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3 March 2023
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Meccos Donta Allen (38, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Allen faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Allen has also agreed to forfeit the Glock pistol traceable to the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, officers from the Tampa Police Department approached Allen after receiving a complaint that someone fitting Allen’s description had assaulted a couple after following them from Tampa’s Downtown Riverwalk. Allen fled from the police, dropping a loaded Glock pistol in the process. At the time of his arrest, Allen had multiple felony convictions, including for felony battery and the delivery of cocaine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
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.
Sutton Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sutton man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Oliver Smith, 47, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023 to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2023. Smith was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in November 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.
In November 2020, after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Swedish law enforcement authorities, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s Sutton residence and several devices were seized. A forensic review of devices seized revealed images and videos depicting CSAM found on a memory card stored in Smith’s backpack. In addition to the images saved to the memory card, Smith had access to an email account which contained images of CSAM. Additionally, in July 2019, while Smith resided in Sweden, he had emailed CSAM from his email account to a separate account he also controlled.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $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; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Sutton Police Chief Dennis J. Towle made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office and William Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Summit Hospice to Pay over $1M to Settle False Claims LiabilityRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A Salt Lake County, Utah health care company has agreed to pay $1,045,944.42 to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid for non-covered hospice services.
The settlement resolves allegations that Summit Hospice knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid between October 1, 2018, and September 7, 2021, in violation of the False Claims Act. The United States alleged that during this period of time, Summit Hospice was billing for services that were not medically necessary, because the patients’ records lacked documentation of a terminal illness to qualify for services. Summit Hospice denies the allegations.
Hospice care is special, end-of-life care intended to comfort terminally ill patients. To be eligible for the Medicare paid hospice benefit, patients must be “terminally ill,” meaning that the patients have a medical prognosis that their life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
"Hospice care is an important service that should provide patients with comfort. Providers who focus on personal financial gain rather than providing medically necessary, high-quality care to their patients undermine the integrity of these services," said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG will continue to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that hospice providers are giving their patients the care and comfort they need."
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Staten Island Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Antisemitic Hate CrimesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAADAH MASOUD was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes in connection with MASOUD’s repeated physical attacks of Jewish victims in New York City between 2021 and 2022. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Saadah Masoud repeatedly attacked New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin. The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed today make clear that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated in our community and that this Office will be unrelenting in our efforts to hold accountable those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.”
According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:
From at least in or about May 2021 through at least in or about April 2022, MASOUD and others conspired to commit hate crime acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. In furtherance of the conspiracy, MASOUD assaulted at least three victims based upon the victims’ actual and perceived religion and national origin. Specifically, the defendant admitted to committing the following acts of violence that were motivated by the victims’ Jewish or Israeli identity or perceived identity:
- On or about April 20, 2022, in Manhattan, MASOUD assaulted a victim who was wearing an Israeli flag;
- On or about June 2, 2021, in Brooklyn, MASOUD and a co-conspirator assaulted a victim who was wearing clothing traditionally associated with the Jewish religion, including a yarmulke, while the victim was sitting outside the victim’s own home; and
- On or about May 20, 2021, in Manhattan, MASOUD assaulted a victim who was wearing a Star of David necklace.
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In addition to his prison term, SAADAH MASOUD, 29, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Keenan and Mitzi Steiner are charge of the prosecution.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 5+ Years for $777,000 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Friday sentenced a man from St. Louis County, Missouri who submitted nearly $980,000 in fraudulent applications to a pandemic relief loan program to five years and 5 months in prison.
Terrell Alexander, 46, received $777,400 in loans, but more than $200,000 has been recovered. Judge Ross ordered Alexander to repay the $511,600 remaining.
Alexander admitted submitting 10 fraudulent applications to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans and advances from the Small Business Administration. The applications contained fraudulent information about the size and ownership of the businesses, the number of employees and revenue. Some of the businesses existed but others were fictional or inactive. Alexander used Social Security numbers belonging to others on applications, including one belonging to a child. He also used a fake name and fraudulent driver’s license on other applications and real people’s names and information, sometimes with their knowledge.
The money was supposed to go businesses that had been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“You weren’t just stealing from the government,” Ross told Alexander in court Friday. “You were stealing from people who needed this money and didn’t get it because there wasn’t enough.”
Alexander pleaded guilty in November to ten counts of wire fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of unlawful transfer of an identification document and one count of theft of government property.
“Terrell Alexander misused and fabricated Social Security numbers to defraud CARES Act benefit programs,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “He fraudulently obtained over $770,000 from programs intended to assist businesses and individuals facing economic disadvantages due to the pandemic. This sentence holds him accountable for these egregious acts. My office will continue our work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice. I want to thank the FBI, SBA-OIG for their work in this joint investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke for prosecuting the case.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.
St. Charles County Man Accused of Defrauding Vehicle BuyersRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Peters, Missouri has been indicted and accused of selling the same vehicle multiple times online and defrauding other vehicle owners in a scheme that allegedly cost victims at least $300,000.
Ronald Johnson, 55, was indicted February 15 on two felony counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. He pleaded not guilty February 24 and appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday at a hearing that could determine if he is jailed until trial.
The indictment says Johnson owned a car restoration business known as Full Out Customs LLC, and from December 2021 to December 2022 sold a 2002 Ford Excursion to multiple people via social media, including Facebook. He also received payment from people who were seeking repairs on vehicles, but never did the work, the indictment says.
Johnson ordered equipment to repair vehicles but never paid, or post-dated checks drawn on closed accounts or accounts with insufficient funds, the indictment says. He also falsified car titles, emails and other documents to further his scheme, it says.
The indictment says Johnson used victims’ money to take vacations with his girlfriend and to fuel a gambling habit.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the St. Charles Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Dowd III is prosecuting the case.
Shiprock man pleads guilty to illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Kendale Johnson pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Johnson, 34, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
In the plea agreement, Johnson admitted to being a passenger of a vehicle and getting into a dispute with the driver of another vehicle. The dispute resulted in Johnson’s arrest, and he was found to have a 9mm rifle and two bullets in his pocket at that time. Johnson also admitted to possessing a stock rifle, night vision scope, and 9mm ammunition magazine which were in the car.
At the time of the offense, Johnson had a prior conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon. As a convicted felon, Johnson could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
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Seven indicted in Seattle in connection with coast-to-coast drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
Seattle – Seven people have been indicted in the Western District of Washington in an investigation that began with a drug trafficking ring in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Over the past 36 hours, law enforcement has taken all of the defendants into custody, with three arrested in Arizona and four arrested in Seattle. In addition, two people named in indictments in Pittsburgh were arrested in the Seattle area. Those arrested in Seattle are being detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington pending future hearings.
“This investigation shows how drug trafficking rings interact across the country – drugs coming into Arizona are then transferred to distributors as geographically distinct as Seattle and Pittsburgh,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “Prosecutors and law enforcement here have worked cooperatively to arrest and prosecute the key players responsible for hundreds of thousands of potentially deadly doses.”
“Cartel activity of this nature is of particular concern to HSI, and we continue to prioritize investigations into individuals and organizations that illicitly introduce deadly fentanyl and firearms into our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This national operation has brought 90 individuals to justice, taken a large amount of guns off of our streets, and serves as a message to other fentanyl trafficking organizations that we will not stop; for the safety and security of the communities that we serve, we can’t stop as innocent lives are at risk.”
According to records filed in the case, a key member of the drug conspiracy was arrested in Seattle on January 11, 2023. Bryce Hill is charged in the Western District of Pennsylvania with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The Pittsburgh investigation began in 2018 and became a wiretap investigation in the spring of 2022. The investigation identified Bryce aka “Benji” Hill as a key distributor of drugs in the Seattle area. Hill traveled, or had his associates travel, between Arizona and Seattle, bringing in drugs and taking drug proceeds back to conspirators in Phoenix.
When investigators served search warrants on residences in Seattle associated with Hill, they seized five firearms – including assault style weapons and those with extended magazines.
One firearm had been modified to fire fully automatic. Hill is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions. At Hill’s apartment in Seattle, where he was arrested, law enforcement seized about 27 kilos of fentanyl pills. The drugs were still in the suitcases they had traveled in from Arizona. Law enforcement also seized more than $387,000 in cash.
In all, some 60 people have been charged in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Over the past ten months, investigators in the Pennsylvania-based case have seized more than 673 pounds of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills, over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, and more than 16 pounds each of fentanyl powder and cocaine, over $600,000 in cash, nine vehicles, and 47 firearms.
Yesterday alone, in connection with the arrests in the Seattle area, law enforcement seized:
- Seven additional firearms for a total of 21 associated with this case
- Approximately $500,000 cash
- A half kilo of cocaine
- Smaller amounts of crack cocaine and fentanyl pills
The seven people indicted in Seattle allegedly conspired with Bryce ‘Benji’ Hill in the drug distribution scheme. Those indicted include:
Cierra Ward, 21, of Kent, Washington
David Theodore Carr, 43, of Phoenix, Arizona
Jaren Christopher Tran, 43, of Seattle
Shaunyae Allen, 37, of Oak Harbor, Washington
Jose Cortes 34, of Marysville, Washington
Aliana Lyla Khan, 34 of Scottsdale, Arizona
Kayla Vigil, 28, of Tempe, Arizona
Additionally, two defendants from Western Washington were arrested on an indictment from the Western District of Pennsylvania:
Alicia Parks, 25, of Kent, Washington
Mohamed Kariye, 34 of Kent, Washington
“This organization sold their illicit narcotics throughout the U.S., from the Southwest border to the Pacific Northwest and all the way to the East Coast,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our federal partnerships once again have proven invaluable in defeating these organizations and holding their members accountable. According to DEA labs, 6 out of 10 fake pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. With the seizure in one Seattle apartment, our partnerships saved 162,000 lives.”
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In the Western District of Washington, the investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) with assistance from the FBI, DEA, and ATF. In Pennsylvania the investigation is being led by HSI and the FBI.
The case in the Western District of Washington is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Michelle Jensen.
Seattle woman convicted of multiple child sexual abuse offensesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 39-year-old woman from Seattle was convicted late yesterday of five federal felonies related to the sexual abuse of children, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Shabnam Dawn Pilisuk was convicted following a four-day jury trial. Pilisuk is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on May 31, 2023.
According to records filed in the case, a Seattle Police detective uncovered information about a website that included discussion of incest and child abuse. The investigation revealed that Pilisuk was the founder and operator of the website. The investigation further revealed that Pilisuk had traveled with an 11-year-old and sexually molested the child. The website is no longer functioning.
In March 2019, Seattle Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served a judicially authorized search warrant on Pilisuk’s West Seattle Home. They seized her electronic devices. The devices were forensically examined and determined to have images of child sexual abuse. In November 2021, a victim disclosed the sexual abuse that began when the child was 11 years old.
The jury convicted Pilisuk of: Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor under 12, punishable by a mandatory minimum 30 years to life in prison; Production of Child Pornography punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison to 30 years in prison; two counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years to life in prison; and Possession of Child Pornography, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The actual sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Pilisuk remains detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Hampton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.
Santa Rosa Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography and Manufacturing Methamphetamine on Tohono O’odham NationRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Stephen Folson, 37, of Santa Rosa, Arizona, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 10 years’ incarceration. Folson, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Endangering Human Life While Illegally Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
Folson was arrested on March 2, 2021, after an investigation revealed that he was purchasing precursor chemicals from Canada and China to manufacture methamphetamine at his residence. Law enforcement agents served a search warrant at the residence, on the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation, and discovered a substantial amount of laboratory equipment and precursor chemical that was used to manufacture methamphetamine. Folson shared the residence with another adult and two minor children. Agents also searched Folson’s cellular phone and an external hard drive located in the residence and determined that the devices contained over 1,000 images and several videos of child pornography.
Upon release from prison, Folson will be placed on lifetime supervised release with conditions of supervision. He will be required to register as a sex offender and to complete a sex offender treatment program. He also was ordered to pay restitution to victims depicted in the child sex abuse images he possessed.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Agents from the NATIVE (Native American Targeted Investigations of Violent Enterprises) Task Force, including from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Border Patrol, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Carin C. Duryee and Ryan P. DeJoe, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 21-00545-TUC-CKJ
CR 21-02664-TUC-CKJRELEASE NUMBER: 2023-028_Folson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
San Juan woman indicted after weapons cache exportation attemptRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 31-year-old San Juan resident is set to appear in federal court on charges of firearms and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jessica Alvarado is expected to appear on the charges in the indictment at 1:30 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Feb. 21 against Alvarado on charges of smuggling goods from the United States as well as possessing approximately 499 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
On Jan. 31, Alvarado attempted to depart the United States via the Hidalgo Port of Entry driving a Ford F-150, according to the complaint. She allegedly denied having firearms. However, the charges allege authorities noticed the bed of the pickup truck was abnormally elevated and referred her to secondary inspection. A search of the truck allegedly resulted in the discovery of 33 AK-47 variant rifles, three AR-15 rifles, a .22 caliber Long rifle, two .45 caliber handguns and 39 ammunition magazines.
According to the complaint, Alvarado does not possess a license to export firearms from the United States.
The investigation led to a search at her residence in San Juan, according to the charges. There, law enforcement also allegedly found approximately 499 grams of a packaged white powdery substance that field tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine and more than $13,000 in bulk U.S. currency.
If convicted, Alvarado faces up to 20 years in prison for trafficking cocaine charge as well as a maximum of 10 years for illegal exportation of firearms.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Representative of Chicago Area Red-Light Camera Company Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO —A sales agent for a Chicago-area red-light camera company, Company A, has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for conspiring to pay bribes to a public official and for filing a false tax return.
In July 2022, PATRICK J. DOHERTY, 67, of Palos Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of corruptly offering something of value to influence and reward a public official (Count Five), and one count of filing a false tax return (Count Eight). Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman sentenced Doherty to 64 months’ imprisonment on the bribery charge, and 34 months on the false tax return charge, which sentences are to run concurrently.
According to his plea agreement, Doherty offered and agreed to give things of value, namely money, with the intent to influence State Senator A, an agent of the State of Illinois. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator A was in a position to assist Company A by opposing legislation adverse to the interests of the red-light-camera industry and obtaining Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) approvals for Company A’s red-light cameras. Doherty also admitted other acts of bribery in the plea agreement, including acts that involved abusing his position as Chief of Staff for Public Official A, a Cook County Commissioner, in efforts to benefit individuals who paid money to Doherty and his associates. In total, Doherty participated in corrupt activities that involved offering and obtaining bribes totaling approximately $148,000.
In addition, in 2016, Doherty caused an accountant to file his tax return with the Internal Revenue Service, knowing that this tax return contained false information. The false return caused losses to the IRS of at least $14,732 and losses to the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $1,268. Doherty also acknowledged that his tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2015 and 2017 through 2018 underreported his income, and thereby caused additional losses to (1) the IRS of at least $58,430; and (2) the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $6,512.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. Wheeler, Jr, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany A. Ardam.
Repeat sex offender sentenced to twenty-two yearsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Justin Levi Marino has been sentenced for the possession and distribution of child pornography and for violating the conditions of his supervised release for a prior child exploitation federal conviction.
“Child pornography is an especially heinous crime involving those who exploit and abuse children and infants to produce these disturbing and horrific images, and the individuals who create the demand for this vile material by possessing and distributing it,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The collaborative efforts of the FBI, U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service made it possible to stop this predator from continuing to victimize more children and their families.”
“Each time Marino viewed or distributed the unconscionable images of innocent young children, they were re-victimized,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The fact he is a repeat sex offender only underscores why we strive every day to protect our children and will continue to use every law enforcement resource available to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit them in such a manner.”
“Due to the hard work of multiple components of the Department of Justice, Justin Levi Marino is no longer able to menace society and will never again victimize children with his deviant behavior. Child predators are a scourge on our community, and the U.S. Marshals Services considers it amongst our highest priorities to remove these offenders from our communities,” said Thomas E. Brown, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia sentenced Justin Levi Marino to 12 years and six months for using a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
A little more than one year after completing this sentence, in June 2020, during the initial lockdown stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a concerned citizen contacted the Atlanta Police Department on the suspicion that a 16-year-old child, who had been reported missing in another state, was living with Marino in his apartment in the Atlanta area. The U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Georgia was notified and immediately obtained an arrest warrant based on Marino’s suspected violation of his supervised release condition prohibiting contact with a child under the age of 18 years old. The U.S. Probation Office and the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Georgia recovered the minor and arrested Marino at his apartment.
Following Marino’s arrest, the FBI recovered hundreds of images of child pornography and chats on various social media applications from his cell phone. Investigators also established that Marino distributed images of child pornography to other users.
Justin Levi Marino, 45, of Poland, Ohio, was sentenced to 22 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Marino pleaded guilty to the charges of possession and distribution of child pornography on August 26, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sekret T. Sneed prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s Trip to FloridaRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General (Deputy AG) Lisa Monaco traveled to Florida to highlight the Department of Justice’s wide-ranging efforts to pursue equal justice under the rule of law, including by combatting corporate crime and by ensuring the right to counsel for all criminal defendants.
The Deputy AG delivered the annual E. Lawrence Barcella Jr. Memorial Address at the American Bar Association's 38th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime. In her speech, she discussed the progress the Justice Department has made in implementing the corporate criminal enforcement policy changes that she directed last September. She also announced the Justice Department’s first-ever pilot program on compensation incentives and clawbacks, to align executives and all employees’ financial incentives with corporate compliance.
The Deputy AG also announced that the Justice Department will be surging resources to respond to the increasing intersection of corporate crime and national security threats by adding over 25 new prosecutors to investigate and prosecute these violations. You can read her full remarks here.
While in Miami, the Deputy Attorney General and the department’s Director of the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), Rachel Rossi, as well as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Markenzy Lapointe, met with leaders of the federal and state public defenders offices and indigent defense advocates to launch the Justice Department’s cross-country National Public Defense Day Tour in honor of the 60th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, guaranteeing the right to counsel to anyone accused of a crime. The meeting in Miami kicked off ATJ’s “six stops for the Sixth Amendment” to elevate the importance of and appreciation for public defense services.
In highlighting the significance of launching this tour in Florida, the Deputy AG recalled her experience working for Attorney General Janet Reno, a former Miami-Dade State Attorney, who as Attorney General convened a historic National Symposium on Indigent Defense in 1998 on the 36th anniversary of Gideon to highlight the role of the Justice Department in strengthening indigent defense services. To carry that commitment forward, the Deputy Attorney General announced the launch of a comprehensive, 100-day review of current practices and policies to improve access to counsel at BOP pretrial facilities.
On her trip, the Deputy AG visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, where she met with U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe and his leadership team, as well as the prosecutors and professional staff of the office. She thanked them for their hard work and dedication. She also met with state, local and federal law enforcement leaders to emphasize the importance of the ongoing partnerships in tackling violent crime and other public safety challenges.
Finally, the Deputy AG visited Federal Correctional Institute Miami to meet the Warden and staff, review their operations, and ensure implementation of BOP’s dual mission of providing safe, humane custody while also preparing individuals for a return to society.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco with Leslie CaldwellReadout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Trip to UkraineRead the Press Release
On Friday, March 3, the Attorney General made an unannounced trip to Lviv, Ukraine, at the invitation of Ukrainian Prosecutor General to join international partners at the “United for Justice Conference.” The Attorney General reaffirmed our determination to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed in its unjust and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The conference provided a forum to discuss specific initiatives and measures that the international community, alongside Ukraine, is taking to comprehensively seek justice and accountability for all those responsible for war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine.
At the Opening Session of the conference, the Attorney General provided remarks in which he discussed, among other things, the Justice Department’s role in collaborating with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General and the moral and personal responsibility he feels in pursuing accountability.
“Just over twelve months ago, invading Russian forces began committing atrocities at the largest scale in any armed conflict since the Second World War. We are here today in Ukraine to speak clearly, and with one voice: the perpetrators of those crimes will not get away with them,” said Attorney General Garland. “In addition to our work in partnership with Ukraine and the international community, the United States has also opened criminal investigations into war crimes in Ukraine that may violate U.S. law. Although we are still building our cases, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence, we have already identified specific suspects. Our prosecutors are working day and night to bring them to justice as quickly as possible.”
This trip is an important part of the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to the freedom of Ukraine.
That commitment takes two forms:
- A determination to hold Russia accountable for war crimes committed in its unjust invasion, through the investigations and other work of the Department of Justice’s War Crimes Accountability Team; and
- Our ongoing work to seize illicit Russian assets for the benefit of the people of Ukraine, and to prosecute those who facilitate the evasion of sanctions imposed on Russia, through Task Force KleptoCapture.
The Attorney General’s presence in Ukraine is thus not only symbolic, but strategic as well — since it serves the purpose of driving forward the operational work of the War Crimes Accountability Team and Task Force KleptoCapture.
In addition, the United States became the first country to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the seven-member Joint Investigative Team (JIT) that is investigating Russian atrocities in Ukraine. The MOU, signed by the Attorney General, will facilitate the United States’ cooperation and coordination with the JIT members as we collect evidence and investigate Russia’s atrocity crimes. It also signals our resolve that Russia’s invasion will not undermine our collective commitment to uphold human rights and preserve a free and democratic society.
At the conference, the Attorney General also met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Brink, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Kostin, EU Commissioner Reynders, Polish Minister of Justice General Ziobro, and Polish National Public Prosecutor Barski, regarding operational cooperation on Russian war crimes and illicit finance and to further discussions about how the U.S. can partner internationally on these issues.
In sum, this conference both signals our joint resolve that Russia’s invasion will not undermine our collective commitment to preserving a free and democratic world and charts the way forward for our practical work to achieve that goal.
Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Attorney General Merrick B. Garland shakes hands with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Attorney General Merrick B. Garland meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the with the seven-member Joint Investigative Team. Photo Credit: President Zelenskyy's OfficePsychiatrist settles claims for unnecessary brain stimulation treatmentsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 61-year-old doctor and companies he owned and operated have agreed to pay the United States $3 million to resolve claims they improperly billed Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Ashok Jain and companies known as Psychiatric Solutions P.C., Longview Psychiatric Center PLLC and Longview Psychiatric Center LP knowingly and willfully submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare. The allegations included intentionally pressuring patients to accept unnecessary medical treatments and billing for those treatments, falsifying treatment records and billing Medicare for worthless services and services they did not provide.
“This office will actively pursue and prosecute those who take advantage of our aged population and those who seek psychiatric care and counseling,” said Hamdani. “It is particularly egregious when those citizens who seek care are given unnecessary treatment and not the treatment that would benefit them. Providers who participate in federally funded programs like Medicare have a responsibility to the public to provide legitimate, safe care and treatment.”
The investigation began when two individuals who worked at the Psychiatric Solutions Longview clinic filed a qui tam, aka whistleblower, lawsuit under seal July 15, 2021.
During their terms of employment, they allegedly witnessed patients being pressured to accept unnecessary medical treatments as well as the falsification of treatment records and billing Medicare for worthless services or services the clinic did not provide.
Jain and the clinics had allegedly submitted claims for payment to Medicare for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) procedures that were not performed, routinely administered TMS treatments unnecessarily and absent a valid medical purpose and improperly billed Medicare for reimbursement of those treatments. They also billed Medicare for physician assessments when the physician did not see the patient or supervise the TMS session.
The complaint indicated the fraudulent conduct continued until the business was sold in April 2022.
“At the least, health care practitioners are expected to furnish services that are appropriate for their patients and to bill accurately. Providers believed to violate those basic requirements are principal targets of our investigative efforts,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Korby Harshaw with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Coordinating with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG proudly carries out our mission to protect federal health care patients and programs from exploitation.”
“Billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars are stolen by healthcare fraudsters each year,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge James Smith. “FBI Houston’s dedicated team of healthcare investigators, analysts and forensic accountants work alongside our valued law enforcement partners every day to identify these criminals, hold them accountable and protect our nation from pervasive fraud schemes which enrich criminals at the expense of hardworking, honest Americans.”
Under the False Claims Act, a private party known as a relator can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relators will receive a total of $300,000.
DHHS-OIG and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Venezia handled the matter.
Prolific Drug Trafficking Organization DismantledRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN – Fifty-seven defendants have been charged in two separate, but related Indictments, and by Criminal Complaint, with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations in the Western District of Pennsylvania initially began investigating a violent street gang operating in western Pennsylvania beginning in 2018. Agents received information from confidential sources, conducted more than 50 controlled buys from members of the organization, and used other investigative techniques over the course of this lengthy investigation. In May 2022, agents commenced court-authorized Title III interception of telephones used by members of the drug trafficking organization. The wiretaps revealed that the DTO was conducting drug trafficking operations in the following areas: Indiana, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Wichita, Kansas; and in Mexico. These interceptions revealed that Arizona-sourced drugs, which consisted of fentanyl (in both pill and powdered form), heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, were being distributed in our communities by the western Pennsylvania members of the DTO. Over the past ten months, investigators have seized more than 673 pounds of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills, over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, and more than 16 pounds each of fentanyl powder and cocaine, over $600,000 in cash, nine vehicles, and 47 firearms.
“The Department of Justice is working tirelessly to remove deadly fentanyl from our communities and to dismantle and hold accountable the violent cartels and drug-trafficking organizations responsible for distributing it,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “We are committed to using every tool at our disposal to save lives. Operation Lake Effect exemplifies that commitment.”
“These defendants exploited our neighborhoods as they dealt deadly fentanyl and other drugs without a second thought to the harm being inflicted on the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “This multi-state state operation is an outstanding example of what federal, state and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work together to target the individuals who threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to rid the streets of this type of criminal activity and the violence that so often accompanies it.”
“The sheer quantity of narcotics seized and the magnitude of defendants charged in this investigation is staggering,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “But even more impactful is how this investigation disrupted nearly every distribution apparatus of a prolific drug trafficking organization peddling addictive opioids and narcotics in communities all over the United States. These are the types of far-reaching investigations that bring about real and positive change in our communities, and these successes could not have been achieved without the selfless dedication and seamless cooperation of the many investigators and prosecutors who took part. This investigation will cause ripples within drug trafficking markets throughout the country, underscoring HSI’s worldwide strategy to counter threats posed by opioids and dangerous narcotics. Most importantly, cases like this one save lives.”
The 25 residents of Pennsylvania and Ohio named in a four-count indictment returned on Feb. 14, 2023, and unsealed today are: Robert Hurst, 44, of North Royalton, OH; Barry Baker, 44, of Indiana, PA; Michael Brown, 41, of Indiana, PA; Kayda Burek, 23, of New Kensington, PA; Joseph Busch, 43, of New Kensington, PA; Christine Cafazzo, 53, of New Kensington, PA; Ernest Clinton, 40, of Leechburg, PA; Misti Durante, 38, of Indiana, PA; Travis Ezekiel, 34, of Cleveland, OH; Melissa Frain, 34, of Indiana, PA; Frank Gardner, 38, of Indiana, PA; Keith Hurst, 45, of Tarentum, PA; Kasmin James, 38, of New Kensington, PA; Lamar Johnson, 40, of Indiana, PA; Thomas King, Jr., 55, of New Kensington, PA; Torrence Lyde, 33, of Cleveland, OH; Lonnie McCann, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA; Kareem Middlebrook, 41, Creekside, PA; Devan Nicholson, 29, of New Kensington, PA; Milton Paschal, 43, of Arnold, PA; Cathie Payson, 52, of Indiana, PA; Kevin Thomas, 46, of Vandergrift, PA; DeAngelo Ward, 33, of Cleveland, OH; Ashley Weston, 38, of Muncy, PA; and
David Williams, 60, of Creekside, PA.The Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, from August 2018 to February 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. All defendants are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Two with possession with intent to distribute a quantify of fentanyl, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Three with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Four with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
A one-count Superseding indictment, returned on Feb. 14, 2023, and unsealed today named the following 29 individuals as defendants: Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza, 53, of Phoenix, AZ; Samuel Aguirre, 21, of Phoenix, AZ; Marcos Armenta, 22, of Phoenix, AZ; Mark Camacho, 24, of Phoenix, AZ; Robert Foster, 25, of Buckeye, AZ; Donald Garwood, 40, of Glendale, AZ; Erivan Guerrero, 22, of Phoenix, AZ; Bryce Hill, 25, Seattle, WA; Emmanuel Lopez, 27, of Glendale, AZ; Cesar Monarrez, 25, of Maricopa, AZ; Marcos Monarrez, Jr., 23, of Phoenix, AZ; Jairo Morales, 21, of Phoenix, AZ; Stephanie Ortiz, 24, of Avondale, AZ; Valerie Sanchez, 35, of Phoenix, AZ; Heaven West, 21, of Phoenix, AZ; Carlos Zamora, 27, of Peoria, AZ; Humberto Arredondo-Soto, 23, of Phoenix, AZ; Colby Barrow, 29, of Peoria, AZ; Luis Chavez-Ortega, 26, of Glendale, AZ; Donnell Collins, 27, of Cleveland, OH; Mohamed Kariye, 34, of Kent, WA; Jesus Lopez, 21, of Phoenix, AZ; Diego Monarrez, 21, of Phoenix, AZ; Avante Nix, 20, of Saint Paul, MN; Alicia Parks, 24, of Kent, WA; James Pinkston, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; Jesus Ramirez, 25, of Phoenix, AZ; Sahal Sahal, 36, of SeaTac, WA; and
Diamond Williams-Dorsey, 29, of Cleveland, OH.The Superseding Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, from April 2022 to January 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Three additional defendants are charged by Criminal Complaint. Raheem Hurst, 25, of Garfield Heights, OH; Leah Jackson, 37, of New Kensington, PA; and Samantha Jones. 40. of Arnold, PA, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
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 defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting these cases for the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, and FBI Pittsburgh’s Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. Additional federal agencies participating in this investigation include HSI and FBI in Phoenix and Seattle, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Air Marshals Service. Other participating agencies include the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, New Kensington Police Department, Westmoreland County Detectives, Indiana Borough Police Department, Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department, Scottsdale (Arizona) Police Department, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Valuable assistance was provided by the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office.
An indictment or a superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Owner of New York Commercial Drum Company Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraudulent Billing SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Robert A. DiNoto, age 48, of Huntington, New York, late yesterday to one year of incarceration to be served as six months in federal prison and six months of home detention, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in connection with a fraudulent billing scheme involving a manufacturing company with facilities in Harford County, Maryland. Judge Griggsby also ordered DiNoto to pay restitution and to forfeit a total of $514,352.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, Robert A. DiNoto, is the owner and President of American Pride Distributors (“American Pride”), located in, Woodbury, New York. American Pride sold commercial drum containers used by manufacturers to store and transport products. Robert DiNoto is the brother of Eugene DiNoto (E. DiNoto), a former longtime employee of Company 1, a family-owned global business headquartered in New York, but with manufacturing facilities in Belcamp and Abingdon, Maryland, both in Harford County.
As detailed in his plea agreement, beginning no later than 2014, Robert and E. DiNoto agreed to execute a fraudulent billing scheme to defraud Company 1, through the submission of false invoices for undelivered drums. As the facility manager for Company 1, E. DiNoto oversaw the purchasing and storing of drums for use at the Harford County manufacturing facilities and had the authority to review drum invoices and authorize payments to the drum vendors. Robert DiNoto approached E. DiNoto about how he could start his own drum vending company. E. DiNoto subsequently told Robert DiNoto about other drum vendors that were defrauding Company 1 using a fraudulent billing scheme. Robert DiNoto, who was in the real estate business at the time, decided to use a company he owned, called Sandpiper Properties, Inc., trading as American Pride Distributors, to facilitate the scheme to defraud Company 1.
Once American Pride Distributors was formed, Robert DiNoto began receiving drum purchase orders from E. DiNoto for Company 1 to establish a legitimate pattern of drum sales between American Pride and Company 1. However, because Robert DiNoto was never in the business of manufacturing or reconditioning drums, he filled Company 1’s orders by buying the requisite number of drums from an actual drum manufacturer and arranging to ship them to Company 1’s facilities in Harford County, Maryland. Robert DiNoto billed Company 1 for the drums using American Pride invoices, which E. DiNoto approved for payment via emails to Company 1’s accounting department in New York.
Soon thereafter, Robert DiNoto began fraudulently invoicing Company 1 for drums that he and American Pride never delivered to the company. To conceal the fraudulent invoices, he would intermittently send the bogus invoices before and after sending legitimate ones. For example, in 2017, Robert DiNoto sent legitimate invoices #1555 through #1558 between February 15 and April 12 in the amounts of $19,223, $19,419, $18,038, and $20,908, respectively. He then submitted a fraudulent invoice, #1559, and received a payment from Company 1 for $19,448 for a shipment of 358 “NEW 55 GALLON STEEL DRUMS” that were never delivered.
Between December 2016 and August 2019, Robert DiNoto used American Pride’s invoices to bill and receive a total of approximately $257,181 from Company 1 for nonexistent drum deliveries. Robert DiNoto used the proceeds from the fraudulent billings for personal expenses, including to pay his credit card bills.
To avoid scrutiny throughout the conspiracy, the DiNotos kept their familial relationship with American Pride a secret from Company 1 employees. Despite their best efforts, third-party vendors used by American Pride would sometimes inadvertently forward an email or invoice intended for Robert DiNoto to Company 1. E. DiNoto would criticize Robert DiNoto for the mistake and ask him to remind his third-party vendors never to send correspondence to Company 1’s address. On at least one occasion, Robert DiNoto used an alias to conceal his identity when communicating with Company 1 employees.
Eugene Andrew DiNoto, age 51, of Bel Air, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, engaging in an illegal monetary transaction, and filing a false tax return, in connection with schemes that defrauded his employer of more than $29 million. He is awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martin J. Clarke and Harry M. Gruber, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Owner of Lexington Tax Preparation Service Indicted on 31 Counts of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - On Thursday, a federal grand jury sitting in Lexington returned an indictment charging 41-year-old Tiffany Williams, of Georgetown, Ky., with 31 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, statements, or other documents.
The indictment alleges that Williams owned a tax preparation business in Fayette County, Quality Tax Services. It further alleges that, while operating that business from 2014 through April 2018, Williams prepared several fraudulent tax returns for presentation to the IRS. According to the indictment, the returns were false and fraudulent because they represented that the taxpayers were entitled to claim certain tax deductions, when Williams knew the taxpayers were not entitled to claim the deductions.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigations, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigations and the indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly-Williams.
Williams is scheduled to appear in court for her initial appearance on March 14, 2023. She faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, on each count. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oregon Woman Indicted for Allegedly Trafficking Approximately 19 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury in Utah returned an indictment March 1, 2023, charging an Oregon woman for possession with the intent to distribute illicit drugs, specifically fentanyl and heroin, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on February 9, 2023, Ruth Mery Argueta, 31, was stopped in a Nissan Frontier Pickup truck by a Utah Highway Patrol trooper for an equipment violation. Upon contact with the vehicle, the trooper detected the smell of burnt marijuana, for which Argueta, the sole occupant in the vehicle, did not have a medical marijuana card for. After being questioned by the trooper, Argueta showed the trooper additional marijuana, and a marijuana grinder. A search of the vehicle was conducted leading to the recovery of approximately 19 pounds of fake blue M30 pills purported to contain fentanyl; over one kilogram of heroin; a loaded firearm; approximately one ounce of raw marijuana; rolling papers; over $4,000; and a burnt marijuana joint. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the evidence and preliminary test results of the drugs were positive for fentanyl and heroin.
Argueta is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The defendant is scheduled for her initial court appearance March 6, 2023, at 11:45 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge via Zoom conference.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the DEA and the Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Vernon G. Stejskal, for the District of Utah 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.
Oregon Man Sentenced in Anabolic Steroids and Pill Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan R. Stidham, 38, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, methamphetamine, N-Ethylhexedrone, and Alprazolam, and conspiracy to launder money. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Stidham to imprisonment for a term of 156 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Stidham will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
Stidham was a leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that produced and distributed anabolic steroids and other controlled substances to customers throughout the country using a private Facebook group as an online storefront and the United States Postal Service to ship the drugs to locations throughout the country. In addition to anabolic steroids, the DTO marketed and sold pharmaceutical drugs described as Xanax and Adderall. Legitimately prescribed pharmaceutical Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance containing amphetamine salts. However, laboratory testing revealed that the pills marketed as “Adderall” by the DTO were counterfeit and contained methamphetamine, also a Schedule II controlled substance. The “Xanax” distributed by the DTO contained N-Ethylhexedrone, a Scheduled I controlled substance. “Xanax” is a brand name for Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam was also confirmed by laboratory testing to be present in substances recovered by investigators.
Customers purchasing controlled substances from the DTO were required to use cryptocurrency and cash to pay. The DTO used peer-to-peer digital payments platforms to accept payments for controlled substances from customers and to transfer funds among and between themselves. In addition to the use of digital payments platforms, the DTO used various other methods designed to protect the membership’s anonymity and to provide security for the criminal organization from law enforcement and other criminal organizations.
Stidham operated a clandestine laboratory from an apartment he maintained in Eugene, Oregon, specifically for the purpose of producing finished anabolic steroids. Stidham laundered proceeds he received from the sale of steroids and the other controlled substances via a PayPal account through personal business and checking accounts and through a sham corporation incorporated in Oregon in 2017.
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. This case was investigated by the Omaha offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Perez-Rivera, age 37, of West New York, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Perez-Rivera admitted to possessing four kilograms of cocaine for further distribution. The charge stems from an incident on March 23, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County in which Perez-Rivera and another individual, Kelvin Vazquez-Pagan were traveling. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately four kilograms of cocaine found hidden inside the vehicle.
Coconspirator Vazquez-Pagan, age 24, of Passaic, New Jersey, is awaiting trial.
The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Brian J. Gallagher are prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The charge carries a maximum penalty under federal law of up to twenty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Navajo man charged with assaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Gerrick Mariano made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Mariano, 25, of Thoreau, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for March 6, 2023.
A federal grand jury indicted Mariano on Feb. 22. According to the indictment, on Aug. 22, 2022, Mariano pointed a loaded AR-15 at his friend’s chest with the intent of scaring him. When the friend pushed the barrel of the gun away, Mariano shot his friend in the upper-right shoulder. The victim, who survived the shooting, was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mariano faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, and New Mexico Park Rangers. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.
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Minneapolis Felon Charged in Federal Complaint for Violent CarjackingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been charged in a criminal complaint for an armed carjacking spree and illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“Let this be a lesson that we will not tolerate violent felons that prey on our community, especially those who endanger the police officers who courageously place their lives on the line in the protection of others,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “I am thankful for the dozens of officers from multiple agencies who responded to swiftly bring this person to justice before he could cause any more harm in our community.”
United States Attorney Luger stated, “This is a snapshot of the violent acts we are seeing in the Twin Cities on a regular basis. The full force of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focused on reducing the levels of violent crime and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring swift and certain accountability to violent criminals.”
“Callously putting multiple lives at risk while brandishing firearms, including at a responding law enforcement officer, it is completely unacceptable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge William McCrary, of the St. Paul Field Division. “I appreciate the swift and decisive action of the brave agents and law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to take this man into custody and prevent further danger to the public.”
According to court documents, on January 30, 2023, in Little Canada, a Ramsey County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Ford F150, which was later revealed to be stolen. The driver, Donovan Goodman, 33, fled the deputy, driving in the wrong lanes of traffic, above posted speed limits, and evading stop sticks. Law enforcement officers ultimately disabled the vehicle using a PIT maneuver. The driver of the vehicle—believed to be Goodman—fled the vehicle and jumped over a barrier separating the east and west lanes on Interstate 694. He approached an uninvolved vehicle, which had stopped in the westbound lanes of Interstate 694, pointed a firearm at the vehicle and yelled, “Get the [expletive] out of the car.” He then fled in the vehicle. The carjacked vehicle―which was subsequently recovered―had an installed dash camera that captured the entire incident.
On February 25, 2023, at approximately 4:23 a.m., officers with the Minneapolis Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a stolen vehicle parked in a parking lot. Goodman and another male, who were standing near the vehicle, immediately fled on foot and officers pursued. One officer deployed a taser to subdue Goodman, who initially fell to the ground, rolled over and then pointed a handgun with a red laser sight in the direction of the officer. The officer immediately took cover and Goodman escaped on foot.
Shortly thereafter, a carjacking victim flagged down responding law enforcement officers and reported that he was an Uber driver and had just picked up two passengers in downtown Minneapolis when a man approached the vehicle and offered the occupants $100 to let him join the Uber ride. One of the occupants agreed and opened the door. Once inside the vehicle, the man (later identified as Goodman) pulled out a firearm with a red laser and pointed it at the back of the driver’s head and ordered everyone out of the vehicle. The driver and the two occupants complied, and Goodman fled in the vehicle.
Later that day, after obtaining a search warrant for Goodman’s cell phone, law enforcement tracked Goodman to a residence in St. Paul. The St. Paul Police Department’s SWAT team executed a search warrant at the residence and, after law enforcement provided numerous loud commands for over an hour, Goodman exited the residence and was taken into custody.
Because Goodman has prior felony convictions, including burglary, assault, and drug sales, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The complaint charges Goodman with possession of a firearm as a felon and carjacking. Goodman made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. Goodman was ordered to remain in detention pending further court proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mexican drug trafficker sentenced to 14 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Gregory M. Millard, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA El Paso Division, announced today that Cruz Lopez-Acevedo was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Lopez-Acevedo, 52, of Zacatecas, Mexico, pleaded guilty on March 15, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, between March 2005 and September 2008, Lopez-Acevedo was the main supplier of marijuana in Indianapolis, Indiana and was personally responsible for at least 30,000 kilograms, but less than 90,000 kilograms of marijuana which was distributed in Indianapolis and Texas.
Lopez-Acevedo was extradited from Mexico in 2019 with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
Upon his release from prison, Lopez-Acevedo will be removed from the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
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Mescalero man charged with assaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Spencer George Klinekole made an initial appearance in federal court on Feb. 27 facing a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do serious bodily harm. Klinekole, 38, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for March 2.
According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 2, 2022, Klinekole assaulted two victims in their home with a baseball bat. Klinekole was arrested by Bureau of Indian Affairs officers when he returned to the residence the assault had taken place. The assault occurred on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Klinekole faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
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Merrill Woman Sentenced to Prison for Making False Statements During Purchase of FirearmsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Zastrow, 32, Merrill, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for making false statements during the purchase of two firearms. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 13, 2022, Zastrow purchased two firearms in Wisconsin Rapids. In order to complete the purchase of these firearms, she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when in fact she was not. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that she purchased these firearms for an individual who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of purchase. This offense is known as a “straw purchase.” The person Zastrow provided the firearms is prohibited by law from possessing firearms as a result of previous felony convictions and allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide.
In sentencing Zastrow, Judge Conley stated that she made a “disastrous” choice to transfer firearms to a prohibited person and could not ignore the fact that this choice contributed to a woman’s death. Judge Conley also reasoned that a prison sentence was warranted given the defendant’s poor performance on pre-trial release and nominal efforts to confront her methamphetamine addiction.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
The charge against Zastrow was the result of an investigation conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Merrill Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Marshfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden Police arrested Acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. On that date investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash. In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo.
Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2023. A search of his residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash.
The indictment, which was returned on March 1, charges Acevedo with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of two vehicles owned by Acevedo and the cash that was seized on the date of his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acevedo, who had been released on bond after his federal arrest, appeared on March 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven for a bond violation hearing and was ordered detained.
The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Maryland Residents Get Lengthy Sentences on Federal Charges Related to Sex Trafficking of MinorsRead the Press Release
Minor Victims Exploited for Commercial Sex, Forced to Turn Over All Proceeds
WASHINGTON – Willis Lewis, 49, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Brittany Jones, 33, of Suitland, Maryland, were sentenced today for their roles in a sex trafficking operation involving teenage victims. Lewis was sentenced to life in prison; Jones was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The result was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Robert J. Contee III, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Lewis was found guilty by a jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in May of last year, of 12 counts including four counts of sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, and coercion, one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, three counts of coercion or enticement of a minor, two counts of transporting for prostitution, one count of interstate travel and transportation in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense; Jones was convicted of four counts including sex trafficking, conspiracy, and transportation in aid of racketeering. The defendants were charged in connection with their trafficking of a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl between April and May of 2019. Lewis was sentenced to life on ten counts and to 15 years on the two remaining counts. His two sentences will run concurrently.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered 10 years of supervised release for each defendant and ordered each to pay $17,000 in restitution to the victims.
“This lengthy sentence gets a dangerous predator off the streets for a very long time.” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “His lengthy confinement will keep other teenagers safe and serve as a warning to those who are considering exploiting our youth. Those harming our young women and girls need to know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners, will track you down and hold you accountable for the pain and suffering you cause.”
“This defendant targeted children, callously exploiting their vulnerability,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “The Department of Justice remains committed to holding traffickers accountable for the pernicious and inhumane exploitation of young children despite the harm these crimes inflict. We will use every tool at our disposal to obtain justice and restitution for the victims of human trafficking. We commend the courageous young victims here who stood up to their traffickers.”
“Today’s sentences demonstrate that the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate all members of sex trafficking networks, from the leader of the operation to those involved in the recruitment, transportation, and harboring of victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “Let this be a message to anyone who would engage in trafficking minors: The FBI will ensure that those engaged in these horrid crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the government’s evidence, Jones, working with two co-conspirators who since pleaded guilty, brought the two victims to Lewis for the purposes of trafficking them. After they were in Lewis’s custody, Lewis set up “dates” for the two girls each day for almost two weeks and Lewis pocketed the money that the two girls made from these dates. Lewis used a loyalty contract, a firearm, and acts of violence to coerce the victims into performing commercial sex for his profit. Law enforcement became involved in this investigation after the two victims ran away from a residential facility in Virginia and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a missing person’s report.
At trial, the co-conspirators testified against Lewis and Jones and were corroborated by independent evidence, including material from the digital devices and cell phone location data.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, including the Metropolitan Police Department. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhoodgov
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, as well as the MPD’s Human Trafficking Unit. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Justice Department, including Paralegal Specialists Genevieve De Guzman, Karla Nunez, and Irina Tchernoskoutova, and Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Janani Iyengar and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson of the Justice Department Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Manager in Camden Drug-Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 158 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A manager of a Camden drug-trafficking organization was sentenced on March 1, 2023, to 158 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, and unspecified quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. Juan Figueroa, 25, of Camden, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court.
Man Who Allegedly Shot Two Jewish Victims Leaving Los Angeles Synagogues Indicted for Multiple Hate Crime and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today returned a four-count indictment charging a former Riverside resident with hate crime and firearms offenses for allegedly shooting two Jewish men after they left synagogues in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles last month.
Jaime Tran, 28, is charged with two hate crime counts for willfully causing bodily injury and attempting to kill his victims. The grand jury further charged Tran with two counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Tran has been in federal custody since his February 17 arrest on a criminal complaint in this case. His arraignment is scheduled for March 9 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the indictment, Tran developed and espoused antisemitic beliefs and made violent threats toward Jewish people. For example, in 2018, Tran left dental school after making hate-filled statements about other students whom he perceived to be Jewish, the indictment states.
From August 2022 to December 2022, Tran’s antisemitic statements escalated and used increasingly violent language, including against a former classmate whom he repeatedly called and texted with messages such as “I want you dead, Jew. Someone is going to kill you, Jew,” and “Burn in an oven chamber,” the indictment alleges.
In November 2022, Tran allegedly emailed two dozen former classmates a flyer containing antisemitic propaganda, including the statement, “EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF THE COVID AGENDA IS JEWISH.”
Tran allegedly acquired at least two firearms before the attacks and performed internet searches for “kosher markets” to learn areas where Jewish people congregate.
At approximately 9:45 a.m. on February 15, 2023, Tran allegedly drove to the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, located an individual identified in the indictment as “Victim A,” who was wearing a black jacket and yarmulke, and had just left religious services at a synagogue. Tran allegedly shot Victim A in the back at close range, intending to kill him, but Victim A, though wounded, survived.
The following morning, Tran returned to the Pico-Robertson area, intending to kill another Jewish person, according to the indictment. At approximately 8 a.m., Tran allegedly approached an individual wearing a dark-colored jacket and yarmulke and who is identified in the indictment as “Victim B.” Tran, intending to kill Victim B, allegedly shot and wounded the victim, who survived the attack.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of all charges, Tran would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison for each hate crime count, and a maximum of life and mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for each firearms count.
The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Cathedral City Police Department and the Fountain Valley Police Department provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kathrynne Seiden and Maria Jhai of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Frances Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Leader of Boston Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Distribution ActivitiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man responsible for a leading large drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty today to heroin and fentanyl conspiracy charges and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his organization.
Mujab Mubarak, a/k/a “Big Homie,” a/k/a “Easy,” a/k/a “E,” 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of use and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2023. Mubarak was charged by complaint in August 2020 and later indicted by a federal grand jury.
Mubarak was responsible for a large DTO and employed multiple lower-level co-conspirators as part of his distribution network. Recordings obtained during the course of the investigation captured Mubarak describing the scope and extent of his drug trafficking operation. A cooperating witness made over 20 recorded purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from subordinates of Mubarak. Later during the investigation, Mubarak discussed employing the cooperating witness as a distributor and explained the business in detail.
Additionally, Mubarak was captured on recording discussing a 2017 shooting incident where he targeted a former co-conspirator because he believed the co-conspirator had stolen the DTO’s drug money. Mubarak explained that the co-conspirator was transporting cash through Logan airport on behalf of Mubarak’s DTO and that the co-conspirator claimed that the money was seized by police, which was in fact true. When the co-conspirator failed to provide satisfactory proof of the seizure, Mubarak stated on recording that he located the co-conspirator and shot him. Police and medical records showed that the co-conspirator was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his back.
As part of the plea agreement, Mubarak agreed to forfeit $360,000 in cash, two motorcycles, a truck and multiple luxury watches that were purchased with proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. In total, the value of the forfeited property is approximately $523,000.
The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of using and possessing of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, up to three years 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 Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Last Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Large Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The last two of seven defendants charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced for their roles in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from California and Mexico to Nevada.
Ivan Salazar, a four-time convicted felon, aka “Evil,” (40) and Domingo Montes, a three-time convicted felon, aka “JR,” (36) were sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 140 months and 100 months in prison, respectively.
According to court documents, in 2019, law enforcement began investigating co-conspirator Luis Arellano and other members of the Pomona Sur Lokotes (PSL) drug trafficking organization. In 2020, Salazar and Montes conspired with others to distribute 946 grams and 204 grams of methamphetamine, respectively, in Las Vegas. Salazar and Montes obtained the methamphetamine from Arellano, the leader of the drug trafficking organization.
Salazar and Montes each pleaded guilty in November 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced earlier. Luis Arellano, aka “Lewis Arellano” and “Laughter,” (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 168 months in prison; Jacqueline Martinez (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 78 months in prison; Amelio Che Medina (45) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in prison; Anna Barrios (34) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and Victor Manuel Rodriguez, aka “Smokey” (39) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 100 months in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Lakeland Regional Medical Center Agrees to Pay $4 Million to Settle Common Law Allegations for Impermissible Medicaid DonationsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lakeland Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Lakeland, Florida, has agreed to pay the United States $4 million to resolve allegations that it made donations to a local unit of government to improperly fund the state’s share of Medicaid payments to LRMC.
The Florida Medicaid program provides medical assistance to low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities, and is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Under federal law, Florida’s share of Medicaid payments must consist of state or local government funds, and may not come from “non-bona fide donations” from private health care providers, such as hospitals. A non-bona fide donation is a payment — in cash or in kind — from a private provider to a governmental entity that is then returned to the private provider through a payment by Medicaid. Because Medicaid services are reimbursed jointly by the federal and state governments, a non-bona fide donation causes federal expenditures to increase without any corresponding increase in state expenditures, since the state share of the Medicaid payments to the provider comes from and is returned to the provider. The prohibition of this practice ensures that states are in fact paying a share of Medicaid payments and thus have an incentive to curb Medicaid costs and prevent unnecessary services.
The United States alleged that, between October 2014 and September 2015, LRMC made improper, non-bona fide donations to Polk County, Florida by assuming and paying certain of Polk County’s financial obligations to other healthcare providers. These donations were designed to increase Medicaid payments received by LRMC, by freeing up funds for the County to make payments to the State as the state share of Medicaid payments to LRMC. This state share was “matched” by the federal government before being returned to LRMC as Medicaid payments. The Medicaid payments LRMC received were thus funded by the federal government and LRMC’s own donations, in violation of the prohibition on non-bona fide donations.
“When private parties make improper donations to fund the state share of Medicaid, they undermine a key safeguard for ensuring the integrity of the Medicaid program,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Medicaid expenditures should be determined by beneficiaries’ medical needs rather than by donations by private hospitals to local units of government.”
“Protecting the Medicaid program is crucial, as millions of Floridians rely on it for their medical care and related services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are committed to ensuring that government funds are used for their intended purposes and are not improperly obtained.”
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Alison B. Rousseau and Jonathan T. Thrope and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Justice Department Sues Jacksonville, North Carolina-based Goines Towing Company for Violating Rights of ServicemembersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina alleging that Billy Joe Goines, the owner and operator of Goines Towing & Recovery (Goines), auctioned off, sold or otherwise disposed of motor vehicles owned by servicemembers using court judgments obtained without filing proper military affidavits, in violation of federal law.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. For example, it requires plaintiffs seeking a default judgment in court to file an accurate military affidavit stating whether or not the defendant is in military service, or that the plaintiff is unable to determine the defendant’s military service status. The SCRA also requires that that towing companies seeking court orders in civil proceedings make a good faith effort to determine whether a defendant is in military service. If it appears that the defendant is in military service, the court may not enter a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff until after it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember.
The complaint alleges that since at least 2017, Goines disposed of motor vehicles belonging to servicemembers after either failing to file, or filing inaccurate, military affidavits in court proceedings against those servicemembers. The complaint further alleges that Goines filed military affidavits stating that he did not know whether the defendants were in military service even though many of the motor vehicles were originally towed from locations on or near the Camp Lejeune military installation, and there were multiple indications that the vehicles were owned by individuals in military service.
“By failing to file, or filing ‘rubber stamp’ affidavits without doing due diligence to determine a vehicle owner’s military service status, this company unlawfully auctioned off, sold, or otherwise disposed of servicemembers’ vehicles in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “This conduct is especially egregious because many of the vehicles were towed from a military bases, had military decals, patches, and decorations, were financed through lenders geared towards members of the military, and contained military uniforms and paperwork, including orders. This lawsuit helps ensure that these servicemembers receive compensation for these actions and puts all towing companies on notice that such unlawful business practices will not be tolerated.”
“Our troops put their lives on the line to secure our freedom, and should never have to deal with unscrupulous tow truck operators unlawfully taking and selling their vehicles,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Our troops fight for our freedom abroad, and we will zealously fight for their rights here at home. Predatory conduct against members of our military is unacceptable, especially in North Carolina, one of the most military-friendly states in the nation. We stand with our troops, and insist that they be treated with the respect they deserve.”
In addition to seeking damages for the aggrieved servicemembers, including the value of the vehicles auctioned, sold or otherwise disposed of by Goines, the Justice Department’s complaint seeks to enjoin the company from failing to file, or filing inaccurate, military affidavits in the future. The lawsuit also seeks a civil penalty. This lawsuit resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from U.S. Marine Corps legal assistance.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.
The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Justice Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 123,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.
The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, and the allegations must be proven in federal court.
Justice Department Announces Application Form for Marijuana Pardon CertificatesRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department is launching an application for eligible individuals to receive certificate of proof that they were pardoned under the Oct. 6, 2022, proclamation by President Biden. On Oct. 6, 2022, the President announced a full, unconditional and categorical pardon for prior federal and D.C. offenses of simple possession of marijuana. The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions. President Biden directed the Justice Department to develop a process for individuals to receive their certificate of pardon.
The online application will be available on the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s website: Application for Certificate of Pardon. The web form allows eligible persons to submit documentation to the Office of the Pardon Attorney and receive a certificate indicating the person was pardoned on Oct. 6, 2022, for simple possession of marijuana.
The President’s pardon, effective Oct. 6, 2022, may assist pardoned persons by removing civil or legal disabilities — such as restrictions on the right to vote, to hold office or to sit on a jury — that are imposed because of the pardoned conviction. The application released today may also be helpful as proof of pardon for those who seek to obtain licenses, bonding or employment. As President Biden said at the time of the proclamation, his action intends to “help relieve the consequences arising from these convictions.”
Those who were pardoned on Oct. 6, 2022, are eligible for a certificate of pardon. Consistent with the proclamation, to be eligible for a certificate, an applicant must have been charged or convicted of simple possession of marijuana in either a federal court or D.C. Superior Court, and the applicant must have been lawfully within the United States at the time of the offense. Similarly, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on Oct. 6, 2022.
Those who were convicted of state marijuana offenses do not qualify for the pardon.
The department is committed to carefully and expeditiously reviewing the applications and issuing certificates to those pardoned under the proclamation. For more information regarding eligibility and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit Presidential Proclamation on Marijuana Possession.
Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as “Mimo,” 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on February 24 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday afternoon.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez of Waterbury. In August 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Rodriguez arranged for Oquendo to supply fentanyl to other drug distributors, including Sylvester Vann, also known as “Bug,” of Waterbury, and Pedro Diaz of Red Lion, Pennsylvania. Between August and October 2021, investigators conducted physical surveillance and observed Oquendo engaging in multiple drug transactions with Vann and Diaz. After one transaction, in August 2021, a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped Diaz’s car in Pennsylvania and seized 48 grams of fentanyl.
Oquendo was arrested on October 26, 2021. On that date, a court authorized search of Oquendo’s residence revealed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, 64 grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of methamphetamine, a large quantity of marijuana, a polymer 80 privately made firearm (“ghost gun”), ammunition, narcotics processing and packaging materials, and nearly $50,000 in cash.
Oquendo’s criminal history includes convictions for felony drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The jury found Oquendo guilty of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. At sentencing, which is scheduled for May 25, Oquendo faces at least 10 years of imprisonment.
Oquendo has been detained since his arrest.
Rodriguez, Vann and Diaz have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 2 was:
Justin Jose Romo, 29, of Kalispell, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Romo was detained pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-14.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 1 was:
Jermaine David Richardson, 28, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Richardson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Richardson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-19.
Appearing on Feb. 28 was:
Anthony Omarel Kenner, 29, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kenner faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug trafficking crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Kenner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-127.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 27 was:
Shawn Saddler, Sr., 56, of Box Elder, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saddler faces a mandatory minimum 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Saddler was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-12.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Antonio Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Infante faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Infante was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-26.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indictment Names A Dozen Members of A Violent Transnational Criminal Gang in an Alleged RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An 11-count indictment, unsealed today, charges 12 members of a violent transnational criminal organization in a Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act conspiracy that included kidnapping, murder, robbery, witness tampering, and drug trafficking. Federal agents with the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), US Marshals Service, and officers of the Metropolitan Police Department arrested one defendant this morning; 11 defendants were previously taken into custody on these or other charges.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Divisions, Field Office Director Russ Hott of the ICE-ERO Washington Field Office, the US Marshal Service Washington Office, and Chief Robert J. Contee, III, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Charges include: conspiracy to participate in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organization, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, possession and discharge of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. (see defendant chart for list of charges pertaining to each)
The indictment alleges that the defendants are members of “18th Street,” a violent international street gang who, between at least 2019 and August 2022, in the District of Columbia, District of Maryland, Eastern District of Virginia, District of Delaware and elsewhere, knowingly, and intentionally conspired to conduct and participate, directly and indirectly, in the conduct of the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity consisting of multiple murders, kidnappings, and other crimes, and financed their enterprise through drug sales, illegal firearm sales, armed robberies, and the collection of dues from members.
According to the indictment, members are required to commit acts of violence to further the interests of the gang. These violent acts are often directed against rival gang members, 18th Street members who violate gang rules or otherwise disrespect the gang, and persons who are suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. Additionally, 18th Street members sell and transport narcotics, weapons, and other contraband to generate money to support the gang and its criminal activities. Some of the proceeds of this criminal activity are wired to members of the gang’s leadership in other countries. 18th Street members control geographical areas and use violence to maintain their control.
Members of 18th Street are organized into “cliques,” or smaller groups operating within specific cities or regions that all operate under the umbrella rules of 18th Street to include the following: the Tiny Locos Surenos (“TLS”), Los Crazy Brothers (“LCB”), and the Revolucionarios. Defendants Alvarado-Velasquez, Ibarra-Cristales, Maradiaga, Boteo, and Rolando and Andree Martinez-Mora were members and associates of LCB. Defendants Diaz-Lopez, Madrid-Flores, Hernandez-Menjivar, Rodriguez, Guevara-Villatoro, and Vasquez-Izara were members and associates of TLS.
The 18th Street gang is highly organized and well structured. It follows initiation rituals, uses specific gang signs, colors and symbols, and requires adherence to and enforcement of specific rules of conduct and payment of dues that are used, in part, to support the gang and its members. 18th Street cliques often work cooperatively to engage in criminal activity and to assist one another in avoiding detection by law enforcement.
The indictment further alleges that 18th Street members engaged in murder, kidnapping, assault, threats of violence, and other crimes in order to: preserve, expand, and protect the power, territory, and reputation of the gang; be promoted within the gang; and punish and discipline members and associates who violate the rules, including improperly associating with rival gang members. For example, on July 14, 2021, members of the TLS and LCB cliques murdered Carlos Ramos Martinez in part due to his association with a rival faction within 18th Street. In addition, on December 19, 2021, members of the TLS and LCB cliques murdered Danis Alcides Salgado Mata because they believed he was a member or associate of a rival gang.
The government is also seeking forfeiture of all any and all assets acquired through the gang’s illegal activities.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This prosecution is 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.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Graves, SAC Jacobs, Field Director Hott, and Chief Contee commended the work of those investigating the case from the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Operations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences and the Montgomery County, Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gilead Light, Jack Korba, Christopher Marin, and Will Hart, who are investigating and prosecuting the case.
DEFENDANT LIST
NAME
AGE
ADDRESS
CHARGES
Jose Santos Alvarado-Velasquez
22
Takoma Park, MD
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Possession of Firearm – Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal Alien
Gerlin Neptali Diaz-Lopez
21
Washington, DC
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Possession of Firearm – Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal Alien
Jose Anselmo Ibarra-Cristales
22
Beltsville, MD
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Possession of Firearm – Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal Alien
Carlos Rolando Martinez-Mora
23
Hyattsville, MD
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder x2, VICAR-ADW x2, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Possession of Firearm – Crime of Violence x2
Bradley Andree Martinez-Mora
20
Hyattsville, MD
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Jexon Madrid-Flores
21
Boston, MA
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Sindy Paola Hernandez-Menjivar
19
Woodbury, NJ
Witness Tampering
Milton Benjamin Guevara-Villatoro
21
El Salvador
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Cesar De La O Rodriguez
19
Washington, DC
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Possession of Firearm – Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal Alien
Bryan Delfino Vasquez-Izara
20
Washington, DC
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Elvis Mauricio Maradiaga
21
Bladensburg, MD
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Carlos Giovani Linares Boteo
26
Washington, DC
RICO-Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit VICAR-Murder, VICAR-ADW, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material via Snapchat While on Bond for Similar ChargesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS: Brad Bevington, 51, of Indianapolis was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2021, Bevington was arrested for child exploitation in Marion County, Indiana in a case related to uploading files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to Twitter and Dropbox. Bevington was released on a $100,000 surety bond in April 2021.
On September 3, 2021, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a CyberTip, submitted by Snapchat, reporting that an account later proved to be used by Bevington had uploaded videos depicting adults engaging in sexual intercourse with prepubescent boys. Further investigation revealed that Bevington used Snapchat to send sexually explicit videos involving children to other Snapchat users while he was on bond for the Marion County offenses.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Jeffrey R. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the USSS Indianapolis Field Office, and Chief Randal Taylor of IMPD made the announcement.
“Those who sexually exploit children using online platforms are dangerous predators,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These criminals should pay great attention to the sentence imposed today. Our law enforcement partners will identify you and make our children safer by sending you to federal prison.”
The U.S Secret Service and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Jude James R. Sweeney. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered Bevington to pay $11,000 in restitution to the child victims, as well as $250 to the Amy, Vicki and Andy Act Fund. Bevington must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thank Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
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Inchelium Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drinking and Driving Resulting in Spokane Teenager’s DeathRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Senior U.S. District Court Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Emmalena Ann Michel, age 35, of Inchelium, Washington, to 60 months in federal prison for Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury stemming from a drinking and driving incident that occurred in October 2021 on the Colville Reservation. Judge Peterson also imposed 3 years of federal supervised release. Michel pled guilty to both offenses earlier this year.
According to court documents and proceedings, on October 23, 2021, officers with the Colville Tribal Police Department responded to a traffic collision wherein two minors had been struck by a drunk driver in a Tundra truck driven by Emmalena Ann Michel. The first victim was a 13-year-old female, and the second victim was a 15-year-old male. The female child was transported by helicopter to Sacred Heart Medical Center where her considerable injuries were treated. The male victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Michel struck another vehicle after hitting the teenagers spinning the second vehicle 180 degrees. Michel then exited the truck and fled on foot.
A 10-year old witness saw Defendant exit the Tundra and say, “I’m sorry,” before running from the scene. The 10-year old noted Defendant smelled of alcohol, another witness stated he was driving behind the Tundra, but had fallen back from the Tundra because the driver seemed to be drunk and was driving down the middle turn lane.
Washington State Patrol prepared a collision synopsis indicating the Tundra was traveling at a rate of speed over 46 miles per hour (in a 25 mile per hour zone), when Michel struck the children. The Tundra was searched and found to have alcohol containers inside.
Later that same evening, Michel turned herself into law enforcement. She provided a breath sample that showed her blood alcohol content to be above the legal limit.
At sentencing, the female victim noted her continued pain. She also described a metal rod in her right femur bone and a metal plate in her right forearm. But worst of all, she lost her best friend, the male child involved in the accident.
The deceased child’s mother stated losing her son “is beyond anything I have ever endured. The pain has not subsided, and it never will.”
In pronouncing today’s sentence, Senior Judge Peterson emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the impact on the Colville Community, stating, “This is a very tragic situation. The offense is significant, and the impact is significant.” Speaking directly to Ms. Michel, Senior Judge Peterson added, “Whether or not you intended this damage, you did this. You have been stopped by law enforcement repeatedly for drinking and driving. While you cannot change what happened, you can change yourself.” While recognizing Ms. Michel’s remorse for what she had done, Senior Judge Peterson, emphasized, “If you cannot control the alcohol, you should never drive again.”
At sentencing, Michel apologized to the victims noting, ““I want everyone to know how bad I feel for taking a life. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone involved.” She continued, “I never should have been behind the wheel at that time . . . I have shame and guilt that will remain with me forever.”
“No sentence can heal the pain the family will continue to feel from the tragic loss of this 15 year old boy,” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated. “However, it is important that our whole community see such reckless actions come with very serious consequences, and we will continue to hold accountable those who engage in criminally reckless violence in our community.”
“It’s sad how many people’s lives were affected by Ms. Michel’s decision to drive impaired that day” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Seattle field office. “The actions of Ms. Michel were particularly deplorable and tragically ended the life of one child and severely affected the life of another. Rest assured the FBI is committed to holding offenders like Ms. Michel accountable for their actions.”
The case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retired Assistant United States Attorney Joseph H. Harrington indicted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alison L. Gregoire, who also serves as the Criminal Chief for the Eastern District of Washington, represented the United States at today’s sentencing.
2:22CR00049-RMP-1
Hollywood Man Convicted of Attempting to Purchase Commercial Sex with MinorsRead the Press Release
MIAMI - Ralph Kevin Tovar, 31, a Hollywood, Fla., resident, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a minor and attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to trial evidence, between January and May 2022, Tovar engaged in negotiations with undercover officers to purchase sex with purported minors who were being advertised for commercial sex. On May 6, 2022, Tovar met with an undercover officer and paid the agreed upon price to engage in sexual activity with both a 13-year-old and 15-year-old girl.
Following Tovar’s arrest, agents searched his cellphone and confirmed he had been attempting to purchase sex with minors since January 2022.
The Miami jury convicted Tovar, a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center employee, of two counts of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, made the announcement.
HSI Miami investigated the case with the assistance of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arielle Klepach and Eduardo Gardea, Jr. prosecuted it.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20205.
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Georgia Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A south Georgia resident who admitted to producing child sexual assault material (CSAM) involving minor victims was sentenced to the statutory maximum prison term for his crimes.
Jonathan G. Hardin, 38, of Enigma, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 720 months in prison (360 months for each count) by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 2, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual assault material. In addition, Hardin will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“Producing child sexual assault material is a heinous offense and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “To that end, our office will pursue the maximum punishment allowed under law for those caught producing child sexual assault material.”
“Finding, arresting and prosecuting the predators that are creating, viewing and sharing these disturbing images of abuse is one of the most important things we can do to protect the children in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Working together with our great law enforcement and community partners makes the fight to hold accountable those who exploit our children easier and more impactful.”
The plea agreement in this case remains sealed for the protection of the minor victims.
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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Four Persons Charged with Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted three individuals from North Dakota and an individual from Washington, DC for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Abdul Vann, age 47, from Mandan, ND; Samuel Vann, age 21, from Washington, DC; Monica Yellow Bird, age 40, from Fort Yates, ND; and Kerstyn Lanz, age 30, from West Fargo, ND, were indicted in February of 2023. Samuel Vann appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 27, 2023 and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. Abdul Vann, Monica Yellow Bird, and Kerstyn Lanz all appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $20,000,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning at an unknown time and continuing until February 14, 2023, in Lyman County, all four defendants knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Abdul Vann, Samuel Vann, Yellow Bird, and Lanz are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
All four Defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 9, 2023.
Former embassy employee sentenced to imprisonment for domestic violence against his spouseRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - - Ilirjan Shema has been sentenced for the violent assault of his spouse, a U.S. diplomat serving overseas in the U.S. embassy housing in Moldova.
“Domestic violence is physical abuse with the potential for generational harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “There is never an excuse for this behavior. Holding these perpetrators accountable is an important function of the justice system and one that this office takes seriously.”
“As the lead agency in this investigation, the Diplomatic Security Service demonstrated its strong commitment to making sure those who commit domestic violence against diplomatic personnel face consequences,” said Andrew Wroblewski, Assistant Director for Domestic Operations, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). “Our strong relationship with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice for all victims.”
According to the charges and information presented in court: Ilirjan Shema accompanied his family to Chisinau, Moldova, where his spouse, an employee of the U.S. Department of State, was assigned to work as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy. While in Moldova, Shema obtained a family member position to work at the Embassy.
On April 10, 2021, while inside their official residence provided by the embassy, Shema attacked his wife, striking her, throwing her to the ground, and strangling her in the presence of the couple’s two children. The attack resulted in physical injuries. Shema was subsequently arrested in Aug. 5, 2021, when he traveled from Albania to Atlanta, Georgia.
Ilirjan Shema, also known as “Lily,” age 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Grimberg to one year, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim and to participate in a program for domestic violence upon release from prison. Shema was convicted of the charge of assault, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261(a)(1), on November 8, 2023, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Office of Special Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former U.S. Army Soldier Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempting for Murder Fellow Service Members in Deadly AmbushRead the Press Release
A Kentucky man was sentenced today to 45 years in prison for attempting to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information.
Ethan Phelan Melzer, aka Etil Reggad, 24, of Louisville, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information on June 24, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence. According to court documents, Melzer planned a jihadist attack on his U.S. Army unit in the days leading up to a deployment to Turkey and sent sensitive details about the unit — including information about its location, movements, and security — to members of the extremist organization Order of the Nine Angles (O9A), a white supremacist, neo-Nazi and pro-jihadist group.
“Today’s sentence holds Mr. Melzer accountable for an egregious and shameful act of betrayal against his own military unit and his country,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will use all available resources to disrupt and bring to justice those who would aid foreign terrorist organizations and use violence to harm our men and women in uniform or any American anywhere.”
“Ethan Melzer infiltrated the U.S. Army in service of a neo-Nazi, white supremacist and jihadist group,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “He used his membership in the military to pursue an appalling goal: the brutal murder of his fellow U.S. service members in a carefully plotted ambush. By unlawfully disclosing his unit’s location, strength, and armaments to other O9A members and jihadists in furtherance of this ambush, Melzer traitorously sought to attack the very soldiers he was entrusted to protect. Today’s sentence makes clear that Melzer’s brazen actions backfired and that this office — along with our partners in law enforcement and the military — will work tirelessly to bring traitors like Melzer to justice and to protect the safety and integrity of our armed services.”
“Melzer betrayed his fellow soldiers and his country,” said Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Americans serving their country overseas should never have to fear a terrorist attack from within their own ranks, and today’s sentence holds him accountable for his deadly plan to attack the brave men and women of the armed forces who protect our nation.”
According to court documents, Melzer is a member of O9A. O9A espouses neo-Nazi, antisemitic and Satanic beliefs and promotes extreme violence to accelerate and cause the demise of Western civilization. The group has expressed admiration both for Nazis, such as Adolf Hitler, and Islamic jihadists, such as Usama Bin Laden, the now-deceased former leader of al Qaeda. Members and associates of O9A have also participated in acts of violence, including murders. O9A members are instructed to fulfill “sinister” deeds, including “insight roles,” where they attempt to infiltrate various organizations, including the military, to gain training and experience, commit acts of violence, identify like-minded individuals, and ultimately subvert those groups from within.
Melzer joined the U.S. Army in approximately 2018 and infiltrated its ranks as part of an insight role to further his goals as an O9A adherent. In approximately October 2019, Melzer deployed abroad with the Army to Italy as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. While stationed abroad, Melzer consumed propaganda from multiple extremist groups, including O9A and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, which is also known as ISIS. For example, Melzer subscribed to encrypted online forums where he downloaded and accessed videos of jihadist attacks on U.S. troops and facilities and jihadist executions of civilians and soldiers, in addition to far-right, neo-Nazi, and other white supremacist propaganda.
In approximately early May 2020, the Army informed Melzer that he would be reassigned to a unit scheduled for a further foreign deployment, where the unit would be guarding an isolated and sensitive military installation (the Military Base). After he was notified of the assignment, Melzer joined his new unit and attended weeks of training, including classified and unclassified briefings, to prepare for the deployment. As part of this intensive training, Melzer learned details about the purpose, layout, and security of the Military Base. Melzer and his unit also received in-depth training about and practiced for numerous threat scenarios at the Military Base, including how to respond to various potential terrorist attack scenarios.
Upon learning the importance and sensitivity of his upcoming deployment, Melzer immediately began passing that information to members of O9A. Melzer secretly used an encrypted messaging application to propose, advocate for, and plan a deadly attack on his fellow service members. Melzer sent messages to members and associates of O9A and, in particular, a sub-group of O9A known as the “RapeWaffen Division,” providing details about his unit’s anticipated deployment including troop movements, relevant dates, locations, armaments, topography, and security, all in connection with the proposed attack on his unit and the Military Base. Melzer and his co-conspirators used this information to plan what they referred to as a “jihadi attack” with the objective of causing a “mass casualty” event victimizing his fellow service members. For example, after describing the unit’s weaponry during the deployment — and providing information consistent with the briefings he had received — Melzer described to his co-conspirators how an attack would “essentially cripple” the unit’s “fire-teams.”
To further the attack plan, Melzer and his co-conspirators passed these messages to a purported member of al Qaeda. Melzer’s proposed attack evolved as he gathered and distributed additional sensitive information about the deployment. For example, Melzer also promised to leak more information once he arrived at the Military Base — including real-time photographs of the facility and the frequency and channel of U.S. Army radio communications — in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful attack on his unit or on a replacement unit deployed to the Military Base.
Melzer told members of O9A in his encrypted electronic communications “[y]ou just gotta understand that currently I am risking my literal free life to give you all this” and that he was “expecting results.” Melzer further acknowledged that he could be killed during the attack and described his willingness to die for O9A’s goals, writing “who gives a fuck [. . .] it would be another war . . . I would’ve died successfully . . . cause another 10 year war in the Middle East would definitely leave a mark.” Melzer also acknowledged in his messages that he deleted some of the communications regarding the planning of the attack because the plot amounted to treason.
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Rome; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; U.S. Army Counterintelligence; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Matthew J.C. Hellman and Kimberly J. Ravener for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorneys Alicia Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former U.S. Army Soldier Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Fellow Service Members in Deadly AmbushRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ETHAN PHELAN MELZER, a/k/a “Etil Reggad,” was sentenced to 45 years in prison for attempting to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information. MELZER planned a jihadist attack on his U.S. Army unit in the days leading up to a deployment to Turkey and sent sensitive details about the unit — including information about its location, movements, and security — to members of the extremist organization Order of the Nine Angles (“O9A”), a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, and pro-jihadist group. MELZER pled guilty on June 24, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ethan Melzer infiltrated the U.S. Army in service of a neo-Nazi, white supremacist, and jihadist group. He used his membership in the military to pursue an appalling goal: the brutal murder of his fellow U.S. service members in a carefully plotted ambush. By unlawfully disclosing his unit’s location, strength, and armaments to other O9A members and jihadists in furtherance of this ambush, Melzer traitorously sought to attack the very soldiers he was entrusted to protect. Today’s sentence makes clear that Melzer’s brazen actions backfired and that this Office — along with our partners in law enforcement and the military — will work tirelessly to bring traitors like Melzer to justice and to protect the safety and integrity of our armed services.”
According to the Indictment and other documents in the public record, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
MELZER is a member of O9A. O9A espouses neo-Nazi, anti-Semitic, and Satanic beliefs and promotes extreme violence to accelerate and cause the demise of Western civilization. The group has expressed admiration both for Nazis, such as Adolf Hitler, and Islamic jihadists, such as Usama Bin Laden, the now-deceased former leader of al Qaeda. Members and associates of O9A have also participated in acts of violence, including murders. O9A members are instructed to fulfill “sinister” deeds, including “insight roles,” where they attempt to infiltrate various organizations, including the military, to gain training and experience, commit acts of violence, identify like-minded individuals, and ultimately subvert those groups from within.
MELZER joined the U.S. Army in approximately 2018 and infiltrated its ranks as part of an insight role to further his goals as an O9A adherent. In approximately October 2019, MELZER deployed abroad with the Army to Italy as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. While stationed abroad, MELZER consumed propaganda from multiple extremist groups, including O9A and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, which is also known as ISIS. For example, MELZER subscribed to encrypted online forums where he downloaded and accessed videos of jihadist attacks on U.S. troops and facilities and jihadist executions of civilians and soldiers, in addition to far-right, neo-Nazi, and other white supremacist propaganda.
In approximately early May 2020, the Army informed MELZER that he would be reassigned to a unit scheduled for a further foreign deployment, where the unit would be guarding an isolated and sensitive military installation (the “Military Base”). After he was notified of the assignment, MELZER joined his new unit and attended weeks of training, including classified and unclassified briefings, to prepare for the deployment. As part of this intensive training, MELZER learned details about the purpose, layout, and security of the Military Base. MELZER and his unit also received in-depth training about and practiced for numerous threat scenarios at the Military Base, including how to respond to various potential terrorist attack scenarios.
Upon learning the importance and sensitivity of his upcoming deployment, MELZER immediately began passing that information to members of O9A. MELZER secretly used an encrypted messaging application to propose, advocate for, and plan a deadly attack on his fellow service members. MELZER sent messages to members and associates of O9A and, in particular, a sub-group of O9A known as the “RapeWaffen Division,” providing details about his unit’s anticipated deployment including troop movements, relevant dates, locations, armaments, topography, and security, all in connection with the proposed attack on his unit and the Military Base. MELZER and his co-conspirators used this information to plan what they referred to as a “jihadi attack” with the objective of causing a “mass casualty” event victimizing his fellow service members. For example, after describing the unit’s weaponry during the deployment — and providing information consistent with the briefings he had received — MELZER described to his co-conspirators how an attack would “essentially cripple[]” the unit’s “fire-teams.”
To further the attack plan, MELZER and his co-conspirators passed these messages to a purported member of al Qaeda. MELZER’s proposed attack evolved as he gathered and distributed additional sensitive information about the deployment. For example, MELZER also promised to leak more information once he arrived at the Military Base — including real-time photographs of the facility and the frequency and channel of U.S. Army radio communications — in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful attack on his unit or on a replacement unit deployed to the Military Base.
MELZER told members of O9A in his encrypted electronic communications “[y]ou just gotta understand that currently I am risking my literal free life to give you all this” and that he was “expecting results.” MELZER further acknowledged that he could be killed during the attack and described his willingness to die for O9A’s goals, writing “who gives a fuck [. . .] it would be another war . . . I would’ve died successfully . . . cause [] another 10 year war in the Middle East would definitely leave a mark.” MELZER also acknowledged in his messages that he deleted some of the communications regarding the planning of the attack because the plot amounted to treason.
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In addition to the prison term, MELZER, 24, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (“FBI”) New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department, along with the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Rome, Italy, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Counterintelligence, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Attorneys from the U.S. Army Africa Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. Mr. Williams also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, as well as the Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Matthew J.C. Hellman, and Kimberly J. Ravener are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Alicia Cook of the Counterterrorism Section and Scott Claffee of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former Louisiana Woman Pled Guilty to Preparing over 110 Fraudulent PPP Loans Totaling over $1.1 Million DollarsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that SHARNAE EVERY (“EVERY”), age 27, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty on March 2, 2023 to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.
The case against EVERY began as a a referral from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (“PRAC”) regarding possible fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans . Investigators determined there were at least 110 PPP sole proprietor loan applications in and around the Thibodeaux, Louisiana area that all contained the same invoices and federal tax forms (“Schedule C”) with the same business name and amounts.
According to documents filed in federal court, EVERY created a fictitious business called “Natural Hair Afro, LLC, Houma, LA 70360” and used this fictitious business name on nearly all of the fraudulent PPP loan applications. EVERY advertised under various aliases on Facebook to recruit individuals to obtain money from the PPP program. EVERY prepared and submitted false and fraudulent PPP sole proprietor loan applications via various online portals including, but not limited, to Blueacorn. EVERY created all of the false and fraudulent invoices, bank statements, and Schedule Cs. EVERY falsely certified that the applications and the information provided in the supporting documents were true and accurate when she electronically submitted the fraudulent PPP loan applications.
EVERY charged the individuals she recruited to prepare and submit the fraudulent PPP application anywhere from $45.00 to $120.00 . EVERY primarily used Cash App to receive the initial payments. EVERY then charged approximately $3,500.00 once the loans were funded. EVERY received these funds into her Current account, her Cash App account, or into her boyfriend’s Current account.
EVERY faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, followed by a term of supervised release for up to three (3) years, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for June 8, 2023 before Chief United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, is an active member of the PRAC Fraud Task Force.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General; United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; and the United States Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Force, consisting of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Thibodeaux Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney Edward Rivera, COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator.
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Former Executive Assistant to Former Mayor of Trujillo Alto Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, Radamés Benítez-Cardona, former assistant to the former mayor of Trujillo Alto, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández to serve 30 months in prison, announced United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. Benítez-Cardona pleaded guilty on November 30, 2022, and admitted to receiving monthly bribe payments from a municipal waste management contractor, including separate $17,250 cash payments on May 22, 2021, June 12, 2021, and July 25, 2021.
“The citizens of Trujillo Alto entrusted the defendant with serving their communities with honesty and integrity -- instead he participated in an illegal scheme and used his position for personal gain,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “Public officials who fail to faithfully discharge the duties of their office, and those who conspire with them, will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished for their actions.”
According to court documents, Radamés Benítez-Cardona, enriched himself by accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for securing municipal contracts for a waste management contractor as opportunities arose. The scheme required Individual A to pay a $0.75 per house monthly kickback to defendant Benítez-Cardona in connection with Trujillo Alto municipal contract 2018-000004 awarded to Company A for trash pick-up. The monthly kickback amounted to approximately $17,250 for 23,000 houses. In addition, Benítez-Cardona agreed to give a portion of the kickback money to José Luis Cruz-Cruz, the mayor of Trujillo Alto. Cruz-Cruz was sentenced on January 11, 2023, to 24 months in prison for his participation in the bribery scheme.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott H. Anderson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
These cases are part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat public corruption by municipal officials in Puerto Rico. In addition to the above matters, the Public Integrity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico have recently obtained convictions against other former public officials and contractors in the District of Puerto Rico for soliciting and accepting bribes related to municipal contracts. See United States v. Félix Delgado-Montalvo, 21-463 (RAM); United States v. Oscar Santamaria-Torres, 21-464 (RAM); and United States v. Raymond Rodríguez, 21-465 (RAM) ; United States v. Mario Villegas, 21-468 (FAB); United States v. Luis Arroyo-Chiques, 21-485 (SCC); United States v. Eduardo Cintron-Suarez, 22-151 (SCC); United States v. Ramon Conde-Melendez, 22-221 (PAD); United States v. Pedro Miranda-Marrero, 22-251 (RAM); United States v. Jose Cruz-Cruz, 22-276 (SCC); and United States v. Javier García-Pérez, 22-185 (ADC); United States v. Jose Bou-Santiago, 22-379 (ADC).
Additionally, the department recently obtained indictments charging several former officials with bribery related to municipal contracts, and those cases are still pending. See United States v. Ángel Pérez-Otero, 21-474 (ADC); and United States v. Reinaldo Vargas-Rodríguez, 22-186 (PAD). 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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Former Anchorage Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug Conspiracy and Passport FraudRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Jose Luis Rodriguez-Vazquez was sentenced on February 23, 2023, to 46 months in prison for federal drug conspiracy and passport fraud charges.
According to a criminal complaint filed in September of 2010 by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Rodriguez-Vasquez distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent during a controlled purchase operation.
Following the operation in early 2010, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service received information from HSI that Rodriguez-Vasquez may have applied for a U.S. passport in a different name. Investigation found that Rodriguez-Vasquez applied for a U.S. Passport in 2002 in the name of Erik Ivan Cardiel and had received a United States visa in the Rodriguez-Vasquez name. Rodriguez-Vasquez was indicted in October of 2010 for passport fraud.
Rodriguez-Vasquez was able to evade law enforcement for over 10 years until he was located and arrested in 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Rodriguez-Vasquez signed a plea agreement in December of 2021, pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and passport fraud charges.
“Drug trafficking and identity theft are serious crimes, and we will work with our law enforcement partners in Alaska and across the country to bring these offenders to justice,” said S. Lane Tucker, United States Attorney for the District of Alaska. “If these offenders think they have escaped liability for their crimes, they are wrong. Like Mr. Rodriguez-Vazquez, they will be caught, they will be prosecuted, and they will be held accountable.”
“The successful outcome of this case is a result of the dedicated efforts of HSI and our partners to identify and combat individuals and transnational criminal organizations who pose a threat to public safety and national security,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “After ten years on the run, the subject in this case was held responsible for his drug trafficking and document fraud crimes based on the multi-jurisdictional cooperation across law enforcement agencies.”
"The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to investigating and pursuing anyone who applies for or obtains a United States passport using false documents," said Special Agent in Charge William Chang of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. "The U.S. passport is the most coveted travel document in the world. There are foreign nationals who attempt to fraudulently acquire U.S. passports to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism, inside our borders. These crimes threaten the national security of the United States."
This case results from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and was prosecuted by James Klugman, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Alaska.
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