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9 December 2022
Tennessee Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Felony Charges Related to the Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Tennessee man was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Ronald Sandlin, 35, of Millington, Tennessee, was sentenced in the District of Columbia.
According to court documents, Sandlin and two co-conspirators – Nathaniel DeGrave and Josiah Colt – planned to interfere with the peaceful transition of presidential power, beginning in December 2020. For example, on Dec. 31, 2020, Sandlin posted to Facebook that he was organizing a caravan to travel to Washington and sought donations on a GoFundMe site. The same day, he, DeGrave, and Colt began a private chat on Facebook to plan for Jan. 6. In the chat, they discussed “shipping guns” to Sandlin’s residence in Tennessee, where they planned to meet prior to their trip.
On Jan. 4, 2021, before heading to Washington, Sandlin posted to Facebook a picture of Colt lying on a bed holding a firearm, with the caption, “My fellow patriot sleeping ready for the boogaloo Jan 6.” Sandlin understood at the time that the term “boogaloo” referred to civil war.
On Jan. 6, after watching live television coverage of the “Stop the Steal” rally near the Ellipse, at a nearby restaurant, Sandlin live-streamed a video in which he called on “other patriots” to “take the Capitol.” In the video, Sandlin stated four times that “freedom is paid for with blood.”
Sandlin, DeGrave, and Colt then traveled together to the Capitol wearing protective gear, including gas/face masks, helmets, and shin guards. Sandlin was armed with a knife, while DeGrave carried bear spray. The trio then marched towards the Capitol. After arriving on the Capitol grounds, the men scaled dismantled bike barricades and past law enforcement officers, pushing past members of the crowd to get closer to the Capitol Building. Sandlin repeatedly yelled things such as “we’re not here to spectate anymore,” “the time to talk is over,” and “if you’re not breaching the building, move out of the way.”
The three men entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace door, at approximately 2:35 p.m. While inside, Sandlin and DeGrave pushed against officers guarding an exterior door to the Capitol Rotunda, slowly forcing the door open and letting a mob stream inside. Sandlin shouted at the officers, “you’re going to die, get out of the way,” before later grabbing an officer’s helmet.
The three men then went together up a set of stairs and to a hallway outside the Senate Chamber. Sandlin incited others in the mob to prevent U.S. Capitol Police officers from locking the doors to the Senate Gallery, shouting “grab the door.” He began shoving officers in an attempt to keep the doors open. As he did this, his hand made contact with the side of an officer’s head. The trio and dozens of other rioters then gained access to the Senate Gallery, where Sandlin recorded a selfie-style video with his cellphone, exclaiming: “We took it. We did it.”
After leaving the Senate Gallery, Sandlin smoked a marijuana joint in the Rotunda of the Capitol. He also stole a book from a desk in a Senate-side office, which he later described to Colt as a “souvenir.” He also picked up an oil painting from the Capitol and slung it over his shoulder before others in the mob took it off his shoulder. He finally exited the Capitol at approximately 3:16 p.m.
Shortly after the riot, Sandlin deleted photographs and messages regarding the events of Jan. 6 from his group chats with Colt, DeGrave, and others.
Colt, 35, of Meridian, Idaho, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2021, to obstruction of an official proceeding. DeGrave, 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022, to conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. Both are awaiting sentencing.
In addition to the term of incarceration, Sandlin was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s
National Security Division are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Nevada and the Western District of Tennessee.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Memphis Field Offices, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 23 months since Jan. 6, 2021, close to 900 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more 270 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at 901-544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow@WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
Tech Company CEO Pleads Guilty to Defrauding His Former EmployerRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that SUNI MUNSHANI, the former Chief Executive Officer of a Connecticut-based technology company (the “Victim Company”), pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court in connection with a scheme to defraud the Victim Company of millions of dollars. Pursuant to his plea agreement with the Government, MUNSHANI agreed to pay $10,485,043 in restitution to the Victim Company. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Not even a year into his appointment as CEO, Suni Munshani began betraying his employer’s trust and breaking the law, stealing millions of dollars to line his pockets. Company executives are given significant amounts of power, but today’s plea should send the message that this Office will be ready to act if an executive chooses to abuse that power.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Information and other filings and statements made in court:
Between 2011 and 2019, SUNI MUNSHANI was the CEO of the Victim Company, which provided data security services to its clients. Within six months of his appointment as CEO, MUNSHANI and others began an approximately nine-year scheme to defraud the Victim Company. During the scheme, MUNSHANI created an email account associated with a purported third-party contractor controlled by MUNSHANI and used that email account to correspond with the Victim Company and to obtain payments from the Victim Company totaling at least approximately $3 million dollars for services that were never provided to the Victim Company. He also caused the Victim Company to issue a $3.5 million check for a purported tax liability, which check MUNSHANI then deposited into an unauthorized bank account created by MUNSHANI in the name of the Victim Company.
In addition, MUNSHANI defrauded the Victim Company through fraudulent licensing and reseller agreements between the Victim Company and two other companies (the “Licensing Company” and the “Reseller Company,” respectively). Among other things, MUNSHANI instructed another individual to set up the Reseller Company “in the same way as [the Licensing Company],” and then helped create and submit fraudulent invoices from the Reseller Company to the Victim Company.
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MUNSHANI, 61, of Easton, Connecticut, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Office.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy V. Capozzi is in charge of the prosecution.
Surgeon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Accepting $3.3 Million in Illicit Payments to Perform Spinal Surgeries at Corrupt HospitalRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A neurosurgeon was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for accepting approximately $3.3 million in bribes for performing spinal surgeries at a now-defunct Long Beach hospital whose owner later was imprisoned for committing a massive workers’ compensation system scam.
Lokesh S. Tantuwaya, 55, of San Diego, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also ordered him to forfeit his ill-gotten gains of $3.3 million.
Tantuwaya pleaded guilty on September 1 to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud and to receive illegal payments for health care referrals. He has been in federal custody since May 2021 after he was found to have violated the terms of his pretrial release.
From 2010 to 2013, Tantuwaya accepted money from Michael Drobot, who owned Pacific Hospital in Long Beach, in exchange for Tantuwaya performing spinal surgeries at that hospital. The bribe amount varied depending on the type of spinal surgery.
Pacific Hospital specialized in surgeries, especially spinal and orthopedic procedures. Drobot, who in 2018 was sentenced to 63 months in prison for his crimes in this scheme, conspired with doctors, chiropractors and marketers to pay kickbacks and bribes in return for the referral of thousands of patients to Pacific Hospital for spinal surgeries and other medical services paid for primarily through the California workers’ compensation system. During its final five years, the scheme resulted in the submission of more than $500 million in medical bills for spine surgeries involving kickbacks.
Tantuwaya entered into contracts with Drobot and Drobot-owned companies. Tantuwaya knew or deliberately was ignorant that the payments were being given to him in exchange for bringing his patient surgeries to Pacific Hospital.
In furtherance of the scheme, Tantuwaya met with Drobot and Drobot’s employees. Tantuwaya deposited bribe checks into his bank accounts. He knew the receipt of money in exchange for the referral of medical service was illegal and that he owed a fiduciary duty to his patients to not accept money in exchange for taking their surgeries to Pacific Hospital.
In total, Tantuwaya received approximately $3.3 million in illegal payments.
“Despite his privileges at San Diego-area hospitals, [Tantuwaya] caused several patients to travel from Imperial County and San Diego County up to Pacific Hospital for spine surgery so that [Tantuwaya] could get his bribes,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “This resulted in numerous patient-victims enduring the physical anguish of multi-hour trips after invasive spinal surgeries, in addition [to] dealing with the mental anguish of now wondering whether they needed a surgery, whether the medical hardware drilled into their bones was legitimate hardware, and whether they should have trusted [Tantuwaya] with their lives.”
In April 2013, law enforcement searched Pacific Hospital, which was sold later that year, bringing the kickback scheme to an end.
To date, 23 defendants have been convicted for participating in the kickback scheme.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the California Department of Insurance investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph T. McNally and Billy Joe McLain of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
St. Vincent Hospital Agrees to Pay Approximately $1.784 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – St. Vincent Hospital (St. Vincent) in Worcester has agreed to pay approximately $1.784 million to resolve allegations that it received impermissible “outlier” payments from Medicare by inflating its charges for cardiac surgical procedures and failed to fully reimburse the government for its receipt of these outlier payments after it became aware of the issue. As part of the settlement, St. Vincent admits that it received outlier payments to which it was not entitled.
Hospitals performing surgical procedures can receive reimbursement from Medicare by submitting a claim to a Medicare Administrative Contractor containing, among other information, a Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) code that identifies the procedure performed and the hospital’s costs and charges for the services and supplies provided in treating the patient. In some cases, a hospital might report having incurred extraordinarily high costs due to performing medically necessary services to address unforeseen complications for a particular patient. In such cases, where a hospital suffers losses in excess of a set threshold, Medicare will pay a hospital an “outlier” payment, in addition to the set reimbursement amount.
St. Vincent admits that between 2018 and 2019, it increased its charges for all inpatient services, including for a cardiac surgical procedure known as a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR); once by 18%, and two more times by 15%. St. Vincent’s increased charges resulted in a greater number of Medicare outlier payments, including cases where outlier payments were not appropriate because there were no unforeseen complications or extended lengths of stay that led to the extraordinarily high costs.
Although prior to settling with the United States, St. Vincent made a voluntary payment to the Medicare Administrative Contractor, that voluntary payment did not fully reimburse Medicare for all outlier payments St. Vincent received for TAVRs and other cardiac-related surgical procedures in cases where patients did not require an increased level of care or an extended length of stay resulting in extraordinarily high costs.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, Boston Regional Office made the announcement today. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem and Jessica J. Weber of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit.
South Carolina Business Sentenced for Operating Illegal Gambling OrganizationRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Bubba Technology Group, LLC, a gaming business operating throughout South Carolina from Piedmont, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to operating an illegal gambling organization following an extensive joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
As part of the felony sentence, the company agreed to forfeit approximately $367,000 – its profits from the illegal business – and it will not be able to sell unlicensed gambling machines within South Carolina. Authorities also seized dozens of machines and an additional $670,000 from gaming houses affiliated with the business.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Bubba Technology Group was leasing and selling unlicensed gambling machines, known as Fish Machines, to various businesses throughout South Carolina – including convenient stores and bars. Specifically, the Fish Machines allowed a player to insert cash into the machine and attempt to shoot digital fish based on how many credits the player chose to wager. If successful, a player could exchange a printed receipt for cash at the store or bar. In cases where Bubba Technology Group leased machines to a business or individual, the profits were split between the two entities.
As part of the plea, the company agreed that it is illegal under South Carolina law to keep, operate, or distribute unlicensed gambling machines within South Carolina. Further, the company agreed that a gambling machine includes gaming machines where a player receives cash payouts as a result of their play.
“The Defendant took a chance that it could make money by breaking the law. It lost that bet,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “This business sold machines that allowed people to make wagers and win money – which makes the business illegal under federal law here in South Carolina. This Office will aggressively pursue those who seek to get rich by breaking federal laws. Wherever illegal money is made, crime festers.”
“No matter what your personal views may be, gambling is against the law in South Carolina. The law is the law and it must be followed,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“Cases like this prove the old saying, that crime doesn’t pay, is right,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North and South Carolina. “Thanks to the great work done by HSI and its law enforcement partners, this illegal gambling enterprise has been dismantled.”
“Illegal gambling operations like this will be shut down,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “SLED Agents worked closely with our federal partners on this operation to ensure any business that violates the law will be held accountable.”
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. sentenced Bubba Technology Group to one year of probation, and forfeiture of $367,039.43. Seizures in related cases resulted in an additional forfeiture of $673,408.77 in illegal gambling profits. Throughout these cases, law enforcement officials also seized dozens of gaming machines.
This case was investigated by HSI and SLED, with assistance from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Immigration Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Justin Holloway prosecuted the federal case, and South Carolina Assistant Attorney General Creighton Waters oversaw the state investigation.
San Francisco Senior Building Inspector Pleads Guilty to Accepting Illegal GratuitiesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - Bernard Curran, a former San Francisco Senior Building Inspector, pleaded guilty today to two counts of accepting gratuity payments as rewards for approving building permits, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.
Curran, 62, of San Francisco, was employed at the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) from 2005 until he resigned from his supervisory position as Senior Building Inspector while on administrative leave in May 2021. Curran’s official duties included conducting physical inspections of buildings and construction sites in San Francisco. For a San Francisco property owner intending to shepherd a construction or remodeling project from inception to completion, the first hurdle is to obtain a permit from DBI. Once the permit is obtained and the work is underway, the next hurdle is to pass on-site physical inspections by DBI inspectors who determine whether the work completed complies with the work authorized by the permit. If a project passes all inspections and is deemed completed successfully, DBI inspectors “final” the permits and issue a certificate of final completion and occupancy (CFC), allowing the property to be used.
In his plea agreement today, Curran admitted that he accepted illegal payments from two people in connection with his official duties. The first was a long time San Francisco real estate developer who Curran developed a friendship with in the 1990s. Over time, Curran inspected dozens of properties and projects connected to the developer. Curran admitted that during his DBI career, he received numerous financial benefits from the developer that he knew were improper. Upon Curran being promoted to Senior Building Inspector in 2009, he accepted cash payments as “rewards” from the developer in connection with final inspections and/or CFC issuances that Curran conducted at the developer’s properties. In one instance in March 2017, Curran accepted $260,000 from the developer to assist Curran in paying down his existing residential mortgage so he could obtain favorable refinancing rates. Though Curran intended to repay the money, he knew that accepting it was improper and created a forbidden conflict of interest. Moreover, though Curran paid most of the $260,000 back, he admitted the developer never required him to repay $30,000 of the outstanding balance. Curran understood that the $30,000 debt forgiveness was an improper reward for conducting past and future inspections at the developer’s building projects.
The second person Curran admitted receiving illegal gratuities from was an engineer who worked with project owners and contractors seeking building permits in San Francisco. The engineer worked frequently with Curran and knew he was a volunteer coach and supporter of a San Francisco non-profit adult and youth athletic organization. Curran admitted in his plea agreement that the engineer arranged for the engineer’s clients to make charitable donations to the athletic organization as rewards for and in connection with inspections by Curran of the clients’ properties. The donations were typically made by check and several times were delivered directly to Curran, who in turn delivered the checks to the athletic organization. According to the plea agreement, in several instances the engineer advised Curran of a client’s donation while asking for a final permit or inspection on the client’s property. From May 2017 through April 2019 the athletic organization received 13 such checks from the engineer’s clients, totaling $9,600. Curran admitted that he took official action for each of the clients who wrote the 13 checks, knowing this conduct was not permitted.
Curran entered his guilty pleas before United States District Judge Susan Illston, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for Curran on March 31, 2023. Curran remains out of custody pending his sentencing hearing.
Curran pleaded guilty to two counts of accepting illegal gratuities in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B). Each count carries a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of 10 years. However, any sentence following conviction imposed by the court will occur only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is part of a larger federal investigation targeting public corruption in the City and County of San Francisco. To date, twelve individuals have been charged, including high-ranking San Francisco public officials Harlan Kelly and Mohammed Nuru. Nuru was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in August 2022. Multiple city contractors and facilitators have also been charged and several have been sentenced to prison.
SCAM ALERT: Warning of Fake Calls from Scammers Posing as United States Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States Attorney’s Office is advising the public to be aware of a telephone scam in which individuals posing as government officials attempt to collect or extort money.
In an attempt to add credibility to their schemes, these individuals may represent themselves as attorneys or law enforcement officers. In some recent cases, individuals have spoofed the phone number of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, meaning that their phone number appears to be coming from the U.S. Attorney’s Office when it is not. The scammers have used the spoofed number to call intended victims within California, claiming to be either a police officer or an FBI agent, and threatening to show up at the intended victim’s house if the person does not pay money for “legal fees.” These calls do not originate from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or any other government agency, and are fraudulent. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never call members of the public and threaten to arrest them and demand payment of unspecified “legal fees.”
Fraudsters or scam artists will sometimes impersonate government officials to try to add credibility to their scheme. They also frequently target the elderly. We encourage members of the public to be alert for potential phone scams against themselves and their family members, which may include the following warning signs:
- Being told you have won a prize or sweepstakes, and need to take steps to receive it, such as sending money for taxes and insurance before receiving the prize.
- Being asked to provide or to confirm your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or other personal or financial information.
- Use of scare tactics, such as claiming your loved one is in danger, or that you may be arrested if you do not take immediate action.
- Asking you to pay using money transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Pressure to act immediately.
- Promises to recover money you have lost in other scams, for a fee.
- Demanding that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Those who receive these calls are encouraged to report them to the FTC via their website (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov) or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud. In addition, please be cautious about providing any personal information (names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers) to anyone who calls or emails you because it could result in identity theft.
Additional tips to ensure your security and safety:
- Never trust the caller ID number; the displayed telephone number can be manipulated with software.
- Always consider sending unsolicited phone calls to voicemail. Many scam call centers will not leave a message.
- Never click on links contained in unsolicited emails or text messages. The links may route you to fake websites or deploy malicious software.
- Protect your personal and financial information. Never provide this information in response to unsolicited text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be a government agency.
Rosebud Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rosebud, South Dakota, man for three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.
Shane Mousseaux, age 35, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 30, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges in Counts 1, 2, and 3, that between August 6, 2020, and June 21, 2022, Mousseaux knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts with a female minor who had not attained the age of 16 years.
Count 4 of the Indictment alleges that between August 6, 2020, and June 21, 2022, Mousseaux knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with the same victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Mousseaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Mousseaux was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rogers Woman Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Rogers Woman was sentenced today to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2021, Arkansas State Probation officers, with the assistance of the Rogers Police Department, conducted an unannounced parole home visit on Geneva Ann Bensley, age 34.
Upon entering the motel room where Bensley was residing, Bensley ran to the back of the room and threw a backpack into a corner. Bensley took responsibility for the backpack. A search of the backpack resulted in officers locating multiple baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory where it tested positive for methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Arkansas State Probation and Parole Office and the Rogers Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
Roanoke Man Who Trafficked Firearms Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va.– A Roanoke, Virginia man who trafficked at least 25 firearms from Virginia, at least nine of which were later tied to criminal activities in other states, was sentenced yesterday to seven years in federal prison.
Jermaine Drummond, 46, pled guilty in August 2022 to two counts of knowingly making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and aiding and abetting in the same.
“Illegal guns in the hands of prohibited owners lead to higher levels of violent crime in our neighborhoods. It is a cornerstone of the Department of Justice’s public safety policy to keep these guns out of the hands of those who should not have them,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “My Office will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals who threaten the safety of our communities by circumventing the law to supply firearms to violent criminals.”
“We will continue to utilize intelligence-driven approaches to eradicate the supply of crime guns to violent offenders,” said ATF Washington Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “We will remain on the frontlines alongside our law enforcement partners in the fight to disrupt and dismantle the illegal possession of firearms, which continue to plague our communities with violence.”
According to court documents, beginning in 2019 and continuing until June 2020, Drummond, a convicted felon, used non-prohibited individuals to purchase at least 25 firearms for him. Some of those purchases were made from federally licensed firearms dealers, while others were acquired through private transactions. At least nine of these illegally-procured firearms have been recovered in connection with criminal activity in Maryland, New York, and the District of Columbia.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson prosecuted the case.
Reynosa resident sentenced for importing cocaine into the U.S.Read the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old United States citizen residing in Reynosa, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Cesar Morales Jr. pleaded guilty Sept. 14.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered him to serve a 120-month sentence. At the hearing, the court heard argument that although Morales lacked any prior convictions, his role of a transporter of 21 kilograms of cocaine merited the 10-year sentence.
Morales attempted to make entry into the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in Hidalgo on July 15. Morales was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle.
During secondary inspection, law enforcement discovered irregularities in the fuel tank. Authorities subsequently found 20 packages of cocaine inside that tank.
Morales subsequently admitted he was importing the cocaine into the United States in exchange for payment.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case.
Residents of New Orleans and Westwego Charged with Theft of Stolen Mail and Unlawful Possession of a Postal KeyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KELAN PERRY GENNINGS, age 21, and ERIC WILLIAMS, age 20, were charged on December 8, 2022 in a two-count indictment with theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708 and unlawful possession of a postal key, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704.
In Count 1 of the indictment, GENNINGS and WILLIAMS are charged with stealing U.S. Mail matter from a post office letter box located at a Covington Post Office. If convicted both men face up to five years imprisonment. In Count 2, GENNINGS is charged with unlawfully possessing a key adopted by the U.S. Postal Service with the intent to unlawfully and improperly use on an authorized receptacle for the deposit of mail matter. If convicted of Count 2, GENNINGS faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Each count carries additional penalties of a period of up to three (3) years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Redding Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday against Gabriel Joseph Detrant, 49, of Redding, charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 2, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Detrant was driving in Redding. Detrant stopped the vehicle, and he and a passenger fled on foot. The officers found a Baikal Makarov, Model IJ-70 9 mm handgun loaded with eight rounds by the driver’s seat, and a wallet with a card containing Detrant’s name was found by the driver’s side door. Officers later found Detrant hiding nearby in the bushes in possession of a magazine loaded with eight 9 mm rounds. Detrant is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2018 conviction in Shasta County for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, the Redding Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Detrant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Meeting with Colombian Minister of Justice Nestor Iván Osuna PatiñoRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met yesterday in Washington with Colombian Minister of Justice Nestor Iván Osuna Patiño.
In the meeting, Attorney General Garland and Criminal Division Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. welcomed Minister Osuna on his first trip to the United States as a Colombian official and discussed the close bilateral relationship the Department has enjoyed for many years with the Colombian Ministry of Justice.
“We are grateful for the indispensable law enforcement relationship between the United States Department of Justice and the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and we will continue to find ways to build on our work together to disrupt and prosecute transnational crime, uphold the rule of law, and keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General Garland.
Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Polite thanked Minister Osuna for Colombia’s long-standing partnership in disrupting criminal drug trafficking, and the work Colombia has done combating transnational crime. The leaders also discussed the importance of expanding access to justice and pursuing environmental justice.
Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Polite also expressed their appreciation of the vital role the Colombian Ministry of Justice has in judicial assistance matters between the U.S. and Colombia.
Front row L to R: U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr., Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Luis Gilberto Murillo Urrutia, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Colombian Minister of Justice Nestor Iván Osuna Patiño, U.S. DOJ Judicial Attaché Jamie MickelsonRapid City Man Sentenced on Sex CrimeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on December 5, 2022.
Jesse James Young, 37, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Young was indicted for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 12, 2022.
Young was arrested as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple sexually explicit chats and text messages with a person Young believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Young proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Young went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Young was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 1, 2022.
Julion Graham, 26, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Graham was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022.
Graham, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessed a Bersa, .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol in April of 2022 in Rapid City, which was found after Graham came into contact with law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Graham was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 5, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Galen Cleveland Iron Cloud, age 31, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, forfeiture of $4,354 in U.S. currency, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Iron Cloud was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 17, 2022.
Between 2018 and 2021, Iron Cloud knowingly conspired with others to distribute between 50 and 200 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota. Iron Cloud was primarily involved with distributing methamphetamine within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Mobridge Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Oglala Sioux Tribal Police Department, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Iron Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffery L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 5, 2022.
Michael McLeod, 43, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Michael McLeod was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2020. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022.
During the conspiracy, McLeod traveled to Nebraska on at least one occasion to transport methamphetamine to South Dakota. Once the methamphetamine arrived in the Rapid City area it was dispersed to others for use and distribution. Others charged in the conspiracy have already been sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
McLeod was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Joseph Hornbeck, age 34, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 2, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In April of 2022, in Rapid City, Hornbeck, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of a Calwestco Incorporated, Jennings Trademark, model J-22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Hornbeck came into contact with law enforcement.
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 charge is merely an accusation and Hornbeck is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Hornbeck was returned to state custody pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Poteet Man to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Poteet man was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Armando Anthony Vidales, 25, of Poteet uploaded and emailed multiple files of child sexual abuse material from one personal email account to another. The email service provider generated a CyberTipline Report through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) online portal. Following a joint investigation, law enforcement officers with the Texas Office of Attorney General (TX OAG) and federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Vidales on federal charges.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas and Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the HSI San Antonio Division made the announcement.
HSI and the TX OAG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bettina Richardson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
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Pontiac Man Sentenced to 10 Years for the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Pontiac man was sentenced to 10 years in Federal prison for the sexual coercion and enticement of a minor, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Daniel Lee Harvey III, 36, of Pontiac, Michigan, was sentenced to prison by United States District Judge Sean F. Cox. In August 2018, Harvey began messaging the 13 year-old daughter of a family friend on the social media application, Instagram. The conversation turned sexual in nature, and Harvey suggested that he and the child meet up for sex when he returned to the Detroit area for the holidays. He ultimately coerced the girl to film and send him a video of child pornography through the application SnapChat. Harvey then saved a screenshot of the video to his Google Account and requested that the minor delete messages between them. The girl became uncomfortable and told a trusted adult who contacted law enforcement.
“This defendant preyed on a family friend’s minor child online, a serious offense that deserved the punishment handed down by the Court. This sentence helps protect vulnerable minors online and demonstrates that we will continue to fight to keep our community safe for children.” U.S. Attorney Ison said.
"Mr. Harvey's exploitation of this victim is deplorable," said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Division. "This office is fully committed to investigating criminals who take advantage of minors in this way. The young victim who reported Harvey's crimes was incredibly brave and we thank her for providing the FBI with the information we needed to hold him accountable."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Sweeney Bean and Christopher Rawsthorne.Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $50,000 in Civil Penalties to Resolve Alleged Violations of Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – United States Attorney Darren LaMarca announced today that Fayette Discount Drugs, located in Fayette, Mississippi, has agreed to pay the United States $50,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances.
The Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) was passed to combat illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA’s recordkeeping and prescribing requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes. The CSA is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, whose mission is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer, or sell controlled substances must comply with inventory and documentation requirements, and are subject to compliance audits.
Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, both maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed, or otherwise disposed of by the registrant and promptly report any thefts or significant losses. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting, and distribution of controlled substances. Violations of the record-keeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties.
The present civil investigation stemmed from a report alleging diversion of controlled substances. Fayette Discount Drugs cooperated with the DEA’s investigation, and a DEA inspection revealed that, between June 2020 and July 2022, Fayette Discount Drugs failed to keep complete, timely, and accurate inventories and records regarding the receipt and dispensing of Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, alprazolam, and testosterone. As a result of Fayette Discount Drugs’ alleged actions and inactions, thousands of doses of controlled substances could not be accounted for. This settlement addresses the independent obligation of Fayette Discount Drugs to ensure it has systems in place to prevent improper dispensing, as required by 21 U.S.C. §§ 827, 842, and associated regulations.
“This settlement illustrates the United States Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to combating the opioid epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “Part of our strategy is making sure that registered opioid handlers keep accurate records of these highly addictive and extremely dangerous drugs. Our office is committed to working collaboratively with our agency counterparts to ensure that pharmacies in this district are doing their part to address the national opioid crisis. I am glad that Fayette Discount Drugs acknowledges the seriousness of the CSA’s requirements, recognizes the gaps in its past practices, and intends to put measures in place to prevent the loss and diversion of controlled substances.”
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy said, “All DEA Registrants, including Pharmacies, have an obligation to ensure that they are complying with regulations set forth in the Controlled Substances Act, which include record keeping and prescribing laws. Any registrant who violates or ignores their obligations will be held accountable. DEA will continue to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that all Registrants are following requires protocols, keeping our communities safe in the midst of this drug poisoning epidemic.”
U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in its investigation of this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil or criminal liability.
Phoenix, Arizona Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Drug Trafficking in Eastern North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Phoenix, Arizona man was sentenced yesterday to 293 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. On July 27, 2022, Eric O’Neal, 54, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute four (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, aiding and abetting.
“This sentence should send a strong message to kilogram-level narcotics traffickers pushing deadly fentanyl and meth into Eastern North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “No matter where you are, we will find you. We will prosecute you. And you will do time in federal prison.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court O’Neal distributed a total of thirty (30) kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of North Carolina from July 2020 through January 28, 2022. O’Neal would utilize the mail system to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine to customers in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. O’Neal was previously prosecuted federally for Distribution and Manufacture of Controlled Substances in Salt Lake City, Utah and after serving a ten-year sentence for this conviction, got out of federal prison and continued distributing and selling narcotics until his arrest in this case in New Jersey on January 28, 2022 of this year.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Sandling prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-00045-BO-RJ.
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Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Second Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jeffrey Rongish, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today for accessing with intent to view child pornography. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rongish to 10 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Rongish will be under supervised release for 15 years. He will continue to register as a sex offender.
Rongish was previously convicted in the District of Nebraska in 2014 for receiving child pornography. On November 23, 2020, while on supervised release, Rongish advised his probation officer that he had returned to viewing images of child pornography. A search on March 2, 2021 resulted in the seizure of electronic devices. Forensic Analysis revealed the presence of file wiping software and artifacts of child pornography confirming that child pornography websites had been accessed and viewed.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Anthony Schlotfeld, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 9, 2022, by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., after having pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Schlotfeld received a sentence of 151 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
In February 2021, the Omaha Police Department began investigating Jose Rodriguez-Meza for distributing methamphetamine. On April 8, 2022, during surveillance of Rodriguez’s residence, officers observed Schlotfeld stop by the residence and leave. Officers observed a traffic violation by Shlotfeld and attempted a traffic stop. Schlotfeld fled, eventually traveling from Papillion, Nebraska, to downtown Omaha, Nebraska, before his vehicle was disabled by stop-sticks. Schlotfeld ran on foot and jumped into another vehicle which also then fled. That vehicle was also disabled by using stop-sticks. Schlotfeld was taken into custody and told officers that during the pursuit he discarded four pounds of methamphetamine out of his vehicle window. Schlotfeld was still in possession of 10 grams of methamphetamine actual.
Schlotfeld’s sentence was increased as a result of a March 18, 2021, encounter that Schlotfeld had with the Bellevue Police Department. On that day, officers found Schlotfeld to be in possession of 30 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.
Rodriguez-Meza is scheduled to enter a plea of guilty to drug charges on December 16, 2022, before Chief United States Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Omaha Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department.
Oconto County Man Indicted for Child Pornography ProductionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 6, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Rocky R. Sonkowsky (age: 32) of Oconto, Wisconsin, on a single-count of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a).
The indictment alleges that between approximately May 25, 2021, and June 25, 2021, Sonkowsky “employed and used a minor” for the purpose of creating a “visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.”
If convicted of the charge, Sonkowsky faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Ocala Man Indicted for Fraud Relating to COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Henry Troy Wade (45, Ocala) with six counts of wire fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. In addition, the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for at least $524,400, which represents the proceeds of the conduct charged in the indictment.
According to the indictment, between May 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, Wade applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) loans and grants under the CARES Act on behalf of multiple businesses he claimed to own. None of Wade’s purported businesses, however, were in operation during the requisite time period and were ineligible for an EIDL loan or grant. As part of Wade’s scheme, he electronically submitted applications for the EIDL loans and grants over the internet, made false representations on his applications, and received EIDL loans and grants from the Small Business Association (“SBA”) through wire transfers over the internet into his bank accounts.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted as part the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act relief programs. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of the EIDL program. EIDL is an SBA program that provides low-interest funding to small businesses, renters, and homeowners affected by declared disasters. The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Nine East Alabama Residents Sentenced for Running a Drug Trafficking Operation in Macon CountyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – The ninth and final defendant was sentenced this week for his role in a Macon County-based drug trafficking operation. This concludes a series of sentencings involving nine members of a violent, neighborhood-based organization called the “31 Boys,” named for County Road 31 in Notasulga, Alabama.
The following provides more detail about the various defendants convicted and sentences imposed:
- On December 7, 2022, Trenton Rashad Daniel, 28, a resident of Pike Road, Alabama, was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises and for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Trenton Daniel pleaded guilty to the charges on February 24, 2022.
- On November 16, 2022, Jerrod Moss, 28, a resident of Opelika, Alabama, was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises and for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Moss pleaded guilty to the charges on July 29, 2022.
- On September 9, 2022, Davorious Marquise Ferrell, 26, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, was sentenced to 111 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Ferrell pleaded guilty to the charges on April 22, 2022.
- On August 25, 2022, Kiam Tyrek Lowery, 23, a resident of Tuskegee, Alabama, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Lowery pleaded guilty to the charge on May 24, 2022.
- On August 23, 2022, Ricardo Devon Sheriff, 37, also a Tuskegee resident, was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sheriff pleaded guilty to the charge on April 27, 2022.
- On June 30, 2022, Michael Javon Daniel, 28, also a Tuskegee resident, was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises. Michael Daniel pleaded guilty to the charge on April 1, 2022.
- On June 17, 2022, Ladarius Dontae Davis, 33, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises. Davis pleaded guilty to the charge on January 21, 2022.
- On May 31, 2022, Tre’von Miquel Lyles, 22, also a Tuskegee resident, was sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises. Lyles pleaded guilty to the charge on January 26, 2022.
- On April 21, 2022, Marcus Joquin Williams, 24, also a Tuskegee resident, was sentenced to 147 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Williams pleaded guilty to the charges on January 7, 2022.
All nine defendants were charged in a single indictment in Montgomery on August 17, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and records, in 2018, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the FBI began an investigation of the 31 Boys for the suspected sale of illegal drugs in Macon County. Using various investigative techniques, agents were able to identify individual members of the organization and connect the conduct of each member to the overall drug trafficking venture. Investigators soon discovered that Michael Javon Daniel, who received the 240-month sentence, was the leader of the group and directed many of the individuals’ roles. Statements made by law enforcement in various court hearings indicated that the Notasulga location used by the organization frequently operated like a “flea market,” with numerous other dealers, essentially functioning as independent vendors, selling a variety of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Some of the methamphetamine seized from the defendants tested at a purity level of 99 percent. This high purity level resulted in some of the defendants being subject to increased advisory Sentencing Guidelines ranges.
“The safety of our communities is a top priority for my office,” said United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. “So often, violence results when individuals sell drugs and arm themselves while doing so. Communities suffer from the dangerous and harmful operations of organizations like the one at the center of this prosecution. I am grateful for the exceptional work of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case.”
“As law enforcement officers we have a duty to protect and serve the citizens of this great state, but we also have a fundamental responsibility to preserve the communities in which they live,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Shortly after assuming my role as Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), I charged Special Agents with our State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) with this, no matter what area an Alabama citizen called home, they would feel safe and live without fear, and not suffer the adverse impacts which often plague communities where the sell and use of these illegal narcotics occur. I am truly grateful to all our law enforcement partners at both the local and federal level. If not for their cooperation and diligent work this drug trafficking organization and the individuals associated with it would never have been brought to justice.”
“The number of defendants in this case is a testament to the tremendous work being done all over the state of Alabama and in particular Macon County,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Removing the people that sell drugs in our communities alongside our partners from ALEA will make our quality of life continue to improve.”
This case was investigated by ALEA and the FBI, with assistance from the Tuskegee Police Department and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Kevin P. Davidson prosecuted the case.
- On December 7, 2022, Trenton Rashad Daniel, 28, a resident of Pike Road, Alabama, was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises and for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Trenton Daniel pleaded guilty to the charges on February 24, 2022.
Nicaraguan National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that ALEXANDER JOSUE REYES-RAMIREZ, age 36, was charged on December 8, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, ALEXANDER JOSUE REYES-RAMIREZ (“REYES-RAMIREZ”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on December 18, 2013. If convicted, REYES-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
New Jersey Man Indicted for Allegedly Conspiring with Man Posing as DEA Agent to Defraud Victim of GoldRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Jersey man was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday in connection with a conspiracy to convince a Massachusetts victim to convert her bank account funds into gold, claiming her accounts had been compromised by purported drug traffickers.
Gaurang Contractor, 38, a citizen of India living in Jersey City, N.J., was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Contractor will appear in federal court in Worcester, Mass. on Dec. 16, 2022. Contractor was previously arrested on state charges on Aug. 8, 2022.
According to the indictment, a man posing as an agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who referred to himself as “Oscar White,” contacted a victim in early August 2022 and told the victim that her bank accounts had been “compromised” by drug dealers. “Oscar White” directed the victim to withdraw funds from purported compromised bank accounts and to convert those funds to gold. It is alleged that White provided the victim with the name of a jewelry store in Hadley, Mass. where the victim could purchase the gold. White then allegedly directed the victim to leave the gold in an unlocked vehicle and promised to send a “court officer” to pick up the gold for safekeeping.
On Aug. 8, 2022, Contractor drove from New Jersey to Hadley. According to court documents, Contractor conducted surveillance of the jewelry store where the victim had purchased the gold at the direction of White. Contractor allegedly followed the vehicle containing the supposed gold. Upon arriving at the meeting location, it is alleged that Contractor removed the two buckets from the vehicle and placed them in his own car. He was subsequently arrested.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan; and Hadley Police Chief Michael A. Mason made the announcement today. Valuable assistance also was provided by the Police Department of the Worcester County town in which the victim resides. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial Bennett and Kaitlin Brown of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Jersey Electronics Businessman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false personal tax return, stemming from inaccurate information he deliberately provided to his company’s accountants.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tiangang Zhuang, 49, formerly of Philadelphia, controlled and operated Pilestone Inc. and Golden Mermaid, Inc., both of which were involved in the development and sale of colorblind glasses, electronics, and cosmetics. From approximately 2017 to 2019, Zhuang supplied his accountants with false financial records that intentionally understated the gross receipts earned by Pilestone and Golden Mermaid. As a result, the accountants prepared corporate tax returns for both companies that underreported their income for each of these years. Because the business income earned by the two companies flowed through to Zhuang’s personal tax returns, by providing false information to the accountants he minimized the income and tax liability reported on his personal tax returns. For example, on his 2018 individual return Zhuang reported earning approximately $163,769 in taxable income, even though he knew he actually received more than $660,000 that year. In total, Zhuang caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $219,663.
Zhuang is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2023. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Jorge Almonte and Trial Attorney Catriona M. Coppler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Nebraska Beef, Ltd. and 2 Former Employees Sentenced for USDA ViolationsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Nebraska Beef Ltd., an Omaha, Nebraska, food processing company, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for false representation relating to agricultural grading records. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Nebraska Beef to 1 year of probation. Nebraska Beef was ordered to pay a $200,000 fine. Nebraska Beef also paid a $550,000 fine as part of a civil settlement with the government for its conduct.
On June 3, 2016, Nebraska Beef was served with a United States District Court, District of Nebraska, Grand Jury Subpoena and was ordered to produce grading records for thirty (30) carcasses of beef. In response to the Grand Jury Subpoena, a Nebraska Beef Corporate Officer altered the grading records for the thirty (30) carcasses of beef. After June 8, 2016, the Nebraska Beef Corporate Officer provided the altered grading records in printed form to attorneys for Nebraska Beef for delivery to the Grand Jury in response to the June 3, 2016, Grand Jury Subpoena. On June 13, 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office was provided the altered June 2, 2016, grading records.
Previously, on May 6, 2022, Dolese Tippery, 61, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, a former employee of Nebraska Beef, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for false representation relating to agricultural grading records. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Tippery to 6 months of probation. Tippery was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
Tippery admitted in her Plea Agreement that on March 20, 2017, in response to a Grand Jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office, she testified on behalf of Nebraska Beef that Nebraska Beef’s grading records previously provided to the United States Attorney’s Office were not altered, which was untrue.
On September 9, 2022, James Timmerman, 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, former Chief Financial Officer of Nebraska Beef, was also sentenced in federal court in Omaha for false representation relating to agricultural grading records. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Timmerman to 2 years of probation. Timmerman was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Montana Man Sentenced for Defacing a Prehistoric Native American Art SiteRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann has sentenced a Missoula, Montana, man convicted of Destruction of Government Property. The sentencing took place on December 5, 2022.
Balgaroslav Todorov Latinow, a/k/a Bobby Latinow, 56, was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay $7,156.00 in restitution and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Latinow was indicted for Destruction of Government Property and Unauthorized Damage and Defacement of Archaeological Resource by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.
The conviction stems from Latinow carving into and damaging a Native American rock art panel, namely, archaeological site 39FA0677, in Red Canyon in the Black Hills National Forest. This location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on land under the control and management of the U.S. Forest Service.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair prosecuted the case.
Minnesota Man Charged with Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted an Elmore, Minnesota, man for two counts of Attempted Production of Child Pornography.
Mason Mensing, age 21, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 7, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between March 25, 2022, and April 4, 2022, and again between August 17, 2022, and August 19, 2022, Mensing knowingly attempted to persuade and induce two minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of child pornography.
The charges are merely accusations and Mensing is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Brookings Police Department, and the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Mensing was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for February 14, 2023.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Illegal Use of Social SecurityRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LIMBER VAZQUEZ-NUNEZ, a native of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by United States Judge Carl J. Barbier to one (1) year of probation and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information that certain individuals had used fraudulent Social Security cards in an initial application to obtain employment. Prior to finalizing employment with their prospective company, the individuals had to report to the Gulf Coast Safety Council, which provides safety courses to applicants applying to work with companies that service petrochemical processing plants. On March 30, 2022, VAZQUEZ-NUNEZ arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course to finalize his employment with Company “A.” On that day, VAZQUEZ-NUNEZ presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, which he represented to be his own in order to obtain employment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Melrose Man Arrested for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Melrose man has been charged in connection with possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Patrick Baxter, 42, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Baxter was arrested on Dec. 7, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday afternoon, was detained pending a detention hearing that has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, Baxter downloaded CSAM from the internet on two occasions in June and July 2021. A computer hard drive seized during a search of Baxter’s residence was allegedly found to contain approximately 427 video files depicting CSAM.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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 the Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Melrose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Indicted for Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEANDRE CROSS, age 22, a resident of Slidell, was indicted on August 18, 2022, in a previously sealed indictment, for assaulting a federal officer in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1) and (b), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment was unsealed on December 7, 2022.
According to the indictment, on or about June 8, 2022, CROSS assaulted a Special Agent of the Department of Homeland Security during the performance of her official duties. During the assault, CROSS used a white Buick Lacrosse as a dangerous weapon, and inflicted bodily injury to the federal agent.
If convicted, CROSS could receive up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshals Service in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer and David Berman.
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Lubec Man Faces up to 20 Years for Stealing Firearms from Machias True Value, Threatening WitnessRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Lubec man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, witness tampering and retaliating against a witness.
According to court records, in October 2021, Jeremy C. Lyons, 29, broke into Pineo’s True Value in Machias and stole three Colt pistols. Maine State Police Crime Laboratory testing matched Lyons’ DNA to a Gatorade bottle he left at the scene of the crime. Lyons became aware that he was a target in a federal criminal investigation involving his theft of the pistols. In July 2022, he threatened a confidential source who had provided information to federal law enforcement with bodily harm and later challenged the source to a fight. Lyons later asked the confidential source to testify for him in his case.
Lyons faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Little Eagle Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on December 5, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Yukon Oris Henry, age 46, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Henry was indicted for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022.
On February 20, 2022, in Little Eagle, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Henry unlawfully assaulted his domestic partner, causing her substantial bodily injury. Henry was previously convicted of at least two prior domestic violence crimes in Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Henry was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Las Cruces man sentenced to over 26 years in prison for federal firearms, narcotics convictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Paul Michael Astorga was sentenced on Dec. 8 to 26 years and eight months in prison. A federal jury convicted Astorga, 36, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Dec. 16 on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On Jan. 21, 2016, Astorga was sentenced three years and five months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release with special conditions. Due to several violations of the terms of Astorga’s supervised release, a Petition for Revocation of Supervised Release was filed on Oct. 27, 2020, and an arrest warrant was issued on Oct. 28, 2020. On Nov. 3, 2020, Astorga was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and 66 fentanyl pills.
Astorga was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, trafficking by possession with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Astorga cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Astorga will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI, United States Marshals Service and Las Cruces Police Department Metro Narcotics Taskforce investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Joni Autrey Stahl prosecuted the case.
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Lake Andes Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Lake Andes, South Dakota, man for 18 counts of Wire Fraud and two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.
Christopher Saunsoci, age 42, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 18, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each of the Wire Fraud counts. The maximum penalty upon conviction for each of the two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between September 8, 2020, and September 17, 2021, Saunsoci devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations. The transactions involved the use of electronic wire communications and interstate commerce. The Indictment further alleges that between February 10, 2022, and May 16, 2022, Saunsoci willfully misapplied a 2016 GMC Yukon from the Yankton Sioux Tribe. The Indictment also alleges that between December 31, 2021, and March 16, 2022, Saunsoci willfully misapplied moneys, funds, and credits belonging to the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Saunsoci is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Saunsoci was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.
Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services Announce Partnership to Protect Health Care MarketsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today. Strengthening the partnership between the two agencies will enable both to better protect health care consumers and workers from collusion, ensure compliance with laws enforced by OIG and the Antitrust Division, and promote competitive health care markets. This partnership also supports the objectives of the President’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.
“Americans depend on competitive health care markets to meet their most basic needs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s MOU memorializes our shared commitment to protect patients from antitrust crime and other anticompetitive conduct, while ensuring uninterrupted access to health care products and services for patients who need them.”
“OIG’s mission is to protect the integrity of HHS programs and the health and welfare of the people served by those programs,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the Department of Health and Human Services. “We look forward to collaborating with the Antitrust Division to ensure that exclusions are imposed where appropriate and the people served by federal health care programs maintain access to health care products and services. Through this partnership, we will tackle unlawful behavior across the health care industry. This is an important moment in recognizing that protecting competition protects health care markets and ultimately benefits patients and Federal health care programs.”
The agencies share an interest in protecting federal health care programs and promoting competitive health care markets. Both agencies are charged with protecting the people served by federal health care programs who have been harmed or may be at-risk of being harmed by anticompetitive and unlawful conduct, with remedies including holding individuals or entities accountable for violations of the law, while preventing further harm to the health care system.
The MOU signed today by Assistant Attorney General Kanter and Inspector General Grimm announces new steps the agencies will take to strengthen their partnership. Through coordination in information sharing, enforcement activity, and training, the two agencies will strengthen the enforcement of federal laws, including the full force of OIG’s exclusion authorities and the antitrust laws enforced by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, while ensuring the continuity of health care products and services. In particular, this MOU will allow the two agencies to make referrals of potentially illegal activity to each other, as appropriate, and to coordinate on policy, strategy, and training.
OIG provides independent and objective oversight of HHS. OIG’s authorities come from the Inspector General Act, Social Security Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and other statutes. OIG has the authority to exclude individuals and entities from federal health care programs for a variety of reasons, including certain violations of antitrust laws. Those that are excluded can receive no payment from Federal health care programs for any items or services they furnish, order, or prescribe. To ensure health care assets remain in the market and competition is preserved and enhanced, OIG and the Antitrust Division will work together to ensure orderly winding down or sales of assets by excluded health care entities or other actions as appropriate.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division is charged with promoting and protecting competition by enforcing the antitrust laws of the United States, including the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and other related statutes.
Information about possible antitrust violations or potential anticompetitive activity should be reported to the Antitrust Division Citizen Complaint Center.
Information about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the Department of Health and Human Services’ programs should be reported to the HHS-OIG Hotline.
Jury Finds D.C. Men Guilty of Murder and Other Charges in August 10, 2017 Slaying of Jamahri SydnorRead the Press Release
Defendants Convicted of Daylight Shooting on Busy D.C. Street Corner, Killing and Wounding Innocent Bystanders
WASHINGTON – Robert Moses, 23, of Washington, D.C., and James Mayfield, 22, of Washington, D.C., have been found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder while armed and other charges in a mid-day shooting that took place on a Northeast Washington corner on August 10, 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Moses and Mayfield were found guilty by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on charges of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed (premediated), two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed (one with aggravating circumstances) one count of aggravated assault while armed (with aggravating circumstances), assault with a dangerous weapon, and related charges. Moses was also convicted with obstructing justice for his attempts to have another friend alibi him. Additionally, Mayfield is charged in a separate multiple-count indictment, including two counts of murder, for a three-day crime spree that occurred December 24-27, 2017. The verdict was returned on Dec. 8, 2022, following a seven-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing before the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan has not been scheduled. Moses and Mayfield face a mandatory minimum sentence of thirty years of incarceration for the crimes.
On Aug. 10, 2017, at about 3:30 p.m., Moses and Mayfield, each armed with firearms, approached on foot the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenues Northeast. Numerous people were outside at the time, in and around the busy neighborhood intersection. Both Moses and Mayfield opened fire across Montana Avenue towards the people on Saratoga Avenue, collectively firing over ten rounds. As they did, Jamahri Sydnor, 17 years-old and the daughter of retired MPD Homicide Detective and Sgt Que Wallace, was driving through the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenues with her 12-year-old nephew, on the way to run an errand before her sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner. Ms. Sydnor, who was days away from beginning her college education at Florida A&M University, was struck in the head by a bullet. Incapacitated, she lost control of the car, and it crashed into another parked car. Her 12-year-old nephew was injured by the shattering glass when the bullet traveled through the front passenger window before striking Ms. Sydnor. A third victim was shot as he stood on the corner speaking with friends, while yet another innocent bystander shattered his leg, after throwing himself from his wheelchair, attempting to take cover from the hail of gunfire.
Following the attacks, Moses and Mayfield fled the scene. Moses was arrested on October 26, 2017, and Mayfield was arrested on December 27, 2017. Both have been in custody since their respective arrests.
At the time of the alleged offenses, Moses was on release in a pending gun case in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They also acknowledged the efforts of those who are working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; former Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Victim/Witness Security Specialists Robert Cephas and Lesley Slade; former Victim/Witness Security Specialist Wanda M. Queen; Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Gilbert, Lashone Samuels, and Grazy Rivera; former Paralegal Specialist Alesha Matthews-Yette; Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity; Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris; and Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Lenerz who provided Appellate support, Deputy Chief Sharon Donovan, who provided extensive forensic and DNA litigation assistance, former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah Sines and Glenn Kirschner, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Santiago and Kimberley Nielsen, who investigated, indicted, and prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man for executing a fraudulent tax withholding scheme in an attempt to obtain nearly $1 million in tax refunds through the filing of fraudulent tax returns for himself and his companies.
Following a four-day trial, Anthony Uvari (57) was found guilty of four counts of making and subscribing false tax returns. U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 8, 2023. For each count of making and subscribing a false tax return, Uvari faces a statutory maximum penalty of three years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2012 and May 2013, Uvari filed (or caused to be filed) four tax returns that falsely claimed six different businesses had paid him or his companies income, but withheld more than $900,000 of income tax on his behalf and paid it to the IRS. The government also presented evidence at trial that the defendant had filed individual income tax returns for 2007-2010 with the same pattern of using false tax withholdings to claim fraudulent tax refunds. As a result, he requested from the IRS over $900,000 in fraudulent income tax refunds. The IRS paid out more than $300,000 in fraudulently obtained refunds before detecting Uvari’s scheme and denying the remaining refund requests.
On his 2011 individual income tax return, Uvari claimed nearly $600,000 in tax withholdings from purported winnings on horse racing wagers from off-track betting organizations, but according to evidence presented at trial, the IRS had no record of these winnings or withholdings. Furthermore, according to testimony of four witnesses at trial, two of the off-track betting organizations were not even in business at the time of the claimed wagers and withholdings, and two others had no records of the bets claimed by the defendant during the relevant time period. Uvari also filed three corporate tax returns on behalf of two shell companies he controlled, claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax withholdings from a Canadian bank. However, a representative of the Canadian bank testified at trial that the bank had not conducted these financial transactions with Uvari or his companies, had not made these payments to Uvari or his companies, and had not withheld this income tax on behalf of Uvari or his companies.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Schmale and Jessica Oliva are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts D.C. Woman for Credit Card Fraud Scheme Involving Hundreds of VictimsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Washington, D.C. woman today on multiple charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, trafficking in unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, unlawful possession of 15 or more access devices, and possession of access device-making equipment with intent to defraud.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Adiam Berhane, 50, carried out a fraud scheme from at least 2013 to 2016 in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area involving stolen credit card information that was used to purchase gift cards, expensive luxury goods, and other items from local retail stores. Berhane worked with multiple co-conspirators, including Keith Lemons, 55 of Clinton, Maryland; Tiffany Younger, 50 of Washington, D.C.; and an unindicted co-conspirator (UCC-1), to steal the identities of residents of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and elsewhere, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to area retailers and financial institutions.
The conspiracy created fraudulent payment cards using credit card manufacturing equipment that investigators found in the apartment that Berhane shared with UCC-1. Berhane would obtain stolen credit card information from the internet and provide it to UCC-1, who would then manufacture the cards, which Berhane then distributed to co-conspirators for use at area stores.
Berhane played a central role in the conspiracy. She bought the stolen card information. She managed the distribution of the fraudulent payment cards. She advised Lemons and Younger on how to carry out fraud in particular stores and decided how Lemons and Younger would be compensated. As part of the scheme, items purchased with victims’ credit card information would sometimes be returned for refunds to bank accounts that Berhane controlled, including her personal account and the accounts of Caffe Aficionado, a coffee shop in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington that Berhane owned and operated with UCC-1.
In addition to fraudulently purchasing items and receiving fraudulent refund proceeds to her bank accounts, Berhane used fraudulent payment cards to purchase gift cards at retail stores which were then redeemed at her business, Caffe Aficionado. More than a third of Caffe Aficionado’s income from June 2013 to July 2016 came from a pattern of highly unusual redemptions of American Express gift cards, with the pattern beginning several months before Caffe Aficionado actually opened in approximately October 2013.
Lemons and Younger previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and are awaiting sentencing.
Berhane faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a maximum penalty of 196 years in prison when sentenced on March 15, 2023. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Andy Penn, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the verdict.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Montgomery County Police Department, the FBI Cyber Task Force, the U.S. Postal Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Keim and Bibeane Metsch are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-27.
Keith Lemons and Tiffany Younger are being prosecuted in related cases in the Eastern District of Virginia. See United States v. Keith Lemons, 1:22-cr-9-ATJ; United States v. Tiffany Younger, 1:20-cr-25-AJT.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 8 was:
Johnathan Taylor Dugan, 37, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dugan faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on bank fraud and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on aggravated identity theft. Dugan was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, Bozeman Police Department and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-132.
Appearing on Dec. 6 was:
Sergio Antonio Lopez, 32, of Hardin, on charges of assault by strangulation of a former spouse and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of former spouse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lopez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lopez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-135.
Theo Summers Buffalo Bulltail, 39, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition and possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bulltail faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bulltail was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-86.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jorge Mario Velasquez, 40, of Nayarit, Mexico, was sentenced to 211 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Hundreds of individuals are killed every day in communities throughout our country due to the distribution of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Each of these deaths are a tragedy, robbing individuals of their promise and crippling families left behind with unimaginable grief. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute those who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence serves as a significant deterrent to drug traffickers and demonstrates our resolve to hold them accountable.”
Velasquez was on State reporting probation at the time of the offense for possession of a controlled substance. The evidence showed that Velasquez, along with co-conspirators, conspired to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl pills and heroin throughout the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation led to the seizure of over thousands of fentanyl pills, powder heroin, two pistols, and an AR-15 style rifle, along with multiple boxes of ammunition. Velasquez’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
“Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are the primary cause of drug overdose and poisoning deaths in our country. The individuals responsible for bringing this poison into our Florida communities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The success of this investigation is a direct result of strength of our relationships with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. The DEA Miami Field Division is dedicated to continuing these partnerships to keep our Florida communities safe and healthy.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
INTERPOL Washington Warns Against INTERPOL ImpersonatorsRead the Press Release
INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—continues to receive reports of unauthorized persons purporting to be representatives of INTERPOL. Please be advised that neither INTERPOL nor the USNCB will reach out to individual citizens requesting any kind of information. INTERPOL and the USNCB only communicate with official law enforcement entities through closed channels.
Criminals are constantly refining the ways they use to trick victims into giving out confidential information. Social engineering fraud exploits a person’s trust in order to obtain money directly or obtain confidential information to enable a subsequent crime. Social media is the preferred channel but it is not unusual for contact to be made by telephone or in person.
The USNCB understands that fraudsters may call and email citizens requesting personal information allegedly related to INTERPOL cases. These are examples of social engineering fraud known as phishing, SMSing, and vishing whereby fake emails, texts, or telephone calls allegedly from legitimate sources are used to induce individuals to reveal personal or financial information.
The fraudsters often claim to be verifying information or offering protection to encourage the recipient to provide certain personal or financial information. Sometimes the communication will threaten criminal penalties for non-compliance. On several occasions, the perpetrators have contacted individuals posing as current and former INTERPOL and USNCB officials. Specific examples of these social engineering attempts can be found at INTERPOL’s website: Beware of scams using INTERPOL’s name.
“The USNCB is committed to protecting U.S. citizens from fraud. We work with the 195 member countries of INTERPOL every day to combat financial and other crimes worldwide. We will never ask for personal information. We only provide investigative support and secure communications between law enforcement authorities,” said USNCB Director Michael A. Hughes.
Individuals should never provide any personal or financial information to anyone claiming to represent INTERPOL or the USNCB. If an individual inadvertently provides personal or financial information during one of these contacts, that person should contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible to report the fraudulent activity.
For answers to questions about the USNCB, the public may refer to our website: INTERPOL Washington | Frequently Asked Questions (justice.gov). Information for law enforcement personnel who need to contact the USNCB is also available on our website: INTERPOL Washington | Services for Law Enforcement Agencies (justice.gov)
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—is the designated U.S. representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General. It serves as the national point of contact and coordination for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Home Health Care Agency Settles Fraud Claims for $1.26 Million and Agrees to Pay $2 Million in Wages and Benefits to Underpaid AidesRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, announced today a settlement agreement with a Brooklyn-based licensed home care service agency (LHCSA) White Glove Community Care, Inc. (White Glove). The settlement agreement addresses allegations that White Glove violated the federal False Claims Act and New York State’s False Claims Act in claiming that it paid its home care aides the minimum wages required under New York State law. The agency received payments from Medicaid, which is funded in part by the federal government, and is entitled to receive that money only if it paid its aides the required wages and benefits.
“The arduous work that these aides do, day after day, ensures that some of our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care and are shown the dignity that they deserve,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This settlement—the third in our continuing investigation of certain licensed home care service agencies—reflects this Office’s ongoing commitment to providing home health aides the hard-earned benefits guaranteed them under New York law and the Medicaid program.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the New York State Attorney General for its partnership in the government’s investigation and resolution of this important case.
“Home health aides work tirelessly to provide critical care for our most vulnerable neighbors, and they deserve to receive adequate and fair compensation for their hard work,” said Attorney General James. “White Glove cheated their employees, and they cheated the everyday New Yorkers whose tax dollars fund the Medicaid program. My office will always stand up against bad actors, and ensure all workers get fair pay for their work.”
The New York Wage Parity Act sets minimum wage and benefits requirements for LHCSAs that employ home care aides who render services to Medicaid recipients in New York City and in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Under the Wage Parity law, which is funded by Medicaid, aides are to be paid a minimum amount in total compensation. That compensation comes in the form of a base wage and a supplemental benefit. The base wage must be paid in cash. The benefit portion can include the value of vacation, holiday, and sick pay, among other things. It can also include health insurance, pension plans, or educational assistance. Today, the minimum amount of total compensation for an aide in New York City is $19.09 per hour; for Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, the minimum is $18.22 per hour.
Home health aides perform all aspects of personal care for sick or homebound patients and frequently work long shifts lasting up to 24 hours. The tasks performed in caring for patients are demanding and can consist of assisting or lifting patients out of bed and bathing, dressing, grooming, preparing meals for and, in some instances, feeding them. Patients may suffer from physical or mental disorders that can make the work of the aides physically and emotionally taxing. In fact, it was in recognition of the difficulty of this work that New York passed the Wage Parity Act.
The Settlement
This Office, in coordination with the New York State Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, commenced an investigation after whistleblowers alleged that certain LHCSAs had knowingly defrauded the federal government and New York State by underpaying home health aides in violation of the Wage Parity Act. The government’s investigation revealed that White Glove certified its compliance with the law, even though it had not paid its aides the requisite compensation, and sought and received reimbursement from Medicaid.
Under the terms of the agreement with the United States and New York State, White Glove has agreed to pay $505,616.98 to the United States and $758,425.47 to New York State for conduct that took place in the years 2012 to 2018.
In addition to the payments to resolve the government’s fraud claims, White Glove is now paying its aides the wages and benefits it was required to pay under the Wage Parity Act, including the wages that were owed to current and former aides in prior years. It has agreed to pay its aides $2 million for past due wages pursuant to a separate agreement it reached with the New York State Office of Attorney General Labor Bureau. Moreover, White Glove has admitted, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility for underpaying its home health aides by failing to pay Wage Parity Act rates.
Today’s settlement with White Glove follows similar settlements with the LHCSAs All American Homecare Agency and Crown of Life Care NY LLC, announced earlier this year.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Blume and Sean Greene-Delgado of the Office’s Civil Division.
Hardy County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angel Luis Martinez-Rodriguez, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Martinez-Rodriguez, 38, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine-Aiding and Abetting.” Martinez-Rodriguez admitted to having cocaine in August 2021 in Hardy County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen. D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.