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21 February 2023
Oneida County Man Sentenced for Mailing a Threatening LetterRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Richard Hileman, age 39, of Marcy, New York, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for mailing a threatening letter.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Hileman admitted that on September 3, 2021 he mailed a letter to a woman who lived in Ballston Spa, New York. In the letter, Hileman threatened the woman not to end her personal relationship with him. Hileman wrote, in part, “i have 2 different guns and a vest . . .” and “i told you before if you left me someone will pay people dont really know me once I set my mind it’s set if you contact anyone it will not be nice [sic].” Hileman further wrote, in part, “. . . if you contact the jail or police your lovely kids wont have a mother i swear on my dead son they cant keep me forever I’ll get out one day [sic][.]”
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Hileman’s term of incarceration.
The FBI and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.
Omaha Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric D. Colclasure, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Colclasure to 151 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge, and a consecutive 60 months on the gun charge. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On February 2, 2022, Douglas County Sheriff Deputies executed a search warrant on an Omaha hotel room rented by Colclasure, who was found inside. Officers located approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of heroin, and drug dealing paraphernalia. A gun was also found in a bag near the drugs with Colclasure’s identification. While deputies were collecting DNA evidence, Colclasure asked what would happen if his DNA wasn't on the gun. An officer responded that the gun was still located in a bag with Colclasure’s identification card and near narcotics. Colclasure responded, “That doesn't look too good, does it? You guys really caught me slippin.”
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Claude Parker, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Parker to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In October 2021, Parker was on bond for a Douglas County charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a condition of that bond, he was ordered to submit to drug testing. On October 27, 2021, Parker was called in for a urinalysis exam. He placed his possessions on the desk of the officer administering the exam. Parker’s urine sample tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, and he was booked into the Douglas County Jail. His property was placed into evidence, searched, and inventoried.
Included in his property was a small black case, inside of which were six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Parker is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Old Forge Man Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment for Bribery, Perjury, and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 17, 2023, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced James J. Peperno, Jr., age 58, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, to 72 months of imprisonment. Peperno was convicted following a jury trial of nine counts of conspiracy, federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, Travel Act, false statement, and perjury offenses.
Peperno was convicted of soliciting cash payments and debt forgiveness from a local business owner, to provide to Robert Semenza, Jr., the former President of the Old Forge Borough Council. Peperno also was convicted of providing and promising cash and future employment to Semenza, in exchange for Semenza performing and promising to perform official acts, in relation to a state court civil litigation between Old Forge Borough and the local business owner. Semenza advocated on behalf of the local business owner with the Old Forge Borough Council, the Old Forge Borough Solicitor, and Old Forge zoning officials, including by proposing a resolution to the civil litigation that had been prepared by Peperno. Peperno kept the majority of the cash payments paid by the local business owner.
Peperno also was convicted of providing false statements and perjured testimony, in connection with an outstanding restitution obligation owed from a prior federal conviction for mail fraud. Peperno claimed, in a written filing and when testifying under oath, that he did not have any income or access to any bank accounts, despite receiving approximately $6,000 from the local business owner, in the weeks immediately preceding his false statements and perjured testimony. Peperno, who owed approximately $390,000 on his outstanding restitution obligation, had not made any payments towards that debt in approximately one and one-half years.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mannion labeled political corruption as “among one of the worst crimes one can commit,” describing how it “undermines the public’s trust in the people they elect,” and deeming it something “terrible for democracy.” Peperno also was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
Robert Semenza, Jr., pleaded guilty in June 2021 to federal program bribery, and was sentenced to a year and a day in prison.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.
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Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Bryanna Danielle Kern, 25, of Proctorville, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute suboxone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2022, Kern was working as a kitchen employee at the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville, West Virginia, when she agreed to deliver a package containing suboxone to an inmate in exchange for $2,000. After Kern drove to the jail that day, her vehicle was searched by investigators who found the package and the payment.
Kern is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.
The inmate, Corey Michael Perkins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute suboxone, methamphetamine, and fentanyl and was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison on August 22, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-221.
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Norway Man Charged with PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Merton Weed Jr., 50, of Norway, Maine, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with filing fraudulent claims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a fraudulent application for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage.
According to the indictment, between May 2020 and January 2021, Weed filed five applications for PPP loans requesting over $150,000. The applications are alleged to have listed false average monthly payrolls and numbers of employees and to have been supported by false payroll records and bank records. The indictment also alleges that Weed filed a residential loan application for an FHA-insured mortgage in 2018, listing false employment and income information on the application.
If convicted, Weed faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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Nigerian National Extradited from the United Kingdom to Face Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging six Nigerian nationals – three residing in the United Kingdom and three residing in Spain – with operating a large transnational fraud scheme. One of the charged defendants made his initial appearance today, after being extradited from the United Kingdom.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, of Madrid, Spain; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, face federal charges in Miami. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, Samuel, and Ozor were arrested in April 2022 by authorities in Madrid and London, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and have remained incarcerated since then. Samuel made his initial appearance in Miami today. Okey Ezemma remains at large.
According to court documents, the defendants are charged with operating an inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, they allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the U.S., falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.
“Schemes that prey on the elderly are particularly insidious,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom for their tireless efforts in assisting U.S. authorities to find and arrest these individuals so that they may face charges here in the United States.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long tradition of protecting citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas for the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “The indictment unsealed today is a testament of the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to protect our citizens from these scams”.
“The successful extradition of the defendant is the result of a dynamic and coordinated investigative effort by HSI, our law enforcement and judicial partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for HSI Arizona Field Office. “Crimes aimed at the elderly have devastating financial effects. HSI will continue to aggressively investigate greedy swindlers who prey on the vulnerable for profit.”
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Emmanuel Samuel made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor remain in extradition proceedings. If convicted, Samuel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS, and HSI are investigating the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, the Portuguese Judicial Police, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, and the Spanish National Police, all provided critical assistance.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses sustained due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Dominic Shapiro (33, Forrest Hills, New York) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Shapiro to register as a sex offender and forfeit a cellphone that was used in the commission of the offense. Shapiro had pleaded guilty on November 18, 2022.
According to court documents, Shapiro spent approximately six weeks communicating with an undercover detective, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, over various social media platforms including Kik, Snapchat, and text messages. During these conversations, Shapiro engaged the fictitious child in sexual conversations, sent images and videos of himself masturbating, and ultimately drove to a park for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities with this child.
“Predators, like Dominic Shapiro, use the pseudo-anonymity of the internet to lure children into a false sense of security before proposing to meet in person,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our task force officers and law enforcement partners with the St. Petersburg Police Department along with support from HSI New York, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the New York Police Department, he was sentenced to a decade behind bars.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Darrel B. Twombly, 40, of Bayport, Minnesota, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, to 15 years and eight months for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture, 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and an unspecified amount of heroin by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Twombly will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 10, 2020, Twombly was stopped by a Lincoln Police officer on Interstate 80 for traffic violations. Twombly told the officer he had a methamphetamine pipe in his pickup which was then searched. During the search, officers found five packages of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately one pound. Testing of one of the packages showed at least 410 grams, (just under one pound), of actual methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, officers found a total of 892 fentanyl pills, 44 grams of fentanyl powder and three grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Monroe Avant, 32, of Inkster, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a shooting on the 1600 block of 11th Avenue in Huntington. Officers encountered a vehicle with two men passed out in the driver and front passenger seats. Officers saw that the passenger had a semi-automatic pistol in his waistband. Avant admitted that he was the passenger and possessed a Taurus Model 709 9mm handgun.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Avant is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his felony conviction for first-degree robbery in Cabell County Circuit Court on May 6, 2014.
Avant is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-245.
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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to and is Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Israel Garcia-Cocotle, also known as “Israel Cocotle Rayon” and “Israel Cococle-Garcia,” 33, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty today to the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Garcia-Cocotle will be remanded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings at the conclusion of his sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2022, ICE agents arrested Garcia-Cocotle in Charleston, Kanawha County, following a traffic stop conducted of a vehicle he was driving. Garcia-Cocotle did not have a driver’s license and presented a Mexican consular identification document. Garcia-Cocotle admitted that he was a citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally and that he had previously been deported from the United States. Garcia-Cocotle had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprints matched Garcia-Cocotle to nine prior removals from the United States to Mexico between 2009 and 2018. Garcia-Cocotle was previously convicted of felony third-degree rape and fourth-degree assault in Fayette County, Kentucky, Circuit Court on July 6, 2018. Garcia-Cocotle was also convicted of illegal entry into the United States in United States District Court for the District of Arizona on July 18, 2011. Garcia-Cocotle never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States for any of the prior removals, nor did he seek to reenter the United States through other legal means.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-11.
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Member of Brockton Drug Crew Sentenced to More Than Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of a Brockton drug crew has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl.
Jason Miranda, 27, of Brockton, was sentenced on Feb. 17, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 78 months in prison and six years of supervised release. On Sept. 14, 2022, Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, three counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In 2019, an investigation began into a violent Brockton-area drug crew that distributed large quantities of fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The drug crew ran a fentanyl delivery service that encompassed all of Brockton as well as neighboring cities. Specifically, drug users/customers placed orders for fentanyl by contacting a cell phone maintained and shared by crew members, which included brothers Jason Miranda and Natalio Miranda, Placido Pereira and Djoy Defrancesco, who worked together to deliver the fentanyl order.
“Despite having two previous convictions for drug distribution, and while out on release for a new drug distribution charge, Mr. Miranda chose to continue engaging in violent and destructive criminal activity. When you pump poison into our communities and profit off of people’s pain, we will find you and remove you from our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This career criminal and his fellow crew members plagued Southeastern Massachusetts with large quantities of deadly fentanyl. Massachusetts has lost far too many people to the opioid crisis. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, South Shore residents are safer. This case should be another warning to drug traffickers, especially those who are career criminals: the time you are facing in federal court is significant and we will find you.”
“Today’s sentencing of Jason Miranda is an excellent example of the amazing cooperation between HSI New England and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Mr. Miranda’s sentence reflects the damage he and his co-conspirators have done to the Brockton community. HSI New England will continue to exhaust every resource at our disposal to ensure criminals like Mr. Miranda are held accountable for their actions.”
Beginning in September 2019, an undercover law enforcement officer made six purchases of fentanyl from members of the crew. Jason Miranda participated in three of the six fentanyl sales. At the time of his sales, he was on release from state court on distribution of cocaine charges and had been twice convicted of state court drug distribution offenses. Placido Pereira participated in three of the six sales after he had previously been convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Natalio Miranda engaged in one fentanyl sale while he was on probation for a state drug trafficking offense.
During a search where Jason Miranda had been residing, a black Glock .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol with a defaced serial number; two different ammunition clips containing 9 millimeter ammunition; a money counter; $28,000 in cash; and a painting of Jason Miranda holding up a large stack of cash were seized.
On Dec. 2, 2022, Placido Pereira pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2023. On Feb. 8, 2023, Natalio Miranda, the last of the four charged defendants, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and six counts of distribution of fentanyl. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; HSI SAC Millhollin; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Whitman and Bridgewater State University Police Departments as well as the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Maryland Man Sentenced for “DMV Board” Dogfighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Capitol Heights, Maryland, man was sentenced today to 2 years in prison for conspiring to engage in dogfighting.
According to court documents, from May 2015 through at least August 2020, Charles Edward Williams, III, 50, and other conspirators from Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, used a messaging app private group, which they generally referred to as “The DMV Board” or “The Board,” as a place where they and their associates could discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dogfighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights, away from the view of law enforcement authorities. Members of The DMV Board also used the messaging app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, as well as to circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement and discuss methods to minimize the likelihood that they would be caught themselves.
Williams entered multiple dogs into fights. For example, in March 2018, Williams entered a dog into a fight at a warehouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement officers broke up the fight and apprehended several weapons and two injured dogs from the warehouse. They also arrested those who were present, including Williams.
In April 2019, Williams and coconspirator Michael Roy Hilliard, 37, of Fort Washington, Maryland, drove to Bunnlevel, North Carolina, with a dog belonging to Williams, so that he could enter the dog in a dog fight. The fight lasted less than 10 minutes before being won by the dog belonging to Williams. An unindicted conspirator shot and killed the dog that lost the fight.
In August 2022, Williams, Hilliard, and five others were indicted for a dogfighting conspiracy involving the “DMV Board.” In November 2022, Williams, Hilliard, and their co-defendants Derek Garcia and Ricardo Thorne pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
Hilliard, Garcia, and Thorne are scheduled to be sentenced in March 2023. They each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Stam and Gordon Kromberg are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-154.
Man Travelling on I-55 Near Springfield, Illinois, Sentenced to Twenty-Five Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Kansas City, Kansas, man, Aquilla Jade Patrick Jessie, 33, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge Sue E. Myerscough to serve 25 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. He is also required to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence was admitted showing that on August 27, 2021, an Illinois State Police Trooper pulled over a car being driven by Jessie near mile marker 97 for following a car immediately in front too closely and for having an obstructed windshield. During the traffic stop, it was determined that Jessie had a suspended driver’s license and the car – of which he was the sole occupant – contained a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Jessie had previously been convicted of felony offenses in Kansas and Wisconsin.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a felon at the time of Jessie’s offense were up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a possible fine of up to $250,000. He has been detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest.
The Illinois State Police, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Jessie 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.
Man Stopped on Interstate 70 Admits Transporting 10 Undocumented ImmigrantsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Mexico pleaded guilty to 11 federal charges Tuesday and admitted that he was caught on Interstate 70 in St. Peters while transporting 10 undocumented immigrants.
Francisco Ibarra-Hernandez, 36, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel to one count of illegal reentry of an alien and 10 counts of transporting illegal aliens.
Ibarra-Hernandez admitted knowingly transporting the undocumented immigrants to work in the construction industry, or recklessly disregarding the fact that the men were in the country illegally.
The 2011 Toyota Sienna overloaded with 11 people was headed east on Interstate 70 on August 24 when it was stopped by officers with the St. Peters Police Department for a traffic violation.
Ibarra-Hernandez told officers that he was taking the men to Ohio to work, and that he was paid to take Illegal immigrants from Phoenix to job sites around the country, the plea agreement says.
The passengers admitted illegally crossing the border in various locations in Arizona over the prior month.
At sentencing, both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of a year and a day in prison for Ibarra-Hernandez. He will then be deported. He was removed from the country more than 15 years ago, when he was using another name.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Peters Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake is prosecuting the case.
Man Shot While Robbing St. Louis Market Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a man who was shot while robbing a St. Louis market to 15 years in prison.
John L. Smith, 43, of Florissant, pleaded guilty in November to a robbery charge and a charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted entering the market in the 4500 block of Athlone Avenue on Aug. 19, 2020 and pulling a small black pistol before demanding, “Give me all you got!”
Smith threatened to kill one employee if he didn’t move faster to the register. Another employee retrieved a handgun and shot Smith. Smith fled the store with $30, but left his phone and his DNA behind. Police and the FBI found a black Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a court-authorized search of his home.
Judge Autrey ordered the 15-year sentence to run consecutive to any sentence he receives for violating his probation in a 2002 robbery case and a 2003 robbery case in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke prosecuted the case.
Man Convicted of Use of Firearm in Connection with Murder and RobberyRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Washington man on Feb. 17 of using a firearm in connection with murder and robbery.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Madani Ilara Tejan, aka Malik, aka Mylik, aka Dani, 30, arranged to sell drugs to an individual (Victim). On Oct. 3, 2018, Tejan directed the Victim to meet him in a residential neighborhood in Lanham, Maryland, where he fatally shot the Victim. Prince George’s County police officers responded to a concerned citizen’s call about a shooting and found the Victim dead with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Tejan had also taken the Victim’s personal items, including drugs, money, his car, and wallet.
On Oct. 20, 2018, officers executed a search warrant on a residence associated with Tejan in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Officers recovered the Victim’s wallet, two bags of marijuana, and a backpack that contained a pre-paid Cricket Wireless phone. The device had been in touch with the Victim several times on the day of the murder and was used interchangeably with Tejan’s registered phone to communicate with the Victim during the hours leading up to his death.
Additionally, 1,013 fentanyl pills were seized from Tejan while he was residing in a government-run residential facility. Tejan’s social media accounts and phone messages revealed that he distributed oxycodone as well as other prescription drugs and marijuana to multiple individuals.
Tejan was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, Hobbs Act robbery, and use of a firearm to commit murder in relation to a crime of violence. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the use of a firearm to commit murder in relation to a crime of violence. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Thomas Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department, Robert J. Contee of the Metropolitan Police Department, Director Corenne Labbé of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, Director Thomas N. Faust of the D.C. Department of Corrections, and State Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Office made the announcement.
The FBI, DEA, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, D.C. Department of Corrections, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Criminal Investigations Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Gerald A. A. Collins and Lisa K. Man of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin R. Cottingham for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bath Par Kuol, 27, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kuol to 63 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from federal prison, Kuol will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 29, 2022, Omaha police officers observed a vehicle fail to signal its turn. Officers conducted a traffic stop and upon contact with the vehicle observed two open containers of alcohol. Kuol was seated in the front passenger seat. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a Glock 19x 9mm handgun with a loaded 33-round magazine inside of the center console. Further investigation showed the firearm was not registered with the City of Omaha. A records check revealed that both Kuol and the driver were convicted felons and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Both were taken into custody. Detectives obtained a search warrant to obtain a buccal swab of Kuol’s DNA and compared it to DNA found on the firearm. A forensic laboratory analysis determined the probability of the DNA being from Kuol as 108 trillion times more likely than from an otherwise unknown individual.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Leader of Sunset Trinitarios Sentented to Life in Prison for Racketeering, Including Ordering Multiple MurdersRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDIBERTO SANTANA, a/k/a “Flaco Veneno,” was sentenced to life imprisonment for leading the Sunset Trinitarios gang from at least 2010 through 2019 and, in that capacity, ordering multiple acts of brutal violence, including the March 13, 2011, murder of Dennis Marquez, age 16, who was stabbed to death in the Bronx; the October 23, 2013, murder of Michael Beltre, age 17, who was shot and killed in the Bronx; and the November 17, 2013, murder of Rafael Alam, age 22, who was shot and killed in the Bronx. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “While nothing can make whole the families and communities of Dennis Marquez, Michael Beltre, and Rafael Alam, we hope that today’s sentence is some measure of closure and justice for them. We are committed to addressing gang violence in our communities and to holding accountable those who instigate such violence.”
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SANTANA, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, previously pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy with murder as a special sentencing factor, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the New York City Department of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celia V. Cohen, Jacqueline C. Kelly, and Lindsey Keenan are in charge of the prosecution. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Calvin Butler, 24, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty today to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $16,040 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Butler provided his personal information to an individual he met on the Instagram social media platform who had offered to apply for a PPP loan on Butler’s behalf in exchange for $2,000 of the loan proceeds. On April 25, 2021, this individual electronically submitted an application falsely stating that Butler operated a barbershop and that it had received $77,000 in gross income in 2020. Butler admitted that he knew he was not eligible to receive a PPP loan. Butler further admitted that he proceeded with the scheme because he needed money to pay his bills.
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.
The fraudulent PPP loan application was approved and $16,040 was electronically deposited from a financial institution in Tennessee to Butler’s account with a bank in South Charleston on June 7, 2021. Butler admitted that he knew the deposit was the result of the fraudulent PPP loan application. Butler further admitted that he withdrew and spent $15,000 of the fraudulently obtained money to benefit himself personally and not for any legitimate business expenses.
Butler pleaded guilty to wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2023. Butler faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Butler also owes $18,540 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Public Integrity and Fraud Unit, and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Blackwell is prosecuting the case.
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.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-161.
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Kalispell woman who sent money overseas in money mule scheme sentenced to 57 months in prison; $2 million restitution orderedRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell woman who admitted to funneling millions of dollars overseas in a money mule scheme that defrauded victims was sentenced today to 57 months in prison, ordered to pay $2,043,340 restitution and to serve three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Theresa Anne Chabot, 58, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to unlicensed money transmitting businesses.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered Chabot to forfeit a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Chabot was ordered into custody.
“As a money mule, Chabot laundered millions of dollars collected through various fraud schemes across the country and sent proceeds overseas while keeping a share of the money for her own benefit. Chabot exploited and harmed numerous trusting victims and now rightfully faces the consequences of her criminal conduct. As this case shows, our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who criminally exploit others,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“IRS special agents are experts at unraveling sophisticated financial crimes and disrupting international crime organizations,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “Money mules like Chabot are the lifeblood of these fraudsters, enriching themselves and harming countless victims in the process. Today’s sentencing is a victory for all taxpayers and an example of the commitment we share with the FBI and other law enforcement partners to cut off the flow of money to criminals who think they are beyond our reach.”
“Money mules support criminal enterprises by adding a layer between those criminals and their victims, making it more difficult to trace and recover the funds,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvorea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Acting as a money mule, whether you know it or not, is illegal. The FBI is committed to protecting the public from such predators and holding them accountable.”
The government alleged in court documents that from about May 2017 until February 2021, Chabot, through her business, Avalanche Creek, LLC, collected money from various wire fraud schemes around the United States into her bank accounts. Chabot then funneled millions of dollars overseas, including to the United Arab Emirates, and received 10 percent of the funds into her accounts. The fraud loss was $5,449,395. Chabot preyed on the elderly, fantasies of love, friendships, purported oil investments, advance-pay schemes and gold and silver. In 2018, the Secret Service informed Chabot she was acting as a “money mule,” but Chabot ignored the warning and continued sending money overseas. When interviewed again by agents in 2020, Chabot admitted one instance in which she received $10,000 hidden in a stuffed animal and deposited the money into her account.
Chabot operated Avalanche Creek as a money transmitting business and was required to register it with the Department of Treasury. Chabot opened more than 50 bank accounts. Banks closed numerous accounts after reviewing the activity because of fraud or misuse. Despite the repeated bank account closures, Chabot would open new bank accounts that enabled her to receive proceeds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Host Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on Competition AdvocacyRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today launched a two-day joint workshop as part of this year’s first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting, which the U.S. is hosting in Palm Springs, California. This year marks the first time the U.S. has hosted APEC since 2011.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the FTC organized and hosted the workshop on competition advocacy for APEC’s Competition Policy and Law Group (CPLG) to build on the APEC 2023 priorities, including promoting competitive markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region and fostering cooperation across APEC’s 21 economies in service of this goal.
“The APEC’s Competition Policy and Law Group workshop provides an opportunity to engage with our partners in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Promoting competition in an increasingly complex world demands an interconnected and innovative approach to international antitrust enforcement, and this workshop is an important forum for building the ties and strategy necessary for this cooperation.”
The workshop began with opening remarks from Assistant Attorney General Kanter and FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. The workshop featured presentations and roundtable discussions on litigating competition matters, regulatory advocacy and effective legislative advocacy in a changing world. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Hetal Doshi, who leads the Antitrust Division’s Litigation Unit, kicked off the workshop with a presentation sharing best practices for courtroom advocacy. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maggie Goodlander, who oversees the Antitrust Division’s International, Appellate, and Policy Sections, led a panel with judges and competition agency leadership from the United States, Chile and Peru.
APEC is the premier platform for advancing economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region that promote inclusive and sustainable growth, as well as free, fair, and open trade and investment. In addition to this week’s meeting in Palm Springs, the U.S. will host APEC Senior Officials Meetings in Detroit (May 2023) and Seattle (August 2023), as well as APEC’s Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco (November 2023).
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division delivers remarks at the APEC Competition Advocacy WorkshopHuntington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Melissa Dawn Lockhart, 49, of Huntington, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2021, Lockhart sold approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her Huntington residence.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-73.
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Grafton Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Chad Rombow, 47, previously of Grafton, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment today following his sentencing for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant and others were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire. In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from co-defendants Heather Dubeau and Gary Sewell in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire. Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution. Investigators learned that the package containing 336 grams of methamphetamine was intended for the defendant, and that the defendant planned to further distribute the methamphetamine.
All of Rombow’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022 to time served and 3 years supervised release. Sewell pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on February 7, 2023 to 72 months in prison. Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and was sentenced on February 16, 2023 to 40 months in prison. Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2023.
“The defendant was part of a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona for distribution into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Such criminal conduct will not be tolerated and when caught, this office will seek significant periods of incarceration to punish the defendants and to deter others from polluting our communities with poison such as methamphetamine.”
“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of New Hampshire hostage to drug fueled lawlessness. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 37 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Khalil Swader, 26 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Swader was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 11, 2022, law enforcement attempted to pull over a vehicle for speeding in Gary, Indiana. Before the vehicle stopped, Swader threw a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine out the window. Swader’s criminal history revealed that he had a 2020 federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon, and as such, he was prohibited from possessing the firearm. Swader was also on supervised release for his 2020 conviction at the time of the instant crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force with the assistance of the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
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.
Gary Man Sentenced to 240 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Joshua Jensen, 27 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jensen was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Jensen produced child pornography with a victim who was less than five years of age.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 .
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Former Owner and CEO/CFO of Recycling Company Sentenced to 33 Months for Federal Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin Shibilski, 61, Merrill, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for failure to pay $858,101 in employment taxes to the IRS for tax years 2014-2016. On May 16, 2022, Shibilski pleaded guilty to failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS from Pure Extractions Inc. and Wisconsin Logistics Solutions LLC.
Shibilski was a minority owner and CEO/CFO of 5R Processors (5R), which had locations in Ladysmith, Catawba, Glen Flora, Wisconsin, and Morristown, Tennessee. 5R was involved in the recycling of electronic equipment and other assets. Pure Extractions Inc. (Pure Extractions) was created by Shibilski in June 2014 to handle 5R’s recycling operations. Pure Extractions took on all of 5R’s recycling customers, warehouses and equipment, income flows from recycling, most of 5R’s recycling employees, but none of 5R’s debts. Wisconsin Logistics Solutions LLC (Wisconsin Logistics) was created by Shibilski in February 2015 to handle 5R’s trucking and logistics operations. Wisconsin Logistics took on most of 5R’s trucks and equipment, drivers, dispatchers, pick-up routes, licenses, and all of 5R’s income flows from trucking and logistics, but again, none of 5R’s debts.
At today’s sentencing, Judge Peterson found that the government presented overwhelming evidence showing that Shibilski had been in charge of 5R’s operations and finances since March 2013 and had been the primary decisionmaker on which bills to pay and not pay, including not paying the employment taxes for 5R, Pure Extractions and Wisconsin Logistics. Judge Peterson found that Shibilski had not sincerely accepted responsibility for his actions, noting that Shibilski kept blaming everybody else, including the IRS, his co-defendants, and other 5R employees for the nonpayment of the employment taxes. Judge Peterson added that as the CEO/CFO and part-owner of 5R, Shibilski was the person who was in charge at 5R, which had a brother-sister relationship with Pure Extractions and Wisconsin Logistics.
Judge Peterson explained that a sentence of imprisonment was necessary in this case to send a deterrence message to two groups. One, business owners who willfully fail to pay their employment taxes and need to know their actions will have consequences and they will go to federal prison. Two, the general public who need to know that prison is not just for the impoverished or drug dealers, and that people who willfully fail to pay the IRS and use the tax funds for other purposes, will go to prison.
As part of the plea agreement, Shibilski agreed to pay monies towards the remediation of the leaded glass storage sites for 5R in Wisconsin and Tennessee in the amount of: (1) $100,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and (2) $100,000 to Paint Oak LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Shibilski’s co-defendant, Bonnie Dennee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, relating to 5R’s illegal storage of leaded glass. On January 26, 2021, Dennee was sentenced to 5 months in prison. Shibilski’s co-defendant, James Moss, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States relating to 5R’s illegal storage of leaded glass, as well as conspiracy involving the failure to pay over 5R’s employment taxes. On November 23, 2020, Moss was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The charges against Shibilski, Moss, and Dennee were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Law Enforcement, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Graber.
Former KC Man Arrested in Mexico for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., man who moved to Mexico and lived under another name, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to producing child pornography.
Wyatt Christopher Maxwell, also known as “Louis Whitaker,” 23, was charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 7, 2023. That indictment has been unsealed and made public upon Maxwell’s arrest in Mexico on Feb. 14, 2023, and initial court appearance in the Central District of California (in Los Angeles, Calif.) on Feb. 16, 2023.
Maxwell lived in Kansas City, Mo., at the time of the alleged offenses, but afterward moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he went by the name “Louis Whitaker” as a cabaret singer.
The federal indictment alleges that Maxwell used a minor victim to produce child pornography between July 31, 2020, and Feb. 1, 2021. The indictment also alleges that Maxwell transported the minor victim across state lines from Kansas to Missouri to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Maxwell is also charged with two counts of distributing child pornography over the internet and one count of possessing child pornography.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the FBI and the Overland Park, Kan., Police Department.
Former Fresno IRS Employee Pleads Guilty to Selling Morphine and Contributing to Co-worker’s DeathRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Margarita Aispuro-Camacho, 46, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to illegally selling morphine and contributing to the death of her co-worker at the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, Aispuro-Camacho was a clerk at the IRS in Fresno. In May 2020, she sold morphine pills that she had been prescribed to one of her co-workers. The co-worker died the next day from an overdose of the morphine that Aispuro-Camacho had provided and other prescription drugs that the co-worker obtained from other sources.
Aispuro-Camacho had previously sold morphine and other drugs she had been prescribed to the co-worker on at least five occasions. She profited a few thousand dollars from the sales.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
Aispuro-Camacho is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Aispuro-Camacho faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Fifteen Members of Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club Conspiracy Sentenced to a Total of over 155 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Jesse Wilson, 37, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for his part in a larger conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Wilson is the last of fifteen members of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Evansville. Central Holman, IV, 31, of Owensboro, Kentucky was the main source of methamphetamine for the conspiracy, whose ringleaders were Gary Forston, 42, and Jason Kyle Wilson, 45, both of Evansville. Many of the defendants were members and associates of the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club.
“The members of this conspiracy will spend many years in federal prison for pumping large quantities of methamphetamine onto our streets,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Methamphetamine use devastates so many families and kills hundreds of Hoosiers every year. That’s why we will work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle armed organizations trafficking in deadly drugs. The sentences imposed in this case demonstrate our commitment to protecting the public from these dangerous criminals.”
“Drugs destroy communities by themselves, but the deadly results are compounded as criminal enterprises use firearms enforce their illegal trade.” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to lock up those putting poison into our community.”
“Individuals like Mr. Wilson who are part of a violent methamphetamine trafficking organization must be held accountable for their actions. The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners in order to keep our communities safe,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “The DEA commends the outstanding work of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Owensboro, KY Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the countless hours spent bringing these individuals to justice.”
According to court documents, beginning in at least 2018, Central Holman, IV, served as the main source of supply of methamphetamine for the conspiracy, while Gary Forston and Jason Kyle Wilson served as ring leaders of the conspiracy to distribute to mid and low-level distributors.
The investigation began in 2019 when law enforcement officers arrested Jason Kyle Wilson for the armed dealing of methamphetamine in Evansville, Indiana. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that Holman first began distributing methamphetamine to Jason Wilson and Clarence Grubbs in late 2018 or early 2019. Holman resided in Owensboro, Kentucky and often met members of the conspiracy there or in Evansville to distribute the methamphetamine. Holman distributed approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine to members of the conspiracy in 2019 and at least 50 pounds in 2018.
Once they acquired the drug, Forston and Wilson distributed the methamphetamine to mid-level distributors, Adam Lafferty, Shane Lewis, James Benton, Brian Eden, Paul Overby, Kimberly Wilson, Jesse Wilson, Matthew Meredith, Clarence Grubbs, Daniel Wiscaver, and April Martin. Among the locations used to distribute and receive money for the substances was The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Clubhouse located on East Diamond Avenue in Evansville.
Law enforcement officers seized over 20 firearms and over $10,000 in United States currency during the course of the investigation. The conspiracy was responsible for over 80 pounds of methamphetamine distributed in the Southern District of Indiana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently in litigation to seeking to forfeit the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Clubhouse as the proceeds and instrumentality of criminal conduct.
As of today, all 15 defendants have been sentenced as follows:
DEFENDANT
OFFENSES
SENTENCE
Central Holman IV, 31, Owensboro, KY.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,
21 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Gary Wayne Forston, 42, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine
16 years’ imprisonment
5 supervised release
Jason Kyle Wilson, 45, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm
18 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Adam Lafferty, 41, Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
10 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Shane Lewis, 35, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Providing a Firearm to a Prohibited Person
12.5 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
James Benton, 69, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
5 years’ imprisonment
3 years supervised release
Brian Eden, 43, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
12.5 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Paul Overby, 48, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine
15 years’ imprisonment
7 years supervised release
Kimberly Wilson, 41, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
7.25 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Jesse Wilson, 37, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
8 years’ imprisonment
3 years supervised release
Matthew Meredith, 43, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
11 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Clarence Grubbs, 51, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
16 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Daniel Wiscaver, 64, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Time served
3 years supervised release
April Martin, 51, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
3 years’ imprisonment
2 years supervised release
Derek Sander, 51, Evansville, IN.
Providing a Firearm to a Prohibited Person
Time served
3 years supervised release
ATF and DEA Evansville investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
See previous press release here.
Federal Jury Convicts Cyberstalker Who Used Fake LinkedIn Profile in Harassment CampaignRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Texas man on Friday on charges of cyberstalking.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Christopher Kevin Morris, 45, attempted to ruin the life of a victim in the Eastern District of North Carolina, as well as harass two other victims elsewhere. Morris attempted to defame his North Carolina victim by creating a fake LinkedIn profile describing the victim as a child molester and rapist, sending emails to co-workers pretending to be a respected colleague alleging that the victim was a convicted child molester, and sending emails to co-workers pretending to be the victim that used racist language. In addition, Morris sent harassing and confrontational emails to each of the victims using a variety of email accounts implying that he was watching them or their family, calling them inappropriate things, and using racist and offensive language. He sent a message to one of the victims saying, “dead man walking.” Finally, Morris attempted to ruin the life of the North Carolina victim by posting source code on the public internet on multiple occasions, code that the victim worked extensively on for six years and was worth millions of dollars. Morris engaged in this criminal conduct after making inappropriate comments to the North Carolina victim in a forum public to other employees and, after refusing to apologize for his conduct, was removed from his job.
Morris faces a maximum sentence of 60 months in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release when sentenced in May 2023.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the verdict. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:21-CR-370-FL.
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Federal Jury Convicts Boise Tax Return Preparer of Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOISE – After a four-day trial, a federal jury found Boise tax return preparer Andres Sanchez, 33, guilty of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of six false or fraudulent tax returns on behalf of several clients, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill presided over the trial which began on February 13 and concluded with six guilty verdicts on February 17. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one remaining count.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Sanchez worked as a paid tax return preparer in Boise. For tax returns filed for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016, Sanchez counseled his clients to include ineligible dependents on their tax returns to increase tax refunds. The ineligible dependents resulted in dependency exemptions and refundable tax credits for Sanchez’s clients, including the child tax credit, additional child tax credit, and earned income credit. The ineligible dependents resulted in significant refunds in many cases where Sanchez’s clients would have otherwise owed taxes.
“Tax fraud is an affront to all taxpayers who comply with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will aggressively pursue those who submit false tax returns or who unlawfully evade their tax obligations in other ways. This case is a reminder of our dedication to this mission. It is also a reminder to the public to be cautious when choosing a tax preparer. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.”
“Over the past three years, investigations led by IRS-CI special agents have resulted in more than 300 return preparers being sentenced for filing false tax returns,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Return preparer fraud will remain a top priority for us and today’s verdict should serve as a reminder to tax preparers that filing false returns will lead to significant fines and prison.”
Sanchez faces a maximum of three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each false tax return. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in this case.
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Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on June 15, 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (JDDTF) were requested to assist Springdale police officers who responded to a shots-fired call. After receiving a vehicle description and locating the vehicle, officers stopped and made contact with the driver, who was identified as Wayne Duvall Coleman, age 41.
The officer asked Coleman if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, and Coleman advised that there was marijuana in the center console. A search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating marijuana, multiple prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Coleman was arrested and his vehicle was secured. On June 16, 2022, officers applied for and received a search warrant to conduct a more thorough search of the vehicle in reference to the shots-fired call the day prior. During that search, detectives located two small baggies containing suspected methamphetamine in the steering column of the vehicle.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Department of Homeland Security forensic laboratory for further analysis. Subsequent testing confirmed that the substance contained methamphetamine and weighed 54.66 grams.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Springdale Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case.
Ex-Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna Convicted of Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Taking Millions in Cash Bribes from the Sinaloa CartelRead the Press Release
Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico from 2006 to 2012, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of all five counts of a superseding indictment charging him with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise that includes six drug-related violations, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine, and making false statements. The verdict followed a four-week trial before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan. When sentenced, Luna faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the verdict.
“Garcia Luna, who once stood at the pinnacle of law enforcement in Mexico, will now live the rest of his days having been revealed as a traitor to his country and to the honest members of law enforcement who risked their lives to dismantle drug cartels,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “It is unconscionable that the defendant betrayed his duty as Secretary of Public Security by greedily accepting millions of dollars in bribe money that was stained by the blood of Cartel wars and drug-related battles in the streets of the United States and Mexico, in exchange for protecting those murderers and traffickers he was solemnly sworn to investigate. Today’s verdict is a shining light for the rule of law, right over wrong, and justice over injustice for all those who have suffered as a result of the defendant’s deplorable crimes.”
“Today’s conviction of Genaro Garcia Luna clearly shows that DEA will stop at nothing to pursue corrupt political officials who engage in drug trafficking and violence,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico, received millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa cartel in exchange for protecting its drug trafficking activities and facilitating the importation of cocaine and other drugs into the United States. This case affirms DEA’s dedication to target and bring to justice those that enable the Sinaloa criminal drug cartel to flood the U.S. with deadly drugs that are killing Americans at unprecedented rates. It should send a clear message – to all political leaders around the world that trade on positions of influence to further transnational organized crime – that DEA will relentlessly pursue drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and health of the American people.”
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo: “Criminal organizations cannot function at the level of the Sinaloa drug cartel without the support of corrupt politicians and officials such as Genaro Garcia Luna who aid and abet them. Garcia Luna, a trusted public servant, used his official position to assist this violent drug cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Not only did Garcia Luna betray his position, his people and his country, his actions facilitated the importation of tons of illicit drugs into the United States. Corrupt officials like Garcia Luna create a dangerous work environment for U.S. law enforcement who often share sensitive information with the Mexican government to stem the flow of dangerous narcotics into the United States. HSI, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue individuals and organizations that negatively impact the national security of the United States and the safety of its citizens.”
As proven at trial, from 2006 to 2012, Garcia Luna was Mexico’s top law enforcement official, serving as Secretary of Public Security and, in that capacity controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force. Previously, from 2001 to 2005, the defendant was the head of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency (“AFI”). The defendant used his official positions to assist the violent Sinaloa drug cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Garcia Luna’s conduct included facilitating the safe passage for the Cartel’s drug shipments, providing sensitive law enforcement information about investigations into the Cartel, and helping the Cartel attack rival drug cartels, thereby facilitating the importation of multi‑ton quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.
The evidence included testimony from former high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel with direct knowledge of the defendant’s corrupt activities. For example, in exchange for bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force acted as bodyguards and escorts for the Cartel, allowing Cartel members to wear police uniforms and badges, and helped unload shipments of cocaine from planes at Mexico City’s airport, then delivered the cocaine to the Cartel. The defendant was paid in U.S. currency — $100 bills in bundles of $10,000 at times — stuffed variously in a suitcase, briefcases and duffel bags. The bribe amounts increased over the years as the Sinaloa Cartel grew in size and power through the assistance of the defendant. Former members of the Cartel testified that bribe money was handed off to the defendant in a variety of locations, including at a “safe house” located in Mexico City where large amounts of cash were hidden in a false wall, at a car wash in Guadalajara, and at a French restaurant in Mexico City across the street from the U.S. Embassy. Further, in exchange for the millions of dollars that the defendant was receiving in bribes, his federal police leaked sensitive information that enabled the Cartel to evade detection by law enforcement or use the information in attacks on rival traffickers.
Finally, after moving to the United States in 2012, Garcia Luna submitted an application for naturalization in 2018, in which he lied about his past criminal conduct on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen.
Garcia Luna’s co-defendants in the superseding indictment, Luis Cardenas Palomino and Ramon Pequeno Garcia, former high-ranking Mexican law enforcement officials who worked under Garcia Luna, remain fugitives from U.S. authorities.
The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, United States Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Erin Reid, Philip Pilmar, Marietou Diouf, and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Huda Abouchaer, Melissa Bennett, and Bridget Donovan.
The Defendant:
GENARO GARCIA LUNA
Age: 54
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-576 (BMC)
Elmira Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Corey J. Lattimer, 30, of Elmira, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that Lattimer was arrested April 25, 2022, after the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and the New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at his S. Main Street residence. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 2,075 grams of methamphetamine, 475 grams of fentanyl, and 5.2 grams of p-Flourofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, drug paraphernalia, $3,528.62 in U.S. currency, and over 250 rounds of live .45 caliber, 9mm caliber, and .380 caliber ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2023, before Judge Siragusa.
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Elmira Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Walker, age 32, of Elmira, New York, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, and Steven A. Nigrelli, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police made the announcement.
Walker admitted that on February 12, 2022, he drove a rental vehicle from his residence in Elmira to Cortland, New York. He intended to meet another individual in the parking lot of a Cortland business to sell to that individual 447 grams of pure methamphetamine, which Walker had in the trunk of the vehicle. Walker further admitted that he also possessed 137 grams of cocaine in the vehicle.
At sentencing, scheduled for June 21, 2023, Walker faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The New York State Police and DEA investigated the case, with assistance from the Elmira Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
District Man Admits to Perpetrating Sophisticated Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Suzgo Phiri, 35, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in District Court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper who scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2023. Phiri faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison, plus possible fines and restitution.
According to court documents, between 2018 and his arrest in March of 2022, Phiri - who used multiple false identities including: “Malcolm Tucker,” “David Campbell,” “Eric Brooks,” “Aaron Brooks,” “John Sanders,” “Jaamal Brooks,” “Brady Jones,” and “Payton Deel” – committed multiple fraud schemes. In one fraud, he generated approximately $10,000 per week through a scheme that exploited weaknesses in the payment processing systems used by Square and American Express. The defendant moved fraudulent “tip” amounts that were instantly credited by Square to bank accounts that he had opened using one of many false identities and then quickly withdrew those funds before the fraud could be detected. The government has identified at least $300,000 in gross proceeds from that scheme.
In addition to the fraudulent identity scheme, the government has identified numerous other instances in which the defendant has possessed false identification documents, bank records, and bank cards for individuals other than himself.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.
Denison Youth Pastor Sentenced for Child Exploitation ViolationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A former youth pastor has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Chad Michael Rider, 49, of Anna, Texas, was found guilty by a jury on July 22, 2022, of three counts of sexual exploitation of children, also referred to as the production of child pornography. Today, Rider was sentenced to a total combined sentence of 720 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant.
According to the court documents and testimony at trial, in August 2022, Homeland Security Investigations agents were investigating David Pettigrew, of Denison, for child pornography offenses. Agents seized a computer hard drive from Pettigrew’s office at the Denison Church of the Nazarene. Forensic review of the device revealed videos of Pettigrew and Rider setting up to film children while bathing at the church. Additional videos were located in which Rider filmed two other children in residential settings.
“Justice has been served on Chad Michael Rider for his role in the production of child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “He used his trusted roles as a church leader, care giver to at-risk teens, and as a trusted member of his community to plant secret recording devices in bathrooms and other places where children would be disrobed. This shocking breach of trust was committed by an individual who had falsely sewn a firm belief of good character of himself in so many parents in his community. This case stands as a stark reminder of our common duty as citizens to watch out for the most vulnerable among us. I appreciate the members of law enforcement, community members, and especially the victims who had the courage to stand up and stop Rider before he could victimize others.”
“This defendant and his cohort routinely preyed on the innocence of several children that looked to him for guidance as members of his church. He had no concern for the life-altering harm his devious actions would cause those he victimized,” said Lester R. Hayes Jr., Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “Unfortunately, no amount of prison time can restore their innocence but rest assured, this community is safer with this sexual deviant behind bars.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Anna Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa J. Miller and Jay Combs.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Six Years for Firearm Possession Related to Illegal Gun SalesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Covington has sentenced Robert Humberston (39, Sarasota) to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Humberston had pleaded guilty on December 2, 2021.
According to court documents, in March 2021, law enforcement officers recovered three firearms from a felon during a probation search. The felon was prohibited from possessing firearms and informed the officers that they had purchased all three firearms from Humberston, as recently as January 2021. The felon showed the officers a series of Facebook messages where Humberston arranged for the sale of a firearm.
Law enforcement officers secured a search warrant for Humberston’s Facebook account. The account contained several pictures of Humberston holding various firearms, along with numerous posts and messages relating to the sale of firearms. The officers discovered the chain of messages where Humberston agreed to sell the firearm to the felon. Tattoos in the photos also matched those on Humberston.
Humberston has multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
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.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dillon Shane Browning, 31, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2021, Browning sold approximately 13.77 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at his Charleston residence.
Browning admitted to that transaction and to selling approximately one-half of an ounce of methamphetamine to the confidential informant at his Charleston residence on March 12, 2021. After the second transaction, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Browning’s residence and found approximately 233 grams of methamphetamine in an outbuilding. Browning admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and further admitted that he intended to sell it in the Charleston area.
Browning is scheduled to be sentenced on My 24, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-6.
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Carlsbad man sentenced for enticement of a childRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Billy George West was sentenced to 14 years in prison and order to pay a $5,000 fine pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. West, 79, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2022.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 30, 2021, West exchanged sexually explicit messages via telephone with a nine-year old girl in Florida. During the exchange, West using the screen name “Piper,” sent a photo of his genitalia and received a photo of the victim’s genitalia. West admitted that he knew the victim was a minor.
Upon his release from prison, West will be subject to 5 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Carlsbad Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and R. Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case.
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23-30
Cape Girardeau Man Admits Possessing Machine GunRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Cape Girardeau, Missouri on Tuesday admitted being caught with a fully automatic Glock pistol during a traffic stop in October.
Kaydence K. Robertson, 21, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to one count of possession of a machine gun. Robertson admitted that he was inside a speeding vehicle that was pulled over by the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 23, 2022. A deputy found a .45-caliber Glock pistol modified with an illegal 3D-printed “switch” to make it fully automatic. The deputy also found marijuana, suspected crack cocaine, oxycodone and a 9mm Glock pistol, Robertson’s plea says.
Glock switches, sometimes referred to as “auto sears,” are considered machine guns under federal law, even if not installed in a firearm.
Robertson is scheduled to be sentenced May 15. The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.
California man who shipped meth from Sinaloa Cartel to Butte community sentenced to eight years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A California man who admitted to a drug trafficking crime for shipping methamphetamine from the Sinaloa Cartel into the Butte community for redistribution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Heriberto Tavares, 30, of Anaheim, California, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about November 2018 to November 2019, Tavares served as a stash house for the Sinaloa Cartel. Tavares acted as the Amazon shipping services for the cartel, shipping drugs from Mexico into the United States at the direction of the drug trafficking leaders. In some instances, Tavares had 20 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of approximately 72,480 doses, at a time in his home.
Law enforcement learned that Tavares was shipping drugs, which originated in Mexico, into Montana. During an undercover operation, an agent ordered meth from Humberto Villareal, of Sinaloa, Mexico, who was sentenced in 2021 to 17 years in federal prison for conviction of meth trafficking in the Butte area. In July 2019, law enforcement received a package, sent from Tavares, that contained 474 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth and heroin. Agents paid for the drugs Tavares sent by wiring money to Ricardo Ramos Medina, in Sinaloa, Mexico. Medina was sentenced in 2020 to eight years in federal prison for conviction on trafficking pounds of meth and other drugs to the Butte area.
Tavares was indicted as part of an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization that brought massive quantities of meth, counterfeit oxycodone pills and heroin into Butte for redistribution through out the state. The investigation resulted in federal convictions of 22 persons. Tavares is the last defendant to be sentenced.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte-Silver Bow Police.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Broken Arrow Man Pleads Guilty After Illegally Applying for and Receiving a $20,665 Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
A man who received $20,665 from the Small Business Administration after fraudulently applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Malcolm Andre Jones, 31, of Broken Arrow, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. In his plea agreement, Jones admitted that he devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration of the funds.
Specifically, Jones knowingly submitted a false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan application to Capital PF, a Small Business Administration approved lender. The loan application Jones prepared and submitted falsely claimed that he operated a landscaping business and that all loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes. Instead, when he obtained the funds in March 2021, he used the loan proceeds for miscellaneous non-business expenses, including paying bills and purchasing a couch and an automobile. Jones further fraudulently submitted a forgiveness application for the loan and was granted forgiveness based on his submission.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection- Office of Inspector General and the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case.
To learn more about the Justice Department’s COVID response and to report COVID-19 fraud, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For further information on the Criminal Division’s enforcement efforts on PPP fraud, including court documents from significant cases, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
Box Elder man sentenced to prison for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted to assaulting a woman with whom he was in a relationship on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Clay James Bad Hawk, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2021, Bad Hawk punched, slapped, kicked and strangled the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with whom he was in a relationship. Bad Hawk assaulted Jane Doe in a bedroom in his residence, and two girls from across the street yelled through the bedroom window at Bad Hawk that the police were called. Jane Doe hid until the porch until she was found by police. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Bad Hawk had two prior domestic violence convictions from the Chippewa Cree Tribal Court.
The FBI, Chippewa Cree Tribal Law Enforcement and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case.
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Boston Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Jan. 4, 2023 armed robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in Massachusetts.
Anthony Diaz, 20, was charged with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with a United States Postal Employee, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and did so by use of a deadly weapon, a firearm. In addition, Diaz was also charged with assaulting a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of United States mail, money, and other property of the United States, with the intent to rob, steal and purloin that mail, money, and other property of the United States, and in doing so put the life of that victim in jeopardy by the use of a firearm. Diaz was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023 and, following an initial appearance in Worcester this afternoon, was detained pending a hearing set for Feb. 27, 2023.
According to the charging documents, USPS has seen a rise in the use of Arrow Keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An Arrow Key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These Arrow Keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 12 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS Arrow Keys from letter carriers in at least 10 instances. Additionally, of these 10, six of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both.
It is alleged that, on Jan. 4, 2023, in Peabody, Mass., Diaz approached a USPS letter carrier and stated, “Give me the keys,” while pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. After the victim handed Diaz the USPS vehicle key, Diaz allegedly responded, “Give me the rest of the key,” and “Hurry up or I’ll shoot you.” The victim removed his keychain, which was attached to his belt, containing his USPS Arrow Key and asked if he could have his vehicle key back. Allegedly, Diaz did not respond, as he turned, placing the firearm in his right jacket pocket, and walked directly to the dark grey sedan parked in the area of 3A Veterans Memorial Drive. It is further alleged that Diaz stopped at the rear of the vehicle with the trunk open, before getting into the driver’s seat and departing.
“The national trend of threatening, assaulting and robbing United States postal employees for Arrow Keys has sadly made its way to Massachusetts. Postal workers are essential to countless aspects of our community and often go to great lengths to provide their invaluable services, at times in incredibly challenging circumstances,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We allege Mr. Diaz targeted a mail carrier and robbed the victim at gun point for an Arrow Key. I commend the excellent investigative work by our USPIS partners, and issue warning to anyone seeking to harm postal workers for financial gain: you will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in federal court.”
“Today’s arrest has been a true team effort,” said Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service would like to thank Peabody Police, Boston Police, and the Massachusetts State Police for their assistance in this investigation. Let today’s arrest serve as an example to criminals: if you target U.S. Postal Service employees and accost them with a gun, you will be identified and prosecuted. Postal Inspectors are watching, and we will tirelessly pursue you to bring you to justice.”
The charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; USPIS Acting INC Edwards made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beaumont Postal Employee Guilty of Stealing MailRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A Beaumont woman has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Pamela Jo Rosas, 64, pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee today before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, in April 2022, postal inspectors became aware that multiple valuable coins had been stolen after they had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. An investigation revealed that Rosas, a postal employee, had stolen the coins while sorting mail at a central mail processing facility in Beaumont. Rosas was arrested and admitted to stealing various items throughout her employment, including large amounts of valuable coins.
Rosas was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022 and faces up to five years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Beaumont Man Guilty of Federal Violations in Animal Cruelty CaseRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Decorius Mire, 23, pleaded guilty to animal crushing today before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
Animal crushing is defined under federal criminal law as, “actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians, is purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury.”
According to information presented in court, on October 15, 2021, Mire and a co-defendant encountered a live domestic cat in the parking lot of a Beaumont apartment complex. The co-defendant, encouraged by Mire, kicked the cat as if kicking a football field goal, propelling the cat approximately 15 to 20 feet through the air. Mire filmed the event with his cellular telephone and posted the video on his social media accounts where it was commented on and shared with others.
Mire was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 28, 2022 and faces up to seven years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.
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Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Emmanuel Medina, age 35, of Albany, pled guilty today to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf made the announcement.
Medina admitted that on June 27, 2022, Troy Police Officers responded to a disturbance call in Lansingburgh and found him outside of a house, attempting to conceal a loaded handgun inside of a Jeep Wrangler. Medina eventually stepped away from the vehicle and was safely detained. Officers found a loaded Hi-Point Firearms .380 ACP pistol in the part of the Jeep where Medina had just been observed. Medina admitted that he possessed the handgun in order to protect the cash proceeds (totaling about $2,610.22) that he had generated from recent, prior heroin sales, as well as to protect himself when he had sold and possessed that heroin.
Medina has been in custody since his arrest on June 27, 2022. He faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2023 by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.
This case was investigated by the Troy Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting the case.
Alamo Resident Faces Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Ozymandias Troy Watson appeared today in United States District Court to face a federal charge that he possessed with intent distribute fentanyl in the form of counterfeit “M30” pills, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris. Watson made his initial appearance today in United States District Court in Oakland before United States Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu.
The charge was set out in a criminal complaint filed February 10, 2023, and unsealed in federal court today. According to the criminal complaint, Watson, 18, of Contra Costa County, possessed numerous fentanyl “M30” pills and intended to distribute them. The complaint describes a drug transaction where “M30 pills,” that are alleged to have been provided by Watson, were sold to an individual who subsequently died of an overdose. The complaint alleges that Watson possessed approximately 130 “M30” fentanyl tablets.
In sum, the complaint charges Watson with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C). The statutory maximum for the charge is a maximum 20 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum of 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after considerations of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statue governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. 3553.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Chambers of the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Leeya Kekona. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA and the Dublin Police Department.
One Pill Can Kill: Beware of pills bought on the street: One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opiate that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of Oxycodone, Percocet, and other drugs, but can be obtained at a lower cost. However, very small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl create huge effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills and can easily cause death. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills are usually shaped and colored to resemble pills that are sold legitimately at pharmacies.