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Thursday 27 October 2022
Ambridge Felon Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 25, named Maurice Mosely, Jr., age 41, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about July 21, 2021 and Sept. 10, 2021, Mosely, Jr., possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm and ammunition. On or about July 21, 2021, Mosely, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. On or about Aug. 13, 2021, Mosley, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alleged sex trafficker set to appear in courtRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 31-year-old Houston man has been taken into custody on charges of sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Law enforcement arrested Jonathan Smith-Byrd today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Oct. 19 which was unsealed upon the arrest today.
Smith-Byrd allegedly used force, fraud and coercion to cause three women to engage in commercial sex. Two of the victims were minors when Smith-Byrd trafficked them, according to the charges.
The indictment also alleges Smith-Byrd coerced the victims to engage in sex acts across state lines.
If convicted, Smith-Byrd faces up to life imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed the HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as a national model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and Sebastian A. Edwards are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Wednesday 26 October 2022
Woodward Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – A Woodward man was sentenced on Thursday, October 20, 2022, to 12 months and one day in prison for wire fraud and false statements to the United States Small Business Association (SBA).
According to court documents, John Richard Stidolph, age 66, submitted numerous false applications to the SBA for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Over the course of approximately one year, he submitted four fraudulent applications and received $359,800 from the SBA. As part of Stidolph’s sentence, he was ordered to pay restitution to the SBA and serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Wilkes-Barre Moving Company Owner Sentenced for Failing to Pay Required Federal Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason T. Cawley, age 44, owner of J. Cawley Moving, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 25, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 2 years’ probation, including 6 months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, for failing to collect and pay over several years’ worth of required federal payroll taxes.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, for a five year period from 2015 to 2019, Cawley willfully failed to account for and pay over to the IRS required federal payroll taxes in the total amount of $398,726.61. Although he withheld the funds from his employees’ pay, Cawley consistently failed to pay the monies over to the IRS, as required. Cawley also failed to file the required quarterly Forms 941 with the IRS.
At sentencing, Cawley was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $245,388.91, which constitutes the balance of the unpaid taxes.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Violent Felon Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison After Committing Six Armed Robberies in Six Weeks, Including Three of the Same Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Devonte Bailey, 24, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 6, 2018, Bailey approached four men standing inside a residential garage in Indianapolis, asked for directions, and then left the area. Bailey returned a few minutes later, brandished a semiautomatic pistol, and demanded the keys to the victims’ vehicle and their cellular telephones. Bailey fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The next day an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a report of shots fired and responded to the area. When the officer arrived in the vicinity of where the shots were reported, he saw Bailey sitting in the driver’s seat of the stolen vehicle. As the officer approached Bailey, he drove away at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a vehicle pursuit, which ended at an apartment building. Bailey exited the vehicle, entered an apartment, and ran out the rear of the building. The officer searched Bailey’s vehicle and found a 9mm handgun inside.
On November 1, 2018, Bailey entered a Dollar Tree on High School Road. Bailey approached the check-out counter, brandished a silver revolver, and demanded money. The cashier ran from the register and Bailey left the store without any money.
Later that same day, Bailey entered a Circle K on Lafayette Road. Bailey grabbed a bag of Doritos and proceeded to the check-out counter. Bailey again brandished the silver revolver and demanded money and cigarettes from the cashier, and the cashier complied.
On November 7, 2018, Bailey entered the same Circle K on Lafayette Road, again brandishing the silver revolver. Bailey walked behind the counter and removed money from the register and several packs of cigarettes before fleeing the store.
On November 16, 2018, Bailey entered the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell on Georgetown Road. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the safe. Bailey instructed an employee to open the safe. Bailey removed the money from the safe and then fled the restaurant.
On November 22, 2018, Bailey went back to the Circle K on Lafayette Road for a third time. When Bailey entered the store, none of the employees were inside. Bailey exited the store and located an employee and a customer standing together near the exit. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied. Bailey took the customer’s car keys and fled the store. The customer chased Bailey as he ran from the store. Bailey dropped his backpack as he was fleeing and drove away in a vehicle, but not the customer’s vehicle. The customer tried to block Bailey from leaving and Bailey almost hit him with the vehicle as he drove away. Bailey drove the vehicle into a nearby tree. Bailey exited the vehicle and ran into a storage area. Police responded moments later, and Bailey was arrested. Officers searched the backpack that Bailey had discarded and found a silver 9mm revolver.
Bailey was transported to the police station where he was interviewed. Bailey confessed to the robberies. In a subsequent interview with a federal agent, Bailey confessed to the October 6, 2018, carjacking and admitted to brandishing a 9mm handgun.
Bailey was previously convicted in Marion County, Indiana for battery with a deadly weapon. Bailey was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due this felony conviction.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division; and Randal Taylor, Police Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Bailey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Announces District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – United States Attorney Sean P. Costello announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Vicki Davis will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Davis has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Alabama, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Costello said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Costello stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Davis will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (251) 441-5845”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (251) 438-3674.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
United States Attorney Costello said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Complaints Related to November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Seth Askins (619) 546-6692
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 26, 2022
SAN DIEGO - Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.
AUSA Askins has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of Election
Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Grossman stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Askins will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (619) 546-6692.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (858) 320-1800.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
U.S. Attorney Grossman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison Appoints Steven Cares as District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Steven Cares will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Cares has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Ison stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Cares will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313)226-9139.”In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313)965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Ison said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions to Combat Violent Organized Crime and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges today against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution, and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners.
“Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this Office’s mission, and I have no higher priority as U.S. Attorney. The scourge of senseless gun violence plagues too many of our communities, particularly in our urban centers. We are committed to protecting the public from violent criminal organizations, and we will relentlessly hold those who harm and threaten the public accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “The arrests and charges announced today were achieved through my Office’s collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners through our Violent Crime Initiative. Our VCI model targets the dangerous offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey who threaten the public and perpetrate violence within our most vulnerable communities.”
The Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) is a collaborative, multi-agency program designed to combine the resources of New Jersey’s federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify, target, and prosecute violent offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey. “Selflessly working and coordinating with our law enforcement partners has strengthened our ability to better protect the public from violent actors and organized criminal conduct. The charges announced today resulted from that team effort,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger also noted that shooting incidents statewide and in cities where the VCIs operate are appreciably lower than the year-to-date total from last year, including a 23% reduction statewide, a 30% reduction in Newark, 27% reduction in Jersey City, and 12% reduction in Paterson. The following graphic reflects those reductions:
NJ State Police Total Shooting Incidents“These decreases are not a reason for anyone to rest easy or let up, but it is a positive note for our communities that have seen all too much violence,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.
“My primary responsibility and focus as Attorney General is keeping the residents of our state safe – whether by tackling a rise in auto thefts or taking actions to prevent gun violence, including by holding violent offenders accountable,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Today, as a result of the efforts of various law enforcement agencies, we are once again demonstrating that effectively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes requires collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We are, quite simply, stronger and more effective when we collaborate, communicate, and share resources — which is precisely the type of partnerships we are fortunate to have here in New Jersey.”
“The Violent Crime Initiative plays an integral role in identifying and removing the most violent offenders in our communities,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “Three of DEA’s investigations have resulted in the removal of 73 guns, more than 100 arrests, and the seizure of multiple kilograms of narcotics. It is the teamwork of law enforcement at every level working together toward the same goal that makes these investigations successful.”
“ATF remains vigilant in its pursuit of the most violent offenders in our communities by utilizing crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle, and to prosecute shooters and their sources of crime guns,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews said. “We will continue to exploit investigative and data-driven leads derived from ATF’s National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which is vital for both fair and impartial policing. These arrests send a clear and direct message of ATF’s continued commitment to combat violent crime and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard the public from violence.”
“Violent crime in every form negatively impacts quality of life for every person left in its wake,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The citizens of New Jersey – and across this country – have the absolute right to feel safe in their homes, their communities, and their country, which is why the FBI places great emphasis on eradicating violence. It is a lofty goal and one that may seem unreachable in these divisive times. But we will continue to fight this fight alongside our federal, state, and local partners for as long as it takes. We ask the community to take an active role – if you see something, report it. We cannot let violence rule our way of life.”
The charges and arrests announced today are summarized below, followed by tables setting forth the names, ages, and residences of those charged, as well as the charges against them.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Today, 14 individuals were charged by criminal complaints with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. According to the allegations in the complaints, the charged defendants participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) made up members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang. The organization controlled the drug trade in and around the Oscar Miles Village housing complex in Newark.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, investigators of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, investigators from the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz Fragé, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles investigation.
The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Fassanello of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Olta Bejleri of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization
Ten members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang were recently charged by superseding indictment with participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, carjackings, robberies, non-fatal shootings, and murder. According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, from in or around 2015 through 2022, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization operated in Essex and Union Counties, the New Jersey prison system, and elsewhere in New Jersey and nationally. During this alleged conspiracy, several of the charged defendants committed multiple non-fatal shootings and a murder, in furtherance of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under Marshal Juan Mattos’ direction; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fragé, the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura’s direction, the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization
Seven members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang were indicted for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved the commission of multiple murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, fraud, and narcotics distribution. According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or around 2019 to 2022, the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization operated in Somerset, Middlesex, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, as well as within the New Jersey prison system. During that period, several of the charged defendants are alleged to have committed violent acts, including murder, a mass shooting, and assaults with deadly weapons, all in furtherance of the affairs of Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization. In one instance, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods are alleged to have shot nine people in New Brunswick, killing two. Over the course of this conspiracy, members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization are alleged to have shot 16 people in New Jersey, killing three.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy in Newark, as well as investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Bounty Hunter Bloods investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Organization
Six defendants were charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and crack-cocaine in and around Lincoln Park in Newark. This investigation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and quantities of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under Special Agent in Charge Matthews’s direction, special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, investigators of the Newark Police Department, under Public Safety Director Fragé’s direction, and investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Fontoura’s direction, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Lincoln Park investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.
Trinitarios
Five members and associates of several branches of the Trinitarios street gang were arrested and charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin, as well as firearms offenses. According to the allegations in the complaints, the defendants conducted their narcotics and firearms activities in and around the Fifth Ward of Paterson.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge Dennehy’s direction, investigators of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale, and investigators of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Trinitarios investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Edeli Rivera of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
The investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles, Rollin 60s, and Trinitarios investigations were part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Thomas Barney
47
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najuwan Blake-Williams
23
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Altray Brown
29
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ali Carney
44
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najee Carney
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Mookadean Cheeseboro
35
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Tyrone Cradle
26
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Michael Griffin
32
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jaquan McAllister
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ikaim McSwain
32
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Latif Terry
39
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Shaquan Ward
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Taji Williams
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Zaid Williams
35
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Jason Franklin,
aka “Freak,”
aka “OG Freak”38
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm
Elijah Williams,
aka “Lil Smith”22
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Tre Byrd,
aka “Bands,”
aka “G Bandz”21
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Kareem Green,
aka “Try Me”31
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Tyheim Terry,
aka “Ty,”
aka “Rollin’ Ty”24
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, Carjacking, possession of firearm in furtherance of crime of violence
Amir Warden,
aka “Stampz,”
aka “Killa”30
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Rahjon Cox, aka “Tsu Surf”
32
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition
Amir Edmonds, aka “G Baby”
21
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Abdul Yarrell,
aka “Runit Up,”
aka “BB”23
Union County
RICO Conspiracy
Nygee Johnson,
aka “Gito”24
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Walter Boyd,
aka “Walt,”
aka “Walt Daddy”34
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Isiah Daniels,
aka “Ice”34
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Joel Lyons,
aka “Jayski”21
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Gede Maccelus,
aka “G Baby”21
Mercer County
RICO Conspiracy
Armando Ortiz,
aka “Mando”24
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Malik Stringer,
aka “Rambo”24
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Kimani Wanyoike,
aka “Ki”21
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Investigation
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Ramon Mangan
39
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jamar Farrell
44
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Khalid Holland
43
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Tyree Norris
33
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon,
Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Ted Sanon
22
Hillside, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
*Dashawn Hines
* not charged in drug trafficking conspiracy
23
Newark
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Trinitarios
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Andy Dilone
23
Paterson, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Malvin Pena,
aka “Rabia”28
Paterson
Unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, distribution of heroin
Andy Santiago Sanchez-Polanco,
aka “Tigre”25
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Jefry Tupete,
aka “Jeff”33
Paterson
Distribution of heroin
Cesar Valerio,
aka “Chico Trini”30
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Twice Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child Sexual Abuse Material While on Lifetime ParoleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Joseph Yantiss, 35, of Greensburg, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that between August 15 and August 17, 2021, Yantiss uploaded 13 files of child sexual abuse material to his Dropbox account. Yantiss was on lifetime parole at the time of the offense. On September 27, 2021, a search warrant was issued for Yantiss’ person and his vehicle. Two cellular telephones were found in the vehicle by police. Police examined both phones, and on one of the phones they found a video depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Police also found an email account on the phone that was the same email Yantiss used for his Dropbox account.
While Yantiss was being processed into jail, an officer found a microSD card in Yantiss’ wallet. The SD card was examined and contained three files depicting child sexual abuse material.
Yantiss was convicted of attempted child molesting and child solicitation in December 2013 and possession of child pornography in July 2018, both in Decatur County, Indiana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Correction’s Division of Parole Services provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Yantiss be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and ordered Yantiss to pay $4,000 in restitution the minor victims. Yantiss must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina M. Korobov who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
Trinidad & Tobago Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Using Social Media to Solicit Sexual Exploitation Material from Teen GirlRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Lake Worth, Fla., man who pretended to be a teenage boy to get a 13-year-old girl in South Carolina to send him nude videos of herself was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release on charges of production of child sexual exploitation material.
Beginning in 2020, Olinto Lynch, a.k.a. “Olintonaruto,” communicated with at least two 13-year-old girls on a social media application. Lynch told the girls he was a teenager and used sexually charged conversations to request things from them. He promised gifts and preyed upon their troubled lives. His relationship with one of the girls lasted more than a year and he even drove to South Carolina to meet her. The second relationship lasted several weeks and he convinced the girl to produce images and inappropriate videos. This stopped when the second child’s mother uncovered the conversations and reported Lynch’s social media profile to the FBI.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Lynch’s social media account as well as his Lake Worth residence. There it was discovered that he was from Trinidad & Tobago and had been residing illegally in the United States since March 2020. Agents found sexual exploitation videos of the second girl on his phone, to which he confessed.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Miami, announced the guilty plea.
FBI West Palm Beach investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-80087.
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Three Members of Caribbean Arms Trafficking Ring Charged with Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods from the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Tevin OBrian Oliver (29, Homestead), Jameal Kaia Phillip (30, Trinidad and Tobago), and Edward Soloman King III (31, Tampa) with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Oliver, Phillip, and King were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022. Oliver and Phillip are both nationals of Trinidad. The firearms, which included pistols and rifles, and related equipment were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items to avoid detection by law enforcement and customs authorities. Conspirators also acquired firearms in the Tampa area from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination.
On April 7, 2021, Oliver shipped a package concealing and containing various firearms and related equipment, including a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a SAR Arms SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, and a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol, from Miami to Trinidad and Tobago. On April 22, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad seized those firearms and other related items that had been concealed in the shipment.
King was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Middle District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Phillip was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Oliver was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 26, 2022.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Attaché, Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Transnational Organized Crime Unit and Special Investigations Unit), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Statement of the United States Attorney’s Office Regarding Justice Department Efforts to Protect Voting RightsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Department of Justice today released its comprehensive press release (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-releases-information-efforts-protect-right-vote-prosecute-election-fraud) on federal efforts to protect voting rights and to prohibit intimidation, discrimination, and fraud in the November 8 general election and the pre-election-day voting that has already begun.
As this statement indicates, the Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of intimidation, discrimination, or fraud in the election process. Here in Arizona, we have terrific partnerships with reasoned and dedicated local, county and state officials, and we expect that our deputy sheriffs and municipal police officers will be the front line in efforts to ensure that all qualified voters are able to exercise their right to vote free of intimidation or other election abuses.
We’ll nonetheless be watching federally. As the several election threat-related cases pending federal felony charges from alleged criminal activity arising out of our State show, acts which cross the line will not go unaddressed. We have a long history of civil dialogue and civic engagement here in Arizona, and we will vigorously safeguard all Arizonans’ rights to freely and lawfully cast their ballot during the election.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-190_USAO Protect Voting Rights Statement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Wednesday sentenced a man caught with a gun while overdosing on fentanyl to six years in prison.
Derrick Hart pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted possessing that gun on March 3, 2020. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers found Hart unconscious on the side of Goodfellow Boulevard with a stolen 9mm pistol and a large-capacity magazine in his waistband. He was revived by EMS and taken to the hospital.
A few hours after his release from the hospital, Hart viciously beat his then-girlfriend in front of her 9-year-old daughter, according to a sentencing memo. Hart became enraged when he thought the victim said another man’s name during a phone call and struck her in the face. The two then struggled over a mop, which broke, and he hit her twice in the face with the jagged metal handle.
Hart’s prior felony convictions include drug charges, robbery and felonious restraint.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone prosecuted the case.
St. Francois County Man Convicted of Child pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Park Hills, Missouri was convicted by a federal jury Wednesday on charges of receiving child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography.
Investigators learned in 2019 that child sexual abuse materials were available via a peer-to-peer file sharing application and traced it to Rodney D. Price, 42. They later found that Price had used his phone to search for and view child sexual abuse materials. They found 167 images containing those materials on his phone.
Price is scheduled to be sentenced January 31. The receiving child pornography charge carries a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison and the charge of accessing child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri’s State Technical Assistance Team and Investigator Donya Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jillian Anderson and Rob Livergood are prosecuting the case.
Pleasant Plains Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempting to Sell BombsRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Pleasant Plains man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm after attempting to sell pipe bombs. Wayne Riley, 27, was sentenced yesterday afternoon by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
In September 2020, officers conducted a home visit at the residence of Darius Balentine in Newport. Balentine was on active supervision, and officers had learned that he was in possession of a firearm. While searching the home, officers located a .380 pistol and two CO2 bottles containing gun powder and roofing nails, equipped with fuses and designed as explosive devices.
Multiple witnesses confirmed the explosives belonged to Wayne Riley, who had dropped them off at Balentine’s home a few days prior. Investigators obtained text messages in which Riley stated he had ten pipe bombs and wanted to sell them for $100 each or $800 for all ten.
Riley was indicted in July 2021 and pleaded guilty in June 2022. His codefendant, Balentine, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and will be sentenced at a later date. In addition to the sentence of ten years imprisonment, which is the maximum allowed by law, Riley will serve three years of supervised release after his term of incarceration.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Newport Police Department; and the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Pittsburgh-Area Crack Dealer Sentenced to 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clinton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Tyriese Green-Saunders, age 23.
According to information presented to the court, on April 20, 2021, Green-Saunders possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Green-Saunders.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands announced today the assignment of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) to lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Marivic P. David will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Guam and AUSA Eric S. O’Malley will serve as the DEO for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands. These AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington DC.
United States Attorney Anderson said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will dedicate its resources to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 8, 2022, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEOs will be on duty while the polls are open, including periods of early voting. Ms. David can be reached by the public at (671) 479-4120 or (671) 988-3260. Mr. O’Malley can be contacted at (670) 236-2986.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The public can contact the FBI at the following numbers:
- Honolulu Field Office 24/7 (808) 566-4300
- Guam Office (671) 472-7465
- Northern Mariana Islands Office (670) 322-6934
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. Local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Ottawa County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN—U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Michael John Batt, 35, of Jenison, Michigan, with charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography.
“Protecting our most vulnerable, our kids, is a top priority for my office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes against children.”
The indictment alleges that on or about September 19, 2022, Batt used and attempted to use a child of approximately three years of age to engage in the lascivious exhibition of the child’s genitals or pubic area for the purpose of photographing that conduct. According to the indictment, Batt created images of the child using an iPhone. The indictment also alleges that on or about September 20, 2022, Batt knowingly distributed four images of child pornography using an internet-based messaging application.
“HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to investigate these offenders and to also provide care and support for victims of these types of crimes,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “Working together with our community partners we can help put a stop to child exploitation.”
“The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is committed to tracking down suspects, rescuing victims, and proactively enforcing the laws that protect our children. The MSP values the strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations,” said Detective Sergeant Chris Prevette of the Grand Rapids Computer Crimes Unit.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office; county prosecutor’s offices; HSI; ICAC; the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Anyone with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, please visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/programs/psc.html.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oswego Hospital Agrees to Pay $98,694.36 for Improper Medicare and Medicaid BillingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Oswego Hospital has agreed to pay $98,694.36 to resolve allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act by: (1) improperly billing Medicare and Medicaid for outpatient mental healthcare services that were rendered by an unsupervised LMSW, and (2) improperly billing Medicaid for outpatient mental healthcare services rendered by another LMSW for which Oswego Hospital could not provide documentation to support those claims.
“The integrity and strength of our federal healthcare system depends on accurate and honest billing for services that are provided by qualified healthcare workers,” said United States Attorney Carla Freedman. “We will continue to use the False Claims Act to hold healthcare providers accountable when their billing practice do not meet this standard.”
This case began in April of 2019, when a whistleblower filed a qui tam complaint investigation under seal in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. When a whistleblower, or “relator,” files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act requires the United States to investigate the allegations and elect whether to intervene and take over the action or to decline to intervene and allow the relator to go forward with the litigation on behalf of the United States. The relator is generally able to then share in any recovery. The relator in this case will receive $19,738.87 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 5:19-cv-0431 (GTS/ATB).
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service on behalf of the Defense Health Agency. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl G. Eurenius, and New York State was represented by Special Assistant Attorney General Ralph D. Tortora, III.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robbery, Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that, on October 25, 2022, DEVIN CHANEY (“CHANEY”), age 32, agreed to plead guilty to one count of Armed Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (d) (Count 9); and one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) (Count 3). In pleading guilty to the Armed Bank Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty-five (25) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In pleading guilty to the Hobbs Act Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In exchange for pleading guilty, the government has agreed to dismiss the remaining counts in the superseding indictment.
As part of his plea, CHANEY admitted that on Christmas Eve 2021, he entered the Capital One Bank located on Carondelet St. in New Orleans. He presented a demand note to one teller and received some money but was disappointed in the amount. CHANEY then approached a second teller, pointed a firearm at the teller, and received additional money before leaving the bank. In total, CHANEY robbed the Capital One of approximately $2,506.00. Additionally, on December 12, 2021, CHANEY entered the Subway sandwich shop located on North Broad Street, New Orleans, pointed a firearm at the cashier, and demanded the money in the register. The cashier handed over approximately $600.00 to CHANEY.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 21, 2023, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Charles Strauss.
* * *
Mystic Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YI DI LIN, also known as “Johnny Lin,” 49, of Mystic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $92,000 and a $5,500 fine, for a federal a federal tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court today, Lin owns and operates Peking Tokyo, a restaurant in Mystic. In operating the restaurant, Lin regularly paid several employees wholly or partially in cash. In mid-2019, Lin began using a payroll processing company to issue payroll checks for certain employees, make appropriate tax withholdings, and file Forms 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns) with the Internal Revenue Service. Lin subsequently failed to inform the payroll company about the existence of the employees he only paid in cash and the amount of cash he paid to employees. As a result, the payroll company prepared and filed false Forms 941 for four quarters in 2019 and 2020, and appropriate payroll taxes were not remitted to the IRS. The resulting loss to the IRS was $92,093.
On July 28, 2022, Lin pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.
Lin has paid $92,093 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
More than 4,000 Rhode Island Students Participate in U.S. Attorney’s Office Circles and Silence ProgramRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – More than 4,000 middle and high school students across Rhode Island have participated in the United States Attorney’s Office’s community outreach program Circles and Silence program during the first two months of the current school year, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Addressing opioid addiction and prevention, the Circles and Silence Program is built around a five-time Emmy nominated, locally produced U.S. Attorney’s Office documentary film narrated by a diverse group of Rhode Island young adults whose personal true-life stories delve deeply into their distinct journeys of drug dependency and recovery. The film documents their paths from addiction, in some instances to prison, to successful management of addiction, to working daily to lead productive and healthy lifestyles. In addition to sharing their stories, individuals who appear in the film participate in in-person conversation sessions with students.
With presentations this week at Central Falls High School and Blackstone Academy, the number of students participating thus far this school year far exceeds the number of participants in any previous start to a school year.
Circles and Silence is a critical part of our efforts to use every tool at our disposal to combat the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “That means not just vigorous law enforcement, but education, outreach, and support for recovery. Every student we reach, every person who leaves this program with a better understanding of what is at stake and the fact that recovery is possible, is a vital part of that mission.”
In addition to viewing the documentary and engaging in discussion with the individuals who appear in the film, attendees are provided critical information about substance abuse disorder and the many prevention, recovery, and social service programs available statewide through an expansive network.
Video clips from Circles and Silence can be viewed at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/circles-and-silence .
The United States Attorney's Community Outreach Office Circles and Silence program is available to students grades 7-12 in all Rhode Island public and private schools, and to community and not-for-profit organizations at no cost. To learn more about the Circles and Silence Program or to schedule a presentation contact United States Attorney’s Office Community Engagement & Crime Prevention Coordinator David Neill at (401) 709-5035 or at [email protected]
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Middle District of Florida Prosecutes over 300 Defendants for Federal Firearms and Violent Crime Offenses as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the fourth quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the last fiscal year, ending September 30, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted more than 325 defendants and seized approximately 685 firearms, 9 silencers, and 1,813 autosears. During the last quarter in particular, prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have prosecuted 120 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing more than 192 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart below for case details) The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the fourth quarter involved more than 800 people.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q4 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Harris et al (Fort Myers)
Marvin Harris, Jr., and Latrel Jackson have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire as a result of murder that was committed in Fort Myers in November 2019. According to court records, Harris, Jr. was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating in Lee County. As a result of the conspiracy between Harris, Jr., and Jackson, “K.U.” was murdered on November 2, 2019, in Fort Myers. Harris, Jr. caused Jackson to travel from Illinois to commit the murder in exchange for a promise and agreement to pay money. The trial is currently scheduled for December 2022.
United States v. Christopher Dozier (Jacksonville)
In September 2022, Christopher Dozier was sentenced to 18 years and 8 months in federal prison for two violent armed robberies of Jacksonville businesses. In the first robbery, Dozier physically struck an employee before binding the employee’s hands with wire. During the second robbery, Dozier disarmed a security guard, stealing his firearm and almost $2,000 from the business. Dozer fled to Massachusetts where he was arrested and eventually returned to Jacksonville. Dozier’s girlfriend acted as his driver in both robberies. She was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for her role in the robberies.
United States v. Tyree Townsel (Ocala)
On August 29, 2022, Benjamin Tyree Townsel (22, Ocala) was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing of firearms as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to court records, between August 2020 and February 2021, officers from the Ocala Police Department discovered Townsel near firearms during three separate traffic stops. In each instance, Townsel had been linked to other criminal activity, including a shooting and a high-speed chase with law enforcement. An FBI DNA comparison conclusively showed Townsel’s DNA on all the recovered firearms, one of which also had an obliterated serial number. Townsel, a member of the “Bloods” street gang, had four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States v. Raul Reyes Vazquez (Orlando)
In July 2022, Raul Reyes Vazquez was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release related to a bank robbery he had committed in New York in 2008. According to court documents, in July 2008, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Chase Bank in Manhattan and was later convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019. On February 16, 2022, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando. Six days later, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
United States vs. Ma’at Malik Darius Lee (Tampa)
In August 2022, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Ma’at Lee with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of attempted wire fraud, and possessing a stolen firearm. The indictment alleges that from July 9 to October 27, 2021, Lee robbed three individuals at gunpoint and carjacked a fourth. When a deputy from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located Lee in the stolen vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, Lee responded by firing at least eight rounds and fleeing the scene. If convicted, Lee faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The trial is scheduled for January 2023.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Update
(July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022)
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Marvin Harris, Jr. (24)
Latrel Jackson (25)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
James Blanks (26)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jontavious Griffin (33)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Doumy Joseph (26)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: life
2
Giovanni Francois (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Mike Leeman, Trent Reichling, and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (45)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Paul Bryan McCorkle (54)
Felon in possession of an explosive
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Cory Lee Kelly (34)
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Derrick Irving Gordon (47)
Material false statements related to purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Sule Pedro (46)
Distribution of methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, Michael Coolican, Tysen Duva, and David Mesrobian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Michael Latrelle Simpson (21)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ralph Fontil, Jr. (24)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal firearms licensee to maintain false information
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Alexander Timothy Rosa (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Timothy James Roberts (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Lewis Tinson, Jr. (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs William Hamilton, Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Daniel Steven King (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
Ramondo Zavious Williams (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Anthony Quantarius Brooks (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Bobby H. Bridges (48)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan J. Pilgrim (28)
Possession with intent to distribute control substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of firearm by previously convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of Machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use or Carry firearm during drug trafficking offense
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Betty Gonzalez, John M. Gardella, Shannon R. Laurie, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, and Terry B. Livanos
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Marques Howard (31)
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Hobbs Act Robbery
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
Discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
1
Robert Frascella (55)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Ma’at Darius Lee (21)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Attempted wire fraud
Maximum Prison term: 20 years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison term: 2 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison term: 10 years
1
Johnny Flores (44)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Donald Robert Smith (27)
Interference with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Discharging of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in Possession of a Firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dempsey Gilmore (31)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
Dyonnie Alvarez (24)
Christopher Alvarez (18)
Enrique Marquez (26)
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
James Junior Williams (44)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thaddeus Howard (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Reggie Harris, Jr. (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cedrick Durham (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Adam Saed (31)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Patraic Setzer (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephen Sherlock (58)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Isaac Bautista Gonzalez (20)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Eddie Winman Thomas, III (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan Anton Williams (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Samantha Beckman, Maria Guzman, Diego Novaes, David P. Sullivan, David Chee, and Michael Kenneth
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Otis Marchman IV (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brown Dimas III (27)
Making a false statement in records required to be kept by a firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
4
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Raymond Samuel Reeves (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Stephan Leon Marshall (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Bayne (25)
Conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Michael Lajaune Smith (44)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Robert Lewis (54)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Darnell Rice, Jr. (28)
Possession and transfer of a combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Making a materially false statement related to the purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, John Cannizzaro, Laura Taylor, Julie Hackenberry, Chip Corsmeier, and Michael Coolican
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Aaron Haa (42)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
Demuntray Cox (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Rey Daniel Facio-Garcia (29)
Illegal alien in possession of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Keo Ibua Mike (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Tyrone Young (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, and Will S. Hamilton
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Mandel Lamont Stewart (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Rossonno Borders, Jr. (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Isaac Millan Sepulveda (21)
Conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
7
Charles Palmatier (74)
Unlawful distribution and dealing of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
18
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry B. Livanos, and Betty Gonzalez
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Deoin Rashaud Brown (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Uriah Waggerby (24)
Sylvanis Brice (30)
Johan Holder (25)
Conspiracy to interfere with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Raequan Nelson (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
William Shumaker (38)
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Troy Dollman (45)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Delon Adams (50)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Mailing a threatening communication
Maximum Prison Term: 2 years
0
Antwan Brown (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Damien Boatwright (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Risha Asokan, Mike Sinacore, Michael Kenneth, David Chee, Samantha Beckman, Diego Novaes, and Chris Murray
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Romeo Lenell Battle (25)
Felon in possession of firearm
Sentence imposed: 57 months
1
Eric Maurice Brown (32)
Possession with intent to distribute 40 or more Grams of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base
Sentence imposed: 164 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 120 months
2
Serdarryel Dave English, Jr. (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 72 months
1
Robert Reese Lyons (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 46 months
1
Herman Fleming (29)
Felon in possession of firearm
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Sentence imposed: 120 months
1
Nickolas Rock (56)
Possession of an unregistered destructive device
Sentence imposed: 6 months
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Michael Leeman, and Trent Reichling
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Vershaun Lamar Puzie (34)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
2
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 70 months
1
Edrick Jackson (28)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 5 years
2
Brett Amante (39)
Bank Robbery
Sentence imposed: 30 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
3
Christopher Dozier (41)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 140 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
2
Johnny Davis (46)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Sentence imposed: 3 months
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, and Cyrus Zomorodian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
D’Andra Miller (21)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 32 months
1
Benjamin Townsel(22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Sentence imposed: 144 months
3
Jonathan Jermaine Thomas (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 84
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Sentenced imposed: 180 months
1
Roddrick Anthony (33)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Timothy Ivory (44)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 90 months
2
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Forcibly assaulting a federal officer with injury
Sentence imposed: 100 months
1
Samuel Alexander Glover (30)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 420 months
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentenced imposed: 24 months
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 64 months
1
Marty Eugene Days (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 27 months
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., William S. Hamilton, Hannah Nowalk and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50)
Bank Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 240 months
Bank Robbery with forced accompaniment
Sentence Imposed: 300 months
0
Yunis Isaac Mejia (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed: 21 months
1
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Hobbs Act Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 6 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence Sentence Imposed: 60 months
Aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 24 months
1
Zachary Nichols (28)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence Imposed: 60 months
2
Christopher DaSilva (25)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 57 months
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by Dana Hill, Shawn Napier, Chauncey Bratt, Jennifer M. Harrington, and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 46 months
1
Malachi Deloch (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 4 years 7 months
4
Elijah Howard (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 96 months
1
Wilbur B. Simpson IV (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: Time served
15
Hector Kirkland (40)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 57 months
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
0
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 57 months
1
Xavier Jones (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
1
Chris Boone (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
3
Derek Owens (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 51 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 60 months
2
Timothy Mills II (38)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence imposed: 151 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Cecil Hickox (46)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Javeon Jacobs (22)
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 21 years
1
Reginald Wester, Jr. (23)
Felon in possession of ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 15 months
1
Ryland Hicks (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Daniel Marcet, Samantha Beckman, Jim Preston, David Chee, Craig Gestring, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
4th Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School
84
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at
Shields Middle School
66
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Association of Florida Colleges’ Campus Safety Symposium
10
Orlando
July 16, 2022
Orange Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Resource Fair
600
Orlando
August 2, 2022
Fort Myers Success Academy
31
Fort Myers
September 26, 2022
Westbrooke Elementary Rising Stars Mentoring Group
27
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 4th Quarter: 6
Total Number of Attendees for 4th Quarter: 818
Member of 8Ave Street Gang Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison After Conviction of Distributing Narcotics and Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Kindell Smith, 32, of Cleveland, was sentenced today to more than 12 years – or 146 months – in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker. Judge Barker pronounced the sentence after Smith, a member of the “8Ave” street gang known to operate in the city of Cleveland’s 5th District, was convicted of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 14, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Southeast Area Law Enforcement (SEALE) began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of Smith. As part of the investigation, authorities encountered Smith distributing fentanyl and cocaine near the 3200 block of Central Avenue in Cleveland.
On May 19, 2020, authorities again encountered Smith, this time with codefendants Darrell Douglas and Dreshawn Maddox, who each have been convicted and sentenced on a prior date, distributing fentanyl from a vehicle. During this encounter, authorities approached the vehicle and ordered the occupants to show their hands. The vehicle then sped away from the scene and struck the driver’s side of a law enforcement vehicle.
Officers removed the occupants from the vehicle and observed Smith attempting to hide a firearm under the driver’s seat. The firearm belonging to Smith was later recovered along with various amounts of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of drug trafficking and felonious assault in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Cleveland Division of Police and the Southeast Area Law Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Robert F. Corts.
Melbourne Gun Enthusiast Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to a two-count Information. Count One charged Arledge with possession of two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and three unregistered silencers. Count Two charged Arledge with possession of child sexual abuse material. Arledge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the firearms offenses, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child sexual abuse material offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cypertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that matched Arledge’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Arledge’s residence where they found electronics, multiple firearms, ammunition, silencers, flash bangs, potassium nitrate, magnesium flakes, gun powder, tactical clothing, body armor, law enforcement insignia, and counterfeit credentials for Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A forensic examination of Arledge’s cellphone uncovered numerous visual depictions of child sexual abuse material depicting young children. During an interview with law enforcement, Arledge admitted that he had made the machine guns, multiple silencers, and downloaded the child sexual abuse material despite knowing both were illegal.
Arledge agreed to forfeit his cellphone, an AR-10 style firearm, a .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; and three firearm silencers, which were used to commit the charged offenses.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
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 is also another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Medford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Thousands of Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford man previously convicted for raping a child was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison today for possessing 4,500 photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
Jacob Lee Holt, 46, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Kik Messenger, an instant messaging mobile application, reported that one of its users had shared child sexual abuse material. Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) traced the Kik account to Holt and determined that some of the images he shared depicted child victims previously identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
In March 2018, investigators served a federal search warrant on Holt’s Medford residence. They located and seized six digital devices, three of which were later found to contain thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Holt’s illicit collection included graphic violent images involving infants, toddlers, sadomasochistic conduct, and bestiality.
On March 30, 2020, Holt was charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. Later, on August 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted him on the same charges. On November 24, 2020, Holt pleaded guilty.
In 2001, when he was 24, Holt raped a 13-year-old girl at a party. He was convicted in 2007 in Klamath County Circuit Court for second degree sexual abuse and sentenced to 30 days in prison and three years’ probation.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Medford Police Department and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical abuse or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit NCMEC’s website at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Created in January 2007, the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force provides cybercrime investigations and digital evidence forensic analysis for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, and HSI.
Marshall and DeSoto County Residents Arrested for Payroll Protection FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Fourteen Marshall and DeSoto County residents were arrested today on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVD pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to court documents, Robert Pearson, 52 years old, Holly Springs; Lakisha Jones Pearson, 46 years old, Holly Springs; Glendon Jones, 29 years old, Red Banks; Roneisha Dennis, 30 years old, Red Banks; Devonte Smith, 27 years old, Holly Springs; Jaliyah Godwin, 26 years old, Olive Branch; Jacoby Alexander, 39 years old, Holly Springs; Kevin Anderson, 41 years old, Lamar; Melvin Harris, 26 years old, Holly Springs; Dametris Pearson, 27 years old, Southaven; Terrance Isom, age unknown, Southaven; Mareceo Hobson, 28 years old, Olive Branch; Dianne Cox, 67 years old, Byhalia; and Doris Pearson, 56 years old, Olive Branch, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud by fraudulently applying for PPP loans, as well as participating in wire transfers of over $10,000 involving proceeds of the fraud scheme.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and illegal financial transactions. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty] of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 10 years for the financial transaction charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The federal investigative agencies that assisted with this investigation emphasized their ongoing commitment to hold accountable those citizens who seek to fraudulently and unfairly profit from federal pandemic relief programs.
“The Secret Service remains steadfast in our commitment to investigating the exploitation of pandemic relief funds,” said U.S Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Ben Zack Rogers, of the Memphis Tennessee Field Office. “We are thankful for the hard work and continued support of our partners as we work together to ensure that our country’s financial environment remains safe and secure.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to defraud the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program, which was created to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts is prosecuting the case. The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and U.S Treasury Inspector General.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Sentenced to 5+ Years for Robbing USPS EmployeeRead the Press Release
A man who robbed a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee at gunpoint was sentenced Tuesday to more than five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Abdirashid Omar, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in May 2022. He pleaded guilty the following month to robbery of property of the United States and was sentenced Tuesday by Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means to 71 months in federal prison.
In plea papers, Mr. Omar admitted he robbed a USPS letter carrier during her rounds in Fort Worth on April 11, 2022.
The postal worker told law enforcement she was walking down the driveway of a residence when the defendant, dressed in a black hoodie and blue surgical mask, grabbed her, pushed her into a fence, pressed a handgun into her abdomen, and took USPS equipment from her.
Law enforcement located surveillance video that captured the defendant’s vehicle following the carrier to various residences and then fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. Postal Inspectors located the vehicle and established surveillance that identified the vehicle visiting multiple Post Offices in the days following the robbery.
About a week later, law enforcement searched Mr. Omar’s vehicle and residence and located stolen U.S. Mail, stolen checks, and a setup in which checks were being “washed” – placed into a liquid substance to have the ink removed.
In court, Mr. Omar later admitted to robbing the carrier to obtain USPS property and to stealing U.S. Mail.
“The day of the robbery was my 30th day at that job, it was going to be my first full week being out on the street by myself. Instead I got a gun shoved into my abdomen,” the victim said at sentencing. "It may just be a robbery to some people, but it was my life that was put in direct danger and it is I who has to put the pieces back.”
“A top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has always been a focus on the safety of USPS employees,” said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division. “This sentencing exemplifies that commitment. Through a rapid response by Postal Inspectors, collaboration with local law enforcement, and the use of investigative tools and techniques, a dangerous individual was successfully apprehended. We thank the Fort Worth Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Texas for their support on this case.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Threatening Emergency DispatchRead the Press Release
Caller placed approximately 143 calls, tied up sheriff’s dispatch line for three hours
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that Jonathan Joshua Munafo, 35, most recently of Winter Park, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff to 24 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for threatening emergency dispatch personnel and tying up an emergency phone line for three hours.
“Violence, threats of violence, or intimidation is never the answer,” said U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten. “My office will not tolerate this behavior, especially when it interferes with the life-saving duties of first responders and jeopardizes the public’s safety. Our public servants on the front lines should never be subjected to this type of harassment for simply doing their jobs.”
On January 5, 2021, Munafo called the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office demanding to speak to a sheriff’s deputy or sergeant. Munafo identified himself only as “Yankee Patriot” and aggressively berated the dispatcher. When her supervisor took over the conversation, Munafo said, “Put a … cop on the on the phone now … or it’s going to go way worse for your family.” He added, “I’m telling you, this isn’t a … threat, it’s a promise. … I’m gonna cut your throat. I’m gonna make you eat your … nose. I’m gonna hurt you bad for this.”
“Today, Jonathon Munafo is being held accountable for threats made to a Calhoun County dispatcher and her family,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Public servants – particularly those who work in already stressful positions – should not be threatened or intimidated for doing their jobs. This type of behavior will not be tolerated by the FBI, and we will investigate those who threaten our community with violence.”
Munafo placed approximately 143 calls to the dispatch center, even though the supervisor pleaded with him to clear the line for emergency calls. Munafo said the dispatcher was risking lives by letting him tie up the line and that after the “Insurrection Act” he was coming to her house first. Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and FBI investigators determined that Munafo placed the call from a truck stop in North Carolina. The next day (January 6, 2021), Munafo allegedly participated in the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Munafo has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. for multiple offenses, including assaulting a U.S. Capitol Police officer.
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Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Heriberto Batista Montijo (43, Lehigh Acres) to 50 years in federal prison for producing and possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Batista Montijo to serve a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Batista Montijo had pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022.
According to court documents, Batista Montijo produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of two minors, and he possessed other videos depicting the sexual abuse of unidentified minors. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip concerning an individual who had uploaded child sexual abuse material using his social media account, and NCMEC provided the cybertip to law enforcement.
On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Batista Montijo’s residence and located the security camera from his bedroom. The following day, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Batista Montijo’s vehicle and located his cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of Batista Montijo’s cellphone and security camera revealed images and videos of Batista Montijo sexually abusing a 12-year-old child and a10-year-old child between February and March 2021. Additionally, other videos were located on his cellphone which depicted the sexual abuse of unidentified minors.
“The 50-year prison sentence handed down in this case is proof of the FBI’s vigilance and dedication to protecting children. Our Child Exploitation Task Forces work tirelessly to ensure sexual predators like Mr. Montijo, are removed from society; never to prey on the innocent again,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday for the unlawful possession of firearms stemming from his illegal dealing of rifles and handguns.
John H. Morales, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf, to 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On April 7, 2021, Morales pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Our Commonwealth has strict requirements and thorough vetting processes to legally purchase, sell and carry firearms for a reason – they are dangerous and deadly weapons. Keeping illegal firearms off the street and out of the hands of prohibited individuals is at the core of combating the continued rise in violent crime we have seen across our nation,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Despite being a convicted felon strictly prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, Mr. Morales illegally delt 14 firearms – including a high-powered semi-automatic rifle with two 30 round magazines – within just four short months. His conduct is alarming and each of those firearms and the ammunition have been taken off the street. Each of those bullets is a potential gun violence victim. We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of Massachusetts residents and removing individuals like Mr. Morales from our communities is a step in the right direction.”
“The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force is working with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of illegal firearms and whether it’s through takedowns of violent gun-toting gangs or, one by one, arresting felons like Mr. Morales, a criminal in possession of 14 firearms and ammunition – including an SKS rifle – we will continue to do all we can to make our neighborhoods safer. There is little doubt these guns would have ended up in the hands of gang members had we not obtained them, resulting in serious danger to the public,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division.
In early 2019, federal law enforcement opened an investigation into Morales’ illegal firearm dealing. The investigation revealed that between February 2019 and May 2019, Morales sold a cooperating witness 14 firearms – including pistols, concealable weapons and a high-powered SKS rifle accompanied by two 30 round magazines – which were seized during the investigation. Morales was arrested in November 2019 and has been in custody since that date.
Due to prior felony convictions from 2010 and 2016, Morales is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Latest National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is SaturdayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Saturday, October 29, 2022, offers another opportunity to safely, conveniently, and anonymously dispose of unneeded medications as the latest DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, sites throughout the Southern District of West Virginia will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed. A collection site finder and partner toolbox are available at http://www.DEATakeBack.com.
“Removing old and unwanted medications from the home means they can’t be misused or contribute to our addiction and overdose crisis,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “This simple step can absolutely save lives and reduce harm.”
Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold, while unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. A majority of people who abuse prescription drugs obtained them from family and friends – and the home medicine cabinet.
“This is a great time for all of us to clean out our medicine cabinets and help keep prescription drugs out of the wrong hands,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “This one small act can have a big impact on the safety of our communities.”
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,995 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States. During the previous Take Back Day in April 2022, more than 5,140 sites nationwide collected 360 tons of unneeded medications.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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LaPorte Man Convicted by Jury of Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Donta Bridges, 38 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was found guilty following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Bridges was found guilty of two counts of distributing heroin; possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine; an attempted distribution of heroin; and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents in this case, the charges stemmed from events occurring in September and November of 2019.
Bridges sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Jerome W. McKeever.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Keene Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jennifer Bosworth, 31, of Keene, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 1, 2021, law enforcement officers conducting surveillance of Ms. Bosworth observed her travel by car from her residence in Keene, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts, picking up an associate along the way. Once in Lawrence, she stopped at an ATM and made multiple cash withdrawals. She then drove to an area in Lawrence known for its drug activity. Law enforcement observed Ms. Bosworth interact with an individual who walked up to Ms. Bosworth’s vehicle but did not get inside. Ms. Bosworth then drove back to Keene. Ms. Bosworth was on probation at the time and had violated its terms by traveling out of state, so law enforcement conducted a stop of her car. After removing Ms. Bosworth from her car, law enforcement observed a baggie containing roughly 15 grams of crack cocaine. A later search of Ms. Bosworth’s car resulted in the seizure of over 85 additional grams of crack cocaine, over 80 grams of fentanyl, and roughly 10 grams of powder cocaine, along with $1,220 in an Arizona Tea can “hide” compartment, and ATM receipts showing numerous large cash withdrawals totaling thousands of dollars.
“Drug dealers like the defendant who traffic fentanyl, crack cocaine and other dangerous drugs across our state borders for distribution will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Through the efforts of Homeland Security and local law enforcement working with our office, the defendant will no longer be able to sell these lethal drugs that are poisoning residents of Keene and other New Hampshire communities.”
This matter was investigated by the Keene Police Department with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ricky Lee Clark Jr., 29, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2021, Clark was carrying a loaded Davis Industries, model P380, .380-caliber pistol in his waistband when law enforcement officers encountered him on a residential street in St. Albans.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Clark was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Kanawha County Circuit Court on June 24, 2020.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-59.
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Justice Department Releases Information on Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote, Prosecute Election Fraud and Secure ElectionsRead the Press Release
Consistent with longstanding Justice Department practices and procedures, the department today provided information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, and National Security Division, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or fraud in the election process, and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference.
Civil Rights Division
The department’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including: the Voting Rights Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Help America Vote Act; and the Civil Rights Acts. Among other things, collectively, these laws:
- Prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose or a discriminatory result on account of race, color, or language minority status.
- Prohibit intimidation of voters.
- Allow voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union).
- Require minority language election materials and assistance in certain jurisdictions.
- Require accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities.
- Require that provisional ballots be offered to voters who assert they are registered and eligible to vote in the jurisdiction, but whose names do not appear on poll books.
- Require states to provide for absentee voting for uniformed service members serving away from home, their family members also away from home due to that service, and U.S. citizens living abroad.
- Require covered States to offer the opportunity to register to vote through offices that provide driver licenses, public assistance, and disability services, as well as through the mail; and to take steps regarding maintaining voter registration lists.
The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, selection and accessibility of voting facilities, and the casting of ballots on Election Day or during early voting, whether in-person or absentee.
The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
On Election Day, the Civil Rights Division will implement a comprehensive program to help ensure the right to vote that will include the following:
- The Civil Rights Division will conduct monitoring in the field to observe compliance with the federal voting rights statutes.
- Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations of any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. Attorneys in the division will coordinate within the department and will take appropriate action concerning these complaints before, during, and after Election Day.
- Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at: 800-253-3931, and also can submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
- Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at ada.gov.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911. They should also be reported to the department after local authorities are contacted.
Criminal Division and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
The department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize certain forms of election fraud and vindicate the integrity of the federal election process.
The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election fraud, such as destruction of ballots, vote-buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, alteration of votes, and malfeasance by postal or election officials and employees. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are also responsible for enforcing federal criminal law prohibiting unlawful threats of violence against election workers, and prohibiting voter intimidation and voter suppression for reasons other than race, color, national origin, or religion (as noted above, voter intimidation and voter suppression that has a basis in race, color, national origin, or religion is addressed by the Civil Rights Division).
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country designate Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in the respective districts. DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election-crime matters in their districts, and for coordinating with the department’s election-crime experts in Washington, D.C.
From now through Election Day, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will work with specially-trained FBI personnel in each district to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible election fraud are handled appropriately. Specifically:
- In consultation with federal prosecutors at the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C., the DEOs in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public.
- Election-crime complaints should be directed to the local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices or the local FBI field office. A list of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and their telephone numbers can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/districts/. A list of FBI field offices and accompanying telephone numbers can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us.
- Public Integrity Section prosecutors are available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the FBI regarding the handling of election-crime allegations.
All complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should be reported first to local police authorities by calling 911. After alerting local law enforcement to such emergencies by calling 911, the public should contact the Justice Department.
National Security Division
The department’s National Security Division supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting or relating to national security, including any cases involving foreign malign influence and interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections. In this context:
- The National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section oversees matters involving a range of malign influence activities that foreign governments may attempt, including computer hacking of election or campaign infrastructure; covert information operations (e.g., to promulgate disinformation through social media); covert efforts to support or denigrate political candidates or organizations; and other covert influence operations that might violate various criminal statutes.
- The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section oversees matters involving international and domestic terrorism and supports law enforcement in preventing any acts of terrorism that impact Americans, including any violent extremism that might threaten election security.
As in past elections, the National Security Division will work closely with counterparts at the FBI and our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to protect our nation’s elections from any national security threats. Attorneys from both National Security Division sections will be partnered with FBI Headquarters components to provide support to U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices to counter any such threats. The Department of Homeland Security also plays its own important role in safeguarding critical election infrastructure from cyber and other threats.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911 and, after local authorities are contacted, then should also be reported to the department.
Protecting the right to vote, prosecuting election fraud, and securing our elections are all essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government. The department encourages anyone with information regarding concerns in these subject areas to contact the appropriate authorities.
For more information about the department’s work to ensure compliance with federal civil and criminal laws related to voting, please visit Voting | Department of Justice and Election Crimes Branch | Department of Justice.
Justice Department Awards over $90 Million to Combat Human Trafficking and Support VictimsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs today announced over $90 million in funding to combat human trafficking, provide services to human trafficking victims and support research and evaluation on responses to human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a global problem that affects communities throughout our country, causing immeasurable trauma to victims and their loved ones,” said OJP Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen A. Henneberg. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to supporting state and local efforts to combat human trafficking operations, remove victims from harm and help survivors access the services they need to begin the journey to healing and recovery.”
Programs supported by OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime are a centerpiece of the Justice Department’s work to tackle the challenges posed by human trafficking. OVC manages the largest amount of federal funding dedicated to addressing the needs of victims of human trafficking and supporting multidisciplinary responses to this crime in the U.S., supporting more than 500 awards to organizations serving thousands of clients every year. Informed by the voices of survivors, OVC strengthens the victim service response to human trafficking through grant funding, training and technical assistance and leadership in the field.
“Survivors of human trafficking deserve easy access to the full-range of trauma-informed and victim-centered services,” said OVC Director Kristina Rose. “The Office for Victims of Crime is committed to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of survivors and ensuring that service providers have all the tools at their disposal to meet victims of human trafficking wherever they are on their healing journey.”
OVC is awarding more than $90 million in grants to empower communities to respond to human trafficking and offer essential services to survivors of human trafficking to aid them in their recovery. OJP’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) will also continue to build knowledge of what works to combat human trafficking and serve trafficking victims. NIJ grants will support a multi-site evaluation of the Enhanced Collaborative Model to combat human trafficking and study the replication potential of a screening tool designed to help first responders identify human trafficking survivors.
The funded programs and their amounts are listed below. Descriptions of individual awards can be found by clinking on the links.
- OVC is awarding over $32.6 million under the Services for Victims of Human Trafficking program to develop, expand or strengthen victim service programs for victims of human trafficking.
- OVC is awarding nearly $16.4 million under the Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking program to support housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout the United States.
- OVC is awarding $21.6 million under the Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking program to develop, expand or strengthen multidisciplinary task forces to fight human trafficking. Task forces include victim and social service providers, law enforcement and prosecution personnel, survivors and a range of governmental and non-governmental partners that work together to identify trafficking victims, connect them to services and bring traffickers to justice.
- OVC is awarding $3.1 million under the Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program to assist OVC Human Trafficking Grant Program grantees and other antitrafficking stakeholders through the provision of training and technical assistance and the development of tools and resources. This includes the development of anti-trafficking standards of care for victim service providers in partnership with the Office on Trafficking in Persons at the Department of Health and Human Services. It also includes training and technical assistance to support grantees in developing and implementing meaningful employment and economic empowerment practices for trafficking survivors, and in engaging individuals with lived experience to enhance anti-trafficking programming.
- OVC is awarding $1.3 million under the Services to Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking program to develop, expand or strengthen victim service programs for minor victims of labor trafficking, whose victimization occurred when they were under age 18.
- OVC is awarding $6.3 million under the Field-Generated Strategies to Address the Criminalization of Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking program to end the criminalization of minor victims of sex trafficking and develop, expand or strengthen victim service programs to support victim-centered, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate and evidence-based responses to minor victims of sex trafficking.
- OVC is awarding nearly $5.5 million under the Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking program to improve outcomes for children and youth who are victims of human trafficking by integrating human trafficking policy and programming at the state or Tribal level, and enhancing coordinated, multidisciplinary and statewide approaches to serving trafficked youth.
- OVC is awarding nearly $3.5 million under the Preventing Trafficking of Girls program to develop or enhance prevention and early intervention services based on best practices to focus on the needs of girls who are at risk or are victims of sex trafficking.
- NIJ is awarding $1.6 million under its Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons program, which proposes to help better understand, prevent and respond to trafficking in persons in the United States, focusing on projects with clear implications for criminal justice policy and practice in the United States.
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and strengthen the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Jury Finds Ivins Man Guilty of Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SAINT GEORGE – On October 19, 2022, a federal jury in the District of Utah found Stanley Beckstrom, 56, of Ivins, guilty of distribution of methamphetamine.
At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Beckstrom traveled to California to obtain methamphetamine. On July 21, 2021, Beckstrom delivered methamphetamine to a local restaurant in downtown St. George. The methamphetamine was tested in a drug lab. It was 100% pure and weighed one pound. The court scheduled Beckstrom’s sentencing for January 6, 2023.
The Washington County Drug Task Force investigated Beckstrom and others involved in the drug trafficking-organization. A federal grand jury charged Beckstrom and three others with crimes related to methamphetamine trafficking. On January 24, 2022, Dail Brady, 55, of St. George, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2022. On April 5, 2022, Christopher Brugada, 51, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2022. Jonathon Antonio Chairez is currently scheduled for a jury trial to begin on November 21, 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Jay T. Winward of the St. George Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah represented the United States at Beckstrom’s trial. Narcotics detectives from the Washington County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation into the drug-trafficking organization.
Jury Convicts Portland Repeat Offender on Federal Drug, Gun, and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found a local man with several prior felony convictions guilty today on multiple drug, gun, and money laundering charges.
Dontae Lamont Hunt, 41, a Portland resident, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl analogue, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogue, and two counts each of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and money laundering.
In September 2005, Hunt was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison and eight years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. In October 2016, Hunt was released from prison early after receiving a presidential sentence commutation.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in December 2017, Hunt was shot multiple times outside an apartment building in Eugene, Oregon. A surveillance video of the shooting showed Hunt walking in a nearby parking lot while talking on a cellphone and carrying a satchel. Immediately after the shooting, Hunt’s girlfriend came to his aid, retrieved the satchel, and placed it in a vehicle used to drop Hunt off at a Eugene hospital.
After departing the hospital, the vehicle was stopped by Eugene Police Department officers for a traffic violation and searched. Officers recovered a bloodstained satchel containing two loaded firearms, both of which were determined to have Hunt’s DNA on them. Back at the shooting scene, officers found a large amount of blood and an iPhone near where Hunt was shot.
On the phone, which was linked to Hunt, investigators found evidence of drug trafficking, including text messages and photos of what appeared to be counterfeit Oxycodone pills. Further investigation revealed that Hunt distributed counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing carfentanil, a powerful fentanyl analogue, in and around Portland and that his drug trafficking was connected to a fatal drug overdose in June 2018.
In September 2018, investigators searched three properties linked to Hunt, including his residence in Northeast Portland. At his residence, Hunt refused commands to surrender and remained alone upstairs for approximately 15 minutes. After he was taken into custody, Portland Police Bureau officers found blue pills adjacent to an upstairs toilet, consistent with and indicative of him disposing of evidence. Agents also located several dozen additional blue pills concealed in a jar of baby ointment, three firearms, and a gun box labeled with the make, model, and serial number of one of the firearms found in the bloodstained satchel in Eugene. Lab reports later confirmed the pills seized contained fentanyl analogue. Additional cellphones seized from Hunt’s residence also contained evidence of his drug trafficking activities. Agents also recovered more than $40,00 in cash and seized multiple vehicles.
Hunt will be sentenced on February 10, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut.
While awaiting trial, Hunt was housed at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Sheridan, Oregon. During this time, a federal corrections officer used his position to introduce contraband—including narcotics, designer sneakers, and a cell phone—into the prison for the benefit of Hunt and other inmates. The now-former corrections officer pleaded guilty in May 2022 for his role in the bribery and contraband smuggling scheme.
This case was investigated jointly by the Portland Police Bureau, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and FBI with assistance from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Peter Sax, Gary Sussman, and Suzanne Miles, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture litigation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Jarrett.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jury Convicts Mounds Man of Shooting a Former Girlfriend in 2021Read the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Mounds man Wednesday in federal court for shooting his girlfriend when she tried to end their relationship in 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jeffrey Sutton, 54, was found guilty of carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assault with dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country.
“More than 4 million American women have reported being threatened with a firearm in homes with domestic violence. Access to firearms by a domestic abuser makes it five times more likely that an abuser will kill his partner,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thankfully, the victim in this case survived Jeffrey Sutton’s attack and testified against him at trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Briden and Kristin Harrington’s dedication to protecting domestic violence victims is to be commended. Together, with our law enforcement partners, they ensured Mr. Sutton’s conviction this week in federal court.”
On December 2, 2021, the defendant, Jeffrey Sutton returned to his Mounds home and found that his girlfriend, the victim, had moved her belongings out onto the front lawn. She had decided to move out of the house after multiple arguments occurred between the two.
Sutton and the victim argued outside their residence. Then Sutton drew a 9mm handgun and fired at least eight times toward the victim. One of the shots stuck the victim in the chest near her armpit. She retreated into the house, and Sutton chased her, threatening to kill her and “all her people in Bixby.”
Sutton continued to threaten to shoot the victim while in the house and refused to call 911.
The victim then fled outside to her neighbor’s house. Sutton again chased her and shouted toward the neighbors, “I’m not trying to shoot you; I’m just trying to shoot her.” The neighbors allowed the victim inside, hid her in a closet and called 911.
A deputy from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department was the first to respond to the scene and found Sutton in the front lawn. Sutton was still carrying the firearm, which was empty at that point. He called the victim an expletive and stated that she “was trying to kick me out of the house.” Sutton was taken into custody.
Law enforcement applied pressure to the victim’s wound at the crime scene and described the victim as “in shock.” She was then transported to the hospital, where it was determined that her chest injury had an entry wound and then a graze pattern, but the bullet was no longer inside her. She was treated and later released from the hospital.
An investigator from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene and identified eight shell casings outside near Sutton’s truck. He further found multiple bullet holes and defects in the front of the house, in the victim’s belongings on the front lawn, and inside the house.
A trajectory analysis showed that several shots were fired from the direction of the truck that struck the residence door where the victim was retreating to.
In closing arguments, the defense argued that the victim was not credible and that Sutton was only trying to protect himself and deescalate the situation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden reminded the jury that Sutton was the owner of a Bixby gun store and trained in handling a firearm, and that the only one trapped and scared during the shooting incident was the victim. Sutton, he argued, picked out a firearm from his vehicle that was fully loaded with a 17-round magazine then closed the distance between himself and the victim when he chased her and fired at her again and again. He then reminded the jury that the victim’s testimony, witness testimony, and the trajectory analysis at the crime scene all pointed to the same thing— that Sutton was guilty on all counts.
The FBI, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Kristin F. Harrington are prosecuting the case.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Further, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced sexual violence by an intimate partner. Data from U.S. crime reports suggest that over half of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
To learn about domestic violence resources or seek help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233; https://www.thehotline.org/ In a domestic violence emergency, dial 911.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man, Michael Germaine McClinton was sentenced to 110 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Following his imprisonment, McClinton was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Michael Germaine McClinton, age 26, was a distributor of marijuana and edibles containing THC in the Iowa City area. Following a traffic stop, McClinton admitting to purchasing a stolen firearm. A search of McClinton’s phone revealed videos of him handling guns as far back as November 2019 while he was on supervision for a violent crime in state court. On June 2, 2022, McClinton pleaded guilty to the charge.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Johnson County Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man who was inebriated when he fired a pistol from his apartment patio pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing a stolen firearm.
Reggie L. Teagues, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
By pleading guilty today, Teagues admitted that he possessed a Kel-Tec 9mm semi-automatic pistol on Nov. 12, 2020. Independence police officers were called to his residence at approximately 4:05 p.m. that day in response to a neighbor’s 911 report of shots fired. The neighbor heard three gunshots, which he originally thought were fireworks. When he went out to his patio to investigate, he saw Teagues holding a handgun.
When officers arrived, Teagues was slumped over on the living room floor in his apartment, near the sliding glass door leading to the patio. Teagues told officers he had consumed approximately one pint of tequila since noon that day, as well as using PCP. Teagues had an injury to his elbow, which he apparently received when he fell into the bedroom window while on the patio. Officers found two spent shell casings on the patio and another spent shell casing on the floor beside Teagues.
Teagues’s girlfriend told officers the firearm belonged to her and that she had it secured in her bedroom closet on a shelf where Teagues had taken it without permission. She had rushed home after getting a frantic phone call from her daughter. She saw the firearm lying on the kitchen table, put it in her purse, and was attempting to get Teagues into the bedroom when officers arrived.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government and Teagues agree to a sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson, who is a cross-designated prosecutor from the Missouri Attorney General’s office as part of the Safer Streets Initiative to combat violent crime. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Idaho Springs Man Indicted for Million Dollar PPP Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Denver - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Edward Baker Harrington, age 59, of Idaho Springs, was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and money laundering.
According to the indictment, from April 2020 through September 2021, the defendant submitted a number of fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program, (PPP), applications to seven banks and one lender on behalf of business entities that he purportedly controlled. These PPP applications contained a number of false and fraudulent certifications and representations. The defendant obtained more than $1,000,000 in PPP loans as a result of the scheme. He falsely represented that all PPP funds would be used to pay eligible business expenses, when, in fact, the proceeds were used for his personal benefit to purchase goods and property, including real estate and vehicles. The defendant also sought loan forgiveness for PPP loans by submitting loan forgiveness applications in which he made false representations and certifications regarding his businesses and his compliance with the PPP program rules, including rules related to the eligible uses of PPP loan proceeds.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules.
The defendant made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge James O’Hara today. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cassidy and Martha Paluch.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Case Number: 22-cr-00324
Honeywell to Pay $3.35 Million for Alleged False Claims for Zylon Bullet Proof VestsRead the Press Release
Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has agreed to pay $3.35 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by selling defective material for bullet proof vests used by law enforcement officers, the Justice Department announced today.
The United States alleged that, between 2000 and 2005, Honeywell sold its patented Z Shield material to Armor Holdings, a bullet proof vest manufacturer, despite Honeywell knowing that Z Shield degraded quickly over time in heat and humidity and was not suitable for ballistic use. Armor Holdings’ vests containing Honeywell’s Z Shield were purchased by federal agencies under a General Services Administration (GSA) contract, and by various state, local and Tribal law enforcement authorities that were partially funded by the Justice Department’s Bulletproof Vest Partnership program.
“This settlement and the Justice Department’s industry-wide investigation demonstrate the department’s resolve to hold accountable those businesses and individuals who supplied Zylon-containing bullet proof vests, even after learning that the material degraded in a way that could compromise its ability to stop a bullet,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The safety of law enforcement officers is of paramount importance, and we are committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars go only to the high-quality ballistic protection our first responders deserve.”
“It is completely unacceptable for a company to produce and sell faulty products that law enforcement officers rely on for their safety,” said Inspector General Carol F. Ochoa of the GSA Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG). “I appreciate the relentless efforts GSA OIG employees and our law enforcement partners dedicated to this case.”
The settlement concludes over a decade of litigation and ends the Justice Department’s long-running investigation of the body armor industry’s sale of defective Zylon bullet proof vests to the government. The United States previously recovered over $133 million in settlements with 17 entities and individuals involved in all stages of the body armor supply chain.
The resolution obtained in the Honeywell litigation was the result of efforts by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the GSA-OIG; the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General; the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; the Department of Energy, Office of the Inspector General; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the U.S. Criminal Investigative Command; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and the Defense Contracting Audit Agency.
Fraud Section Attorneys Alicia Bentley, Jennifer Chorpening and Tom Morris handled the litigation and settlement.
The lawsuit is captioned United States v. Honeywell International Inc., No. 08-0961 (PLF) (D.D.C.).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Hacker and Dark Market operator arraigned on federal chargesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Daniel Kaye has been arraigned on charges of access device fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Kaye’s charges arise from his alleged operation of The Real Deal, a Dark Web market that sold, among other things, hacking tools and stolen login credentials, and his laundering of funds he received from that market.
“While living overseas, this defendant allegedly operated an illegal website that made hacking tools and login credentials available for purchase, including those for U.S. government agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This case is a timely reminder, during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, that federal law enforcement will make those accused of breaking U.S. laws face their day in court, regardless of where they reside in the world.”
“This case is an example of our persistent determination to work with our international partners to hold criminals accountable no matter how sophisticated their cyber fraud or their geographic location,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this indictment be a message that the FBI and our partners place a high priority on the investigation and prosecution of hackers who intrude into our infrastructure and threaten the personal security of our citizens.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Kaye allegedly operated The Real Deal, a Dark Web market for illicit items, including stolen account login credentials for U.S. government computers; stolen account login credentials for social media accounts and bank accounts; stolen credit card information; stolen personally identifiable information; illegal drugs; botnets; and computer hacking tools. The market was organized into categories, such as “Exploit Code,” “Counterfeits,” “Drugs,” “Fraud & More, “Government Data,” and “Weapons.” The market allowed vendors to create accounts and list their products. These vendors maintained profile pages offering a rating system where buyers could rank vendors.
The indictment alleges that Kaye listed for sale on The Real Deal login credentials for U.S. government computers belonging to the U.S. Postal Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the U.S. Navy. The indictment further alleges that Kaye, along with an individual (or individuals) known as “thedarkoverlord,” trafficked in stolen social security numbers; and that Kaye possessed 15 or more stolen login credentials for Twitter and LinkedIn. Finally, the indictment alleges that Kaye laundered cryptocurrency he obtained from The Real Deal through Bitmixer.io, a website that offered Bitcoin “mixing” services and, through its “mixing” algorithm, sought to keep its users anonymous, private, and immune to Bitcoin blockchain tracing analysis.
On April 13, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kaye with five counts of access device fraud for unauthorized solicitation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(6), one count of using and trafficking in unauthorized access devices, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(2), two counts of possession of unauthorized and counterfeit access devices, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(3), and one count of money laundering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). Kaye was overseas at the time the indictment was filed and, in September 2022, consented to his extradition from Cyprus to the United States.
Daniel Kaye, also known as “Popopret,” “Bestbuy,” “TheRealDeal,” “Logger,” “David Cohen,” “Marc Chapon,” “UserL0ser,” “Spdrman,” “Dlinch Kravitz,” “Fora Ward,” and “Ibrahim Sahil,” 34, of London, England, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, Cyprus Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Cyprus Police, German Bundeskriminalamt, and United Kingdom National Crime Agency, assisted in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is prosecuting the case.
October is recognized as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Unfortunately, criminals continue to victimize people online by exploiting their personal security, financial safety, and identity. To help victim service providers and allied professionals better serve victims of cybercrime and keep them safer online, the Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center offers many resources to update the field about cybersecurity and the tools available to serve victims. Please visit their website to learn more: https://www.ovcttac.gov/.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Grandview Man Pleads Guilty to $4.1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Grandview, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a $4.1 million drug-trafficking conspiracy, which is linked to two murders, and which distributed approximately 520 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.
Markus Michael A. Patterson, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Monday, Oct. 24, and admitted that between Jan. 1, 2017, and September 1, 2018, he participated with others in conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and launder drug proceeds, and to possessing a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Patterson was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018, at a hotel in Phelps County, Mo. Officers found approximately one pound of methamphetamine (what remained from two pounds of methamphetamine Patterson brought to Phelps County from Kansas City, Mo.), $8,742 in cash, and drug paraphernalia in Patterson’s hotel room and car. The cash seized by officers was the proceeds of drug sales, which Patterson was supposed to return to his source in Kansas City.
The drug-trafficking organization with which Patterson was associated was responsible for two murders. In August 2018, James Hampton was seized by members of the same drug trafficking conspiracy that supplied Patterson with the Phelps County methamphetamine. Patterson was in St. Louis, Mo., with this group when Hampton was seized. Hampton was seized because conspirators thought he could help find the drugs and money stolen by co-conspirator David Richards. When they realized Hampton could not or would not help, he was restrained and beaten. Hampton was then transported from St. Louis to Kansas City, in the trunk of his car. Brittanie Broyles, who was with Hampton and witnessed him being beaten and restrained, was also taken to Kansas City.
On Aug. 6, 2018, Hampton’s car and body were discovered burning in Bates City, Mo. On Aug. 8, 2018, Broyles’s body was recovered by the Super Flea in the Northeast area of Kansas City. She had been murdered by two gunshots to her head. Witnesses and video identified Patterson following co-defendant Gerald Ginnings, 42, of Kansas City, Mo., in a co-conspirator’s car as Ginnings drove Hampton’s car to Bates City. Ginnings pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 21, to the same charges as Patterson.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony crime to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Patterson has prior felony convictions for involuntary manslaughter, distributing a controlled substance, and tampering with physical evidence.
Patterson is among 30 co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case and its companion case.
Patterson must pay a money judgment not to exceed $4,160,000, which represents the proceeds he received from the drug-trafficking conspiracy, as determined by the court at the time of his sentencing. That forfeiture amount is based on the unlawful distribution of approximately 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average price of $8,000 per kilogram.
Under federal statutes, Patterson is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Sni Valley Fire Department, the Jackson, Lafayette, Buchanan, and Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Departments, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the St. James, Mo., Police Department.
Georgia Man Sentenced for Cyberstalking and Extorting Women for Sexually Explicit Interactions and PhotographsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Georgia man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for engaging in a cyberstalking and extortion campaign in which he used anonymous social media accounts to harass and victimize women, including a Boston-area woman whom he cyberstalked and extorted for videos, photographs and communications of a sexual nature.
Gary E. Leach, 25, of Athens, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2021, Leach pleaded guilty to two counts of cyberstalking and one count of extortion through interstate threats. Leach was arrested and charged on April 23, 2021 and has been on home detention since he was released from custody on May 18, 2021.
“Justice was served today. Mr. Leach is a coward who hid behind anonymous online accounts to harass, exploit, and terrorize women for his own sick gratification. His disturbing and calculated conduct caused immeasurable trauma on multiple victims – one of whom was kept in a persistent state of fear for over a year,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Cyberstalking is a serious offense that has profound consequences for victims – many of whom are women. My office and our law enforcement partners will not stand idly by. Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their community – whether that community is in-person or online. The cloak of internet anonymity is not impenetrable. Bad actors who cyberstalk and victimize innocent individuals will be identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.”
“The victims in this case did not let fear silence them. They courageously came forward and worked with the FBI to help bring Gary Leach’s cruel cyberstalking campaign –one that inflicted intense trauma—to an end. We’d like to encourage other victims of online threats to do the same,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Sadly, the FBI is seeing a surge in sextortion cases, with people of all ages being targeted. It’s a serious crime, and we will continue to work hard to unmask predators like Leach to ensure they are held accountable for their cowardly acts.”
From October 2019 until his arrest in April 2021, Leach, then a graduate student at the University of Georgia, targeted a Boston-area woman in an online cyberstalking and extortion campaign. Leach used anonymous Instagram accounts to obtain private video calls and photographs of a sexual nature from the victim – falsely promising payment in exchange – and surreptitiously recorded the victim during these calls. Leach subsequently resurfaced under a different anonymous account and threatened the victim that he would send the recording to the victim’s family if she did not comply with his demands. These demands included participating in sexual and degrading acts over video calls with Leach and sending photographs similar in nature upon his request. In exchange for her unwilling compliance, Leach promised the victim that he would delete the previous recording. However, during the subsequent interactions, Leach surreptitiously gained additional recordings and photographs of the victim which he used to repeatedly extort the victim for more sexual and degrading interactions under new Instagram aliases.
Leach also cyberstalked other women on social media, including a woman residing in Canada. Leach recorded a video call of a sexual nature with this victim and sent the recording to her roommate. He repeatedly contacted the victim and used the recording to attempt to solicit additional interactions with her. Throughout 2019 and 2020, Leach attempted to solicit video performances of a sexual nature from at least a dozen Instagram users. Additionally, Leach initiated unsolicited video calls with at least 20 other Instagram users for the purpose of exposing himself masturbating and sent unsolicited photographs and/or videos of himself masturbating to users who did not answer the video calls.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Union Official Sentenced to More Than a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Receiving Unlawful Cash Payments from Chicago BusinessRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former high-ranking official in a labor union was sentenced today to more than a year and a half in federal prison for accepting $325,000 in unlawful cash payments from a Chicago business and failing to report the payments on his tax returns.
JOHN T. COLI SR., 63, of Putnam, Ill., pleaded guilty pursuant to a cooperation plea agreement in 2019 to one count of receiving a prohibited payment as a union officer and one count of making a false income tax return. The government recommended a sentence of 19 months in prison and U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer imposed that term after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; John Morales, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet S. Bhachu.
Coli served from 2000 to 2017 as the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 727. Coli admitted in a plea agreement that from 2014 to 2017, he received quarterly payments of $25,000 from a Chicago business that employed workers represented by Local 727. Coli acknowledged in the plea agreement that had law enforcement not intervened, he expected to receive four more quarterly payments from the company and then retire from the union.
The tax count pertained to Coli’s knowing and willful failure to report the secret payments as income for the calendar years 2014 through 2016. This conduct resulted in a federal tax loss of approximately $105,000 and a State of Illinois tax loss of approximately $12,500.
In addition, Coli acknowledged in the plea agreement that he received other income and benefits from representatives of businesses that dealt with Local 727 that were not properly disclosed to the U.S. Department of Labor. The benefits included meals in Las Vegas and other cities, free box seat tickets to National Football League and Major League Baseball games, use of a yacht in the U.S. and Italy, and periodic cash payments.
Former Tribal Official Pleads Guilty to Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A former Tribal government official of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) pleaded guilty today to a bribery scheme in which he admitted to soliciting and accepting bribes and kickbacks from a contractor providing construction services on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, which is the home of the MHA Nation.
According to court documents, Randall Jude Phelan, 58, of Mandaree, North Dakota, was an elected representative on the Tribal Business Council, the governing body of the MHA Nation, from around November 2012 through the middle of 2020. Beginning around 2013 and continuing through 2020, Phelan solicited and accepted bribes and kickbacks from a contractor operating on the Fort Berthold Reservation. In exchange for the payments, Phelan used his official position to help the contractor’s business, including by awarding contracts, fabricating bids during purportedly competitive bidding processes, advocating for the contractor with other Tribal officials, and facilitating the submission and payment of fraudulent invoices.
Phelan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the top count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl for the District of North Dakota; and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI Minneapolis Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and John J. Liolos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Greenley for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.
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