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23 January 2023
Pennsylvania man sentenced for traveling across state lines to engage in sex with a minorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Monessen, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison for traveling from his home to have sex with a child from Bridgeport, West Virginia.
According to court documents, Mark Sassak, Jr., age 38, began talking with whom he believed to be a 15-year-old female through a social media app. That conversation continued through text messages on his cell phone for several weeks. Sassak then asked for an in-person meeting to have sex with the 15-year-old. Sassak drove from his home in Pennsylvania to a location in Bridgeport, West Virginia in October 2020 for said meeting, where law enforcement arrested him. When a search of Sassak’s cell phone was done, officers found multiple chats with suspected minors and child pornographic videos.
After a three-day trial in December 2021, Sassak was found guilty of one count of “Travel to Engage in Sexual Activity with a Minor” and one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.”
The Bridgeport Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Perri and Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Owners of Mobile Phlebotomy Company Plead Guilty to $ 7 Million Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriella Santibanez, 58, and her sister Lisa Hazard, 54, both of Temecula, California, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to commit over $7 million in health care fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Dec, 1, 2015, and Dec, 1, 2020, Santibanez and Hazard ran a mobile phlebotomy company, PhlebXpress Inc. that provided phlebotomy and other medical collection services at patients’ homes and long-term care facilities in Sacramento and elsewhere. Santibanez and Hazard agreed to bill Medicare for services provided that were not reimbursable by Medicare. Santibanez and Hazard also agreed to bill Medicare for overstated mileage that PhlebXpress phlebotomists traveled. On average, Santibanez and Hazard caused false billing to Medicare of over 140 miles for each patient seen by PhlebXpress. Santibanez and Hazard caused a loss to Medicare of at least $7.5 million based on false billing by PhlebXpress.
In November 2020, due to “credible allegations of fraud” at PhlebXpress, Medicare instituted a payment suspension for PhlebXpress under which Medicare ceased paying PhlebXpress for the services it continued to bill Medicare.
According to court documents, between July 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2021, Santibanez and Hazard agreed to circumvent the payment suspension by representing to Medicare that services provided to Medicare patients were done by another company, Phlebotomy Solutions, when they were in fact being provided by PhlebXpress through its contractors and employees from PhlebXpress’s offices. Through Phlebotomy Solutions, Santibanez and Hazard agreed to bill Medicare for a non-reimbursable service, misrepresenting that it was for another reimbursable service and overstating the mileage traveled by phlebotomists in order to receive additional money from Medicare. For example, in September 2021, Phlebotomy Solutions billed Medicare for 124.6 miles of travel by a phlebotomist when in fact the phlebotomist travelled 1.4 miles. Santibanez and Hazard caused a loss to Medicare of at least $50,000 based on false billing by Phlebotomy Solutions.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Bickley is prosecuting the case.
Santibanez and Hazard are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on May 1, 2023. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $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.
Organizer of Armed Jewelry Store Robbery Sentenced to 96 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U. S. Attorney Mario J. Peia (619) 546-9706
SAN DIEGO – A street gang member who led and organized an armed robbery was sentenced in federal court today to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty in April to one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery.
According to his plea agreement, Trenelle Cannon, a member of the O’Farrell Park Criminal Street Gang, admitted that he and other individuals agreed to rob the Alpha and Omega Jewelry Store in National City at gunpoint. Other individuals entered the store, pointed a gun at the store clerk, smashed the jewelry cases open, and placed jewelry into bags before fleeing the store with the stolen property.
While Cannon never entered the store, he admitted to having a leading and organizing role in the conspiracy. His leadership included instructing other individuals on what materials to obtain for the armed robbery and instructing them on what to do during the robbery. Cannon also provided the gun used and actively worked to sell the sell the stolen merchandise afterwards.
“We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute not only those who commit the violent crimes, but those who organize, aid, and support the crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI for their excellent work on this case.
“Mr. Cannon didn’t just commit this crime, he organized and planned it for his accomplices to help carry out,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe by finding, investigating, and dismantling criminal organizations one person at a time. Today’s sentencing represents the unwavering teamwork between the FBI and our law enforcement partners to see that dangerous criminals are no longer a danger to the public.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr2938-WQH
Trenelle Cannon Age: 23 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in Prison
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National City Police Department
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Orange County Man Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen Identities to Apply for More Than $1 Million in COVID Jobless BenefitsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man pleaded guilty today to fraudulently applying for more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) benefits – and receiving more than $400,000 of the same – by using the stolen identities of two dozen victims.
Nhan Hoang Pham, 36, of Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in relation to benefits connected to a presidentially declared emergency.
According to his plea agreement, from July 2020 to April 2021, Pham acquired without authorization or permission the personal identifying information (PII) – including names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers – of people living in California, Texas and Michigan, people he had never met.
Pham then created and submitted fraudulent online applications to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), which administers the state’s unemployment insurance program. Pham’s fraudulent applications sought federally funded pandemic benefits intended for the jobless and represented that the victims whose PII was unlawfully used received mail at Anaheim addresses that, in fact, Pham controlled.
Upon receipt of the applications, EDD transmitted the claimant information to Bank of America, which caused the issuance and mailing of debit cards to Anaheim addresses that Pham controlled.
Pham then took the fraudulently obtained debit cards and used them to withdraw money at ATMs throughout Orange County.
While Pham tried to obtain approximately $1,255,350 through fraudulent applications containing the PII of 24 identity theft victims, he received approximately $408,496.
United States District Judge James V. Selna scheduled a May 22 sentencing hearing, at which time Pham will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
The United States Secret Service; the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General; the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division; the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation; and the Santa Ana Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel S. Lim of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
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 Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Five Years for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that William Stafford, 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 23, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Stafford to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
On November 7, 2020, Omaha police patrol officers noticed an unknown individual leaning into the back seat of a car. As officers approached, they noticed it was Stafford. Stafford began making furtive movements and was eventually searched. In his pockets officers found two baggies of marijuana, unused hypodermic needles, and $471 cash. Inside of the vehicle, officers also found syringes loaded with a blue liquid. At the Douglas County Jail, officers removed a baggie of methamphetamine from Stafford’s underwear. Forensic testing confirmed a net weight of 19.687 grams and purity of 95 percent.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dalonte Foard, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty today following a four-day jury trial in federal court for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Sex Trafficking of a Minor. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher scheduled Foard’s sentencing for April 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Foard faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of ten years.
The evidence at trial showed that in September 2020 two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. Foard had picked up the two girls, aged 16 and 17, and driven them to a hotel where co-Defendant Thomas Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. The following morning, Foard sexually assaulted one of the minors to “break her in” and then posted a new online commercial sex advertisement for her. A man responding to Foard’s ad came to the hotel and Foard waited on the stairs in the hallway while the man paid $60 to engage in a sex act with the victim. After the man left, Foard took $50 of the $60 paid to the victim.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Ocala Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Luis Angel Alicea (29, Ocala) with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Alicea faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on December 11, 2022, Alicea possessed a Glock firearm and CCI ammunition. At that time, Alicea had a previous felony conviction for conspiracy to import at least 50 kilograms, but less than 100 kilograms of cocaine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
An indictment 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 Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Norfolk Man Sentenced for Possessing Nearly Five Pounds of Methamphetamine During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Torey Benson, 41, Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, on January 20, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Benson to 114 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release upon his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On November 27, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop against Benson in Butler County, Nebraska. During the traffic stop, officers searched Benson’s vehicle and person and found just under five pounds of methamphetamine, five tabs of LSD, and three grams of marijuana. Officers also found drug packaging materials. Benson admitted to receiving the methamphetamine and that he intended to sell it to others.
This case was investigated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ELIJAH POWELL, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty as charged on January 17, 2023 before United States District Judge Wendy Vitter to a one-count indictment alleging that he illegally possessed a firearm after being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, POWELL was observed on the city’s Real Time Crime Cameras with what appeared to be a pistol in his pocket. When New Orleans Police Officers arrived to investigate, POWELL ran. He was apprehended after a brief chase but no longer had the pistol. Officers traced his route of flight and found the pistol in the side yard of a house along POWELL’s path of flight. POWELL had previously been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm in St. Charles Parish.
POWELL is set to be sentenced on April 18, 2023. He faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana Probation and Parole, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
NW Houston man gets 30 years for multiple charges involving the sexual exploitation of childrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 27-year-old Jersey Village resident has been ordered to prison for the sexual exploitation of children as well as receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Andrew Jeffrey Swope pleaded guilty Jan. 27, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen ordered him to serve 360 months in federal prison. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Swope must following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Swope will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“We must protect our most vulnerable victims – the children - from sexual exploitation,” said Hamdani. “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 despicable offenders that our law enforcement partners will spend as much time as necessary to bring them to justice.”
The investigation revealed Swope was communicating in a chat room on KiK which was dedicated to the receipt and distribution of child pornography. Swope was the owner of a chat room where he posted numerous images of child pornography. In this room, Swope also said he had been abusing a minor male from the time the boy was six until he was 10 years old.
Authorities later executed a search warrant at Swope’s residence in Jersey Village.
There, Swope answered the door holding a firearm. Law enforcement disarmed him, but he fled. He then attempted to dispose of a smartphone which contained child pornography images and videos depicting abuse of two minor children, among other things.
Swope produced a total of 311 images and 48 videos of two minor victims. He also possessed 4,625 images and 1,533 videos of child pornography.
Swope has been and will remained in custody since. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI Houston conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Morgantown Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Steven Reger, 46, of Morgantown, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 23, 2021, Reger sold approximately 428.1 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant near a garage in Parkersburg. Reger admitted to selling the methamphetamine to the informant and receiving $5,000 as well as $10,000 from prior drug deals from the informant.
Reger is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Parkersburg Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Negar M. Kordestani are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-196.
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Middle District of Florida Starts Fiscal Year 2023 with More Than 30 Firearms and Violent Crime Indictments as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the results of the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the first quarter, ending on December 31, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has charged 31 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 62 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart for case details).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the first quarter involved approximately 405 citizens.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q1 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Uriah Waggerby, Sylvanis Brice, and Johan Holder (Ft. Myers)
On November 1, 2016, three men wearing hoodies, masks and gloves, and brandishing firearms attempted to commit a robbery at a residence on the Big Cypress Reservation. During the robbery attempt, one of the masked men fired a shot that killed a young man who had been visiting the targeted residence. As the assailants had concealed their identities during the robbery attempt, no one at the scene was able to identify the perpetrators. Waggerby later admitted to his involvement in the robbery, telling investigators that he had met with individuals prior to the robbery and directed them to rob a particular house on the reservation because a resident there was a marijuana dealer. As a result of an exhaustive law enforcement investigation, Brice and Holder were identified as perpetrators who had committed the attempted armed robbery on the reservation. Johan Holder was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, Sylvanis Brice was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, and Uriah Waggerby was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
United States v. Darnell Rice (Jacksonville)
In December 2022, Darnell Rice was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession and transfer of a device designed for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun and making a false written statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of a firearm. Investigators determined that Rice was engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a federal license, specifically, by frequently buying and selling firearms for profit. He used social media accounts to offer firearms and ammunition for sale and to communicate with customers. Records from one gun store in Jacksonville show that Rice had purchased 77 firearms from that single location, paying a total of approximately $29,515.
United States v. Keo Mike (Ocala)
In December 2022, Keo Ibua Mike was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to court documents, law enforcement arrested Mike on outstanding warrants at an Ocala house that smelled strongly of marijuana. Investigators obtained a search warrant and recovered methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and MDMA from inside the home. They also recovered three loaded firearms in the attic—a handgun, an AR-15 “ghost” pistol (with no manufacturer markings), and an AK-47 rifle.
United States v. Carlos Albert Roman (Orlando)
Thirteen individuals were identified and charged in two separate indictments. One of the lead defendants, Carlos Alberto Roman, supplied cocaine and fentanyl to others and was arrested at his home with 19 firearms, 6 silencers, 3 flash-bang grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. As a result of the investigation, DEA agents seized more than 110 kilograms of cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Roman recently pleaded guilty and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Alvarez et. al (Tampa)
Between May 5 and 6, 2022, Christopher Alvarez, Enrique Marquez, and Dyonnie Alvarez robbed 4 separate convenience stores in the Tampa area. Marquez brandished a firearm during each of the four robberies and C. Alvarez carried a knife during two of the robberies. D. Alvarez acted as the getaway driver. The investigation also revealed that D. Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob two individuals of marijuana. The robbery was unsuccessful, and the two victims were shot by Marquez.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
1st Quarter
Travis Lavon Anderson (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Steven Dewayne Barnes, Jr. (28)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Alphonso Lataurean James (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Martavious Brown (45)
Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years, plus consecutive 5 years for firearm offense
2
These PSN cases from the Ft. Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
Mario Lenard Elbert (33)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
Jonathan Donte Rogers, Jr. (21)
Possessing a stolen firearm and failure to register the firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
1
Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr. (24)
Illegally purchasing a firearm by providing a false statement to a federal firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Paul Steven Hulbert (26)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; unlawful possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence injunction; two counts of possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and short-barreled shotgun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
1
D’Treious Sharron Epps (26)
Distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Possessing a firearm while unlawfully using a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
7
Geoffrey Scott Carter (43)
Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years per count
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
2
Jesse Rance Moore (45)
Interference with commerce by threats or violence robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
Ronald Thomas Jr. (45)
Distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years Maximum Prison Term: Life plus 50 years
1
Sonja Leigh Quinn (50)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Laura Taylor and Kirwinn Mike.
1
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
Timothy James Roberts (29)
Possession of an unregistered National Firearm Act weapon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years per count
3
Mario Jerard Delancy (33)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
Antonio Eugene Brutton (35)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Christopher Richard Munroe
(55)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
Cody Richard Hawk (51)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
3
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk, and Tyrie Boyer.
1
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (29)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Derrick Evans (44)
Possession with intent to distribute narcotics
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Dartis Cobb (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
James John Hall (34)
Unlicensed distribution of explosive materials, possession of an unregistered destructive device, unlawful making of a destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per county
1
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Illegal possession of a firearm
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs David P. Sullivan, Samantha Beckman, Samantha Newman.
0
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Tarick Jean Charles (22)
Jesus Rojas (21)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier (Rojas and Charles); armed postal robbery (Rojas);
theft of arrow key and receipt of stolen property (Charles)
Maximum Prison Term (Charles) – 10 years
Maximum Prison Term (Rojas) – 25 years
0
Elsie Marie Crespo (27)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (3 counts)
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years per count
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifeRafick Gordon Gilpin (31)
Damion Clark Kingston (31)
Possession with intent to distribute narcotics
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years per count
Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Nathan Joel Arledge (29)
Possession of a short-barreled rifle, two machine guns, and three silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of child pornography
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
9
Rany Parrales (35)
Illegally purchasing a firearm by providing a false statement to a federal firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
7
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, John M. Gardella, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones and Michael P. Felicetta
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
1st Quarter
Terry Kristopher Flournoy (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
This PSN case from the Ft. Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
John Nathan Hemingway (52)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base “crack;” and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Brandon Corey Skeith (40)
Possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Sabastian Amrine (20)
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, knowingly committed Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot and Laura Taylor.
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
Jaedyn Tiryse Presley (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr. and Hannah Nowalk.
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Juan Carlos Garcia (39)
Conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Daniel Stephen King (28)
Possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
Ramondo Zavious Williams (41)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Bobby Houston Bridges Jr. (46)
Possession of firearm and or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Javier Alejandro Lopez Rivera (36)
Conspiracy to distribute narcotics
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 yearsCarrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life2
Carlos Alberto Roman (56)
Possession of controlled substances and possessing a firearm equipped with a silencer in furtherance of drug crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 30 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life19 firearms,
6 silencers,
3 grenades.
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Courtney Richardson-Jones, Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, and Terry B. Livanos.
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Edwin Hill (51)
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 20 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life3
Cheyenne McIntosh (26)
Making false statement on an ATF form
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
7
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (29)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Enrique Marquez (26)
Robbery, conspiracy to commit those robberies
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence while committing robberies
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
Marques Howard (31)
Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Robert Humberston (39)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Dan Baeza, Charlie Connally, David Chee, and Samantha Newman.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
1st Quarter
Re’Shod Peter Jontavious Larry (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 8 months
1
Shauntavus Berklin (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 15 years
2
Matthew Garrett Mink (38)
Possessing an illegal machinegun, possessing an unregistered firearm silencer, possessing a stolen firearm silencer, and possessing an un-serialized firearm silencer
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 3 months
1 machine gun
2 firearm silencers
Brown Dimas III (27)
Falsifying records relating to firearms purchases
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
4
William Earl Siebert (47)
Unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device
Sentenced imposed: 5 years, 10 months
1 pipe bomb
Gabriel Acosta, Jr. (28)
Falsifying records relating to firearm purchases
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month imprisonment
0
Otis Marchman IV (28)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 5 months
1
Johan Holder (26),
Sylvanis Brice (31),
Uriah Waggerby (25)
Attempted robbery that resulted in the killing of a victim on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation.
Sentences imposed:
Holder: 40 years
Brice: 40 years
Waggerby: 18 years
0
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Michael Sinacore.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
Raymond Reeves (22)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 3 months
1
Darnell Donja Rice, Jr. (28)
Possession and transfer of a device designed for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun; making false written statement to federally licensed firearms dealer during acquisition of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 5 years
1
Stephan Marshall (35)
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 4 years, 9 months
2
James Lewis (54)
Misrepresentation to firearms dealer during purchase of firearm
Sentence imposed: Time served
0
Dontae Edwards (31)
False statement on a Form 4473
Sentence imposed: 18 months
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Michael Coolican, and John Cannizzaro.
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
James Clay Bexley (35)
Possession of unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers; and possession of firearms in violation of domestic violence
Sentence imposed: 3 years
18
Demuntray Cox
(39)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed: Time Served (22 months)
1
Keo Ibua Mike (29)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 8 years
2
Reginald Herman Smith, Jr.
(47)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Brodie Harlow Kies (39)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 27 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and William Hamilton.
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Charles Edward Palmatier (74)
Dealing in firearms without a license
Sentenced imposed: 1 year, 1 day
2
Mandel Lamont Stewart (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 8 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Beatriz Gonzalez and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Antwan Brown (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 1 year, 6 months
1
Kermon Williams (42),
James Higgs, Jr. (40),
Jhaphre Iiggs (35)
Double homicide, murder for hire conspiracy
Sentences imposed: Life followed by 20 years
1
William Shumaker, Jr. (39)
Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years
1
Karey Tyrone Taylor, II (42)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years, 11 months
1 firearm,
1 magazine
Aunyis Cherry (27)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Sentenced imposed: 22 years, 11 months
1
Christopher Deon Townsel (47)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Rossonno Borders, Jr. (25)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
Davion Rivers (27)
Possessing a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years, 8 months
1
Deron Lamar Foster (35)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Cleate Wilson (40)
Forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with Deputy U.S. Marshals; and
possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years, 6 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Samantha Beckman, Craig Gestring, Charlie Connally, David Chee, Risha Asokan, Patrick Scruggs, Samantha Beckman, James Preston, Terry B. Livanos, Lisa Thelwell, and Chris Murray.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Mario Carranza, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a house in Fresno County after receiving a report of shots being fired in the backyard. Carranza and another individual were observed entering a car and leaving the area. The officers stopped the car, searched it, and recovered a disassembled, short-barrel, AR-15 style rifle with no serial number (known as a ghost gun) and a compatible firearm magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. Carranza had fired the AR-style rifle in the backyard of the residence. He is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Fresno Police Department, the Special Operations Unit of the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Fentanyl-Related SubstanceRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Oscar Arturo Salomon Perez, aka Jesus Ramos, aka Jesus Rodriguez-Ramos, 48, a native and citizen of Mexican, pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl and p‑fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in October 2021 Perez negotiated for the sale of 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl and one kilogram of “Chinese Food,” believed to be synthetic heroin laced with fentanyl. After confirming the prices with his source of supply in Mexico, Perez advised that it would cost $3 per pill and $22,000 for the “Chinese Food.” Perez requested an additional $1,000 for making the delivery in Fresno for a total of $53,000. An undercover agent agreed to the terms. A couple hours later, Perez met with and showed the agent a large clear plastic bag containing 10,004 blue pills marked “M-30” containing fentanyl and another clear plastic bag containing about two pounds of p-fluorofentanyl in powder form. When the agent advised that another car was bringing the money, Perez fled and was eventually stopped by Fresno County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Agents found another 219 blue pills marked “M-30” containing fentanyl in Perez’s vehicle.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), which is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA) composed of law enforcement personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the California Department of Justice; the California Highway Patrol; the Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties Sheriff’s Offices; and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Perez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on April 17, 2023. Perez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Melbourne Man Sentenced for Firearm and Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) to six years in federal prison for possessing two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, three unregistered silencers, and child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Arledge to forfeit an AR-10 style .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; three firearm silencers, and his cellphone, which were used to commit the offenses. Arledge had pleaded guilty on October 25, 2022.
According to court documents, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that matched Arledge’s internet protocol (IP) address. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Arledge’s residence where they found electronics, multiple firearms, ammunition, silencers, flash bangs, potassium nitrate, magnesium flakes, gun powder, tactical clothing, body armor, law enforcement insignia, and counterfeit credentials for Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A forensic examination of Arledge’s cellphone uncovered numerous visual depictions of child sexual abuse material depicting young children. During an interview with law enforcement, Arledge admitted that he had made the machine guns, multiple silencers, and downloaded the child sexual abuse material despite knowing all of these things were illegal.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Maryland Man, Previously Convicted for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Facing Federal Charges for Filing Fraudulent Applications for COVID-19 CARES Act Loans and Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Ryan Dales, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, a Paycheck Protection Program loan, and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The complaint was filed January 13, 2023, and unsealed today.
A search warrant executed at Dales’ residence following his arrest recovered two firearms, including one privately made firearm, known as a “ghost gun,” suspected fentanyl and suspected drug manufacturing equipment (including a press, multiple scales, multiple sifters, capsules, baggies, and other packaging materials) five cell phones, and materials used to make fraudulent identification documents and access devices. The investigation is continuing.
The defendant is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore later this afternoon.
The criminal complaint 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.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also offered an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations. In addition, the CARES Act 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.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Dales has a 2017 federal conviction for bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, for which he was sentenced to 62 months in federal prison. On December 9, 2020, Dales was transferred from prison to a halfway house in Baltimore, to complete his sentence. Dales was released from custody on June 4, 2021.
The affidavit alleges that on December 15, 2020, soon after Dales arrived at the halfway house, an application for UI benefits was submitted on his behalf from an IP address that resolved to the halfway house. The application stated that Dales was self-employed as a barber, and that he stopped being able to provide services on April 5, 2020, when Dales was actually in federal prison. The application was denied because Dales had not earned sufficient wages in the previous year to be eligible for UI benefits.
As detailed in the affidavit, on July 31, 2021, Dales re-opened his UI claim, seeking benefits under the PUA program. Dales allegedly submitted fraudulent IRS documents to support his PUA claim. The forms indicated that Dales was the sole member of “KNW Group,” and indicated a gross profit for the company in 2019 of $144,112.35, with total expenses of $45,031 and a net profit of $99,081.35. As a result of the documentation, Dales was awarded PUA benefits with an effective date of December 2020. Between August 2021 and September 2021, Dales was paid approximately $25,570 on the claim. Subsequent investigation found that the IRS had no record of any such forms being filed by Dales for the 2019 and 2020 tax years, during which time Dales was incarcerated.
Further, the affidavit alleges that on December 29, 2020, while he was in the halfway house, Dales filed a fraudulent EIDL application for business “Ryan Dales,” d/b/a “Dales Drop, Inc.” According to information contained in the application, Dales Drop is an “agriculture” business established on March 15, 2018 (when Dales was federally incarcerated), with three employees and 2019 gross revenue of approximately $10,000, and $6,000 in costs of goods sold. On the application, Dales allegedly answered “No” to the question “Within the last five years, for any felony, have you ever been convicted, plead guilty, plead nolo contendere, been placed on pretrial diversion, or been placed on any form or parole or probation (including probation before judgment)? Dales’ 2017 fraud conviction made him ineligible for EIDL funding. SBA records show that the EIDL application was ultimately denied due to “unsatisfactory credit history.”
According to the affidavit, in March 2021, again, while Dales was still in the halfway house, a PPP loan application was submitted online from owner “Ryan Dales,” which asserted over $8,000 in average monthly payroll for the sole proprietorship, and sought more than $20,000 in funds for “payroll, rent/mortgage interest, utilities, and covered operations, expenditures, and covered supplier costs.” The application listed a business start date of “08/2018”—a time when Dales would have been incarcerated. The application included a purported 2019 IRS Form Schedule C, listing Dales’ “principal business” as “home improvement,” and listed a gross profit of $113,219, total expenses of $10,117, and a net income of $103,102. Dales allegedly also responded “yes” to the question as to whether he did “materially participate in the operation of this business during 2019.” In fact, Dales was incarcerated during all of 2019.
If convicted, Dales faces a maximum sentence 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.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint 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 Charged with the First Degree Murder of a Washington County CoupleRead the Press Release
A Bartlesville man was charged Monday in federal court for killing a Washington County couple, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Lucas Anthony Walker, 20, was charged by Criminal Complaint with first degree murder in Indian Country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The Complaint alleges that on or about Dec. 19, 2022, Walker entered the home near Dewey while the victims were sleeping and killed the couple when they awoke. It further alleges that he and a minor later buried the victims in the home’s back yard.
On January 20, 2023, personnel from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence to conduct a welfare check based on the suspicious disappearance of the couple, Deborah and Larry Dutton, who lived there.
According to the Complaint, Walker and the minor were occupying the residence when law enforcement arrived. During a search of the residence, evidence was allegedly discovered indicating a crime had likely taken place.
This matter will proceed in United States District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. A Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric O. Johnston and Shakema M. Onias are prosecuting the case.
Los Angeles County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 372 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Kern CountyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Edgardo Rosales-Andrade, 26, of Paramount, California, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from Sept. 30, 2019, to Nov. 15, 2019, Rosales-Andrade conspired with Pedro Alegra and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On Nov. 15, 2019, law enforcement agents tracked a cargo truck carrying 312 pounds of methamphetamine to Delano where Alegra and Rosales-Andrade were waiting. Agents obtained a search warrant for the truck and Alegra’s residence and found an additional 60 pounds of methamphetamine in the residence. The methamphetamine was concealed in furniture in the cargo truck.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
On June 17, 2022, Pedro Alegra pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Rosales is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on June 26, 2023. Rosales faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to Thirteen Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Aaron Joseph Kearney, 50, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 20, 2023 by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 13 years imprisonment following his conviction for possession of child pornography. After he completes his prison sentence, Kearney will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Kearney was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim, and $5,000 in special assessments. Kearney pleaded guilty to the offense on October 6, 2022.
Agents with the Department of Homeland Security in Phoenix, Arizona, were investigating an account on an instant messaging platform that was involved in the receipt of child pornography. They were able to obtain information about other accounts interacting with the account under investigation in Phoenix, and which were exchanging child pornography material. One of the accounts they discovered, and which was later found to belong to Kearney, posted messages on August 26, 2021, requesting child pornography material. On August 29, 2021, Kearney’s account posted six videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Three of the videos involved prepubescent children.
After tracing that account back to Kearney, agents with Homeland Security Investigations in Nebraska obtained a search warrant for Kearney’s residence in Lincoln. The warrant was executed on January 27, 2022. Among the items seized was Kearney’s cellphone. Kearney was home at the time the search warrant was executed and he was interviewed. Kearney confessed that the account in question was his and that he had used that account to seek out child pornography.
Kearney’s phone was later examined. It was found to contain two videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The examination of his phone also showed three applications installed on his phone that are used to clean and delete files from the device.
One of the factors the district court considered in determining Kearney’s sentence was the fact that Kearney was previously convicted on April 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, of possession of child pornography.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Latrobe Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Supplying Meth to Members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle ClubRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joshua Birrell, 40, was sentenced on Jan. 11, 2023, to five years’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.
During the investigation, investigators learned of individuals involved/associated with the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC) responsible for distributing methamphetamine, in Westmoreland County. Investigators identified Birrell, who was not a member of the PMC, as a methamphetamine source of supply for the PMC, including among others, co-defendant Zachary Miller.
On May 17, 2020, law enforcement seized a parcel containing methamphetamine intended for Birrell, obtained Facebook drug-facilitation communications between Birrell and Miller, from in and around January 2020 to July 2020, and conducted surveillance of Birrell. Birrell admitted to conspiring to distribute at least 350 grams but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Birrell.
This sentencing was the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Carrying Eight Pounds of Meth Aboard BusRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Las Vegas, Nevada, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing more than eight pounds of methamphetamine in his duffel bag aboard a bus passing through Kansas City, Mo.
Reginald S. Thomas Sr., 53, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
A police service canine alerted to the presence of drugs in a duffel bag that was among the luggage of a bus from Los Angeles, California, that arrived at a bus station in Kansas City, Mo., on July 28, 2021. Thomas, the owner of the duffel bag, was questioned by law enforcement officers.
When officers searched the duffel bag, they found a grey denim backpack that contained seven bundles. Those bundles contained approximately 8.1 pounds (3.674 kilograms) of methamphetamine.
Under federal statutes, Thomas is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri Western Interdiction Narcotics (MOWIN) Task Force.
Lakeland Woman Pleads Guilty to Education Loan FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Kelli L. Pollard, 50, of Lakeland, Tennessee pled guilty to a criminal information, charging her with education loan fraud. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the guilty plea today.
According to the charging document and information presented in court, Kelli Pollard attended the University of Memphis as an undergraduate and graduate student between 2016 and 2022. In each of the five academic years between 2017 and 2022, Pollard obtained federally guaranteed student loans through fraud. She submitted falsified documentation for each student loan request to the University of Memphis Financial Aid Office, including three different fake doctors’ notes, falsified medical bills, and a false auto repair bill.
Sentencing is set for April 23, 2023, before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker, where Pollard faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a $20,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Education Office of the Inspector General and the University of Memphis Police Department.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Murrell Foster, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow @WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID Relief Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Levelle Joseph Harris (36, Kissimmee) to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $1,283,029.81, which represents the proceeds Harris obtained from his wire fraud offenses. Harris had pleaded guilty on September 21, 2022.
According to court records, between May 27, 2020, and June 2, 2021, Harris applied for 14 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act using false information. As part of Harris’s scheme, he electronically submitted applications for the PPP loans over the internet, made false representations on his PPP applications, and received proceeds from the loans through wire transfers. Harris also provided fake supporting documentation for his loan applications. Harris received $1,283,029.81 that was supposed to be used to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills. Instead, Harris used the money to buy a new car and investment properties.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case was prosecuted as part the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act relief programs. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the two programs that were developed through CARES Act is the PPP. It provides funding to businesses through PPP loans for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. PPP allows the interest and principal on loans to be forgiven if the business spends proceeds on certain expense items within a designated time and uses a certain percentage of the loan on payroll expenses. The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis.
Kentucky Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Trevor Dean Williams, 36, of Ashland, Kentucky, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 19, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to Williams’ Huntington residence after a home alarm system alerted 911. Officer observed suspected drug paraphernalia including a blender containing a powder substance, needles and torn plastic bags, as well as ammunition and gun holsters in plain view in the residence. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and found three loaded firearms in Williams’ bedroom: a SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol, a Glock 27 .40-caliber pistol, and a Hi-Point CF380 .380-caliber pistol.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Williams knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior felony convictions in Boyd County, Kentucky, Circuit Court for first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, methamphetamine, on October 31, 2018, and second-degree assault on May 21, 2008.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Cremeans prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-152.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charles Ryan Tucker, 45, of Mammoth, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2022, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Tucker on a state warrant in Cedar Grove and he fled on foot. Tucker was caught and while resisting arrest told the officers he possessed a firearm. Officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol holstered on Tucker’s belt and concealed beneath his clothing.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Tucker was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for breaking and entering on May 3, 2021, and grand larceny on January 26, 2015, both in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
Tucker is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service and the Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force.
United States District Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Negar M. Kordestani are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-17.
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KC Man Connected to Three Fentanyl Deaths Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man with connections to at least three fentanyl overdose deaths in Belton, Mo., has been charged in federal court with possessing fentanyl to distribute and illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers found 17 firearms along with a large amount of cash and illegal drugs in his apartment.
Tiger Dean Draggoo, 22, was charged in a three-count criminal complaint that was filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, Jan. 20. That complaint was unsealed and made public today following Draggoo’s arrest and initial court appearance. Draggoo remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing that has not yet been scheduled.
The federal criminal complaint charges Draggoo with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms, including machine guns, in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of illegally possessing machine guns.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, three Belton, Mo., teenagers who were associated with Draggoo died from acute fentanyl intoxication between Jan. 14 and Sept. 13, 2022. On at least three more occasions during that time, Belton police officers were called because a juvenile was under the influence of fentanyl (one of those juveniles, who turned 18 after being contacted by police officers, is among the three fentanyl deaths).
Law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on July 21, 2022, of the Dodge Charger Draggoo was driving near the south Kansas City apartment complex where Draggoo lived with his girlfriend. Draggoo refused to stop, according to the affidavit, and fled from the officers.
Officers were conducting surveillance at the apartment complex on Sept. 22, 2022, when Draggoo and another person left the apartment and got into a Jeep Renegade. Officers followed the Jeep and saw it commit numerous traffic violations wile displaying erratic driving. A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled from the deputy.
A few minutes later, the Jeep returned to the apartment complex and Draggoo and the other person entered the apartment. Draggoo carried a large laundry bag from the apartment and placed it in the backseat of the Jeep. When a Jackson County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy drove into the parking lot, Draggoo ran back into the apartment building. When officers knocked on the door of Draggoo’s apartment, the affidavit says, his girlfriend initially told them he wasn’t there. After she allowed officers to enter the apartment, she admitted that Draggoo had run into the apartment and out the back door.
Officers searched the apartment and found 17 firearms, including two machine guns, ammunition of various calibers, $246,769 in cash, a ballistic vest with plates, a money counter, numerous pills that contained fentanyl, eight suspected LSD tabs, and marijuana. The 17 firearms included a Del-Ton 5.56-caliber rifle (converted into a machine gun), a Glock switch (used to convert a Glock pistol into a machine gun), three Marlin .22-caliber rifles, a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, an Armscorp USA .308-caliber rifle, a Century Arms 7.62-caliber rifle, a Herbert Schmidt .22-caliber revolver, a New England Firearms .22-caliber revolver, a Kimber 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol.
The charges contained in this complaint 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 Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Belton, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Joplin Man Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography.
Dakotah James Gilmore, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.
By pleading guilty today, Gilmore admitted that he viewed and distributed child pornography using the Kik social media application on his iPhone. An officer with the Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force received four Cyber Tips from Kik and one from Dropbox when Gilmore uploaded images of child pornography.
On Jan. 21, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Gilmore’s residence. Gilmore admitted to viewing and distributing child pornography for at least two years, using several different Kik accounts. Gilmore told investigators that after Kik would close the accounts for violating their terms of service, he would set up a new account with a disposable Gmail address. He also stated that he was a member of at least 50 child pornography groups on Kik. Most of these groups require individuals to distribute child pornography before allowing them to join the group.
A preliminary examination of Gilmore’s cell phone indicated that he sent texts to another person that contained suspected child pornography. The suspected child pornography depicted prepubescent children, no older than five years old, being sexually abused.
Under federal statutes, Gilmore is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Gilmore will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tadd Andrew Melton (33, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted production of child sex abuse materials. The court also ordered Melton to pay $189,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses. Melton had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022, and has been in custody since his arrest on July 23, 2021.
According to court documents, Melton, under the username “flshine69,” began chatting on a particular social media application with a woman he believed to be the mother of a nine-year-old girl. In reality, that individual was an undercover FBI agent. During their conversation, Melton distributed child sex abuse materials multiple times to the undercover agent. He also said that he wished he had children but did not have any yet. Melton requested to purchase used underwear from the “child.” He also requested the agent create child sex abuse materials for him of the “child,” describing in detail what he wanted depicted in the images. Melton also stated he “would love to be” actively abusing children, that he had “no limit” as to a child’s age, and that he had always been interested in young children.
Law enforcement identified Melton as the individual using “flshine69” based on his IP address, vehicle, and online account records. On July 23, 2021, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Melton’s residence. During the execution of the warrant, Melton spoke with FBI agents and admitted to using the “flshine69” account.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Inmate in Coleman Federal Prison Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Death of CellmateRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Romeo Lopez-Hernandez (37, Coleman) guilty of first degree, premeditated murder. Lopez-Hernandez faces a mandatory penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2023.
According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, on February 1, 2021, Lopez-Hernandez strangled his cellmate to death by using a torn bed sheet he had made with an improvised knife. After the victim lost consciousness, Lopez-Hernandez watched for guards and continued to strangle the victim until he was sure that the victim had died. Lopez-Hernandez later confessed to the murder and bragged about it to prison personnel. At trial, however, Lopez-Hernandez changed his story and claimed the victim had committed suicide.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett.
Inland Empire Woman Pleads Guilty to Using Prison Inmates’ Names to Fraudulently Obtain over $500,000 in COVID Jobless ReliefRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County woman pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits by using the names of inmates locked up the California state prison system.
Cynthia Ann Hernandez, 33, a.k.a. “Cynthia Roberts,” of Victorville, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of access device fraud in excess of $1,000.
According to her plea agreement, from June 2020 to August 2020, Hernandez filed with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) fraudulent applications for UI benefits in the names of persons incarcerated in the California state prison system. EDD manages California’s unemployment insurance benefit program.
Hernandez falsely stated on the UI benefits applications that the named claimants were individuals whose employment had been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and were eligible for pandemic unemployment assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Congress passed the CARES Act in March 2020, in part, to help individuals whose employment and finances were adversely affected by the pandemic.
The applications also falsely stated that the named claimants were eligible for the UI benefits and that they resided and worked in Los Angeles and Orange counties. EDD then authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards in the claimants’ names and were mailed to Hernandez’s mailing address. Once Hernandez received the debit cards, she used them to withdraw cash at ATMs.
In total, Hernandez admitted to causing at least 29 fraudulent applications to be filed with EDD, resulting in losses to EDD and the United States Treasury of approximately $515,138.
United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled an April 17 sentencing hearing, at which time Hernandez will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud count and up to 15 years in federal prison for the access device fraud count.
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General; the California Employment Development Department – Investigation Division; Homeland Security Investigations; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the United States Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and United States Customs and Border Protection – Special Response Team.
Assistant United States Attorney Haoxiaohan Cai of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Individual Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Minors via the Internet and Social Media ApplicationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On January 20, 2023, United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado sentenced Ryan Yared Ortiz-Pérez to 21 years and 10 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release for production of child pornography and for soliciting and receiving the child exploitation material via the internet and social media applications. Ortiz-Pérez was charged in a federal Indictment on May 13, 2021 and plead guilty on August 3, 2022.
According to court documents, from December 2020 to February 2021, Ryan Yared Ortiz-Pérez, used, induced, enticed, and coerced seven identified male minors, ranging from 12 to 16 years of age, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The defendant, posing as a female, communicated in a sexually explicit manner with the male minors via a profile in Instagram and solicited and received the sexually explicit images from the male victims via chats. Defendant used those images to further demand and coerce the male minors to send more explicit images under the threat of publicizing the images in social media if the minors did not comply.
Enticing and coercing minors to send sexually explicit images of themselves is a serious federal offense. The production of child pornography material has a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and the coercion and enticement of minors via the internet and social media applications to engage in illegal sexual conduct, which includes the production of the sexually explicit images, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment up to life.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity by contacting HSI at 787-729-6969; through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE; or by completing its online tip form.
United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Rebecca C. González-Ramos, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, prosecuted the case.
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Houston woman convicted of using Instagram to commit fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 22-year-old Houstonian has admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
From March of 2020 until December of 2020, Desiree Coleman conspired with others to commit wire fraud by submitting false applications for government assistance. Coleman instructed others on how to defraud government programs and applied for others using false representations.
She charged a fee per fraudulent application she filed.
Coleman used the internet to conduct the fraudulent schemes and had advertised her services via her Instagram stories. Most of Coleman’s conversations regarding FEMA and unemployment fraud schemes were conducted via private Instagram messages. Her Instagram page had close to 3,000 followers.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and has set sentencing for May 1. At that time, Coleman faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Coleman was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Four TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported four times was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison.
Elmer Noe-Rodriguez, age 46, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after an October 13, 2022, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Noe-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Noe-Rodriguez was previously deported from the United States in November 2001, January 2013, April 2013, and September 2019. On September 4, 2022, immigration officials learned Noe-Rodriguez had illegally returned to the United States and found Noe-Rodriguez at the Jones County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Noe-Rodriguez has previous convictions for Operating while Intoxicated in 2008 in Minnesota, Sexual Assault and Assault Third Degree in 2012 in Colorado, Illegal Entry into the United States in 2013 in Texas, and Illegal Reentry into the United States in 2018 in Colorado.
Noe-Rodriguez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Noe-Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Noe-Rodriguez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-0076.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT ALLEN, 33, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2019, Hartford Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Allen was driving on Woodland Street. A search of the car revealed a loaded Ruger LCP .380 caliber handgun and approximately 48 wax paper sleeves containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The firearm had been reported stolen in Louisiana.
Allen’s criminal history includes state convictions for assault, firearm, drug, larceny and witness tampering offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On July 8, 2020, Allen pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Allen, who had been released on bond pending sentencing, has been detained since August 31, 2022, after he was arrested on state narcotics and firearm offenses. The state charges are pending.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, 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.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 5.5 Years in Prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Tanner Joel Hernandez-Fields, 22, of Fresno, was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison for receipt and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between March 19, 2019, and April 12, 2019, Hernandez-Fields received on an Apple iPhone photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. These images included depictions of prepubescent minors, including material that meets the definition of sadistic or masochistic conduct.
The court ordered forfeiture of the iPhone and $5,000 in restitution to a victim whose images the defendant possessed. The court also placed Hernandez-Fields on a term of supervised release of 15 years during which his access to computers, the internet, and children will be restricted and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jeffrey Bruce Carboneau (67, Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Carboneau to a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Carboneau had pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022.
According to court documents, Carboneau possessed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. On July 21, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Carboneau’s workplace in Fort Myers. Agents observed Carboneau downloading child sexual abuse material and seized his computer and external hard drive.
During an interview with agents, Carboneau admitted that the computers in his office were his and that he did not allow others to use his computers. Carboneau also admitted to downloading child sex abuse material for years, and that he downloaded and viewed the child sex abuse material at work.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Carboneau’s computer and external hard drive revealed that Carboneau possessed more than 100,000 images and 150 videos of children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes participation from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New York Counterintelligence Division Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on RussiaRead the Press Release
A former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New York Counterintelligence Division and a former Soviet and Russian diplomat were arrested Saturday on criminal charges related to their alleged violating and conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and conspiring to commit money laundering and money laundering.
According to court documents, Charles F. McGonigal, 54, of New York City, and Sergey Shestakov, 69, of Morris, Connecticut, are charged in a five-count indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of New York with violating and conspiring to violate the IEEPA, and with conspiring to commit money laundering and money laundering.
According to court documents, on April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National (SDN) in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy.
McGonigal is a former Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of FBI’s Counterintelligence Division in New York who retired in 2018. While working at the FBI, McGonigal supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska. Sergey Shestakov is a former Soviet and Russian diplomat who later became a U.S. citizen and a Russian interpreter for courts and government offices.
In 2021, McGonigal and Shestakov conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following their negotiations with an agent of Deripaska, McGonigal and Shestakov agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska. As part of their negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, McGonigal, Shestakov and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract and using the same shell companies to send and receive payment from Deripaska.
McGonigal and Shestakov were aware that their actions violated U.S. sanctions because, among other reasons, while serving as SAC, McGonigal received then-classified information that Deripaska would be added to a list of oligarchs considered for sanctions as part of the process that led to the imposition of sanctions against Deripaska. In addition, in 2019, McGonigal and Shestakov worked on behalf of Deripaska in an unsuccessful effort to have the sanctions against Deripaska lifted. In November 2021, when FBI agents questioned Shestakov about the nature of his and McGonigal’s relationship with Deripaska’s agent, Shestakov made false statements in a recorded interview.
McGonigal and Shestakov are charged in the Southern District of New York with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA, one count of violating IEEPA, one count of conspiring to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Shestakov is also charged with one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Shestakov and McGonigal were arrested in New York on Saturday and will make their initial court appearances this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI Counterintelligence Division, and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagen Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell and Derek Wikstrom for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Special Agent in Charge of the New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on RussiaRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a five-count Indictment charging CHARLES MCGONIGAL and SERGEY SHESTAKOV with violating and conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) and with conspiring to commit money laundering and money laundering. SHESTAKOV is also charged with making material misstatements to the FBI. The defendants were arrested on Saturday evening, and they will be presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Charles McGonigal, a former high-level FBI official, and Sergey Shestakov, a Court interpreter, violated U.S. sanctions by agreeing to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch. They both previously worked with Deripaska to attempt to have his sanctions removed, and, as public servants, they should have known better. This Office will continue to prosecute those who violate U.S. sanctions enacted in response to Russian belligerence in Ukraine in order to line their own pockets.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “The FBI is committed to the enforcement of economic sanctions designed to protect the United States and our allies, especially against hostile activities of a foreign government and its actors. Russian oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska perform global malign influence on behalf of the Kremlin and are associated with acts of bribery, extortion, and violence. As alleged, Mr. McGonigal and Mr. Shestakov, both U.S. citizens, acted on behalf of Deripaska and fraudulently used a U.S. entity to obscure their activity in violation of U.S. sanctions. After sanctions are imposed, they must be enforced equally against all U.S. citizens in order to be successful. There are no exceptions for anyone, including a former FBI official like Mr. McGonigal. Supporting a designated threat to the United States and our allies is a crime the FBI will continue to pursue aggressively.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13660, which declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in Ukraine. To address this national emergency, the President blocked all property of individuals determined by the U.S. Treasury to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threatened the security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, or who materially assist, sponsor, or provide support to individuals or entities engaging in such activities. Executive Order 13660 and regulations issued pursuant to it prohibit making or receiving any funds, goods, or services by, to, from, or for the benefit of any person designated by the U.S. Treasury.
On April 6, 2018, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy (the “OFAC Sanctions”). According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy.
CHARLES MCGONIGAL is a former Special Agent in Charge (“SAC”) of FBI’s Counterintelligence Division in New York, who retired in 2018. While working at the FBI, MCGONIGAL supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska. SERGEY SHESTAKOV is a former Soviet and Russian diplomat who later became a U.S. citizen and a Russian interpreter for courts and government offices.
In 2021, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following their negotiations with an agent of Deripaska, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska. As part of their negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, MCGONIGAL, SHESTAKOV, and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract, and using the same shell companies to send and receive payments from Deripaska.
MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV were aware that their actions violated U.S. sanctions because, among other reasons, while serving as SAC, MCGONIGAL received then-classified information that Deripaska would be added to a list of oligarchs considered for sanctions as part of the process that led to the imposition of sanctions against Deripaska. In addition, in 2019, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV worked on behalf of Deripaska in an unsuccessful effort to have the sanctions against Deripaska lifted. In November 2021, when FBI agents questioned SHESTAKOV about the nature of his and MCGONIGAL’s relationship with Deripaska’s agent, SHESTAKOV made false statements in a recorded interview.
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CHARLES MCGONIGAL, 54, of New York, New York, and SERGEY SHESTAKOV, 69, of Morris, Connecticut, are charged with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA, one count of violating the IEEPA, one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. SHESTAKOV is also charged with one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI New York Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division and the valuable assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Jefferson Resident Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charges After Illegally Possessing Eight Firearms and over 600 Rounds of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Hunter Ramsay, 29, formerly of Jefferson, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ramsay was wanted on outstanding state warrants for probation violations in both New Hampshire and Vermont when he was observed by New Hampshire State Police driving a truck in Bethlehem, NH on July 7, 2021. After Ramsay initially fled, his vehicle was disabled by the law enforcement’s employment of spike strips in Littleton, NH. Ramsay was taken into custody, and a total of eight firearms and over 600 rounds of ammunition were recovered from his person and vehicle following the later execution of a state search warrant. At the time, Ramsay was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law as a result of a prior felony conviction in Vermont state court. Ramsay has been detained since his arrest.
Ramsay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Littleton, NH Police Department. The Coos County Attorney’s Office and New Hampshire Department of Corrections provided additional assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Former Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin for Neighborhood Street GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and a fugitive from 2019 to 2022, pleaded guilty on Jan. 11, 2023, in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics law in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Delbert Pate, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock Borough outside of Pittsburgh and identified several members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled “SCO” that were responsible for distributing controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania, which was led by Pate’s half-brother, who has previously been sentenced, Howard McFadden.
Pate was identified as a member of SCO and involved in McFadden’s drug-trafficking business. Intercepted communications revealed that in addition to acting as a drug runner/courier for McFadden, Pate was one of McFadden’s trusted associates, and received distributor quantities of heroin from McFadden. Pate admitted that he was responsible for distributing over 100 grams of heroin.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023, at 9:30 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of at least five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Adult Probation, Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Shaler Township Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pate.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Florida Man Who Destroyed Computer Equipment During Execution of Federal Search Warrant Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced James Wesley Buchanan (47, Lake Wales) to 8 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised released for possession of child sexual abuse material and destruction of evidence in a federal investigation. The court also ordered Buchanan to register as a sex offender for life and pay restitution to the victims of his offense. Buchanan had pleaded guilty on October 25, 2022.
According to court documents, on December 8, 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant for evidence of child sexual abuse material at Buchanan’s home. At approximately 6:15 a.m., agents announced their presence and requested Buchanan to exit the home. Buchanan failed to exit the home for more than 20 minutes, despite numerous announcements and phone calls by agents. During this time, Buchanan destroyed multiple computer hard drives. When he finally exited the home, Buchanan was sweating profusely and bleeding from his hands. As agents finally entered the home, they discovered the broken and destroyed computer equipment. Agents seized devices that were not damaged beyond repair and forensic analysis subsequently revealed over 800 images and 30 videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tampa Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Firearm Trafficker Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Trafficked Guns Used in Multiple Crimes Throughout Michigan, Including the Homicide of a 2-Year-Old
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that Jerreil LaMounta Martin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison for illegally purchasing and trafficking more than 40 firearms, several of which were used in multiple crimes throughout Michigan. U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker also imposed 3 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration.
“Straw purchasing and gun trafficking drive a dangerous black market for firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. He continued: “These crimes feed the violence that plague communities across Michigan – including the horrible killing of an innocent 2-year-old child less than a year ago. My office will hold straw purchasers and illegal gun traffickers accountable for creating these supply lines of violence.”
Martin ran an illegal gun trafficking business, charging customers $50 to $100 per firearm to lie on the purchase forms, saying he was buying the guns for himself when he was really purchasing them for other people. This tactic is sometimes referred to as “straw purchasing.” Martin knew that his customers, who were convicted felons, were prohibited from buying guns for themselves. He also knew some of his customers were reselling guns to other people. Martin capitalized on his lack of criminal history and ability to purchase guns and then sell those firearms to prohibited persons for a profit.
While the whereabouts of most of the guns Martin straw purchased and trafficked remain unknown, police have recovered fourteen of these firearms. Together the stories of these fourteen guns provide a glimpse into the rise of violent crime over the past few years in cities across Michigan and the role that firearms trafficking has played. For example:
In Genesee County
- A Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which Martin purchased on April 22, 2021, was used in a drive-by shooting in Flint, which struck an 11-year-old girl.
- Another Glock 9mm pistol, which Martin also purchased on April 22, 2021, was used in a homicide in Flint.
In Kent County
- A Ruger 5.7 x 28 mm semi-automatic pistol, which Martin purchased on September 4, 2021, was used to kill a 2-year-old child on February 9, 2022, in Wyoming, Michigan. The Kent County Prosecutor has filed charges against the victim’s father, Seninta Parks, in this case.
- A Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which Martin purchased on September 7, 2021, was used in a shooting on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids on September 11, 2022, in which four people were injured. Moreover, this same gun was used in two prior shootings in Grand Rapids.
- A Glock 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, which Martin purchased on September 7, 2021, was used in three separate drive-by shooting incidents in Grand Rapids over the next two months.
In Isabella County
- A Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which Martin purchased on September 10, 2021, was recovered by Central Michigan University Police in connection to a series of vehicle break-ins.
Martin was told by investigators that the Ruger 5.7 x 28 mm semi-automatic pistol he purchased on September 4, 2021, was used to kill a child, as described above. Undeterred, Martin attempted to straw purchase and traffic another firearm to a person he knew was a convicted felon. Law enforcement then arrested Martin and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged him for the crimes he now stands convicted.
“Gun trafficking and straw purchasing is not a victimless crime. The act of knowingly enabling a prohibited person to purchase a firearm puts firearms in the hands of criminal organizations and violent criminals presenting a grave threat to the safety of our communities,” said, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai. “ATF’s relationship with federal, state, tribal, and local partners continue to be successful in removing illegal firearms from the streets.”
“This sentencing is a huge win for public safety in Grand Rapids. We know that illegal guns from this trafficker were used in the shooting on the Blue Bridge in September,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “I am thankful for the work of the U.S Attorney’s Office and the ATF to investigate and build this case. Getting illegal guns, and the source of those guns, off the street is a critical piece in reducing gun violence in our city.”
“The Central Michigan University (CMU) Police Department appreciates the collaborative relationship with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said CMU Police Department Lt. Mike Sienkiewicz. “Interagency collaboration and teamwork between local and federal law enforcement is essential in maintaining safe communities. This case represents an important effort to combat illegal gun purchases and gun violence that effect our communities.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Metro Pattern Crimes Team consisting of detectives from the Kentwood Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Police Department as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement work closely together to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for driving violent crime in our communities to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Individuals with information or concerns about violent crime or firearms offenses should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is committed to disrupting the trafficking of firearms. Recent cases include: Grand Rapids Brothers Sentenced to Prison For Brazen Gun Store Robbery, Grand Rapids Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years In Prison For Unlawfully Possessing Firearms, Kalamazoo “Ghost Gun” Dealer Sentenced To 12 Years In Federal Prison, and Straw Purchaser Sentenced To 58 Months in Federal Prison.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Peoria, Illinois, Brothers for Wire Fraud and False Statements Related to COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A grand jury returned indictments on January 18, 2023, against two Peoria, Illinois, brothers, charging them with wire fraud and making false statements related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered and unemployment insurance benefits:
Derek Griffin, 35, was charged with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of false statements. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred from July 2020 through July 2022 in Peoria County, Illinois.
Eric Griffin, 35, was charged with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of false statements. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred from July 2020 through June 2021 in Peoria County, Illinois.
Each of the individuals has been issued a summons to appear in federal court in Peoria for arraignment on February 15, 2023. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for each of the wire fraud counts is a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, $250,000 fine, and restitution. Each of the false statement counts has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, $250,000 fine, and restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Office. Criminal Chief Darilynn J. Knauss is representing the government in the prosecutions.
COVID-19 disaster relief and enhanced unemployment benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Former TSA Officer Pleads Guilty to Altering DocumentsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. announced today that Cleon Otto, Jr., 35, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of altering official documents.
According to court records, on July 9, 2022, Otto, then an employee of the Transportation Security Administration and a member of the Virgin Islands National Guards, electronically placed the authorized signature of a National Guards employee on official documents requesting military leave when no such leave was authorized. Otto faces a maximum term of one year in prison and a maximum fine of $100.00.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Former DEA Informant Sentenced to 368 Months for His Role in Haulover Bay ShootoutRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Samuel Elias Pena Columna, 49, of St. John, was sentenced to 368 months of imprisonment and fined $10,000.00 by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy. In September 2022, a federal jury convicted Pena Columna of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents and evidence presented at his trial, on September 25, 2019, Pena Columna was involved in a shootout with several U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction Agents. That evening, Pena Columna drove co-defendants Rammer Guerrero Morales and Joan Morales Nolasco, as well as two other men, to Haulover Bay, a well-known drug smuggling area on the east end of St. John, with over $1.1 million in cash to conduct a 100-kilogram cocaine transaction with traffickers from Tortola, BVI. After arriving at the top of trail, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco headed down towards the ocean. Guerrero Morales was armed with a 9mm handgun and Morales Nolasco was armed with an AR-15 long gun. After confirming that the trail was clear, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco had planned to signal for the other coconspirators waiting in Pena Columna’s vehicle to bring the cash down the trail to complete the drug transaction while Pena Columna waited at the top of the trail in his vehicle.
Trial evidence further revealed that, while traveling down the trail, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco encountered two federal agents who immediately announced themselves as police. Guerrero Morales fired his weapon, and a shootout erupted leaving one agent with gunshot wounds to his shoulder and leg. During the exchange of fire, Guerrero Morales was hit in his leg which was later amputated due to the severity of his injury. After the shootout, Morales Nolasco fled the scene and ultimately made his way to the Dominican Republic. He was later extradited back to the Territory for prosecution. Pena Columna and the two remaining co-conspirators also fled the scene, taking the $1.1 million with them. When confronted by DEA agents, Pena Columna admitted that he had heard about the incident, but later admitted that he drove the men to the Cruz Bay area where they escaped. At trial, federal agents testified that Pena Columna was a paid informant who was not authorized to engage in any criminal activity without express prior approval from DEA and only under their supervision. Evidence at trial further revealed that, during the entire course of his agreement with DEA, Pena Columna operated his own large-scale cocaine trafficking organization with Nolasco Morales.
“Thanks to the great collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies, this sentencing should send a strong message that Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking, dismantling, and bringing to justice those who perpetrate drug trafficking and violent crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands” said Acting Special Agent in Charge-Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos. “Individuals and organizations that attempt to circumvent our legal system must realize that Air and Marine Operations agents are steadfast in their determination to enforce US laws in our borders,” stated Augusto Reyes, Director of Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Molloy noted that Pena Columna essentially had been working as a double agent, gathering and providing information to DEA on drug traffickers, while engaging in the same conduct behind law enforcement’s back. Chief Judge Molloy further stated that although Columna Pena did not fire a weapon, under federal law, he is responsible for the foreseeable criminal conduct of his co-defendants, noting that the possibility of a shootout was certainly foreseeable in this case. Before imposing the sentence of 368 months, Chief Judge Molloy stated that, among other factors, the sentence must reflect the “very serious” nature of the crimes Pena Columna committed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and the Virgin Islands Police Department investigated the case. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Kyle Payne prosecuted this case.
El Pasoan Gets 13 Years in Prison for Sending, Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas– An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court here Thursday to 160 months in prison for receipt and distribution of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, Javier Alejandro Parada, 36, used a fake social media account to share nearly 35 files containing Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) in a group chat between Dec. 31, 2020, and Jan. 2, 2021. After locating Parada’s residence investigators identified additional online accounts on which he kept files containing CSEM, some of which had been sent to him from other contacts.
“We remain committed to prosecuting these types of heinous offenses against children and will always follow up on any leads of child sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. "Just as important as the result of this case, Parada’s arrest led to the arrest of another child predator in Las Cruces and the rescue of that defendant’s victim. Our partners did an amazing job throughout this investigation."
“Predators contemplating to exploit children should heed this Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigation and the sentence handed down,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of HSI El Paso. “HSI and our law enforcement partners continue to work tirelessly to protect our greatest asset—our children—and focus on arresting and prosecuting those who seek to victimize them.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Corfu Woman Sentenced for Her Role in Fraudulent African Orphanage SchemeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Julie Keller, 57, of Corfu, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve one year probation, and pay restitution totaling $162,853.59, by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in December 2014, Keller began communicating online with someone who identified themself as “Eric Holder,” who claimed to be raising money to build an orphanage in Africa. Between July 2015 and September 2020, Keller received money from numerous individuals (victims) who allegedly were contributing financially to the orphanage project. Keller deposited the money in bank accounts at First Niagara Bank, M&T Bank, KeyBank, and Bank of America that she owned and controlled, before dispersing the funds to other bank accounts located outside of the United States. During the course of the scheme, each of the banks closed Keller’s accounts, advising her that the accounts were closed due to suspicious and fraudulent activity. However, Keller became aware during the course of the scheme that the orphanage project was fraudulent and the individuals sending her money were doing so under false pretenses, or she strongly suspected that the scheme was fraudulent but consciously avoided learning the truth, and continued to deposit funds into her accounts from victims. The total loss amount to victims was $182,730.76.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
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Convicted Felon Found Guilty on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury on Thursday found a convicted felon guilty on gun and charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Devon Martez Easley, 31, of Vestavia Hills, after three days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Easley was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
“This is the second trial in a week involving gun crime. We continue to use all tools in our toolbox to address the ongoing issue of gun crime in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who commit these crimes.”
“ATF’s top priority is to reduce violent crime,” said SAC Watson. “Drug trafficking and the prevalence of guns on our streets continue to plaque our community at alarming rates. The ATF will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and apprehend those individuals.”
According to evidence presented at trial, on January 26, 2020, Mountain Brook police officers responded to a call of a stranded car on Highway 280 near Shades Creek Parkway. Upon arrival officers found Easley unresponsive and slumped over the steering wheel. Officers opened the driver’s side door, put the car in park and turned off the engine. Easley sat up, and though somewhat responsive, appeared disoriented. In Easley’s hand, officers noticed a marijuana joint. After being told repeatedly by officers to “step out of the car,” Easley eventually exited the vehicle. Officers searched Easley and found him to be in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol. Officers also searched the vehicle and recovered a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen, 23 grams of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and synthetic marijuana. Some of the narcotics were packaged for distribution.
In addition to the convictions on the offenses committed in Mountain Brook on January 26, 2020, the jury also found Easley guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm for an incident on February 9, 2021, where Easley possessed a stolen Taurus 9mm pistol in Birmingham. Easley’s prior felony convictions included Breaking and Entering a Vehicle, Assault Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, First Degree, Attempted Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Destruction of State Property.
The maximum penalty for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin is 20 years in prison. Easley faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison.
The ATF investigated the case along with the DEA, Mountain Brook Police Department, Birmingham Police Department and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Simpson and John Camp are prosecuting the case.
Connecticut Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Feeney, age 56, of Bristol, Connecticut, pled guilty today to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Feeney admitted that between March and April 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with undercover officers posing as a father and a 10-year-old child in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Feeney also admitted that on April 24, 2022, he traveled from Connecticut and arrived unannounced at a residence in Albany County, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the presumed 10-year-old child. Feeney was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location. Feeney was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense, and had a prior felony conviction, in Connecticut, involving sexual assault of a minor.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes will sentence Feeney on May 23, 2023. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Child Predator Sentenced to 15 Years for Producing, Sharing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Florence, Texas man was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of a child and production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Joseph Leslie Reichard, 23, used his cell phone to produce three images of child sexual abuse material depicting a minor between the ages of one and three years old. Reichard sent the images via a messaging app to a person in Pennsylvania. He pleaded guilty in October 2022 and has remained in federal custody since his arrest in March 2022.
“This defendant used his cell phone to photograph and distribute despicable acts of sexual abuse against defenseless children,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Limiting the availability of child sexual abuse begins with cracking down directly on offenders like Reichard, who can expect to face the harshest penalties under federal law.”
"The FBI continues its steadfast commitment to rescue children from those who commit these abhorrent crimes," said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division. "Today's sentencing is the result of the FBI and our task force partners' relentless effort to hold child predators accountable for their reprehensible acts."
The FBI San Antonio Division investigated the case with the help of the FBI Pittsburgh Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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