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Thursday 22 December 2022
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Stephan Marshall (35, Jacksonville) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Marshall to forfeit the ammunition and firearms involved in the offense. Marshall had pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 10, 2022, Marshall was arrested during a traffic stop in Jacksonville. Officers recovered two firearms and narcotics from the vehicle. Marshall’s three-month-old infant was in the back seat of the vehicle. Marshall had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 20 was:
Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Olson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Olson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-134.
Appearing on Dec. 16 was:
Travis Ridenour, aka Travis Lamere, 34, of Billings, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ridenour faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years of supervised release. Ridenour was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-111.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Dec. 19 was:
Brian George Funk, 53, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Funk faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Funk was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-121.
Ian Ray Stewart, 24, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stewart faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.
Appearing on Dec. 15 was:
Danyell Rose Black Dog, 22, of Poplar, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth resulting in death. If convicted of the most serious crime, Black Dog faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Black Dog was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-98.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and “Sextortion” of a 12-Year-Old Girl via Snapchat and OmegleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kyle Peterson, 25, of Rockford, Illinois, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a twelve-year-old girl.
According to court documents, between March of 2020 and March of 2021, Kyle Peterson persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Beginning on March 20, 2020, Peterson used the social media platforms Omegle and Snapchat to contact minors, including Victim 1. Victim 1 was twelve years old at the time of contact with Peterson. Knowing the victim was a child, Peterson began to groom her by sending her sexually explicit images and videos online. The material Peterson distributed to Victim 1 included an image depicting sadomasochistic behavior and images and videos depicting sexual abuse of animals.
Peterson engaged in sexually explicit video chats with the child and instructed her to send him sexually explicit videos of herself. When Victim 1 stopped complying with Peterson’s continuous demands, he began threatening to disseminate her sexually explicit images and videos to her family and friends and post them on the Internet.
This criminal behavior is commonly referred to as “sextortion.” After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content, or they threaten violence, to get the victim to produce more images. The shame, fear, and confusion children feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse. Caregivers and young people should understand how the crime occurs and openly discuss online safety. More information about the efforts of the Justice Department and FBI to protect children from sextortion can be found on the FBI’s website.
“The defendant not only exposed a child to some of the most disturbing and heinous sexually explicit online imagery, but also took advantage of a preteen girl’s vulnerability to threaten and coerce her into complying with his demands,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We commend the Avon Police Department and the FBI for rescuing this victim and potentially others from the defendant’s ongoing sexual exploitation. The sentence imposed today should be a warning to anyone who might engage in these crimes that they will be identified, prosecuted, and sentenced to significant terms in federal prison.”
“The Avon Police Department takes great pride in protecting children from online predators who exploit children in the most unimaginable ways. The efforts of our Detectives were key in holding Mr. Peterson responsible for his conduct. We hope the victim is able move forward after this conviction,” said Deputy Chief Brian Nugent, Avon Police Department. “The Avon community is thankful for the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about online safety, body safety, and identifying a few adults that they feel comfortable reporting any instances of abuse to.”
Avon Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. Chief District Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Peterson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison and pay $16,000 in restitution to the child victims. Peterson must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston who prosecuted the case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting 10 AliensRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Cesar Batres-Recinos, age 26, pled guilty on Tuesday to unlawfully transporting 10 Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Batres-Recinos admitted that on October 2, 2022, he drove his SUV from Illinois to Constable, New York, to pick up 10 Mexican citizens who had recently illegally crossed the international border from Canada into the United States. Batres-Recinos also admitted that he planned to drive the 10 people to various locations in the United States, including Chicago, Illinois. Batres-Recinos further admitted that he was to be paid $2,500 for his efforts in transporting the Mexican citizens.
Batres-Recinos faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on April 19, 2023. 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.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
Ian Freeman Convicted on All Counts Relating to Bitcoin Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young, announced that a federal jury convicted Ian Freeman, 42, of Keene, on all counts of money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business, and tax evasion (four counts).
According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the ten-day trial, Freeman laundered over ten million dollars in proceeds of romance scams and other internet frauds by exchanging U.S. dollars for bitcoin. By failing to register his business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as required by law, disabling “know your customer” features on his bitcoin kiosks, and ensuring that bitcoin customers did not tell him what they did with their bitcoin, among other things, Freeman created a business that catered to fraudsters. By charging exorbitant fees, Freeman made in excess of a million dollars.
Records and exhibits proved that as part of the conspiracy, Freeman and his co-conspirators opened and operated accounts at financial institutions in the names of various churches including the Shire Free Church, the Church of the Invisible Hand, the Crypto Church of New Hampshire and the NH Peace Church. Freeman instructed bitcoin customers, who were often victims of scams, to lie to the financial institutions and describe their deposits as church donations. From 2016 to 2019, he paid no taxes, and concealed his income from the Internal Revenue Service.
Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2023.
“The culture of scamming through the internet has become a pervasive societal problem. These scammers get away with their crimes, which often victimize some of our most vulnerable citizens, by hiding their tracks, including the money trail,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Money launderers such as Ian Freeman are the ones who help hide the money for these scammers. Today’s swift verdict sends a strong message that this type of money laundering will not be tolerated. Stopping scammers by disrupting their methods for hiding their tracks is an important federal objective. This prosecution is an important step in meeting that objective.”
“Today’s verdict proves Ian Freeman operated a large-scale multi-million-dollar virtual currency business under the guise of a religious organization receiving charitable contributions that broke numerous laws to evade detection. As a member of this criminal conspiracy, Mr. Freeman took advantage of the emotions and bank accounts of unwitting victims to line his own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI will continue its longstanding tradition of following the money, whether physical, or digital, to expose criminal schemes like this one, and the fraudsters behind them. We thank the jury for its service and its decision to hold Mr. Freeman accountable.”
"Today, Ian Freeman became another example of an individual who attempted to conceal the true source of his money and was caught,” said Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS- Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities and the IRS will continue to take every step necessary to ferret out those who attempt to avoid their reporting obligations under the law.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and the Department of Justice, Tax Division, provided substantial assistance in the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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Honduran Man Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Carlos Delcid-Diaz, age 33, of Honduras, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on a charge of Illegal Reentry.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Delcid-Diaz was removed from the United States on or about November 3, 2008, through San Antonio, Texas, and it is alleged that he reentered the United States without first obtaining legal permission to do so. The indictment also alleges that on September 28, 2022, Delcid-Diaz was encountered in York County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Hazleton Woman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Mariluz Arias De Gonzalez (“Arias”), age 49, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on two occasions on February 10, 2020, Arias distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Hazleton area. Arias, a Dominican national, obtained the methamphetamine from a known Hazleton-based drug trafficker, who had previously fled to the Dominican Republic to avoid prosecution.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE MIGUEL VEGA-RIVERA, 50, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Vega-Rivera as being involved in drug trafficking activity after he provided more than $72,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds to an undercover law enforcement officer. On April 27, 2021, DEA Task Force investigators stopped a minivan Vega-Rivera was traveling in after he sold cocaine to an occupant of another vehicle. Investigators found distribution quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the minivan, and a related search of a New Britain apartment connected to Vega-Rivera revealed more than a kilogram of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and approximately $52,000 in cash.
Vega-Rivera has been detained since April 27, 2021. On November 29, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Greensboro Man Sentenced to 260 Months in Federal Prison on Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - A Greensboro resident was sentenced on December 21, 2022, in federal court in Greensboro for drug conspiracy, knowingly possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, maintaining drug-involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina.
MITCHELL DANYELL BANKS, age 43, was convicted at trial on June 16, 2022, of all fourteen counts of the indictment against him. The offenses occurred in Greensboro, North Carolina.
United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., sentenced BANKS a total of 260 months in federal prison. In addition to the prison time, BANKS was ordered to serve concurrent six-, five-and three-year terms of supervised release and to pay a special assessment of $1,400.00.
The case was investigated by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney and Assistant United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett.
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Franklin County Woman Charged with Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Harley Davis, 28, of Enosburg, Vermont, was charged with making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the purchase of three firearms in May 2022. Davis appeared in court yesterday before the Hon. Kevin J. Doyle, U.S. Magistrate Judge, and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
As set forth in the affidavit in support of the complaint, Davis allegedly purchased the firearms for individuals who had come to Vermont for the purpose of selling controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino was appointed to represent Ms. Davis.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
Four Local 98 Employees Plead Guilty to Illegal Use of Union AssetsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Michael Neill, 56, Marita Crawford, 53, Niko Rodriguez, 31, and Brian Fiocca, 31, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and all employees of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“Local 98”), entered pleas of guilty this week before United States District Court Judge Jeffrey Schmehl to federal charges arising from their personal use of the assets of Local 98 in ways that did not benefit the membership of Local 98 as a whole, including embezzlement of labor union assets, wire fraud, and theft from a union employee benefit plan.
All four were charged with former Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty, who is set to stand trial with codefendant Brian Burrows, President of Local 98, on similar charges, in January 2023.
Michael Neill served as the Training Director of Local 98’s Apprentice Training Fund. He pleaded guilty to four counts of embezzlement of labor union assets, one count of theft from a union employee benefit plan, and one count of making and subscribing to a false federal income tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2023.
Marita Crawford served as Local 98’s Political Director. She pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, the object of which was to obtain money and property from Local 98 by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.
Niko Rodriguez was employed by Local 98’s Apprentice Training Fund and by Local 98. He pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement of labor union assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.
Brian Fiocca was employed by Local 98 as an office employee. He pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement of labor union assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2023.
The Indictment returned in January 2019 alleges that from April 2010 through August 2016, defendants John Dougherty, Brian Burrows, Michael Neill, Marita Crawford, Niko Rodriguez, Brian Fiocca and others conspired and agreed to embezzle, steal, and convert to their use and the use of others, the funds, property, and other assets of Local 98 and of the Apprentice Training Fund, in violation of the IBEW constitution, the by-laws of Local 98, the interests of the members of Local 98, and federal law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor Management Standards, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Costello, Chief of the Corruption & Civil Rights Unit; Bea Witzleben, Co-Chief of Trials; Jason Grenell; Anthony Carissimi; and Richard Barrett, Chief of the Office’s Criminal Division.
Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Who Used Gun to Assault a Child Convicted of Civil Rights OffensesRead the Press Release
Following a week-long trial, former Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) Officer Jose Cartagena, 47, was convicted Tuesday for assaulting a juvenile victim and then attempting to cover up the abuse by falsifying an official police report and making misleading statements to a local official.
Evidence presented at trial established that, on Nov. 15, 2014, Cartagena, together with co-defendants Carlos Nieves, Jimmy Davis and Shylene Lopez, all former POPR officers, pursued C.C., the juvenile victim, in a police vehicle while C.C. fled from the defendants on his bicycle. During the pursuit, Nieves shot C.C. in the back. When the defendants caught up to C.C., C.C. complied with police commands to place his hands behind his back while lying face down on the ground. Cartagena then held the victim’s hands together and struck the victim in the back of the head with a gun. The defendants then handcuffed C.C. and placed him in the backseat of the police car. On the way to the police station, Cartagena struck the handcuffed juvenile victim in the face multiple times. The defendants’ abuse required C.C. to seek treatment at a local hospital.
Cartagena was charged with two counts of depriving C.C. of his constitutional rights under color of law for the assaults, and two counts of obstruction of justice, one for falsifying a police report by falsely stating that C.C. received his injuries when he fell of his bicycle, rather than from the defendants’ abuse, and one for making misleading statements to a local prosecutor about the incident. The jury found Cartagena guilty of all charges. Prior to trial, Nieves, Davis and Lopez pleaded guilty to violating C.C.’s constitutional rights during the incident.
“All children in our country have the right to be free from excessive and unlawful use of force at the hands of law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant was convicted for using a gun and his fists to violently assault a handcuffed boy in his custody, and then lying to officials about it. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s civil rights laws and hold accountable officers who break the law and undermine public trust.”
“The prosecution of cases like this one is important to our office, the citizens of Puerto Rico, and the law enforcement community at large. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties with honor and professionalism, those who violate the civil rights of others will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “Officer Cartagena abused the public’s trust when he violated the civil rights of a minor and his prosecution underscores that no one is above the law, including law enforcement officers who abuse their authority.”
"The FBI mission is to protect the people and uphold the Constitution and our civil rights program is at the very core of that mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “Although the vast majority of law enforcement officers are good, honest public servants, it only takes one civil rights violation to shatter public trust in the badge. This is why these cases are of utmost importance to the FBI and this conviction is proof of our commitment to investigate these cases aggressively to bring justice to the victims.”
At sentencing, Cartagena faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be set by the court on a future date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Muldrow and Special Agent in Charge González made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Contreras for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatcher Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Distributing Photos and A Video of Himself Sexually Abusing Two Young ChildrenRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Scott Matthew Yotka (48, Jacksonville) to 60 years in federal prison for producing and distributing photos and a video depicting himself as he sexually abused two young children. Yotka was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Yotka was arrested on September 17, 2021, and has been detained since then. He had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.
According to court documents, on September 15, 2021, Yotka, using the name “Scottnjax44,” engaged in online private conversations using a particular social media application (app) with an undercover FBI task force officer (UC) in Washington, D.C. Yotka discussed his ongoing sexual exploitation of children in graphic detail and stated that he had access to two very young children whom he enjoyed molesting. Yotka commented that these children “squirm … and have that look like let’s just get this over with” whenever he sexually abused them. Yotka sent the undercover officer several photos and a video depicting two young children being sexually abused by Yotka. When the UC asked how he kept the children quiet about the molestation, Yotka replied that “they [are] young and don’t talk lol.” The FBI traced this online messaging to Yotka’s residence in Jacksonville and also determined that the same “Scottnjax44” user account was accessed from the City of Jacksonville offices located in the Ed Ball Building in downtown Jacksonville. Agents then coordinated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and confirmed that Yotka was at that time employed by JSO as a Police Emergency Communications Officer. Late in the evening on September 16, 2021, a federal search warrant was obtained for Yotka’s residence.
Early in the morning on September 17, 2021, the FBI, assisted by the JSO, executed the search warrant and made contact with Yotka at his residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Yotka confirmed that he was the administrator of a chat room on the social media app for individuals interested in “incest fetishes, little kid things, [and] animal things.” Yotka admitted sending explicit pictures of young children to another app user. He also admitted taking photos of these children as he molested them and used a particular foreign object to sexually abuse them. Yotka stated “I know what I did” and “I’m not proud of what I did.” An FBI forensic examiner was able to recover from Yotka’s cellphone the same photos and video depicting Yotka sexually abusing these two children that Yotka had sent to the UC on September 15, 2021.
“The exploitation of children requires swift and aggressive law enforcement action, which is exactly what occurred in this case,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Jacksonville. “Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and the FBI works diligently alongside our partners to locate individuals who seek to harm them. All predators, especially those in positions of community service, should know that we will stop at nothing to find and stop you, and seek justice for innocent victims.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C., and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran handled the forfeiture of assets.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Elementary School Employee Sentenced to Serve 45 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, GREG ALLEN HENKE, 43, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 540 months in federal prison for production of child pornography and possession of material containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
"Henke violated his position of trust as an educator of special needs children when he chose to sexually abuse and exploit these vulnerable children who could not defend themselves," said U.S. Attorney Troester. "Although no sentence can restore the innocence to these child victims, our community is safer with him behind bars. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that my office and the FBI stand ready to respond with thorough investigations, aggressive prosecutions, and determined advocacy in pursuing those who seek to abuse children, whether it occurs behind a keyboard or closed doors."
"Henke preyed on innocent children without regard for the grievous and long-lasting harm his depraved conduct would cause them," said Edward J. Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. "The FBI will never waver in its commitment to protecting our society's most vulnerable citizens. I'm extremely proud of the collaborative effort that ensured this defendant will never be able to harm children again."
On September 7, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment that charged Henke with attempted access with intent to view child pornography, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and two counts of production of child pornography. Specifically, the Superseding Indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2021, Henke used two minor students at a local elementary school to engage in sexually explicit conduct and used his cell phone to capture the sexually explicit conduct. On November 15, 2021, Henke pleaded guilty to one count of possession of material containing child pornography and one count of production of child pornography.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Henke to serve 540 months in federal prison for his conduct, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.He also ordered Henke to pay $87,000 in restitution to his victims. In imposing the sentence, Judge Heaton noted Henke’s history and characteristics, stating Henke had at least a twenty year history of sexually abusing children. Further, Judge Heaton highlighted the serious nature and circumstances of Henke’s offenses, noting Henke’s position of trust as an educator of special needs children and that Henke exploited those who are the most vulnerable in our society
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Federal Jury Convicts Muskogee Resident of Committing Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Robbery Offenses with Use of A FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Patrick Wayne McHenry, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, Kidnapping, Carjacking, Robbery in Indian Country, and the Carry/Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, December 19, 2022 and concluded on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that beginning on or around September 11, 2021, and continuing until September 13, 2021, McHenry kidnapped and assaulted the victim, B.N., in Muskogee, then transported B.N. to Braggs, Oklahoma where he locked B.N. in a shed. The victim was bound with rope and tape but managed to escape and run to a neighboring house for help. When law enforcement arrived, they observed the victim had multiple injuries, was still partially bound with rope, and very emotional. The United States also presented evidence that on September 12, 2021, McHenry robbed and carjacked C.J. at a motel in Muskogee, while possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and Muskogee Police Department.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because one of the victims is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, McHenry used a cell phone and the internet to facilitate the kidnapping, and the crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. McHenry was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Cornell and Casey Richmond represented the United States.
Federal Grand Jury in Maryland Charges Virginia Man for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Lavar William Henderson, age 44, of Richmond, Virginia, for the federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment was returned on November 16, 2022. Henderson was arrested on related state charges on November 16, 2022, and had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt yesterday on the federal indictment. Henderson consented to detention pending trial.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Chief Christopher Stock of the U.S. Park Police, and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his indictment and court documents, on October 26, 2022, Henderson illegally possessed a 9mm pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. On that day, officers with the U.S. Park Police were alerted to be on the lookout for a black Jaguar being driven by a man wearing a red hat, who was pointing a firearm with a red laser at other motorists. A vehicle matching that description passed a crash scene and officers at the scene followed, then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Henderson was arrested.
As detailed in court documents, a 9mm pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, was located in the vehicle. Additional investigation revealed that the firearm was equipped with a red laser and was previously reported stolen from Henrico County, Virginia in 2014. Officers with the United States Park Police and the Maryland State Police conducted interviews with four victims who alleged that Henderson pointed his gun at them while driving that morning, before Henderson’s arrest on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Court documents further allege that Henderson yelled at the victims, and either beat on, or caused damage to, the victims’ vehicles.
If convicted, Henderson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 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.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the U.S. Park Police, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney LaShanta Harris and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Kibbe, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment yesterday, charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2022, Dajuan Simonton, 29, possessed a handgun after having previously been convicted of the following felony offenses: receiving stolen firearms, complicity to possession of a controlled substance in first degree, complicity to receiving stolen property, and tampering with physical evidence.
Simonton is currently in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on unrelated charges. Once his state charges are resolved, he will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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FBI and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Financial Sextortion SchemesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.
Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides. A large percentage of these sextortion schemes originate outside of the United States, and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and our partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys—and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is here for victims, but we also need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does. Victims may feel like there is no way out—it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone.”
“The protection of children is a society’s most sacred duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “It calls on each of us to do everything we can to keep kids from harm, including ensuring the threats they face are brought into the light and confronted. Armed with the information in this alert message, parents, caregivers, and children themselves should feel empowered to detect fake identities, take steps to reject any attempt to obtain private material, and if targeted, have a plan to seek help from a trusted adult.”
Financial sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males, between 14 to 17 years old but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10 years old.
“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI Acting Executive Associate Director. “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.”
Through deception, predators convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends money or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.
“This is a growing crisis and we've seen sextortion completely devastate children and families,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “As the leading nonprofit focused on child protection, we've seen first-hand the rise in these cases worldwide. The best defense against this crime is to talk to your children about what to do if they're targeted online. We want everyone to know help is out there and they're not alone.”
What if you or your child is a victim?
If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact the FBI Portland Field Office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
- Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
- REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
- BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
- Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
- Visit missingkids.org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
- Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
- If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at [email protected] or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.
Evansville Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Ronald Chapman, 46, of Evansville, Indiana was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, in October 2018, law enforcement officers received information that Ronald Chapman was in possession of multiple firearms and was planning to sell one or more firearms to an individual. On October 4, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Chapman’s residence and recovered nine total firearms: an AK-style rifle along with three other long guns and five handguns.
During a recorded interview with investigators, Chapman admitted to keeping firearms inside of his residence, stating several times that he owned the home and had been attempting to sell the firearms. Chapman also advised that there would be marijuana and methamphetamine in the home and a rifle behind his bedroom door. Chapman acknowledged that he spent approximately 16 years in prison in Illinois for making methamphetamine, which prohibits him from ever legally owning a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Chapman had previously been convicted of four felonies in Illinois relating to the manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
“Far too many firearms are illegally trafficked into our communities, driving the gun violence that devastates far too many families,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat offenders like this defendant play a significant role in driving violent crime in our neighborhoods and must be stopped. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute criminals who illegally deal in deadly weapons.”
“This is a scenario we see all too often – not only is the defendant prohibited from possessing firearms due to his own prior conduct, but he is also selling guns to others who in all likelihood aren’t legally able to possess them either,” 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 block the flow of illegally possessed firearms that feed the cycle of violence.”
ATF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Chapman be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the
Defendants sentenced for roles in conspiracy to steal account information, money from bank customersRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Four Cincinnatians were sentenced in U.S. District Court for their roles in a conspiracy to steal bank customers’ information in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Lead defendant Keyonte Bronson, 27, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.
Juan Leonard, Diamond Brocks and Kelliele Berry were also sentenced in Cincinnati this week. Leonard was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Brocks and Berry were both sentenced to time served and a period of supervised release.
Co-defendants previously sentenced include:
- Marcus Knox – 30 months in prison
- Gregory Palmer – 30 months in prison, and
- Kinesha Cavitt – 12 months and one day in prison.
The defendants were all indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. They are seven of 11 individuals charged in this case.
According to court documents, five of the defendants were employed as customer service representatives at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, and in conspiracy with the other defendants, stole customer account information from 2018 until August 2020.
The bank employees were recruited into the scheme through social media. The employees were paid by other co-conspirators to identify bank customers with high cash balances, and to steal and provide the customer information to the other co-conspirators.
Other individuals known as “runners” were recruited to enter Fifth Third bank branches to withdraw money from the compromised accounts. These runners were often homeless or drug-addicted. They were given false ID cards with their picture and the name of the account theft victim.
Runners were sometimes taken to thrift stores and bought clothing to match the victims’ identities more appropriately. Co-conspirators drove the runners to and from the bank branches. After withdrawing $3,000 to $8,000, the runners would receive a small payment. Total losses to the bank exceeded $800,000.
Fifth Third had protective measures and a culture in place to help identify potential misuse of customer information and came forward to work together with law enforcement in this case.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. U.S. Attorney Parker commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service in coordination with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (DART) and Cincinnati Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Discharging A Firearm in Furtherance of A Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marques Howard (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Howard faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense, up to 20 years for the conspiracy offense, and up to 10 years for the possession of the firearm offense. The discharging of the firearm charge carries a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. Howard has also agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2022, Howard robbed an individual at their residence in the Tampa area. During the robbery, Howard, a convicted felon, discharged his firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Howard is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Columbia County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry Todd Wilcox, age 55, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 8, 2022, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. The case was unsealed following Wilcox’s arrest.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Wilcox with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams and more of actual methamphetamine on July 26, 2022, in Columbia County. Wilcox is also charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on November 3, 2022, in Luzerne County.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is life imprisonment, a period of supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Cinco acusados adicionales acusados de conspiración de tráfico de armas de fuego que involucra más de 500 armas de fuego enviadas desde Georgia a California y vendidas en el mercado negro de CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Un gran jurado federal emitió una acusación formal de 12 cargos el jueves, agregando a Andre Warren Jr., de 24 años, de Sacramento; Jjuan Brown, 32, de San Francisco; Kenyatta Alexander, de 37 años, de Sacramento; Jarren Meek, 24, de Stockton; y Keino Brue, de 28 años, de Georgia, como acusados, y acusándolos de conspiración para traficar ilegalmente con armas de fuego sin licencia y traficar ilegalmente con armas de fuego sin licencia, anunció el fiscal federal Phillip A. Talbert. Alexander también está acusado de tres cargos de ser un delincuente en posesión de un arma de fuego.
Según documentos judiciales, el 24 de marzo de 2022, Jerrell Lawson, de 32 años, de Sacramento; Aisha Hoggatt, 30, de Sacramento; Terrence Phillips, 40, de Union City; James Gordley, 33, de Modesto; y Malek Williams, de 29 años, de Georgia, fueron acusados de un esquema de tráfico de armas de fuego en el que las armas de fuego se adquirieron en Georgia y se enviaron a California para venderlas en el mercado negro.
Entre noviembre de 2019 y octubre de 2021, Lawson y sus cómplices trajeron más de 500 armas de fuego de Georgia a California y enviaron más de $300,000 en transferencias de dinero para comprar esas armas de fuego. Lawson negociaba transacciones de armas de fuego en Georgia a través de Internet, y Williams, un residente de Georgia con licencia para portar un arma de fuego oculta, recogía las armas de fuego en persona y las enviaba por correo a varios lugares de California siguiendo las instrucciones de Lawson. Algunas de las armas de fuego fueron para personas que tienen prohibido poseer armas de fuego debido a condenas por delitos graves anteriores. Hoggatt trabajó con Lawson para coordinar la compra, el envío y la distribución de las armas de fuego. Phillips y Gordley también distribuyeron las armas de fuego en California.
Investigaciones adicionales han revelado que Warren Jr., Alexander, Brown y Meek son miembros de la organización de tráfico de armas de fuego de Lawson y subdistribuidores de armas de fuego. Bruce también realizó transacciones de armas de fuego mano a mano y recibió más de $23,000 en transferencias de dinero para comprar armas de fuego para la organización de tráfico de armas de Lawson. Warren Jr., Alexander, Brown y Meek hablaron sobre la adquisición y venta de armas de fuego y dispositivos de conversión de ametralladoras con Lawson. En una ocasión, Brown le indicó a Lawson que las personas en Oakland a las que Brown les estaba suministrando armas de fuego eran “aterradoras”. Lawson, Phillips, Gordley, Warren Jr. y Alexander tienen prohibido poseer armas de fuego porque cada uno tiene una o más condenas por delitos graves.
La investigación comenzó cuando un arma de fuego utilizada en un tiroteo en Sacramento fue rastreada hasta la última venta conocida por un distribuidor con licencia federal en Georgia. Una venta posterior del arma de fuego condujo a la organización de tráfico de armas de fuego de Lawson. Lawson y sus co-conspiradores usaron lenguaje codificado para traficar armas de fuego y movieron dinero usando una variedad de instituciones financieras. Durante la investigación, se encontraron paquetes interceptados destinados a Lawson y otros co-conspiradores que contenían armas de fuego, municiones, cuchillos y manoplas, entre otras cosas.
Este caso es producto de una investigación realizada por la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, el Servicio de Inspección Postal de EE. UU. y la Iniciativa de la Fuerza de Ataque contra el Tráfico de Armas de Fuego Interjurisdiccional de la Región de Sacramento/Área de la Bahía de San Francisco. El fiscal federal adjunto Alexis Klein está procesando el caso.
La Fuerza de Ataque contra el Tráfico de Armas de Fuego Interjurisdiccional de la Región de Sacramento/Área de la Bahía de San Francisco es una de las cinco fuerzas de ataque interjurisdiccionales lanzadas por el Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. en julio de 2021 para interrumpir el tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego en regiones clave de todo el país. Cada fuerza de choque está dirigida por abogados estadounidenses designados, que colaboran con la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF) y con socios policiales estatales y locales dentro de su propia jurisdicción, así como socios policiales en áreas donde se trafica ilegalmente. se originan las armas. Las fuerzas de ataque utilizan los últimos datos, pruebas e inteligencia de las escenas del crimen para identificar patrones, pistas y posibles sospechosos en delitos violentos con armas de fuego, y son una parte importante de la Estrategia Integral de Reducción de Delitos Violentos del Departamento.
Williams se declaró culpable de tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego sin licencia y está programado para ser sentenciado por el juez federal de distrito Dale A. Drozd el 31 de enero de 2023. Williams enfrenta una pena máxima legal de cinco años de prisión por tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego. Los cargos están pendientes contra los restantes acusados. Los cargos en su contra son solo alegatos; se presumen inocentes hasta ya menos que se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable.
Este esfuerzo es parte de una operación de las Fuerzas de Trabajo para el Control de Drogas contra el Crimen Organizado (OCDETF, por sus siglas en inglés). OCDETF identifica, interrumpe y desmantela las organizaciones criminales de más alto nivel que amenazan a los Estados Unidos utilizando un enfoque de múltiples agencias dirigido por fiscales e impulsado por inteligencia. Se puede encontrar información adicional sobre el Programa OCDETF en www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Este caso es parte del Proyecto Vecindarios Seguros (PSN), un programa que reúne a todos los niveles de las fuerzas del orden y las comunidades a las que sirven para reducir los delitos violentos y la violencia armada, y hacer que nuestros vecindarios sean más seguros para todos. El 26 de mayo de 2021, el Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. lanzó una estrategia de reducción de delitos violentos que fortalece a PSN con base en estos principios básicos: fomentar la confianza y la legitimidad en nuestras comunidades, apoyar a las organizaciones comunitarias que ayudan a prevenir que ocurra la violencia en primer lugar, establecer prioridades de aplicación enfocadas y estratégicas, y la medición de los resultados.
COVID-19 Strike Force Announces Indictment of Former Wenatchee Man, Who Is Now At-Large in the Bay AreaRead the Press Release
Wenatchee, Washington – Today, Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a federal grand jury has indicted James Carnell O’Daffer for COVID-19 fraud as part of the Eastern Washington Covid-19 Strike Force. The Strike Force’s work, which has included indictments against a number of individuals, has led to the recovery of millions of dollars in fraudulently obtained COVID relief funding.
The indictment announced today charges O’Daffer, 39, formerly of Wenatchee, WA, with two counts of wire fraud and one count of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. Though filed on October 18, 2022, the indictment was kept under seal while federal law enforcement attempted to locate O’Daffer, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. O’Daffer recently was contacted by federal authorities in San Francisco, CA, and he made an initial appearance in the Northern District of California, where O’Daffer was arraigned, and his indictment was unsealed. Presently, O’Daffer is at large, and federal authorities encourage anyone with information on the current whereabouts of James Carnell O’Daffer to immediately contact the United States Marshals Service at usmarshals.gov or by calling 1-877-WANTED-2.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided government-backed loans to small businesses which could be forgiven so long as the proceeds were used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
The indictment charges O’Daffer in connection with an EIDL loan for $117,400 that he obtained in 2021 for his purported home appraisal business. The indictment alleges that O’Daffer was not licensed as an appraiser at that time, that his business was no longer engaging in home appraisals, and that he spent the loan proceeds on non-business expenses including over $39,000 for the purchase of a personal RV. In the event that O’Daffer is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the fraud charges against him carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, and others.
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by SBA OIG and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter, and Assistant United States Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No. 2:22-CR-00147-MKD
Businessman Admits to Conspiring with First NBC Bank President to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANK J. ADOLPH (“ADOLPH”), age 63, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021 to conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.
According to court documents, from August 2008 through April 2017, ADOLPH, was a businessman and borrower at First NBC Bank, individually and through related entities, including Metro Rediscount Company, Motorcycle Acquisition and Investment Company, and Frank Adolph, LLC. In numerous loan documents over several years, ADOLPH made misrepresentations and material omissions in documents he submitted to First NBC Bank to obtain loans. Ashton J. Ryan (“Ryan”), President of First NBC Bank, and William J. Burnell (“Burnell”), the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer, were aware of these misrepresentations and material omissions. Rather than writing off ADOLPH’s loans or otherwise discouraging ADOLPH from lying in loan documents, Ryan and Burnell approved and facilitated ADOLPH’s loans knowing they contained these misrepresentations and material omissions. They also made misrepresentations and material omissions of their own regarding ADOLPH’s loans.
ADOLPH has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are thirty years in prison; a fine of up to $1,000,000, or the greater of twice the gain to ADOLPH or twice the loss to any victim; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Judge Eldon E. Fallon set ADOLPH’s sentencing on March 30, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, J. Ryan McLaren, and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Bloomington Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements to Purchase Firearm on Behalf of Serious Violent FelonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Ariel Campbell, 28, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, Campbell purchased an AR-style pistol with a high-capacity magazine from American Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Bloomington, Indiana. When she made the purchase, Campbell represented that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, she was purchasing it for convicted serious violent felon, Antione Sutton.
Video surveillance footage from American Arms shows Campbell entering the business with Sutton. Both individuals are seen on camera looking at various firearms and accessories on multiple occasions in February 2021. Sutton attempted to put money towards purchasing a rifle from American Arms and told the store employee that Campbell would pay the remaining balance and fill out the required ATF firearms purchase form. Campbell indicated on the form that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, which was a false statement.
A search of Campbell’s cellphone revealed text messages between her and Sutton, in which she asked what kind of ammunition she should buy and how much. While Campbell was physically in the American Arms store, Sutton sent her a screenshot of the specific gun he wanted from an online listing, to which Campbell replied with a photo of the same gun in-store. Campbell also texted, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.”
The pistol was recovered by law enforcement at Sutton’s residence on March 5, 2021. Campbell also attempted to purchase two more handguns on Sutton’s behalf on March 2, 2021, but those transactions were delayed, and she was not transferred the firearms.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
“Those who believe they can circumvent firearm laws by purchasing on behalf of convicted felons are just as culpable in driving gun violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These individuals may be able to legally purchase a firearm at the time, but they are still engaging in serious criminal activity that provides dangerous felons with the ability to arm themselves and traffic more guns. They are in no way less to blame for the murders and violence we see every day and we will work to hold them accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Chief Judge Pratt ordered that Campbell be supervised by the U.S. Probation office for 3 years following her release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted the case.
Augusta, GA Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a 13-year-old MinorRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Derek Jerome Nelson, 33, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to enticement of a minor for sexual activity, to be followed by a lifetime of supervision and registration as a sex offender.
According to evidence presented in Court, in June and July 2019, when Nelson was 30 years old, he enticed a 13-year-old minor girl into sexual conduct. Nelson met the victim through an online social media application, communicated with her by text message, and then moved the communications to an end-to-end encrypted chat, also through an internet-based cell phone application. Through that application, Nelson engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor and he arranged to travel from Augusta, GA, to the Columbia, SC, area to exploit the minor.
On July 7, 2019 around 3:00 AM, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputy noticed a vehicle parked at a vacant business. When the deputy approached, he observed two occupants in the back seat before a man later identified as Nelson climbed into the driver’s seat. Nelson then ignored commands from police, fled from the scene, and took police on a 2-mile car chase at speeds as high as 90 miles per hour.
During the chase, the 13-year-old victim was thrown from the car. Evidence presented in Court indicated Nelson made her jump from the car against her will. As a result, the minor victim suffered severe injuries that required emergency treatment.
Nelson then admitted to deputies that he had engaged in sexual contact with the minor, and a review of Nelson’s phone and the minor victim’s phone revealed sexually explicit images, videos, and messages sent between them, including a video of Nelson abusing the minor. Evidence on Nelson’s phone also revealed that he knew the victim was 13-years-old before the night of his arrest.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Nelson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision, and Nelson will have to register as a sex offender after release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI with critical assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and T. DeWayne Pearson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Passage of the Justice for Victims of War Crimes ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department released the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland:
“During a meeting yesterday afternoon at the White House, President Zelenskyy gave us further reports of horrific atrocities resulting from Russia’s unjust and unprovoked war in Ukraine.
“The Justice Department and our partners stand with the people of Ukraine and will pursue every avenue of accountability to bring to justice those responsible, wherever they are located. The Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act will strengthen those efforts by enabling the Department to prosecute alleged war criminals who are found in the United States.
“In the United States of America, there must be no hiding place for war criminals and no safe haven for those who commit such atrocities. This bill will help the Justice Department fulfill that important mandate.”
Albany and Bronx Men Sentenced to 120 Months on Fentanyl and Cocaine ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Ramion Burt, age 46, of Albany, and Marion Frampton, age 43, of the Bronx, New York, were each sentenced today to 120 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli; and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Burt and Frampton admitted to driving from Albany to New York City to pick up fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in February 2021. On the drive back to Albany, they were stopped by the New York State Police heading northbound on Interstate 87 in Catskill, New York, and 31 grams of fentanyl were discovered in a plastic bag in Frampton’s boot. In searching the vehicle, the New York State Police discovered an additional 53 grams of fentanyl and 496 grams of cocaine in the glove compartment. Burt and Frampton admitted to possessing the fentanyl and cocaine, and intending to distribute it.
In 2002, Burt and Frampton were respectively convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Burt and Frampton were also each sentenced to an 8-year term of post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck
Wednesday 21 December 2022
Worcester Couple Arrested for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester husband and wife have been arrested in connection on sex trafficking charges.
Kiersten Soto, 29, and Moises Soto, 30, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. The defendants were arrested on Dec. 16, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, were detained.
According to the indictment, from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic a victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Additionally, Kiersten Soto was charged with traveling and using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, in violation of the Travel Act.The charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five 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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlboro and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Leah B. Foley of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Hartford Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced DWAYNE THOMPSON, 37, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heroin trafficking offenses.
According to the evidence presented during a bench trial in Hartford, in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that Thompson’s associate, Jose Carrasquillo, was interested in acquiring heroin to distribute. Carrasquillo, working with Thompson, subsequently agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin, for $42,000 per kilogram, from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier. On August 22, 2017, Thompson and Carrasquillo, arriving in separate vehicles, met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction. Thompson was arrested after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash. Carrasquillo, who fled from the scene at a high rate of speed, surrendered to law enforcement two days later.
On June 16, 2022, Judge Thompson found Thompson guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Thompson has been detained since that date.
On March 1, 2022, Carrasquillo, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He awaits sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff.
Weissert, Nebraska Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zachary Peterson, 36, of Weissert, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Peterson to 100 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Peterson will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Peterson was also ordered to pay $25,000 in fines.
On February 6, 2020, Peterson received via his Yahoo email account four links to MEGA files. One of the links contained approximately 78 videos of child pornography. On the same day, Peterson used the Yahoo email account to send images of child pornography. On February 19, 2020, a law enforcement agent met with Peterson and obtained his cell phone. There were at least 25 images of child pornography on the phone.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Vermont Man Sentenced for Narcotics OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Vermont man was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2022 in federal court in Boston for his role in a cocaine conspiracy.
Lorenzo Deconinck, 60, of Jamaica, Vt., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to time served (approximately one day in prison) and two years of supervised release, with the first six months of supervised release to be served in home confinement. In September 2019, Deconinck pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Deconinck conspired with David Cruz and others to distribute cocaine in Massachusetts. Specifically, between 2015 and 2016, Cruz obtained cocaine from sources in Mexico and transported it to the Springfield area via concealed compartments in a Nissan Juke. Deconinck then purchased more than 50 grams of cocaine from Cruz with the intent to distribute it.
Cruz previously pleaded guilty to drug and firearms offenses and is awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the DEA’s Carlsbad (Calif.) Resident Office and Westfield (Mass.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches, Catherine G. Curley and Steven H. Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Unlicensed Group Home Owner Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Health Care and Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Chester woman pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and wire fraud, all stemming from her operation of a Richmond metro-area health care services company.
According to court documents, between 2014 and 2021, Sharon Johnson, 58, owned and operated “Sharon Y. Johnson & Associates” (SYJA). Johnson’s company purportedly provided Medicaid-reimbursed services that included both Service Facilitator services—supervising a Medicaid recipient’s personal care plan and provider— and personal care services—home health care aid services designed to allow a recipient to remain at home, rather than entering a nursing home or group home. Johnson signed up numerous of her Service Facilitator clients, often without their awareness or informed consent, to receive personal care services from her company. Johnson utilized her personal residence in Chester—a single-story, three-bedroom, 1,326-square foot structure—as an unlicensed group home, housing up to a half-dozen Medicaid recipients, in addition to Johnson and another SYJA employee, at any given time.
Between 2014 and 2021, Johnson fraudulently billed Medicaid for personal care services purportedly provided to at least 14 of her patients, knowingly submitting timesheets to Medicaid that falsely claimed that certain SYJA aides had provided services, when, in fact, those purported SYJA employees had not provided home health care services to the patients in question. To execute this fraud scheme, Johnson and her co-conspirators created online patient portal accounts in the names of her patients, and thereafter assumed those patients’ identities when “approving” and routing billing requests for SYJA home health care services that had not, in fact, been provided.
Separately, Johnson also executed a scheme to defraud the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) of pension payments paid by the VRS to one of Johnson’s unlicensed group home residents. To obtain control over her patient’s financial affairs, Johnson submitted fraudulent documents to the VRS including a “Medical Power of Attorney” form, and, after her patient’s death, changed the direct deposit location of her now-deceased patient’s VRS pension payments to Johnson’s own bank account. VRS thereafter paid at least 8 monthly pension payments into Johnson’s bank account before belatedly confirming the patient’s death. Johnson, knowing she was not entitled to those VRS funds, spent those payments for her own purposes.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2023. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 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 Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Hannah M. Lauck accepted the plea. The Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Garnett and Shea Gibbons 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. 3:22-cr-16.
United States Attorney’s Office Collects $246,498.00 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
U.S. Virgin Islands – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that the District of the Virgin Islands collected $246,498.00 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of that amount, $244,898.00 was collected in criminal actions and $1,600.00 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the District of the Virgin Islands worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $73,600.00 in civil cases pursued jointly by those offices.
“The primary incentive for most federal crimes is money,” stated U.S. Attorney Delia Smith. “By aggressively recovering illegal proceeds from criminals, the Justice Department fights to ensure, in a very literal sense, that crime does not pay. Even more importantly, we work tirelessly to recover money from defendants to make the victim of their crimes whole again.” The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Virgin Islands, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $820,902.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont Collects $1,597,621.03 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont - U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest announced today that the District of Vermont collected $1,597,621.03 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $1,076,812.47 was collected in criminal actions and $520,808.56 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Vermont worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $23,423.31 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“The District of Vermont’s attorneys prioritize keeping Vermonters safe, recovering financial losses sustained as the result of illegal conduct, and protecting precious taxpayer resources,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “These efforts enabled us to achieve justice and recoup a significant amount of taxpayer dollars in Fiscal Year 2022.”The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Vermont, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $595,844 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves ADA Complaint After Local Law Office Failed to Provide ASL InterpreterRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan settled a complaint regarding the failure of a local law office to provide free American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for a client who is deaf, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The settlement agreement resolves an investigation into the Julie B. Griffiths Law Office (now the Law Office of Griffiths & Willing), a family law practice located in Flint, Michigan. The complainant, who is deaf and whose primary language is ASL, alleged that they were repeatedly denied requests for an interpreter throughout the course of their representation. ASL is its own distinct language, with grammar and syntax that are unique from English. The settlement agreement requires the law practice to provide ASL interpreters and other auxiliary aids and services free of charge to ensure effective communication with their clients, as required by the ADA.
The ADA protects the rights of all individuals, regardless of disability, to fully and equally enjoy the benefits and services offered by places of public accommodation, including law offices. It requires places of public accommodation to provide the necessary auxiliary aids and services to ensure that communication with its customers is effective. Such aids and services can include ASL interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and must be paid for by the place of public accommodation.
“The legal system can be confusing and overwhelming. People often seek legal counsel because they are faced with a challenging situation that requires making difficult, and hopefully informed, decisions. Effective communication between attorneys and their clients is critical to that process, and it is one of the many important protections that the Americans with Disabilities Act provides to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “Individuals who have disabilities are entitled to the same access to legal services as others at no additional cost, and my office will continue to vigorously enforce the civil rights of all citizens in our district.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the Law Office of Griffiths & Willing will adopt new ADA policies and practices, train its staff on those policies, report any future complaints from individuals who have disabilities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and provide monetary compensation to the complainant. The Law Office of Griffiths & Willing will also write and circulate an article discussing the requirements of Title III of the ADA to raise awareness of this issue amongst local practitioners.
The investigation was led by AUSA Michael El-Zein of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, a member of the Civil Rights Unit. The full and fair enforcement of the ADA is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the agreement, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation can submit a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at [email protected] or by phone at (313) 226-9151. Complaints can also be submitted to the Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collected over $7 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $7,065,356.11 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022). Of this amount, $6,571,549.94 was collected in criminal actions and $493,806.17 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,877,445.57 in civil actions pursued jointly by these offices.
United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Most people, when thinking about the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, only focus on the federal criminal prosecutions that this office undertakes. While prosecuting criminal conduct is important, that action by itself does not completely advance public safety. A successful criminal prosecution also deprives criminals of any ill-gotten financial gains and uses those funds to compensate crime victims. I am very proud that my Office, last fiscal year, recovered over 6.5 million dollars from the criminals we prosecuted. Additionally, my Office, through its collections in civil cases, is returning nearly $500,000.00 to the federal treasury.”
In May, the Northern District of Indiana recovered $1,513,730 from Cleveland Cliffs for civil penalties in a Clean Water Act case as part of a settlement for a discharge during 2019 into the Burns Waterway leading into Lake Michigan that exceeded ammonia and cyanide limits and resulted in 3,000 dead fish, beach closures, and danger of tainted drinking water.
In July, the Northern District of Indiana recovered $385,715 from BP Products for stipulated penalties for Consent Decree violations in a Clean Air Act case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Indiana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,357,234 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney's Office Collects Nearly $33 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that it has collected nearly $33 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $10.2 million was collected in criminal actions and $4.6 million was collected in civil actions.
The District of Oregon worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1 million in criminal and civil cases pursued jointly by these offices and $16.9 million in asset forfeiture actions.
Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“The District of Oregon’s Financial Litigation Program staff deliver a valuable service to victims of crime, as well as a valuable return to the American people by holding accountable those who have profited from crimes committed in Oregon and beyond, and by collecting on other actions resulting in civil settlements,” said Katie de Villiers, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division. “We take seriously our obligation to make crime victims as financially whole as possible, whether those victims are private individuals, large companies, or government agencies. Our annual collections figure is a testament to our team’s daily hard work and unwavering pursuit of justice.”
An example of the district’s collection efforts was in U.S. v. Kiraz et al. In early October 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced it had secured a full restitution payment totaling more than $600,000 from the former operators of two Portland-area strip clubs who were convicted at trial in 2016 for conspiring to defraud the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue. On September 23, 2022, the Clerk of the Court for the District of Oregon received a payment of $608,217 from David, George, and Daniel Kiraz. The Kirazes had previously paid less than ten percent of their original $657,243 restitution order.
A second example is in U.S. v. Idaho Power Company. In late August 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced it had reached an agreement with the Idaho Power Company, a Boise, Idaho-based utility, wherein the company would pay $1.5 million to settle allegations by the U.S. relating to the May 2014 Powerline and August 2015 Lime Hill fires in Baker County, Oregon. Soon after, the company paid the $1.5 million settlement in full.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The District of Oregon’s Financial Litigation Program (FLP) is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division. The mission and goal of FLP is to fairly achieve the maximum recovery of civil and criminal debts consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and Justice Department policies. FLP attorneys and support staff work with individuals subject to restitution orders to bring closure for crime victims and recoup losses incurred by United States taxpayers.
U.S. Attorney highlights Environmental JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, is promoting information and resources to highlight environmental justice and assist the public in reporting criminal environmental violations.
In May, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the launch the Justice Department’s new Office of Environmental Justice as well as the Department’s environmental justice enforcement strategy. This strategy will guide the Justice Department’s litigators, investigators and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide to advance the cause of environmental justice through the enforcement of federal laws. Developed by the Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, the strategy will ensure that the entire Department is using all available legal tools to promote environmental justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) enforces federal laws that protect communities against harm caused by environmental crime, pollution and climate change. The USAO works in conjunction with federal, state, local and Tribal government partners to address human health and environmental harms that disproportionately affect overburdened and underserved low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.
The district’s Environmental Justice Coordinator receives reports of environmental violations within the district and engages in outreach to promote greater public participation in environmental justice efforts. Additionally, the Environmental Justice Coordinator is a member of the Environmental Crimes Task Force, a group convened by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase federal, Tribal and state cooperation in investigating and prosecuting criminal violations of environmental laws.
"Low-income communities and communities of color have disproportionately borne the burden of environmental crime," said U.S. Attorney Uballez. "Through the Environmental Crimes Task Force, we will bring fair treatment and meaningful involvement of underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened by systemic environmental violations, pollutions, climate change and abuse of natural resources."
Information available on the website includes an explanation of what environmental justice is and examples of what constitutes criminal environmental violations. The website also provides links to additional resources and partnering agencies, as well as contact information for reporting criminal environmental violations.
Anyone who wants to report known or suspected environmental violations within the District of New Mexico can email the district’s Environmental Justice Coordinator at [email protected].
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Two New Jersey Men Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two New Jersey men have been charged with possessing with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Carlos Ovidio Gonzalez, 35, of Newark, and Hector Martinez, 31, of North Bergen, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Gonzalez is also charged with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of three firearms and ammunition. They had their initial appearances by videoconference on Dec. 20, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen and were both detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 19, 2022, Gonzalez and Martinez conspired to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl and were arrested shortly after they arrived at an agreed-upon location in Kearny to complete the sale. After their arrests, a search of Gonzalez’s home and an apartment also uncovered two loaded firearms, an unloaded firearm, ammunition, drug packaging materials, and suspected heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and Xanax pills. Gonzalez had previously been convicted, in New Jersey Superior Court, Morris County, of first-degree drug distribution, second degree weapons possession during a controlled substance offense, and second degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and was sentenced in 2009 to 30 years in prison.
The count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and fine of up to $5 million. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and officers with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked Newark Police Department for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camila A. Garces of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Mexican Men Found Guilty of Smuggling Undocumented Non-Citizens on Panga Boat that Landed on Santa Barbara County BeachRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal jury has found two Mexican men guilty of drug and alien trafficking charges after law enforcement caught them on a panga boat containing 45 pounds of methamphetamine and 11 undocumented non-citizens from Mexico on a Santa Barbara County beach, the Justice Department announced today.
Jorge Muñoz-Muñoz, 26, of Ensenada, Mexico, and Roel Aranzubia-Álvarez, 43, of Sinaloa, Mexico, were found guilty on Tuesday afternoon of one count of conspiracy to bring non-citizens into the United States, 11 counts of alien smuggling, 11 counts of alien smuggling for private financial gain, and one count of aiding and assisting an alien convicted of an aggravated felony to enter the United States.
Muñoz-Muñoz also was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine, and one count of importation of methamphetamine. Aranzubia-Álvarez was found not guilty of the drug-related charges.
According to evidence presented at their five-day trial, on the morning of September 27, 2021, law enforcement sighted a panga boat adrift off the coast of Santa Barbara County. The vessel, which was having engine trouble, ultimately made landfall at Arroyo Quemada Beach, approximately 25 miles west of Santa Barbara.
The investigation in this matter revealed that there were 15 people on the boat, including several crewmembers, and that Aranzubia-Álvarez was the boat’s captain. Two black bags that contained a total of 40 vacuum-sealed and plastic wrapped bindles, totaling approximately 45 pounds, were thrown off the boat by passengers at Muñoz-Muñoz’s direction and later were recovered by law enforcement.
Law enforcement also later confirmed that all occupants of the boat were undocumented non-citizens. Based on interviews with the passengers, it was determined that the passengers arrived at a beach in Ensenada, Mexico to board a panga that would smuggle them into the United States for a price of approximately $15,000 each.
Both defendants have been in federal custody since their arrest in September 2021.
United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer scheduled an April 10 sentencing hearing, at which time Muñoz-Muñoz will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, and Aranzubia-Álvarez will face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. United States Customs and Border Protection, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Haoxiaohan Cai and Justice Department Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi, both of the General Crimes Section, are prosecuting this case.
Two Men Charged in Bank Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luke Kenna, age 43, of Johnstown, New York, and Michael Brown, Jr. a/k/a. “Doc Grimson,” age 40, of Exton, Pennsylvania, have been charged by criminal complaint for conspiring to commit bank robbery, announced 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).
The criminal complaint alleges that between November 14 and November 26, 2022, Kenna and Brown agreed to and planned to commit an armed bank robbery at a bank branch in Johnstown, and that Kenna, as part of that conspiracy, conducted surveillance of the bank and purchased items, including weapons, to commit the robbery.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. 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.
Kenna appeared today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered detained pending trial.
Last week, Brown made an initial appearance in Philadelphia, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and was ordered detained and transported to the Northern District of New York.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes FBI Special Agents, and federal, state and local investigators, including from the New York State Police. The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit also provided assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
Two Biotech Firms and Their Co-Founder to Pay $10 Million to Resolve Allegations of Mischarging Federal GrantsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Two biotechnology companies and their co-founder will pay more than $10 million to the United States to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that they engaged in improper billing to federal grants, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the Major Procurement Fraud Field Office of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), and Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the Western Field Office of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
Dr. Paul Andrew Rhodes co-founded two technology companies, iSense, LLC (iSense) and Specific Diagnostics, Inc. (Specific). iSense, a Florida-based company with offices at one time in Mountain View, designs and develops applications for colorimetric sensor arrays. Specific, headquartered in San Jose, designs antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Dr. Rhodes, iSense, and Specific entered into a settlement agreement to resolve allegations by the United States that the firms mischarged federal grants by billing for costs incurred by another business and by billing for compensation in amounts exceeding authorized federal limits. The settlement also resolves allegations of backdating services and cost-sharing agreements and knowingly presenting a backdated agreement to the United States.
The total amount of the settlement to be paid is $10,068,875. Of that amount, iSense will pay $4,000,000, Specific will pay $4,000,000, and Dr. Rhodes will pay $2,068,875.
“This office continues to combat fraud wherever it lurks in Silicon Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “Federal awards for biotech research are a critical aspect of this country’s strategy to promote and support innovation and research. Regrettably, some recipients mislead auditors and divert funds to enrich themselves – misconduct that we will tirelessly pursue.”
“Recipients of HHS-provided awards are expected to be responsible, honest stewards of the funds,” stated Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with HHS-OIG. “Our agency and law enforcement partners readily and thoroughly investigate allegations of improper claim submission related to these awards.”
“The settlement restores credibility to the federal acquisition process by resolving allegations that the contractor improperly billed the Department of Defense and others for disallowed, unreasonable, or mischaracterized costs,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Western Field Office. “DCIS and its law enforcement partners will continue our collective efforts to root out all forms of procurement and contracting irregularities affecting the federal procurement process that waste invaluable taxpayer resources.”
“Today’s announcement highlights our continued commitment to work closely and seamlessly with our outstanding fellow law enforcement agencies to protect the financial interests of the United States Army and the United States Government as a whole,” said Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland, Army CID.
This settlement agreement resolves multiple allegations. First, the settlement agreement resolves allegations that from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, iSense, owned primarily by Dr. Rhodes, knowingly misallocated to itself costs incurred by Specific, which was partially owned by Dr. Rhodes. In one example, the United States alleges that in 2016 iSense shared space with Specific but the costs for that space were allocated to iSense and submitted for payment under DOD grants. Similarly, iSense shared a controller with Specific; however, the United States alleges the controller’s salary was allocated to iSense and submitted for payment under DOD grants. The United States also alleges that iSense and Dr. Rhodes knowingly submitted backdated cost-sharing agreements with Specific to the federal government.
The settlement agreement further resolves allegations relating to National Institutes of Health grants in which iSense submitted the costs for employee work hours from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019, in amounts that exceeded the applicable salary cap and otherwise overcharged for hours worked by employees. Specific is alleged to have engaged in similar conduct from February 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, and the settlement agreement also resolves those allegations.
Lastly, the settlement agreement resolves allegations that from February 1, 2018, to July 28, 2020, Specific and Dr. Rhodes knowingly submitted backdated services agreements with iSense as properly dated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin J. Wolinsky handled this matter for the government. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, HHS-OIG, DCIS, and the Major Procurement Fraud Field Office of Army-CID.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating fraud in federal grants. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 447-8477 and to the Department of Defense at (800) 424-9098.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Two Armed Robbers Each Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Noland Rheubotton, age 57, of Baltimore, Maryland, yesterday to10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for an armed commercial robbery and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
On November 29, 2022, Judge Gallagher sentenced co-defendant James Featherstone, age 60, of Baltimore, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the same crime.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Henry Trabert of the Aberdeen Police Department; and Chief Teresa Walter of the Havre de Grace Police Department.
According to their guilty pleas, on December 22, 2019, Rheubottom and Featherstone entered a gas station convenience store in Aberdeen, Maryland. The defendants brandished handguns and robbed the store of cash and lotter scratch-off tickets. Rheubottom and Featherstone also robbed a store employee of cash before they fled in a silver Toyota Corolla.
Aberdeen Police Department (“APD”) officers responding to the robbery spotted the silver Toyota Corolla. An APD officer attempted to detain the vehicle and occupants at gunpoint, but the vehicle fled and entered I-95. Police officers followed the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle while it was traveling on I-95. At one point, the vehicle swerved in attempt to strike one of the police vehicles. The suspect vehicle then exited I-95 and headed towards Havre de Grace. Havre de Grace police officers joined the pursuit. Ultimately, officers placed stop sticks in the roadway which deflated the Toyota’s tires. The defendants then drove the car into a police barricade and Rheubottom and Featherstone were taken into custody.
During the search of the Toyota Corolla, law enforcement officers recovered a Colt, .38 special revolver handgun, on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. A bag was also located in the vehicle, which contained Maryland lottery tickets, coin rolls, and loose cash. Law enforcement also recovered from the vehicle a Maryland driver’s license in Featherstone’s name, mail addressed to Featherstone, two cell phones, gloves, and a black hood.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Aberdeen Police Department, and the Havre de Grace Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Thai Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kong Xiong, of Pak Chom, Thailand, was sentenced on December 20, 2022 by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for distributing marijuana and selling firearms. Xiong received a sentence of 90 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 18, 2021, Xiong met with a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms confidential informant in Kansas City, Kansas, and purchased five pounds of marijuana and a firearm. On April 12, 2021, an ATF confidential informant made arrangements with Vue Fang to purchase marijuana and a firearm. Fang and Xiong arrived and met with the confidential informant in Omaha, Nebraska. While the confidential informant met with Fang to get the firearm, Xiong put three pounds of marijuana into the confidential informant’s car.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Omaha Police Department.
St. Augustine Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Patrick Joseph McAloon (67, St. Augustine) to 7 years and 2 months in federal prison for distributing videos and images of children being sexually abused. The court also ordered McAloon serve a 10-year term of supervised release and pay $15,000 to victims of his offenses. McAloon had pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022.
According to court documents, in November 2021, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from two individuals who had found a cellphone in a public restroom at a home improvement store in St. Augustine. The individuals turned the phone on in an attempt to determine the owner and return the phone. Upon viewing the phone’s photo gallery, they observed an image of a child who appeared to be 3 years old being sexually assaulted by an adult male. The individuals observed hundreds of additional files showing children being sexually abused. Soon after, the found phone rang and it was McAloon, requesting the return of his phone. When the individuals confronted McAloon about the abusive content, he claimed it was a wake-up call and offered the individuals $2,000 for the return of his phone. McAloon met with the individuals, paid them $2,000, and retrieved the phone. The individuals later contacted law enforcement to report the incident.
After a thorough investigation, HSI agents made contact with McAloon. He reported that he had since obtained a new phone and said that he is in touch with an individual in the Philippines to whom he sends money and who sends McAloon files showing the sexual abuse of children. McAloon acknowledged that there was probably child sexual abuse material on his new phone.
A forensic search of McAloon’s cellphone, which was seized by agents, yielded at least 194 files of child sexual abuse material and more than 450 files of child exploitation/age difficult material. Forensic analyses revealed that McAloon used a social media app to distribute child sexual abuse material, to include a video file he had sent to a certain app user on December 5, 2021, using username “Patrick,” depicting an adult male sexually abusing a young child.
“This predator fed his perversion through a steady stream of explicit imagery and videos of children being sexually abused,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to the dedication of our special agents and the concern of citizens who discovered the imagery, justice is served. Our communities are made safer for children when citizens recognize deviant behaviors and reach out to law enforcement.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Augustine Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Patrick Joseph McAloon (67, St. Augustine) to 7 years and 2 months in federal prison for distributing videos and images of children being sexually abused. The court also ordered McAloon serve a 10-year term of supervised release and pay $15,000 to victims of his offenses. McAloon had pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022.
According to court documents, in November 2021, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from two individuals who had found a cellphone in a public restroom at a home improvement store in St. Augustine. The individuals turned the phone on in an attempt to determine the owner and return the phone. Upon viewing the phone’s photo gallery, they observed an image of a child who appeared to be 3 years old being sexually assaulted by an adult male. The individuals observed hundreds of additional files showing children being sexually abused. Soon after, the found phone rang and it was McAloon, requesting the return of his phone. When the individuals confronted McAloon about the abusive content, he claimed it was a wake-up call and offered the individuals $2,000 for the return of his phone. McAloon met with the individuals, paid them $2,000, and retrieved the phone. The individuals later contacted law enforcement to report the incident.
After a thorough investigation, HSI agents made contact with McAloon. He reported that he had since obtained a new phone and said that he is in touch with an individual in the Philippines to whom he sends money and who sends McAloon files showing the sexual abuse of children. McAloon acknowledged that there was probably child sexual abuse material on his new phone.
A forensic search of McAloon’s cellphone, which was seized by agents, yielded at least 194 files of child sexual abuse material and more than 450 files of child exploitation/age difficult material. Forensic analyses revealed that McAloon used a social media app to distribute child sexual abuse material, to include a video file he had sent to a certain app user on December 5, 2021, using username “Patrick,” depicting an adult male sexually abusing a young child.
“This predator fed his perversion through a steady stream of explicit imagery and videos of children being sexually abused,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to the dedication of our special agents and the concern of citizens who discovered the imagery, justice is served. Our communities are made safer for children when citizens recognize deviant behaviors and reach out to law enforcement.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Spokane Valley Man Sentenced for Involvement in Shooting Death of Coeur d’Alene TeenRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Dennen Trey George Fitterer-Usher, 24, of Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced this week to more than 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
According to court records, in 2021, Fitterer-Usher met Matthew James Holmberg, 20, of Spokane Valley, who was involved in distributing a variety of controlled substances, including fentanyl pills. Holmberg began bringing Fitterer-Usher to drug deals with him as an armed bodyguard.
On May 31, 2021, 18-year-old Gabriel Casper, Vadin Bartlett, 19, and Ashton Creech, 18, met Holmberg and Fitterer-Usher in their car, near Cherry Hill in Coeur d’Alene. Though Casper had arranged to purchase $300 worth of pills, he and the others were armed and arrived at the deal with the intent of robbing Holmberg. As planned, during the transaction, Casper attempted to steal the pills and Fitterer-Usher pulled his firearm and shot Casper six times. While Bartlett and Creech fled from the gun fire, Holmberg sped off with Casper still in the vehicle. Several blocks later, Casper was pushed from the moving car and left to die.
Casper was found lying in the middle of Coeur d’Alene Avenue, in Coeur d’Alene. Despite attempts by civilians and EMS to save him, Casper had been shot six times and ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Local, state, and federal officers began an immediate investigation into Casper’s death. Despite attempts by Fitterer-Usher and Holmberg to conceal the crimes, they were both eventually located and arrested.
“The sentence imposed for this crime—as well as the other multiple prosecutions arising from this investigation—shows that our office and our partners will spare no effort in seeking justice against those who commit violence and distribute drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.
“We are grateful for all of our state, local, and federal partners who cooperatively worked together to bring to justice Mr. Fitterer-Usher after he so callously shot Gabriel Casper,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This investigation should be a warning to anyone who believes they can bring harm to our communities by distributing deadly narcotics and using violence. We will bring all of our resources to bear against you and hold you accountable.”
“The shipment of illegal and dangerous narcotics and the violence associated with drug trafficking remains a plague on our streets,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Seattle Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement to do everything we can to bring these drug dealers to justice and protect communities throughout Idaho and across the country.”
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Fitterer-Usher to 177 months in federal prison. Fitterer-Usher, upon completion of his prison time, was also ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release.
Holmberg was also charged federally with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He has pleaded guilty to both offenses and is set to be sentenced in front of Judge Winmill on February 6, 2023.
Bartlett and Creech were both prosecuted by the State of Idaho for attempted robbery. Bartlett was sentenced to a suspended sentence of five years fixed followed by seven years indeterminate and was placed on probation after completing a rider. Creech was sentenced to an imposed sentence of four years fixed followed by 11 years indeterminate and is currently serving his time in the Idaho Department of Correction.
As part of their investigation, officers learned that Holmberg had been selling fentanyl-laced pills for several months via social media websites, including SnapChat. Even after his arrest, officers continued to investigate Holmberg’s source of supply. This resulted in the arrest and prosecution of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona who were involved in obtaining tens of thousands of fentanyl pills from a source in Mexico, via Arizona, and distributing those pills in Washington and North Idaho.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges. While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl that is sold through illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
Idaho in general has seen a massive influx of these pills in the last several years. The pills are mass-produced by criminal drug networks and falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills. The pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall). It is difficult to tell the difference between an authentic pill and a counterfeit pill.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Lake Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Idaho State Police which led to charges. He also commended the work of other agencies who participated and assisted in the investigation of the sources of supply, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona. Agencies who assisted include the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Eastern Washington, Lakewood Police Department, Medford Police Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department, Chehalis Police Department, Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, Washington Department of Corrections, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DEA Centralia Post of Duty, and certain DEA Task Forces: JNET, Tucson Strike Force, and Phoenix Group 16 DEALERS.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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South Texas Primary Care Doctor, Staff Sentenced for Unlawful PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A licensed primary care physician along with three members of his clinical staff and his office manager were sentenced Thursday for unlawful distribution of controlled substances and Medicaid fraud.
According to court documents, Dr. Alfonso Luevano, 53, of Carrizo Springs prescribed large amounts of controlled substances, primarily Schedule II opioids, on a regular basis with little or no medical examination. He also directed mid-level practitioners to provide patients with prescriptions using prescription pads that he had pre-signed. According to data from the Texas prescription management program, Luevano and his mid-level practitioners issued at least 20,000 controlled substance prescriptions between March 2016 and March 2018. Hydrocodone alone comprised at least 50 percent of the prescriptions. The investigation also revealed several instances of Luevano prescribing patients a potentially lethal combination of an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxer. These illegal prescriptions resulted in multiple patient overdoses, at least two of which were fatal.
Dr. Luevano was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. He also agreed to forfeit his Texas medical license and to sell his medical office building to pay the restitution and fine.
Nurse practitioners Sara Barker, 47, and Rafael Santana, 49, along with licensed physician’s assistant Richard Marquez, 62, were also sentenced. Each had previously pleaded guilty to facilitating the unlawful prescriptions by seeing patients and then directing that the pre-signed prescription pads be filled out with controlled substances. Barker was sentenced to 18 months in prison; Santana received a one-year sentence; and Marquez received two years. Each will also pay a $5,000 fine.
In addition, office manager Ofelia Martinez, 53, was sentenced on a single count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In her plea agreement, Martinez admitted that she had overbilled the Texas Medicaid program for the appointments conducted by the mid-level practitioner defendants by billing them as if Dr. Luevano had personally performed the appointment. Martinez was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $127,421 in restitution to the Medicaid program. Dr. Luevano also agreed in his plea to be jointly and severally liable for that same amount.
“The rampant and unchecked distribution of unnecessary opioid prescriptions by medical practitioners throughout the country has caused an untold amount of harm over the years,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Not only did the defendants here cause hundreds of thousands of pills to be distributed into a vulnerable community, but they also charged the cost to federal insurance plans. As shown by this case, the Justice Department continues to take the issue seriously and will pursue criminal action against medical professionals where warranted.”
“Luevano’s excessive prescribing of opioids, often times without the benefit of a medical examination, had a total disregard to patient safety and the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division. “In just one year, Luevano illegally prescribed thousands of opioids in our communities. Relentless efforts by our Diversion investigators, Special Agents and prosecutors ended Luevano’s greed that has contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic. DEA will continue to bring to justice those who misuse their prescribing authority for personal gains.”
The DEA’s Drug Diversion Control Division and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Joshua Banister prosecuted this case with AUSA Antonio Franco handling the forfeiture component.
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