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22 December 2022
Previously Convicted Killer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- John McDonough, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers executed a search warrant at John McDonough’s residence as part of a larger narcotics and firearms investigation. Prior to the search, McDonough advised officers that they would discover a firearm and methamphetamine inside of a shoebox in the garage. Officers did locate these items in the shoebox, as well as a baggie containing fentanyl.
During the execution of the search warrant, police located a total of 879 grams of methamphetamine, 150 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, four firearms, and approximately $37,000 in U.S. currency, and a money counting machine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage.
In a recorded interview with law enforcement officers, McDonough admitted to possessing the illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them to other individuals and possessing the firearm. McDonough also told investigators that he had dealt methamphetamine in quantities ranging from one to twenty pounds over the past year.
At the time of his arrest, McDonough had previously been convicted of Reckless Homicide, prohibiting him from ever again legally owning a firearm under federal law.
“It is utterly unacceptable for a convicted killer to continue to break the law by engaging in armed trafficking of deadly drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Criminals like this defendant perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse disorders and fatal overdoses by trafficking deadly drugs into our neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding work of the ATF and IMPD to increase public safety and help break the cycle of dependence and death.”
“It is an unfortunate fact that drug dealers use firearms to protect their illegal business and terrorize the communities they inhabit,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work day in and out with our local and state partners to find those using firearms to put this poison into our communities and remove them so they cannot cause more harm.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that McDonough be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson McGrath who 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.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Three Commercial RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nasir Wright, 25, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge John Padova for three gunpoint robberies which occurred in January 2020.
In June 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery; one count of the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm in during a crime of violence; and possession with the intent to distribute heroin. The charges stem from a series of incidents which occurred almost two years ago in Philadelphia and Delaware County. First, on January 10, 2020, the defendant entered a Little Caesar’s restaurant on the 5900 block of Lancaster Avenue and placed an order. Once the cashier opened the register, the defendant jumped over the counter, grabbed $200 from the register and fled the area. Then, on January 20, 2020, the defendant entered the Family Dollar on the 6400 block of Rising Sun Avenue and went to the checkout line to pay for a bag of chips. When he reached the front of the line, Wright jumped over the top of the counter, pointed a silver firearm at two employees, took $300 from the cash register and fled the store. A few hours later, on the same date, the defendant travelled to the Family Dollar located on the 1400 block of Chester Pike in Sharon Hill, PA. Wright entered the store and browsed the aisles inside. After about 15 minutes in the store, he approached the counter with an item from the store. Wright gave the cashier a $5 bill and when the cashier opened the register, Wright jumped over the counter, pulled out a silver handgun, and pointed it at the cashier. The cashier then gave Wright $350 from the register and he fled the store.
Early the next morning, Upper Darby police officers located a vehicle that matched the description from the Sharon Hill robbery and observed that Wright was inside. When officers searched Wright’s vehicle, they recovered the silver handgun that he used to commit the robberies and six grams of heroin.
“Violent takeover robberies with firearms are terrifying for victims who are going about their daily duties to make a living,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Nasir Wright was determined to steal money from these businesses, growing bolder and more aggressive with each incident. This sentence of more than a decade in prison will keep him off the street, and we hope is a measure of justice for the victims.”
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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Sharon Hill Police Department and the Upper Darby Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.
Parkersburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Dean Sprague, 42, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sprague admitted to possessing a Ruger, model LCP, .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol while being pursued by law enforcement officers on May 4, 2022. Sprague was driving in Parkersburg when officers attempted a traffic stop. Sprague fled onto Interstate 77, at times driving in excess of 120 miles per hour. Sprague continued to speed during the pursuit and ran multiple red lights, including at the intersection of the Interstate 77 off-ramp and U.S. Route 50 and at the intersection of Seventh Street and Fairview Avenue.
Sprague lost control of his vehicle on Seventh Street and crashed into another vehicle occupied by a mother and daughter, who were both treated for injuries at the scene. Sprague fled on foot a short distance following the crash before being apprehended. Sprague attempted to discard the firearm in a nearby yard during the foot chase, but it was recovered by officers.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Sprague knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for malicious assault on a correctional officer, escape from an institution, and aggravated robbery in Harrison County Circuit Court on February 10, 2004. Sprague also has misdemeanor convictions for assault and domestic violence in Marietta, Ohio, Municipal Court.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-140.
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Owner of Rockstar Burgers Pleads Guilty to Making Restaurant Available to Drug Traffickers in $1.7 Million ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The owner of the Rockstar Burgers restaurant in Kansas City, Mo., has pleaded guilty in federal court to allowing his former restaurant building to be used in a drug trafficking conspiracy that is alleged to have distributed more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 10 kilograms of heroin, valued at more than $1.7 million.
Brian Douglas Smith, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to maintaining a drug-involved premises.
By pleading guilty, Smith admitted that he made the building in the city’s West Bottoms, which housed Rock Star Burgers, his part-time residence, a loft, and associated spaces, available to a drug-trafficking organization. Smith knew the drug-trafficking organization used the building for storing and distributing methamphetamine, collecting for methamphetamine sales, and other methamphetamine distribution activities, including the possession, storage, and use of firearms.
Smith’s role, according to the plea agreement, was only in maintaining the building premises for the drug-trafficking organization’s use.
Smith is among 17 defendants in this case who have pleaded guilty or have guilty pleas scheduled. Two of those co-defendants have been sentenced and the rest await sentencing. One co-defendant is scheduled to go to trial on June 5, 2023.
Matthew John Fabulae, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 14, 2022, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Fabulae to forfeit to the government $44,000 based on his distribution of at least five kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Fabulae pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies; he also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Amy Leann Nieman, 51, of Moorseville, Mo., was sentenced on Feb. 25, 2022, to nine years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies and to possessing firearms during a drug-trafficking crime.
Under federal statutes, Smith is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Under the terms of his plea agreement, the government and Smith will recommend to the court that he pay a $15,000 fine in lieu of a money judgment or other financial assessments or forfeitures. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades, Robert Smith, Maureen Brackett, and Byron Black. It was investigated by the Springfield and Kansas City, Mo., Police Departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff's Department.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Orangeburg Man Sentenced to 9 Years on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Quinnton Jamar Henderson, 32, of Orangeburg, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison after earlier pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on December 22, 2019, officers with the Cayce Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting at a residence in Cayce. Upon arriving at the scene, they located a female lying in the front yard. She had been shot in the leg. The female told officers that she and her ex-boyfriend, Quinnton Henderson, had gotten into a verbal dispute, which escalated to Henderson vandalizing property. She said that when she told Henderson she was calling the police, he retrieved a firearm from his car and shot at her before fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement retrieved numerous .380 caliber shell casings from the crime scene and obtained a state warrant for Henderson’s arrest. Approximately one week later, members of the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) located Henderson in a car outside a home in Orangeburg. After a car chase, Henderson was arrested and a .380 caliber pistol was recovered from the roadway, where Henderson had discarded it during the chase.
SLED conducted a ballistics analysis through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which linked the recovered .380 caliber firearm to shell casings recovered from the December 22, 2019, Cayce shooting incident.
Henderson is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior felony convictions. He has prior state convictions for unlawful possession of a pistol, failure to stop for blue light and siren, forgery, possession of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, receiving stolen goods, possession of marijuana, assault and battery, resisting a public officer, pointing and presenting a firearm, grand larceny, threatening the life of a public official, distribution of methamphetamine, and assault and battery 1st degree (involving a shooting in Orangeburg). Henderson is currently serving a 6-year state sentence for unrelated charges.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Henderson to 108 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s 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 was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Cayce Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force, SLED, and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the Lexington County Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Oklahoma City Man Charged with Causing Two Deaths During DUI Hit-And-Run in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTONIO MARQUES MITCHELL, 25, of Oklahoma City, has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 20, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Mitchell with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The indictment alleges that Mitchell caused the death of two people while in the commission of multiple misdemeanor offenses—including, fleeing the scene of an accident and driving under the influence. On December 19, 2022, Mitchell was arrested after he was charged by criminal complaint. He appeared for his arraignment and a detention hearing this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Maxfield Green, who ordered Mitchell released on conditions pending further proceedings in the case.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Mitchell was driving westbound on NW 16th St in Newcastle, Oklahoma, on December 30, 2021, when he collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 76 and NW 16th St. The affidavit alleges that a witness told a 911 operator that Mitchell was smoking marijuana and that other witnesses also told police that Mitchell fled the scene of the collision after being asked for proof of insurance. Minutes after leaving the scene of the first collision, the affidavit alleges Mitchell swerved into oncoming traffic and again collided with a second car while Mitchell was driving 80 mph eastbound on Highway 37 in a 55-mph zone. It is alleged that the driver of the second car died at the scene, as did Mitchell’s own passenger. A sample of Mitchell’s blood tested positive for a combination of alcohol, amphetamine, and marijuana, according to the affidavit.
If found guilty, Mitchell faces a maximum potential penalty of 8 years in prison for each count and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count.
This case is in federal court because Mitchell is a citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the alleged crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office Safe Trails Task Force, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Newcastle Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, and the McClain County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison B. Christian and Mark R. Stoneman are prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and Mitchell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public filings for more information.
North Tonawanda Man Going Back to Prison for COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Violating Supervised ReleaseRead 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 Michael Kornaker, 52, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud and violation of supervised release, was sentenced to serve 28 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who handled the case, stated that between June and August 2020, shortly after being released on supervised release from federal prison following a prior fraud conviction, Kornaker fraudulently applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The EIDL program provides funds to small businesses or private, non-profit organizations that suffer substantial economic injury as a result of a declared disaster, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Kornaker applied for $60,500 by using the name and personal information of another person and without that person’s permission.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso.
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New Britain Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RIGOBERTO MATEO-SILVA, also known as “Bori,” 30, of New Britain, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA investigation revealed that Mateo-Silva and his associate, Shabazz Valentine, were obtaining kilogram quantities of narcotics from suppliers in California and delivering large amounts of cash to their suppliers in return.
On July 6, 2020, investigators searched Valentine’s Rocky Hill residence, his car, two locations in East Hartford used to store and process narcotics, and a Hartford apartment, and seized substantial quantities of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine; items used to process and package narcotics; firearms and ammunition; and approximately $700,000 in cash. Mateo-Silva was present at one of the East Hartford locations where approximately 75 grams of cocaine and more than $100,000 in cash was found. The search of Valentine’s car also revealed tracking receipts for two parcels that had been recently shipped via FedEx to a location in California. Investigators located and seized the parcels, which contained a total of approximately $160,000 in cash.
As the investigation continued, in the spring of 2021, Mateo-Silva obtained four kilograms of cocaine from his California supplier.
Mateo-Silva has been detained since his arrest on June 25, 2021. On July 20, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Valentine pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force in coordination with the DEA’s Los Angeles Division. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Narcotrafficker Pleads Guilty to International Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gerado Gonzalez-Valencia, aka Lalo, 45, pleaded guilty today to international cocaine trafficking.
In April 2016, Uruguayan authorities arrested Gonzalez-Valencia at the request of the United States. He was extradited from Uruguay to the United States in May 2020.
According to court documents, between 2003 and April 2016, Gonzalez-Valencia was a leader of Los Cuinis, an international drug trafficking organization responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from South America, Mexico, and elsewhere into the United States. Los Cuinis is closely aligned with the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), which is based in the State of Jalisco in Mexico. Together, Los Cuinis and CJNG form one of the largest, most dangerous, and prolific drug cartels in Mexico. They are responsible for trafficking significant quantities of illegal drugs into the United States and employing extreme violence to further that objective.
Gonzalez-Valencia is the brother of Los Cuinis leaders Abigael Gonzalez-Valencia and Jose Gonzalez-Valencia, and the brother-in-law of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka Mencho, the leader of CJNG. Jose Gonzalez-Valencia pleaded guilty to international cocaine trafficking in the District of Columbia earlier this month.Gonzalez-Valencia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, knowing and intending that it would be imported into the United States. Gonzalez-Valencia is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is supported by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
The DEA Los Angeles Field Division is investigating the case.
Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Kaitlin Sahni and Trial Attorneys Kate Naseef and Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Justice Department thanks Uruguayan authorities for their assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Gonzalez-Valencia.
Morris County Pharmacy Employee Admits Participating in $2.4 Million Kickback and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A pharmacy employee today admitted conspiring to offer and pay bribes and kickbacks in exchange for having prescriptions steered to the Morris County, New Jersey, pharmacy where he worked, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Srinivasa Raju, 51, of Haskell, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.
Magdalena Jimenez, 58, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty to a parallel bribery and kickback scheme involving the same pharmacy.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Raju had various responsibilities at the Morris County pharmacy, including coordinating prescription deliveries and soliciting business. From January 2019 through February 2021, Raju worked with other pharmacy personnel to pay kickbacks and bribes to medical employees in two different doctors’ offices in Jersey City, New Jersey. In exchange, those employees steered numerous, high-value prescriptions to the pharmacy where Raju worked. Raju and his conspirators paid as much as $150 for each prescription and used various tactics to conceal many of those bribe payments. Overall, the pharmacy received over $2.4 million in Medicare reimbursement payments based on prescriptions derived from the kickback scheme.
The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing for Raju is scheduled for May 16, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit.
Defense counsel:
Raju: Miles Feinstein Esq., Clifton, New Jersey
Jimenez: Peter Guadagnino Esq., New York
Matriarch of Violent Multimillion-Dollar Honduran Cocaine Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Honduran woman pleaded guilty today to participating in a large-scale conspiracy to traffic cocaine for importation into the United States.
According to court documents, from 2006 until 2015, Erlinda Ramos-Bobadilla, aka Herlinda Bobadilla or Chinda, 62, served as a leader in the Montes-Bobadilla drug-trafficking organization, or “Los Montes,” one of the largest drug cartels in Honduras. Los Montes was based in the town of Francia, in the Department of Colón, on the northeastern coast of Honduras. There, the organization received maritime and clandestine air shipments of cocaine from sources in South America. Individual shipments of cocaine usually carried hundreds of, and sometimes more than a thousand, kilograms of cocaine. After receiving a shipment of cocaine, Los Montes worked with other drug traffickers to transport the cocaine inland through Honduras into Guatemala and, eventually, Mexico, where the cocaine would then be imported into, and distributed within, the United States.
“The Los Montes cartel, under the leadership of the defendant and her family, trafficked thousands of kilos of illicit drugs and committed heinous acts of violence, including murder, causing a devastating wave of fear and destruction that reverberated from Honduras to the U.S.,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “My appreciation goes out to all of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to dismantle dangerous drug organizations, like Los Montes, that put so many innocent lives at risk. This effort is a message to those who continue to operate these cartels: you are not above the law, and you are not beyond our reach.”
“Today’s proceedings demonstrate DEA’s commitment to hold accountable violent criminals, domestic and abroad, who are peddling deadly drugs into our country and putting our families at risk. The Los Montes Cartel was a vicious drug trafficking organization that poisoned our citizens and engaged in violence to profit from drug trafficking. Our message to criminal organizations’ leadership is clear, we will not waver until drug distribution and it’s related violence is eradicated,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division.
Los Montes was a family-run organization. Ramos-Bobadilla’s husband was the leader of the organization and she worked closely with him in their cocaine-trafficking business. When her husband died in 2010, their son, Noe Montes-Bobadilla, assumed control of the organization. Ramos-Bobadilla continued to serve as a leader within the organization. Along with her other sons, Ramos-Bobadilla and Noe Montes oversaw all aspects of the family’s cocaine-trafficking operations.
Ramos-Bobadilla played an active leadership role in Los Montes. Among other responsibilities, she participated in the negotiation of cocaine transactions with other drug traffickers in Central and South America, managed the proceeds that the organization made from the sale of cocaine and, at times, paid sources of supply for cocaine that Los Montes purchased. Ramos-Bobadilla employed armed individuals to work at her direction and control, including by providing security for her and her cocaine shipments.
Ramos-Bobadilla also participated in procuring, planning, and arranging acts of violence, including murders, in furtherance of the conspiracy. For example, Los Montes and other Honduran drug-trafficking organizations conspired to finance the murder of the head of Honduras’s anti-drug trafficking agency, in December 2009. Ramos-Bobadilla assisted in procuring Los Montes’s participation in the financing of that assassination. Along with her son, Noe Montes and, with the assistance of another drug trafficker, Ramos-Bobadilla also participated in coordinating and directing the murder of a permanent resident of the United States in Tocoa, Honduras, in June 2013 because they believed that she was a U.S. government informant.
In addition to her participation in these acts of violence, Ramos-Bobadilla engaged in bribery in furtherance of the conspiracy. Ramos-Bobadilla and her co-conspirators made payments to public officials in Honduras, including police officers and other law enforcement officials, to facilitate and protect the family’s drug-trafficking operations.
On October 8, 2015, Ramos-Bobadilla and five co-conspirators were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine for importation into the United States. Three of Ramos-Bobadilla’s co-defendants have been convicted and sentenced in this case:
- Noe Montes-Bobadilla pleaded guilty in November 2018 and was sentenced to 37 years of imprisonment in April 2019.
- Arnulfo Fagot-Maximo was convicted by a jury in December 2018 and was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment in May 2019.
- Jose del Trancito Garcia-Teruel pleaded guilty in June 2021 and was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment in February 2022.
One co-defendant, Tito Montes-Bobadilla, aka Alejandro Montes-Bobadilla or Pimpi, is deceased.
The remaining co-defendant, Juan Carlos Montes-Bobadilla, aka Mono, is still a fugitive in this case. The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Juan Carlos Montes Bobadilla. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Erlinda Ramos-Bobadilla is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2023. She faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.
Assistance in the investigation and prosecution was provided by the Virginia State Police, FBI’s Washington Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of New York, the Middle District of Florida, and the Southern District of Florida. Assistance was also provided by the Honduran National Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas W. Traxler, Anthony T. Aminoff, and James L. Trump of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Janet Turnbull of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Ramos-Bobadilla.
This case is being investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Harpoon. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-290.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting Three Illegal ImmigrantsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Madrigal-Grajales, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty yesterday to unlawfully transporting three illegal immigrants.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of his guilty plea, Madrigal-Grajales admitted that, on a date prior to October 8, 2022, he was contacted by an individual who asked him to drive to Champlain, New York to pick up illegal immigrants and drive them back to Maryland. On October 8, 2022, Madrigal-Grajales drove to Champlain, New York from his home in Maryland, and picked up three illegal immigrants. His vehicle was subsequently stopped by police near Plattsburgh, New York. Madrigal-Grajales admitted that he planned to drive the individuals to Maryland, and that he expected to be paid approximately $1,500.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2023, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Madrigal-Grajales faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone.
Maple Grove Man Indicted for Violent Carjacking at Blaine Grocery Store Parking LotRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against a Maple Grove man for an armed carjacking at a Blaine grocery store, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 24, 2022, Justin Michael Kittleson, 20, targeted two victims as they left the Cub Foods grocery store in Blaine and loaded groceries into their car. Kittleson approached one of the victims at the trunk of the car and pointed a gun at them. The second victim attempted to intervene, and a struggle ensued. The gun discharged, and the shot is believed to have grazed the second victim’s ear. Kittleson took control of the car and drove away. A 9MM shell casing was recovered at the scene by officers with the Blaine Police Department. After reviewing surveillance video footage and with the assistance from other members of the public, officers were able to identify and locate Kittleson. On September 29, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Kittleson and recovered two 9MM firearms (the same caliber as the casing found at the scene of the carjacking) and a hooded sweatshirt that matched the sweatshirt Kittleson was seen wearing in the surveillance footage.
Kittleson is charged with one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Kittleson was initially charged by complaint and, yesterday, was indicted by a federal grand jury. Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung ordered Kittleson to remain in detention pending further court proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Blaine Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp is 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.
Mail Carrier Pleads Guilty to Stealing Cash, Checks, and Other Items from the MailRead 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 John Wiedenhofer, Jr., 49, of Fredonia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of mail by a postal employee, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that between September 2020, and February 2021, Wiedenhofer, while employed as a carrier by the United States Postal Service in Dunkirk, NY, stole mail. The USPS began an investigation involving the defendant after receiving complaints of missing mail items and opened and rifled packages from USPS customers, whose addresses were located on Wiedenhofer’s delivery route. Wiedenhofer admits to stealing various items including cash, checks, trading cards, gift cards, and clothing items. Evidence of these items were recovered by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General from Wiedenhofer’s personal residence and vehicle.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2023, before Judge Sinatra.
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Madison Woman Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Juana Armenta Mora, 28, Madison, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 15 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On April 4, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration task force, through a confidential informant, purchased one kilogram of methamphetamine from Armenta Mora in Madison. On April 14, agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Madison and found prerecorded buy money from the April 4 transaction in a safe in the defendant’s bedroom.
During post-arrest interviews, Armenta Mora admitted to selling some kind of illegal drugs. She explained that she was approached at her home by two individuals she knew from Mexico, and they asked her to distribute drugs for them. While she did the April 4 drug transaction, she refused to do any more deals that the men requested. Armenta Mora told investigators that this was the first and only time she had been involved with drug dealing.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that Armenta Mora was culpable for getting involved in drug trafficking, and she bears responsibility for taking money from the proceeds of the transaction. He noted however, that the defendant had a minimal role, and that she was unaware of the type of drugs she was delivering. Judge Peterson considered that the defendant ultimately said no to continuing to engage in drug trafficking.
The charge against Armenta Mora was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson County Drug Task Force, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn E. Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
Lockport Man Going to Jail for Threatening to Kill the President, A Judge, His Wife, and A Secret Service AgentRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jared Marc Brown, 26, of Lockport, NY, who was convicted of making a threat against the president, retaliating against a United States judge, retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer, and mailing three threatening communications, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who are handling the case, stated that on March 25, 2019, Brown sent a letter to a United States Secret Service Special Agent stating, “I’m [ ] gonna kill Donald Trump with Anthrax when I get out.” Also on March 25, 2019, Brown threatened to assault and murder United States District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, his spouse, and a United States Secret Service Special Agent. Brown made the threats in retaliation for an earlier prosecution by this office. Judge Vilardo presided over that case, and the Secret Service Special Agent conducted the investigation. Additionally, on July 11, 2019, and again on November 1, 2019, Brown mailed further threatening letters, including one that purported to contain anthrax.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Ohio State Agency to End Disability DiscriminationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today it filed a complaint and proposed consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to resolve allegations that the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) violated Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title I of the ADA requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, including adjusting employee schedules, when it does not pose an undue hardship to the employer.
The lawsuit alleges that ODRC discriminated against a correctional officer on the basis of his disability, Type I diabetes, by failing to make reasonable accommodations to his known physical limitations. Specifically, the department’s lawsuit alleges that ORDC violated the ADA by denying the correctional officer’s request to work a day shift even though working that shift allowed him to manage his blood sugar levels and avoid damage to his health.
“Employees with disabilities should not have to sacrifice their health when workplace adjustments would avoid unnecessary health issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains committed to ensuring that people with disabilities receive necessary workplace adjustments to allow them to do their job.”
Under the terms of the consent decree, which must be approved by the court, ODRC will revise its policies and procedures regarding reasonable accommodations under the ADA and will train personnel on the requirements of Title I of the ADA. ODRC will also pay $50,000 in compensatory damages to the correctional officer and provide him with a day shift as a reasonable accommodation.
This matter is based on a referral from the Cleveland Field Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which conducted the initial investigation.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
Jefferson City Business Owner Sentenced for Tax Evasion, Failure to Pay More Than $500,000 in Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., business owner has been sentenced in federal court for tax evasion and for failing to pay over more than $500,000 in payroll taxes.
Gina Marie Volmert, 58, of Jefferson City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Volmert to pay $513,911 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
On Dec. 21, 2021, Volmert pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of failing to file a required federal form for her employees’ retirement plan. Volmert was the majority owner, president, and manager of GVA and Associates, LLC, in Jefferson City. GVA provided medical billing and coding services for the electronic submission of medical claims.
GVA withheld payroll taxes from its employees’ paychecks, but Volmert failed to pay all employment taxes that were due, and instead, used those funds to pay her mortgage, pay for her vehicles, and to fund her other living expenses. She also failed to pay all premiums for employee health insurance plans (which led to their cancellation) and failed to fund employee retirement plans.
GVA began to accrue unpaid employment tax liability in 2009, according to court documents. In January 2011, the total balance on the employment tax was over $800,000, including interest. Taxes for June 2008 through December 2009 had not been paid, and all of the periods in 2009 had balances due.
In 2011, Volmert and Kathy Moore (co-owner of GVA) were assessed trust fund recovery penalties, and in September 2011 entered into an installment agreement with the IRS that required GVA to pay $19,000 per month toward the balance due on employment taxes. In November 2011, GVA accrued additional tax liabilities and defaulted on the installment agreement.
On April 13, 2012, a tax levy was filed against Volmert's wages with MoreSource, Inc. (the company that processed GVA’s payroll) in an effort to collect employment taxes. Volmert then caused her wages to be dramatically lowered in an apparent attempt to avoid the levy and lower her tax liability. Volmert's income dropped in October 2012, from $14,000 per month to $1,400 per month. To make up the shortfall in income, she fraudulently submitted $6,300 in reimbursable expenses every two weeks, even though she did not incur such expenses. This action continued through 2014; however, GVA never adjusted Volmert's payroll check amounts.
Volmert admitted that she engaged in tax evasion by shifting her income to reimbursable expenses, which caused her income to be falsely reported on her W-2's for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
In 2006, GVA established an employee benefit plan known as GO Partners 401(K) plan, and Volmert served as the trustee and administrator of the plan (later renamed GVA and Associates LLC Profit Sharing Plan and Trust). As the plan’s fiduciary, Volmert was required to file an annual financial report (Form 5500) with the U.S. Department of Labor. Volmert failed to file the report since the plan's inception, even though she was notified of her duty to file the report.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Stephan Marshall (35, Jacksonville) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Marshall to forfeit the ammunition and firearms involved in the offense. Marshall had pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 10, 2022, Marshall was arrested during a traffic stop in Jacksonville. Officers recovered two firearms and narcotics from the vehicle. Marshall’s three-month-old infant was in the back seat of the vehicle. Marshall had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 20 was:
Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Olson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Olson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-134.
Appearing on Dec. 16 was:
Travis Ridenour, aka Travis Lamere, 34, of Billings, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ridenour faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years of supervised release. Ridenour was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-111.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Dec. 19 was:
Brian George Funk, 53, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Funk faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Funk was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-121.
Ian Ray Stewart, 24, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stewart faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.
Appearing on Dec. 15 was:
Danyell Rose Black Dog, 22, of Poplar, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth resulting in death. If convicted of the most serious crime, Black Dog faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Black Dog was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-98.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and “Sextortion” of a 12-Year-Old Girl via Snapchat and OmegleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kyle Peterson, 25, of Rockford, Illinois, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a twelve-year-old girl.
According to court documents, between March of 2020 and March of 2021, Kyle Peterson persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Beginning on March 20, 2020, Peterson used the social media platforms Omegle and Snapchat to contact minors, including Victim 1. Victim 1 was twelve years old at the time of contact with Peterson. Knowing the victim was a child, Peterson began to groom her by sending her sexually explicit images and videos online. The material Peterson distributed to Victim 1 included an image depicting sadomasochistic behavior and images and videos depicting sexual abuse of animals.
Peterson engaged in sexually explicit video chats with the child and instructed her to send him sexually explicit videos of herself. When Victim 1 stopped complying with Peterson’s continuous demands, he began threatening to disseminate her sexually explicit images and videos to her family and friends and post them on the Internet.
This criminal behavior is commonly referred to as “sextortion.” After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content, or they threaten violence, to get the victim to produce more images. The shame, fear, and confusion children feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse. Caregivers and young people should understand how the crime occurs and openly discuss online safety. More information about the efforts of the Justice Department and FBI to protect children from sextortion can be found on the FBI’s website.
“The defendant not only exposed a child to some of the most disturbing and heinous sexually explicit online imagery, but also took advantage of a preteen girl’s vulnerability to threaten and coerce her into complying with his demands,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We commend the Avon Police Department and the FBI for rescuing this victim and potentially others from the defendant’s ongoing sexual exploitation. The sentence imposed today should be a warning to anyone who might engage in these crimes that they will be identified, prosecuted, and sentenced to significant terms in federal prison.”
“The Avon Police Department takes great pride in protecting children from online predators who exploit children in the most unimaginable ways. The efforts of our Detectives were key in holding Mr. Peterson responsible for his conduct. We hope the victim is able move forward after this conviction,” said Deputy Chief Brian Nugent, Avon Police Department. “The Avon community is thankful for the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about online safety, body safety, and identifying a few adults that they feel comfortable reporting any instances of abuse to.”
Avon Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. Chief District Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Peterson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison and pay $16,000 in restitution to the child victims. Peterson must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston who prosecuted the case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting 10 AliensRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Cesar Batres-Recinos, age 26, pled guilty on Tuesday to unlawfully transporting 10 Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Batres-Recinos admitted that on October 2, 2022, he drove his SUV from Illinois to Constable, New York, to pick up 10 Mexican citizens who had recently illegally crossed the international border from Canada into the United States. Batres-Recinos also admitted that he planned to drive the 10 people to various locations in the United States, including Chicago, Illinois. Batres-Recinos further admitted that he was to be paid $2,500 for his efforts in transporting the Mexican citizens.
Batres-Recinos faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on April 19, 2023. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
Ian Freeman Convicted on All Counts Relating to Bitcoin Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young, announced that a federal jury convicted Ian Freeman, 42, of Keene, on all counts of money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business, and tax evasion (four counts).
According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the ten-day trial, Freeman laundered over ten million dollars in proceeds of romance scams and other internet frauds by exchanging U.S. dollars for bitcoin. By failing to register his business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as required by law, disabling “know your customer” features on his bitcoin kiosks, and ensuring that bitcoin customers did not tell him what they did with their bitcoin, among other things, Freeman created a business that catered to fraudsters. By charging exorbitant fees, Freeman made in excess of a million dollars.
Records and exhibits proved that as part of the conspiracy, Freeman and his co-conspirators opened and operated accounts at financial institutions in the names of various churches including the Shire Free Church, the Church of the Invisible Hand, the Crypto Church of New Hampshire and the NH Peace Church. Freeman instructed bitcoin customers, who were often victims of scams, to lie to the financial institutions and describe their deposits as church donations. From 2016 to 2019, he paid no taxes, and concealed his income from the Internal Revenue Service.
Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2023.
“The culture of scamming through the internet has become a pervasive societal problem. These scammers get away with their crimes, which often victimize some of our most vulnerable citizens, by hiding their tracks, including the money trail,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Money launderers such as Ian Freeman are the ones who help hide the money for these scammers. Today’s swift verdict sends a strong message that this type of money laundering will not be tolerated. Stopping scammers by disrupting their methods for hiding their tracks is an important federal objective. This prosecution is an important step in meeting that objective.”
“Today’s verdict proves Ian Freeman operated a large-scale multi-million-dollar virtual currency business under the guise of a religious organization receiving charitable contributions that broke numerous laws to evade detection. As a member of this criminal conspiracy, Mr. Freeman took advantage of the emotions and bank accounts of unwitting victims to line his own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI will continue its longstanding tradition of following the money, whether physical, or digital, to expose criminal schemes like this one, and the fraudsters behind them. We thank the jury for its service and its decision to hold Mr. Freeman accountable.”
"Today, Ian Freeman became another example of an individual who attempted to conceal the true source of his money and was caught,” said Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS- Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities and the IRS will continue to take every step necessary to ferret out those who attempt to avoid their reporting obligations under the law.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and the Department of Justice, Tax Division, provided substantial assistance in the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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Honduran Man Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Carlos Delcid-Diaz, age 33, of Honduras, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on a charge of Illegal Reentry.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Delcid-Diaz was removed from the United States on or about November 3, 2008, through San Antonio, Texas, and it is alleged that he reentered the United States without first obtaining legal permission to do so. The indictment also alleges that on September 28, 2022, Delcid-Diaz was encountered in York County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Hazleton Woman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Mariluz Arias De Gonzalez (“Arias”), age 49, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on two occasions on February 10, 2020, Arias distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Hazleton area. Arias, a Dominican national, obtained the methamphetamine from a known Hazleton-based drug trafficker, who had previously fled to the Dominican Republic to avoid prosecution.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE MIGUEL VEGA-RIVERA, 50, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Vega-Rivera as being involved in drug trafficking activity after he provided more than $72,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds to an undercover law enforcement officer. On April 27, 2021, DEA Task Force investigators stopped a minivan Vega-Rivera was traveling in after he sold cocaine to an occupant of another vehicle. Investigators found distribution quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the minivan, and a related search of a New Britain apartment connected to Vega-Rivera revealed more than a kilogram of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and approximately $52,000 in cash.
Vega-Rivera has been detained since April 27, 2021. On November 29, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Greensboro Man Sentenced to 260 Months in Federal Prison on Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - A Greensboro resident was sentenced on December 21, 2022, in federal court in Greensboro for drug conspiracy, knowingly possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, maintaining drug-involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina.
MITCHELL DANYELL BANKS, age 43, was convicted at trial on June 16, 2022, of all fourteen counts of the indictment against him. The offenses occurred in Greensboro, North Carolina.
United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., sentenced BANKS a total of 260 months in federal prison. In addition to the prison time, BANKS was ordered to serve concurrent six-, five-and three-year terms of supervised release and to pay a special assessment of $1,400.00.
The case was investigated by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney and Assistant United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett.
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Franklin County Woman Charged with Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Harley Davis, 28, of Enosburg, Vermont, was charged with making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the purchase of three firearms in May 2022. Davis appeared in court yesterday before the Hon. Kevin J. Doyle, U.S. Magistrate Judge, and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
As set forth in the affidavit in support of the complaint, Davis allegedly purchased the firearms for individuals who had come to Vermont for the purpose of selling controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino was appointed to represent Ms. Davis.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
Four Local 98 Employees Plead Guilty to Illegal Use of Union AssetsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Michael Neill, 56, Marita Crawford, 53, Niko Rodriguez, 31, and Brian Fiocca, 31, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and all employees of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“Local 98”), entered pleas of guilty this week before United States District Court Judge Jeffrey Schmehl to federal charges arising from their personal use of the assets of Local 98 in ways that did not benefit the membership of Local 98 as a whole, including embezzlement of labor union assets, wire fraud, and theft from a union employee benefit plan.
All four were charged with former Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty, who is set to stand trial with codefendant Brian Burrows, President of Local 98, on similar charges, in January 2023.
Michael Neill served as the Training Director of Local 98’s Apprentice Training Fund. He pleaded guilty to four counts of embezzlement of labor union assets, one count of theft from a union employee benefit plan, and one count of making and subscribing to a false federal income tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2023.
Marita Crawford served as Local 98’s Political Director. She pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, the object of which was to obtain money and property from Local 98 by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.
Niko Rodriguez was employed by Local 98’s Apprentice Training Fund and by Local 98. He pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement of labor union assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.
Brian Fiocca was employed by Local 98 as an office employee. He pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement of labor union assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2023.
The Indictment returned in January 2019 alleges that from April 2010 through August 2016, defendants John Dougherty, Brian Burrows, Michael Neill, Marita Crawford, Niko Rodriguez, Brian Fiocca and others conspired and agreed to embezzle, steal, and convert to their use and the use of others, the funds, property, and other assets of Local 98 and of the Apprentice Training Fund, in violation of the IBEW constitution, the by-laws of Local 98, the interests of the members of Local 98, and federal law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor Management Standards, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Costello, Chief of the Corruption & Civil Rights Unit; Bea Witzleben, Co-Chief of Trials; Jason Grenell; Anthony Carissimi; and Richard Barrett, Chief of the Office’s Criminal Division.
Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Who Used Gun to Assault a Child Convicted of Civil Rights OffensesRead the Press Release
Following a week-long trial, former Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) Officer Jose Cartagena, 47, was convicted Tuesday for assaulting a juvenile victim and then attempting to cover up the abuse by falsifying an official police report and making misleading statements to a local official.
Evidence presented at trial established that, on Nov. 15, 2014, Cartagena, together with co-defendants Carlos Nieves, Jimmy Davis and Shylene Lopez, all former POPR officers, pursued C.C., the juvenile victim, in a police vehicle while C.C. fled from the defendants on his bicycle. During the pursuit, Nieves shot C.C. in the back. When the defendants caught up to C.C., C.C. complied with police commands to place his hands behind his back while lying face down on the ground. Cartagena then held the victim’s hands together and struck the victim in the back of the head with a gun. The defendants then handcuffed C.C. and placed him in the backseat of the police car. On the way to the police station, Cartagena struck the handcuffed juvenile victim in the face multiple times. The defendants’ abuse required C.C. to seek treatment at a local hospital.
Cartagena was charged with two counts of depriving C.C. of his constitutional rights under color of law for the assaults, and two counts of obstruction of justice, one for falsifying a police report by falsely stating that C.C. received his injuries when he fell of his bicycle, rather than from the defendants’ abuse, and one for making misleading statements to a local prosecutor about the incident. The jury found Cartagena guilty of all charges. Prior to trial, Nieves, Davis and Lopez pleaded guilty to violating C.C.’s constitutional rights during the incident.
“All children in our country have the right to be free from excessive and unlawful use of force at the hands of law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant was convicted for using a gun and his fists to violently assault a handcuffed boy in his custody, and then lying to officials about it. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s civil rights laws and hold accountable officers who break the law and undermine public trust.”
“The prosecution of cases like this one is important to our office, the citizens of Puerto Rico, and the law enforcement community at large. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties with honor and professionalism, those who violate the civil rights of others will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “Officer Cartagena abused the public’s trust when he violated the civil rights of a minor and his prosecution underscores that no one is above the law, including law enforcement officers who abuse their authority.”
"The FBI mission is to protect the people and uphold the Constitution and our civil rights program is at the very core of that mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “Although the vast majority of law enforcement officers are good, honest public servants, it only takes one civil rights violation to shatter public trust in the badge. This is why these cases are of utmost importance to the FBI and this conviction is proof of our commitment to investigate these cases aggressively to bring justice to the victims.”
At sentencing, Cartagena faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be set by the court on a future date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Muldrow and Special Agent in Charge González made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Contreras for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatcher Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Distributing Photos and A Video of Himself Sexually Abusing Two Young ChildrenRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Scott Matthew Yotka (48, Jacksonville) to 60 years in federal prison for producing and distributing photos and a video depicting himself as he sexually abused two young children. Yotka was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Yotka was arrested on September 17, 2021, and has been detained since then. He had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.
According to court documents, on September 15, 2021, Yotka, using the name “Scottnjax44,” engaged in online private conversations using a particular social media application (app) with an undercover FBI task force officer (UC) in Washington, D.C. Yotka discussed his ongoing sexual exploitation of children in graphic detail and stated that he had access to two very young children whom he enjoyed molesting. Yotka commented that these children “squirm … and have that look like let’s just get this over with” whenever he sexually abused them. Yotka sent the undercover officer several photos and a video depicting two young children being sexually abused by Yotka. When the UC asked how he kept the children quiet about the molestation, Yotka replied that “they [are] young and don’t talk lol.” The FBI traced this online messaging to Yotka’s residence in Jacksonville and also determined that the same “Scottnjax44” user account was accessed from the City of Jacksonville offices located in the Ed Ball Building in downtown Jacksonville. Agents then coordinated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and confirmed that Yotka was at that time employed by JSO as a Police Emergency Communications Officer. Late in the evening on September 16, 2021, a federal search warrant was obtained for Yotka’s residence.
Early in the morning on September 17, 2021, the FBI, assisted by the JSO, executed the search warrant and made contact with Yotka at his residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Yotka confirmed that he was the administrator of a chat room on the social media app for individuals interested in “incest fetishes, little kid things, [and] animal things.” Yotka admitted sending explicit pictures of young children to another app user. He also admitted taking photos of these children as he molested them and used a particular foreign object to sexually abuse them. Yotka stated “I know what I did” and “I’m not proud of what I did.” An FBI forensic examiner was able to recover from Yotka’s cellphone the same photos and video depicting Yotka sexually abusing these two children that Yotka had sent to the UC on September 15, 2021.
“The exploitation of children requires swift and aggressive law enforcement action, which is exactly what occurred in this case,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Jacksonville. “Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and the FBI works diligently alongside our partners to locate individuals who seek to harm them. All predators, especially those in positions of community service, should know that we will stop at nothing to find and stop you, and seek justice for innocent victims.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C., and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran handled the forfeiture of assets.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Elementary School Employee Sentenced to Serve 45 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, GREG ALLEN HENKE, 43, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 540 months in federal prison for production of child pornography and possession of material containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
"Henke violated his position of trust as an educator of special needs children when he chose to sexually abuse and exploit these vulnerable children who could not defend themselves," said U.S. Attorney Troester. "Although no sentence can restore the innocence to these child victims, our community is safer with him behind bars. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that my office and the FBI stand ready to respond with thorough investigations, aggressive prosecutions, and determined advocacy in pursuing those who seek to abuse children, whether it occurs behind a keyboard or closed doors."
"Henke preyed on innocent children without regard for the grievous and long-lasting harm his depraved conduct would cause them," said Edward J. Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. "The FBI will never waver in its commitment to protecting our society's most vulnerable citizens. I'm extremely proud of the collaborative effort that ensured this defendant will never be able to harm children again."
On September 7, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment that charged Henke with attempted access with intent to view child pornography, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and two counts of production of child pornography. Specifically, the Superseding Indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2021, Henke used two minor students at a local elementary school to engage in sexually explicit conduct and used his cell phone to capture the sexually explicit conduct. On November 15, 2021, Henke pleaded guilty to one count of possession of material containing child pornography and one count of production of child pornography.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Henke to serve 540 months in federal prison for his conduct, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.He also ordered Henke to pay $87,000 in restitution to his victims. In imposing the sentence, Judge Heaton noted Henke’s history and characteristics, stating Henke had at least a twenty year history of sexually abusing children. Further, Judge Heaton highlighted the serious nature and circumstances of Henke’s offenses, noting Henke’s position of trust as an educator of special needs children and that Henke exploited those who are the most vulnerable in our society
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ 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.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Federal Jury Convicts Muskogee Resident of Committing Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Robbery Offenses with Use of A FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Patrick Wayne McHenry, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, Kidnapping, Carjacking, Robbery in Indian Country, and the Carry/Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, December 19, 2022 and concluded on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that beginning on or around September 11, 2021, and continuing until September 13, 2021, McHenry kidnapped and assaulted the victim, B.N., in Muskogee, then transported B.N. to Braggs, Oklahoma where he locked B.N. in a shed. The victim was bound with rope and tape but managed to escape and run to a neighboring house for help. When law enforcement arrived, they observed the victim had multiple injuries, was still partially bound with rope, and very emotional. The United States also presented evidence that on September 12, 2021, McHenry robbed and carjacked C.J. at a motel in Muskogee, while possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and Muskogee Police Department.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because one of the victims is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, McHenry used a cell phone and the internet to facilitate the kidnapping, and the crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. McHenry was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Cornell and Casey Richmond represented the United States.
Federal Grand Jury in Maryland Charges Virginia Man for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Lavar William Henderson, age 44, of Richmond, Virginia, for the federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment was returned on November 16, 2022. Henderson was arrested on related state charges on November 16, 2022, and had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt yesterday on the federal indictment. Henderson consented to detention pending trial.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Chief Christopher Stock of the U.S. Park Police, and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his indictment and court documents, on October 26, 2022, Henderson illegally possessed a 9mm pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. On that day, officers with the U.S. Park Police were alerted to be on the lookout for a black Jaguar being driven by a man wearing a red hat, who was pointing a firearm with a red laser at other motorists. A vehicle matching that description passed a crash scene and officers at the scene followed, then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Henderson was arrested.
As detailed in court documents, a 9mm pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, was located in the vehicle. Additional investigation revealed that the firearm was equipped with a red laser and was previously reported stolen from Henrico County, Virginia in 2014. Officers with the United States Park Police and the Maryland State Police conducted interviews with four victims who alleged that Henderson pointed his gun at them while driving that morning, before Henderson’s arrest on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Court documents further allege that Henderson yelled at the victims, and either beat on, or caused damage to, the victims’ vehicles.
If convicted, Henderson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the U.S. Park Police, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney LaShanta Harris and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Kibbe, 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment yesterday, charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2022, Dajuan Simonton, 29, possessed a handgun after having previously been convicted of the following felony offenses: receiving stolen firearms, complicity to possession of a controlled substance in first degree, complicity to receiving stolen property, and tampering with physical evidence.
Simonton is currently in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on unrelated charges. Once his state charges are resolved, he will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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FBI and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Financial Sextortion SchemesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.
Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides. A large percentage of these sextortion schemes originate outside of the United States, and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and our partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys—and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is here for victims, but we also need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does. Victims may feel like there is no way out—it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone.”
“The protection of children is a society’s most sacred duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “It calls on each of us to do everything we can to keep kids from harm, including ensuring the threats they face are brought into the light and confronted. Armed with the information in this alert message, parents, caregivers, and children themselves should feel empowered to detect fake identities, take steps to reject any attempt to obtain private material, and if targeted, have a plan to seek help from a trusted adult.”
Financial sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males, between 14 to 17 years old but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10 years old.
“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI Acting Executive Associate Director. “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.”
Through deception, predators convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends money or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.
“This is a growing crisis and we've seen sextortion completely devastate children and families,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “As the leading nonprofit focused on child protection, we've seen first-hand the rise in these cases worldwide. The best defense against this crime is to talk to your children about what to do if they're targeted online. We want everyone to know help is out there and they're not alone.”
What if you or your child is a victim?
If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact the FBI Portland Field Office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
- Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
- REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
- BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
- Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
- Visit missingkids.org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
- Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
- If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at [email protected] or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.
Evansville Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Ronald Chapman, 46, of Evansville, Indiana was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, in October 2018, law enforcement officers received information that Ronald Chapman was in possession of multiple firearms and was planning to sell one or more firearms to an individual. On October 4, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Chapman’s residence and recovered nine total firearms: an AK-style rifle along with three other long guns and five handguns.
During a recorded interview with investigators, Chapman admitted to keeping firearms inside of his residence, stating several times that he owned the home and had been attempting to sell the firearms. Chapman also advised that there would be marijuana and methamphetamine in the home and a rifle behind his bedroom door. Chapman acknowledged that he spent approximately 16 years in prison in Illinois for making methamphetamine, which prohibits him from ever legally owning a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Chapman had previously been convicted of four felonies in Illinois relating to the manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
“Far too many firearms are illegally trafficked into our communities, driving the gun violence that devastates far too many families,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat offenders like this defendant play a significant role in driving violent crime in our neighborhoods and must be stopped. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute criminals who illegally deal in deadly weapons.”
“This is a scenario we see all too often – not only is the defendant prohibited from possessing firearms due to his own prior conduct, but he is also selling guns to others who in all likelihood aren’t legally able to possess them either,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to block the flow of illegally possessed firearms that feed the cycle of violence.”
ATF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Chapman be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley 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
Defendants sentenced for roles in conspiracy to steal account information, money from bank customersRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Four Cincinnatians were sentenced in U.S. District Court for their roles in a conspiracy to steal bank customers’ information in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Lead defendant Keyonte Bronson, 27, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.
Juan Leonard, Diamond Brocks and Kelliele Berry were also sentenced in Cincinnati this week. Leonard was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Brocks and Berry were both sentenced to time served and a period of supervised release.
Co-defendants previously sentenced include:
- Marcus Knox – 30 months in prison
- Gregory Palmer – 30 months in prison, and
- Kinesha Cavitt – 12 months and one day in prison.
The defendants were all indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. They are seven of 11 individuals charged in this case.
According to court documents, five of the defendants were employed as customer service representatives at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, and in conspiracy with the other defendants, stole customer account information from 2018 until August 2020.
The bank employees were recruited into the scheme through social media. The employees were paid by other co-conspirators to identify bank customers with high cash balances, and to steal and provide the customer information to the other co-conspirators.
Other individuals known as “runners” were recruited to enter Fifth Third bank branches to withdraw money from the compromised accounts. These runners were often homeless or drug-addicted. They were given false ID cards with their picture and the name of the account theft victim.
Runners were sometimes taken to thrift stores and bought clothing to match the victims’ identities more appropriately. Co-conspirators drove the runners to and from the bank branches. After withdrawing $3,000 to $8,000, the runners would receive a small payment. Total losses to the bank exceeded $800,000.
Fifth Third had protective measures and a culture in place to help identify potential misuse of customer information and came forward to work together with law enforcement in this case.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. U.S. Attorney Parker commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service in coordination with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (DART) and Cincinnati Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Discharging A Firearm in Furtherance of A Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marques Howard (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Howard faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense, up to 20 years for the conspiracy offense, and up to 10 years for the possession of the firearm offense. The discharging of the firearm charge carries a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. Howard has also agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2022, Howard robbed an individual at their residence in the Tampa area. During the robbery, Howard, a convicted felon, discharged his firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Howard is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne 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.
Columbia County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry Todd Wilcox, age 55, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 8, 2022, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. The case was unsealed following Wilcox’s arrest.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Wilcox with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams and more of actual methamphetamine on July 26, 2022, in Columbia County. Wilcox is also charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on November 3, 2022, in Luzerne County.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is life imprisonment, a period of supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Cinco acusados adicionales acusados de conspiración de tráfico de armas de fuego que involucra más de 500 armas de fuego enviadas desde Georgia a California y vendidas en el mercado negro de CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Un gran jurado federal emitió una acusación formal de 12 cargos el jueves, agregando a Andre Warren Jr., de 24 años, de Sacramento; Jjuan Brown, 32, de San Francisco; Kenyatta Alexander, de 37 años, de Sacramento; Jarren Meek, 24, de Stockton; y Keino Brue, de 28 años, de Georgia, como acusados, y acusándolos de conspiración para traficar ilegalmente con armas de fuego sin licencia y traficar ilegalmente con armas de fuego sin licencia, anunció el fiscal federal Phillip A. Talbert. Alexander también está acusado de tres cargos de ser un delincuente en posesión de un arma de fuego.
Según documentos judiciales, el 24 de marzo de 2022, Jerrell Lawson, de 32 años, de Sacramento; Aisha Hoggatt, 30, de Sacramento; Terrence Phillips, 40, de Union City; James Gordley, 33, de Modesto; y Malek Williams, de 29 años, de Georgia, fueron acusados de un esquema de tráfico de armas de fuego en el que las armas de fuego se adquirieron en Georgia y se enviaron a California para venderlas en el mercado negro.
Entre noviembre de 2019 y octubre de 2021, Lawson y sus cómplices trajeron más de 500 armas de fuego de Georgia a California y enviaron más de $300,000 en transferencias de dinero para comprar esas armas de fuego. Lawson negociaba transacciones de armas de fuego en Georgia a través de Internet, y Williams, un residente de Georgia con licencia para portar un arma de fuego oculta, recogía las armas de fuego en persona y las enviaba por correo a varios lugares de California siguiendo las instrucciones de Lawson. Algunas de las armas de fuego fueron para personas que tienen prohibido poseer armas de fuego debido a condenas por delitos graves anteriores. Hoggatt trabajó con Lawson para coordinar la compra, el envío y la distribución de las armas de fuego. Phillips y Gordley también distribuyeron las armas de fuego en California.
Investigaciones adicionales han revelado que Warren Jr., Alexander, Brown y Meek son miembros de la organización de tráfico de armas de fuego de Lawson y subdistribuidores de armas de fuego. Bruce también realizó transacciones de armas de fuego mano a mano y recibió más de $23,000 en transferencias de dinero para comprar armas de fuego para la organización de tráfico de armas de Lawson. Warren Jr., Alexander, Brown y Meek hablaron sobre la adquisición y venta de armas de fuego y dispositivos de conversión de ametralladoras con Lawson. En una ocasión, Brown le indicó a Lawson que las personas en Oakland a las que Brown les estaba suministrando armas de fuego eran “aterradoras”. Lawson, Phillips, Gordley, Warren Jr. y Alexander tienen prohibido poseer armas de fuego porque cada uno tiene una o más condenas por delitos graves.
La investigación comenzó cuando un arma de fuego utilizada en un tiroteo en Sacramento fue rastreada hasta la última venta conocida por un distribuidor con licencia federal en Georgia. Una venta posterior del arma de fuego condujo a la organización de tráfico de armas de fuego de Lawson. Lawson y sus co-conspiradores usaron lenguaje codificado para traficar armas de fuego y movieron dinero usando una variedad de instituciones financieras. Durante la investigación, se encontraron paquetes interceptados destinados a Lawson y otros co-conspiradores que contenían armas de fuego, municiones, cuchillos y manoplas, entre otras cosas.
Este caso es producto de una investigación realizada por la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, el Servicio de Inspección Postal de EE. UU. y la Iniciativa de la Fuerza de Ataque contra el Tráfico de Armas de Fuego Interjurisdiccional de la Región de Sacramento/Área de la Bahía de San Francisco. El fiscal federal adjunto Alexis Klein está procesando el caso.
La Fuerza de Ataque contra el Tráfico de Armas de Fuego Interjurisdiccional de la Región de Sacramento/Área de la Bahía de San Francisco es una de las cinco fuerzas de ataque interjurisdiccionales lanzadas por el Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. en julio de 2021 para interrumpir el tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego en regiones clave de todo el país. Cada fuerza de choque está dirigida por abogados estadounidenses designados, que colaboran con la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF) y con socios policiales estatales y locales dentro de su propia jurisdicción, así como socios policiales en áreas donde se trafica ilegalmente. se originan las armas. Las fuerzas de ataque utilizan los últimos datos, pruebas e inteligencia de las escenas del crimen para identificar patrones, pistas y posibles sospechosos en delitos violentos con armas de fuego, y son una parte importante de la Estrategia Integral de Reducción de Delitos Violentos del Departamento.
Williams se declaró culpable de tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego sin licencia y está programado para ser sentenciado por el juez federal de distrito Dale A. Drozd el 31 de enero de 2023. Williams enfrenta una pena máxima legal de cinco años de prisión por tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego. Los cargos están pendientes contra los restantes acusados. Los cargos en su contra son solo alegatos; se presumen inocentes hasta ya menos que se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable.
Este esfuerzo es parte de una operación de las Fuerzas de Trabajo para el Control de Drogas contra el Crimen Organizado (OCDETF, por sus siglas en inglés). OCDETF identifica, interrumpe y desmantela las organizaciones criminales de más alto nivel que amenazan a los Estados Unidos utilizando un enfoque de múltiples agencias dirigido por fiscales e impulsado por inteligencia. Se puede encontrar información adicional sobre el Programa OCDETF en www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Este caso es parte del Proyecto Vecindarios Seguros (PSN), un programa que reúne a todos los niveles de las fuerzas del orden y las comunidades a las que sirven para reducir los delitos violentos y la violencia armada, y hacer que nuestros vecindarios sean más seguros para todos. El 26 de mayo de 2021, el Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. lanzó una estrategia de reducción de delitos violentos que fortalece a PSN con base en estos principios básicos: fomentar la confianza y la legitimidad en nuestras comunidades, apoyar a las organizaciones comunitarias que ayudan a prevenir que ocurra la violencia en primer lugar, establecer prioridades de aplicación enfocadas y estratégicas, y la medición de los resultados.
COVID-19 Strike Force Announces Indictment of Former Wenatchee Man, Who Is Now At-Large in the Bay AreaRead the Press Release
Wenatchee, Washington – Today, Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a federal grand jury has indicted James Carnell O’Daffer for COVID-19 fraud as part of the Eastern Washington Covid-19 Strike Force. The Strike Force’s work, which has included indictments against a number of individuals, has led to the recovery of millions of dollars in fraudulently obtained COVID relief funding.
The indictment announced today charges O’Daffer, 39, formerly of Wenatchee, WA, with two counts of wire fraud and one count of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. Though filed on October 18, 2022, the indictment was kept under seal while federal law enforcement attempted to locate O’Daffer, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. O’Daffer recently was contacted by federal authorities in San Francisco, CA, and he made an initial appearance in the Northern District of California, where O’Daffer was arraigned, and his indictment was unsealed. Presently, O’Daffer is at large, and federal authorities encourage anyone with information on the current whereabouts of James Carnell O’Daffer to immediately contact the United States Marshals Service at usmarshals.gov or by calling 1-877-WANTED-2.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided government-backed loans to small businesses which could be forgiven so long as the proceeds were used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
The indictment charges O’Daffer in connection with an EIDL loan for $117,400 that he obtained in 2021 for his purported home appraisal business. The indictment alleges that O’Daffer was not licensed as an appraiser at that time, that his business was no longer engaging in home appraisals, and that he spent the loan proceeds on non-business expenses including over $39,000 for the purchase of a personal RV. In the event that O’Daffer is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the fraud charges against him carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, and others.
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by SBA OIG and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter, and Assistant United States Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No. 2:22-CR-00147-MKD
Businessman Admits to Conspiring with First NBC Bank President to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANK J. ADOLPH (“ADOLPH”), age 63, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021 to conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.
According to court documents, from August 2008 through April 2017, ADOLPH, was a businessman and borrower at First NBC Bank, individually and through related entities, including Metro Rediscount Company, Motorcycle Acquisition and Investment Company, and Frank Adolph, LLC. In numerous loan documents over several years, ADOLPH made misrepresentations and material omissions in documents he submitted to First NBC Bank to obtain loans. Ashton J. Ryan (“Ryan”), President of First NBC Bank, and William J. Burnell (“Burnell”), the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer, were aware of these misrepresentations and material omissions. Rather than writing off ADOLPH’s loans or otherwise discouraging ADOLPH from lying in loan documents, Ryan and Burnell approved and facilitated ADOLPH’s loans knowing they contained these misrepresentations and material omissions. They also made misrepresentations and material omissions of their own regarding ADOLPH’s loans.
ADOLPH has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are thirty years in prison; a fine of up to $1,000,000, or the greater of twice the gain to ADOLPH or twice the loss to any victim; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Judge Eldon E. Fallon set ADOLPH’s sentencing on March 30, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, J. Ryan McLaren, and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Bloomington Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements to Purchase Firearm on Behalf of Serious Violent FelonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Ariel Campbell, 28, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, Campbell purchased an AR-style pistol with a high-capacity magazine from American Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Bloomington, Indiana. When she made the purchase, Campbell represented that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, she was purchasing it for convicted serious violent felon, Antione Sutton.
Video surveillance footage from American Arms shows Campbell entering the business with Sutton. Both individuals are seen on camera looking at various firearms and accessories on multiple occasions in February 2021. Sutton attempted to put money towards purchasing a rifle from American Arms and told the store employee that Campbell would pay the remaining balance and fill out the required ATF firearms purchase form. Campbell indicated on the form that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, which was a false statement.
A search of Campbell’s cellphone revealed text messages between her and Sutton, in which she asked what kind of ammunition she should buy and how much. While Campbell was physically in the American Arms store, Sutton sent her a screenshot of the specific gun he wanted from an online listing, to which Campbell replied with a photo of the same gun in-store. Campbell also texted, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.”
The pistol was recovered by law enforcement at Sutton’s residence on March 5, 2021. Campbell also attempted to purchase two more handguns on Sutton’s behalf on March 2, 2021, but those transactions were delayed, and she was not transferred the firearms.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
“Those who believe they can circumvent firearm laws by purchasing on behalf of convicted felons are just as culpable in driving gun violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These individuals may be able to legally purchase a firearm at the time, but they are still engaging in serious criminal activity that provides dangerous felons with the ability to arm themselves and traffic more guns. They are in no way less to blame for the murders and violence we see every day and we will work to hold them accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Chief Judge Pratt ordered that Campbell be supervised by the U.S. Probation office for 3 years following her release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted the case.
Augusta, GA Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a 13-year-old MinorRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Derek Jerome Nelson, 33, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to enticement of a minor for sexual activity, to be followed by a lifetime of supervision and registration as a sex offender.
According to evidence presented in Court, in June and July 2019, when Nelson was 30 years old, he enticed a 13-year-old minor girl into sexual conduct. Nelson met the victim through an online social media application, communicated with her by text message, and then moved the communications to an end-to-end encrypted chat, also through an internet-based cell phone application. Through that application, Nelson engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor and he arranged to travel from Augusta, GA, to the Columbia, SC, area to exploit the minor.
On July 7, 2019 around 3:00 AM, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputy noticed a vehicle parked at a vacant business. When the deputy approached, he observed two occupants in the back seat before a man later identified as Nelson climbed into the driver’s seat. Nelson then ignored commands from police, fled from the scene, and took police on a 2-mile car chase at speeds as high as 90 miles per hour.
During the chase, the 13-year-old victim was thrown from the car. Evidence presented in Court indicated Nelson made her jump from the car against her will. As a result, the minor victim suffered severe injuries that required emergency treatment.
Nelson then admitted to deputies that he had engaged in sexual contact with the minor, and a review of Nelson’s phone and the minor victim’s phone revealed sexually explicit images, videos, and messages sent between them, including a video of Nelson abusing the minor. Evidence on Nelson’s phone also revealed that he knew the victim was 13-years-old before the night of his arrest.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Nelson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision, and Nelson will have to register as a sex offender after release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI with critical assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and T. DeWayne Pearson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Passage of the Justice for Victims of War Crimes ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department released the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland:
“During a meeting yesterday afternoon at the White House, President Zelenskyy gave us further reports of horrific atrocities resulting from Russia’s unjust and unprovoked war in Ukraine.
“The Justice Department and our partners stand with the people of Ukraine and will pursue every avenue of accountability to bring to justice those responsible, wherever they are located. The Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act will strengthen those efforts by enabling the Department to prosecute alleged war criminals who are found in the United States.
“In the United States of America, there must be no hiding place for war criminals and no safe haven for those who commit such atrocities. This bill will help the Justice Department fulfill that important mandate.”
Albany and Bronx Men Sentenced to 120 Months on Fentanyl and Cocaine ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Ramion Burt, age 46, of Albany, and Marion Frampton, age 43, of the Bronx, New York, were each sentenced today to 120 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli; and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Burt and Frampton admitted to driving from Albany to New York City to pick up fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in February 2021. On the drive back to Albany, they were stopped by the New York State Police heading northbound on Interstate 87 in Catskill, New York, and 31 grams of fentanyl were discovered in a plastic bag in Frampton’s boot. In searching the vehicle, the New York State Police discovered an additional 53 grams of fentanyl and 496 grams of cocaine in the glove compartment. Burt and Frampton admitted to possessing the fentanyl and cocaine, and intending to distribute it.
In 2002, Burt and Frampton were respectively convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Burt and Frampton were also each sentenced to an 8-year term of post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck
21 December 2022
Worcester Couple Arrested for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester husband and wife have been arrested in connection on sex trafficking charges.
Kiersten Soto, 29, and Moises Soto, 30, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. The defendants were arrested on Dec. 16, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, were detained.
According to the indictment, from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic a victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Additionally, Kiersten Soto was charged with traveling and using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, in violation of the Travel Act.The charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlboro and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Leah B. Foley of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Hartford Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced DWAYNE THOMPSON, 37, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heroin trafficking offenses.
According to the evidence presented during a bench trial in Hartford, in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that Thompson’s associate, Jose Carrasquillo, was interested in acquiring heroin to distribute. Carrasquillo, working with Thompson, subsequently agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin, for $42,000 per kilogram, from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier. On August 22, 2017, Thompson and Carrasquillo, arriving in separate vehicles, met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction. Thompson was arrested after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash. Carrasquillo, who fled from the scene at a high rate of speed, surrendered to law enforcement two days later.
On June 16, 2022, Judge Thompson found Thompson guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Thompson has been detained since that date.
On March 1, 2022, Carrasquillo, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He awaits sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff.
Weissert, Nebraska Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zachary Peterson, 36, of Weissert, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Peterson to 100 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Peterson will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Peterson was also ordered to pay $25,000 in fines.
On February 6, 2020, Peterson received via his Yahoo email account four links to MEGA files. One of the links contained approximately 78 videos of child pornography. On the same day, Peterson used the Yahoo email account to send images of child pornography. On February 19, 2020, a law enforcement agent met with Peterson and obtained his cell phone. There were at least 25 images of child pornography on the phone.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.