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Monday 7 November 2022
Choctaw Man Sentenced to Serve 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, a federal judge sentenced MATTHEW RAY HUTCHERSON, 32, of Choctaw, to serve 96 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On May 18, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment against Hutcherson, charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Public records reflect that the charge arose after Hutcherson’s ex-girlfriend reported that he pointed a firearm to her head, which led authorities to search his residence for firearms, which they found. On September 8, 2021, Hutcherson pleaded guilty to the Indictment.
At today’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Hutcherson to serve 96 months in federal prison. Judge Russell cited, among other things, Hutcherson's criminal history and danger he posed to the community. Public records reflect Hutcherson had convictions for child endangerment and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute at Oklahoma County case CF-2016-313; child abuse by injury at Cleveland County case CF-2015-2076; and driving under the influence at Cleveland County case CF-2018-1323. Hutcherson also has a long history of domestic abuse, and has previously been subject to six different protective orders filed in Oklahoma County, including by his grandmother, mother, and ex-girlfriends. Judge Russell also sentenced Hutcherson to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from federal prison.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Stan West and Chelsie Pratt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhood, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about "Operation 922", visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/project-safe-neighborhood-psn.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threatening CallsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man pleaded guilty today to making threatening communications to the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) in May 2021.
Sammy Sultan, 49, of Hayward, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of making threats in interstate commerce before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 3, 2023. Sultan was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 31, 2022 and subsequently charged by an Information on Oct. 21, 2022.
On or about May 28, 2021, Sultan made eight phone calls to TUPD, six of which included specific threats. During the calls, which collectively lasted about an hour, Sultan claimed to be hiding beneath a bed in a dorm room with a taser and pistol somewhere on campus. Sultan stated that he intended to use the taser if a woman returned to the dorm room and discovered him hiding. During the calls, Sultan played the sounds of a taser activating and a pistol racking – a pistol’s chamber being emptied and reloaded.
TUPD and local police carried out a room-by-room search of numerous buildings on Tufts University’s Medford campus but failed to locate the caller. A subsequent investigation of electronic evidence determined that Sultan had made the calls from California. A law enforcement officer familiar with Sultan’s voice from a prior investigation recognized Sultan’s voice on the TUPD call recordings.
Sultan previously pleaded guilty in December 2017 in the Northern District of California to making hundreds of obscene and harassing phone calls to law enforcement agencies, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison.
The charge of making threatening communications in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, 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 Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Tufts University Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Illinois State Police; and the Medford, Somerville, North Andover, Malden and Peabody Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner of Rollins’ National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
California Man Extradited from Australia to Face Charges for Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Gustavo Guzman, 59, previously of Fullerton, Calif., made his initial appearance in federal court in Charlotte today following his extradition from Australia, to face wire fraud, securities fraud and transactional money laundering charges related to an alleged $2 million investment fraud scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Michael C. Scherck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall join U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from April 2010 to August 2015, Guzman, through various entities he controlled, including G2 Asset Management and East Egg Private Equity, executed a scheme to defraud approximately 10 investors of at least $2 million, by falsely representing that he would use the investors’ money to trade in options and other similar investments. Instead of investing the funds as promised, Guzman allegedly stole a substantial portion of the investors’ money and used it to fund his personal lifestyle, including to make large credit card payments and cash withdrawals, and to pay for personal expenditures. As alleged in the indictment, Guzman suffered massive trading losses with the money that he did invest and used some of the victim’s money to make Ponzi-style payments to investors. To conceal the trading losses and the fraudulent scheme, and to prevent his victims from redeeming their investments and complaining to authorities, the indictment alleges that Guzman lied to his victims about the status of their investments, and provided them with fake documents, including sham IRS forms and fraudulent account statements.
Guzman is currently in federal custody. The wire fraud charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The securities fraud charge carries a statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine, and the transactional money laundering charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI in Charlotte and the Securities Division of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission conducted a parallel investigation that resulted in the entry of a default judgment against Guzman in Civil Action No. 3:17-cv-00276 (WDNC). The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant assistance provided by the United States Marshals Service, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Government of Australia, including the Attorney General’s Department of Australia and the Australian Federal Police, in securing the extradition of Guzman and obtaining evidence from Australian authorities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
California Kingpin Found Guilty of Directing Drug Enterprise that Brought Bulk Quantities of Methamphetamine into Oklahoma and MissouriRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a California drug kingpin Monday of directing a continuing criminal enterprise by organizing and directing at least three separate methamphetamine conspiracies in Oklahoma and Missouri, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Luis Alfredo Jacobo, 31, of Bakersfield, California, was found guilty of continuing criminal enterprise; three counts of drug conspiracy and 21 counts of unlawful use of a communication facility. Kelly Wayne Bryan, 55, who went to trial with Jacobo and was alleged to be involved in one of the methamphetamine conspiracies, was found not guilty of drug conspiracy.
“Luis Jacobo sent more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine into the Northern District of Oklahoma and Missouri for distribution and claimed to have netted $30 million as a part of his continuing criminal enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As a result of their dogged investigative work, federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners shut down this illicit enterprise, and Jacobo and numerous cohorts have been brought to justice.”
“This conviction is a message to drug traffickers who feed those struggling with addiction and line the pockets of criminal organizations,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division, who oversees operations in Oklahoma. “Your days spent peddling drugs and spending dirty money will lead to nights spent in jail staring at the ceiling while you are held responsible for your actions. DEA Tulsa is committed to keeping methamphetamine off our Oklahoma streets.”
Using his Mexican sources of supply and Bakersfield as a base of operations, Jacobo managed, supervised, and organized more than a dozen individuals in California, Northeast Oklahoma, and Southwest Missouri in an enterprise that spanned over five years and involved at least three drug conspiracies operating in and around the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Through countless communications between the conspirators, Jacobo set prices, determined methods of delivery and payment, and approved any suggestions made about the groups’ operations.
According to the indictment, from May 2016 to September 2021, Jacobo received bulk shipments of methamphetamine to his home base in Bakersfield. From there, Jacobo directed that the methamphetamine be sent via U.S. mail or driven in vehicles to the groups in Oklahoma and Missouri, sometimes in quantities of up to 200 pounds at a time. Coconspirators would drive large amounts of cash back to California, send money through money remitters, or mail cash payments back to Jacobo and to others at Jacobo’s direction. The coconspirators sometimes mailed as much as $100,000 cash at a time from Oklahoma to California.
The three conspiracies were run by Jacobo’s regional managers in northeastern Oklahoma. The managers employed, with Jacobo’s knowledge, distributors and subdistributors to help sell Jacobo’s drugs. Jacobo even met and gave direction to many of the distributors and subdistributors.
From May 2016 to December 2018, one drug conspiracy operated in Bakersfield and later in and around Grove, Oklahoma. A second drug conspiracy also worked out of Grove from September 2018 to August 2019. Finally, a third drug conspiracy operated from September 2018 to March 2021 in and around Grove and southwestern Missouri.
During trial, federal prosecutors presented evidence that included numerous communications and countless money exchanges related to the conspiracies as well as evidence collected when law enforcement executed search warrants.
For example, on Oct. 12, 2020, agents and officers with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and Grove Police Department opened a storage unit in Grove and discovered 231 pounds of methamphetamine and more than $465,000 in U.S. currency. The storage unit was rented for defendant Johnson to store methamphetamine for redistribution. That same weekend in 2020, law enforcement also executed search warrants on houses in Grove where codefendants stored drugs and drug proceeds.
Three days after the 231 pounds of methamphetamine was located, officers arrested codefendant Tony Garcia driving in Oklahoma City with 30 pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded 9 mm handgun. Text messages in Garcia’s phone show that he received instructions from Jacobo just prior to the trip about where and when to distribute the methamphetamine to Johnson and others in Oklahoma.
In its closing argument, the government highlighted the sheer number of Jacobo’s coconspirators who testified against Jacobo and repeated many of the same details about how Jacobo’s extensive drug business operated, including that Jacobo directed members of his organization to send cars packed full of methamphetamine to Northeast Oklahoma and cars packed full of money back to him in Bakersfield.
Jacobo’s conviction resulted from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation “Pullin Chains,” led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, City of Miami Police Department, Grove Police Department, Quapaw Tribal Marshals Service, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma District 13 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Duncombe, Nathan E. Michel, and Melody N. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Calera Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Lance Keith Maytubby, Sr., age 54, of Calera, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, and concluded on Friday, October 28, 2022, with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant sexually assaulted two victims who were each under 12 years of age at the time of the crimes.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Calera Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Scott L. Palk, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting in Oklahoma City, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Maytubby was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony C. Marek and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Burley Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Manuel Curiel Jr., 37, of Burley, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Curiel was initially arrested on January 21, 2020, after detectives with the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at his residence. Detectives observed three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine and two firearms in the camping trailer where Curiel lived. Text messages showing that Curiel was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine were later located on Curiel’s cell phone.
On June 15, 2022, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello convicted Curiel of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Curiel was sentenced to ten years and one month in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Judge Nye also ordered Curiel to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police, which led to the charges.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 200 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 146 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 9,123 months (approximately 760.25 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 55.3 months (4.60 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 60.71 months (5.05 years) in federal prison.
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Boston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2022 on day four of his jury trial in connection with drug trafficking activities involving cocaine.
Julio Ortiz, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Earlier in the hearing, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Ortiz was charged by complaint in August 2019 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2019.
An individual in Puerto Rico attempted to ship a box containing approximately 29 kilograms of cocaine to an automotive repair garage in Lawrence. After a routine inspection of the box, employees of the shipping company found packages appearing to be narcotics wrapped in plastic and notified law enforcement. A search of the package revealed a total of 29 kilograms of cocaine. Following a controlled delivery of the package to the recipient address in Lawrence, Ortiz and his co-defendant, Edgar Castro, were observed unpacking the box and moving containers of cocaine into another vehicle. Ortiz and Castro were arrested on site.
Ortiz’s co-defendant, Edgar Castro, pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2022 prior to jury empanelment and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2023.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Massachusetts State Police and the Woburn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Lindsey E. Weinstein of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Atlanta man convicted of laundering over $12 million in stolen identity tax refund fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A federal jury has found Thomas Addaquay guilty of 29 counts of fraud-related offenses in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering.
“Addaquay and his co-defendants used the personal information of taxpayers to enrich themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Many of Addaquay’s victims testified in court that they were unaware that their identities had been stolen until they filed tax returns. Theft of tax dollars affects everyone, and this office will bring to justice anyone who seeks to disrupt and take advantage of our tax system at the expense of innocent taxpayers.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: From at least 2011 to at least 2016, Thomas Addaquay fraudulently obtained the names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of taxpayers to prepare and file false federal income tax returns. The filing of these fraudulent tax returns resulted in the issuance of thousands of tax refund checks.
Addaquay, to cash these tax refund checks issued in the names of the victims whose identities he stole, represented to a third-party payment processor that he had received the tax refund checks from customers who used the services of his check cashing business, United Consolidated Accounting and Business Services, Inc. Relying on Addaquay’s misrepresentations, the third-party payment processor processed the tax refund checks and wired more than $12 million into business bank accounts controlled by Addaquay.
Sentencing for Thomas Addaquay, 48, of Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled for January 31, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May. Addaquay’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty and will also be sentenced by Judge May:
- Sacoya Lyons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sentencing is set for January 5, 2023; and
- Nana Addaquay, Thomas Addaquay’s brother, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy. Sentencing is set for January 17, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sekret T. Sneed and Angela Adams are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Brown was the initial prosecutor on the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Friday 4 November 2022
Wyoming County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Ronald Longhini, 60, of Warsaw, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on April 28, 2021, during the execution of a search warrant at Longhini’s residence, investigators recovered two laptop computers, which were found to contain images and videos of child pornography. In total, Longhini possessed over 458 images and 1094 videos of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury; the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2023, before Judge Arcara.
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Wood County man sentenced for violation against a minorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Lockhart, of Davisville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for trying to meet a minor for sex, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Lockhart, 58, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.” Lockhart admitted to using his phone to entice a minor in Harrison County to engage in sexual activity in April 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
West Haven, Vermont Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Michael Brillon, 59, of West Haven, Vermont was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Brillon to serve a 2-year term of supervised release after his incarceration.
According to court records, a collaborative stolen property investigation of the Winhall, Wilmington, Fair Haven, and Bennington Police Departments and the Vermont State Police resulted in the execution of a search warrant at Brillon’s property in West Haven on January 6, 2022. During the investigation, local law enforcement had learned that Brillon was alleged to possess firearms and had been making threatening statements. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the search, which resulted in the seizure of a SAR Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two rifles, and a large quantity of marijuana consistent with an intent to distribute. Brillon has a long criminal history including felony convictions for sexual assault on a minor and aggravated domestic assault. Those convictions prohibit Brillon from possessing firearms under federal law.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Winhall, Wilmington, Fair Haven, and Bennington Police Departments and the Vermont State Police, and the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Brillon was represented by Richard Bothfeld, Esq.
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
Waterbury Woman Who Created False COVID-19 Vaccine Records is SentencedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that ZAYA POWELL, 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to three years of probation for creating false COVID-19 vaccine records for several individuals. Judge Meyer also ordered Powell to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 200 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Powell worked as a Data Entry Specialist for Griffin Health Services Corporation (“Griffin Health”) and, in that role, she traveled to various COVID-19 vaccination sites in Connecticut operated by Griffin Health. Although Powell did not administer the vaccines, she had access to the Griffin Health electronic health record system and to stacks of blank COVID-19 vaccination cards. She also had access to the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), a database developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that tracked COVID-19 vaccine administration.
Between August and October 2021, Powell created fraudulent vaccination records in VAMS for 14 different individuals. The records indicated that each of the 14 individuals had received a single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination at a Griffin Health location when, in fact, none had received any COVID-19 vaccination from Griffin Health or any other health care provider. In order to create the fraudulent vaccination record, Powell entered each individual’s name and date of birth into VAMS. She also created fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards for each of the 14, and distributed the fraudulent cards to the individuals or to their family members or co-workers. The fraudulent cards included lot numbers of genuine vaccines that were administered to other Griffin Health patients.
The investigation revealed that four of the 14 individuals who received fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards created by Powell were state employees who worked at the Southbury Training School, a Connecticut Department of Developmental Services facility located in Southbury. The four Southbury Training School employees were “state employees” or “state hospital employees” within the scope of Executive Order 13G issued by Governor Lamont, and were therefore required to meet the vaccination requirements of the Executive Order by September 27, 2021. The four employees sought and used the fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards created by Powell and the false entries in VAMS created by Powell to falsely document that they had received a COVID-19 vaccination.
On August 12, 2022, Powell pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter.
The four Southbury Training School employees were charged in state court and their cases are pending.
This investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG).
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, and Griffin Health for their assistance in the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
Utica Resource Operating Agrees to Pay $1 Million Penalty and Mitigate Past Excess Air Pollution at Oil and Gas Production WellsRead the Press Release
United States today announced that Utica Resource Operating LLC (URO) has agreed to a settlement resolving alleged Clean Air Act violations at URO’s oil and gas production well facilities in Ohio. The settlement addresses URO’s failure to capture and control air emissions from storage vessels and to comply with associated inspection, recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
Under the terms of the settlement, URO will complete a $1.5 million suite of injunctive relief at 15 well pad facilities to come into compliance with the Clean Air Act and the facilities’ operating permits; implement mitigation measures at many of the wells owned by URO, and pay a penalty of $1 million. The injunctive relief includes a multi-step compliance program to review the current design of each storage vessel system and then make necessary design improvements to ensure that vapors will not be released to the environment during operations.
“This settlement not only requires URO to pay a significant civil penalty, it also requires pollution reductions to offset the effects of the company’s past violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “These mitigation measures will reduce the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases into the environment.”
“Utica Resource Operating’s failure to control emissions from its facilities in Guernsey, Morgan and Washington Counties placed our fellow citizens in harm’s way,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “Today’s settlement, which includes a significant fine, will require URO to comply with the Clean Air Act, and further reinforce the Department of Justice’s commitment to take aggressive action to protect the citizens of this country. We will continue to hold entities who violate the nation’s environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, accountable for their actions. My office is committed to keeping our citizens safe.”
“The uncontrolled air emissions from these well facilities were creating poor air quality for residents of Ohio,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s agreement not only requires the company to resolve their outstanding pollution violations, but also take measures to control their methane and carbon dioxide emissions, which are significant contributors to climate change.”
The settlement also requires URO to invest approximately $1.5 million in equipment upgrades and retrofits. These mitigation measures will further reduce pollution at URO well pads to offset past excess emissions from URO’s violations. In total, the improvements will result in estimated annual reductions of 307 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC), 940 tons of methane and 4,429 tons of carbon dioxide. VOCs include a variety of chemicals that may cause adverse health effects, while methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.
The EPA found widespread problems with uncontrolled VOC emissions from oil and wastewater storage vessels during inspections of 11 URO well facilities in 2019. These emissions came from pressurized gases venting through imperfectly sealed access hatches on top of the storage vessels, pressure relief devices and combustors. After learning of other violations relating to inspections, recordkeeping and reporting, EPA issued a notice and finding of violation to URO on Aug. 14, 2020.
The settlement terms are included in a proposed consent decree that the Department of Justice filed today with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. It is available on the Justice Department website at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
United States Attorney Josh Hurwit Announces November 2022 Election Complaints ProgramRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that multiple Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) from around Idaho have been appointed to lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. These AUSAs will be responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” U.S. Attorney Hurwit stated. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. We will be prepared to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election. Our office can be reached at (208) 334-1211.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Salt Lake City FBI field office, which covers Idaho, can be reached by the public at (801) 579-1400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at (800 ) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee Announces $564,767 in Department of Justice Grant Funding to the Knoxville Police Department to Support the Protection of ChildrenRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee announced today $564,767 in Department of Justice grant funding to support the Knoxville Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC program) helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This help encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. The grant was awarded to the Knoxville Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse images available electronically, and heightened online activity by predators seeking unsupervised contact with potential underage victims. OJJDP created the ICAC Task Force Program under the authority of the fiscal year (FY) 1998 Justice Appropriations Act, Public Law 105–119. The Providing Resources, Officers, and Technology to Eradicate Cyber Threats to Our Children Act ("the PROTECT Act") of 2008, (P.L. 110-401, codified at 42 USC 17601, et seq.), authorized the ICAC program through FY 2013. On November 2, 2017, the Providing Resources, Officers, and Technology to Eradicate Cyber Threats to (PROTECT) Our Children Act of 2017 was signed into law, reauthorizing the ICAC Task Force Program through FY 2022.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and strengthen the criminal and juvenile justice systems. For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. Parents, educators and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, TNICAC.org.
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U.S. Attorney Romero Announces District Election Officer for Eastern District of Pennsylvania Ahead of 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eric Gibson will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Gibson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Romero said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Romero stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Gibson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (215) 861-8200.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 215-418-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
United States Attorney Romero said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.s. Attorney Announces New Initiative for Addressing Environmental Justice and Public Health ConcernsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner has announced a new initiative to address environmental justice and public health concerns in the Northern District of Mississippi. U.S. Attorney Joyner has designated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rob Coleman as the Environmental Justice Coordinator to coordinate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to address those concerns. Members of the public may visit the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at justice.gov/usao-ndms, call our office at 662.234.3351, or email AUSA Coleman at [email protected] for information regarding where to report environmental violations or public health issues.
U.S. Attorney Joyner stated: "Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws protects our precious natural resources and ensures a healthy environment for everyone to live, learn, play, and work. Your reporting of environmental and public health concerns supports environmental protection, environmental justice, and helps us protect the community from harmful violations of federal health and safety laws."
The Office’s reporting procedures are part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy, which seeks to advance environmental justice through timely and effective remedies for environmental violations and injuries to natural resources in “underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.” The Department of Justice enforces the Nation’s civil and criminal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. The Department also protects natural resources and handles cases relating to tribal rights and resources. Working with its Department of Justice partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to secure environmental justice for all communities, to ensure that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and to protect equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, play, and work.
The Office’s reporting procedures are in addition to other methods of reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. Additional points of contact for federal agencies may be found on the Office’s website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/environmental-justice-public-health.
Two Elko Residents Sentenced to Prison for Graffiti at Sacred White River Narrows Petroglyph SiteRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two Elko residents were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan for conspiring to paint graffiti at the sacred White River Narrows site in Lincoln County, Nevada. White River Narrows is known for its prehistoric petroglyphs dating over one hundred years old, and is a sacred site for the Paiute and Shoshone tribes.
According to court documents, from September 14, 2019, to October 8, 2019, Jonathan Pavon, a/k/a/ “Cluer,” 28, conspired with Daniel Plata, a/k/a “Velor,” 28, to spray paint “Cluer” and “Velor” in multiple locations at White River Narrows, including an approximately 20-foot-long graffiti image on a rock face containing petroglyphs.
Defendant standing in front of "Cluer" and "Velor" graffiti on rock face at White River Narrows site in Lincoln County, Nevada.Pavon pleaded guilty in June 2022 to misdemeanor conspiracy and a felony violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act. He was sentenced today to six months for the misdemeanor conviction, and a year and a day of imprisonment for the felony conviction. The sentences will be served concurrently. Plata pleaded guilty in July 2022 to a misdemeanor damage of archeological resources. He was sentenced today to four months of imprisonment followed by eight months of home confinement.
“No restitution or repair can undo the damage done by those who would vandalize such a sacred and historical site as White River Narrows, but this ruling demonstrates that such crimes will not be met with a slap on the wrist,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Our Office will continue to work to ensure that anyone who desecrates sacred tribal lands and artifacts are held accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
To report natural resources crimes on BLM-managed public lands, please call the BLM tip line at (833) 660-5771 or email [email protected].
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Two Area Men Plead Guilty to Felony Charges Stemming from Carjacking and Robbery OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Melvin Wiseman, 19, of Washington, D.C., and Demarco Harris, 20, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to felony charges stemming from carjacking and robbery offenses that took place earlier this year, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Both men pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Wiseman and Harris each pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, stemming from a carjacking and robbery in March 2022. In addition, Harris pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, stemming from a January 2022 armed carjacking and robbery. The Honorable Neal E. Kravitz scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 2, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 21, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Wiseman and Harris approached a vehicle parked in the 2400 block of 20th Street NW, in the Kalorama neighborhood. The vehicle’s owner was saying goodbye to a friend on the sidewalk, while her female friend waited in the car’s passenger seat. Wiseman approached the passenger and ordered her out of the car. When she began screaming for help, Harris climbed across the driver’s seat and put his hands around her neck in an attempt to silence her. Wiseman then pulled the passenger out of the car and threw her to the ground. The men attempted to flee in the vehicle but failed to do so because they could not disengage the parking brake. They then grabbed a purse belonging to the vehicle’s owner and fled on foot.
Concerned citizens witnessed the defendants fleeing and called the Metropolitan Police Department. While fleeing, Wiseman discarded his jacket, which contained a hall pass from a school where the defendants were classmates; the pass had been issued in his name earlier that day. Wiseman and Harris also discarded the victim’s purse, but kept her iPhone, which she had stored inside. Harris used the victim’s iPhone for his own benefit, sending the victim’s funds to a Cash App account registered in his own name and using her Lyft account to request a ride from the block on which he lived. The Metropolitan Police Department obtained surveillance footage from the offense location and other evidence.
The government’s evidence also established that, on Jan. 21, 2022, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Harris requested an Uber ride using an account that was registered to him. Harris and two unidentified associates got into the car’s back seat. Harris directed the driver to a poorly lit residential street in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington. Upon arriving at that location, Harris exited the vehicle, opened the driver’s door, pointed a handgun at the driver’s head, and ordered him out of the vehicle. The driver ran to safety after Harris physically pulled him from the vehicle. After Harris failed to take the vehicle, he and his associates fled on foot with the driver’s cell phone and car keys.
Wiseman was arrested on May 11, 2022, and Harris was arrested on May 18, 2022. They have remained in custody ever since.
In announcing the guilty pleas, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Crystal L. Waddy and Alesha Matthews Yette. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L.D. Ans and Paul V. Courtney, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.
Three Washington Men Sentenced to More than a Decade in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Spokane – Today, United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice has sentenced Hunter Bow O’Mealy, age 19, Caleb Ryan Carr, age 23, and Matthew Gudino-Pena, age 21, for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. The Defendants previously pleaded guilty pursuant to a Federal Rule of Procedure 11(c)(1)(C) Plea Agreement and faced sentencing ranges from 144 – 240 months in federal prison. Judge Rice sentenced O’Mealy and Carr to 240 months and Gudino-Pena to 196 months for their respective roles in the conspiracy. Judge Rice also ordered each of the defendants to serve an additional ten years on federal supervision after they are released from prison. In pronouncing sentence, Judge Rice emphasized the “egregious underlying conduct of this conspiracy.”
According to court documents and materials presented at the sentencing hearing, in spring and summer 2021, Defendants O’Mealy, Carr, and Gudino-Pena – a.k.a., the “Fetty Bros” – used snapchat and other social media to locate a source of supply originating in Mexico. Defendants then traveled to Arizona and beyond to be obtain deadly fentanyl pills in 10,000-pack quantities, and poured those and other drugs into the Spokane community and across the United States – including in Washington, Arizona, Alaska, Idaho and Florida. As they did so, O’Mealy, Carr, and Gudino-Pena engaged in a violent lifestyle without remorse or concern for the impact of their actions on their communities or on those who used their deadly drugs. When a customer overdosed, Carr suggested that no one cared and continued to sell the same deadly poison. When O’Mealy, Carr, and Gudino-Pena suspected someone was cooperating with law enforcement, they tried to kill him and nearly succeeded – opening fire and expelling more than forty rounds at their intended victim in Lakewood, Washington. When another co-defendant was arrested with their drugs, O’Mealy and Carr threatened to kill her.
The investigation began in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho after 15 year-old high school student overdosed on fentanyl and another person was killed during a failed fentanyl transaction. During the investigation into these deaths, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department and DEA Task Force NINE identified the snapchat moniker Pac.Man2021, which led to the “Fetty Bros” as the likely source of supply to those believed to be directly responsible for the overdose and shooting.
Throughout the conspiracy, the “Fetty Bros” engaged in additional offenses to build their organization and conceal their crimes. Carr and O’Mealy, for example, illegally transported immigrants across the southern border to fund their narcotics purchases from a transnational cartel. Carr and O’Mealy also involved a minor in transporting and shipping their fentanyl-laced drugs and utilized other “Fetty Bros,” including Gudino-Pena, to act as a security detail for their drug shipments. While immersed in this violent conspiracy, the organization amassed numerous firearms, including switches to convert their guns into fully automatic weapons. They also obtained a number of “ghost guns” – which are unserialized, privately-made firearms – and trafficked in firearms obtained during the conspiracy. Then, to conceal their illegal conduct, Defendants Carr and O’Mealy set up a luxury clothing business to launder their drug proceeds.
Ultimately, each of the Defendants were arrested in Tucson Arizona in October 2021. Carr, O’Mealy, and Gudino-Pena had fled to Arizona and were staying with an alleged confederate at a high-end apartment complex located adjacent to the University of Arizona campus. In fact, O’Mealy and Gudino-Pena left Washington and arrived at the apartment complex during the University of Arizona’s Family Weekend in 2021. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrested each of the defendants and executed a search warrant at the alleged confederate’s apartment. During the search, the investigation team, which included multiple state, local, and federal agencies, recovered additional narcotics, numerous firearms, Glock switches, and a number of “ghost guns.”
“Although the consequences of large-scale drug distribution are apparent in many cases, this case in particular presents egregious violence, use of the mail to distribute tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills, firearms trafficking, threats, use of social media to advertise illegal narcotics, and obstruction of justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “As part of their conspiracy, these Defendants even attempted to kill someone they falsely believed was cooperating against them. Our community is safer and stronger as a result of the incredible work of the numerous law enforcement agencies across the Western United States, who came together to investigate and prosecute this case.”
“This investigation illustrates how social media is used to distribute these deadly fake pills,” said Laci S. Larsen, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office. “Because of the collaboration by law enforcement throughout the United States, we removed these dangerous individuals, who thought they could operate without regard for human life and the rule of law, from our community.”
“The fentanyl epidemic continues to harm our communities, not only from its use, but from the violent crimes associated with its distribution,” said United States Postal Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “O’Mealy, Carr and Gudino-Pena will spend the better part of two decades in federal prison, but the victims’ families will spend the rest of their lives working to recover from the loss of their loved ones. Taking an estimated 100,000 fentanyl pills off the streets is a significant accomplishment, but this does not happen without agencies working together to protect our communities. I thank the DEA, as well as the other state and local agencies around the country who helped to bring this drug trafficking organization to a close.”
Idaho State Police Colonel Kedrick Wills stated, “The Idaho State Police appreciates the cooperation and support from multiple agencies involved in this fentanyl case which ranged from northern Idaho to the Arizona border. I thank the dedicated people of ISP who tirelessly worked to see this highly complex case through. Illegal drugs, especially fentanyl, have had devastating effects on our communities.”
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter, Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and co-counsel for the case, stated, “This case represents a new generation of drug traffickers – traffickers, who glorify a violent lifestyle, obtain drugs online, advertise their product through social media, and victimize others. I want to thank the investigators and law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to investigate this case and bring O’Mealy, Carr, and Gudino-Pena to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force NINE, located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho which includes members of the DEA, Idaho State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and United States Border Patrol. A number of agencies further assisted with the investigation, including Spokane DEA, the Lakewood Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Lake Police Department, Medford Police Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department, Chehalis Police Department, Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, Washington Department of Corrections, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DEA Centralia Post of Duty, and certain DEA Task Forces: JNET, Tucson Strike Force, and Phoenix Group 16 DEALERS.
The case was prosecuted by Richard R. Barker and Stephanie Van Marter, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Third Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Key Role in Beckley-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Shyheem Woodard-Smith, also known as “Peanut” and “Nut,” 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Woodard-Smith admitted to a role in a conspiracy to traffic over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to Philadelphia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2020, Woodard-Smith traveled from Philadelphia to Beckley with co-defendants Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” Derrick Woodard, also known as “D,” and Hassan Abdullah, also known as “San,” and obtained firearms that were later sold for a profit in Philadelphia. Woodard-Smith admitted to obtaining these firearms with the other traffickers from a Beckley gun store.
Woodard-Smith further admitted to obtaining over 140 firearms with Jones, Woodard, and Abdullah between early 2020 and mid-2021. Approximately 45 of those trafficked firearms were recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia, and have been connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses.
Woodard-Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Woodard and Abdullah previously pleaded guilty to interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Seven other co-defendants have pleaded guilty to making false statements in acquisition of firearms. An additional seven individuals have pleaded guilty to firearms offenses related to the same interstate gun trafficking conspiracy.
“This is another important milestone in bringing these traffickers to justice,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “There can be no tolerance of the illegal trafficking of firearms. I commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the investigative work and Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani for securing the guilty pleas in this case.”
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.
Jones and co-conspirator Shakyrah Ross are scheduled for trial on November 29, 2022. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-46.
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SEPTA Video Surveillance Manager, Equipment Vendor Indicted for Extensive Bribery and Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that James Stevens, 69, of Somerdale, NJ, and Robert Welsh, 59, now living in Arizona, were charged by Indictment with conspiracy, bribery, extortion, and fraud charges related to a scheme to pay off Stevens in exchange for Stevens helping grow the businesses of Welsh. Welsh’s business installed, maintained, and supplied video surveillance equipment to the Southeastern Regional Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and Stevens was a SEPTA official responsible for video surveillance operations at SEPTA.
According to the Indictment, from about March 2014 until about July 2018, the defendants allegedly engaged in a bribery and extortion scheme in which Stevens, who was the Director of the Video Evidence Unit with SEPTA during the time period of the charged conduct, demanded from Welsh, owner and operator of Spector Logistics, Inc., a stream of financial and other benefits in exchange for Stevens’ role in helping maintain and grow Spector’s business with SEPTA. The benefits Welsh provided to Stevens included, most significantly, tens of thousands of dollars in cash payments, as well as donations to an alleged charity that Stevens pocketed, lodging and meals during the 2015 Papal Visit, frequent meals and drinks, tickets to a 2016 Barbra Streisand concert, and funds for SEPTA annual holiday parties. As Stevens demanded, Welsh also offered Stevens future employment with Spector when Stevens retired from SEPTA. During the time of this corrupt relationship, Spector maintained and obtained millions of dollars in contracts with SEPTA. Stevens played a significant role in facilitating and approving contracts for Spector and Blue Zebra, a second company Welsh owned and established with Stevens’ assistance, and helped Spector win bids by giving Welsh inside information about SEPTA’s financial analyses and otherwise collaborating with Welsh in the contracting process. In doing so, Stevens allegedly provided an unfair advantage to Welsh and a disadvantage to other potential vendors.
“Philadelphians deserve public employees who do their jobs honestly, without corrupting the system to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “As alleged in the Indictment, the defendants’ participation in this scheme was extensive: using millions of dollars in public contracts to fraudulently benefit themselves.”
“SEPTA exists to transport people where they want to go — not to move crooked insiders up a tax bracket,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Stealing public money through back-door deals is reprehensible and the FBI will hold accountable anyone foolish enough to engage in this kind of fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ross Township Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Vikash Mishra, age 41, formerly of Ross Township, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Christy Criswell Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about October 30, 2021, until on or about Feb. 25, 2022, Mishra used cellular telephone networks and the internet to knowingly attempt to receive material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2023. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, supervised release for any term of years not less than five and up to life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mishra.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead 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 Tyshawn T. Babers, 29, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that at approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 8, 2022, Rochester Police Officers responded to 231 Hudson Avenue for family trouble involving a gun. After arriving on the scene, officers spoke to a victim who stated that she and her ex-boyfriend, Babers, got into a verbal argument, during which Babers pulled out a black handgun. While officers were investigating, Babers quietly exited 231 Hudson Avenue. Officers then searched the residence and recovered a loaded handgun in an upstairs bedroom. In March 2012, Babers was convicted in Monroe County Court of weapons possession and robbery and is legally prohibited from a firearm and ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Woonsocket, R.I. man was sentenced yesterday for trafficking multiple victims to engage in prostitution across seven states.
Ronald Hall, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 18 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Hall was also ordered to pay restitution in an amount that will be determined at a later date. On Aug. 9, 2022, Hall pleaded guilty to four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution.
“Mr. Hall is a predator driven by high profits and low risks. He targeted and exploited five vulnerable victims with substance use disorder – utilizing addiction and false promises of good earnings for recruitment – and then used extreme violence, threats and isolation to create a climate of fear from which he could maintain control and exploit them for his own profit,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer in our Commonwealth, I’ve made combating this modern form of slavery one of my top priorities. Although nothing will ever erase the profound pain and trauma these victims have suffered as a result of a near-decade of exploitation and abuse from Mr. Hall, we hope this sentencing brings some long-awaited justice and accountability.”
“This sentence is a victory for justice and for the trafficked victims of Mr. Hall who were ruthlessly exploited for criminal purposes and profit,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “We hope that this sentence can serve as some form of closure to allow Hall’s victims to begin to recover their lives from the devastation that he inflicted on them. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney for her commitment to prosecuting human trafficking cases and to the Massachusetts State Police. whose help in this investigation was invaluable.”
From at least late 2010 through late 2019, Hall used force, threats and coercion to traffic five victims between Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Florida and Nevada, to engage in prostitution. Hall targeted and recruited several of the victims who suffered from substance use disorder and used their drug addictions to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex in exchange for drugs. Hall regularly scheduled the victims to engage in prostitution – sometimes multiple times per day, every day of the week – and took almost all of the proceeds for himself. Hall punished victims who did not meet the quotas he set for them by withholding drugs or through violence. To maintain control, Hall subjected his victims to starvation, regular threats of injury, physical abuse, forced intercourse, violent assaults with weapons including knives, belts and bats and made some of the victims brand themselves with a tattoo of his nickname.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact [email protected]. If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please visit https://polarisproject.org/ for information and resources.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, HSI SAC Millhollin and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Rhode Island. Assistant U.S. Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
To read the impact statement from one of the victims, please see attachment below.
Recidivist Mobile Fraudster Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Prison for Financial FraudsRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile woman was sentenced to 30 months in prison for mail fraud and access device fraud relating to her embezzlement of money from her employer.
According to court documents, Elisabeth Dawn Williams, 45, worked for and stole $276,609.84 from a Mobile-based construction company between July 2016 and October 2018. Williams worked for the company as a payroll manager, a position of trust that granted her access to the company’s financial information and payment mechanisms. To carry out her fraud, Williams unlawfully used the company’s preloaded business purchase cards to make unauthorized purchases of personal items at various local and online retailers. In furtherance of the scheme, Williams caused several personal items, including shoes and jewelry, to be shipped to her home in Mobile via the U.S. mail and UPS. As part of her guilty plea, Williams admitted that her unauthorized purchases misrepresented the business affairs of her employer and violated its rules and restrictions governing the use of its purchase cards.
In 2003, Williams was convicted and sentenced in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama, for a similar fraud scheme. In that case, Williams admitted that she had stolen $109,284.26 from her employer, a retailer in Selma.
Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Williams to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon her release from prison, during which time she will undergo mental health treatment and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Williams to pay $276,609.84 in victim restitution and $400 in special assessments.
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U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.The United States Secret Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bishop Ravenel and Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Meeting with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Vincent Van QuickenborneRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met Wednesday in Washington, D.C., with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne.
In the meeting the Attorney General and Minister Van Quickenborne acknowledged and committed to strengthening the extraordinary law enforcement relationship between the United States and Belgium.
The leaders discussed their joint law enforcement efforts, which have resulted in the successful investigation and prosecution of transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism, among others. They also discussed cooperation in investigating and prosecuting Russian war crimes in Ukraine.
“Our ability to combat transnational crime and protect Americans from threats to our national security depends on the strength of our international partnerships,” said Attorney General Garland. “Belgium has been an invaluable law enforcement partner to the United States, and we look forward to finding ways to deepen our collaboration and coordination as we work together to keep our citizens safe and uphold the Rule of Law.”
Both leaders also agreed to enhance cross-Atlantic collaboration and information sharing to further disrupt transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, deny safe haven to violent criminals, and counter domestic and foreign terrorism.
Yesterday, FBI Director Christopher Wray and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram held separate meetings with Minister Van Quickenborne to discuss efforts to combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Plymouth Woman Pleads Guilty for her Role in $250 Million Scheme to Defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program and Separate $4 Million Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Plymouth woman has pleaded guilty to her role in two separate fraud cases, including the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program and a Medicaid fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Anab Artan Awad, 52, admitted that from September 2020 through January 2022, she knowingly participated with others in a fraudulent scheme to obtain and misappropriate millions of dollars in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children.
According to her guilty plea, Awad used a non-profit entity called Multiple Community Services to carry out her scheme. Through Multiple Community Services, Awad controlled purported Federal Child Nutrition Program food distribution sites in Osseo, Minneapolis and Faribault, under the sponsorship of Sponsor A. As a food site operator, Awad was responsible for serving actual food to children through the Federal Child Nutrition Program. However, in furtherance of the scheme, Awad received Federal Child Nutrition Program funds based upon fraudulent information, such as falsified invoices and meal count records with substantially inflated figures. Awad received Federal Child Nutrition Program funds that substantially exceeded the amounts of food that she either purchased or served to children.
According to her guilty plea, one of Awad’s Minneapolis sites fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1.5 million meals to children from January 2021 to April 2021, which amounts to approximately 12,600 meals to children daily. In reality, Awad’s operations at that location served a fraction of the meal amounts claimed. Also, despite Awad’s claims, the purported food vendor for her location, in fact, did not provide food during the time period claimed. In addition, none of the names on the attendance rosters submitted for “Golden Meadows,” which was one of Awad’s food sites in Faribault, matched the names of actual children enrolled in the Faribault School District.
It was further part of the scheme that Awad received fraudulent proceeds from the Federal Child Nutrition Program into accounts that she controlled, which included, among other deposits, approximately $3.7 million directly from Sponsor A, and approximately $3 million from a purported vendor that, in fact, provided no food to Awad.
In total, Awad fraudulently claimed $11,237,106.41 in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds, of which the Minnesota Department of Education paid out $9,668,384.09. In all, Awad and her purported vendors obtained $9,333,858.24 in fraud proceeds for herself and others.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being proseucted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Chelsea A. Walcker and Joseph S. Teirab. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Awad also pleaded guilty today in a separate case to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, from April 2015 through July 2016, Awad worked as an interpreter for A-Z Friendly Languages and Itasca Interpretation Services, both companies were approved providers that billed services to the Minnesota Medicaid program. In this role, Awad conspired with mental health practitioners at Minnesota Multicultural Counseling and Consultant (MMCC) to sign billing forms for mental health and related interpretation services that were not provided. Awad’s fraudulent claims caused a $99,154 loss to the Minnesota Medicaid program as part of the broader $4 million scheme to defraud, executed by MMCC and its associated interpreters. Awad transitioned to her scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program from September 2020 through January 2022 while awaiting trial for her fraudulent billing practices as an interpreter for MMCC.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Minnesota Attorney General Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela M. Munoz and Jordan L. Sing.
Awad pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric E. Tostrud to one count of wire fraud in the first case and one count conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the second case. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm, Ammunition and a MachinegunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Superseding Indictment, returned on Nov. 1, 2022, named Jonathan Young, 35, of the City’s Garfield neighborhood, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about Feb. 16, 2022, Young knowingly possessed, in and affecting interstate commerce, a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on the same date, Young possessed a machinegun.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pineville Couple Charged in Kidnapping, Murder of Pregnant Arkansas WomanRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Pineville, Mo., couple has been charged in federal court for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman.
Amber Waterman, 42, and her husband, Jamie Waterman, 42, were charged in separate criminal complaints signed on Thursday, Nov. 3, and filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield today. The Watermans remain in federal custody pending detention hearings, which have not yet been scheduled.
Amber Waterman is charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death. The federal criminal complaint alleges that, between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, 2022, Amber Waterman kidnapped Ashley Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant, in order to claim her unborn child as her own. She allegedly transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Arkansas, to Pineville, resulting in her death.
Jamie Waterman is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. The federal criminal complaint alleges that he assisted Amber Waterman, in order to hinder and prevent her apprehension, trial, and punishment, knowing she had committed the offense of kidnapping resulting in death.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaints, Amber Waterman adopted the false on-line persona of “Lucy” in order to meet Ashley Bush, then lured her to meet a second time to give her a ride to a purported job interview. Instead, the affidavit says, Amber Waterman killed Ashley Bush.
Amber Waterman allegedly led Jamie Waterman to the body of Ashley Bush, who was clothed and lying face down next to a boat near their house, covered in a blue tarp. Amber Waterman removed a ring from Ashley Bush’s finger and rolled her body onto the blue tarp, the affidavit says, which Jamie Waterman then dragged to a fire pit behind the residence. The Waterman’s allegedly burned the body, moved it onto the bed of Jamie Waterman’s blue GMC pickup, and drove a short distance from their residence to hide the body.
Ashley Bush was reported as a missing person on Monday, Oct. 31. Her fiancé told law enforcement that he saw her being driven as a passenger in a pickup truck by a woman he knew as “Lucy.” They had originally met “Lucy” at the Gravette, Ark., public library a few days earlier, at which time “Lucy” was driving the same pickup truck. During this meeting at the library, “Lucy” and Ashley Bush had discussed employment opportunities, and later that day, “Lucy” offered to drive her to meet her supervisor at a Bentonville, Ark., company.
On Oct. 31, Ashley Bush’s fiancé drove her to meet “Lucy” at a Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. He later received a message to pick her up at the same Handi-Stop store, but while he was waiting for her to arrive, he saw “Lucy” and Ashley Bush drive past without stopping. He attempted to contact Ashley Bush by phone, but his calls went to voice mail. He later found her phone on the side of the highway.
Detectives with the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department examined the phone and found the Facebook account for “Lucy.” Detectives located a public posting on the account that read “I have a bunch of baby items if any moms to be need them.” Detectives traced the Facebook account to Jamie Waterman, and learned from examining Amber Bush’s Google records that she had traveled to Pineville, approximately .15 miles from the Watermans’ residence.
When investigators questioned the Watermans on Tuesday, Nov. 1, they were initially told that Amber had a miscarriage. Detectives noticed what appeared to be blood stains on the inside of a pickup truck that matched the description of the vehicle given by Ashley Bush’s fiancé. The vehicle was seized by law enforcement and search warrants obtained on Thursday, Nov. 3, for the vehicle and residence.
Detectives questioned Jamie Waterman again on Thursday, Nov. 3. According to the affidavit, he told detectives that, after they had questioned them and left their residence, Amber Waterman told him she had killed Ashley Bush and then quickly changed her story and said “Lucy” had killed her. She then led him to the body, which he assisted in disposing.
The charges contained in these complaints are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. They were investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Court Documents:
waterman_amber_complaint_redacted.pdf waterman_jamie_complaint_redacted.pdfPhiladelphia Man Indicted for Stalking and Nearly Blinding Ex-Girlfriend in Broad Daylight AttackRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Victor Ortiz, 45, of Philadelphia, PA, was arrested and charged by Indictment for stalking and assaulting a woman with whom he had a previous relationship.
According to the Indictment, on the morning of May 4, 2022, the defendant pursued the victim, who is his ex-girlfriend and a federal employee, as she walked to her office in Philadelphia. Before reaching her office, the defendant allegedly threw a caustic substance on victim’s face and torso. His attack temporarily blinded the victim in her left eye and caused severe pain and scarring on her body. Additionally, the defendant attached a GPS device to the victim’s vehicle so that he could monitor her location and stalk her. After law enforcement officials discovered and removed the device, the defendant was caught on camera allegedly attempting to install a second GPS device on the victim’s vehicle in July 2022.
“The charges against Victor Ortiz allege behavior that is dangerous, terrorizing and abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Everyone deserves to feel safe as they go about their daily lives: at home, while at work, and in transit; and intimate partner violence can sometimes be the most terrifying kind because someone who knows you well can strike any part of your routine. Thank you to our partners with Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work on this case.”
“Threats and violence against federal employees will never be tolerated,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “HSI Philadelphia is committed to utilizing our investigative expertise, technical capabilities and partnerships to investigate and pursue the prosecution of those who threaten, harm or intimidate government officers or employees.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Angella Middleton.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Omaha Man Sentenced to more than 15 years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Scott A. Baze, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 188 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Baze will begin a lifetime term of supervised release. The terms of Baze’s supervised release prohibit him from having any contact with children under the age of 18, unless it is approved by the United States Probation Office. He was ordered to pay $66,000 in restitution.
An investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force determined that between January 14, 2022, and February 1, 2022, Baze, using his cellular telephone, received through the internet images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The investigation was triggered in May of 2021 when Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies requested that Baze, a registered sex offender, allow them to search his cellphone. That search revealed Baze had previously possessed images of child pornography. During a subsequent search warrant of Baze’s Omaha residence, investigators found evidence of more than 1,500 images and 3 videos of child pornography on a cellphone belonging to Baze.
Baze was previously convicted on July 17, 2001, of Sexual Assault of a Child, in Douglas County District Court, Omaha, Nebraska, and received a 20-month to 5-year prison sentence. Baze was also previously convicted on June 3, 2010, of Possession of Child Pornography, in Douglas County District Court, Omaha, Nebraska, and received a 20- to 60-month prison sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
November 8, 2022 ElectionsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) M. Irene González will coordinate her Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA González serves as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Evans said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Evans stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO González will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number – (504) 680-3041.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (504) 816-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Evans said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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New Town, ND, Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of Minor Female ChildRead the Press Release
BISMARCK –United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that on November 3, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor sentenced Richard Hall, Age 51 of New Town, ND, to 15 years in federal prison for the charges of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact of an Unconscious Person, for which Hall pleaded guilty to on August 3, 2022. Judge Traynor also sentenced Hall to 10 years of supervised release. During the sentencing hearing, the victim and several family members provided statements regarding the tremendous impact the sexual abuse has had on the victim and her entire family.
This case came to the attention of the law enforcement when it was reported that Hall, on one occasion, intentionally touched the clothed breast and inner thigh area of a minor female under the age of 12 years. Additionally, on another occasion, Hall touched the breast, buttocks, and genitals of the same minor child.
"In cases like this, a sentence of 15 years is warranted and will send a resounding message to the community that sexual abuse of a child will not be tolerated," said Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant DEAMONTE BROWN, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on October 27, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Barry Ashe to 60 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on Count One of a one-count indictment.
Count One of the indictment charged BROWN with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(g)(1) and 18 United States Code Section 924(a)(2). As to Count One, on June 10, 2021, investigators arrested BROWN and his co-defendant for being felons in possession of firearms. The defendants were observed on crime camera footage carrying guns near the intersection of North Derbigny Street and Mandeville Street in New Orleans, LA. Louisiana State Police elected to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, at which point the vehicle fled eastbound reaching a speed of 110 miles per hour. Officers observed BROWN throw firearms out of the vehicle. Officers were later able to locate those firearms, which were both loaded with ammunition. The vehicle eventually stopped in the 13000 block of Dwyer Street in New Orleans East. Both individuals exited the vehicle, fled on foot and were apprehended by the Louisiana State Police.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on October 25, 2022, that defendant CHRISTOPHER SMITH, age 31, resident of New Orleans, LA, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to a federal weapons violation of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In Count 1 of the indictment, SMITH is charged with possessing three firearms on April 10, 2022, as a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). SMITH faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. SMITH’S sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL MARTINEZ, JR., 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 17, 2020, during a court-authorized search of a New Haven hotel room being used by Martinez to process and package narcotics, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock model 26, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number; a box of 9mm ammunition; approximately 51 grams of cocaine; approximately 136 grams of a fentanyl/heroin mixture; 12 digital scales; three blenders; other items used to process and package narcotics; and $1,825 in cash. Martinez was arrested on state charges at that time.
Martinez has been detained since his federal arrest on October 14, 2020. On April 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, and to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Spokane – Today, United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice has sentenced Mario Robert Crittenden, 24, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 132 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual Methamphetamine. Crittenden previously pleaded guilty on June 2, 2022. Judge Rice also ordered Crittenden to serve an additional five years on federal supervision after he is released from prison.
According to court documents, Crittenden, a documented gang member, facilitated the distribution of significant quantities of methamphetamine and heroin to an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent. During a year-long investigation beginning in April 2020 and continuing through April 2021, Crittenden coordinated the exchange of money for controlled substances on 15 occasions, resulting in the seizure of over two pounds of methamphetamine. In addition to distributing controlled substances, Crittenden engaged in the sale of firearms. Crittenden also informed the undercover agent that he had previously engaged in a number of violent acts targeting rival gang members.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref commended the dedication of the investigators who investigated Crittenden and other gang associates involved in unlawful distribution of controlled substances into our communities. Through the diligence of these criminal investigators, another dangerous gang member who seeks to profit, whether monetarily or in establishing gang status, was removed from the community. By holding dangerous offenders such as Mr. Crittenden accountable, we help keep our communities in Eastern Washington safe and our neighborhoods strong.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and Moses Lake Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Monmouth County Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Leading Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 188 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl analogue, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Richard Dobin, 30, of Manasquan, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute pills containing cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl intended for human consumption, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence on Nov. 3, 2022, in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From February 2017 through August 2017, Dobin led a drug trafficking organization based in Monmouth County, which sold cocaine and fentanyl analogue pills locally and via the Dark Web, the Internet’s black market. The fentanyl analogue pills contained a powerful synthetic opioid with significant abuse potential. Dobin ordered both cocaine and fentanyl analogue on the Dark Web before reselling the drugs in smaller quantities. At the time of his arrest, Dobin was attempting to expand his operation by manufacturing his own pills using pill press machines and raw powders at his stash house located in Middletown, New Jersey. During searches of the stash house and a vehicle used by Dobin’s organization, law enforcement seized more than nine kilograms of fentanyl pills and nearly five kilograms of cocaine.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Dobin to four years of supervised release. The court previously ordered the forfeiture of certain cryptocurrency holdings belonging to Dobin, which Dobin had surrendered to law enforcement.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), Newark Division, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, Philadelphia Division; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the Middletown Police Department for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tazneen Shahabuddin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Darion D. Jackson, 23, of Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2021, Jackson sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Coal City, West Virginia, residence where Jackson was staying.
Jackson admitted to possessing that fentanyl and a separate quantity of fentanyl that he sold to a confidential informant in the Coal City area on May 27, 2021. On August 23, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle driven by Jackson. The officers found approximately 21.1 grams of fentanyl in Jackson’s vehicle. Jackson admitted that he possessed the fentanyl and planned to distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a one million dollar fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-30.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Selling Fentanyl in Salem, New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Juan Veras-Marcano, 29, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 170 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant sold over 170 grams of fentanyl over the course of eight controlled purchases to a confidential source and an undercover agent. In addition, he was attempting to sell another 20 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent at the time of his arrest. The defendant made the sales in the parking lots outside various retail stores in Salem, New Hampshire. The defendant took measures to avoid law enforcement detection before selling the drugs by secreting baggies of fentanyl in his mouth and working with a conspirator who conducted countersurveillance techniques. In a subsequent search of the defendant’s phone, law enforcement viewed photos of large stacks of cash, and the defendant’s texts reveal that he sent large amounts of money to the Dominican Republic during the time he was dealing drugs.
“This case demonstrates the law enforcement efforts expended to stop deadly narcotics like fentanyl from flooding our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Despite the defendant’s covert attempts to avoid law enforcement detection, through the use of confidential sources and undercover agents, law enforcement was able to apprehend the defendant in the act of dealing fentanyl. Bringing the defendant to justice was the result of a collaboration among state law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, working in partnership with the DEA and our office.”
This matter was investigated by the Salem Police Narcotics Unit in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Attorney General’s Task Force, with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Man admits illegally possessing firearms used in Billings casino robberyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man today admitted to illegally possessing firearms after two guns used in a casino robbery were recovered from an elementary school playground, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Darwin Dalton Sutherland, 29, a transient, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Sutherland faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Watters set sentencing for March 16, 2023. Sutherland was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 20, Makayla Fetter and Taliah Ramirez robbed the Magic Diamond Casino in the Billings Heights at gunpoint, attempted to flee law enforcement and crashed their car into a fence at Ponderosa Elementary School. Fetter was arrested while Ramirez initially got away. Both of the firearms used in the robbery had been ditched before officers arrived. Officers recovered one of the firearms that night on the school’s playground. The next day, an elementary school student found the second firearm and took it to a teacher.
The government further alleged that officers eventually questioned Fetter and Ramirez, who stated that they had received the firearms from Sutherland. An investigation found that both firearms had been reported stolen as part of 12 firearms stolen in a residential burglary in Billings on March 17. When questioned by law enforcement, Sutherland admitted to possessing all 12 stolen firearms and to knowing they were stolen but claimed that he didn’t burglarize the residence. He also admitted to giving the guns to Fetter and Ramirez. Sutherland is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction for burglary in Cascade County. Fetter and Ramirez are pending sentencing after pleading guilty to robbery affecting commerce and firearms crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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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Man Who Robbed a Sand Springs Gas Station and Assaulted the Owner Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Sand Springs man was sentenced Friday in federal court for robbing and assaulting a gas station owner, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Camaran Blake Breazeale, 30, to a total of 15 years in federal prison. He received 96 months for robbery in Indian Country and 84 months for carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Frizzell further ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $100,000.
“Camaran Breazeale’s vicious attack resulted in life-altering injuries to the elderly victim in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As evidenced by this prosecution and 15-year federal prison sentence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Oklahoma will not tolerate those who commit acts of violence in our communities.”
On July 13, 2021, the Sand Springs Police Department responded to a male, later identified as Breazeale, loitering at a gas station, A&S Fuels. An officer arrived and notified Breazeale to leave the property’s premises. Approximately twenty minutes later, the defendant returned to the gas station and said to the owner, “This is my store. Give me everything now.” According to court documents, video footage showed Breazeale striking the defendant with his fist multiple times and knocking him down. Then, he grabbed a shotgun and used the butt of the firearm to strike the victim repeatedly in the head saying, “Stop don’t move, or I will shoot you.” Breazeale then took cash from the register and exited the station.
The Sand Springs Police Department located Breazeale near the gas station after a customer reported that a man was on the floor covered in blood. The officer then rendered aid to the victim who was unconscious in the store with multiple injuries. The victim was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
The victim has endured the loss of an eye, disfigurement, multiple major surgeries and other hardships. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi stated in court documents that one had to view the surveillance video that captured the crime to understand the horrific degree of the attack.
Breazeale is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.
The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Buscemi and Victor A.S. Régal prosecuted the case.
Man Who Repeatedly Raped a Child Sentenced to over 37 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sexually assaulted a child by using threats and placing them in fear of physical assault was sentenced today to more than 37 years in federal prison.
Stephen Albert, age 50, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 9, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of sexual abuse by threat and force and one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
The evidence at trial showed that, beginning in the summer of 2012 and continuing through October 2016, Albert regularly sexually assaulted a child on the Meskwaki Settlement. The sexual assaults took place in various homes on the Settlement as well as at Albert’s place of employment.
Albert was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Albert was sentenced to 452 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
During the sentencing, Judge Williams noted that Albert was “manipulative, controlling and domineering over his wife and children” and that through his actions Albert “reaped irreparable harm” to the victim.
Albert is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, the Tama City Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-62.
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Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm with a “Switch” DeviceRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A man has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm with a “switch” device.
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Friday sentenced JOSEPH SMITH, 26, of Rockford, to five years and five months in prison and three years of supervised release. Smith plead guilty earlier this year to a charge of illegal firearm possession. As a previously convicted felon, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms. Smith admitted in a plea agreement that while in Rockford on September 15, 2021, he possessed a handgun loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition and a conversion device, also known as a “switch”, that converted the firearm from semiautomatic to fully automatic.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and Carla Redd, Chief of the Rockford Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Ladd.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Compel Labor by Three Minors and to Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Darnell Fulton, 38, of Pineville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to compel labor by three minors and to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to the plea agreement, between June 2016 and May 2019, the defendant used violence, sexual abuse, withholding of food, degradation and intimidation to coerce multiple minors to work for his brownie baking business and provide him with the business profits. The defendant required the victims to travel to as many as 20-30 locations a day, such as plazas, car dealerships, law firms, restaurants and parking lots, in order to sell brownies. The victims worked late into the night, either selling or baking the brownies, and sold them during the day instead of going to school. In fact, the victims typically worked seven days a week with very few breaks, and had to meet a sales quota every day. The defendant regularly assaulted the victims, especially if they did not meet his sales quotas. For example, the defendant frequently required the victims to get on their hands and knees on rice and stay in a pushup or plank position for hours, and he often whipped them with a belt if they got out of proper form. He also forced the minor victims to perform sexual acts with him and others, and transported them across state lines in order to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that targets some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, cruelly exploiting the victims for their labor and services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This conviction makes clear that the Department of Justice will prosecute those who use violence, psychological abuse, and emotional manipulation to compel the labor and services of their victims. We encourage survivors of forced labor, including children, to report forced labor complaints to authorities.”
“This case is proof that human trafficking doesn’t just happen in other countries,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “But in fact, human trafficking can be happening right in our own neighborhoods and communities without us even realizing it. Each of us must be vigilant and aware of our surroundings and if we see a situation that seems suspicious, take the time to report it to the police. Unfortunately, the victims in this case are the ones who have suffered life-long trauma because of this defendant’s horrendous acts. We will continue fighting for victims such as these to ensure that those who choose to inflict this type of harm on others are brought to justice.”
Fulton’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 11, 2023. Fulton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment, as well as a $250,000 fine for transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit forced labor. As part of his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to a sentence of 35 years in prison and to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to the victims.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Brown made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office, Alexandria investigated this case, with assistance from the Alexandria Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Compel Labor by Three Minors and to Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - Assistant Attorney General Clarke and United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Darnell Fulton, 38, of Pineville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to compel labor by three minors and to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to the plea agreement, between June 2016 and May 2019, the defendant used violence, sexual abuse, withholding of food, degradation and intimidation to coerce multiple minors to work for his brownie baking business and provide him with the business profits. The defendant required the victims to travel to as many as 20-30 locations a day, such as plazas, car dealerships, law firms, restaurants and parking lots, in order to sell brownies. The victims worked late into the night, either selling or baking the brownies, and sold them during the day instead of going to school. In fact, the victims typically worked seven days a week with very few breaks, and had to meet a sales quota every day. The defendant regularly assaulted the victims, especially if they did not meet his sales quotas. For example, the defendant frequently required the victims to get on their hands and knees on rice and stay in a pushup or plank position for hours, and he often whipped them with a belt if they got out of proper form. He also forced the minor victims to perform sexual acts with him and others and transported them across state lines in order to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“This case is proof that human trafficking doesn’t just happen in other countries,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “But in fact, human trafficking can be happening right in our own neighborhoods and communities without us even realizing it. Each of us must be vigilant and aware of our surroundings and if we see a situation that seems suspicious, take the time to report it to the police. Unfortunately, the victims in this case are the ones who have suffered life-long trauma because of this defendant’s horrendous acts. We will continue fighting for victims such as these to ensure that those who choose to inflict this type of harm on others are brought to justice.”
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that targets some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, cruelly exploiting the victims for their labor and services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This conviction makes clear that the Department of Justice will prosecute those who use violence, psychological abuse, and emotional manipulation to compel the labor and services of their victims. We encourage survivors of forced labor, including children, to report forced labor complaints to authorities.”
Fulton’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 11, 2023. Fulton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment, as well as a $250,000 fine for transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit forced labor. As part of his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to a sentence of 35 years in prison and to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to the victims.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office in Alexandria investigated this case, with assistance from the Alexandria Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to $3 Million Bank Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Gary Confredo, also known as “Gary Conte,” the former operator of Goldstar Financial Management Corp. (Goldstar), a financial services business based in Commack, New York, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Bank of America of more than $3.2 million in loans and lines of credit that were obtained under false pretenses.
The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst. When sentenced, Confredo faces up to 30 years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, Confredo agreed to forfeit approximately $140,000 and to pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court at his sentencing.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the guilty plea.
“As the defendant admitted, he selfishly manipulated the trust of his clients and lied to financial institutions simply to line his own pockets. He will now face consequences for his greed,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office stands committed to prosecuting criminals, whether they hurt someone physically or financially.”
“Mr. Confredo defrauded Bank of America of millions of dollars while on supervised release from a previous conviction. With his guilty plea today, he has taken responsibility for his greed and hopefully will stop the revolving door on his life of crime. Any time the U.S. Mail is used to commit and/or further a crime, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will be there to see that those responsible are brought to justice” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge, Daniel Brubaker.
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, between November 2016 and October 2019, Confredo conspired with others to submit fraudulent applications for commercial loan and lines of credit to Bank of America on behalf of Goldstar clients, who agreed to pay Confredo a portion of any loan that he secured on their behalf. To manipulate the application process, Confredo submitted altered tax returns and bank statements that falsely inflated the clients’ incomes and assets and allowed them to qualify for loans and lines of credit under Bank of America’s lending criteria. As a result of Confredo’s scheme, Bank of America issued approximately $3.2 million in loans and lines of credit to Goldstar’s clients and sustained losses of approximately $1 million when those loans and lines of credit were not repaid.
In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace will play a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes including mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and identity theft.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution with assistant from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroeder and Legal Assistant Danielle Casey. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
GARY CONFREDO (also known as “Gary Conte”)
Age: 60
East Northport, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-425 (JMA)
Littleton Man Charged with Covid FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Lawrence Phillip Hernandez, age 58, of Littleton, was charged by information with wire fraud for taking money, which he received as a result of fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) applications he submitted.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the PPP and EIDL program.
According to the information, from March 30, 2020, until March 2021, Hernandez allegedly devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the United States and two lenders and to fraudulently obtain money and property. Hernandez obtained $952,819 in loan and grant proceeds through his scheme to defraud, including more than $636,000 in PPP loans, and $316,800 from the EIDL program. He obtained the loans and grants based on false representations about his businesses’ gross revenues, costs of goods sold, number of employees, payroll costs, and past spending. Hernandez also submitted fabricated tax and financial documents for 2019. Hernandez allegedly used a portion of the funds for personal expenses.
Hernandez was arraigned on November 4, 2022, before Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter.
The charge in the information is an allegation. The Defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division, with assistance from the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, in connection with their work on the Colorado-based EIDL Fraud Task Force. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Fansler and Rebecca Weber.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Case Number: 22-cr-318
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Mark R. Fuller, 53, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Fuller to 120 months in prison for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) after having a prior serious drug felony conviction. After serving his sentence, Fuller will be placed on supervised release for 8 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 5, 2021, at the direction of law enforcement, a confidential informant (CI) contacted Fuller to purchase methamphetamine. The CI and Fuller arranged for the CI to purchase one ounce of methamphetamine from Fuller. The purchased methamphetamine was sent to the lab for testing. The lab determined there was 26.75 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 25 grams was actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.