proud to see the judicial system prevail in this case,” said police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Our Detectives worked tirelessly to investigate this case and collect the evidence needed for an arrest and subsequent conviction. This verdict and the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement and judicial partners sends a message to the community that those who commit or attempt to commit crimes will be held accountable and we will do everything we can to bring justice to the victims involved.”
Buselli’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The Court ordered forfeiture of the currency paid by the defendant to facilitate the murder. In addition, the court ordered the gold coins provided by the defendant to be placed in an independent trust for the benefit of the couple’s daughter.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Montana United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric K. Mountin and Kaitlin Weiss.
The United States 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 United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Sussex County Woman Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Concealing Terrorist Financing to Syrian Foreign Terrorist OrganizationsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 34 months in prison for concealing her attempts to provide material support to Syrian foreign terrorist organizations, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, and FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Timothy Langan announced.
Maria Bell, aka “Maria Sue Bell,” 55, of Hopatcong, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging her with one count of concealing attempts to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents previously filed in this case:
Bell admitted that from February 2018 to November 2018 she knowingly concealed and disguised the nature, location, source, ownership and control of the attempted provision of material support and resources to fighters based in Syria who were members of Jabhat Fath al-sham, also known as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS) and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Bell admitted that she knew JFS and HTS were designated foreign terrorist organizations, that JFS and HTS has engaged or engages in terrorist activities. She admitted the offense to which she pleaded guilty involved the concealment of the attempted provision of funds or other material support or resources with the intent, knowledge, or reason to believe they were to be used to commit or assist in the commission of a violent act.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Bell to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Joyce M. Malliet, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit and Trial Attorneys Brenda Sue Thornton and Kathleen Campbell of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams on the Conviction of Robert HaddenRead the Press Release
“Robert Hadden was a predator in a white coat. For years, he cruelly lured women who sought professional medical care to his offices in order to gratify himself. Hadden’s victims trusted him as a physician, only to instead become victims of his heinous predilection. We thank and commend the brave women who came forward to tell their stories, many of whom testified at trial, to end his years-long cycle of abuse.”
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy that distributed at least 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri and for illegally possessing firearms.
Gregory D. Robinson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 8, 2022, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts 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.
Robinson admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from April 10, 2019, to March 30, 2020. According to court documents, Robinson conspired with family members to distribute at least 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in the southwest Missouri area. Law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy.
During a traffic stop on Feb. 9, 2020, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy found a Ziploc bag that contained 55.97 grams of methamphetamine in Robinson’s jacket. Robinson also had $2,500 in cash.
Springfield police officers conducted another traffic stop of Robinson on March 30, 2020, when a woman reported that he had threatened her with a firearm. Robinson resisted arrest and threatened to kill the officers. An officer removed two pistols from Robinson’s waistband – an FNH .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with five rounds of hollow-point ammunition, and a Sturm Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Officers also found a bag that contained 54.32 grams of methamphetamine in Robinson’s pants pocket. Robinson has been in federal custody since his arrest.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robinson has three prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for tampering. In addition to felony convictions, Robinson has multiple misdemeanor convictions for assaultive conduct and at least 57 felony arrests.
Robinson is among 11 defendants who have been charged in this case. Three co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Solano County Hells Angels Member Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Mahoney, 30, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm with an obliterated or altered serial number and possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Dec. 8, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mahoney’s home as part of an investigation into a brutal beating at the clubhouse for the Vallejo chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. In October 2021, two different victims—both of whom were members of a different motorcycle club that is considered a “puppet” (or subordinate) club of the Hells Angels—were beaten by Mahoney and other club members based on perceived infractions of the Hells Angels’ rules.
During the December 2021 search of Mahoney’s Fairfield home, law enforcement found several firearms, including a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver with a serial number that had been scratched off, as well as a Sears & Roebuck 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel that had been sawn off to approximately 12.75 inches in length. Mahoney had not registered his ownership of this short-barreled shotgun with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by federal law.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Vacaville Police Department, the Vallejo Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron D. Pennekamp and Jason Hitt are prosecuting the case.
Mahoney is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2023, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Mahoney faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possessing a firearm with an obliterated or altered serial number. Mahoney also faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
Second Bank Employee Admits Role in Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Another former bank employee today admitted to a federal judge that she stole the banking information of unsuspecting individuals and businesses and provided that information to co-conspirators, who used it to create fraudulent personal and business checks, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Isha-Lee Savage, 24, admitted that, while employed by Santander Bank, she accessed customer information and sent screenshots of that information to co-conspirators. The information was used to create fraudulent checks that the leader of the fraud conspiracy, Richard Koboi, provided to other individuals that he solicited on Facebook and paid to deposit the checks into bank accounts that they controlled. Savage also used her position working in the bank’s call center to ask customers to provide their debit card information which Savage then provided to her co-conspirators so that they could make fraudulent purchases.
On January 19, 2023, Savonnah Briggs, 28, a now former employee of Citizens Bank, admitted that, while employed by the bank, she similarly accessed customer banking information and check images and provided them to Kobi, who similarly used the information to create fraudulent checks for deposit by himself or others. After the checks were deposited, Koboi and others made, or attempted to make, rapid withdrawals of cash from ATMs or bank tellers.
According to information presented to the court, members of the conspiracy created and deposited approximately $330,000 worth of counterfeit checks.
Savage and Briggs each pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Briggs is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2023; Savage is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2023. The defendants’ sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Richard Kobi pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, ten counts of bank fraud, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced in December 2022 to three years in federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the FBI, United States Secret Service, ATF, Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, and Delaware State Police.
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San Diego Resident Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in 15-Year-Old’s DeathRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720SAN DIEGO - Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap, a 21-year-old San Diego resident, was sentenced in federal court today to 156 months in prison for distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Coronado High School sophomore Clark Jackson Salveron on May 12, 2021.
Beltranlap pleaded guilty in July, admitting that he used his Instagram account to coordinate a drug transaction with Salveron. According to admissions in his plea agreement, Beltranlap warned Salveron to only take half the pill because it was “strong as hell.”
According to the government’s sentencing memo, on the morning of May 13, 2021, law enforcement officials and paramedics responded to a 911 call from a home in Coronado. Salveron was found deceased in his bedroom. The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the teen had died as the result of “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
During a search of Salveron’s room at that time, law enforcement observed a small desk in the corner next to his closet. On the desk was a laptop still open and running. Detectives were able to see the teen’s personal Instagram account which included a conversation with the user account “chefkaylar.” A subsequent database search showed that the username “chefkaylar” was registered to Beltranlap with an address in San Diego. The messages between the two showed that the night before the victim’s death, Salveron and Beltranlap discussed the purchase of “percs.” The next day, law enforcement located and arrested Beltranlap.
Per the plea agreement, Beltranlap and the government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury would apply.
During today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo noted that by dealing drugs, the defendant went for the “easy money” with “callous disregard for the poison he was putting into the community and into a very young victim.”
“A 15-year-old child tragically lost his life to fentanyl, leaving behind a devastated family and community.", said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Parents – the defendant in this case advertised these counterfeit blues on Instagram and Snapchat. I implore you to actively take steps to ensure that your children are not buying drugs online. We invite you to review the Fentanyl Toolkit which describes the various codes used by drug dealers in their online advertisements: https://www.sdpdatf.org/community-parent-fentanyl-toolkit.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the DEA Overdose Response Team for their excellent work on this case.
“Drug dealers are using social media to target kids,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “Parents, be vigilant about checking your children’s social media, it may save their life. For additional information visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill for resources on fake pills and fentanyl.”
“One child’s death from fentanyl is far too many,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge, HSI San Diego. “HSI and our San Diego law enforcement partners will continue our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who sell poisonous drugs in our community.”
“A family lost a child and that is more than any family should have to experience,” said Coronado Police Chief Chuck Kaye. “We are grateful for all the work that went into today’s sentencing.”
In the government’s sentencing memorandum, the Salveron was described by his family as a fun-loving kid with braces, a leader and role model to his younger sister and twin brothers, and a volunteer who always lovingly assisted his disabled grandparents. He was a “kind, sweet, helpful young man who cared deeply about his family.”
In the memo, the boy’s parents described the devastating impact of their son’s death.
“I will never recover from my oldest son being poisoned and taken from me,” his mother said. “Clark had a full life to live and now it’s gone. I will never see my son, graduate high school, go to college, get married, and have grandchildren.”
In explaining how Clark’s death has affected him, the victim’s father wrote: “Everything I did was with (my son). I don’t really go out anymore. We hiked, biked, he was my partner through nature. I don’t feel very deserving…I miss him so much. I cry every day. I think of him all day. I still can’t believe it.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, the California Department of Health Care Services and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The DEA created the DEA Overdose Response Team (formerly Team 10) which investigates overdose deaths in San Diego County. Investigators from the Overdose Response Team, as well as the Coronado Police Department and NTF Team 3, contributed to the investigation into Salveron’s death.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-CR-3442 CAB
Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap Age: 21 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribute of Fentanyl– Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Coronado Police Department
San Diego Police Department
California Department of Health Care Services
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kelly M. Schultz, 45, of Antigo, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography. The prison term will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Schultz pleaded guilty to this charge on August 23, 2022.
In March 2017, law enforcement determined that Schultz was posing as a teenage girl on-line in an attempt to get a teenage boy to send him sexually explicit images. As part of that investigation, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home and seized approximately 150 CDs and DVDs. During the analysis of these items, law enforcement found numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Peterson found that the 10-year sentence was warranted based on Schultz’s pattern of sex offenses against children. He previously was convicted of the sexual assault of a child.
The charge against Schultz was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; the Port Edwards, Markesan, Everest Metro, and Antigo Police Departments; and the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Langlade County District Attorney’s office also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Matthew Shawn Buchko, age 40, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on January 20, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years up to of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
Buchko was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2021.
Buchko was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to an upload of child pornography using the application Discord. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Buchko’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, as well as images and videos of child erotica and computer-generated child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for April 24, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Dontrel Bentley, age 37, formerly of the City’s North Side, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about October 24, 2022, Bentley possessed a machinegun.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced to Serve One Year in Federal Prison for Unwanted Sexual Contact Onboard FlightRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, ANTONIO MAURICE WILSON, 53, of Clinton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to twelve months in federal prison for knowingly engaging in sexual contact with another person without her permission while onboard a flight, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 2, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Wilson for offenses he committed while on a flight from Houston, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Count 1 alleged Wilson assaulted a minor under 16. Count 2 accused Wilson of abusive sexual contact.
On October 21, 2022, Wilson pleaded guilty to a one-count information for knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a 13-year-old person known as "Jane Doe" without her permission. The two-count indictment returned on August 2, 2022, was dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement.
On January 20, 2023, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Wilson to serve twelve months in federal prison for his conduct, followed by five years of supervised release. He also ordered Wilson to pay a special assessment of $5,100. Wilson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Joynes and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Oklahoma City Man Convicted of Carjacking, Kidnapping, and Using a Firearm in Metro Parking GarageRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury recently convicted ROBERT LEE HARRISON, JR., 49, of Oklahoma City, of carjacking and other crimes, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 6, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Harrison. Count 1 charged Harrison with illegal possession of ammunition. Count 2 charged him with carjacking. Count 3 charged him with kidnapping. Count 4 charged him with use and discharge of a firearm during the carjacking.
The trial began on January 10, 2023, before United States District Judge Stephen P. Friot. At trial, Harrison’s ex-girlfriend testified that he forced her into her car at gunpoint as she left work at the Integris Baptist Medical Center parking garage in Oklahoma City. Harrison confined her in the car by repeatedly punching her before she was able to escape. Harrison again caught her in the elevator lobby of the parking garage, where he shot her approximately eight times before fleeing the scene. Harrison was arrested the following day after a brief foot chase with Oklahoma City police officers.
On January 11, 2023, the federal jury returned its verdict of guilty on all counts. The jury convicted Harrison of being a felon in possession of ammunition, kidnapping, carjacking, and using a firearm during the carjacking. For the ammunition count, the jury convicted Harrison of possessing the spent cartridge cases found at the parking garage after the shooting. Under federal law, a person convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
A sentencing hearing will take place in approximately 90 days. At sentencing, Harrison faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Count 4 carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years, to be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Nichols, Jr. and Jacquelyn Hutzell, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
This case is also part of "Operation 922" and "Operation Shots Fired." Operation 922 is the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. "Operation Shots Fired" targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Oklahoma City Business Owner Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JAMES “DOC” LOVE, 53, of Norman, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Tampering with a Monitoring Device and Method Required to be Maintained Under the Clean Air Act, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 20, 2021, Love was charged by a one-count Information with violating the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act was enacted by Congress to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population. On October 7, 2021, Love pleaded guilty to the Information and sentenced on January 23, 2023, to probation for twelve months by U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk. Love was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
According to public record, Love owned and operated Southwest Diesel Service, a heavy-duty diesel engine full-service garage that was located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Love admitted that between February 2015 and April 2019, he directed his employees to modify the emissions control systems on heavy-duty diesel trucks. Specifically, Love directed these employees to alter the emissions control components, including removing the diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and plating the exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGRs). He then instructed others to reprogram the vehicles’ on-board computers so that the emissions control systems’ sensors failed to detect the alterations. These modifications prevented the trucks from accurately recording the pollutants they discharged into the atmosphere. They also ensured that the trucks continued to travel on public roads despite operating illegally.
"Emissions controls protect all of us from harmful effects of air pollution. However, Mr. Love put the health of the public at risk by manipulating devices intended to disable those emissions controls for financial gain," said U.S. Attorney Troester. "We hope this case sends a clear message to others that this type of conduct has serious consequences."
"The defendant put profits before public health by directing employees to bypass and disable the emission control equipment on heavy-duty diesel engines," said Special Agent in Charge Kim Bahney. "This sentencing demonstrates that EPA and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable those who violate laws designed to protect our communities from harmful air pollution."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown. The investigation was conducted by the Oklahoma Environmental Crimes Task Force to include the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.