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Thursday 17 November 2022
VA Employees Plead Guilty in $2.9 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Two former employees of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs entered guilty pleas in a $2.9 million embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Randius McGlown, 56, and Charles Gates, 54, both pleaded guilty to theft of government funds. Mr. McGlown entered his plea in October and Mr. Gates entered his on Thursday.
According to plea papers, Mr. McGlown, an inventory manager and acquisition utilization specialist at the Dallas VA Medical Center, entered a company he created, G4 Logistics, into the medical center’s vendor system in 2014.
He and Mr. Gates then generated phony purchase orders for G4 equipment and materials and used a medical center-issued purchase card to pay the bill using the payment processing platform Stripe. G4 never delivered any items.
The VA money paid to G4 was deposited into an account controlled by an individual identified in court documents as J.R. When he was notified of a fake purchase, J.R. would withdraw the money from the account, deliver most of it to Mr. McGlown or Mr. Gates, and keep the remaining amount for himself.
In 2018, Mr. McGlown switched from G4 to another fictious company he named Caprice.
To conceal the scheme, Mr. McGlown created fake invoices and used existing items in the medical center’s inventory to cover up the fact that G4 and Caprice never delivered any materials.
“Using their official government positions to steal millions of taxpayer dollars is an egregious crime that diverts resources from deserving veterans and erodes public trust. These guilty pleas should send a clear message that the VA Office of Inspector General will diligently investigate those who would misuse their positions to commit fraud,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrick Roche of the VA Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this joint investigation.”
Mr. McGlown and Mr. Gates now face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Worth Field Office, and the General Services Administrations, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Hunter is prosecuting the case.
Unlicensed Medical Assistant Convicted in $6 Million Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted an Illinois woman yesterday for conspiring to defraud Medicare of over $6 million.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rhonda Sutton, 58, of Matteson, worked as an unlicensed medical assistant for a physician in Chicago and surrounding areas from at least 2009 until at least 2012. In this position, Sutton conspired with others, including the owners of two home health care companies, to fraudulently certify Medicare beneficiaries for home health services for which those beneficiaries did not qualify.
Specifically, Sutton forged her physician employer’s signature on certification forms and supporting documentation, which caused Medicare beneficiaries to be enrolled in over 2,000 episodes of home health care at A&Z and Dominion home health agencies, both located in Lansing, Illinois. Sutton provided the forged physician forms to A&Z and Dominion, which enabled A&Z and Dominion to submit claims to Medicare for services that the beneficiaries did not need and were not qualified to receive. The owners of A&Z and Dominion paid Sutton kickbacks in exchange for the forged physician forms. A&Z and Dominion received over $6 million from Medicare due to Sutton’s fraudulent conduct.
Sutton was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales of the FBI Chicago Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Chicago Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Trial Attorneys Victor B. Yanz, Claire T. Sobczak, and Sarah W. Rocha of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Mott for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
United States Repatriates over $20 Million in Assets Stolen by Former Nigerian DictatorRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has transferred over $20.6 million to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria) in accordance with an Aug. 23 agreement between the governments to repatriate assets the United States forfeited that were traceable to the kleptocracy of former Nigerian Dictator General Sani Abacha and his co-conspirators.
This repatriation brings the total amount forfeited and returned by the United States in this case to approximately $332.4 million.
In 2014, a judgment was entered in the District of Columbia ordering the forfeiture of approximately $500 million located in accounts around the world, as the result of a civil forfeiture complaint for more than $625 million traceable to money laundering involving the proceeds of General Abacha’s corruption. In 2020, the department repatriated over $311.7 million of the forfeited assets that had been located in the Bailiwick of Jersey. Last year, the U.K. government enforced the U.S. judgment against the additional over $20.6 million.
The forfeited assets represent corrupt monies laundered during and after the military regime of General Abacha, who became Head of State of Nigeria through a military coup on Nov. 17, 1993, and held that position until his death on June 8, 1998. The complaint filed in this case alleges that General Abacha, his son Mohammed Sani Abacha, their associate Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and others embezzled, misappropriated, and extorted billions of dollars from the government of Nigeria and others, then laundered their criminal proceeds through U.S. financial institutions and transactions in the United States. The United Kingdom’s cooperation in the investigation, restraint, and enforcement of the U.S. judgement, along with the valuable contributions of Nigeria and other law enforcement partners around the world, including the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, as well as those of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, have been instrumental to the recovery of these funds.
Under the agreement signed in August, the United States agreed to transfer 100% of the net forfeited assets to Nigeria to support three critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria that were previously authorized by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian legislature. The $20,637,622.27 marks a slight reduction from the $23 million announced in August due primarily to exchange rate fluctuations between British pounds sterling and U.S. dollars. The funds governed by this agreement will help finance the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the Abuja-Kano road – investments that will benefit the citizens of each of these important regions in Nigeria.
The agreement includes key measures to ensure transparency and accountability, including administration of the funds and projects by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), financial review by an independent auditor, and monitoring by an independent civil society organization with expertise in engineering and other areas. The agreement also precludes the expenditure of funds to benefit alleged perpetrators of the corruption or to pay contingency fees for lawyers. The agreement reflects the sound principles for ensuring transparency and accountability adopted at the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) in December 2017 in Washington, D.C., which the United States and United Kingdom hosted with support from the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the World Bank and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The department appreciates the extensive assistance provided by the governments of the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jersey, and France in this investigation.
This case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section working in partnership with the FBI. Through the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement agencies seek to safeguard the U.S. financial system from criminal money laundering and to recover the proceeds of foreign official corruption. Where appropriate and possible, the department endeavors to use recovered corruption proceeds to benefit the people harmed by acts of corruption and abuse of public trust.
Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
Two-ton marijuana seizure results in prison for young Mexican traffickerRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican citizen has been sent to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to transport over four thousand pounds of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jorge Monjaraz-Perez pleaded guilty Jan. 13.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Monjaraz-Perez to serve 200 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Monjaraz-Perez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Monjaraz-Perez coordinated with a drug trafficking organization and was also manager in that organization, facilitating the trafficking of the drug loads in numerous different ways. Judge Rodriguez further noted that this wasn’t aberrant behavior and that Monjaraz-Perez trafficked a large amount of marijuana over several different events.
At the time of his plea, Monjaraz-Perez admitted he conspired with a drug trafficking organization to transport at least 1,886 kilograms of marijuana.
He also acknowledged running a marijuana stash house located in Brownsville and participating in at least 12 drug trafficking loads. Law enforcement seized marijuana from 7 different events in Brownsville near the Rio Grande River, each load ranging between 91 kilograms and 528 kilograms.
Monjaraz-Perez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Lindenmuth prosecuted the case.
Two sentenced for their roles in murder of man who blew the whistle on an illegal labor conspiracyRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA.: Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the murder of a whistleblower who exposed a multi-million-dollar scheme that fraudulently employed undocumented workers.
Pablo Rangel-Rubio, 53, of Rincon, was sentenced to 584 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to charges including Aiding and Abetting the Retaliation Against a Witness, while Higinio Perez-Bravo, 52, of Savannah, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Hire, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Perez-Bravo to pay restitution of $1,329,412.80 to the family of the victim, and ordered Rangel-Rubio to pay $1,351,217.05 in restitution to the victim’s family and to another worker for lost wages. Both Perez-Bravo and Rangel-Rubio are citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States and are subject to deportation after completion of their prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system.
A third defendant, Rangel-Rubio’s brother, Juan Rangel-Rubio, 45, of Rincon – also an illegal alien – faces a statutory minimum sentence of life in prison after being found guilty at trial in October 2022 on charges including Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness, and Conspiracy to Kill a Witness. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
“These sentences represent a measure of justice for Eliud Montoya, a brave man murdered by criminals protecting their lucrative and exploitative labor-trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our law enforcement partners did outstanding work to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this brutal murder.”
As reflected in court documents and evidence, the three men conspired to kill Eliud Montoya, a United States citizen who blew the whistle on a scheme of hiring and mistreating illegal aliens and who was murdered August 19, 2017, near his home in Garden City, Ga.
Pablo Rangel-Rubio worked as a supervisor at Wolf Tree, a contract company that performed tree-cutting services on utility rights-of-way. Working with his brother, the two schemed to hire illegal aliens to work for the company, and then routed the illegal aliens’ paychecks to their own bank accounts where they skimmed a portion of the pay for themselves. As a result of this scheme, the conspirators netted more than $3.5 million from an estimated 100 illegal alien laborers.
Mr. Montoya, a United States citizen who also worked at Wolf Tree, saw his colleagues being mistreated and complained to the company and to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After Mr. Montoya blew the whistle on the scheme, Pablo Rangel-Rubio arranged for Mr. Montoya’s murder by paying Perez-Bravo for the use of his vehicles and to act as the getaway driver when Juan Rangel-Rubio shot Mr. Montoya to death.
“This sentence means that criminals like these defendants will not escape justice and will no longer be able to victimize anyone,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “We are thankful for the hard work done by all of the agencies involved in this case and hope that the verdict brings comfort to the victims and their families.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Garden City Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Tania D. Groover.
Two Sacramento Men Indicted for Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, Possession of Stolen Mail, and Possession of Mail Keys or LocksRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment today against Carlos Aranda, 40, and Daniel Hunt, 37, both of Sacramento, charging them with conspiracy, bank fraud, and possession of stolen mail, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Aranda is also charged with possession of mail keys or locks.
According to court documents, Aranda, Hunt, and others engaged in a conspiracy to obtain and counterfeit postal keys, which used to steal mail from the U.S. mail system. From the stolen mail, Aranda, Hunt, and their conspirators obtained identifying information, financial information, and financial instruments of other people. The conspirators periodically gathered together at motel rooms to alter or “wash” checks together. The conspirators then took the checks and attempted to negotiate, deposit, or cash them.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Aranda and Hunt face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count of bank fraud, and a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the counts of conspiracy and possession of stolen mail. Aranda further faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of possession of a mail key or lock. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Men Indicted on Murder-For-Hire Charges for St. Louis DeathRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men were indicted on murder-for-hire charges Wednesday in connection with the April fatal shooting of a man in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ray Bradley, 44, and Moreion Lindsey, 32, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire. The indictment says their conspiracy resulted in the death of Titus Armstead on April 21, 2022. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $332,000 seized as part of the investigation.
A motion seeking to have Bradley held in jail until trial says he was not present at Armstead’s murder but arranged for him to travel from New Jersey to St. Louis and bought his airline tickets. Bradley arranged for the murder to cover up the robbery of several million dollars’ worth of cocaine and drug proceeds, the motion says.
Lindsey picked Armstead up from the airport and took him to Penrose Park in St. Louis, where he was killed, Lindsey’s detention motion says. Lindsey then photographed Armstead’s body to provide proof of his death to Bradley, it says.
If convicted, the men face a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Lindsey and another man, Jerome Williams, were already facing a May indictment on a charge of destruction of evidence to obstruct a federal investigation. That indictment accuses them of destroying a Social Security card and a cell phone on April 21.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charge and their cases are pending.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angie Danis and Nathan Chapman are prosecuting the case.Two Members and Associates of the 18th Street Gang Sentenced to Prison Terms for Violent Crimes Committed in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two members and associates of the 18th Street gang operating within Washington, D.C. were sentenced today to over five years each in prison for their roles in an attack on rival gang members on the platform of the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro station on Sept. 17, 2019.
Christopher Molina-Garcia, 21, and Christian Figueroa-Gutierrez, 22, both of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty earlier this year in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering – assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession, brandishing, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The pleas were contingent upon the Court’s approval. Molina-Garcia’s plea called for a 5 ½-year prison term, and Figueroa-Gutierrez’s plea called for a range of 60 months to 72 months in prison. The Honorable Randolph D. Moss accepted the pleas and sentenced Molina-Garcia to 5 ½ years in prison, and Figueroa-Gutierrez to 5 years and 4 months in prison. Following their prison terms, each will be placed on three years of supervised release.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, Robert Dixon, U.S. Marshal for the U.S. Marshals Service for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Michael Anzallo, Chief of the Metro Transit Police Department, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the government’s evidence, Molina-Garcia and Figueroa-Gutierrez were members of associates of the international criminal street gang known as 18th Street, which operates in the District of Columbia, and other jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally. The 18th Street gang engages in a variety of criminal activities to include acts of assault, robbery, kidnapping, murder, and firearms trafficking. The 18th Street gang is particularly violent because members are required to commit acts of violence to further the interests of the gang.
On Sept. 17, 2019, at approximately 3:31 p.m., Molina-Garcia and Figueroa-Guiterrez went to the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station in Northwest Washington as part of a group of 18th Street gang members. Metro station surveillance captured the defendants as they engaged in an altercation with another group of rival gang members on the train station platform. The 18th Street gang members began to run towards the rival gang members and Molina-Garcia was seen pulling a large knife out of his waistband while Figueroa-Gutierrez pulled out a meat cleaver from his backpack. The rival gang members then pulled out a set of weapons of their own. Another 18th Street gang member then pulled a handgun from his backpack and fired two gunshots towards the rival crew. The two gangs immediately dispersed as a Metro train pulled into the station. The defendants admitted to participating in the attack in order to gain entrance to, or to maintain or increase their position in the 18th Street gang.
Molina-Garcia was arrested on May 11, 2021, in Loudoun County, Virginia. Figueroa-Gutierrez was arrested on May 10, 2021, in Irving, Texas. They have been detained ever since.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from the District of Columbia area. The United States Marshals Service, the Metro Transit Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department also provide valuable collaboration and assistance in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack F. Korba, Gilead Light, and Christopher Marin, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Latoya Wade.
Two Maui Men Found Guilty of Hate Crimes for Racially Motivated AttackRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – After a two-week jury trial before United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright, a federal jury today found Defendants Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi (age 32) and Levi Aki, Jr. (age 33) each guilty of a hate crime for their racially motivated attacks on C.K., a white man, when he attempted to move into the home he had purchased in their neighborhood of Kahakuloa on Maui. Judge Seabright ordered both defendants detained in custody pending their sentencing, which is set for March 2, 2023.
At trial, the evidence showed that C.K. purchased a house in Kahakuloa and decided to move there with his wife and three daughters after his wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and forced to retire. When C.K. arrived in Kahakuloa, he was harassed and threatened by various Kahakuloa residents who told him things like, “This is a Hawaiian village. The only thing coming from the outside is the electricity,” and “You don’t even belong in Hawaii.” On February 13, 2014, when C.K. was unpacking his belongings with his elderly uncle, the defendants, who had never met C.K. before, stormed onto his property and demanded that he pack his things and leave, threatening to “tie [him] up and drag [him]” and make him “go missing” if he did not comply. When C.K. replied that he owned the house, Defendant Alo-Kaonohi dragged his index finger along C.K.’s jaw and told him, “You’ve got the wrong f****** color skin.” Defendant Aki then picked up a roofing shovel and handed it to Defendant Alo-Kaonohi, who struck C.K. in the head with it, causing a bloody wound on the back of C.K.’s head. Later on, after C.K. had already begun packing up his possessions, the defendants attacked him a second time. During that attack, Defendant Aki head butted C.K. and struck him in the face with the shovel a second time, giving C.K. a concussion and causing him to lose consciousness. When he came to, the defendants were kicking him in the side—kicks that broke two of his ribs. During the second attack, one of the defendants said, “no white man is ever going to live here.” Although the victim had recorded the attacks using his phone, the Defendants took it from him after he lost consciousness. Cameras on the victim’s car, however, captured critical evidence that corroborated C.K.’s account.
“The jury’s verdict confirms that the rule of law serves to protect all persons in our community from vicious assaults, no matter the color of their skin,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “When people commit violent crimes against someone out of hatred for the victim’s race, the Department of Justice will ensure they face criminal consequences in a court of law.”
“This verdict brings justice and vindication to the victim, a man who was assaulted and nearly killed simply based on the color of his skin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The jury’s verdict – and in fact this whole prosecution – reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting every person in this country from race-based violence, regardless of the race of the perpetrator or the victim. The law applies equally to everyone.”
“The FBI is committed in protecting individuals from being harmed based on their race,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “This case highlights our work to ensure everyone feels safe in their own community without any fear of retribution or violence regardless of their race. The FBI encourages the public to support law enforcement’s efforts to end hate crimes by contacting the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
The charge on which they were convicted carries a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris A. Thomas prosecuted the case in partnership with Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Two Felons Guilty of Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that on November 16, 2022 a federal jury found Robert Vandori Johnson, age 40 , of Aurora, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Co-defendant Daevon House, age 30, of Denver, previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
According to facts presented at trial, on February 1, 2022, Denver police officers were searching for House due to an outstanding arrest warrant. After locating him, they observed House and Johnson drive to an apartment complex in Denver, Colorado. Both went into an apartment and came back out a short time later. As House and Johnson got back into the car, officers stopped the car and attempted to arrest House. When officers approached, House ran on foot. He was carrying a firearm which he dropped as he fled before being taken into custody. House had previously been convicted of a felony, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition. Johnson was contacted and escorted from the driver seat of his car vehicle. As he exited the vehicle, a semiautomatic pistol dropped from his waistband. Johnson had previously been convicted of a felony offense making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Philip A. Brimmer presided over Johnson's two day trial. The jury returned its guilty verdict on November 16, 2022. Johnson will be sentenced at a later date. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced House to 91 months in prison on August 9, 2022.
The investigation was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Denver Police Department. The prosecution was handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00046-RM
For more information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr
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Two Essex County Men Sentenced to Prison for Using Credit Cards and Checks Stolen from U.S. Mail as Part of a Scheme that Attempted to Defraud Banks of over $1 MillionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Essex County, New Jersey, men were sentenced yesterday and today for their roles in a scheme to steal credit cards, debit cards, and checks from the mail and use the stolen cards and checks to attempt over a million dollars of retail and online purchases and cash withdrawals, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today.
Jahad Salter, 26, of Newark, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, and Hakir Brown, 28, Newark, was sentenced to 31 months in prison. Salter had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and Brown previously pleaded guilty before Judge McNulty to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge McNulty imposed the sentences in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Salter, Brown, and others engaged USPS employees to steal from the mail, in exchange for compensation, credit cards and debit cards, and Salter and others engaged the same employees to steal checks, including federal stimulus payments issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once they obtained the stolen cards, Salter, Brown and their conspirators unlawfully obtained the credit and debit card holders’ personal identifiers and used that information to fraudulently pose as the accountholders of the stolen credit and debit cards when calling the banks that issued the cards and used that personal identifying information belonging to the accountholders to obtain or change information about the stolen credit cards. They, and others, then used the stolen credit cards to make purchases at retail stores in New Jersey and elsewhere, including New York and online. They and others also negotiated stolen checks, obtaining cash. In total, The scheme resulted in attempted losses of over $1 million.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge McNulty sentenced Salter to three years of supervise release and ordered him to pay forfeiture of $124,076. He sentenced Brown to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay forfeiture of $46,209.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, Philadelphia Division; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to the sentencings. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, District of New Jersey, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Mid-Atlantic Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew S. McKay; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; the Livingston, New Jersey Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gary Marshuetz; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Essex County, New Jersey Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the New Providence, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Theresa A. Gazaway; and the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Jason Massimino, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara F. Merin of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
Two Defendants Sentenced for Participating in Nationwide Grandparent ScamRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 17, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Two more defendants were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a large-scale “grandparent scam” racketeering conspiracy.
Anajah Gifford, 24, of North Hollywood, California, received a sentence of 57 months in custody. Tracy Glinton, 35, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to time served. According to court documents, the defendants participated in a criminal enterprise that engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation. At least 10 elderly victims who resided in San Diego County lost over $300,000 to the fraud.
From approximately November 1, 2019, until October 14, 2020, the members of the criminal enterprise targeted elderly Americans, contacting them by phone and feeding them phony stories that their grandchildren were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, pay medical expenses for car accident victims, or prevent additional charges from being filed. Members of the conspiracy and their associates obtained money from victims through in-person cash pick-ups, by mail or commercial carriers, or via wire transfers. Conspirators laundered the proceeds by transferring the funds or converting from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
As part of her plea agreement, defendant Anajah Gifford admitted that she personally conducted cash pick-ups from victims under codefendant Timothy Ingram’s direction, and helped Ingram pay unlawful proceeds to codefendant Tracy Knowles. Gifford, personally and with co-defendant Ingram, also recruited and coordinated money mules in California. As part of her sentence, Gifford was ordered to forfeit $52,750 in proceeds she personally received from the offense and to pay $1,235,406.93 to the victims in restitution.
According to court documents, defendant Tracy Glinton’s primary role was to help codefendant Tracy Knowles receive proceeds from coconspirators who obtained victim funds. In her plea agreement, Glinton admitted that she knew the money she received constituted proceeds of grandparent scams. As part of her sentence, Glinton was ordered to forfeit $9,950 in proceeds she personally received from the offense, and to pay $471,600 to the victims in restitution. Ingram was previously sentenced to 108 months; Knowles remains at large.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was established in February 2021 and is believed to be the first comprehensive law enforcement effort for this purpose anywhere in the country. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.
“The defendants were members of a particularly sophisticated grandparent scam enterprise that callously and shamelessly targeted the elderly across our country,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Today’s sentencings hold the defendants accountable not only for the financial losses, but also the deep and long-lasting psychological damage their crimes can cause their victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice in frauds committed against elderly adults. We will also continue to warn the public about the dangers of elder fraud.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the Elder Justice Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“Because seniors are a particularly vulnerable victim group and are often specifically targeted for financial fraud crimes, the FBI and our law enforcement partners have prioritized our efforts to address elder fraud,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Using such deceitful tactics bilk hard-earned money from aging victims – leaving so many financially devastated in their retirement years without recourse for recovery. We encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud or know a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, to immediately report the incident to the FBI or another law enforcement agency.”
As of today, six of the eight defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty. Two defendants are fugitives and remain at large.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr2216-CAB
Tracy Adrine Knowles 30 Orlando, Florida
Fugitive
Adonis Alexis Butler Wong 30 Northbay Village, Florida
Fugitive
Timothy Ingram, aka Bleezy 30 North Hollywood, California
Sentenced on August 31, 2022, to 108 months in prison.
Anajah Gifford 24 North Hollywood, California
Sentenced today to 57 months.
Lyda Harris 74 Laveen, Arizona
Released on bond. Sentencing set for December 1, 2022.
Joaquin Lopez 46 Hollywood, Florida
Sentenced on August 31, 2022, to 24 months in prison.
Jack Owuor 25 Paramount, California
Sentenced on August 17, 2022, to 46 months in prison.
Tracy Glinton 35 Orlando, Florida
Sentenced today to time served – Nine days.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1962(d) – Conspiracy to Conduct or Participate in an Enterprise
Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000
AGENCY
Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which includes:
San Diego FBI
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Carlsbad Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Escondido Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
National City Police Department
Coronado Police Department
Three Oklahoma City Residents Sentenced to Serve More Than 21 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, LAURA R. JOHNSON, 47, THOMAS JOHNSON, SR., 54, and CHERYL M. ASHLEY, 72, all residents of Oklahoma City, were sentenced collectively to more than 21 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to take ownership of more than a dozen real properties without the consent or knowledge of the actual owners, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 19, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a 16-count Indictment against the defendants. The federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on June 16, 2020, which added additional charges. On November 17, 2020, each defendant pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Public records reflect that the defendants used fraudulent documents from 2014 until 2019 to obtain titles to homes and other properties. The defendants primarily targeted real properties that had delinquent property taxes and therefore were subject to being auctioned by the Oklahoma County Treasurer’s Office. By paying off one or more years of back taxes, the defendants caused the properties to be removed from the county tax auction. The defendants then claimed they had purchased the properties at the county tax auction, when in fact they had filed fraudulent warranty deeds to transfer properties into the names of fictitious companies and individuals. The conspiracy also included fraudulent confidential stamp tax affidavits and fake mortgages, all of which contained forged notary signatures and seals.
Some homeowners vacated their homes based on phony eviction notices. When certain victims fought the takeover of their homes in court, the defendants filed pleadings with the names of fictitious lawyers and submitted affidavits in court signed by fictitious people.
The defendants targeted one home that had been owned by a woman who died in 2012. After they gained control of the decedent’s property, the defendants used bank records they found in the home and forged a power of attorney to lie to the bank in an attempt to withdraw more than $100,000 from the decedent’s bank account. When that attempt failed, the conspirators attempted to steal money by writing forged checks on the decedent’s account and causing electronic transfers out of the account for their personal benefit. They also filed a false will in Oklahoma County District Court after the woman’s nephew learned of the death and filed a probate action. Based on the fraudulent will, the court appointed Laura Johnson as the personal representative of the estate, which enabled her to withdraw approximately $146,000 remaining in the decedent’s bank accounts and obtain more than $45,000 from her oil and gas interests.
At sentencings earlier this week, Chief United States District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti found the defendants’ conduct preyed on more than a dozen victims, many of whom were vulnerable due to their age or financial status. Judge DeGiusti sentenced the defendants as follows:
- Laura R. Johnson was sentenced on November 14, 2022, to 151 months in federal prison. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. She was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service at sentencing.
- Thomas Johnson, Sr. was sentenced on November 15, 2022, to 42 months in federal prison. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- Cheryl M. Ashley was sentenced on November 16, 2022, to 60 months in federal prison. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
In addition, the Court will order the defendants to pay restitution to victims after a separate restitution hearing in approximately 90 days.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Perry prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Three Men Federally Indicted for Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Maximiliano Gutierrez, Mario Guzman and Alfredo Lira with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Richard Sanders of the Jeffersontown Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Maximiliano Gutierrez, 49, of San Ygnacio, Texas, Mario Guzman, 48, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Alfredo Lira, 38, of Laredo, Texas were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The defendants will be arraigned a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of not less than 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and the Jeffersontown Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Porter.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Three Former NYPD Police Officers Plead Guilty to Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, James Davneiro, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in a scheme to steer vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business company in contravention of NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program (DARP) in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribes (the “Tow Truck Scheme”). On November 15, 2022, former NYPD officer Michael Perri pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in the Tow Truck Scheme. On November 16, 2022, former NYPD officer Giancarlo Osma pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in the Tow Truck Scheme.
At the time that they participated in the Tow Truck Scheme, Davneiro and Osma were NYPD officers assigned to the 107th Precinct in Queens, New York. Perri was also an NYPD officer assigned to the 107th Precinct at the outset of the scheme, but subsequently retired in June 2020 and began operating a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business that received the damaged vehicles pursuant to the Tow Truck Scheme. Davneiro resigned from the NYPD in November 2021 and Osma resigned on November 16, 2022.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the guilty pleas.
“These three officers abused the public’s trust and disgraced their NYPD badges by lining their pockets with bribes,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “This Office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute corruption by those who are sworn to enforce and uphold the law.”
“The investigators of our Internal Affairs Bureau left no stone unturned in this case because there is zero tolerance in the NYPD for corruption of any kind,” said NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “We worked tirelessly in this case, alongside our partners in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, to ensure that those who swore to serve and protect the public but violate that trust face severe consequences.”
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, between May 2020 and May 2021, Davneiro and Osma received thousands of dollars of bribe payments from Perri in exchange for steering vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business operated by Perri, instead of using the NYPD’s DARP, as legally required. DARP requires the NYPD to identify appropriate licensed tow trucking and automobile repair businesses to respond to automobile accident scenes and remove damaged vehicles.
Today’s plea took place before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner. When sentenced, each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison. As part of their respective pleas, Davneiro has agreed to forfeit $25,000, Osma has agreed to forfeit approximately $26,011, and Perri has agreed to forfeit approximately $158,277.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan C. Harris is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JAMES DAVNEIRO
Age: 43
Bayside, New YorkGIANCARLO OSMA
Age: 40
Deer Park, New YorkMICHAEL PERRI
Age: 33
East Islip, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-508 (RPK)
Three Eastern Jackson County Men Plead Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Eastern Jackson County men have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Kenneth James Paulson, 51, of Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Aug. 11 to Oct. 14, 2020. Co-defendants Louis Melvin Williamson, 51, and Kurt Thomas Kingsley, 40, both of Independence, Mo., have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Kingsley also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Paulson admitted that he purchased methamphetamine from Kingsley and sold bulk quantities to lower level dealers. Williams and Kingsley have admitted that Williams sold bulk quantities of methamphetamine to other dealers, including Kingsley, who in turn sold to Paulson.
Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, through undercover agents and confidential informants, made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Paulson at his home and at a movie theater parking lot in Grain Valley, Mo. On Oct. 13, 2020, DEA agents stopped Paulson’s car in Blue Springs while he was on his way to another undercover controlled purchase. Agents found 145 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine in his car. Agents also searched his residence and found 226 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine in his garage. Agents also found a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver in his garage.
On Oct. 14, 2020, Kingsley arrived at Paulson’s residence for an arranged drug sale. DEA agents found a black backpack on the passenger’s seat of Kingsley’s Ford F-150 that contained 46.7 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Under federal statutes, Paulson, Kingsley and Williams each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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 defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson, who is a cross-designated prosecutor from the Missouri Attorney General’s office as part of the Safer Streets Initiative to combat violent crime. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Thirty-Year-Old Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 30, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi, pleaded guilty as charged on November 16. 2022 before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance after previously being charged with attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470.
According to court documents, DEFIORE was an adult male who was released from a federal correctional institution upon completion of his judicially imposed sentence in an unrelated matter on August 19, 2022. Days after his release, DEFIORE acquired a cellular phone and posted that he desired a really young girl on a social media application. Law enforcement authorities with the FBI saw the post and, acting in an undercover capacity by pretending to be a fourteen-year-old female (“Minor”), began corresponding with DEFIORE. During the correspondence, occurring on August 24 and 25, 2022, DEFIORE provided additional details about himself, including his age, location, and recent release from prison. He also engaged in a sexually charged conversation with Minor, during which he sent a self-taken picture of his erect penis. DEFIORE also expressed interest in meeting Minor for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity with her at her location in Slidell, Louisiana. DEFIORE also told Minor that he was attempting to obtain transportation to Slidell, Louisiana (where he believed Minor to be located) and provided Minor with directions to his location. Additionally, DEFIORE encouraged Minor to obtain transportation to his location so they could engage in sexual activity.
DEFIORE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. DEFIORE may also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for February 15, 2022 .
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.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Third Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 12 Years for 2018 South Philadelphia Home Invasion Robbery and Assault of Owners’ Teenage DaughterRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Khairyi Burgess, 23, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,000,000 in restitution by United States District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick for his participation in a home invasion robbery during which the defendant and his accomplices victimized the homeowners’ teenage daughter and stole approximately $1 million in currency and jewelry. Burgess’ father, Edward Burgess, was also sentenced to time served plus a period of supervised release for his role in obstructing justice after the robbery by wiping his son’s cell phone of information.
In March 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime in connection with the robbery incident in August 2018. According to court documents, Burgess and three co-defendants, including Demetrius Ceasar and Shaquan Johnson, victimized the 17-year-old girl in her home while stealing the cash and valuables owned by her parents. Specifically, while she lay sleeping around midnight, the men entered her bedroom, pulled her from her bed, and struck her several times. They then held her at gunpoint and robbed her family of their life savings—the proceeds of their restaurant business a block-and-a-half away on Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia. Ceasar was previously sentenced to seven years and three months in prison, and Johnson was previously sentenced to eleven years in prison.
Following the robbery, Edward Burgess deleted all information on his son’s cell phone in an attempt to prevent investigators from learning of Khaiyri’s involvement, a crime for which he pleaded guilty in May 2022.
“The younger Burgess and his accomplices not only victimized a family by violating the sanctity of their home and stealing their life savings, the elder Burgess attempted to cover up the crime and help his son evade justice,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “The sentencing results in this case should serve as a warning to others who might be considering engaging in similar behavior – either by committing violent crimes or protecting those who do.”
“ATF, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have worked closely with the victims in this case to seek justice for this violent crime,” said Eric DeGree, acting Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “No one deserves what this family went through, and our hope is that some solace can be found in the finality of this sentencing.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi and former Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Damiani.
Thibodaux Man Charged with Failure to Account for and Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CORNEL MARTIN, SR. (“MARTIN”), age 61, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was charged on November 17, 2022, with failing to account for and pay over federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.
According to the one count indictment, MARTIN conducted a business as a limited liability company under the name “Global Workforce, LLC”. During the first quarter of the year 2019, MARTIN collected federal income taxes and FICA taxes in the approximate sum of $67,211 from his employees but did not pay any of that money to the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted, MARTIN faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, MARTIN also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. MARTIN also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
Ten-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Illegally Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Theodore man was sentenced to 92 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm.
According to court documents, Joshua Ryan Hartness, 37, was arrested by Mobile police officers on October 1, 2021. That evening, officers had responded to a 911 call regarding a white male with no shirt and numerous tattoos committing thefts on a residential street in Theodore. When officers arrived, they encountered Hartness with a Taurus 9mm pistol, among other stolen items, stuffed inside his pants. The pistol belonged to a nearby resident who had left it and other stolen items inside an unlocked truck parked in a driveway. At the time Hartness possessed the stolen pistol, he knew he had previously been convicted of ten prior felony drug and theft offenses in Mobile County Circuit Court. Hartness’s prior convictions rendered his possession of the pistol illegal under federal law.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer ordered Hartness to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Hartness to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Two East St. Louis Men Convicted of KidnappingRead the Press Release
East St. Louis, Illinois – Kendrick A. Frazier, 35, and Kenwyn L. Frazier, 38, were convicted by a
federal jury for the Kidnapping of Kein Eastman that occurred on August 13, 2020. The verdict was
announced on Thursday, November 10, 2022, after a six-day jury trial.
Evidence presented at trial established that just before 7 p.m. on August 13, 2020, Kenwyn Frazier
forced Kein Eastman out of his grandmother’s house at gunpoint because he believed Eastman had
stolen from him a jeweled mouthpiece, known as a “grillz.” He drove Eastman in a Dodge Durango to
an apartment located on Kansas Avenue in East St. Louis and forced him to look for the grillz for
over an hour and a half. When Eastman couldn’t find it, Kenwyn Frazier called his brother, Kendrick
Frazier, to the apartment.Shortly after Kendrick got there, the Frazier brothers forcibly pulled Eastman out of the apartment
at gunpoint threatening to shoot him if he did not take them to the grillz. They forced Eastman to
the ground, repeatedly kicking and threatening him. Eastman insisted he hadn’t taken it, pleading
with them not to shoot. Despite his pleas, Kendrick Frazier fired one shot at Eastman while he laid
on the ground. After the shooting, witnesses saw Eastman bleeding from his face as he ran from the
apartment complex. Kendrick and Kenwyn Frazier followed immediately after him in the Dodge Durango.
Two hours later, that Dodge Durango was found on fire by the East St. Louis Fire Department,
completely burned to the frame. According to other documents filed in the case, Eastman has not
been seen or heard from by family members or law enforcement since the night of the kidnapping.“This guilty verdict represents long-awaited justice for the family of Kein Eastman,” said United
States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I am proud of our office and law enforcement partners from the
East St. Louis Police Department and the ISP PSEG unit for their commitment in seeing this case
through to completion. I also commend the Eastman Family and members of the East St. Louis
community who cooperated throughout the investigation to take a stand against this sort of
senseless violence. These are the results we expect to see when dedicated public servants and
community members work together to pursue even the most difficult of cases.”“The ongoing commitment by ISP to reducing and preventing violence is built upon the outstanding
professional investigative work of our special agents and sustained by our deep relationships with
our law enforcement partners and the community,” said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “The US
Attorney’s Office has been and continues to be critical to the sustained effectiveness of this
noble effort as seen in this case.”The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Summers and Zoe Gross.
Stockton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeremy David Dosier, 26, of Stockton, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in August 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dosier’s home in in Stockton and found Dosier in the bathroom destroying a large quantity of methamphetamine in the bathtub by turning on the faucet and breaking off the faucet. Agents were able to recover 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Next to the bathtub were several open bags that had contained the methamphetamine the defendant destroyed. On Oct. 14, 2022, Dosier pleaded guilty and admitted that he had possessed approximately 10-13 pounds of methamphetamine before agents arrived at his house.
During the search of Dosier’s residence, agents also seized a loaded 9 mm pistol under a couch cushion and $11,830 in cash.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Joaquin County Metro Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Desmond 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.
St. Louis Man Admits Being Caught Trying to Buy 40 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri on Thursday admitted being caught in Franklin County, Missouri trying to buy 40 pounds of methamphetamine for $120,000.
Richard Treis, 48, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Treis also admitted that he was involved in a deal that was originally negotiated on a cell phone smuggled into prison.
In June of 2020, Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso learned that an inmate in the Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Okla. wanted to purchase a large quantity of methamphetamine, according to Treis’ plea.
In a series of calls to a cell phone that had been smuggled to the inmate, Tarik “Morocco” Mazhar, an undercover HSI special agent coordinated the delivery of about 40 pounds of the drug.
Tries called the undercover agent and confirmed that the delivery would happen in Missouri, and both Tries and Mazhar sent pictures of the cash to the agent.
On July 29, 2020, Tries and another man, Dennis Dewrock, arrived at a gas station in Pacific, Missouri with a black bag full of cash, the plea agreement says. Agents had brought about 15 pounds of methamphetamine and arrested both Treis and Dewrock after they swapped the cash for the drugs.
Treis is scheduled to be sentenced February 16. As part of his plea, he has agreed to forfeit $128,000 in custody of the Homeland Security Investigations.
Mazhar, 41, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to the same methamphetamine conspiracy charge and was sentenced in March to 13 years in prison. He is currently in a high-security prison in Mississippi.
Dewrock, 53, also pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ricardo Dixon is prosecuting the case.
St. Charles County Business Owner Admits Failing to Pay $3.4 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –A business owner from St. Charles County, Missouri on Thursday admitted using part of the $2.3 million in income, Social Security and Medicare taxes that he’d withheld from his employees' paychecks for college tuition and mortgage payments on two houses.
Jeffrey M. Bauza, 55, of Weldon Spring, also admitted failing to pay $1 million in employer contributions to the IRS. Bauza pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark to one count of willful failure to collect or pay tax.
Bauza owned the truck driving schools CDL Training Service & Consulting and CDL Training Services of Missouri at the time. The schools prepared students to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses. Bauza was required by law to withhold income, Social Security and Medicare taxes from employee wages before turning them over to the Internal Revenue Service. he was also required to file quarterly employment tax returns. He admitted willfully failing to do so from 2012-2019.
Bauza instead made substantial payments toward the mortgage of his primary home as well as a vacation home in Florida and paid college tuition for one of his children, according to his plea agreement.
As part of the agreement, Bauza agreed to pay back the $1.4 million that he still owes in taxes. He is scheduled to be sentenced next year and could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery While Wearing Ankle MonitorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor at the time of the offense pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing a Bank of America branch in Springfield last summer.
Michael C. Loyd, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of bank robbery.
By pleading guilty today, Loyd admitted he stole $754 from Bank of America at 633 W. Kearney in Springfield on July 20, 2022. Loyd approached a bank teller and handed her a note that stated, “Give Your Money Now. Don’t Say Anything. I Have A Partner Outside.” After the teller handed him the cash in her drawer, Loyd left the bank and drove away in a black Dodge Ram pickup truck.
A few minutes later, investigators received a tip that Loyd may be the bank robber and that he was currently at Lazy Acres Mobile Home Park, where the truck’s owner lived. Law enforcement officers surrounded the residence and began calling out occupants of the residence.
Investigators compared a previous booking photo of Loyd to the surveillance photos from the bank. Investigators also learned that Loyd was on ankle monitoring as part of his state probation. LBS Monitoring confirmed that their tracking data indicated Loyd’s ankle monitor was inside the Bank of America at the time of the robbery.
Loyd surrendered to law enforcement and admitted to robbing the bank. He told investigators that, as he was driving away from the bank, he saw patrol cars with their lights activated driving in the direction of the bank. He became scared and started throwing money out the window of the truck. Loyd didn’t know how much of the money he disposed of, because he didn’t know how much money he had stolen.
Under federal statutes, Loyd 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Southern Oregon Woman Indicted for Using Deceased Spouse's Identity to Obtain Federal Student AidRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Southern Oregon woman is facing federal charges alleging she used her deceased spouse’s identity to fraudulently obtain more than $36,000 in federal student aid.
On October 6, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a nine-count indictment charging Cynthia Pickering, 55, of Central Point, Oregon with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and student loan fraud.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2017 and continuing though April 2019, Pickering is alleged to have devised a scheme to use her deceased spouse’s personally identifiable information to submit multiple applications for federal student aid and enroll her former spouse at three different colleges and universities in Oregon. These fraudulent applications caused the three colleges and universities—Eastern Oregon University, Rogue Community College, and Western Oregon University—to disperse $36,341 in federal student aid into Pickering’s personal checking account.
To conceal her scheme, Pickering attended online classes pretending to be her former spouse so that her spouse would remain eligible for the student aid. Pickering did what was necessary to pass first term courses at each institution and collect the funds.
On November 15, 2022, Pickering was arrested at her residence in Central Point. The next day, on November 16, 2022, she made her first appearance in federal court in Medford before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Pickering was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on January 24, 2023.
Wire fraud and student aid fraud are punishable by up 20 years and five years in federal prison, respectively, per count of conviction. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by up to two years in prison consecutive to any other carceral sentence imposed.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG). It is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know believe you are the victim of federal student aid fraud or are otherwise aware of student aid fraud being committed, please contact ED-OIG by calling 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733) or submit a tip online at https://oighotlineportal.ed.gov/eCasePortal/.
South Florida Political Campaign Consultant Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Relief ProgramRead the Press Release
MIAMI—Omar Smith, 42, of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., who has worked on South Florida political campaigns, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison and two years of supervised release for lying on a coronavirus relief loan application and fraudulently obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to help small businesses financially survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the information to which he pled guilty, in June 2020, Smith applied for a $212,500 forgivable, federally guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of A Star For I Inc., a Florida company he owned. To justify the requested loan amount, Smith claimed in the on-line loan application, and through supporting fraudulent payroll tax forms, that his company employed 30 people and spent an average of $85,000 each month on payroll. In fact, A Star For I Inc had zero employees and no payroll expenses. A bank in Utah approved A Star For I Inc.’s PPP loan application based on the lies and wired $212,500 to the company’s bank account in Florida.
Once the money hit the bank account in July 2020, Smith spent the next few months creating a paper trail to make it appear as if A Star For I Inc. had employees and was spending the PPP money on legitimate, approved expenses. Smith issued checks from the company bank account made out to others who did little or no work for A Star For I Inc.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M, Dewitt, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI, Miami Field Office, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Kaplan prosecuted it.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who suffered financially from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud. It does this by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please click here .
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 here.
You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-60229.
Sergeant Bluff Business Owner Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
The owner of a Sergeant Bluff, Iowa construction firm pleaded guilty November 16, 2022, to tax evasion for evading payment of his company’s employment taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Alexander, 62, of Sioux City, owned K&L Construction, Inc., a landscaping and construction company. As the sole shareholder and president of K&L Construction, Alexander was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. From the second quarter of 2014 through the first quarter of 2017, K&L Construction paid approximately $3.8 million in wages to its employees and withheld approximately $1 million in payroll taxes, but the company did not pay over any of these withholdings to the IRS.
During IRS collection proceedings, Alexander accepted responsibility for paying K&L Construction’s outstanding tax balance. Alexander, however, submitted a false form to the IRS that concealed some of his assets. As part of his plea agreement, Alexander admitted that he submitted the false form for the purpose of concealing assets and evading payment of K&L Construction’s outstanding payroll tax liability.
Alexander will be sentenced at a later date before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Alexander remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Alexander also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. Judge Strand will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax of the Northern District of Iowa made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Meredith Havekost of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4092.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Acting as Courier in A Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Arnaldo Caban-Soto, age 29, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to 36 months’ imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on November 13, 2021, Caban-Soto was surveilled to a residence in Scranton, where he took possession of a package that authorities suspected contained a significant quantity of illegal drugs. Following a motor vehicle stop, Caban-Soto was detained while a search warrant was obtained for the package. Inside the package, authorities located approximately 3 Kilograms of cocaine. Further investigation revealed that the package was shipped to Northeastern Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico, and that Caban-Soto’s role in the drug trafficking conspiracy was to transport the cocaine to a location in New York where it would be packaged for further distribution.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Sanford Foster Parent Sentenced to 170 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Justin Dwayne Johnson, Sr. (48, Sanford) to 170 years in federal prison for four counts of production of child sexual abuse material, one count of production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sex abuse material. Johnson had pleaded guilty on July 7, 2022.
According to court documents, in January 2022, an investigation was initiated into Johnson after Child Protection Services was alerted that Johnson was secretly recording his foster children. Johnson disclosed to an acquaintance that he had cameras in his home to record the children in the nude and that he had videos of him touching the children. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized several devices belonging to Johnson. Forensic examinations of Johnson’s cellphone and other electronic devices revealed numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material. Specifically, the evidence showed that Johnson used the children under his care to produce depictions of sexually explicit conduct. Johnson’s cellphone also contained numerous visual depictions of child sex abuse material depicting young children. So far, the FBI has identified at least 18 victims that were sexually exploited by Johnson.
“Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the highest priorities of my office,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “This defendant victimized children who were especially vulnerable because they needed the protection of the foster care system. I am proud of the outstanding work by our local and federal law enforcement partners and my office that brought this predator to justice.”
“Instead of offering a haven for foster children, this predator betrayed the children with a home of horrific abuse,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force is committed to identifying, locating, and recovering the innocent victims of sexual abuse and ensuring their abusers are brought to justice.
“Johnson’s crimes are particularly disturbing, in that he was in a position that is expected to provide protection and care to already vulnerable children, and he exploited that role and further victimized these young children,” said Chief Cecil Smith of the Sanford Police Department. “I hope his sentence brings some comfort to those who he has abused.”
“As you can imagine, investigations of this nature can present overwhelming challenges,” stated Seminole County Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma. “However, the dedication of our teams, their diligence, and the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement professionals assigned to this case resulted in a successful prosecution and a sentence that sends a strong message that there are severe consequences for those who prey upon and exploit the most precious members of our community.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney Richardson-Jones and Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
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.
Rensselaer County Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Drug and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Justin Micheli, age 35, of Schodack, New York, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon, and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Micheli admitted that on March 16, 2021, he possessed more than 700 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute it and possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol made from component parts without a serial number, also known as a “ghost gun,” to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. Micheli also admitted to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Micheli had three prior felony convictions for drug offenses.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Micheli to serve a 4-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping. The case was prosecuted to indictment by Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Registered Sex Offender Convicted Three Times on Child Pornography Charges Sentenced to Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Christopher J. Skinner, 33, of Providence, convicted in unrelated child pornography cases brought by the United States Air Force in 2010, in Rhode Island state court in 2014, and, most recently, in federal court in Providence in February 2022, was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
In January 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that files containing child sexual abuse had been uploaded by an individual in Rhode Island. Further investigation by a Homeland Security Investigations agent and a Rhode Island State Police detective determined that the files had been uploaded from an IP address assigned to Skinner’s residence. A court-authorized search in February 2022 of Skinner’s home and his cell phone led to the discovery of images containing child sexual abuse.
Skinner pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in June 2022 to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release.
According to court records, in 2010, Skinner was convicted of possession of child pornography by the United States Air Force and sentenced to 2 years of confinement and dishonorable discharge from the Air Force; and, in an unrelated case in 2014, Skinner was convicted in Rhode Island state court of possession of child pornography and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration - 3 years to serve.
Skinner has also been convicted of failure to register as a sex offender.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Readout of Justice Department Leadership Visit to Miami Mental Health Court and Diversion SystemRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta and Director Karhlton F. Moore of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) met with judicial leaders and criminal justice professionals in Miami to discuss responses to mental health issues in the justice system. Associate Attorney General Gupta and Director Moore heard from Judge Steven Leifman of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit about the Criminal Mental Health Project, a program he created in 2000 to divert people with mental illnesses away from jail and into community-based treatment. The presentations included judges, prosecutors, public defenders, peer recovery specialists and representatives from local police departments discussing the success of the program. Thousands of people have been kept out of jail under the Miami model, and only a fraction of graduates re-offend. Estimates suggest that nationwide about 15% of men and more than 30% of women in jails have a serious mental illness, compared to about 4% of people in the general population.
BJA Director Moore and the BJA leadership team provided an overview of the BJA Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, which has awarded 679 state, local and Tribal grants to support responses to people with mental illnesses who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Two years ago, BJA also launched Connect and Protect, designed to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and behavioral health agencies. Miami-Dade County is a national Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Site and is recognized as a model for its approach to diverting people with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Raleigh County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Brenda Crewey, 49, of Harper, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 21, 2020, Crewey sold approximately four grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her residence. Crewey admitted that she had been consistently selling methamphetamine and heroin over the previous year.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit for conducting the investigation. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alex Hamner and Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-42.
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Recent SentencingsRead the Press Release
Child Pornography and Child Sex Crimes
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced TAYLON JEFFERY BAIN, age 36, of Richey, Montana, for the commission of a felony by a registered sex offender, to 168 months’ imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release and payment of a $100 special assessment. The crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in Montana, and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
Case No. 22-cr-00009-ABJUnited States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ANDREW RAY OLDMAN, age 21, of Riverton, Wyoming, for abusive sexual contact, to 15 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release and payment of a $131.00 for restitution, and a $100 special assessment. The crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 22-cr-00067-ABJ
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced WOLFE JONTAYLOR WILLOW, age 37, of Crowheart, Wyoming, for failure to register as a sex offender, to 24 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Willow is required to register due to criminal history dating back to 2011. The crime was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore. Case No. 22-cr-00137-ABJ
Drug/Firearm Offenses
Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced TROY MICHAEL PAINTER, age 26, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Painter was sentenced to 44 months in prison with three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. The crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Laramie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Case No. 22-cr-00105-SWS
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced CODY JAMES COKER, age 23, of Casper, Wyoming, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, to 36 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Coker pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested for possessing the firearm after three instances of calling 911 while hallucinating due to methamphetamine use. This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore. Case No. 21-cr-00420
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ALSIAH E. SPIKES, age 30, of Peoria, Illinois, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, to 70 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. On August 11, 2020, Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Dellos pulled over Alsiah Spikes on I-80 driving east just outside of Cheyenne. During the stop, Trooper Dellos discovered five handguns purchased by another person but paid for by Spikes. The case was referred to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agents who discovered that Spikes was prohibited from possessing firearms. Spikes was later arrested in Indiana with another handgun and charged there with unlawful possession of a firearm. The crime was investigated by ATF with assistance from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Case No. 21-00008-ABJ
Environmental/Wildlife Offenses
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced JOSHUAL ANDERS RAE, age 38, of Bozeman, Montana, for the unlawful transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition of illegally possessed wildlife, to 60 days in prison with five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Rae was observed by United States Forest Service law enforcement collecting shed elk antlers in a long-standing wildlife closure area and processing them with a saw. The crime was investigated by the United States Forest Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson. Case No. 22-00041-ABJ
Financial Crimes
United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced KADE CASPER-NIXON, age 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, for bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, to 57 months in prison with four years of supervised release. Casper-Nixon was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $55,851.97 and a $200 special assessment. The defendant plead guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy for depositing fraudulent checks at financial institutions in Wyoming. The crime was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Case No. 22-00041-ABJ
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
Previously Convicted Armed Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Omaree Shay Roby, 25, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to carjacking and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2020, officers with the Evansville Police Department responded to a residence on East Indiana Street regarding a robbery complaint. The adult female victim, told officers that she had been approached by a man, later identified as Roby, as she sat inside her car while parked on her driveway. When Roby demanded that the victim relinquish her vehicle, the victim refused, and Roby pointed a pistol in the air and fired a shot. At that point, the victim exited her vehicle, and Roby entered the driver’s seat and drove away. While at the scene, officers located one spent .40 caliber shell casing on the victim’s driveway.
Vigo County Sheriff deputies subsequently located Roby traveling northbound through Vigo County in the stolen vehicle, and pursued Roby into Vermillion County. When law enforcement officers deployed stop sticks in Clinton, Indiana, Roby drove through the stop sticks and fired shots at the officers from the stolen vehicle. Roby ultimately came to a stop near State Road 63 and U.S. Highway 36. As he exited the vehicle, Roby raised a firearm at the officers, who returned fire and struck Roby. Roby was transported to the hospital and survived. Upon searching the stolen vehicle, officers recovered a .40 caliber pistol.
Roby had been previously convicted of two counts of armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, in July 2015.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Chief Billy Bolin, Evansville Police Department, made the announcement.
The Evansville Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police investigated the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Roby be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Portland Woman Faces Federal Charges for Role in Local Fraud RingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging a local woman for her alleged role in a fraud ring that used the stolen identities of multiple victims in the Portland area to open bank accounts and credit cards, purchase vehicles, and produce false documents.
Mary Phoenix Nguyen, 40, of Oregon City, Oregon, has been charged with aggravated identity theft; social security fraud; illegally possessing device-making equipment; producing, using, or trafficking a counterfeit access device; making illegal transactions with an access device; and possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices.
According to court documents, in April 2022, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Nguyen and others in the Portland and Vancouver, Washington areas for their roles in a coordinated fraud ring targeting individuals in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Texas, Florida, and elsewhere. Nguyen and her associates used stolen identities and personal information to obtain credit cards, unlawfully access victims’ bank accounts, apply for multiple vehicle loans, rent at least six apartments and other residences, and fraudulently produce various personal and financial documents including social security cards, driver’s licenses, vehicle titles, and vehicle bills of sale.
From at least February 2021 to October 2022, Nguyen and her associates are believed to have cost victims more than $120,000 and fraudulently obtained vehicles with a total estimated value of more than $150,000.
On October 18, 2022, Nguyen was arrested at her Oregon City residence. She made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and detained pending further court proceedings. A four-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2023.
Illegally possessing device-marking equipment and making illegal transactions with an access device are punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison. Producing, using, or trafficking a counterfeit access device is punishable by up 10 years. Social security fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison per count of conviction consecutive to any other carceral sentence imposed.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Sowray is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Political Consultant Convicted for Scheme Involving Illegal Foreign Campaign Contribution to 2016 Presidential CampaignRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted a political consultant for his role in funneling illegal foreign campaign contributions from a Russian foreign national to a 2016 presidential campaign.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jessie R. Benton, 45, of The Woodlands, Texas, schemed with another political advisor to funnel political contributions to a 2016 presidential campaign from a Russian foreign national seeking to support, meet, and take a picture with the presidential candidate. Benton arranged for the Russian foreign national – whose nationality Benton concealed from the campaign and the candidate – to attend a political fundraising event for the campaign and to take a picture with the candidate.
As such attendance and engagement required a contribution, Benton caused the Russian foreign national to wire $100,000 to Benton’s political consulting firm for purposes of making an illegal foreign contribution to the campaign. To disguise the scheme, Benton created a fake invoice, which falsely identified the funds as payment for consulting services. Benton acted as a straw donor and contributed $25,000 of the Russian foreign national’s money to the campaign, falsely identified himself as the contributor, and pocketed the remaining $75,000. Because Benton falsely claimed to have given the contribution himself, the relevant campaign entities unwittingly filed reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that inaccurately reported Benton – instead of the Russian foreign national – as the source of the funds.
Benton was convicted of conspiring to solicit and cause an illegal campaign contribution by a foreign national, effecting a conduit contribution, and causing false records to be filed with the FEC. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 17, 2023, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the top count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia, and Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Diego Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rebecca G. Ross and Michelle K. Parikh of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Wasserman for the Southern District of California, while serving in her capacity as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, are prosecuting the case.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Years-Long Sexual Abuse of Eight-Year-Old Victim, Including Manufacturing PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Herbert Smith, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 45 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by United States District Court Judge Eduardo C. Robreno for his extended sexual abuse of a child who was just eight years old when Smith began molesting her. Smith must also register as a convicted child sex offender under state law.
In June 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to seven counts of manufacturing child pornography. The charges stemmed from an investigation which exposed the defendant’s sexual abuse of this child victim when Philadelphia Police served an arrest warrant for Smith for his sexual assault of a different nine-year-old victim. When police arrested the defendant, officers discovered him lying in bed with the eight-year-old victim. Police seized Smith’s electronic equipment, and the subsequent forensic analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed hundreds of images of Smith’s horrific sexual assaults against the eight-year-old child over a period of more than two years, including rape and other sexual abuse of the child after she was given medication to make her sleep. Smith recorded his abuse of the child victim, saved the images and videos on his electronic equipment, and in some cases, uploaded the images to his online storage account.
Smith was taken into custody by Philadelphia Police in August 2019. He has been detained in federal custody since he was indicted federally in September 2019.
“Smith is a predator of young children and has been for years,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This sentence sends a strong message that victimization of our most vulnerable will be severely punished. Thank you to all of our agency partners who remain determined to identify, prosecute and convict child predators like this defendant.”
“Herbert Smith admitted to unimaginably abhorrent behavior,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “He sexually assaulted multiple children and perpetuated that trauma by recording and reliving it. The harm he has done is vast and this sentence is richly deserved. Locking up depraved predators like Smith is one of the most important things that the FBI and our partners can do to help protect kids, the most vulnerable members of our community.”
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Perryville Man Sentenced to Serve 87 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – The United States Attorney's Office announced Thursday that Jonathan D. Drury, 37, of Perryville, Missouri, has been sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for the offense of possession of child pornography.
Drury appeared for his sentencing hearing today before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Drury’s residence in June 2021 after developing probable cause that he was obtaining videos containing child pornography over the internet. Drury’s cell phone was seized, which was found to contain numerous videos depicting young children being sexually abused. At his guilty plea hearing earlier this year, Drury admitted that he downloaded the videos from various websites.
After serving his 87-month sentence, Drury will be placed on supervised release for life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution.
Perry Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug-Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Beyah Islam “Bear” Basha, 44, of Perry, Florida, was sentenced to thirty years in federal prison after being convicted following a jury trial on August 23, 2022, on charges of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This career criminal has demonstrated his unwillingness to abide by the law, committing repeated drug crimes. Given the outstanding work of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be distributing drugs in our community.”
Evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that Basha was distributing methamphetamine from his home in Perry, Florida, while Basha was on house arrest for state charges including possession of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver. Multiple witnesses testified that they had purchased methamphetamine from Basha at his home, citing his then state court restrictions. The Perry Police Department and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office made three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Basha at or outside his residence. On August 25, 2021, an undercover DEA agent and a confidential source also purchased three ounces of methamphetamine from Basha at his residence.
Basha’s imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release.
“The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to doing everything we can to prevent drug misuse and poisonings, including working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, to hold those who threaten the safety and health of our Florida communities accountable for their unlawful actions,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “I commend the hard work and dedication of these investigators who worked tirelessly to bring Beyah Basha to justice.”
Basha qualified as a Career Offender and had an enhanced mandatory minimum sentence based on his prior criminal history. Basha had been to prison on seven prior occasions, primarily for drug-trafficking offenses. In 2018, Basha finished serving an 84-month federal prison sentence for distribution of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Basha subsequently violated supervised release and served an additional 18-months in federal prison.
“Beyah Basha has been involved in the illicit drug trade in Taylor County and the City of Perry for at least two decades, said Chief Jamie Cruse, Jr., Perry Police Department. “This is not his first conviction for such crimes, having chosen to follow a career as a criminal, participating in the drug trade and committing offenses that are closely associated with the illicit sale of drugs the entire time. Basha’s conviction and incarceration will remove him from a society to which he has distributed dangerous drugs for years. The Perry Police Department is proud to partner with The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other Federal and State partners in a concerted effort to remove this and other dangerous career criminals that continuously spread the poison of dangerous drugs to the youth and other Citizens of North Florida.”
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perry Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation named Operation Arrowhead. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF and more information about Operation Arrowhead may be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/georgia-man-arranging-methamphetamine-transactions-within-federal-prison-sentenced-300.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pawtucket Woman Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket woman who recorded herself molesting a toddler and sent the video to her then boyfriend was sentenced today to fifteen years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Samantha York, 34, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2022, to sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, in December 2016, following the arrest of York’s then boyfriend, John Q. Adams, 33, of Foster, in an unrelated investigation, law enforcement allegedly discovered a video on Adams’ cell phone of an adult molesting a toddler. Adam’s allegedly told investigators that his then girlfriend, Samantha York, provided him with the video to satisfy his sexual desire for young girls.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement identified the child whose face was clearly visible; determined that York, who was a caregiver for the child, was the person shown in the video molesting the child; that she recorded her actions; and that she sent the video to Adams. Adams later sent the video to another individual.
York was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release.
Adams is awaiting trial on unrelated charges of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Woonsocket Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Passaic County Man Admits Possessing Fentanyl and Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing fentanyl for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jessie Mayfield, 59, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Aug. 24, 2021, Mayfield possessed a quantity of fentanyl that was packaged for distribution, with the intent to sell it. He also possessed a Ruger .22 caliber pistol, along with a box containing 95 .22 caliber long rifle cartridges.
The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the members of the New Jersey State Parole Board, under the direction of Chairman Samuel J. Plumeri Jr.; Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan R. Miller, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Narcotics/Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.
POSTPONED – Hate-Free Vermont Forum in St. Albans Co-Hosted by U.S. Attorney, Vermont Attorney General, and Rutland Area NAACPRead the Press Release
UPDATE: The Hate-Free Vermont Forum scheduled for tonight, 11/17, from 5:30-7:30PM has been postponed. The Forum to be held in St. Albans will be rescheduled for a later date, and the details of the event will be announced by press release. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Osceola Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding the Social Security Disability ProgramRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – John Dale Parmer, age 59, of Osceola, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for Social Security Fraud - Concealment. Parmer pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022. Following completion of his prison term, Parmer will be on supervised release for three years. Parmer was ordered to pay $234,552 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In 2006, Parmer began to receive Social Security disability benefits due to becoming nearly blind. By at least 2013, Parmer’s vision had markedly improved. Since 2013 Parmer consistently worked for several employers in Central Iowa, including as a mechanic and truck driver. However, Parmer did not inform the SSA that his vision had improved or that he had returned to work. From at least 2013 and continuing until 2020, Parmer knowingly concealed and failed to disclose to the SSA these events, which affected his right to continue to receive benefits. Parmer did so with the intent to fraudulently secure payment of disability benefits. Parmer also lied about these matters in paperwork he submitted to the SSA. As a result of Parmer’s fraud, he received $234,552 in disability benefits to which he was not entitled.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The SSA Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Kerndt.
One Defendant Sentenced, 2 More Plead Guilty in Large-Scale Sacramento-Area Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — One defendant was sentenced and two others pleaded guilty today for their participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin in the Eastern District of California, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On June 3, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a 45-count indictment against 15 individuals for offenses related to a conspiracy to traffic cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. Today, Charles Carter, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison for a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. Arlington Caine, 48, of Rio Linda, and Andre Hellams, 40, of North Highlands, each pleaded guilty to two counts of using a cellphone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, Carter, Hellams, and Caine are among the 15 federal defendants arrested in 2021 for trafficking narcotics as part of a DEA-led multi-agency operation targeting cocaine and heroin traffickers in North Sacramento. Specifically, Carter was intercepted during a 30-day wiretap trafficking kilograms of cocaine, kilograms of heroin, and methamphetamine pills. Carter was also intercepted planning to rob another heroin dealer of 3 kilograms of heroin worth $75,000. Hellams was intercepted on the wiretap arranging to obtain and sell over 630 grams of cocaine. Caine was intercepted on the wiretap arranging to obtain and sell over 40 grams of crack cocaine and over 110 grams of powder cocaine.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Aaron D. Pennekamp are prosecuting the case.
Caine and Hellams are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. They face a maximum statutory penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
On Sept. 29, 2022, Jason Tolbert, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On July 22, 2022, Michael Hampton, 57, of Vallejo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. Hampton is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 8, 2022.
Charges are pending against the following defendants: Tyrone Anderson, 40, of Sacramento; Maurice Bryant, 51, of Antelope; Yovanny Ontiveros, 41, of Sacramento; Alex White, 61, of North Highlands; Steven Hampton, 61, of Sacramento; Wilmer Harden, 52, of Elk Grove; Bobby Conner, 50, of Sacramento; Jerome Adams, 54, of North Highlands; Dwight Haney, 49, of Sacramento; and Mark Martin, 62, of Sacramento. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.
Omaha Woman Sentenced in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Haley Rose Marie Coffman, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 16, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Coffman to 170 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On October 6, 2021, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Metro Fugitive Task Force were attempting to locate Coffman, who had an outstanding felony warrant for violating her bond conditions on a charge of possessing methamphetamine in Douglas County court.
Responding to a tip, law enforcement located Coffman at an Omaha area motel. Law enforcement set up surveillance and observed Coffman and two others leaving the hotel and getting into a vehicle, which law enforcement then approached.
The driver of the vehicle then attempted to escape, striking a law enforcement vehicle occupied by a deputy, another vehicle, and the side of the motel before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The driver then lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a construction site. All parties then fled on foot but were apprehended a short time later.
The vehicle was impounded and inventoried. More than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and hypodermic needles were found in a bag on the floorboard.
Co-defendant Dustin C. Vogel is scheduled for trial on February 7, 2023. Co-defendant Jonathan Miller was sentenced on August 24, 2022, to 205 months for his role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and assaulting an officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon. When released, he will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Fugitive Task Force.
Norwell Man Indicted for Possessing Fentanyl Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Norwell man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for a drug distribution offense involving fentanyl.
Frederick Dechristoforo was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Dechristoforo was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal, was detained pending a detention hearing set for Nov. 22, 2022.
According to the indictment, in December 2021, Dechristoforo possessed nearly 100 grams intended for distribution.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 3 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000 Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan J. Gotlob of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Dakota Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bismarck, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Martin Tre Black Cloud, age 19, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 28, 2022, in McIntosh, South Dakota, on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Black Cloud unlawfully assaulted a person with a knife.
The charge is merely an accusation and Black Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Black Cloud was released on bond pending trial. A trial date was set for January 17, 2023.
New Indy Agrees to $1.1 Million Penalty and Consent Decree to Resolve Imminent and Substantial EndangermentRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — On November 16, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina approved a consent decree that resolves allegations that Defendant New Indy Containerboard Catawba LLC’s paper and pulp factory was causing an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act through its emissions of elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The consent decree ensures that New Indy will be required to comply with requirements and stop elevated H2S emissions or face additional penalties. The complaint was brought in 2021 by the United States, on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).
H2S is a flammable, colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. Exposure to H2S may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing for individuals with asthma. Respiratory distress or arrest has been observed in people exposed to very high concentrations of H2S.
Section 303 of the Clean Air Act (“Emergency Powers”) is used when there is evidence that a pollution source is “presenting an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare, or the environment.” Under Section 303, the United States can bring suit to immediately restrain any person causing or contributing to the alleged pollution in order to stop any such emission of air pollutants that are causing or contributing to such pollution.
Under the consent decree, the defendant is required to pay $1,100,000 in civil penalties and comply with operational requirements and emission monitoring and concentration levels that are focused on ensuring that H2S emissions by New Indy remain below levels that may present health impacts. After three sequential years of compliance with the consent decree requirements beginning yesterday, New Indy may seek to terminate the consent decree, but the operational requirements will remain in effect under enforceable permits.
“This is a substantial penalty that represents accountability and corrective justice under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair F. Boroughs. “We are thankful for the great work of the EPA and our state partners and remain committed to protecting our communities through tough enforcement of the nation’s environmental laws.”
“This settlement provides significant environmental benefits to the surrounding communities by ensuring they are protected from pollution from this facility through mandatory long-term improvements designed to ensure cleaner air,” said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
“Thanks to EPA’s swift action, the facility has not had an exceedance of the health-based standard for H2S since September 2021 and this settlement ensures that protection will be extended long-term,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman.
This settlement resolves the CAA 303 imminent and substantial endangerment finding. The EPA continues to investigate compliance for other pollutants and, should there be additional noncompliance with the CAA or other environmental laws, it will be addressed under separate action. For more information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental enforcement efforts, visit: https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=15198
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc.
This case was handled by EPA counsel Marirose Pratt; Steven O’Rourke of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Johanna Valenzuela for the District of South Carolina.
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