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Thursday 17 November 2022
Nashville Trio Facing Federal Human Trafficking & Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges three Nashville individuals in a sex trafficking and drug distribution conspiracy that operated from a house in Antioch, Tennessee, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Karen (Kay) Bailey, 42, Charles (Chuck) McGlother, 50, and Charles (Ponytail) Sumner, 61, all of Antioch, were indicted Monday and charged with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and conspiracy to distribute, and distributing, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The indictment further charges the trio specifically with trafficking three women for sex by force and coercion for the purpose of financial gain. The indictment also charges McGlother with two counts of federal firearms violations, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and for possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Documents filed with the Court allege that the trio has operated a human trafficking operation in the Nashville area for over a decade, and dozens of women are believed to have been recruited under false pretenses and coerced and forced into commercial sex acts. Court documents allege that the conspiracy specifically targeted women who were recovering drug addicts with small children who needed housing. The defendants allowed the women and their children to move into their house, got them addicted to drugs, and then coerced them to perform commercial sex acts when they were unable to pay their rent. The defendants further maintained control over the women by not allowing them to ever take their children out of the house without a chaperone.
Court documents also allege that the defendants provided drugs to the trafficked women to keep them addicted, and sold drugs to commercial sex customers and others outside of the sex trafficking conspiracy. McGlother owned several businesses, including a music studio and a food truck, which were used to sell drugs.
On March 31, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Bluewillow Court in Antioch, where the defendants and some of the trafficked women were residing. Several trafficking victims were found on the premises, and some of those victims were living in makeshift sheds without electricity behind the main house.
Sumner was arrested at his home this morning and will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge later today. Bailey and McGlother are currently in state custody.
If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Mount Airy Man Sentenced to 180 Months of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Mount Airy, North Carolina, resident was sentenced today in federal court in Greensboro for drug and firearms offenses, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina.
James Robert Brintle, age 26, was sentenced to a 180-month term of imprisonment by United States District Judge Catherine C. Eagles. In addition to prison time, Brintle was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. The defendant also forfeited a Ruger .380 pistol, a Japanese military rifle, and a MAS bolt action rifle. He pleaded guilty on July 11, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841, and felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to court records, Brintle was stopped by Surry County Sheriff’s deputies on October 10, 2020 while driving without a license and after nearly striking a Surry County detective on Piper Gap Road. During the stop, a K-9 conducted a sniff of Brintle’s truck and made a positive indication for the presence of narcotics. Detectives conducted a search of the truck and uncovered three guns, 29 grams of methamphetamine, and two grams of fentanyl. Brintle admitted to selling approximately one pound of methamphetamine on a daily basis.
Brintle was previously convicted of North Carolina felonies punishable by more than twelve months imprisonment. Brintle was aware that these convictions made it unlawful for him to possess firearms, having received an 8-19 month suspended sentence for obtaining property by false pretenses in the Superior Court of Surry County in 2014 and a 6-17 month suspended sentence for possession of heroin in the Superior Court of Surry Count in 2018.
The investigation was jointly undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office. The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank J. Chut Jr.
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More Results Announced in Beckley-to-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Denise Johnson, 25, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license while Terri Lawhorn, 28, of Fayetteville, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements in acquisition of firearms. Each admitted to a role in a conspiracy to traffic over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between early 2020 and mid-2021, Johnson recruited various individuals in the Beckley area to buy firearms for co-defendants Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” Derrick Woodard, also known as “D,” Shyheem Woodard-Smith, also known as “Peanut” and “Nut,” and Hassan Abdullah, also known as “San.” Johnson admitted that she knew these recruited straw purchasers would falsely certify on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that they were purchasing the firearms for themselves when they knew they were buying them for Jones, Woodard and the others.
Johnson further admitted to sometimes accompanying the straw purchasers to gun stores within the Southern District of West Virginia to obtain firearms as part of this scheme. Johnson also sometimes helped deliver acquired firearms to Jones, Woodard, and the others.
Lawhorn was among the straw purchasers. Lawhorn admitted to buying a Glock 44 .22-caliber pistol; a Glock 43 9mm pistol; and a Glock 42 .380-caliber pistol for Jones from a gun dealer in Mount Hope on December 23, 2020. Lawhorn further admitted to buying at least three additional firearms as part of the trafficking conspiracy.
Of the over 140 trafficked firearms, approximately 45 have been recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia and have been connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses.
“This office is determined to stem the violence fueled by the illegal trafficking of firearms,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is to be commended for its investigative work in this case. I also commend Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani, who has secured 18 guilty pleas related to this case.”
Woodard, Woodard-Smith and Abdullah previously pleaded guilty to interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Lawhorn is among seven co-defendants who have pleaded guilty to making false statements in acquisition of firearms. An additional seven individuals have pleaded guilty to firearms offenses related to the same interstate gun trafficking conspiracy.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearings.
Jones and co-conspirator Shakyrah Ross are scheduled for trial on November 29, 2022. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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-46.
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Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
A Joplin, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to kidnapping a woman whose body was later found in rural Mayes County, Oklahoma, in 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Breanna Lynn Sloan, 23, admitted that from July 4, 2020, to July 5, 2020, she aided and abetted codefendant Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 28, of Joplin, to kidnap Osage Nation citizen Jolene Walker Campbell and that Walker Campbell died as a result of the kidnapping.
In her plea agreement, Sloan admitted that she was driving in Joplin, Missouri, when Ackerson pointed to a woman walking and stated that he had robbed her earlier in the evening. Sloan later learned the woman was Jolene Walker Campbell. The two then drove past the victim, and Ackerson exited the vehicle and hid in the woods so the victim couldn’t see him. Sloan then waited for the victim and offered to give her a ride when she reached the vehicle. After the victim got into the front passenger seat, Ackerson emerged from the woods, climbed into the rear seat, told Sloan to drive, and attempted to rob the victim a second time.
Sloan stated in the plea agreement that Walker Campbell had nothing to steal, but Ackerson didn’t want to leave empty handed. The victim, being held against her will, suggested getting money from someone else she knew in Oklahoma City instead. Sloan then drove into Oklahoma and decided to travel toward Inola to visit a friend and purchase marijuana. Instead, Ackerson allegedly directed her to a remote field in Mayes County, Oklahoma. He then told Sloan to stop, put on a pair of gloves, forced the victim out of the car and into a field, and killed her. Afterward, the two returned to Joplin, leaving the victim in the field.
Ackerson, 28, was charged in the indictment with first degree murder in Indian Country, kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death in Indian Country, and various witness tampering charges. He is scheduled for trial in January 2023. Also awaiting further court proceedings are Kimberly Grissom, 48, and Jacob Scribner, 35, each charged with conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim, and informant, and defendant Lane Ryan Bronson, 29, charged with conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim, and informant and with two counts of tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force. The four defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In addition to Sloan, five other codefendants have pleaded guilty.
Morgan Lee Bowman, 27, and Chloe Louise Stith, 22, each pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force. Sara Michelle Humbard, 26, and David William Morris, 34, each pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using the threat of physical force. Megan Louise Detherage, 29, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
The defendants in the case are from the Joplin, Missouri, area.
The FBI led the investigation with the support of the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Joplin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and George Jiang are prosecuting the case.
Mission Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Hunter Jacob Peneaux, age 28, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 10, 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 of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 11, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Peneaux, having been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Peneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Peneaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 20, 2022.
Mission Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Ethan Blue Bird, age 33, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison 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 August 24, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Blue Bird, being an unlawful user of controlled substances, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Frank Willis, 57 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Willis was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in February 2022, Willis was found to be in possession of a firearm. Willis’ criminal history revealed he has four prior felony convictions, and therefore is prohibited from possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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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Michigan Personal Injury Attorney Convicted of Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted Michigan attorney Carl L. Collins, III on Nov. 16 of willfully filing five false tax returns for himself and one of his businesses.
Collins was a personal injury lawyer with offices in Southfield, Michigan. He also owned a real estate company, First Third LLC, and two medical-related companies, MedCity Rehabilitation Services LLC and Alpha Living LLC. At trial, the evidence proved Collins did not report substantial income he received from these businesses and deposited into undisclosed Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (IOLTA), bank accounts to be used by lawyers solely to hold money in trust for clients. As a result, Collins was able to conceal these funds from his tax preparers and the IRS.
Collins was convicted of filing false personal tax returns for 2012, 2015, and 2018, filing a false 2012 amended return, and filing a false 2015 corporate return for Alpha Living. The evidence established that Collins did not report approximately $600,000 in income he earned in 2012. He deposited most of these funds into an undisclosed IOLTA account and concealed the deposits from his tax preparer. On his 2015 personal return, Collins also did not report over $800,000 in income. With respect to his false 2018 personal tax return, Collins omitted approximately $300,000 in income that he deposited into another undisclosed IOLTA account. In all, the evidence showed that Collins did not report over $2.6 million in income.
Collins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge 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 Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Kenneth Vert and Jeffrey McLellan of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. Law Clerk Evan Mulbry and Paralegal Specialist Eric Mahoney of the Tax Division are assisting with the prosecution.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Scheme to Obtain COVID Relief Funds in a Dozen Different StatesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Michigan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance and small business loans in 12 different states.
Devin Smith, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Smith was also ordered to pay $269,465 in restitution and forfeiture. On March 29, 2022, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
In March 2020, in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act provided funding to existing state unemployment insurance programs and created a new temporary federal program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The PUA program, which in Massachusetts was administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits.
The CARES Act also created a temporary loan program directed at small businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The loans were processed by private financial institutions and fully guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. If a business used the loan funds for approved purposes, such as payroll, the loan could be forgiven by the financial institution and paid for by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Between March and September 2020, Smith participated in a scheme to obtain proceeds from fraudulent unemployment and PUA claims submitted in 12 different states, including Massachusetts. Smith used stolen identities, including the identities of Massachusetts residents, to submit fraudulent unemployment and PUA claims resulting in approximately $230,000 in payments. Additionally, Smith submitted multiple PPP loan applications in the names of fictitious businesses resulting in approximately $40,000 in payments.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Postal Service and the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Mexican National Indicted for Growing Marijuana in Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Jaime Alejandro Sanchez Robles, 33, of Mexico, charging him with conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, and depredation of public lands and resources, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 20, 2022, law enforcement officers went to a marijuana growing operation in a remote area of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest located in Trinity County. At the grow, agents observed that water was actively being diverted from a nearby stream, and they found the remnants of over 1,200 pounds of soluble fertilizer, 20 gallons of liquid fertilizer, over 50 pounds of rodenticide, and at least one dead animal. Law enforcement officers eradicated 1,708 marijuana plants and arrested Sanchez Robles.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office. Integral Ecology Research Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems, analyzed and documented the environmental damage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Sanchez Robles faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Patrick Red Legs, age 28, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Red Legs failed to properly register his current address with authorities on multiple occasions in South Dakota. Red Legs was previously convicted of a sex offense and is required to register his current address.
The charge is merely an accusation and Red Legs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Red Legs was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Maryland man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Moore, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Moore, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Moore admitted to working with others to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Moore faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 3½ Years for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Raymond Poore, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Poore pleaded guilty to this charge on August 3, 2022.
Poore was apprehended in possession of a 9 millimeter handgun on November 18, 2021, after Madison Police and Dane County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a suspected stolen vehicle in which Poore was a passenger. The driver of the vehicle led police on a high-speed chase on the Beltline Highway and into the city of Monona. On Monona streets, the car was still traveling at high speeds and evading police when officers deployed a spike-strip to stop the car. In the course of attempting to avoid the spike-strip, the vehicle lost a tire and became disabled. The driver and Poore abandoned the car and fled in different directions on foot. Monona officers saw Poore run across Broadway Street in Monona holding his hand near his waistband as he ran. Officers pursuing Poore on foot tackled and restrained him. As they rolled him over, they found the loaded 9 mm handgun under his body.
Poore’s criminal history included two prior felony convictions in 2011, one for aggravated battery and the other for burglary while armed with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, Judge Conley took into account that Poore’s earlier convictions were at a very youthful age, but also considered the fact that Poore possessed the firearm while under State supervision for his earlier convictions.
The charge against Poore was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison and Monona Police Departments and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson 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.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE - A New Orleans, La., man was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $19,222.00 in restitution to the victims on one count of Wire Fraud. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on November 5, 2020, Wilbert Adam Theodore, III, age 52, was arrested for forgery in connection with his possession of a stolen U-Haul van at a hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was determined that he had been using a stolen identity to rent the hotel room and van. In the hotel room, he was found to be in possession of various items used to conduct check fraud, including: three hundred forged checks, over one hundred forged driver’s licenses with the defendant’s photo, a notebook with a list of real social security numbers, and multiple receipts of wire transfers conduct at Walmart.
A subsequent investigation determined that Theodore was a suspect in an ongoing investigation into fraudulent wire transfers conducted at various Walmart locations in Arkansas and other states. Theodore had been using the forged identification cards and the social security numbers of several stolen identities to pass the checks. On November 3, 2020, video surveillance showed Theodore cashing a check for $600 at a Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the United States.
Lisbon Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Dennis Michael Bousquet, 32, of Lisbon, NH, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bousquet was observed by an undercover FBI agent in an online chat group devoted to child exploitation, to include the exchange of child sexual abuse material. During a chat with the undercover agent, Bousquet sent several sexually explicit images of a prepubescent child. Upon receiving these images, the FBI submitted emergency legal process to obtain subscriber information related to the target account. A review of this information and the associated IP address logs led federal agents to Bousquet’s residence. During the execution of a federal search warrant, Bousquet admitted to taking the images and disseminating them online. Bousquet further admitted to having engaged in similar conduct with another child several years ago.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is a paramount priority for this office and for our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to ferret out such predatory actions,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The sentence imposed on the defendant demonstrates the grievousness of his criminal conduct. Those who engage in such depraved actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.
“Dennis Bousquet’s actions were atrocious and what he subjected his young victims to will likely have untold ramifications for years. Today’s sentence ensures he will not be able to subject another child to sexual abuse and exploitation for quite some time,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work hard every day to put predators like him who harm children behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the Lisbon Police Department, and the Littleton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey A. Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Leader of Local Drug Organization Sentenced to 30 YearsRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Trent, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Christopher Daniels, 49, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Daniels was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 21, 2022. This is Daniels’ third time serving a federal sentence for drug distribution.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about December of 2021, Daniels, along with at least 14 other co-conspirators, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, within Sioux Falls and many surrounding small communities. The investigation into this drug trafficking organization shows it was responsible for bringing in more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine to the Sioux Falls area. The direct source of supply for this methamphetamine was located in Arizona, and ultimately, Mexico. Targets in both Arizona and Louisiana have also been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota.
Christopher Daniels led the South Dakota cell of this organization. Daniels obtained multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine from his source in Arizona both through the mail, as well as by vehicle deliveries to South Dakota. Daniels then distributed the methamphetamine to others who resold it. Daniels also directed others in the handling of proceeds from the organization’s drug distribution activities. The funds involved in the money laundering were sent by wire to people associated with the drug source in Arizona.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Daniels was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kingsport Man Found to Be A Career Criminal and Sentenced to 264 Months Imprisonment for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On November 17, 2022, Phillip Thomas Green, 36, of Kingsport, Tennessee, was sentenced to 264 months in prison by the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.
On June 22, 2022, following a 2-day jury trial, a federal jury found Green guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). During the sentencing proceeding, Judge Corker found Green to be an Armed Career Criminal based on his lengthy, criminal history, which subjected Green to a mandatory minimum of 180 months’ imprisonment. After his incarceration, Green will be on supervised release for a period of five years.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Green has ten prior felony convictions, including five felony drug convictions. The evidence further showed that on August 16, 2019, officers with the Kingsport Police Department responded to a disturbance on Park Street in Kingsport. They learned that Green had vandalized a vehicle and then left the scene. The officer also learned that Green had an outstanding arrest warrant. A short time later, the officer responded to a report of a suspicious male on Highland Street, which is near Park Street. The description of the male matched the one given of Green, and the officer responded back to the Park Street location. Green was found in the driveway of the Park Street residence. When confronted by the officer, Green fled the scene on foot. He was apprehended in the backyard of a nearby residence. After being taken into custody, Green was found to have a loaded Taurus, .380 caliber handgun.
“This investigation and prosecution was a part of the Department of Justice’s comprehensive strategy to combat and reduce violence in our local communities by targeting dangerous individuals who unlawfully possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “We will continue to work with our local and federal partners to remove firearms from prohibited individuals.”
“Armed Career Criminals are one of the greatest threats to our communities. These individuals show total disregard of the law by repeatedly committing many of the same offenses, which in many incidents, include violent crime,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Mickey French. “The ATF, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate, apprehend, and charge the individuals who knowingly and willingly continue to break the law.”
This case was the result of an investigation by the Kingsport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Todd Martin represented the United States.
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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Kalispell meth trafficker sentenced to six years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Flathead County for about two years after law enforcement found more than a pound of the drug, firearms, and cash belonging to him during a search was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Timothy Leo Vleisides, 64, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 25, 2021, law enforcement in Flathead County searched a storage container and vehicle belonging to Vleisides and recovered 472 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth, two handguns, and $35,360 in U.S. currency. When confronted, Vleisides admitted he had received meth in the mail every other month for the past two years and that he was cleaning out his storage container so law enforcement would not find anything.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force.
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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Justice Department and Department of Education Announce a Fairer and More Accessible Bankruptcy Discharge Process for Student Loan BorrowersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice, in close coordination with the Department of Education, announced today a new process for handling cases in which individuals seek to discharge their federal student loans in bankruptcy. The new process will help ensure consistent treatment of the discharge of federal student loans, reduce the burden on borrowers of pursuing such proceedings and make it easier to identify cases where discharge is appropriate. The Associate Attorney General distributed guidance outlining the new process to all U.S. Attorneys.
Congress has set a higher bar for discharging student loan debt compared to other debt — borrowers who seek to discharge their loans through bankruptcy must demonstrate that they will suffer “undue hardship” unless the debt is discharged. Although the bankruptcy judge makes the final decision whether to grant a discharge, the new process announced today provides Justice Department attorneys with clear standards for recommending discharge to the judge without unnecessarily burdensome and time-consuming investigations. The new process will also help borrowers who did not think they could get relief through bankruptcy more easily identify whether they meet the criteria to seek a discharge.
“Today’s guidance outlines a better, fairer, more transparent process for student loan borrowers in bankruptcy,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “It will allow Justice Department attorneys to more easily identify cases in which we can recommend discharge of a borrower’s student loans. We are grateful to the Department of Education for its partnership in developing this guidance.”
“Congress may have set a higher bar for granting student loan discharges during bankruptcy, but in practice that bar has become very difficult for deserving borrowers to clear,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “After decades of inaction in Washington, our Department of Education team was determined to partner with the Justice Department to craft clearer, fairer, and more practical standards to guide recommendations for student debt discharges during bankruptcy proceedings. This guidance is an important step toward helping struggling borrowers, many of whom never completed college or were misled into debt by dishonest schools.”
As part of the undue hardship analysis, courts review the borrower’s past, present and future financial circumstances. The new process will leverage Department of Education data and a new borrower-completed attestation form to assist the government in assessing a borrower’s discharge request. The Justice Department, in consultation with the Department of Education, will review the information provided, apply the factors that courts consider relevant to the undue-hardship inquiry and determine whether to recommend that the bankruptcy judge discharge the borrower’s student loan debt.
The Department of Justice and Department of Education are committed to making this system work for borrowers. Both agencies will continue to monitor how the process plays out on the ground and will assess the effectiveness of this guidance after the first year, and beyond as warranted.
By simplifying the process and establishing clear standards, the agencies hope to significantly reduce the burden on borrowers and government attorneys, provide a clear path for borrowers to seek discharges and add safeguards to promote consistency and predictability.
Justice Department Launches Investigation of Oklahoma’s Mental Health Service System and Oklahoma City’s and Oklahoma Police Department’s Response to Mental Health CrisesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened an investigation into the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD).
The investigation will examine whether Oklahoma fails to provide community-based mental health services to people in Oklahoma County, leading to unnecessary admissions to psychiatric facilities and police contact. The investigation will also examine Oklahoma City’s systems for responding to people experiencing behavioral health crises, including through the 911 call center and OKCPD.
Prior to the announcement, the department informed the offices of Oklahoma’s Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, as well as Oklahoma City’s Mayor, City Manager, Municipal Counselor and Chief of Police of the investigation. As part of this investigation, department officials will reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with mental health services in Oklahoma County, and Oklahoma City and OKCPD’s response to mental health crises.
“Community-based mental health services, which are proven effective in transforming people’s lives, are critical to preventing a cycle of unnecessary institutionalization and avoidable contacts with law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring appropriate responses to behavioral health crises and protecting the civil rights of people with mental health disabilities.”
This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits disability discrimination by state and local governments. The investigation is also being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law.
The Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, in Washington, D.C., will conduct this investigation.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via email at [email protected] or through the Civil Rights Division’s Civil Rights Portal, available at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Additional information about the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division’s enforcement of the ADA’s integration mandate is available here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-disabilities, and information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/conduct-law-enforcement-agencies.
Jury Finds Three Guilty of Trafficking Narcotics Throughout Toledo AreaRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – A federal jury today convicted Antuan Wynn, 47, of Toledo, Ohio, Marquise Figures, 37, of Wayne, Ohio, and Christopher Simpson, 31, of Toledo, Ohio, of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl throughout the Toledo area.
Wynn, Figures and Simpson were convicted of participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances and use of a cell phone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary in Toledo.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from December 2019 to November 2021, Wynn, Figures and Simpson were part of a larger drug trafficking organization that possessed and distributed quantities of at least 5 kilograms of cocaine, at least 400 grams of fentanyl and quantities of crack cocaine throughout the Toledo area.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Defendant Wynn supplied co-conspirator Anthony Duff with substantial quantities of cocaine, which Duff then redistributed to other conspiracy members, including Defendant Figures.
In addition, prosecutors presented evidence that Defendant Simpson supplied other members of the conspiracy with quantities of fentanyl intended to be redistributed.
According to court documents, the three defendants used cell phones to communicate and facilitate their drug trafficking activity. In order to conceal their identity from law enforcement, court documents state that the defendants and other co-conspirators obtained cell phones using fictitious names, the names of others or no names at all.
Court documents also showed that the conspirators used various locations around the Toledo area to distribute, store, break down and package narcotics and the proceeds generated from the sale of narcotics.
Wynn, Figures, and Simpson were charged along with 19 other co-conspirators, the rest of whom pleaded guilty to their involvement.
Wynn, Figures, and Simpson will be sentenced at a later date.
This case was investigated by the Toledo Resident Agency of the Cleveland FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and the Northwest Ohio Interdiction Task Force.
The FBI Safe Streets is comprised of the Toledo Resident Agency of the Cleveland FBI, Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Township Police Department and the Oregon Police Department.
The Toledo Metro Drug Task Force is comprised of the Toledo Resident Agency of the Cleveland FBI, Toledo Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The Northwest Ohio Interdiction Task Force is comprised of the Toledo Resident Agency of the Cleveland FBI, Toledo Police Department and the Lucas and Wood County Sheriff’s Offices.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling, Robert N. Melching and Henry F. DeBaggis.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Burglary and Other Charges for Multiple Domestic Violence Incidents at Same HomeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Devon Kelly, 43, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty of burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and other property-related offenses involving multiple domestic violence incidents against the same victim on March 14, 2022, in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Kelly was found guilty by a jury on Nov. 15, 2022, of second-degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of second-degree theft, and two counts of destruction of property following a five-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of March 14, 2022, Kelly drove to his ex-girlfriend’s house in Southeast Washington, stole her front license plate, backed his car into her car, causing damage, and then drove away. Later that day, while his ex-girlfriend was at work, Kelly returned to her home, rammed his car into her garage, entered the garage, and then unsuccessfully tried to force his way into her locked home with a knife. Kelly then stole his ex-girlfriend’s surveillance video camera and drove away.
Two days later, Kelly’s vehicle was found in Alexandria, Virginia, and police officers recovered the missing license plate and surveillance video camera, as well as a shotgun. Kelly was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of a firearm-related felony offense. Kelly was arrested on March 24, 2022.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zach Horton, Lisa Kreeger-Norman, and Amy Zubrensky; Paralegal Specialists Cynthia Muhammad, Renee Prather, ReShawn Johnson, and Tiffany Jones; Victim/Witness Advocate Roger Dickerson; Victim/Witness Service Coordinators Katina Adams-Washington, LaJune Thames, and Maenylie Watson, and Criminal Investigations Unit Special Agent Nelson Rhone.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sellinger and Sara Hanson, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Jefferson County man admits to role in a drug distributing conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ian Webster Taylor, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Taylor, also known as “Beans” or “Beanz,” 31, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Taylor admitted to working with others to sell cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl from August 2020 to September 2021 in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties and elsewhere.
Taylor faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Ipswich Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ipswich man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing and possessing child pornography.
Julien Toulotte, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2023. Toulotte was arrested and charged on Feb. 18, 2022.
In mid-January 2021, Toulotte began communicating with an undercover agent purporting to be a 15-year-old girl through social media applications. Toulotte sent multiple nude photos of himself and encouraged the purported teenager to send photos of herself in return and asked to meet. In late-January 2021, Toulotte began communicating over the internet with the undercover agent, purporting to be an adult female with whom Toulotte had previously been communicating with on-line and to whom he had previously sent a child sexual abuse material photo (CSAM). In February 2021, Toulotte sent two videos depicting CSAM to the undercover agent purporting to be the adult female. On March 11, 2021, a search of Toulotte’s residences in Ipswich and Boston resulted in the recovery of his electronic devices that contained approximately 385 videos and approximately 320 images depicting CSAM – including child pornography videos of an infant as young as approximately two to four months old and children approximately two to four years of age.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Lincoln Police Chief A. Kevin Kennedy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Investiture Ceremony Held for United States Attorney Trina A. HigginsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today, an investiture ceremony was held for the Honorable Trina A. Higgins, the United States Attorney for the District of Utah.
Held at the United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City, Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby administered the formal ceremonial oath of office.
“I am deeply honored to serve in this position and to have the opportunity to continue the important work of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins during the ceremony. “I will work to build confidence in our justice institutions, to protect civil rights, to uphold the Rule of Law, and to protect the citizens of Utah.”
During the ceremony, U.S. Attorney Higgins reinstated her commitment to continue building partnerships with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies and community partners to protect our citizens and build public trust.
A career prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Higgins has 27 years legal experience and since 2002, has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Utah, holding several leadership positions, including Senior Litigation Counsel and Violent Crime Section Chief. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, she served as a Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney.
Attended by family, friends, judges, members of the law enforcement, and legal community, U.S. Attorney Higgins is the first woman to be presidentially appointed to the position and sworn into office and is the 38th United States Attorney to serve in the District of Utah. She was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on January 31, 2022 and confirmed by the United States Senate on April 27, 2022. Judge Shelby previously administered the official oath of office on May 4, 2022.
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Indiana Woman Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possessing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Indiana, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 108 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on her convictions of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Ruby Gil, age 32.
According to information presented to the court, on or about October 9, 2020, Gil possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and fentanyl. Further, from on or about April 19, 2019, to on or about July 2021, Gil conspired to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of Gil. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana County Drug Task Force, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
In a Landmark Ruling, Mexican Court Upholds U.S. Forfeiture Order Authorizing Seizure of Drug Cartel Leader's Real EstateRead the Press Release
For the first time, a Mexican court has invoked its new civil forfeiture law to authorize the forfeiture of real property located in and around Guadalajara, Mexico pursuant to a request for mutual legal assistance from the United States. The forfeiture represents the United States’ groundbreaking use of Mexico’s new statute to divest drug cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero of ill-gotten gains. Caro Quintero is indicted in the Eastern District of New York for leading a continuing criminal enterprise and related crimes. He is currently in custody in Mexico and extradition proceedings are ongoing.
The forfeited properties, described in the civil forfeiture order issued by U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano on April 15, 2021, were purchased by Rafael Caro Quintero with drug proceeds generated by the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization, an affiliate of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Anne Milgram, Administrator, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced the seizure and forfeiture order of the Mexican Court.
“This forfeiture sends a powerful message to drug kingpins in Mexico and elsewhere that there are no boundaries to prosecuting bad actors and locating their ill-gotten assets wherever they are in the world,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to take the economic gain out of crime through all available resources, including asset forfeiture.”
Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the DEA New York Division Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Strike Force, as well as the DEA Raleigh Resident Office, the DEA Los Angeles Office and the DEA Mexico City Country Office for their assistance with the case.
“For over thirty years, the men and women of the DEA have worked tirelessly to bring Rafael Caro Quintero to justice for his violent and ruthless acts,” said Administrator Milgram. “Today’s order— authorizing the forfeiture of Caro Quintero’s properties in Mexico—demonstrates that DEA agents will follow the evidence wherever it leads to hold drug traffickers fully accountable for their deadly crimes.”
According to the forfeiture complaint, between January 1980 and March 2015, the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization was involved in the transportation of multi-ton quantities of marijuana, multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico to the United States. As part of its investigation, law enforcement learned that Caro Quintero used proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics to purchase real estate in and around his home area of Guadalajara. Caro Quintero allegedly placed the properties in the names of family members to conceal his ownership of the properties and use of illegal proceeds to purchase them, and to prevent Mexican authorities from seizing them.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Asset Recovery Section and International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan G. King is in charge of the forfeiture action.
The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in this case. The Department also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the Mexican authorities.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CV-5748 (ENV)
Human Smuggler Sentenced Following Migrant DeathRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas – A Guatemalan national man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for immigration crimes.
According to court documents, Mario Rigoberto Diego-Esteban, aka “Lentes,” 26, was sentenced following his guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry after deportation and one count of transporting undocumented migrants for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
The prosecution stemmed from an investigation into the death of a 21-year-old female Guatemalan national who died while being smuggled by Diego-Esteban and others. The young woman’s body was found on the side of a rural highway outside Odessa, Texas, when Crane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call from a concerned citizen who discovered her remains.
In August 2021, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Special Agents executed a search warrant at two mobile homes in Odessa, at least one of which was being used as a “stash house” to harbor and stage the transportation of undocumented migrants. Agents seized ledgers identifying members of a human smuggling organization and their respective roles. The ledgers identified Diego-Esteban as a person who transported undocumented migrants for the organization.
On December 8, 2021, Diego-Esteban was detained by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers near Odessa and was subsequently interviewed by HSI. Diego-Esteban admitted that he was a member of the human smuggling organization associated with the Odessa stash houses and that he had transported 100 undocumented migrants for the organization, receiving $125 for each illegal alien. Diego-Esteban also recounted transporting a female Guatemalan to the stash house. Diego-Esteban said he was told the female was ill, possibly dehydrated, and described her as having difficulty walking and not being able to remain conscious during transport. The investigation revealed that the Guatemalan female, confirmed to be the young woman whose remains were found near the rural highway outside of Odessa, died upon arriving at the stash house.
“The complete lack of concern for a young woman’s life in this case is appalling and yet smuggling networks like these continue to flourish because it is not about preserving life, but about cold, hard cash,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Along with our partners, both in the United States, and worldwide, we will continue to do all in our power to stop these networks and hold the smugglers accountable.”
“The tragic loss of life in this case is an example of the very real risks people face when they put their lives in the hands of smugglers," said Special Agent in Charge, Francisco B. Burrola, HSI El Paso. "Those responsible for illegally moving people into and through our country place personal profit ahead of public safety. Driven by greed, they have little regard for the health and well-being of their human cargo, which can be a deadly combination.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn Harwood prosecuted the case and were assisted by Joint Task Force Alpha Co-Director James Hepburn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta.
These charges resulted from the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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Houstonian receives sentence for enticing South Texas minor into commercial sexRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old man has been ordered to prison for enticement of a minor online, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Malcolm Lenard Thomas, Houston, pleaded guilty June 21.
Today, U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge ordered Thomas to serve 121 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 15 years of supervised release.
At the time of his plea, he admitted he communicated via Instagram with whom he thought was a 15-year-old female.
He connected with the individual in October 2021. In those conversations, he conveyed his expectations to recruit her to engage in commercial sex in Houston for his own financial benefit, calling it the rules of “the game.”
Through numerous exchanges over social media and other means, he instructed her how to send him money. He then purchased a bus ticket for her to travel to Houston. He made arrangements to pick her up on Oct. 29, 2021. Upon his arrival, law enforcement took him into custody.
In addition to his plea, he also admitted to sending the bus ticket knowing the minor was coming to Houston to engage in commercial sex. He claimed his role would be to provide her with protection.
Thomas will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) conducted the investigation.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan nationals charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliensRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Andres Toj and Hugo Leonel Panjoj-Leon were arraigned in federal court on an indictment charging them with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Toj, 32, and Panjoj-Leon, 28, both citizens of Guatemala, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaints that preceded the indictment, on Aug. 19, in response to information about possible human smuggling, U.S. Border Patrol agents investigated two rooms at a Las Cruces, New Mexico, hotel. During a search of the rooms, agents located a total of nine undocumented non-citizens. Among them was Toj, who allegedly drove the others to Las Cruces and housed them at the hotel as they awaited transportation to be provided by another person.
On Sept. 7, Border Patrol agents again responded to information regarding possible human smuggling at a hotel in Las Cruces. During a search of three rooms, agents located a total of 12 undocumented non-citizens, including Panjoj-Leon. Like Toj, Panjoj-Leon allegedly transported the others to Las Cruces and housed them at the hotel as they awaited further transportation.
“Transnational criminal organizations thrive when federal law enforcement efforts are siloed and uncoordinated,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Through partnership, common vision and mutual efforts, Joint Task Force Alpha will bring the full weight of the federal government to bear on those who profit off of the desperation of migrants.”
"These events highlight our commitment to protect our community against the illicit actions of Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said El Paso Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez. “We could not be as effective as we have been at targeting these individuals without the cooperation of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, who have assisted us in bringing these ruthless smugglers to justice.”
“Human smugglers conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their own profit with complete disregard for human life as they treat people like commodities,” said Frank Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “Thanks to the outstanding teamwork between HSI and BP, along with the U.S. Attorney’s office, smugglers will be held accountable for their actions as we work to dismantle the transnational criminal originations that are involved.”
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Toj and Panjoj-Leon face up to 10 years in prison.
These charges resulted from the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, District of New Mexico, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the Task Force.
U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kristopher D. Jarvis and Matt Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
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Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 17, 2022, Jovante L. Champion (age: 31) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after being convicted at trial of four felony crimes: sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; interstate transportation for prostitution; sex trafficking of a child and by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The evidence at trial proved that Champion was a member of a Milwaukee gang known as “Everything Business,” an offshoot of a violent Chicago-based street gang known as the Black P. Stone Nation. Champion used his position within the gang and false promises of love and financial security to recruit two victims, one when she was 20, and the other after she had just turned 16. Thereafter, Champion used physical force, complex layers of coercion, his possession of a firearm, and the backing of his gang to sell his victims for commercial sex in Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas. Numerous exhibits introduced at trial included Champion’s own words detailing his trafficking crimes. These exhibits included, among other things, text messages and Facebook posts and messages.
At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the enduring impact of the trauma Champion’s victims experienced, both at the time of the trafficking in 2019, as well as when the victims re-lived those events during trial. Judge Stadtmueller described sex trafficking as a “horrible, pernicious activit[y],” often committed against the most vulnerable in our community, particularly minors. He also commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the local agencies in Wisconsin and Texas, that worked collaboratively to hold Champion accountable.
“The evidence in this case – including his own messages and social media posts – demonstrated that Mr. Champion had no problem abusing and dehumanizing others for his own financial benefit,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “This office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to support and seek justice for trafficking victims like those upon whom this defendant preyed.”
“Human trafficking is a devastating crime which physically and mentally scars victims for life,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “Through the outstanding collaboration of our local, state, and federal partnerships, we will continue to seek justice for all victims and ensure the perpetrators of these crimes face the full consequences of their actions.”
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime, and, with this sentence, the defendant will spend a long time behind bars,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the outstanding agents and analysts in Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation who worked on this investigation and helped bring the defendant to justice.”
hThe FBI and the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the case with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Katherine M. Halopka-Ivery prosecuted the case.
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Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Roland Hawk, Jr., age 20, was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hawk was also ordered to forfeit the firearm used in the offense.
Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 15, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May, 28, 2021, in Fort Thompson, wherein Hawk struck a sleeping man several time about the head and face with a pistol. As a result of the assault the victim received a laceration to his head.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Hawk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Pittsburgh-based Health Services Company Executive Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Pennsylvania Health Services eompany executive has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joseph W. Nocito, 80, of Sewickley, Pa. 15143, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between 2006 and 2012, Mr. Nocito, as CEO and President of Pittsburgh-based Automated Health Systems, conspired to fraudulently write off millions of dollars as business expenses against other companies he owned named Palace Development Inc, Nocito Enterprises and Jonnolley Properties in the construction of his 39,000-square-foot Bell Acres home known as “Villa Noci,” including both the exterior and interior construction, design and furnishings, an outdoor pool, landscaping for the grounds, and a playground, tennis court and bocce court. Mr. Nocito also fraudulently expensed millions of dollars for other personal expenses such as luxury vehicles, personal fitness, and private school tuition for grandchildren. The tax consequence of this scheme enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying approximately $4 million in personal income tax on his 1040 personal income tax returned between 2006 and 2012, causing the filing of false personal and corporate income tax returns.
Mr. Nocito also conspired to conceal AHS Inc. taxable income by shuffling millions of dollars through these companies, and falsely characterized the transfers as management, administrative or consulting expenses causing him to significantly underreport company profits. The tax consequence of the concealment of corporate income enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying an estimated $11 million in corporate income tax for the conspiracy period.
As part of the guilty plea, Mr. Nocito agreed to pay criminal restitution to the Internal Revenue Service of $15,824,056 prior to his sentencing date.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2023. date and time of sentencing The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Joseph Nocito.
Former Owner and CEO of Pharmaceutical Company Indicted for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted the former chief executive officer and owner of a pharmaceutical company with wire fraud for his role in an embezzlement scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
John Klein, 76, of Tampa, Florida, was indicted on one count of wire fraud. He was previously charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From May 2016 to January 2017, Klein misappropriated millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical company for his own personal use. In May 2016 a customer of the company paid $3.9 million into a company bank account that Klein controlled. After these transfers, Klein made numerous personal expenditures out of the account. Although he had diverted the customer payment for his own personal use, between December 2016 and January 2017, Klein caused the pharmaceutical company to write off the $3.9 million as uncollectable debt.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Torntore and Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old Crime VictimRead the Press Release
A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then14-year-old girl, who was a victim of sexual assault, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. The defendant gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. At the time, the defendant was 53-years-old.
“The defendant’s job was to protect a child who was a victim of sexual assault but instead he exploited her vulnerabilities and abused his position of power to carry out his own sexual assault of the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officials who sexually assault children are not above the law. The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who sexually assault their victims when they should have otherwise been keeping them safe.”
“The safeguarding of all of our citizens’ civil rights is an essential part of our Constitution, especially for crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any violation of these rights, especially when committed by a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the rights of our citizens, is particularly disturbing. The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will execute their sworn duties honestly and faithfully and, if not, that they will face the consequences of their actions. Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of civil rights.”
“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of Color of Law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today's guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Rodney Vicknair will be held responsible and no one is above the law. We thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”
According to the court documents, in the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair, while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15-years-old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the defendant remained in the driver’s seat. Then, the defendant locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. He leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. The defendant admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law, but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
A sentencing hearing has been set for March 8, 2023.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old Crime VictimRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then14-year-old girl, who was a victim of sexual assault, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. The defendant gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. At the time, the defendant was 53-years-old.
“The defendant’s job was to protect a child who was a victim of sexual assault but instead he exploited her vulnerabilities and abused his position of power to carry out his own sexual assault of the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officials who sexually assault children are not above the law. The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who sexually assault their victims when they should have otherwise been keeping them safe.”
“The safeguarding of all of our citizens’ civil rights is an essential part of our Constitution, especially for crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any violation of these rights, especially when committed by a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the rights of our citizens, is particularly disturbing. The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will execute their sworn duties honestly and faithfully and, if not, that they will face the consequences of their actions. Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of civil rights.”
“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of Color of Law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans.” Today's guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Rodney Vicknair will be held responsible and no one is above the law. We thank our partners at the U.S. States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”
According to the court documents, in the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15-years-old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the defendant remained in the driver’s seat. Then, the defendant locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. He leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. The defendant admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law, but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
A sentencing hearing has been set for March 8, 2023.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
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Former Employee of Youth Soccer Organization Sentenced for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Scottish man who was previously employed by Global Premier Soccer LLC (GPS), a youth soccer organization, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for obstructing justice.
Gavin MacPhee, 37 was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to one year of probation, with the first four months served in home detention. In May 2020, MacPhee pleaded guilty to one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation.
MacPhee held several roles at GPS, including office-based roles in administration and marketing, which involved managing GPS’ website and assisting with the management of GPS email accounts. In December 2019, MacPhee used his access to the organization’s information technology platform to delete a GPS email account belonging to a former employee with whom he had a close relationship. MacPhee deleted the account despite knowing about an ongoing federal investigation into GPS and the former employee, and the relevance of the email account to the investigation.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Regional Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
Former Border Patrol agent indicted for hiring undocumented individuals as driversRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A former Border Patrol (BP) agent, his wife and a Laredo man have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to hire illegal aliens by fraudulently obtaining immigration permits, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities arrested Ricardo Gonzalez, 39, his wife, Natalia Gonzalez, 35, and Alex Lopez, 33, today. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Nov.15.
According to the charges, the three conspirators were responsible for the day-to-day operations of Gonmor Inc., a commercial trucking company located in Laredo.
Beginning in February of 2017, the indictment alleges the group recruited and hired undocumented individuals to work as commercial truck drivers and paid them less due to their citizenship status. They were allegedly aware that the people they hired were not legally allowed to work in the United States.
The conspirators allegedly prepared paperwork so the individuals could obtain an I-94 permit which allows a visitor to travel farther than 25 miles from the border and remain in the United States for more than 30 days. Applicants must present another permit/visa such as a border crossing card in order to obtain an I-94 and are not eligible to work in the United States by law, according to the charges.
The paperwork allegedly included a letter from a fictious Mexican trucking company and stated the undocumented individual was employed by the company as a truck driver. According to the indictment, the letter further requested that the person receive an I-94 permit so that he could travel into the United States.
The group allegedly instructed individuals to present the letter to authorities at a port of entry in Laredo to apply for the permit. When the individual received the permit, the co-conspirators allegedly assigned jobs to the new employee to transport legitimate cargo throughout the United States.
Gonzalez is a former BP agent and allegedly utilized his knowledge, training and experience to facilitate the employment of undocumented individuals and obtaining the I-94 permits.
If convicted, each faces up to five years for the conspiracy to fraudulently obtain immigration permits and up to 10 years each for the conspiracy to encourage or induce an alien to remain in the United States and conspiracy to harbor/shield an alien from detection.
Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Ferguson Man Faces at Least 15 Years in Prison After Jurors Find Him Guilty of Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury in U.S. District Court on Wednesday convicted a man from Ferguson, Missouri of a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Due to a series of prior convictions for violent offenses, Anthony Willis, 29, now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison as an armed career criminal.
Willis was found guilty Wednesday after a trial lasting less than two days.
On July 19, 2021, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers saw a Hyundai Elantra fail to stop at a stop sign in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood and tried to pull the car over.
Willis instead sped up and ran through another stop sign before other officers used spike strips to deflate his tires.
Willis kept going until he hit another vehicle at Goodfellow and Natural bridge. He then ran away but was caught a short distance away. He’d left a loaded Glock handgun in the car.
As a convicted felon, Willis is barred from possessing a firearm. Willis was convicted of the 2010 robbery of a Del Taco in St. Louis and the robbery of a Popeye’s Chicken manager in St. Louis County on two occasions in 2010.
Willis is scheduled to be sentenced March 15.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Martin and Donald Boyce are prosecuting the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing “Ghost” GunRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 11, Ajee Whitter, a.k.a. “Glockz,” 28, was arrested during an undercover narcotics operation conducted by Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). During his arrest, Whitter threw into the back of a vehicle a bag which contained a 9mm semiautomatic “ghost gun” loaded with a 50-round drum magazine, along with another loaded stick magazine. The two magazines were found to contain a total of 56 rounds of ammunition. Review of Whitter’s “professorglockz” Instagram account revealed numerous pictures of Whitter in possession of the gun.
Ghost guns are firearms bearing no serial number that are typically homemade or home assembled. Whitter was previously convicted of felony robbery in Prince William County and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Whitter is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Amon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-195.
Federal Jury Convicts Tulsa Man of Domestic Violence Strangulation, Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man who strangled his pregnant girlfriend multiple times and threatened her with a firearm was found guilty Wednesday by a federal jury, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Dakota Wayne Campus, 28, was convicted of assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and attempting to strangle in Indian Country; assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country; carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On February 4, 2022, at approximately 10 am, Tulsa Police were dispatched to a home to investigate a possible domestic violence disturbance as reported in two 911 calls. One caller reported that she heard a woman yell “get the gun out of my face,” a person being hit, and someone being dragged in the apartment. A second caller reported that he heard a woman scream “stop” in an apartment above him and then someone being thrown around. He reported that the woman upstairs was pregnant.
When arriving at the apartment, Tulsa Police officers made contact with a woman in the apartment. Officers immediately observed injuries on the victim who said her fiancé, Dakota Campus, assaulted her and jumped out of the apartment window when police arrived. She said she had been in a relationship with Campus and was 18 weeks pregnant with his child.
The woman stated that Campus took her cell phone and strangled her twice on Feb. 3, 2022, and on Feb. 4, 2022, she tried to speak to Campus about the pregnancy when he became angry and threw her cell phone out the window. The victim said she attempted to go to her neighbors for help, but Campus chased her into the apartment complex’s hallway brandishing a silver handgun and drug her back into the apartment. He then threw the victim to the ground, broke her eyeglasses, strangled her, pushed her head into the ground, pointed a gun at her face and threatened to shoot her and the police. Campus eventually allowed the victim to get up but continued to strike her. When police knocked on the door, Campus warned her not to tell the police about him and jumped out the apartment window.
She further told officers she was afraid of Campus and was worried he would kill her. She reported that she tried to get away from him previously, but he always found her and threatened her with violence if she filed charges.
Officers noted bleeding lacerations on the victim’s lips, red swelling on both cheeks, and red marks consistent with strangulation wrapping around her neck. A paramedic with EMSA who treated the victim testified at trial that the victim told him about the violence that had occurred on Feb. 3 and 4 and also complained of head and neck pain. He personally observed bruising around the victim’s left eye and both cheeks, a laceration on her upper lip and multiple marks and abrasions on her face and neck.
The victim was transported to St. John’s Broken Arrow where she was treated by an emergency department doctor who testified that the victim told the doctor her fiancé “choked” her with his hands, struck her in the face multiple times, and tried to smother her. She told the doctor that he put all his weight on her lower abdomen and that she was pregnant. She also complained about head and neck pain.
In addition to receiving treatment for her physical injuries, the woman was further treated for psychological trauma and provided assistance with safety planning.
On Feb. 11, 2022, Tulsa Police officers apprehended Campus after he attempted to evade arrest by running into a drainage ditch and under a bridge where he discarded the firearm. The gun matched the description provided by the victim.
Campus, a felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. His previous state felony convictions include robbery with a firearm in 2015. He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison but was released March 9, 2021, with time served and 14 years suspended. The Court cited the COVID-19 epidemic as a reason for his early release. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office has since filed a petition to revoke his suspended sentence.
Studies have found that domestic violence strangulation is a significant predictor of future attempted and completed murders, increasing the odds of death by more than seven times. While signs of strangulation are not always visible, strangulation can result in long-term psychological and physical injuries to victims, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, traumatic brain injury, strokes and more. Timely intervention is critical to minimize the short and long term negative effects of strangulation.
To find resources for domestic violence victims, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at thehotline.org. In an emergency, call 911.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Todd and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Sioux Falls Man of Firearm and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Mark James Olson, age 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 16, 2022.
The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum of five years in custody up to 40 years and/or a $5,000,000 fine, mandatory four years of supervised release up to life, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Olson was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. A superseding indictment was returned in July of 2022.
According to evidence presented during trial, on or about June 28, 2021, in Sioux Falls, Olson, having been convicted of a felony and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. Olson also possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for February 6, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Convicts Krebs Resident of Multiple Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of A Minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Roy Lee Roberts, Jr, age 37, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, November 14, 2022, and concluded on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant sexually abused two minors in 2017-2018. One victim was under the age of 12 and the second victim was between the ages of 12 and 16. Both victims appeared in Court, detailed the abuse they endured, and clearly identified Roberts as their abuser.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable David Cleveland Joseph, U.S. District Judge from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Roberts was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Hannah Jones represented the United States.
Erie Coke and Corporate Officer Indicted for Violating the Clean Air Act over Four YearsRead the Press Release
ERIE, PA - Erie Coke Corporation, along with a corporate officer, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on among other charges, Violation of the Clean Air Act, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The eight-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 15, 2022, and unsealed today, named Erie Coke Corporation, now permanently out of operation, and Anthony Nearhoof, 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around October 2015 and continuing until in and around December 2019, Erie Coke Corporation and Nearhoof tampered with measurements on heating systems which emitted contaminants and pollutants into the air including volatile gases such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. Erie Coke Corporation was a plant regulated by federal and state statutes and regulations including the Clean Air Act (CAA) administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), which was located adjacent to numerous private residences, public facilities, and several schools.
Nearhoof was an operator and “responsible corporate officer” at the plant when hazardous air pollutants were being released and directed other plant supervisors and foremen to vent combustion gases directly into the air to avoid the plant’s environmental monitoring system.
“It is important to protect our community from environmental health hazards and to ensure equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “This indictment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to securing environmental justice by holding Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for violations of laws meant to protect the environment and the community.”
“Today’s indictment holds Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for covering up and lying to federal regulators and the public about their discharges,” said Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge for the Mid-Central Area Branch. “Through thorough investigative efforts by EPA and its state partner, we were able to uncover the fraudulent scheme.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000,00, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Michael L. Ivory, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Perry D. McDaniel and Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive case notifications, submit a victim impact statement, or if you have any questions about your rights, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/vw/us-v-erie-coke-corporation.
East Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS SALAMAN, JR., also known as “J,” “Lou Benz,” “Louie Benz” and “Benz,” 20, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, New Haven Police officers arrested Salaman on an outstanding state arrest warrant after he entered a store on the corner of Ferry Street and Sanford Street in New Haven. At the time of his arrest, Salaman possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number, and heroin and marijuana that he intended to distribute.
The investigation also revealed that, in the summer of 2020, Salaman provided marijuana to an individual in exchange for two handguns.
Salaman has been detained since his federal arrest on October 2, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 14, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha Freismuth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
East Hartford Resident Sentenced to Prison for Making Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AUDLEY REEVES, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for fabricating “ghost guns.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that John Lee Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers or other identifying markings that prevent them from being traced to the owner, seller or manufacturer of the firearm. In December 2021, investigators made controlled purchases of seven handguns, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Ortiz. Most of the handguns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer. Reeves was identified during the investigation as the fabricator of the ghost guns.
Reeves and Ortiz were arrested on January 5, 2022. On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment on Church Street in East Hartford revealed six fully assembled firearms, approximately 25 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms. Reeves was present in the apartment at the time of the search, and a 3D printer in the apartment was in the process of printing a stock of an AR-15 style rifle.
On August 24, 2022, Reeves pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license.
Reeves, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6.
Reeves is a citizen of Jamaica and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
On November 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3.
This FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for LarcenyRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny.
Sophie Little Wounded, also known as Sophie Dupris, age 35, was indicted in November of 2022. She appeared before Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five 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 between October 8, 2022, and October 19, 2022, Little Wounded unlawfully took and carried away, with intent to steal and purloin, the personal property of another, with a value of more than $1,000.
The charge is merely an accusation and Little Wounded is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Little Wounded was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 10-Year Prison Term for Role in Series of Armed Robberies in Fall 2020Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mekhi Truesdale, 20, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a series of armed robberies that took place during the fall of 2020 in Northwest Washington.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, Christopher Stock, Acting Chief of the U.S. Park Police, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Truesdale pleaded guilty in August 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia., to two counts of armed robbery. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentence of eight to 10 years in prison, consistent with the Court’s voluntary sentencing guidelines. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe accepted the plea and sentenced Truesdale accordingly yesterday. Following his prison term, Truesdale will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to plea documents, on Oct. 22, 2020, at approximately 9:45 p.m., a woman was walking in the area of Belt Road and Harrison Street NW when Truesdale and an accomplice approached her. Truesdale told the woman he had a gun and demanded her cellphone and phone passcode. He lifted his sweatshirt to reveal a black semi-automatic handgun. The woman handed over her cellphone, passcode, and wallet. About 45 minutes later, the cellphone was used to transfer $500 to Truesdale via a Venmo account. The next morning, an unsuccessful attempt was made to transfer more than $12,000 to various Venmo accounts held by Truesdale and others.
Another robbery took place on Nov. 1, 2020. At approximately 1:05 a.m., a man and woman were getting into a vehicle that was parked in the 1400 block of 22nd Street NW. Truesdale and an accomplice approached them and demanded their cellphones, phone passcodes, wallets, and keys. The accomplice pointed a silver revolver, and the man and woman turned over their cellphone, wallets, and keys. The woman also turned over her Apple AirPods. Truesdale and the accomplice then ordered the man and woman to get into the car, which they locked using the stolen car keys. They then fled. Less than 15 minutes later, $20 was transferred from one of the victims’ accounts and an attempt was made to transfer another $50.
Three others pleaded guilty on July 13, 2022, to charges in the investigation:
-- William Bell, 20, of Washington, D.C. Bell pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery for two hold-ups on Oct. 17, 2020, and Oct. 21, 2020. The first took place near the intersection of 22nd Street and Virginia Avenue NW, and the second in the area of the 1200 block of W Street NW. He was sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison, with all but two years suspended on the condition that he successfully complete three years of supervised probation.
-- Dave Harding, 20 of Washington, D.C. Harding pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of robbery, for two hold-ups, both on Oct. 31, 2020, including one at Fort Reno Park and another in the 3100 block of P Street NW. He was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
-- Jada Winder, 20, of Greenbelt, Maryland. She pleaded guilty to two counts of receiving stolen property involving the transfers from victims’ accounts. She was sentenced in August 2022 to 360 days of incarceration, but all of that time was suspended on the condition she successfully complete one year of supervised probation.
Truesdale was arrested in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 5, 2020, following a foot chase in the Georgetown area. Bell was arrested Nov. 30, 2021, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., by the U.S. Marshals Service. Harding was arrested on April 8, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Winder was arrested in Greenbelt on Nov. 24, 2021.
This case was investigated by MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force, and the U.S. Park Police. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Montgomery County, Md., Police Department.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Acting Chief Stock, and Chief Contee expressed appreciation for the work of those investigating the case from MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office, and USPP, as well as for the assistance of the Deputy U.S. Marshals involved in locating the defendants. They also acknowledged the efforts of those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Debra McPherson and Alesha Matthews Yette.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Charles R. Jones, who investigated and prosecuted the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter, who investigated the case prior to indictment.
District of Columbia Man Charged with Obstruction of Justice for Illegally Recording and Publishing Grand Jury ProceedingsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging a Washington, D.C. man with contempt and obstruction of justice under federal and District of Columbia law, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced.
Alexander Hamilton, 28, was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was released on personal recognizance, with restrictions on social media use, pending a preliminary hearing set for Jan. 11, 2023.
According to an affidavit in support of the complaint, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) observed a public Instagram account with approximately 10,400 followers posting multiple videos, with sound, that recorded the proceedings within the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Grand Jury room located at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s office recognized the individual in the video as Hamilton, a grand juror. During a consensual interview with law enforcement, Hamilton admitted to recording grand jury proceedings and posting them to his Instagram Story. Hamilton indicated that he filmed the proceedings using one of two phones that he owns. A forensic extraction of Hamilton’s phone identified videos of live grand jury testimony. Hamilton also sent dozens of messages via text message and Instagram sharing the videos or discussing his grand jury service. Additionally, Hamilton demonstrated an awareness in numerous messages that he is not permitted to have his cellphone in the room during presentations before the grand jury.
Hamilton had been sworn in as a grand juror on Sept. 9, 2022. During orientation, he took an oath to, among other things, keep secret the information learned during grand jury service. A video taken on Hamilton’s phone on Sept. 9, 2022, depicts Hamilton recording himself (i.e., a selfie). Specifically, the video shows him standing with his right hand raised as the oath described above was read to him aloud. In the video, Hamilton looks down at the phone and states, “I’m about to lie.”
All grand jurors are instructed that grand jury proceedings are secret and must remain secret permanently unless and until the Court determines that the proceedings or a portion of them should be revealed in the interest of justice. Grand jurors are admonished to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings by abstaining from communicating with family, friends, representatives of the news media or any other person concerning that which transpires in the grand jury room. Moreover, grand jurors are required to place their phones and any other potential recording devices into lockers located in the lobby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prior to proceeding to the grand jury rooms.
Charges in criminal complaints are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The contempt charge is a federal offense, and the obstruction charge is a District of Columbia offense. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Federal Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed in Triple Homicide in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rakeem Willis, 31, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of charges stemming from the fatal shooting of three men, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict was returned on Nov. 16, 2022, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The jury found Willis guilty of three counts of first-degree murder while armed and fleeing law enforcement. The Honorable J. Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 26, 2019, at approximately 10 p.m., Willis lured the three victims -- Sean Shuler, 26, Javon Abney, 26, and Tyrik Hagood, 24 -- to a quiet, dead-end street in the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place SE, where they were shot numerous times by gunmen. The three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A stolen Lexus sedan used in the murders was later found burning just across the Maryland state line off of I-295.
Willis was arrested on June 11, 2019, after a vehicle pursuit, and has been in custody since that time.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team. They acknowledged the efforts of those who provided assistance in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Chrisellen Kolb, Chief of the Appellate Division; Lindsey Merikas, Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section; Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels; Lead Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris; Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Victim/Witness Coordinators LaJune Thames and Maenylie Watson; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Supervisor Leif Hickling, and Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Spence and Ariel Dean, who investigated and prosecuted the case.