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26 January 2023
Three More Indicted in Drug-trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three more defendants have been indicted as part of an investigation into an armed and violent drug-trafficking organization operating in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area.
Anthony D. Harris, 40, and Latrell O. Dean, 19, both of Grandview, Mo., and Seville S. Gardner, 37, address unknown, were charged in a 112-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The indictment, which was unsealed today following Gardner’s arrest, replaces an indictment returned on March 1, 2022, with three additional defendants and 28 additional counts. Dean was already in law enforcement custody on a separate, but related, matter.
In addition to Harris, Dean and Gardner, the superseding indictment retains 24 defendants charged in the original indictment: Kevin C. Cokes, also known as “Big K” and “Uncle,” 61, Mercedez M. Gardner, also known as “Twin,” 37, November D. Gardner, also known as “October” and “Nuttie,” 24, Idella Gardner, also known as “Lupi,” 35, Delmar L. Hatcher, 52, Nathaniel B. Chapple, 25, Treandre R. Walker, 25, Hazel M. Berymon, 65, Carlton L. Burns, also known as “Pooder,” 25, Christopher J. Hicks-Berry, 36, Kyeir C. Theus, 36, Tony L. Davis, 53, Michael R. Parks, 63, Brian T. Boxly, 46, Parris J. Walker, 28, Jachobette J. Gardner, 43, Reginald L. Mitchem, 43, Martell C. Cratch, 31, Matthew Rogers, 60, Gloria Hutchinson, 38, Eddie L. Nicholson, Jr., also known as “Junior,” 55, Toneisha R. Blackmon, 30, and Shania N. Bailey, 24, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Deone D. Gardner, also known as “Twin,” 29, of Belton, Mo.
Two defendants charged in the original indictment, Eliot E. Cox, 33, and Anthony D. Stuckey, 67, both of Kansas City, Mo., are omitted from this week’s superseding indictment as they already have pleaded guilty to charges contained in the original indictment.
Among the charges added to the superseding indictment is one count of conspiracy to tamper with a witness. November Gardner and Deone Gardner allegedly conspired to use physical force against an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to influence or prevent the undercover agent from testifying at their trial.
The superseding indictment alleges that 26 of the 27 defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana in Jackson County. Cokes is charged with participating in a separate, but related, conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Harris and Gardner are solely charged in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Dean is also charged with one count of participating in a robbery conspiracy with Walker, one count of the armed robbery of a Dollar General store in Raytown, Mo., one count of the use of a firearm during a crime of violence (the Dollar General robbery), one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Dean allegedly possessed a Glock 9mm pistol in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy and in furtherance of the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
In total, in addition to the two drug-trafficking conspiracy counts and the witness tampering conspiracy, various defendants are charged in two armed robbery conspiracy counts, three business robbery counts (two Family Dollar robberies in Kansas City and the Dollar General robbery in Raytown), 23 drug-trafficking counts, 30 counts related to illegally possessing firearms, one count of destroying a motor vehicle in a drive-by shooting, and 50 counts of illegally using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, the ATF began investigating an armed drug trafficking organization operating primarily in east Kansas City, Mo., in April 2021. Members are known to sell marijuana, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, purported ecstasy pills, purported Percocet pills (believed to be counterfeit pills made with fentanyl), and purported OxyContin pills. Members are known to carry firearms and commit acts of violence. Court documents allege the organization is connected to at least two shootings in which three victims were wounded.
As a result of that year-long investigation and subsequent indictment, more than 200 law enforcement officers from the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Independence, Mo., Police Department participated in an operation on March 8 and 9, 2022, that led to the arrests of 25 of the defendants. Officers seized 27 firearms, 1,877 rounds of ammunition, more than 11.1 kilograms of marijuana, 300.9 grams of cocaine, 278.91 grams of other illegal drugs, and $34,439 in cash.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Bradshaw. They were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Johnson County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Texan gets big sentence after attempting to sell narcoticsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Pharr resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring to sell narcotics to undercover law enforcement, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Paublo Rueben pleaded guilty July 27, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Rueben to serve 240 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard about Rueben’s extensive criminal history and the fact that he was on state probation for a narcotics charge at the time of this offense.
During an undercover operation in February 2022, authorities negotiated the purchase of three kilograms of meth and two kilograms of cocaine from a narcotics supplier located in Mexico. They set a time and location to meet with Rueben and his co-defendant, Hector Vasquez Garcia, 46, Alamo, who would be delivering the drugs.
On Feb. 18, 2022, Rueben met with undercover authorities. At that time, they discussed how the narcotics were to be transported and compensation of the supplier.
Shortly after, law enforcement located a vehicle in which Rueben had traveled, conducted a search and located the meth and cocaine in a hidden compartment. Authorities then took Rueben and Garcia into custody.
Rueben will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Garcia is set for sentencing March 29. He remains in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office, George West Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.
Tampa Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Fraudulently Using Federal GSA Smartpay Account NumbersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Darius Lopez (27, Tampa) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $27,008.50, which represents the proceeds Lopez obtained from the fraud. Lopez had pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022.
According to court records, on April 13, 2021, Lopez purchased more than $27,0000 in landscaping equipment from a tractor dealer in Citrus County. During the transactions, Lopez used the unauthorized account numbers of four Department of Agriculture General Services Administration (GSA) Smartpay charge cards. The account numbers were fraudulently embossed on prepaid debit cards. GSA SmartPay provides services to more than 560 federal agencies, organizations, and Native American tribal governments and enables authorized government employees to make purchases on behalf of the federal government in support of their agency or organization’s mission.
This case was investigated by the U.S. General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the following agencies and financial institutions: U.S. General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General’s Southeast and Caribbean Regional Investigations Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Southeast Region, Amtrak - Office of Inspector General, Central Region, U.S. Secret Service Orlando Cyber Fraud Task Force, Citrus County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Bank, Synchrony Bank Special Investigations Team, and Morgan Stanley Corporate Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk and Tyrie K. Boyer.
St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Earl B. Penn, 31, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Penn was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Aug. 31, 2022, Penn was found guilty at trial of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Penn was in possession of a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol on June 22, 2020.
A St. Joseph Police Department detective and a patrol officer contacted Penn, who had an outstanding warrant for violations of his federal supervised release, on June 22, 2020. Penn provided a false name and attempted to flee before he struggled with the officers and resisted being arrested. Penn struck the officer in the face with the back of his head multiple times and managed to pull the OC spray from the officer’s vest. The detective had to physically remove the OC spray from Penn’s hand in order to prevent him from discharging it.
After Penn was restrained, the detective saw the loaded handgun in Penn’s sweatshirt pouch. Testimony at trial indicated during nearly the entire struggle with law enforcement, Penn’s right hand was under his body where his handgun was stored.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Penn has prior felony convictions for residential burglary, arson, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and unlawfully carrying a loaded handgun.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon E. Gibson, who is a cross-designated prosecutor from the Missouri Attorney General’s office as part of the Safer Streets Initiative to combat violent crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
St. Joseph Man Sentenced for Making Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for making a bomb threat against the Social Security Administration field office in St. Joseph.
James C. Curtman, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 18 months in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 11, 2022, Curtman pleaded guilty to one count of influencing a federal officer by threat. Curtman admitted that he threatened to blow up the field office building of the Social Security Administration in St. Joseph.
During a phone appointment on June 3, 2021, Curtman began cursing and yelling at a Social Security Administration employee. While the employee continued to try and help him, Curtman used demeaning and offensive language to refer to the employee and her co-workers. He told the employee he was going to make a bomb and blow up the building. The employee got the attention of the building guard and placed the call on speaker. Curtman continued to curse at the employee, who eventually said she was terminating the call because of the bomb threat and cursing.
The field office was closed early that day and the next day due to concerns over the bomb threat.
The employee told investigators she is accustomed to abusive language, but the bomb threat really concerned her. She was concerned for her co-workers. The employee said it was concerning how Curtman “went from 1 to 100 at the drop of a dime” and she was worried because of his tone of voice, rage, and close location of his address. She said she was worried he would come to the Social Security Administration office and commit violence.
Curtman has a prior conviction for issuing a terrorist threat in August 2020. Curtman called the Department of Social Services in Rolla, Mo., and expressed his frustration with the fact he had been unsuccessfully trying to get food stamps. He used offensive and demeaning language to refer to the state employees handling his food stamp case and referred to his past threats to blow up the food stamp office. Curtman also has a history of threat-related conduct for which he was not criminally charged, including a threat in May 2017 to blow up U.S. Bank, as well as a series of misdemeanor convictions for property damage and threatening the peace.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Federal Protective Service and the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration.
Southwest Georgia Man with Violent Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a violent criminal history including convictions for aggravated assault and gang participation pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in federal court today.
Omar Malik Miller, 35, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner. Miller faces a maximum of ten in years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat offenders with violent criminal histories have no business possessing a firearm and will face federal consequences for this crime,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal agencies are working closely with our local law enforcement partners to identify the most disruptive and violent individuals in the communities we serve and hold them accountable for their crimes at the federal level.”
“The safety of our community is paramount and those who refuse to conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner will be held accountable at the highest level. Gun and gang violence is harming our community and we as a whole must be involved to prevent further destruction of our future generations,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department.
According to court documents, Miller was wanted on outstanding local warrants in June 2021. Albany Police Department officers, working with the U.S. Marshals, went to a residence where Miller was staying on Ridgemont Road on June 11, and located a .40 caliber pistol. Miller told officers he had found the firearm in an alley and was planning to sell it.
Miller has prior convictions for aggravated assault, participation in gang activity and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the Government.
South Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Port St. Lucie, Fla., resident Elijah Daniel Shaw, 22, has pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Melissa Damian to producing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to Court records, in July, 2022, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent and Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives received information that tattoo artist Dustin Singleton aka “Greenhouse” exchanged narcotics and tattoos for sexual activity with minor females while at his Port St. Lucie tattoo shop.
Two rounds of search warrants were obtained—the first for narcotics and the second for child sexual abuse material, which targeted Singleton’s electronic devices. Forensic examinations of the devices revealed numerous images of Singleton and Shaw engaging in sexually explicit activity with a freshly tattooed minor female victim—recorded inside the tattoo shop.
On August 02, 2022, law enforcement arrested Shaw who identified images/videos of himself, Singleton, and the minor female victim and confirmed that the video was recorded at the tattoo parlor. Shaw’s iCloud account also contained numerous videos, including one of Singleton holding a smoking glass pipe for the minor female victim while he and Shaw engaged in sexually explicit activity with her.
Shaw faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
Singleton, who also was arrested, has a trial date set for April 10, 2023. Singleton, who also was arrested, has a trial date set for April 10, 2023. An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley, HSI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Fort Pierce Office along with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Port St. Lucie Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Lineberger and Michael Porter are prosecuting it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 the PSC initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Seventh Defendant Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Sacramento Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jerome Adams, 56, of North Highlands, pleaded guilty today to two counts of using a cellphone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Adams is among the 15 federal defendants arrested in 2021 and charged in a 45-count indictment for trafficking narcotics as part of a DEA-led multi-agency operation targeting cocaine and heroin traffickers in North Sacramento. Adams was intercepted during a 30-day wiretap trafficking crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Forest Service; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Land Management; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the California Department of Justice; the California Highway Patrol; the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Aaron D. Pennekamp are prosecuting the case.
Adams is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Adams faces a maximum statutory penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
On Dec. 8, 2022, Michael Hampton, 57, of Vallejo, was sentenced to five years in prison for to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
On Nov. 17, 2022, Charles Carter, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
On Sept. 29, 2022, Jason Tolbert, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine
On Dec. 1, 2022, Bobby Conner, 51, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Conner is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2023.
On Nov. 17, 2022, Arlington Caine, 48, of Rio Linda, and Andre Hellams, 40, of North Highlands, each pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Hellams is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2023. Caine is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2023.
Charges are pending against the following defendants: Tyrone Anderson, 40, of Sacramento; Maurice Bryant, 51, of Antelope; Yovanny Ontiveros, 41, of Sacramento; Alex White, 61, of North Highlands; Steven Hampton, 61, of Sacramento; Wilmer Harden, 52, of Elk Grove; Dwight Haney, 49, of Sacramento; and Mark Martin, 62, of Sacramento. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.
Seven Individuals Arrested in Connection with $7.5 Million Multi-State Paycheck Protection Program SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Seven individuals, including three from Massachusetts, have been arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in a multi-state scheme to obtain millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for themselves and others through the submission of dozens of fraudulent applications to PPP lenders.
The following individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit unlawful monetary transactions:
• Wallace Ford, 38, of Buford, Ga.; • Erin Brown, 40, of Buford, Ga.; • Adiana Pierre, 39, of Lookout Mountain, Tenn.; • Gardy Alexandre, 51, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; • Bill Dessaps, 46, of South Easton, Mass; • Wens Herby Mathurin, 26, of Brockton, Mass.; and
• Richardson Rhau, 49, of Brockton, Mass.The defendants were released on conditions following initial appearances in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia, the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Southern District of Florida and the District of Massachusetts, respectively.
According to the charging documents, Ford, Brown, Pierre and Alexandre conspired to submit fraudulent PPP applications on behalf of numerous actual or purported businesses and non-profit organizations – including businesses operated by Dessaps and Mathurin – and to collect kickback payments from the borrowers for securing loan amounts.
It is alleged that Ford, who at the time operated three purported businesses or non-profits in Florida, submitted applications for PPP loans for those entities to several lenders in April and May 2020, shortly after PPP funds first became available in April 2020. Ford allegedly inflated the employee and payroll information about these entities on the applications. As a result, Ford obtained $168,121 in PPP funds for these entities.
Beginning in June 2020, Ford allegedly began submitting PPP applications on behalf of others, including Pierre and Alexandre. It is alleged that these applications misrepresented the number of employees and monthly payroll expenses of the applicants, and that Ford submitted these applications with falsified supporting documents. Alexandre and Pierre allegedly received PPP loans of $300,000 and $20,833, respectively, from these applications.
According to the charging documents, between June and August 2020, Ford fraudulently secured PPP funds for at least 27 borrowers. Pierre, Alexandre and others allegedly identified potential applicants and provided those applicants’ information to Ford and Ford’s spouse, Brown. Ford then submitted applications for those borrowers online, fabricating employee numbers and monthly payroll expenses. Ford also allegedly submitted false wage and tax forms in support of the misrepresentations on the applications and as a result, obtained approximately $7 million in PPP funds. It is further alleged that the borrowers who received PPP funds based on these fraudulent applications paid kickbacks to Ford and Brown, Pierre, Alexandre and others, commonly in amounts equal to 10 or 20 percent of the loan amount they received. Collectively, Ford, Brown, Pierre and Alexandre allegedly received over $1 million in kickback payments from borrowers – over $500,000 of which went to Ford and Brown.
The charging documents also allege that, in June 2020, Rhau connected Alexandre with both Dessaps, who operated a used car dealership in Abington, Mass., and Mathurin, who purportedly operated a warehouse and cargo delivery business. It is alleged that Alexandre and Pierre then forwarded information about Dessaps’ and Mathurin’s businesses to Brown and Ford, who submitted PPP applications to Kabbage. The application for Dessaps’ dealership falsely stated that the dealership had 40 employees and average monthly payroll expenses of $334,720. The application for Mathurin’s business falsely stated that the business had 25 employees and average monthly payroll expenses of $125,541. Ford also allegedly submitted falsified wage and tax forms with this application. As a result of the applications, Kabbage disbursed a PPP loan of $836,800 to Dessaps and a PPP loan of $313,852 to Mathurin.
After receiving these funds, both Dessaps and Mathurin allegedly made kickback payments to Alexandre, and Mathurin sent additional payments totaling $45,000 to Rhau. With the PPP funds he received, Dessaps allegedly issued sham payroll checks to himself and his relatives, purchased a new residence for himself in South Easton in his sister’s name, paid $32,000 to French Bulldog breeders and purchased a Rolls Royce. Mathurin allegedly made large payments to himself and two purported co-owners of his business.
The charging documents also allege that Rhau fraudulently obtained $104,166 in PPP funds and $94,800 in other pandemic relief funds as a result of applications containing misrepresentations that he submitted to lenders between April 2020 and April 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. 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 Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Scranton Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Program Fraud in Connection with Overtime Patrol Shifts at Scranton Area Housing ComplexesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey J. Vaughn, age 50, a patrol sergeant in the Scranton Police Department, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to the offense of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The criminal information to which Vaughn pleaded guilty alleges that from July 30, 2021 to April 22, 2022, Vaughn knowingly obtained by fraud over $5,000.00 in compensation that was paid to him for certain extra duty patrol shifts at local, Scranton-area, lower-income housing complexes that Vaughn claimed to work but did not in fact work.
Vaughn acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to his conduct was between $6,500.00 and $15,000.00, and that he abused a position of public trust, namely, that of police patrol sergeant, in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission of his offense. Vaughn also agreed to make restitution to the affected housing complexes in the amount of $11,243.00.
This case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffery St John and Philip J. Caraballo are prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 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.
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Savannah man faces prison after admitting to bank robberyRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Chatham County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting that he robbed a Savannah bank, just seven years after he was sent to state prison for a prior bank robbery.
Shawn Kelly, 45, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of Bank Robbery, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea subjects Kelly to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and substantial financial penalties, followed by up to three years of supervised release after completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Shawn Kelly is a repeat offender whose actions terrorized bank employees – exactly the type of criminal the city of Savannah sought the help of our office in removing from their streets,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our partnership in bringing on board a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney dedicated to reducing violent crime in Savannah will continue to pay such dividends.”
As described in the plea agreement, Kelly admitted that on Sept. 15, 2022, he entered the Wells Fargo Bank at 136 Bull Street and demanded money from a teller. After receiving $2,200 in cash, he left the bank on foot. Responding officers from the Savannah Police Department located Kelly and found him inside a restroom at the Chatham Area Transit station changing clothes, with the cash from the robbery in his pocket.
Kelly previously was convicted on a state charge of robbery in Gwinnett County and sentenced to prison in 2015. He was on parole from that conviction at the time of the Wells Fargo robbery.
“State prison was apparently not enough of a teaching moment for Kelly because he returned to his bank-robbing ways while he was still on parole for the last bank robbery he committed,’ said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the assistance of our partners with the Savannah Police Department, he’ll have up to 20 years in federal prison to think about what he’ll do the next time he is released from prison.”
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
The FBI and the Savannah Police Department investigated the case, which is being prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Gregory Gilluly Jr.
Savani Group Owners and Associates Charged in Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today the unsealing of a sweeping 42-count indictment charging defendants Bhaskar Savani (56), Arun Savani (55), Niranjan Savani (51), Amen Dhyllon (45), Alesksandra Radomiak (44) - all of Montgomery County; and Sunil Phillip (56) of Bucks County, with a conspiracy under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO as it is commonly called, alleging racketeering activity involving visa fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1546, related to a scheme to file false applications and petitions for H-1B visas; wire fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, related to a health care fraud scheme to fraudulently obtain Medicaid contracts and fraudulently bill Medicaid; money laundering, under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957, related to the laundering of the health care fraud proceeds; wire fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, related to a scheme to file false tax returns; and mail fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, related to the distribution and placement in human patients of prototype “Not For Human Use” dental implants that were not cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Bhaskar, Arun and Niranjan Savani, and defendants Vivek Savani (35), Bharatkumar Parasana (55), and Hiteshkumar Goyani (29), also of Montgomery County, PA and Piyusha Patel (41), a resident of Iowa, were charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Bhaskar, Arun and Niranjan Savani, and Piyusha Patel were charged with visa fraud.
Bhaskar and Arun Savani, and defendant Susan Malpartida (26) of Passaic County, NJ were charged with conspiring to obstruct a grand jury investigation.
Bhaskar, Arun and Niranjan Savani, Amen Dhyllon and Aleksandra Radomiak were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and various counts of health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347.
Bhaskar and Arun Savani, Sunil Philip and Amen Dhyllon were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). Bhaskar and Arun Savani were charged with various counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957.
Bhaskar, Arun and Niranjan Savani and Sunil Philip were charged with a conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, for a scheme to file false tax returns.
Bhaskar and Niranjan Savani and defendant Jon Julian of South Carolina (70) were charged in a conspiracy to distribute adulterated and misbranded dental implants, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
As alleged in the indictment, the Savani brothers built a complex criminal enterprise (the “Savani Group”) that amassed millions of dollars through multiple fraud schemes. Bhaskar and Niranjan Savani were dentists by training. Defendant Arun Savani generally controlled the finances of the Savani Group. Through their criminal enterprise, the Savani brothers orchestrated long-running schemes to enrich themselves, including through:
- A visa fraud scheme to file false H-1B visa applications and petitions with the U.S. Department of Labor, U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the U.S. Department of State to exploit a workforce comprised of foreign nationals, mostly from India, who were dependent on the Savani Group, were forced to kickback wages and fees to the Savani Group.
- A health care fraud scheme to fraudulently obtain Medicaid contracts and fraudulently bill Medicaid using myriad of business entities and nominee business owners after Savani Group dental practices were terminated from Medicaid insurance contracts. The Savani Group defrauded Medicaid of more than $80 million through the scheme.
- A money laundering scheme to launder health care fraud proceeds through a complex web of financial transactions using numerous bank accounts at various banks.
- A wire fraud scheme involving false business expenses and the failure to report some taxable payroll to fraudulently decrease the amount of personal and payroll taxes due and owing. Through the scheme the Savani brothers and their companies failed to pay approximately $2 million in personal and payroll taxes, and fraudulently expensed through their businesses, among other personal expenses, improvements on a vacation property; payments to an elite private college preparatory school; college tuition payments; and car payments for personal cars of family members.
- A mail fraud scheme involving Osseolink USA LLC to place prototype “Not For Human Use” dental implants, not cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in human patients without their knowledge or consent. Dental practices alleged to be involved in this scheme include AAA Signature Smile PC in Fort Washington, PA, and The Dental Retreat in Travelers Rest, SC.
If convicted, Bhaskar, Arun and Niranjan Savani, respectively, face a statutory maximum sentence of 430 years’ imprisonment, 425 years’ imprisonment, and 115 years’ imprisonment. Bhaskar and Arun Savani face fines of $10,750,000, and Niranjan Savani faces fines of $2,750,000. Other members of the RICO conspiracy face substantial sentences. Defendant Sunil Philip faces up to 105 years’ imprisonment and fines of $1,750,000; defendant Amen Dhyllon faces 110 years’ imprisonment and fines of approximately $2,500,000; and defendant Aleksandra Radomiak faces 50 years’ imprisonment and fines of approximately $1,000,000. The other defendants also face imprisonment and fines, as follows: defendants Vivek Savani, Bharatkumar Parasana, and Hiteshkumar Goyani each face 5 years’ imprisonment and fines of approximately $250,000 for their roles in the visa fraud conspiracy; Piyusha Patel faces 15 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine for her visa fraud crimes; and defendants Jon Julian and Susan Malpartida each face 5 years’ imprisonment and fines of approximately $250,000 for conspiring to distribute adulterated and misbranded dental implants and obstruction of justice, respectively.
“This complex, multi-year investigation is an example of federal law enforcement at its best,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero. “Through the coordinated efforts of almost a dozen state and federal law enforcement agencies, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Department of Justice, this group of dedicated public servants unraveled a tangled and complex web of alleged criminal activity designed to thwart justice. Through the unyielding work of all our law enforcement partners we were able to bring these charges and now will seek to hold persons accountable for these crimes.”
“Fraud and abuse take critical resources out of our healthcare system and cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars each year,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The FBI has been working alongside our state and federal partners on this investigation, we’re proud of the collaboration that’s led to these charges, and we’ll continue our joint efforts to hold anyone fleecing the U.S. government accountable.”
“Health care providers, who have a duty to practice in their patients’ best interests, are especially deceitful when they commit Medicaid fraud,” stated Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “To assist in investigating the alleged illicit activity announced in today’s takedown, agents at HHS-OIG employed our suite of data analytics tools to identify and examine concerning trends. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to detect, investigate, and deter deception that jeopardizes the integrity of federal health care programs and services.”
“Criminal charges like the ones outlined in this indictment underscore the financial expertise and diligence of the IRS-CI special agents, who worked side-by-side with other federal law enforcement officers and the United States Attorney’s Office, to uncover these schemes and bring these charges against these defendants,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.
“The synchronized efforts of the diligent investigators and prosecutors who teamed together on this years-long investigation have been extraordinary,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “One of HSI’s primary missions is to detect and dismantle criminal organizations who exploit financial systems to fuel their greedy endeavors. Results like those obtained through these indictments are only realized through teamwork and information sharing. Without the dedication and tireless work of the multiple agencies involved in this investigation, this fraudulent conspiracy might still be active today.”
“This is a perfect illustration of DSS’ global reach with our network of DSS agents and investigative teams at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, and our skill in uncovering larger criminal enterprises while investigating visa fraud allegations,” said Mike Escott, Resident Agent in Charge at the DSS Philadelphia Resident Office. “When a United States-based business engages in a conspiracy to commit visa fraud to illegally bring workers to the United States to exploit that labor, DSS partners with our allies to bring them to justice, protecting American
“FDA takes seriously the requirement that devices have the proper approval or clearance before being introduced into interstate commerce,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue those who skirt these requirements and jeopardize the public health.”
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to the foreign labor certification programs administered by the U.S. Department of Labor,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent in Charge, Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”
The case was investigated by the following agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; and State of Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Bonney, Kevin Jayne, and Meaghan Flannery, and Department of Justice Money Laundering Section Attorneys Darrin McCollough, Senior Policy Advisor, and Colin Trundle, Trial Attorney. The asset seizure and forfeiture is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Grieb.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Justin Smith, 34, of Rochester was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for one count of distributing 40 grams and more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 27, 2019, at the direction of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, a cooperating individual (CI) met with the defendant, Justin Smith, to purchase 200 grams of fentanyl. Smith explained that he had just sold off some of his supply and only had 100 grams available, which he agreed to sell to the CI the following day.
On August 28, 2019, at the direction of the FBI, the CI drove to Smith’s apartment wearing a recording device. After approximately 20 minutes, surveillance units observed Smith leave his apartment and enter the CI’s car with a second individual. Once inside the car, Smith produced the fentanyl from a pocket and completed the deal. The CI noticed that Smith had a firearm in another pocket. Smith explained that he had just obtained the gun prior to the deal. Smith handed the firearm to the second individual who unloaded it prior to handing it to the CI. After handling the gun briefly to examine it, the CI handed the gun back to Smith. The defendant and the other individual then left the car. After they departed, the CI provided the drugs to a control agent. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the drugs to be 100.8 grams of fentanyl.
“This office will prosecute criminals who carry guns and deal drugs to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “This defendant sold over 100 grams of fentanyl. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI, we were able to bring the defendant to justice.”
“Criminals like Justin Smith have no business possessing deadly firearms for any reason, let alone to facilitate trafficking deadly fentanyl,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence is another example of the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to take back our communities from violent drug traffickers and make our streets safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Riverview Man Pleads Guilty to Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jamaal Black (22, Riverview) today pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies. Black faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each robbery count. The firearm offense carries a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on January 30, 2021, Black entered a gas station in Riverview, pulled out a pistol with an extended magazine, aimed it at the clerk, and demanded money. Black attempted to go behind the counter when the clerk refused to give Black the money. Black then engaged in an altercation with the clerk and shot the clerk in the arm during the struggle. The clerk fell to the ground. Black approached the clerk, aimed the firearm at the clerk, and repeated the demand for money. The clerk, bleeding profusely from his gunshot wound, complied, went to the cash register and gave Black the contents. Black escaped the gas station with $200.
Two months later, on March 14, 2021, Black committed another robbery using a minor female to arrange for a marijuana transaction. The girl went to a local drug dealer’s home under the guise of purchasing marijuana. Black approached the dealer when the dealer retrieved the marijuana for the sale. Black pressed a firearm to the drug dealer’s head and demanded the marijuana. The drug dealer threw the marijuana at Black and retreated into the home.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Registered Sex Offender Who Attempted to Have Sex with 11 Y/O Girl Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mathew Schulman, 36, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography following a previous conviction before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between May 2021, and June 2022, Shulman engaged in sexually explicit online communications with who he believed was an 11-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover New York State Police (NYSP) Investigator. During the conversations, Shulman asked the child produce and send to him child pornography, and tried to persuade the child to meet him for sex. Shulman also distributed child pornography depicting prepubescent minors in an attempt to groom the child for sexual activity. On June 7, 2022, the NYSP and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Shulman’s Rochester residence and took him into custody. At the time of his arrest, Shulman was a registered sex offender on probation for a June 2016 conviction of possessing child pornography in Monroe County Court.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 8, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Preston Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JOEL HUNTSMAN, also known as “Jay Huntsman, “Joel Feser,” and “Jay Blackburn”), 34, of Preston, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with child exploitation offenses.
After his arrest, Huntsman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents, in June 2022, the Kik mobile messenger application submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) that a user, subsequently identified as Huntsman, had distributed child sex abuse images and videos to another Kik user. On November 2, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of Huntsman’s residence and seized multiple items, including two mobile phones. Analysis of the seized phones revealed images of child pornography.
The complaint charges Huntsman with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Heroin and Fentanyl; Acknowledges Responsibility for Causing a DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Devontay Montaze Green, age 29, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Green also acknowledged responsibility for distributing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl resulting in death.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on the morning of Oct. 31, 2018, K.K. was found dead in the basement of an Alison Park, PA residence. Paramedics and the McCandless Police Department responded to the residence. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate K.K., and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The McCandless Police Department recovered drug use paraphernalia and ripped, empty stamp bags marked “Hurricane Harvey” in red ink and “Burger King” in blue ink near his body. Law enforcement also recovered K.K.’s cellular phone and provided all evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Opioid Task Force.
K.K.’s cellular phone contained text messages with a third-party from the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. The texts revealed that K.K. and the third-party sought to purchase bundles of a controlled substance from the third-party’s drug dealer. Using these text messages, the FBI contacted the third-party, who confirmed that he and K.K. had purchased four bundles of “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King” from an individual known to him as “Trey” on the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. A bundle is typically comprised of ten glassine bags containing controlled substances that are packaged together using a rubber band.
On Nov. 1, 2018, the FBI directed the third-party to text “Trey” to arrange for the controlled purchase of the same stamps recovered at K.K.’s death scene. When asked for “Hurricane Harvey,” “Trey” responded that he had Burger King, which he described as “blue” and “even better.” “Trey” also texted that he had “Hurricane” and that he would save some for the third-party. Subsequently, the third-party met “Trey” in the Carrick area of Pittsburgh. The third-party purchased approximately two bundles from “Trey” marked “Hurricane Harvey” in red ink and “Burger King” in blue ink. The third-party immediately provided the bundles to law enforcement and confirmed that he purchased them from “Trey.”
Following the controlled purchase operation, law enforcement conducted mobile surveillance of “Trey” as he entered a silver Lincoln sedan as a passenger. The Lincoln stopped in a high-drug trafficking area before re-entering traffic. Thereafter, a law enforcement officer detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the Lincoln and requested a marked unit conduct a traffic stop. A dashcam video recorded the Lincoln briefly stop before speeding away and crashing. Law enforcement detained both the driver and “Trey” as they fled on foot from the crash.
From outside the Lincoln, law enforcement observed a plastic bag containing packaged controlled substances in plain view on the floorboard. Law enforcement seized the bag and found 16 bricks, a majority of which bore the “Burger King” stamp in blue ink. A brick is typically comprised of fifty glassine bags containing controlled substances that are packaged together using a rubber band. In addition to the bricks, law enforcement recovered several cellular phones at the scene of the crash.
The FBI then transported “Trey,” who was identified as Green, to an FBI building for an interview. Following a written waiver of his rights, Green admitted to selling heroin prior to the vehicle pursuit, to obtaining about 15 bricks from his source of supply prior to the vehicle pursuit, and to previously obtaining the “Hurricane” stamp from his source of supply.
Also during his interview, Green identified which of the cellular phones recovered near the crash belonged to him. Additionally, Green provided written consent to search his cellular phone. The data extraction of the phone revealed communications between Green and the third-party. The communications reflect Green’s sale of controlled substances to the third-party on or about Oct. 30, 2018, and again on Nov. 1, 2018.
The FBI conducted historical cellular site analysis on the cellular phones used by K.K., the third party, and Green from the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. The analysis revealed that K.K. both communicated and traveled with the third-party to meet with Green. The cellular site analysis further revealed that the three individuals were briefly in the same area before K.K. returned to his Alison Park residence.
The Office of the Medical Examiner, Allegheny County, conducted a death investigation into the cause of K.K.’s death. The drug chemistry section confirmed that the “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King” purchased and seized from Green on Nov. 1, 2018, contained a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The toxicology section determined that K.K.’s blood contained a lethal level of both fentanyl and morphine, which is indicative of heroin use. A forensic toxicologist further determined that K.K.’s toxicology report was consistent with the use of the substances found in “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King.” Finally, a forensic pathologist determined that K.K. died of a drug overdose. K.K. would be alive if it were not for the presence of fentanyl and morphine in his blood.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Green on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Opioid Task Force and the McCandless Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Green.
Pelahatchie Man Convicted of Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – On January 25, 2023, a federal jury convicted a Pelahatchie man for trafficking heroin in Rankin and Hinds counties during 2017 and 2018.
U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Director Steve Maxwell of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, John Moore, also known as “Mo Money,” age 55, conspired with and supplied heroin to Erica Rhodes, of Forest, Mississippi. Rhodes distributed and sold the heroin on multiple occasions in Pelahatchie and in the Jackson metropolitan area.
John Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erica Rhodes was convicted in Rankin County Circuit Court in 2019, receiving a 15-year jail sentence for her role in the drug trafficking operation.
This case is the result of an extensive joint federal and state investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Rankin County District Attorney’s Office, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Ridgeland Police Department, the Pearl Police Department, the Flowood Police Department, the National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Clark and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
Pasadena Man Who Allegedly Adheres to Extremist Anti-Government Ideology Charged in Federal Complaint with Possessing Machine GunRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Pasadena man who allegedly sympathizes with the anti-government extremist “Boogaloo” movement has been charged in a federal criminal complaint alleging he brandished a loaded “ghost gun” near a South Los Angeles high school late last year, the Justice Department announced today.
Isaac Aaron Morgan Loftus, 26, is charged with one count of possession of a machine gun, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Loftus, who has been in state custody since his arrest in late November 2022, is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in the coming days.
According to an affidavit filed on January 23 with the complaint, around lunchtime on November 22, 2022, law enforcement received a call about an armed individual in the vicinity of Thomas Jefferson High School in South Los Angeles who was wearing a tactical vest and cargo pants. A witness told law enforcement that the individual – later identified as Loftus – had pointed a firearm at two passing motorists.
Loftus, who at first refused to obey multiple commands to stop and attempted to walk away from officers, eventually complied with officers’ requests, was detained and handcuffed and later arrested, the affidavit states.
Law enforcement allegedly removed a 9mm handgun with no serial number – commonly known as a “ghost gun” – one which contained one round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine, from a holster on Loftus’s front right hip area. The holster was decorated with symbols commonly associated with the Boogaloo movement, according to the affidavit.
The “Boogaloos” are a loosely organized anti-government extremist movement whose adherents believe there will be a civil war or uprising against the United States government following perceived incursions on constitutional rights – including the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms – or other perceived government overreach.
On Loftus’s person, officers allegedly also recovered two heavy duty zip ties, a tactical plate carrier, a pocketknife with a three-inch blade, a black knife with a four-inch fixed blade, and two key fobs for a Honda Clarity that had been reported stolen from a car dealership earlier in the day. The Honda also had been involved in a hit-and-run accident that same day, located approximately five blocks from where Loftus was arrested.
Law enforcement searched the Honda and found a loaded 9mm “ghost gun” in the glove compartment and a toolbox containing the upper and lower receiver of a nearly 12-inch AR-style rifle, a drop-in auto sear – designed for converting a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic machine gun – dozens of rounds of various calibers of ammunition, approximately 23 magazines, and a silencer, according to the affidavit.
During a search of Loftus’s residence, law enforcement allegedly found firearms and firearms cases, dozens of additional auto sears, and a large U.S. flag with symbols consistent with the Boogaloo ideology.
Loftus is prohibited under California law from possessing firearms.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Ocala Felon with Loaded Handgun Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Michael Tyrone Young (32, Ocala) to 33 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Young was also required to forfeit the firearm and ammunition seized from him by law enforcement. He had been found guilty following a trial on August 29, 2022.
According to evidence presented at trial, on the night of August 31, 2021, officers from the Ocala Police Department encountered Young in the hallway of a building at a local public housing complex. The officers were specifically patrolling the area due to recent shootings at the complex. The officers confronted Young after seeing him drop and retrieve what appeared to be a weapon. As they talked with him, the loaded firearm fell out of Young’s pants and onto the floor. Young admitted that he had the firearm because he had been “looking for a certain person” who was “fixin’ to get him.” A records check showed that Young had three state felony convictions for drug distribution. As a convicted felon, Young is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
The case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
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.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Misappropriating Identities to Defraud Federal Student Aid ProgramRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Clayton, North Carolina man, Jerry Lynn Johnson, Jr., was sentenced today to 53 months in prison and three years of supervised release for organizing and leading a fraudulent scheme to obtain, and attempt to obtain, over $400,000 in federal financial aid funds. On August 2, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge of mail fraud and aiding and abetting. As part of the judgment, Johnson was also ordered to pay $289,403 in criminal restitution to the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
“This defendant fraudulently used other people’s identities to apply for student aid to attend numerous colleges, taking advantage of a system meant to help poor and disadvantaged citizens get a college education,” said U.S Attorney Michael Easley. “We should be proud to live in a country that has programs in place to help people fulfill their dreams of attending college. We will zealously guard the integrity of those programs and prosecute those who take advantage of our country’s generosity to line their pockets at taxpayer expense. let this be a warning to financial fraudsters - scamming our education system will get you a full ride to federal prison.”
"I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for shutting down yet another student aid fraud ring and holding the ringleader accountable for his criminal actions,” said Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office. “The OIG is committed to fighting student aid fraud, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those that participate in these types of crimes."
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is the ED office responsible for administering financial aid programs to assist qualified students with pursuing post-secondary education, including grants, loans, work study funds, and other disbursements. FSA also develops, distributes, and processes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form or “FAFSA”. After a school applies a financial award to a student’s tuition and fees, any remaining balance is refunded to the student for education-related expenses.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, between approximately 2016 and 2019, Johnson used the personal identifying information of multiple individuals— “straw students”—to falsely and fraudulently apply for financial aid to attend various post-secondary schools, including American Public University in Charles Town, West Virginia, Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. Johnson submitted the FAFSA in the names of the straw students while concealing his identity as the preparer. After the financial aid packages were approved, Johnson assumed the identities of the straw students to enroll them in classes, complete required coursework, and otherwise maintain the illusion of attendance and bona fide efforts to complete the chosen degree program for the purpose of enriching himself with the associated student aid refunds. In furtherance of the scheme, Johnson diverted over $190,000 in refunds to North Carolina addresses under his control.
Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-CR-61-FL.
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New York Man Sentenced on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Michael Joseph Wynder, 37, of New York City, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months incarceration for straw purchasing a firearm. The sentence was imposed in District Court by the Honorable Richard G. Andrews.
Court filings show that on six occasions, from April through July of 2021, Wynder traveled from New York City, where he was residing, to Delaware and successfully bought a total of 14 handguns and attempted to buy four more. The law provides that when buying a firearm in Delaware, the purchaser must certify in writing that the purchaser is a Delaware resident. Wynder unlawfully did that, providing a former New Castle address and producing a Delaware Identification Card with that address. In fact, Wynder had not lived in Delaware for two years. Wynder admitted at sentencing that he sold the guns at a profit in New York City.
U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “Straw purchasing firearms and illegally selling those firearms to individuals who cannot legally purchase a firearm is a threat to public safety. I commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their hard work in investigating this case. For anyone considering purchasing a firearm for someone that cannot legally purchase their own firearm, consider the end result in Mr. Wynder’s case – federal prison.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-08.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAURICE FLORANT, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on January 26, 2023 in a two-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
FLORANT is charged in Counts 1 and 2 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
As to each, FLORANT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller is in charge of the prosecution.
New Britain Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that RAFAEL MARTINEZ, 31, of New Britain, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Martinez as a large-scale distributor of fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Martinez used an apartment on Sargeant Street in Hartford to store and process fentanyl for distribution, and he also distributed the drug from his residence on Hayes Street in New Britain. On August 3, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Martinez’s New Britain residence and encountered Martinez, who they observed throwing a white powder substance from the living room window. A search of the residence revealed approximately 3,000 wax folds of fentanyl, additional loose quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia, two handguns, ammunition, and $28,777 in cash. Investigators subsequently recovered another approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, as well as items used to process and package narcotics, that Martinez had thrown from the window.
Martinez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 13.
Martinez has been detained since August 3, 2022.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The 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. 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.
Missouri Man Arrested for Cyberstalking Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Evan Stauffer (23, Missouri) with cyberstalking, making interstate threats, and making obscene and harassing phone calls. If convicted on all counts, Stauffer faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison.
According to the complaint, for nearly two years, Stauffer engaged in a campaign of online and telephonic harassment and threats against multiple victims that reside in the Middle District of Florida. Specifically, Stauffer cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened several victims through repeated emails, phone calls, text messages, and social media messages from numerous phone numbers and social media accounts.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kansas City (Missouri) Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Member of Violent Boston Gang Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Racketeering and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in connection with his involvement in the violent Boston-based street gang, NOB.
Michael Brandao, a/k/a “G Fredo,” and “Frizzblock Fredo,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2022, Brandao pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Brandao is one of 10 defendants indicted together in June 2020 as part of a broader federal sweep targeting numerous NOB street gang members and associates in which 31 total defendants were charged. All of Brandao’s co-defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.
According to court documents, NOB – an abbreviation for the Norton/Olney/Barry streets in Dorchester – is a violent criminal enterprise whose members and associates are involved in numerous types of criminal activities, including murders, attempted murders, armed robberies, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and illegal firearms offenses. During the investigation, numerous contraband items were seized including 11 firearms, over one kilogram of fentanyl (including over 2,000 fentanyl pills manufactured to appear as commercial oxycodone pills), a commercial pill press, over 15 pounds of marijuana and approximately $36,000 in cash.
Brandao was an active and violent member of the NOB gang who personally committed and supported multiple violent crimes on behalf of the gang. The Court determined that Brandao was responsible for an attempted murder and took it into consideration at sentencing. Specifically, in November 2018, an individual was shot multiple times with a .40 caliber pistol in broad daylight near their residence in New Bedford; this individual survived their injuries. Additionally, according to court documents, Brandao actively facilitated, promoted and furthered the criminal activities committed by the NOB gang in various ways, including. by publishing recordings and videos boasting about violence he and the NOB gang committed, bragging about his personal participation in gang violence, threatening rival gangs and intimidating witnesses.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Bryan Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III; and Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Crowley and Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Threatening a Member of CongressRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Justin Kuchta, age 39, of Annapolis, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capitol Police; and Acting Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Lt. Colonel Dalaine Brady.
“You have the right to your own opinions, but not the right to threaten a federal official’s life,” said United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron. “We’ll continue prosecuting these threats to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to his plea agreement, Kuchta made threats to murder a U.S. Member of Congress. Specifically, a U.S. Member of Congress’ district office in Texas reported that on July 18, 2022, it received a threatening message via an event management website. The website was being used by an event planner to coordinate an event held in the State of Missouri, being attended by Member of Congress 1. The Subject line of that email read, in relevant part: “Rally in Missouri – Featured Guest [Member of Congress 1], [Individual 1], and [Individual 2].” The message stated, “Thank you for the address!!! I’m coming to murder all of you Satanist f*ckers!!! Especially the chuckle-f*ck Zodiak [sic] Killer [Member of Congress 1]!! That fat fake f*cker ass will be the first on the gallows!! SEE ALL OF YOU F*CKERS REALLY SOON!!! With my fresh militia and weapons!!! Thanks for the info f*ckers!!!” The Member of Congress’ Washington office reported that a similar message was sent on July 22, 2022, using the same event management website.
As detailed in the plea agreement, an investigation revealed that the IP address was registered to a private high-speed network operated by the State of Maryland. Network records revealed that the IP address originated from a Virtual Private Network and computer assigned to Kuchta. Kuchta was subsequently interviewed by Special Agents with the U.S. Capitol Police and investigators assigned to the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit at his place of employment in Annapolis, Maryland, after being advised of his rights. While Kuchta initially denied sending the email messages, he ultimately admitted that he sent the July 18, 2022, threatening message over the website.
Kuchta faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for interstate communication containing a threat to injure. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for April 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the United States Capitol Police and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, and its efforts to protect national security, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/anti-terrorism.
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Maryland Man Facing Federal Indictment for Filing Fraudulent Applications for COVID-19 CARES Act Unemployment Benefits and for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Ryan E. Dales, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, with illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
According to the two-count indictment, Dales illegally possessed a firearm on January 20, 2023.
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including workers who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible for UI benefits. The indictment alleges that beginning in December 2020 and continuing through about September 2021, Dales submitted applications for UI benefits that contained false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions related to his employment, his eligibility to received UI benefits, and his purported businesses, including their existence, operation, and profits. Dales allegedly submitted a fictitious tax form in support of his applications.
More information on the allegations against Dales may be found here.
If convicted, Dales faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. 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. Dales is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, but no date has been set.
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.
The District of Maryland COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is one of three strike forces established by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in the investigation. United States Attorney Barron and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley are prosecuting the case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TOWNSEND GRANT, age 19, was charged today in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for possession of a machinegun, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of possessing a machinegun, GRANT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, GRANT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, GRANT faces a minimum sentence of thirty (30) years of imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to all other counts, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five (5) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Additionally, as to each count of the indictment, GRANT faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee .
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel.
Man Charged with Immigration Fraud for Concealing War Crime Charge in CroatiaRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was arraigned today on criminal charges related to his alleged false statements to U.S. immigration and law enforcement officials about his military service and involvement in a politically and ethnically-motivated attack on civilians in Croatia during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Jugoslav Vidic, 55, of Parma Heights, allegedly made multiple false statements in his successful application to become a lawful permanent resident, including falsely stating that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989 and omitting his service in the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors from 1991 to 1995. The indictment alleges Vidic falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he had been convicted in absentia in 1998 of a war crime in Croatia, and falsely stated that he had never participated in killing a person because of ethnic origin or political opinion. Vidic also allegedly participated in an attack by ethnic Serb military forces in September 1991 in which Vidic singled out and took away at gunpoint a Croatian civilian who had recently shaken hands with Croatia’s then-president, Franjo Tudjman, who supported Croatian independence from Yugoslavia. The victim was never seen alive again and his body was later exhumed from a mass grave.
Vidic immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999. His application to become a lawful permanent resident was approved in 2005. Vidic is also accused of lying to law enforcement agents in 2017 when questioned about his immigration application. Vidic is charged with one count of possessing a green card that was procured by means of materially false statements and one count of making false statements to a federal agent. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the first charge and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the second.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office, Acting Executive Associate Director Steve Francis of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar of the HSI Detroit Field Office made the announcement.
HSI and the FBI are investigating the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC), including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit (IHRU). The Department of Justice thanks the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering this investigation.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or its online tip form at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or its online tip form at https://tips.fbi.gov/.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Los Lunas man sentenced for production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Martin Perea was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Perea, 42, of Los Lunas, pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2022, to two counts of production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court records, on July 1, 2015, the victim’s mother discovered pornographic content of the eight-year-old victim on a memory card from Perea’s cellular telephone. The victim’s mother confronted Perea who apologized and blamed the victim’s mother for his conduct. Then, Perea threatened to burn the victim’s mother and her house down. The victim and her mother fled to Spokane, Washington where they contacted the Spokane Police Department.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation later recovered numerous video files of child pornography on the memory card.
In his plea agreement, Perea admitted that from Oct. 8, 2014, to March 2015, he knowingly used the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Perea acknowledged that the victim was seven and eight years old at the time Perea committed the crimes.
Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to 25 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department and the New Mexico Computer Forensic Laboratory as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Lewistown man sentenced for bank fraud in obtaining loans for cattle ranching businessRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lewistown man who admitted to defrauding a bank and a credit union after obtaining more than $1 million in loans for his cattle ranching business was sentenced on Jan. 25 to time served, followed by five years of supervised release, with one year of home confinement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eric Edward Mack, 43, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to bank fraud.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine restitution at a later hearing.
The government alleged in court documents that from November 2015 to January 2018, Mack applied for and received multiple operating loans from Garfield County Bank and from the Fergus Federal Credit Union for his cattle ranching business. At the Garfield bank, Mack had loans totaling approximately $885,000 from 2015 to 2017, and at the Fergus credit union, Mack had loans totaling approximately $250,000 from 2016 to 2018. Mack secured loans at both businesses with items, including cattle belonging to him. The government further alleged that Mack sold cattle secured by loans at Garfield and Fergus and failed to pay the proceeds of the sale to either bank. Mack also engaged in improper conduct when obtaining the loans by misrepresenting the status of collateral used to secure the loans at each institution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Kodiak Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Kodiak man with possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and numerous firearms.
According to court documents, Mark Daniel Nason, 55, possessed over 400 grams of fentanyl, 500 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, five handguns, two revolvers, two rifles, one shotgun, and almost $60,000 in cash. Nason has five prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance on January 26, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) with the help of the Kodiak Police Department (KPD) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana B. Weber is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Justice Department Files Pay Equity Lawsuit Challenging Compensation Discrimination by Wisconsin Department of Military AffairsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a complaint today against the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (WDMA) alleging that the WDMA discriminated on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when it offered a woman a lower salary than similarly or less qualified men for the same job. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits compensation discrimination and other forms of employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion.
“It is a violation of federal law for employers to offer a qualified woman less pay simply because of her sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to confronting the gender pay gap and holding state and local government employers accountable when they discriminate on the basis of sex in setting compensation. Title VII is a critical tool in bringing an end to unlawful actions that perpetuate gender pay disparities in the workplace.”
The lawsuit, filed by the United States in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleges that the WDMA engaged in compensation discrimination based on sex by offering Michelle Hartness a lower salary than it offered or paid similarly or less qualified men for a director position in the WDMA. According to the complaint, Ms. Hartness was selected for a director position, but the WDMA offered her a salary below the salary range stated in the job announcement. When Ms. Hartness pointed this out and asked for a salary commensurate with the range from the posting and her skills and experience, the WDMA offered her the lowest salary in the range. Ms. Hartness asked for a salary consistent with her qualifications and on par with the man holding the other director position in the division. The WDMA rejected her request. Instead, the WDMA conducted another selection process and offered the Director position to only men, at salaries significantly higher than the salary it offered Ms. Hartness, even though she was as or more qualified than these men. The WDMA ultimately hired a less qualified man at a higher salary than it offered Ms. Hartness.
Ms. Hartness filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Milwaukee Area Office investigated the charge and found reasonable cause to believe that Ms. Hartness was discriminated against because of her sex. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts, the EEOC referred the charge to the Justice Department.
Ensuring that local, county and state governments comply with Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the jurisdiction of the Employment Litigation Section is available on its websites at www.justice.gov/crt/ and https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Senior Trial Attorneys Patricia Stasco and Hector Ruiz of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Depew Man for Sexually Abusing a Minor, Enticing Two OthersRead the Press Release
A federal jury today found a Depew man guilty of sexually abusing a child younger than 12 years old and sexually propositioning and inappropriately touching two teenagers.
Darrel Dean Guinn, 37, was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country; two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor in Indian Country; and abusive sexual contact with a minor in Indian Country.
“Darrel Guinn preyed on, manipulated and repeatedly sexually abused a young girl. He also made sexual advances toward two other minors,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners for bringing this case to trial and the jury for delivering justice on behalf of those victims harmed by Mr. Guinn.”
Guinn’s crimes were reported to authorities after a child revealed to two older siblings that she had been sexually abused by Guinn. The two older siblings also disclosed that Guinn had sexually propositioned them on several occasions.
During trial, prosecutors brought forth evidence showing that Guinn sexually abused the young child on at least three occasions from approximately June 23, 2020, through Aug. 1, 2021.
The child stated that the abuse began when she was 10 years old. At that time, the two were watching a movie alone, and he sexually assaulted her. When he was done, he told her not to tell anyone. The final time he sexually assaulted her, he told the victim she was his “favorite” and that it was “their secret.”
The second victim stated that when she was 14, Guinn asked her if he could have sex with her. On another occasion when she was 14, he was watching a movie with the teenager, laid next to her, and began to push his pelvis against her buttocks, humping her.
Finally, a third victim disclosed that Guinn propositioned her for sex when she was approximately 16 or 17. She also reported that at one point, Guinn seemed to be rubbing his groin on her buttocks.
During the investigation, two other adults came forward stating they were sexually assaulted by Guinn when they were children and he was a teenager.
One woman stated that Guinn exposed himself to her when she was five years old and he was 13. He began to ostracize the victim after she disclosed the incident.
After the exposure, Guinn began sexually abusing another child on a regular basis when she was between the ages of six and nine years old. He was approximately seven years older than the victim.
At trial, victims and witnesses also said that Guinn regularly commented to the victims that “incest was best,” that he was “bored and horny,” or called the victims “teases.” Experts testified that sexualized comments are often associated with grooming behavior, where perpetrators try to desensitize victims to sexual commentary and acts in order to exploit and abuse them.
In closing, federal prosecutors reminded the jury that five different people came into court to testify about the abuse they endured at the hands of Guinn at various times in his life. Prosecutors stated that “incest is best” and “bored and horny” were not simply immature jokes to Guinn, but rather were mottos Guinn lived by. They asked the jury to hold Guinn accountable for his criminal conduct.
The jury deliberated 3 hours and found the defendant guilty on all counts.
The FBI and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Todd and Kenneth Elmore are prosecuting the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Gregory L. Randle, 30, was found in possession of a firearm and several pounds of marijuana in a vehicle he was driving after he fled from a Mississippi Highway Patrol traffic safety checkpoint. Randle was under the supervision of the United States Probation Office at the time of these offenses, and so received an additional 12-month sentence that will run consecutively to the 51-month sentence received for the firearm and drug charges. This additional 12-month sentence was imposed due to Randle’s violation of the conditions of his supervised release. The total sentence imposed is 63 months of imprisonment.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay B. Baldwin and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Iowa City Man Sentenced for Firearm Charge and False DeclarationsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced on January 24, 2023, to five years in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and making false declarations before a grand jury.
Law enforcement identified Wesley Jovan Carter, age 36, as being involved in a November 2020 burglary of an Iowa City towing company with Jeremiah Duwon Snead, age 32, of Cedar Rapids. Snead was sentenced to ten years in prison in August 2022 after a jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence at Snead’s trial showed that Snead committed the November 2020 burglary and left his blood in Carter’s car. Carter’s car was observed on surveillance videos and his geolocation data placed him at the burglary scene. Carter was called to testify before a grand jury and falsely denied being present at the burglary or having any knowledge of it. A review of Carter’s Google account showed videos of Carter in possession of a nine-millimeter handgun and at a shooting range in possession of five firearms. Carter had been previously convicted of a felony and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
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. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Inmate Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Facilitating the Smuggling of Cellphones into Dauphin County PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Danny Cruz, age 44, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 25, 2023, to 51 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for smuggling cellular telephones into Dauphin County Prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Cruz was an inmate in Dauphin County Prison on charges of attempted murder. While he was incarcerated, he bribed a prison guard to help him smuggle cellphones into the prison. He also recruited his mother to facilitate the bribe payments and the transfer of cellphones to the guard. On multiple occasions between October 2015 and January 2016, Cruz’s mother gave money and cellular telephones to a prison guard, former Corrections Officer Kyle Bower, age 34, of Harrisburg, who then smuggled the phones into the prison to Cruz. Corrections Officer Bower was paid hundreds of dollars for each phone he smuggled into the prison.
When imposing the sentence, Judge Conner ordered that Cruz serve his 51-month sentence after he completed serving his attempted murder sentence of 9-20 years.
All other participants in the conspiracy have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to smuggle phones into the prison. Former Corrections Officer Kyle Bower was sentenced to two months in federal prison to be followed by two months of home detention after his release. Alice Martinez, age 43 of Chambersburg, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Lizarah Matthews, age 31, of York, was sentenced to one year of probation. Cruz’s mother, Aida Rosado, age 62 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to two years of probation with the first two months on home detention.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
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Indictment Charges Stamford Man with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging RICARDO GEORGES, 32, of Stamford, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment was returned on January 19, 2023. Georges appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and entered a plea of not guilty. Georges has been detained since his arrest by Stamford Police on related state charges on May 7, 2022.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 7, 2022, Georges possessed a loaded Para USA, model Expert Commander 1911, .45 ACP caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
It is further alleged that Georges’ criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and New York for assault on public safety personnel, robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and multiple drug offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the charge, Georges faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford-Norwalk. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution 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. In May 2021, the Justice 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.
Honduran Woman Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ENNA SERRANO-CRUZ, age 31, a native of Honduras, was charged on January 25, 2023 in a one-count bill of information with illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
ENNA SERRANO-CRUZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney M. Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILSON MAZARIEGOS SARAVIA, age 28, a native of Honduras, was charged on January 25, 2023 in a one-count bill of information with illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
WILSON MAZARIEGOS SARAVIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney M. Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Herkimer County Sex Offender Sentenced for Failing to Update his RegistrationRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Eric L. Henderson, age 38, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for failing to update his registration as a sex offender after he fled New York State parole supervision and moved to South Carolina.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
Henderson must register as a sex offender because he was convicted of rape-third degree in 2020, in Herkimer County, for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old. In pleading guilty, Henderson admitted that following his release from state prison in May 2021, he cut off contact with his state parole officer and fled to Kingstree, South Carolina, without updating his sex offender registration in New York or registering as a sex offender in South Carolina. Henderson was arrested on October 27, 2021, in South Carolina, by the United States Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 5-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
The United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.
Henderson County Man Is Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A Henderson County man was sentenced to 14 years in prison today for receipt of child pornography, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Todd Andrew Riley, 45, of East Flat Rock, N.C. was also ordered to serve a lifetime under court supervision, to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison, and to pay a $10,000 fine and $68,200 in restitution.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, in June 2019, HSI was alerted to an individual, later identified as Riley, using the Kik messaging application to receive child pornography. On June 25, 2019, HSI agents met with Riley who admitted to using Kik and other messaging applications and online platforms to view and receive child pornography. According to court records, a forensic examination of Riley’s electronic devices revealed that he possessed thousands of images and hundreds of videos of child pornography, some of which depicted the sexual abuse of toddlers and infants.
On August 12, 2022, Riley pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. He is currently in federal custody and he will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI for their investigation of this case.
The prosecution for the government was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Solheim of U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Heart Butte man indicted on murder charge in death of woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Heart Butte man with second degree murder in the death of a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The indictment, filed on Jan. 25 in U.S. District Court, charges Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, with second degree murder. The maximum penalty for the crime is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
The indictment alleges that on Nov. 24, 2022 at Heart Butte, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Aimsback knowingly and unlawfully killed Jane Doe with malice aforethought.
An arraignment date is to be determined. Aimsback is in federal custody.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI, with assistance from Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Pondera County, investigated the case.
PACER case reference. 23-07.
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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Granite City Man Heads Back to Prison After Ditching Firearm on a Playground During Police PursuitRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – In a U.S. District Court on Thursday, a Granite City man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after possessing a firearm as a felon while out on supervised release from previous gun convictions.
Donnie A. Sherrell, 30, pled guilty to one count of Possession of a Firearm as a Felon. After serving his sentence, he will receive three years of supervised release.
“It’s disappointing when individuals don’t learn from their mistakes, and the defendant’s reckless decisions have rightfully landed him back in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the tenacity by law enforcement to pursue this criminal on foot, and I’m relieved the firearm was recovered without incident.”
“The Illinois State Police will always go the extra mile to protect the public and pursue repeat offenders who continue to break the law,” said Illinois State Police Major Gregg Cavanaugh.
According to court documents, the defendant was the passenger in a car during a traffic stop by law enforcement on July 20, 2022. When the police officer asked Sherrell to step out of the vehicle, the defendant told the driver to go, and a car chase ensued.
Sherrell jumped out of the car with a gun, and the chase continued on foot. The defendant scaled a fence to a playground at an elementary school in Madison, Illinois, where he was on surveillance video ditching the firearm. After Sherrell was apprehended, police officers located a Mossberg .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol a few feet away from the playground.
In March 2015, Sherrell was sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release on two counts of Sale of a Weapon to a Convicted Felon and two counts of Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.
ISP led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.
Gibraltar Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Gibraltar man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Travis Timmons, 33, of Gibraltar, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Judith E. Levy. Timmons pleaded guilty to using his cellular phone to create a video of himself performing a sex act on a child who was less than ten years old. In addition, he also pretended to be a younger male online, engaging in inappropriate conversations with minor females and offering them vape pens in exchange for sexually explicit images and sex acts. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Timmons, he jumped out of his window and fled.
“This offender engaged in hands-on abuse to create sexually explicit images of a young child. This sentence holds him accountable for this serious offense. Our commitment to vigorously work to keep children in our community safe is unwavering.” U.S. Attorney Ison stated.
“We must protect the most vulnerable members of our community – our children – from sexual exploitation,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “I would like to thank the Gibraltar Police Department for their partnership during this investigation. No amount of prison or restitution can make these victims whole but lengthy prison sentences, like the one in this case, send a strong message to these offenders that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will use all our available resources to bring them to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gibraltar Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Rawsthorne.Georgia man sentenced for drug distribution resulting in deathRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Cartersville, Georgia, man was sentenced today to federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation and the dismemberment of the body of a Fairmont woman to conceal her overdose death.
Seddrick Banks, age 30, was sentenced to 50 years in prison. During the June 2021 trial, the jury heard testimony that Banks trafficked and distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in Marion County and elsewhere. He would travel from Georgia to West Virginia, trafficking the drugs from different motel and hotel rooms and other locations. After a fentanyl overdose in a motel in Lewis County on August 9, 2018, Banks and a co-conspirator took the body of 20-year-old Courtney Dubois to Georgia, where they dismembered her and disposed of her body at a landfill.
The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon S. Flower and Andrew M. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Fourth Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Member Indicted After Investigation into Brutal Beating at the Vallejo ClubhouseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Kenneth Caspers Jr., 55, of Vacaville, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Caspers is the fourth individual to be indicted in the Eastern District of California based on an investigation into a brutal beating at the clubhouse for the Vallejo chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. The other three defendants—Jaime Alvarez, Dennis Killough Jr., and Michael Mahoney—were indicted by a grand jury in 2022.
According to court documents, in October 2021, two different victims—both of whom were members of a different motorcycle club that is considered a “puppet” (or subordinate) club of the Hells Angels—were beaten by Caspers, Mahoney, Alvarez, Killough, and other club members based on perceived infractions of the Hells Angels’ rules.
According to court documents, on Dec. 8, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Caspers’ Vacaville home and found several firearms and ammunition, including 18 rounds of .22‑caliber, .25‑caliber, and/or .38 caliber ammunition in Caspers’ master bedroom and bathroom. Caspers has previously been convicted of several felony crimes—including a previous felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm—that prevent him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Vacaville Police Department, the Vallejo Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron D. Pennekamp and Jason Hitt are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Caspers faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The three other defendants have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced as follows: Alvares on March 7, 2023, Killough on March 27, 2023, and Mahoney on May 2, 2023. They all face a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Cornelius Jackson, age 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to aiding in the making of false statements while purchasing a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jackson was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in August 2021, law enforcement discovered that Jackson, a convicted felon, solicited another person to purchase a firearm for him from a federally licensed firearms dealer. In doing so, he enlisted a third individual to finance the purchase. Jackson later sold a firearm to a prohibited person. Jackson has three prior felony convictions and, as such, is prohibited from purchasing or possessing the firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 156 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Oh Min, age 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Min was sentenced to 156 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in April 2021, while investigating the complaint of drug dealing occurring in a church parking lot, law enforcement discovered Min in a vehicle along with 170 fentanyl pills, marijuana, THC vaping cartridges, and a loaded firearm. Min was arrested on outstanding warrants. In September 2021, a search warrant was served at Min’s residence where an additional 120 fentanyl pills and marijuana were discovered along with a loaded handgun.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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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