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Thursday 10 November 2022
Felon Pleads Guilty as Charged to Gun and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DESEAN CHRISTY, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to the remaining two counts of a three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. He had previously pleaded guilty to only Count 3 of the indictment. He was charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); in Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, CHRISTY was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin, cocaine, and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now convicted of possessing possessing a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun as a felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime when he was arrested while possessing cocaine base (“crack”) with the intent to distribute.
For Count 1, CHRISTY faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 and at least three (3) years of supervised release. For Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. Any sentence imposed for Count 2 shall be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. For Count 3, he faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. CHRISTY must also pay a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, per count.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Federal Jury Convicts Muskogee Resident of Maliciously Burning Porter Dollar General StoreRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Daniel Lewis Moon, age 25, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of Arson.
The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, and concluded on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, with the guilty verdict.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on March 28, 2020, Moon, a disgruntled employee of the Dollar General store in Porter, Oklahoma, maliciously set a fire inside the store. The fire caused extensive damage to the building and its contents. The store’s surveillance video revealed the Defendant was the only person in the area of the store where the fire began. The video also disproved the Defendant’s claim to investigators he was in another part of the store at the time the fire was set.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Wagoner Country Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the property damaged in this case belonged to a business engaged in activity involving interstate commerce and the crime occurred in Wagoner County, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting in Oklahoma City, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.
Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Flanigan and Kristiana Dietzel represented the United States.
Federal Jury Convicts Felon for Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces a federal jury convicted Rayzjaun Curry, age 25, of Denver, of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person.
According to evidence presented at trial, on April 22, 2022, Denver Police Officers with District 2 Impact Team were on proactive patrol in the Park Hill area. They observed a vehicle with an expired license plate and initiated a stop. As they approached the vehicle, the defendant, who was in the driver’s seat, was reaching for something in the front passenger seat. While searching the vehicle, officers found a backpack on the front passenger seat with a Ruger 9mm handgun with 15 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber. The only other person in the car was the defendant’s 6-year-old daughter, in the back seat. It was also proven at trial the defendant was a felon, and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore presided over the three-day trial. The jury returned its guilty verdict on November 9, 2022. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2023.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Denver Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Dunn and Celeste Rangel.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-147
Federal Jury Convicts Englewood Felon for Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces a federal jury convicted Joseph Gaye, 37, of Englewood, of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 19, 2020, Denver Police Officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of North Cook Street in Denver. The caller, later identified as Joseph Gaye, told officers he had been shot by an individual in a mask. Officers responded to the building and encountered Gaye, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the groin area. Officers conducted a search and did not locate anyone else inside the building and did not observe any other signs of forced entry. Detectives then found a Sig Saur semi-automatic 9mm pistol with no serial number inside the desk that Gaye was found next to. The Sig Saur was found underneath a piece of paper with Gaye’s name on it. The Sig Saur had eleven rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Detectives also found several boxes of ammunition next the firearm. The defendant's injuries were determined to be self-inflicted. The defendant had previously been convicted of a felony, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez presided over the three-day trial. The jury returned its guilty verdict on November 9, 2022. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Denver Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Minser and Albert Buchman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-15
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Conspiracy, Carjacking, and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 10, 2022, TYRESE HARRIS, age 19, resident of Orleans Parish, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment for conspiracy, carjacking, and weapons violations. Count 1 charges HARRIS with conspiracy to commit carjackings beginning August 19, 2021, through February 1, 2022 in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 371. Count 2 charges HARRIS with a carjacking that occurred on August 19, 2021, in the 600 block of Washington Avenue in New Orleans, LA in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count 3 charges HARRIS with using a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). In Count 4, HARRIS is charged with an attempted carjacking at 700 block of Howard Avenue on January 18, 2022 in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Finally, in Count 5, HARRIS is charged with a carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury that occurred on February 1, 2022, at the 3800 block of S. Carrollton Avenue in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(2).
In Count 1, HARRIS faces up to maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $$250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For Counts 2 and 4, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count. In Count 3, HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count 5, HARRIS faces a sentence of a maximum 25 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced-November 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the November 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Luis Antonia Barajas-Morales. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Barajas-Morales, 44, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on July 17, 2007, at or near San Luis, Arizona. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-376
Jared Nathan Black. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Black, 46, of Jenks, is charged with pointing a firearm at the victim’s head and pulling the trigger with intent to commit murder after the victim intervened in a domestic assault on Dec. 26, 2020. The gun malfunctioned and did not fire. Black is further charged with discharging the firearm during a crime of violence. In this superseding indictment, Black is also charged with assaulting the victim with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. The FBI and Jenks Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-9
Nathaniel Dale Burns; Ashley Elizabeth Burns. Drug Conspiracy; Manufacture of Methamphetamine; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Nathaniel Burns, 36, and Ashley Burns, 28, both of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine. The two are also charged with aiding and abetting each other on Oct. 21, 2022, to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They are further charged with aiding and abetting each other to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. They are also charged with aiding and abetting each other to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The two are charged with aiding and abetting each other to knowingly use and maintain a residence for the purpose of storing, manufacturing, and distributing the drugs. They are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes, and finally, Daniel Burns is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock .45 caliber lever-action rifle; an FN 9 mm semiautomatic pistol; a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol; a Sig Sauer 9 mm semiautomatic pistol; a PWS .223 caliber rifle; a CZ 9 mm semiautomatic pistol; a Radikal, 12 gauge semiautomatic shotgun; an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber rifle; a DPMS .223/5.56 caliber rifle; a Glock 9X19 semiautomatic pistol; a Marlin, .270 Win rifle; a Canick 9X19 mm semiautomatic pistol; a Taurus 9 mm semiautomatic pistol; and a Sig Sauer 9 mm semiautomatic pistol. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-378
Brian Keith Doty. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Incest in Indian Country. Doty, 30, of Dewey, is charged with engaging in and attempting to engage in sexual acts with a child between 12 and 16 years of age from Nov. 1, 2014, to Aug. 29, 2016. He is further charged with sexual contact against the same minor. Finally, he is charged with incest. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-374
Jacob William Fairchild. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country(Counts 1-3); Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 4-5); Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country (Count 6); Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country (Count 7) (superseding). Fairchild, 33, of Claremore, is charged with sexually abusing three children between 12 and 16 years of age. He is further charged with coercing and enticing two of the victims to engage in sexual activity. He is also charged with sexually abusing one of the victims who was incapable of providing consent at the time and with sexually abusing the same victim using force. The FBI, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-192
Christopher Scott Royce. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Child Pornography (2nd superseding). Royce, 43, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin, 30/30 caliber lever-action rifle; a Mauser bolt-action rifle; an Iver Johnson .22 caliber bolt-action rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Taurus .22 caliber pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition. Royce was previously convicted of six felonies, including three crimes of violence. He is further charged aiding and abetting another individual with using and maintaining a place in Broken Arrow for the purpose of distributing an illicit drug. Finally, he is charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-163
Farmington Man Guilty of Selling Prescribed Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that, on November 9, a federal jury in New Haven found ANTHONY HARRIS, 53, of Farmington, guilty of multiple count involving the illegal distribution of oxycodone.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, Harris, who was prescribed oxycodone for a medical condition, unlawfully sold hundreds of oxycodone pills to another individual approximately every three weeks over the course of more than three years. The individual who purchased the pills sold them to customers in the Bristol area.
The jury found Harris guilty of four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, and not guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on February 2, 2023, at which time Harris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of conviction.
Harris was arrested on June 3, 2021. He released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, New Britain, West Haven, Newington, Manchester, Glastonbury and Watertown Police Departments. Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
FBI Arrests Round Rock Pastor for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A Georgetown man was arrested yesterday on criminal charges related to child pornography.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Austin federal court, David Lloyd Walther, 56, is accused of knowingly searching for, downloading, distributing and possessing child pornography. The criminal complaint alleges that Walther downloaded and made available child pornography using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing network. At the time, Walther was pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Round Rock, Texas.
During a search of Walther’s home and vehicle, two large computer hard drives were located and found to contain child pornography.
Walther is charged with distribution, receipt, transportation and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Walther faces up to 20 years in prison. Walther made his initial appearance today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Austin. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich, Jr., made the announcement.
The FBI San Antonio Division's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with invaluable assistance from the Round Rock Police Department, is investigating the case. The FBI also appreciates the assistance received by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office and the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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East Moline Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – An East Moline, Illinois man, Charles Stoutt, 39, of the 4000 block of 9 ½ Street, pleaded guilty on November 7, 2022, to two Counts of failure to file tax returns.
The information alleged that Stoutt failed to file tax returns with the federal government for the tax years 2019 and 2020, and failed to report over $1,800,000.00 in income. The guilty pleas require that Stoutt pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, which amount will be included in Stoutt’s sentencing.
Sentencing for Stoutt has been scheduled for March 2, 2023. The statutory penalties for each count are up to a year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, up to a year of supervised release, and payment of a $25 special assessment.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.
Duluth Felon Indicted for Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against a Duluth man for possession of a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2022, Joseph Francis Butler, 32, entered a gas station in Duluth and argued with the store clerk over change from a transaction. Butler then walked behind the counter and punched the clerk. During the scuffle, a Springfield, model XD, .45 caliber pistol fell out of Butler’s waistband. Butler picked up the firearm, pointed it at the victim, and fired several times. The victim was not directly hit by the rounds but suffered powder burns and a graze wound. Butler then fled the store. Butler was eventually apprehended in Bloomington with the same firearm.
Because Butler has multiple prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Butler is charged with one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. He previously made his initial appearance on a related complaint before Magistrate Judge Leo. I Brisbois in Duluth.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Duluth Police Department and the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander D. Chiquoine and Esther Soria Mignanelli are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Drug Distributor in Fidelis Way Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A drug distributor within a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty yesterday to a drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Keith Daye, 47, of Boston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Feb. 15, 2023.
Daye was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which ultimately resulted in the charging of two different drug trafficking conspiracies during the overall period of November 2018 through June 2020. Daye is the final defendant to plead guilty in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy.
Beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated a DTO in which Daye was a drug distributor. The DTO was comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. The DTO assumed control over multiple apartments, which they used to store, cook, package, and sell drugs – most of which consisted of cocaine or cocaine base, which the DTO supplied to customers, wholesalers and distributors. As a result, the DTO caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.
Daye supplied and distributed cocaine to at least one Fidelis Way DTO member as well as to others outside of the Fidelis Way DTO. In one instance, Daye was observed meeting with a drug customer at the time and manner agreed upon during calls intercepted by law enforcement. During a subsequent traffic stop of the drug customer following the meeting approximately 125 grams of cocaine was recovered from the vehicle.
In total, Daye is estimated to have distributed between approximately 28 and 120 grams of crack cocaine during the course of his participation in the charged drug conspiracy and, in total, between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine (including both powder and base).
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Bryan Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Dorchester Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man previously convicted of state firearm charges was sentenced yesterday for illegally possessing a semiautomatic pistol and ammunition.
Michael King, a/k/a “Rugga”, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On July 14, 2022, King pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Dec. 18, 2020, King possessed a Smith & Wesson, Model 442 Airweight, .38 caliber revolver, loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber ammunition. King is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrisey made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley, Jr. of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
District Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Assaulting Family with Handgun and AR-15 RifleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donald Willis, 50, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for assaulting multiple family members attending a housewarming party with an AR-15 rifle and handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Willis pleaded guilty in July 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced by the Honorable William W. Nooter. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the evening of Nov. 26, 2021, Willis attended a housewarming party in the 2300 block of Chester Street SE with numerous people, including children. Over the course of the evening, Willis got into an argument with another attendee. In the early morning hours of Nov. 27, 2021, after a brief physical altercation outside the residence, Willis retreated to his car and retrieved a handgun. Willis then fired one round at the home while guests filtered back inside. Armed with the handgun, Willis entered the home and began waving it around and threatening to kill everyone inside. Two house guests, including a 15-year-old boy, wrestled the handgun away from Willis. The juvenile then brought the handgun to his room in the basement.
Willis returned to his vehicle and retrieved an AR-15 rifle. Willis then fired the weapon as he walked back towards the home. Once back in the residence, Willis found the 15-year-old boy and pointed the AR-15 at him as he demanded the return of his handgun. Willis then made his way upstairs, where he pointed the AR-15 at three additional houseguests who were hiding in a closet. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrived on the scene and observed Willis leaving the home with the AR-15 in his hands. Officers gave several commands to drop the gun, but Willis ignored their commands and continued to walk toward his vehicle. Officers fired several shots as Willis dropped the AR-15 in the street and fled from the scene in his vehicle. While fleeing, Willis struck a police car before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Willis was arrested on Nov. 27, 2021. He has remained in custody ever since. No one was injured by the shots that Willis fired.
In announcing the sentence, 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 Robert Platt, Danielle White, and Yasmin Emrani.
District Man Sentenced to 10-Year Prison Term for Armed Robbery and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon of a Senior Citizen in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –James Clark, Jr., 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term for an early evening armed robbery and assault of a senior citizen in the Columbia Heights area of Northwest Washington last New Year’s Eve, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Clark was found guilty by a jury in August 2022 of robbery while armed of a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon of a senior citizen, and related firearms offenses. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before Judge Michael O’Keefe, who also sentenced the defendant. Following his prison term, Clark will be placed on a period of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, at about 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2021, the victim, 77, tried to go into a market at 14th Street and Spring Road NW, but it had closed early on New Year’s Eve. Clark approached the victim, cornered him, and assaulted, threatened, and robbed him at gunpoint as the victim lay on the ground.
Clark was identified from surveillance footage of the robbery and a nearby convenience store. He was arrested on an arrest warrant in April 2022. He has been in custody since.
In announcing the sentence, 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 former Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Braskich, Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson and Kelly Brown, Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez, Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Litigation Technology Specialists Charlie Bruce and Ron Royal.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Prins and Colin Cloherty, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Deerfield Beach Man Convicted of Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Johnson Saint-Louis, 37, of Deerfield Beach, Florida of armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday afternoon at the conclusion of a 3-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence introduced during the trial revealed that Saint-Louis was a former ATM technician who traveled around the southeast tampering with ATMs serviced by his former employer. Over a two-year period, Saint-Louis robbed four ATM technicians sent out to fix problems apparently caused by Saint-Louis, including the ATM technician dispatched to the Bank of America at 5676 Thomasville Road in Tallahassee on September 29, 2021. The Government introduced evidence of similar robberies in Boca Raton, Florida in November 2019, Longwood, Florida in February 2021, and Raleigh, North Carolina in August 2021.
As part of the FBI’s investigation into the bank robberies, Saint-Louis was surveilled by Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputies on November 4, 2021, who observed Saint-Louis traveling to various Bank of America locations. Deputies eventually stopped Saint-Louis and, during that traffic stop, they observed a firearm and notes listing the locations of Bank of America branches in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bank of America branches were annotated with whether the ATM at that location was manufactured by Saint-Louis’ former employer or by another company, and included notes like “too open,” “not enough exit route,” two man job,” and “posible” (sic).
The FBI’s financial investigation revealed that Saint-Louis, who had been unemployed since mid-2019, was making large cash deposits into his bank accounts (e.g. $89,939 in 2021) and gambling large amounts of money (e.g. losing $189,814 in 2021). Saint-Louis lost $39,480 gambling in the week following the Tallahassee bank robbery.
Saint-Louis’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Saint-Louis faces up to twenty-five years in prison for armed bank robbery followed by a mandatory consecutive sentence of between seven years’ and life imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during the offense.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Tallahassee Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Christopher M. Elsey represented the United States at trial.
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.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Trying to Bring Loaded Gun on Plane at Newark Liberty International AirportRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newburgh, New York, man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for possessing a stolen and loaded firearm that he tried to get through security at Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Desmond Herring, 48, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of carrying a weapon on an aircraft. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Nov. 29, 2021, Herring submitted a carry-on bag for inspection at Newark Liberty International Airport. During the screening of Herring’s luggage, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent identified ammunition and a suspected firearm and contacted the Port Authority Police Department. Upon seeing that his bag had attracted additional attention, Herring left the security checkpoint area without his bag and walked to a departure gate for his flight to Atlanta, Georgia.
Further investigation of Herring’s bag revealed that it contained a 9 millimeter pistol, 10 rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition loaded into a magazine, and 150 additional rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition. Herring was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2010 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Herring to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; officers of the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Edward Cetnar; and officers of the TSA with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
Collegiate Track and Field Athletes Convicted in Nigerian Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Two collegiate athletes were convicted today before U.S. District Judge Kristi Johnson for transferring thousands of dollars to Nigeria as part of a complex fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office.
According to court documents, Emmanuel Ineh, 23, and Toluwani Adebakin, 25, pleaded guilty to violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activities, collectively sending tens of thousands of illicitly obtained proceeds to fraudsters in Nigeria as part of a larger mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. The scheme involved Track and Field athletes from multiple higher learning institutions in the United States, with part of the conspiracy being operated out of Hattiesburg while the Ineh and Adebakin were Track and Field teammates at William Carey University. William Carey University was cooperative throughout the investigation.
Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2023 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Eichner is prosecuting the case.
Cleveland Man Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
AKRON – A federal jury on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, convicted James Dailey, 34, of Cleveland, Ohio, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as possession of other controlled substances. Dailey was convicted following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge John R. Adams in Akron.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 4, 2021, officers with the Cleveland Division of Police, Gang Impact Unit observed three individuals, one later identified as Dailey, exit a house suspected of being a drug premise. Authorities witnessed Dailey enter a vehicle and later attempted to perform a traffic stop; however, the vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
The next day, Feb. 5, 2021, authorities found the same vehicle from the day before parked at a gas station. Authorities then observed Dailey enter the driver’s seat of vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle, saw narcotics in view and placed Dailey under arrest. In a subsequent search of Dailey and the vehicle, authorities found Dailey to be in possession of quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine base (crack), fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and cocaine.
Dailey is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 22, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and the Cleveland Division of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick P. Burke and Segev Phillips.
Cleveland Man Convicted of Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A federal jury on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, convicted Dion Baker, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker in Cleveland.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Sept. 17, 2021, law enforcement authorities with the Ohio Investigative Unit were conducting an arrest of an unrelated individual for weapons violations at a convenience store in Cleveland. During the arrest, authorities observed two individuals, one later identified as Baker, parked in a vehicle and drinking liquor.
Authorities approached the vehicle and noted open cups of liquor and marijuana inside. Baker and the other individual were then detained, and the vehicle was searched. During the search, authorities located a loaded firearm under the passenger seat where Baker was seated. An investigation into the incident later confirmed that Baker was the owner of the firearm.
Baker is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction of attempted felonious assault in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and the Ohio Investigative Unit of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
Chinese Real Estate Developer’s L.A.-Based Company Found Guilty of Paying over $1 Million in Bribes to L.A. Politician José HuizarRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Based on the actions of its agents, including its billionaire Chinese real estate developer owner, a downtown Los Angeles-based company was found guilty today of paying more than $1 million in bribes – including luxury trip expenses, casino gambling chips and a sham loan – to then-Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar to obtain city approval to build a 77-story skyscraper.
After the jury deliberated for less than three hours, Shen Zhen New World I LLC was found guilty of all eight counts it faced: three counts of honest service wire fraud, four counts of interstate and foreign travel in aid of bribery, and one count of bribery.
The owner of Shen Zhen – Wei Huang, 57, a resident of Shenzhen, China, who also maintains a residence in San Marino – is also charged in this case, but he has yet to make a court appearance in this matter. He is a fugitive believed to be in China.
According to evidence presented at trial, in 2010, Shen Zhen – on behalf of its owner – purchased the L.A. Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The property was located in the 14th City Council District, whose representative at that time was José Huizar. As part of his roles on the Los Angeles City Council, Huizar was the chairman of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, commonly referred to as the PLUM Committee, which oversaw major commercial and residential development projects in the city.
In June 2018, Shen Zhen filed an application with the Los Angeles City Planning Department to redevelop the L.A. Grand Hotel into a skyscraper featuring a mix of residential and commercial uses.
From February 2013 to November 2018, Shen Zhen, acting through Huang, provided Huizar and his aide George Esparza with cash, casino gambling chips, flights on private jets and commercial airlines, stays at luxury Las Vegas hotels and casinos, expensive meals, spa services, prostitution services, political contributions, and a $600,000 collateral for Huizar to confidentially settle a pending sexual harassment lawsuit against Huizar by a former staffer that threatened his career.
At the time Shen Zhen provided these items, it did so intending to influence Huizar to take official acts to benefit the L.A. Grand Hotel redevelopment project, a project that would have transformed Shen Zhen’s hotel into a 77-floor mixed use skyscraper that would have been the tallest such structure west of the Mississippi River.
Specifically, Shen Zhen intended that Huizar benefit the project by presenting motions and resolutions in various city committees; voting on the project in the PLUM Committee and City Council; taking action in the PLUM Committee to expedite the approval process of the project; exerting pressure on other city officials to influence the approval process of the project; and introducing and voting on city resolutions to enhance the professional reputation and marketability of Wei Huang.
United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled a January 23, 2023 sentencing hearing, at which time the company is expected to face a multi-million dollar fine.
Huizar and former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, which include racketeering conspiracy and multiple bribery counts, and are scheduled to go to trial on February 21, 2023. Esparza pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of racketeering conspiracy, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2023.
Federal prosecutors have now convicted a total of nine defendants along with receiving over $3 million in criminal penalties to resolve their investigation into two other major real estate development companies, as a result of Operation “Casino Loyale,” the ongoing corruption investigation into Los Angeles City Hall being conducted by the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Salvador Huizar, José Huizar’s brother who testified as a witness for the prosecution in the Shen Zhen trial and is expected to testify at his brother’s trial, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2023 after he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of making false statements to federal investigators.
In the first Huizar-related trial in this case, a federal jury on June 27 found real estate developer Dae Yong Lee, a.k.a. David Lee, 57, of Bel Air, and 940 Hill LLC, a Lee-controlled company, guilty of felony charges, including fraud and bribery, for providing $500,000 in cash to Huizar and his special assistant in exchange for their help in resolving a labor organization’s appeal of their downtown Los Angeles development project. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for January 30, 2023.
Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, Assistant United States Attorneys Susan S. Har and J. Jamari Buxton, also of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Castañeda of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section, are prosecuting this case.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s tip line at tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Chief Information Officer of Publicly Traded Pharmaceutical Company Charged for Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging a Pennsylvania man for his alleged role in an insider trading scheme involving the securities of Mylan N.V. (Mylan), a publicly traded pharmaceutical company.
According to court documents, Ramkumar Rayapureddy, 54, of Upper Saint Clair, conspired with his former colleague, Dayakar Mallu, to fraudulently trade in Mylan securities based on material nonpublic inside information Rayapureddy obtained through his position at Mylan in advance of market-moving corporate announcements for their own financial gain. At the time of the alleged scheme, Rayapureddy was Mylan’s chief information officer.
From 2017 through 2019, Rayapureddy allegedly tipped Mallu on multiple occasions with material nonpublic inside information about Mylan concerning, among other things, FDA drug approvals, financial earnings, and a merger with a division of Pfizer, Inc. Mallu allegedly used the inside information to execute trades in the company’s securities and in return Rayapureddy or his designee received cash payments.
Rayapureddy is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and three counts of securities fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the securities fraud charges and five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In September 2021, Mallu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and aiding in the preparation of a false tax return and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Amanda Fretto Lingwood of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Buffalo Man Charged with Throwing A Brick at A Window at the FBIRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Octavio Smith, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with destruction of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 9, 2022, Smith was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. Smith was immediately detained by on-site security personnel at the scene. The complaint further states that Smith stated to Buffalo Police Officers that he did this “get the FBI's attention.” Federal Protective Services personnel also responded to the scene and surveyed the damage to the window, which was found to be severely cracked and needed to be replaced. The damage is estimated at approximately $5,000.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Federal Protective Services.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Bronx Gang Member Sentenced to 37 Years for Racketeering, Narcotics Conspiracy, and MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ROBERT WILSON, a/k/a “RO,” a/k/a “Sin,” a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Stevenson Commons Crew, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 37 years in prison. WILSON previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, and a firearms offense. Co-defendant KEVIN CROSBY, a/ka/ “Sama,” was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison, and co-defendant MARQUIS YOHANIS, a/k/a “DG,” was previously sentenced to over 24 years in prison. Co-defendant YEFREL BRITO, a/k/a “Mini,” is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Robert Wilson filled the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx with drugs and violence. He then helped plan and execute the cold-blooded murder of Nelson Ramos in January 2019. Today, Wilson was rightly sentenced to 37 years in prison for these horrific crimes. We thank our law enforcement partners at the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their outstanding work pursuing justice for Mr. Ramos and his family.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court:
WILSON is a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Stevenson Commons Crew. In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Stevenson Commons Crew committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence against rival gangs, including murder and robbery; conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.
On September 13, 2018, WILSON and others carried out a robbery, during which WILSON and others repeatedly punched, kicked, and stomped on the victim, causing serious physical injuries to the victim.
On January 6, 2019, WILSON and others helped plan and carry out a shooting, which resulted in the death of Nelson Ramos in the vicinity of 800 Soundview Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced WILSON, 31, of the Bronx, New York, to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, Justin V. Rodriguez, Emily A. Johnson, and Jun Xiang are in charge of the prosecution.
Bradley County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On November 10, 2022, Matthew Moore, 40, of Bradley County, Tennessee, was sentenced to 240 months by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Moore agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846; one count of possessing with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841; and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Following his term of imprisonment, Moore will be on supervised release for five years.
According to filed court documents, Moore admitted to selling or arranging the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In December 2019, for example, law enforcement learned that a drug courier would be delivering multiple kilograms of ice methamphetamine to Moore at his Bradley County home. Police intercepted the drug courier and found more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. Police also searched Moore’s residence and found, among other things, more than $66,000 in cash, at least 400 fentanyl pills, and other drug paraphernalia. Police also found crossbows and more than 145 firearms.
As part of Moore’s sentence, the court ordered that he pay a $50,000 money judgment and forfeit to the United States the firearms, which include multiple handguns, shotguns, and rifles; a sawed-off shotgun with ornamental woodworking; a Chinese SKS carbine; and a 40 mm M203 grenade launcher.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office; the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force; and the Cleveland Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Wilson and Joe DeGaetano 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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Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Blaine Walsh, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Walsh, 51, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, aka “Ice”.” Walsh admitted to having methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as “ice,” in August 2021 in Berkeley County.
Walsh faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. 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 Eleanor F. Hurney 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.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 228 Months in Federal Prison for Gun, Drug, and Possession of Contraband in Prison ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Ashton Matta, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 228 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of contraband in prison. The Court further sentenced Matta to serve four years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on June 19, 2019, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana Probation and Parole searched Matta’s residence and vehicle. Inside the residence, 130.4 grams of fentanyl and $34,650 cash were found. Inside the vehicle, 459.l grams of heroin, 2.83 grams of fentanyl, a Zastava Serbia 7.62 caliber pistol, and a drum magazine with 70 live rounds of 7.62 ammunition were found. Matta admitted to possessing the items and to his involvement in the sale and purchase of illegal narcotics. Prior to possessing the firearm, Matta was convicted in East Baton Rouge Parish in 2018 of attempted possession of oxycodone.
On June 11, 2021, while Matta was being held in the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center ("WBRDC"), a search was conducted by WBRDC personnel. All inmates were escorted down the hall and each inmate walked through a walk-in metal detector. When Matta walked through the metal detector, the metal detector alerted. A black cellular telephone, with the words "Alcatel" on the back of the phone, was found in Matta’ possession. The black cellular telephone was a prohibited object that Matta was not allowed to possess in the WBRDC.
These matters were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal’s Office, and were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson.
Bank Insider Pleads Guilty to Bank Bribery for Facilitating Multimillion Dollar Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that earlier today LUIS RIVAS pled guilty to conspiring to commit bank bribery in connection with a business email compromise scheme that defrauded businesses of millions of dollars. RIVAS was the seventh person charged in this international scheme.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bank employee Luis Rivas used his inside knowledge and access to open bank accounts for fake businesses so that his co-conspirators could receive and launder millions of dollars from victims who had been deceived. Now, Rivas is rightly being held accountable for his crime. Today’s guilty plea reflects this Office’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals who abuse positions of trust at financial institutions to engage in corrupt criminal conduct.”
According to the Indictment and other public filings and proceedings in the case:
From at least in or about 2018 through at least in or about May 2020, LUIS RIVAS, who at the time of the offense was a financial sales advisor at a Houston branch of a national bank, agreed to accept payments in exchange for helping others open business bank accounts for phony companies. Those bank accounts were then used to receive more than $2.2 million in fraud proceeds. The money came from a business email compromise scheme in which businesses were defrauded by co-conspirators who impersonated, via email, individuals and businesses in the course of otherwise ordinary financial transactions, thereby fraudulently inducing the victims to transfer funds to bank accounts that the perpetrators controlled. The names of the phony companies used for the bank accounts that RIVAS helped open were purposefully chosen to mirror the names of the true counterparties in those business transactions.
RIVAS also helped the perpetrators access and launder the fraud proceeds. In particular, RIVAS assisted with unfreezing, transferring, and withdrawing money in transactions designed to conceal and disguise the funds’ source, ownership, and control.
RIVAS was generally paid between $500 to $1,500 for each account that he helped open and each transaction where he provided assistance. He received, in total, approximately $45,000 for his corrupt insider services.
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RIVAS, 36, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, RIVAS agreed to forfeit $45,000 to the United States.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as RIVAS’s sentence will be determined by the judge. RIVAS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel on March 21, 2023.
Mr. Williams praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Deininger is in charge of the prosecution.
Arkansas Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking in NacogdochesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas– An Ashdown, Arkansas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Charles Hawkins, Jr., 31, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2022, to distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Dec. 4, 2020, Hawkins was stopped in Nacogdoches County for speeding in a construction zone. Law enforcement officers noticed the odor of recently sprayed air freshener, which is often used to cover the odor of marijuana. The officer’s canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle and a search was conducted which revealed three one-gallon size storage bags in the trunk containing approximately 2,449 grams of methamphetamine. Hawkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Nacogdoches Police Department, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Anthony man indicted for kidnappingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that a federal grand jury indicted Jeffrey Steven Clay on one count each of kidnapping and transportation for illegal sexual activity. Clay, 50, of Anthony, New Mexico, was arrested today and will remain in custody pending his initial appearance and detention hearing.
Clay is employed as the Executive Director of Analytics, Strategy, and Assessment and Public Education Information Management Systems for the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). Clay previously worked for EPISD in various roles including as a school principal.
According to the indictment and other court records, on Aug. 4, 2021, Clay allegedly offered a ride to Jane Doe near Yandell Drive in El Paso, Texas. Jane Doe asked Clay to take her to a friend’s residence at a specific address in El Paso. Clay agreed to take Jane Doe to her friend’s residence, but rather than driving Jane Doe to the friend’s house, Clay allegedly drove Jane Doe out of El Paso and to his residence in Anthony, New Mexico. Clay never asked Jane Doe if she wanted to go to his residence, and Jane Doe never agreed to go anywhere with Clay besides her friend’s house in El Paso.
After arriving at his home, Clay allegedly attempted to kiss Jane Doe. When she rebuffed him, Clay allegedly struck Jane Doe in the face and handcuffed her as Jane Doe attempted to resist. Clay then allegedly took Jane Doe to a bedroom in the house where he punched her in the face multiple times and sexually assaulted Jane Doe while she remained handcuffed, crying, and repeatedly pleading with Clay to stop.
Afterward, Clay allegedly drove Jane Doe away from his residence toward El Paso. While the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, Jane Doe escaped from the vehicle. She ran to a nearby convenience store where she asked for help. A store clerk assisted her in calling 911.
In addition to the charges in the indictment, according to court records, Clay is alleged to have previously sexually abused a minor to whom he had close access from about 2012-2014.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Clay faces up to life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Police Department, and the Third Judicial District of New Mexico District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
The FBI is seeking other potential victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov.
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Aggravated Identity Theft Initiative addresses fraud, property crime in Billings communityRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — An initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Billings Police Department to catch those who steal personal information and use it to commit fraud in the community has resulted in dozens of federal prosecutions and mandatory federal prison sentences, federal and local law enforcement officials announced today.
Since September 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted 33 defendants, the majority of whom are Billings-area residents, on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Of those, 20 defendants have been convicted and sentenced to a total of more than 54 years in prison, with prison terms ranging from 18 months to 65 months. Six defendants are pending sentencing and seven defendants are awaiting trial. The total loss amount for all sentenced cases is approximately $272,061, while a total of approximately $217,942 in restitution to victims has been ordered.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John, joined by Homeland Security Investigations, discussed efforts to combat fraud and aggravated identity theft, along with related property and violent crime, at a news conference today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Billings.
“Combatting violent crimes in Billings continues to be a top priority for our office, particularly when, as with these property and violent crime cases, they are driven by methamphetamine and fentanyl addictions,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Many of these offenders have significant state criminal records but rarely received jail time in an overburdened state system. By prosecuting fraud and aggravated identity theft crimes federally, defendants face mandatory minimum federal prison sentences and are subject to federal supervision after serving their time. This initiative’s success reflects the effective and collaborative work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich and Billings Police Det. Mike Robinson, along with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, to investigate and prosecute these cases. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and to help keep Billings safe.”
“This Initiative demonstrates the commitment to hold people accountable for widespread fraud that has affected so many victims. Our offices will continue to work tirelessly to protect individuals and businesses from financial loss due to identity theft, and I thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their work in this area. Like the Billings Police Department, they are dedicated to protecting citizens of Montana though public outreach and aggressive prosecution from identity thieves,” Billings Police Chief St. John said.
The Aggravated Identity Theft Initiative was started to address an increase in property crime, including burglary, theft and fraud offenses, in the community, officials said. Drug addicts often commit property crimes to feed their addictions. Perpetrators seek anything of value to sell, especially high-value items, like stolen credit cards, checks and personal information. Offenders then use stolen personal information, checks and credit cards to defraud banks and businesses, while causing financial havoc for the victims whose identity was stolen.
Offenders commonly steal personal information by canvassing neighborhoods for unlocked vehicles or break into vehicles and search them for wallets, checkbooks and purses; stealing mail from mailboxes looking for credit cards, gift cards or checks; and by rifling through unlocked gym lockers in search of wallets. Unless a perpetrator is caught in the act, property crimes are difficult to solve and prosecute, and most are treated as misdemeanors with jail time rarely imposed. Offenders engaged in actual fraud, however, are more likely to get caught.
Law enforcement officials said they are fighting back by prosecuting offenders under federal fraud and aggravated identity theft statutes, where defendants face felony convictions and mandatory federal prison sentences. Aggravated identity theft, which is wrongfully using another person’s personal information in furtherance of fraud or deception, usually for financial gain, carries a punishment of a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
The initiative, officials said, not only holds offenders accountable for fraudulent schemes, but it also helps to relieve a strained state and local system by taking offenders off the streets and placing them in federal prison, where there is no parole. After prison, offenders are monitored though supervised release.
Some of the notable cases prosecuted in this initiative include:
- Carl Mark Madden, of Billings, was sentenced to five years and five months in prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and felon in possession of a firearm and ordered to pay restitution of $7,536, which was the loss amount. Madden defrauded local businesses by passing stolen and forged checks by using identification stolen from multiple victims. Surveillance video at a business caught Madden forging the signature of a victim on a check. When stopped for questioning by Billings police, Madden was in possession of a loaded and stolen pistol, which he was prohibited from having because of previous felony convictions.
- Stacy Lee Milch, of Billings, was sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and ordered to pay $5,987 restitution. Milch defrauded a series of businesses, including a Red Lodge business, by passing stolen, forged and fraudulent checks to get money and goods. The loss amount was approximately $18,697.
- Cassie Ann Rathie, of Billings, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and ordered to pay $13,274 restitution. Rathie recruited local drug addicts to steal from homes, vehicles and mailboxes to get checks and other personal information. Rathie used the stolen information to create and cash fraudulent checks and gave individuals who stole the materials a cut of the proceeds. The loss amount was approximately $17,609.
Law enforcement officials encourage individuals to reduce the risk of property crime and to protect their personal information by not leaving valuables or personal information in vehicles, locking or securing vehicles or other storage areas, and reporting property crime to local law enforcement. In addition, officials urge identity theft victims to call the companies where the fraud occurred, place fraud alerts on accounts with one of the three credit bureaus, Experian.com/fraudalert, 1-888-397-3742; TransUnion.com/fraud, 1-800-680-7289 or Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance, 1-888-766-0008; obtain credit reports from the credit bureaus; and report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at: IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.
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ADA Settlement with Greater Waterbury YMCA Ensures Access to Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum DisorderRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Greater Waterbury YMCA of Waterbury has entered into a settlement agreement with the government to resolve allegations that Greater Waterbury YMCA’s childcare programs and other services were not accessible to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut alleging violations of Title III of the ADA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Greater Waterbury YMCA failed to adequately assist a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who requires reasonable modifications in order to fully participate in the after-school program.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation. Greater Waterbury YMCA is a private entity that operates childcare facilities that are places of “public accommodation” within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.
The settlement agreement resolves the complaint that Greater Waterbury YMCA was discriminating against the child on the basis of disability by failing to conduct an adequate individualized assessment of the child’s specific needs, refusing to make certain reasonable modifications to allow the child to participate in the program, and ultimately disenrolling the child. Under the agreement, Greater Waterbury YMCA is obligated to take critical steps toward improving access for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including revising its policies and procedures, conducting mandatory training for all employees, and performing initial and ongoing assessments of the need for reasonable accommodations. Greater Waterbury YMCA will evaluate each request on an individualized basis, relying on objective evidence and current medical standards. In addition, Greater Waterbury YMCA will make a compensation payment to the child’s family and will re-enroll the child into the 2022 after-school program for one year at no cost to the family. Finally, the Greater Waterbury YMCA Chief Executive Officer will oversee the implementation of an appropriate childcare plan and will work directly with the family.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and aggressively enforce violations of the Americas with Disabilities Act, especially violations that affect children and other vulnerable residents of Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Parents rely on dependable childcare in order to work or go to school, and every child should have equal access to childcare and educational facilities. I thank Greater Waterbury YMCA’s management for their full cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation. Their actions will ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can enjoy the same benefits that other children enjoy, while giving their parents the confidence that staff will be trained to ensure that their children are well cared for.”
The agreement is effective for two years, during which time the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor Greater Waterbury YMCA’s compliance.
A copy of the settlement agreement will be found on www.ada.gov.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M Brown, Jr.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Wednesday 9 November 2022
Zephyrhills Man Arrested for Unlicensed Distribution of Explosive Materials, Unlawful Making of A Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging James John Hall (34, Zephyrhills) with one count of unlicensed distribution of explosive materials, one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, and one count of unlawful making of a destructive device. If convicted, Hall faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the complaint, on November 1 and 2, 2022, Hall conducted telephone communications with a man to whom he had sold firearms in the past. In these conversations Hall offered to sell the man a “pipe bomb” that Hall had built. Hall shared with the man that he had contemplated using the “pipe bomb” to target an individual with whom he was angry. The man with whom Hall was communicating is a confidential informant with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. The informant reached out to the sheriff’s office, who then coordinated further investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Later in the evening on November 2, the confidential informant and a Pasco Sheriff’s detective (acting undercover) met with Hall, where the detective purchased the “pipe bomb” as well as a Glock 17 pistol Hall offered to sell him. When asked about future purchases, Hall indicated he “had enough to build six more now.” Hall also indicated that the device he was selling to the undercover detective had a magnet on the bottom because it was “meant for somebody else.”
The suspected destructive device was then disassembled by ATF bomb technicians. The disassembly and examination of the device revealed a metal pipe that was sealed at both ends (with end caps) and filled with suspected pyrotechnic powder, with a suspected pyrotechnic fuse inserted into one of the end caps. The pipe was taped to suspected mixed explosive materials. ATF found no records for Hall in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, indicating he was unlawfully in possession of the device.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case 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.
Wildwood Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Wednesday sentenced a former elementary school teaching assistant from Wildwood to 52 months in prison for possessing child pornography and a lifetime of supervised release.
Connor Brueggemann, 26, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of possession of child pornography. He admitted that a May 4, 2020 tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the uploading of child pornography triggered an investigation that resulted in a July 14, 2020 search of his house. During the search, Brueggemann, who was then a teaching assistant in a music class at a local elementary school, said “he had done ‘terrible things’ and wanted to get help with his addiction to child pornography,” his plea agreement says.
Investigators found over 360 media items containing child sexual abuse material on Brueggemann’s electronic devices, the plea agreement says.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Nathan Robinson, 31, of Indianapolis was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2022, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were attempting to locate and arrest Robinson on an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement officers knew that Robinson was selling methamphetamine in Indianapolis.
Law enforcement officers located Robinson and stopped him as he was attempting to leave in his vehicle from an address on Redfern Drive in Indianapolis. Robinson consented to a search of his vehicle and officers found 71 grams of cocaine, marijuana, two digital scales, plastic baggies, a loaded 9mm Double Tap Defense pistol that had been reported stolen, and over $124,000 inside the vehicle. Robinson admitted the drugs, the firearm used during Robinson’s drug dealing activities, and the currency from the drug proceeds belonged to him.
Robinson is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to his prior felony convictions, in Marion County, Indiana, including theft, unlaw possession of a syringe and resisting law enforcement.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
DEA investigated the case. IMPD provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Robinson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Valparaiso Man Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Kyle D. Burgess, 28 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Burgess was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, during the course of the investigation, Burgess sold methamphetamine twice in August 2021 and in the next month, sold methamphetamine, ammunition and two firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number. A search warrant executed on his residence resulted in the seizure of a shotgun. Burgess’ criminal history revealed he had prior felony Indiana convictions for possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance. As such, Burgess is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney, Vermont Attorney General, and Rutland Area NAACP to Co-Host Hate-Free Vermont Forum in St. AlbansRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, and the Rutland Area NAACP will be co-hosting a Hate-Free Vermont Forum in St. Albans on November 17, 2022, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. This forum will be the third held in an ongoing series; previous 2022 Hate-Free Vermont Forums have taken place in Rutland and Bennington.
“The Forum aims to bring policymakers, stakeholders, and community members together for productive and difficult conversations that will work to reduce animus, discord, and misunderstandings,” said co-facilitator Etan Nasreddin-Longo. “When we began these conversations in 2019, our goal was to take the pulse of Vermonters’ experience of discrimination. Much has happened since that time, and our hope is to engage and to listen to our historically-disadvantaged communities about what they view as the continuing and new problems in 2022.”
Community members are encouraged to join us for a conversation on understanding and addressing bias, discrimination, and hate crimes in Vermont.
When: Thursday, November 17, 2022, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: The Forum will be hosted in person and remotely.- Physical location: Community College of Vermont - St. Albans, 97 North Main Street, Suite 200, St. Albans, VT 05478
- Remote registration link: bit.ly/HateFreeStAlbans
- In-person registration link (optional): https://forms.gle/ofP9yx5vpmN2dbqT7
Who: All are welcome.
For physical attendance, masks are requested. Registration is required for remote attendance.
U.S. Attorney's Office Reaches Settlement with Palisade Winery over Access for Service DogRead the Press Release
DENVER—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced today that the United States has resolved a discrimination complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Hermosa Vineyards, a vineyard in Palisade, Colorado, to allow service dogs in its tasting room.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office received a complaint that Hermosa Vineyards refused to permit a complainant’s service dog into its tasting room. The complainant claimed that a Hermosa Vineyards representative confronted the complainant and her boyfriend in the winery’s parking lot and refused to let them into the tasting room, even after they explained that the complainant’s dog was a service animal.
Under Title III of the ADA, businesses are required to permit service animals onto their premises. Only dogs may be service animals under the ADA. If it is not obvious whether a dog is a service animal, the business is permitted to ask two questions of the dog’s handler:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
The business is not allowed, however, to request any documentation about the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability. Service dogs are not required to wear vests or special clothing, and handlers are not required to have any particular documentation or certification for the dog. A service dog must be under the control of its handler while on the premises of a business.
To resolve the complaint, Hermosa Vineyards agreed to post notices that service dogs are permitted in its tasting rooms and onto areas of the winery’s grounds that are open to the general public. Hermosa Vineyards also paid the complainant $5,000.
“Businesses must permit individuals with disabilities to bring service dogs into any area where other members of the public are allowed,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting equal access for people with disabilities who need the aid of service dogs.”
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeyen Wu.
A photograph of the service dog, provided by the complainant, is shown below.
Picture provided by complainant Service dogTwo New Orleans Men Convicted by Federal Jury for Multiple Violent Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 31, and MARC DALTON, age 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana were found guilty as charged on November 8, 2022 after a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey. The defendants were facing two counts of carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1) and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Testimony at trial established that FOSTER and DALTON carjacked the driver of a white Chevrolet Equinox on April 10, 2020 at the Eastside Cash and Carry convenient store on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. The defendants held the victim at gunpoint with a revolver in furtherance of the offense. They then forced him into his car, kidnapping him for a short time before leaving him on the side of the road.
The evidence at trial also showed that on April 12, 2020, FOSTER and DALTON were caught immediately after a second carjacking. The two victims were sitting in a Mercedes C300 on St. Peter Street in New Orleans when the defendants held them at gunpoint with a semi-automatic Taurus handgun. Like the previous offense, the defendants kidnapped the two victims and dropped them off on the side of the road after a period of time. The New Orleans Police Department located the defendants in the stolen Mercedes immediately after the carjacking and arrested them after a high-speed pursuit on Downman Road.
For each count of carjacking, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. For brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of seven years imprisonment for each count, which must run consecutive to all other counts; the maximum sentence for each of those counts is life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New Orleans Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles D. Strauss, David E. Haller, and J. Benjamin Myers are in charge of the prosecution.
Two Men Arrested for Committing Armed Robbery of Bronx Jewelry Store Using Bear Spray, A Gun, and HammersRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a three-count Complaint today charging two members of an armed robbery crew operating in the Bronx, New York, with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Specifically, PABLO ARMANDO VALENZUELA and AARON MILLER stole more than $800,000 worth of jewelry while armed with a firearm, bear spray, and hammers. MILLER was arrested yesterday, and VALENZUELA was arrested today and will be presented before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants and their co-conspirators committed a violent robbery using any weapons they could get their hands on that left employees of a Bronx jewelry store injured and their store destroyed. This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute robberies, especially those that are accompanied with violence.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “We allege Valenzuela and Miller carried out a robbery at a jewelry store, stole more than $800,000 in merchandise, violently trashed the business, and injured employees by using bear spray. Smash and grab robberies have become more brazen, and the criminals responsible must be held responsible. This investigation should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating a similar crime - you will face justice in the federal system for breaking the law.”
NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “This violence will never be tolerated in our city. And actions must have consequences. Today’s charges reflect our commitment to safeguarding the people and businesses of New York City, and our relentless pursuit of anyone who would seek to do them harm. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the New York Office of the FBI, and every investigator who worked on this important case.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
On August 10, 2022, VALENZUELA and MILLER, along with at least four other co-conspirators, committed an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York, using a firearm, bear spray, and hammers. On the evening of August 10, VALENZUELA entered the jewelry store wearing a ski mask and sprayed a can of bear spray into the eyes of jewelry store employees, temporarily blinding them. Five other masked robbers entered the jewelry store, including MILLER, and used hammers to destroy glass display cases. At least one robber brandished a firearm. VALENZUELA, MILLER, and the other robbers then stole over $800,000 worth of jewelry before fleeing on mopeds, in cars, and by foot.
Photographs of VALENZUELA (Photographs 1 and 2) and MILLER (Photograph 3) are below:
* * *
VALENZUELA, 32, and MILLER, 23, both of the Bronx, New York, are charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, both of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, particularly the Albany FBI – Binghamton Resident Agency, the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Task Force, and the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U. S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Three Federal Operations in Pine Bluff and Little Rock Lead to Dozens of Drug & Firearm ArrestsRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Three federal investigations culminated in 45 arrests this morning. An investigative focus on the pipeline of drugs and firearms between Pine Bluff and Little Rock resulted in the indictment of 80 individuals, all charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in multiple indictments that were unsealed today.
Two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. The investigations focused on rival gangs responsible for violence throughout central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK or Every Body Killas gang and resulting in the indictment of 35 defendants. The second investigation focused on the Loady Murder Mobb gang and resulted in the indictment of 26 defendants. Three more defendants, Quincy Martez Chambers, D’eandreian Devonte Meadows, and Joseph Riggins, Jr., are charged separately in stand-alone indictments. Three defendants are named in multiple indictments.
A third operation, this one led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when DEA and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkansas who were connected to the same source of supply. Investigation revealed the drugs were being mailed into Arkansas from California, and these shipments—which included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pills—were then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff as well as Houston, Texas. This investigation culminated in the indictment of 18 defendants. Manuel Taylor was charged in a separate indictment.
Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. Prior to his death, Detective Collins was assisting FBI with intelligence related to criminal activity of these gangs, as well as surveillance, interviews, and arrests of individuals responsible for criminal activity in Pine Bluff. In March 2021, the FBI’s GETROCK Task Force obtained a wiretap and used a total of twelve wiretaps through June 2022 as a source of real-time information to intervene and prevent violence in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, and other communities throughout the state. Law enforcement discovered that the gangs were funding their violent activity primarily through the sale of large quantities of high-grade marijuana. The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Law enforcement began early this morning by searching for 72 suspects, all of whom were indicted for federal gun and drug trafficking crimes. Of the 80 defendants indicted in the three investigations, 8 of those were already in custody when this morning’s roundup began. In addition to the arrests, during the operation authorities seized 4 firearms, one of which was an AR-style pistol; 2 ounces of cocaine; 1 ounce of crack cocaine; and $30,000 cash.
Prior to today’s FBI arrests in their operations involving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, investigators seized 42 firearms, including two machine guns; approximately $775,000 in cash and $428,000 in jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana, which has an approximate street value of $450,000; 7 ounces of cocaine; 3 ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl.
Before today’s DEA arrests, investigators seized $146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 600 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine ounces of cocaine.
Twenty-seven fugitives remain after this morning’s arrests. Most of the defendants who were arrested this morning will appear at a later date for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe.
The FBI conducted their operations with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department. FBI’s GETROCK Task Force was formed in 2017 in response to the escalation in gang and gun violence in Little Rock. The unit’s investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rock’s field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. Additional support was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Joint Task Force; and the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Amanda Fields with assistance from Cameron McCree.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Little Rock District Office conducted their operation with assistance from DEA Riverside, California District Office; USPIS; North Little Rock Police Department; Sherwood Police Department; and Benton Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.
These efforts are part of several Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. 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.
An indictment only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter: @EDARNEWS
Three Arrested for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of DefenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of three defendants and their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Kentucky. Phil Pascoe, 60, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Monica Pascoe, 45, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; Scott Tubbs, 59, of Georgetown, Kentucky; and Quadrant Magnetics LLC were charged with wire fraud, violations of the Arms Export Control Act, and smuggling of goods for their roles in an illegal scheme to send export-controlled defense-related technical data to China and to unlawfully supply U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with Chinese-origin rare earth magnets for aviation systems and military items.
The indictment alleges that between January 2012 and December 2018, the defendants conspired to send approximately 70 drawings containing export-controlled technical data to a company located in China without a license from the U.S. government, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The technical data drawings were the property of two U.S. companies and related to end-use items for aviation, submarine, radar, tank, mortars, missiles, infrared and thermal imaging targeting systems, and fire control systems for DOD.
The indictment further alleges that Quadrant Magnetics imported rare earth magnets that were smelted and magnetized by a company in China. Quadrant then sold these magnets to two U.S. companies which included them in components sold to DOD for use in the F-16, the F-18, and other defense assets in violation of the Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DFARS). Under the DFARS specialty metal clause, rare earth magnets sold to DOD must be produced and magnetized in the United States or an approved country. China is not an approved country.
Arraignments will be scheduled before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Phil Pascoe, Monica Pascoe and Scott Tubbs face statutory maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud; 20 years in prison for each count of exporting technical data without a license; and 10 years in prison for smuggling goods from the United States. Monica Pascoe and her co-defendants face a penalty of up to five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky, Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI Counterintelligence Division and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, IRS - Criminal Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Christopher Tieke for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys David Recker and Liz Abraham with the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Three Arrested for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of DefenseRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of three defendants and their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Kentucky.
According to court documents, Phil Pascoe, 60, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; Monica Pascoe, 45, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; Scott Tubbs, 59, of Georgetown, Kentucky; and Quadrant Magnetics LLC are charged with wire fraud, violations of the Arms Export Control Act, and smuggling of goods for their roles in an illegal scheme to send export-controlled defense-related technical data to China and to unlawfully supply U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with Chinese-origin rare earth magnets for aviation systems and military items.
The indictment alleges that between January 2012 and December 2018, the defendants conspired to send approximately 70 drawings containing export-controlled technical data to a company located in China without a license from the U.S. government, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The technical data drawings were the property of two U.S. companies and related to end-use items for aviation, submarine, radar, tank, mortars, missiles, infrared and thermal imaging targeting systems, and fire control systems for DOD.
The indictment further alleges that Quadrant Magnetics imported rare earth magnets that were smelted and magnetized by a company in China. Quadrant then sold these magnets to two U.S. companies which included them in components sold to DOD for use in the F-16, the F-18, and other defense assets in violation of the Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DFARS). Under the DFARS specialty metal clause, rare earth magnets sold to DOD must be produced and magnetized in the United States or an approved country. China is not an approved country.
Arraignments will be scheduled before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Phil Pascoe, Monica Pascoe and Scott Tubbs face statutory maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud; 20 years in prison for each count of exporting technical data without a license; and 10 years in prison for smuggling goods from the United States. Monica Pascoe and her co-defendants face a penalty of up to five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky, Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI Counterintelligence Division and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations' Louisville, San Diego, and San Francisco Field Offices, the IRS - Criminal Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Christopher Tieke for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys David Recker and Liz Abraham with the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thayer Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Thayer, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing firearms.
Jamie K. Hutcherson, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Hutcherson was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Feb. 28, 2022, Hutcherson pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
A Howell County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy stopped Hutcherson, who was driving a 1999 silver Dodge Ram pickup, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 63 and Missouri Highway 14 on Oct. 3, 2020. Hutcherson, who did not have a valid driver’s license, had failed to stop at a stop sign.
Hutcherson had a loaded Taurus .22-caliber pistol in his back pocket. The deputy also found a loaded Harrington & Richardson .22-caliber revolver between the driver’s seat and the center console. A clear bag that contained four hypodermic syringes, approximately 54 grams of methamphetamine, and a small bag of marijuana was also found in the pickup.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hutcherson has three prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, two prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and two prior felony convictions for theft, as well as prior felony convictions for breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, illegally possessing a firearm, distributing methamphetamine in a correctional facility, and distributing, manufacturing, or producing a controlled substance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tampa Felon Indicted for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38, Tampa) with illegally possessing a firearm. If convicted, Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mitchell that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm traceable to his offense.
According to the indictment, on July 2, 2022, Mitchell possessed a firearm. At the time of the incident, Mitchell had multiple prior felony convictions, including two convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Mitchell is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Southwest Baltimore “NFL” Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Committing a MurderRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – On November 8, 2022, U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Darran Malik Butler, age 23, of Baltimore, to 25 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for participating in a violent racketeering conspiracy, specifically, the NFL Criminal Enterprise, including committing a murder. The term NFL stands for Normandy, Franklin, and Loudon, which are three adjacent streets that run through the Edmondson Village. Members of NFL have social and family ties to the Edmondson Village neighborhood in southwest Baltimore.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, from at least 2018 through March 26, 2020, Darran Butler was a member of the NFL Criminal Enterprise, which engaged in a pattern of criminal racketeering activity including murder, narcotics trafficking and smuggling, illegal firearms possession, bribery, witness intimidation, and witness retaliation. Butler participated in illegal activities with other NFL Enterprise members, including committing a murder on the enterprise’s behalf. As detailed in Butler’s plea agreement, in October 2018, a co-conspirator solicited Butler to murder Leonard Shelley so that the co-conspirator and Butler could collect a bounty that had been placed on Shelley. On October 31, 2018, Butler and a co-conspirator followed Shelley into a convenience store and shot Shelley numerous times, killing him. Following the murder, Butler posted a picture on Instagram of himself holding the bounty proceeds for Shelley’s murder.
More than 30 defendants in this and related cases have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the DEA, the Montgomery County Department of Police and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the City of Rockville Police Department; the Baltimore County and Howard County Police Departments; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the Maryland State Police; the West Virginia State Police; the Virginia State Police; the Warren County (VA) Sheriff’s Department; the Winchester (VA) and Front Royal (VA) Police Departments; and the Frederick County and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr., James T. Wallner, and Robert I. Goldaris, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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South Dakota Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a South Dakota man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 1, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jeremiah Jay Swalley, age 40, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Swalley was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 14, 2022.
Swalley was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in January 2017. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Swalley left his previously registered address on September 3, 2021, and failed to update his registration between September 9, 2021, and October 26, 2021.
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.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Swalley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Wesley Hammond, age 29, was sentenced to time served since May 26, 2022, equal to approximately five and a half months in custody, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hammond was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May, 26, 2022, in Rosebud, South Dakota, wherein Hammond assaulted a woman by punching her in the face.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
On November 7, 2022, Antwoine Johnson, 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Johnson pled guilty June 14, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on January 23, 2022, the Sioux City Police Department stopped Johnson for a traffic violation. Law enforcement detected the smell of marijuana emanating from the car. During a subsequent search of the car, officers found a loaded 9mm firearm in the void between the driver’s seat and console. Officers also found approximately 120 grams of marijuana in four separate baggies in the center console. Johnson was previously convicted of felony burglary, third degree in 2016, and was an unlawful user of marijuana, both of which prohibited him from possessing a gun.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is 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.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Johnson was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 2 year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Sioux City Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4019. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Shelton Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding AmazonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that OSHANE STEWART, 30, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a charge stemming from his fraud against Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stewart created multiple vendor accounts with Amazon allowing him to sell merchandise through the website on a third-party basis. He often opened the accounts using false names, email addresses and other identifying information. After setting up the accounts, Stewart represented to Amazon that he was shipping it valuable merchandise to be held for sale by the company. In reality, he would not ship the merchandise, and would later falsely claim that it had been lost, supporting his false claims with fabricated documents. Amazon sent Stewart a series of refunds for the purportedly lost merchandise.
Stewart admitted that his criminal conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon of approximately $742,231.16.
Stewart pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2023. Stewart is released on bond pending sentencing.
Stewart is the third individual to plead guilty in connection with this scheme. On February 10, 2022, Stewart’s brother, Kenoy Stewart, pleaded guilty and admitted that his conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon exceeding $1 million. Rajhni Yankana pleaded guilty on August 26, 2022. Each awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Floyd Black Spotted Horse, Jr., age 35, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 15, 2022.
Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in June 2008. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was found to be living at a residence other than his registered address on February 10, 2022. He relocated to multiple locations without updating his registration until he was arrested on April 29, 2022.
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.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Black Spotted Horse, Jr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.