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Tuesday 18 October 2022
“Used Car King of New York” pleads guilty in nationwide scheme to sell thousands of fraudulent Texas vehicle tagsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 51-year-old man who advertised himself as the “Used Car King of New York” has admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Octavian Ocasio pleaded guilty to conspiring with others residing in the Southern District of Texas to buying and selling thousands of fraudulent Texas-issued temporary buyer tags for cars outside of Texas without a legitimate vehicle purchase.
Ocasio and co-conspirators used the internet to buy and sell the fraudulent state-issued buyer tags and exchange proceeds from the illegal tag sales.
As part of his plea, Ocasio acknowledged he and his co-conspirators communicated through accounts on Gmail, Instagram and Facebook to receive and deliver fraudulent buyer tags to purchasers all over the United States, including New York, Florida and Washington, D.C.
He also admitted he and his co-conspirators advertised the state-issued buyer tags on social media platforms and received and shared fraud proceeds via electronic payment services such as Cash App and Zelle.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will impose sentencing Feb. 6, 2023. At that time, Ocasio faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Ocasio has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Emmanuel Padilla Reyes aka Christian Hernandez Bonilla or Noel Rivera is still a fugitive in this case. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone providing information that directly leads to his arrest. Those with information about the fugitive’s location should call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance of Travis County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Adam Goldman are prosecuting the case.
شركة لافارج تُقرّ بأنها مذنبة بالتآمر لتقديم دعم مادي لمنظمات إرهابية أجنبيةRead the Press Release
بروكلين، نيويورك - في وقت سابق اليوم، في محكمة اتحادية في بروكلين، نيويورك، أقرت شركة لافارج اس آ (Lafarge S.A.- Lafarge)، وهي شركة عالمية لتصنيع مواد البناء مقرها في فرنسا، وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت اس آ (Lafarge Cement Syria, S.A.- LCS)، وهي شركة تابعة لشركة لافارج مقرها في سوريا، أقرت بالذنب أمام هيئة قضائية وجهت لهما تهمة واحدة تتمثل في التآمر لتقديم الدعم المادي والموارد إلى تنظيم الدولة الإسلامية في العراق والشام (داعش) وجبهة النصرة (ANF)، وكلاهما من المنظمات الإرهابية الأجنبية التي حددتها الولايات المتحدة. وفور إقرار المتهمين بالذنب هذا الصباح، حكم قاضي المقاطعة الأمريكية ويليام ف. كونتز الثاني William) (F. Kuntz, II على المتهمين بشروط المراقبة ودفع غرامات مالية، بما في ذلك غرامات جنائية قدرها 90.78 مليون دولار ومصادرة مبلغ قدره 687 مليون دولار، بإجمالي 777.78 مليون دولار.
نشأت التهم عن مخطط المتهمين لدفع مبالغ مالية لداعش وجبهة النصرة مقابل الإذن بتشغيل مصنع إسمنت في سوريا من آب/أغسطس 2013 إلى تشرين الأول/أكتوبر 2014، ممّا مكن شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت من الحصول على ما يقرب من 70.30 مليون دولار من العائدات.
وقد أعلن هذا الإقرار بالذنب كل من بريون بيس (Breon Peace)، المدعي العام للولايات المتحدة بالمنطقة الشرقية من نيويورك؛ وليزا أو موناكو (Lisa O. Monaco)، نائبة وزير العدل للولايات المتحدة؛ وماثيو جي. أولسن (Matthew G. Olsen)، مساعد وزير العدل بقسم الأمن القومي بوزارة العدل؛ ومايكل دريسكول (Michael J. Driscoll)، مساعد المدير المسؤول، بمكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالي، مكتب نيويورك الميداني ,ومايكل ألفونسو (Michael Alfonso)، الوكيل الخاص المسؤول بالنيابة، من تحقيقات الأمن الداخلي بنيويورك؛ وكيشانت ل. سيوال (Keechant L. Sewell)، مفوض إدارة شرطة مدينة نيويورك(NYPD) .
صرح المدعي العام للولايات المتحدة السيد بيس قائلاً: "في خضم حرب أهلية، اتخذت شركة لافارج خيارًا لا يمكن تصوره بوضع أموال في أيدي داعش، إحدى أكثر المنظمات الإرهابية وحشية في العالم، حتى تتمكن من مواصلة بيع الإسمنت"، مضيفاً "لم تقم شركة لافارج بهذا الفعل فقط مقابل الحصول على إذن لتشغيل مصنع الإسمنت الخاص بها - وهو عمل سيء بما فيه الكفاية - ولكن أيضًا للاستفادة من علاقتها مع داعش وتحقيق مكاسب اقتصادية، والسعي للحصول على مساعدة داعش لإلحاق الضرر بمنافسي شركة لافارج مقابل خفض مبيعات شركة لافارج. اليوم تعترف شركة لافارج وتتحمل مسؤوليتها عن جريمتها الشنيعة، فلم يسبق قطّ أن اتُّهمت شركة بتقديم الدعم المادي والموارد لمنظمات إرهابية أجنبية، حيث تعكس هذه التهمة والقرار غير المسبوقين الجرائم المذهلة المرتكبة ويبرهنان على أن الشركات التي تتخذ إجراءات تتعارض مع مصالح أمننا القومي في انتهاك للقانون ستخضع للمساءلة".
"وكما يتضح من الإقرار بالذنب اليوم، كانت شركة لافارج مدفوعة بالجشع والمصلحة الذاتية عندما غضت الطرف عن الفظائع التي يرتكبها الإرهاب وتواطأت عن علم لتمويل منظمات إرهابية. ولا تختلف الشركات عن الأفراد - فإذا قمت بتمويل الإرهاب، فسوف تواجه العواقب. وصرح مساعد المدير المسؤول بمكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالي السيد دريسكول قائلاً: "يجب أن تكون النتيجة التي توصلنا إليها اليوم درساً للآخرين، فإذا كان أحدهم على استعداد لتمويل الأشرار، سواء أكان فردًا أو كيانًا أكبر، فإن فرقة العمل المشتركة لمكافحة الإرهاب التابعة لمكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالي وشركاءنا في إنفاذ القانون سيلتزمون بدون هوادة بحماية أمتنا وتقديم المذنبين أمام العدالة".
وقال ألفونسو(Alfonso)، الوكيل الخاص المسؤول بالنيابة، من تحقيقات الأمن الداخلي بنيويورك(HSI) "إن تحقيقات الأمن الداخلي تفتخر بالوقوف إلى جانب شركائنا في فرقة العمل المشتركة لمكافحة الإرهاب في هذه القضية الرائدة حيث نحاسب الشركات الخاصة على تواطؤها في أعمال القتل والدمار التي تسبب فيها داعش وجبهة النصرة؛ الحرب تغذيها الأموال، وقد دفعت شركة لافارج للإرهابيين الأموال، لتصب البنزين على النار، ولحماية أرباحها الخاصة." وأضاف قائلاً "إن العمل المتعمد مع منظمة إرهابية أجنبية مسؤولة عن مقتل عدد لا يحصى من الجنود الأمريكيين من أجل تحقيق مكاسب مالية يعدّ عملاً حقيراً يستحق أقسى العقوبات بموجب القانون. وهذا الإقرار بالذنب الذي صدر اليوم يعدّ تاريخياً إذ يوجه رسالة واضحة إلى الشركات في جميع أنحاء العالم بأننا لن نسمح لها بالسعي لتحقيق الأرباح عن طريق استغلال الأعمال الشريرة التي يرتكبها داعش. لن نترككم تشوهون ذكرى أولئك الذين قتلوا على يد هذه المجموعة الوحشية".
وقال سيوال، مفوض إدارة شرطة نيويورك، "إن الإقرار بالذنب الذي أُعلن اليوم لأمر تاريخيّ حيث يظهر أهمية عملنا المستمر لتعطيل هذا النوع من الإرهاب العابر للحدود والذي يشكل تهديدات كبيرة في الداخل وحول العالم". "مرة أخرى، تمت مواءمة علاقاتنا القوية مع إنفاذ القانون في هذا التحقيق للوصول إلى أقصى حد ممكن لضمان العدالة وحمايتنا من الأذى، أنا فخور للغاية اليوم بالعمل الذي قام به المحققون في شرطة نيويورك، والمدعي العام للولايات المتحدة بالمنطقة الشرقية وفرقة العمل المشتركة لمكافحة الإرهاب التابعة لمكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالي في نيويورك، وتحقيقات الأمن الداخلي، وكل شخص في الداخل والخارج ساهم في متابعة هذه القضية المهمة.
المتهمون تفاوضوا مع الجماعات المسلحة ودفعوا أموالاً للإرهابيين
في الفترة من أيار/مايو 2010 إلى أيلول/سبتمبر 2014، قامت شركة لافارج، من خلال شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت، بتشغيل مصنع إسمنت في منطقة الجلابية في شمال سوريا ("مصنع إسمنت الجلابية") الذي بنته شركة لافارج بتكلفة تقارب 680 مليون دولار. وبعد اندلاع الحرب الأهلية السورية في عام 2011، تفاوضت شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت على اتفاقيات لدفع أموال للفصائل المسلحة في الحرب الأهلية لحماية عمّال شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت، وضمان استمرار تشغيل معمل إسمنت الجلابية والحصول على ميزة اقتصادية تتفوق بها على منافسيها في سوق الإسمنت السورية.
وكما أوضح مدراء شركة لافارج في رسائل بريد إلكتروني أرسلت في تلك الفترة، كانت دوافعهم اقتصادية بحتة. اشترى مدراء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت المواد الخام اللازمة لتصنيع الإسمنت من موردين خاضعين لسيطرة داعش، ودفعوا "تبرعات" شهرية للجماعات المسلحة، بما في ذلك داعش وجبهة النصرة، حتى يتمكن العمال والعملاء والموردون من عبور نقاط التفتيش التي تسيطر عليها الجماعات المسلحة على الطرق المحيطة بمصنع إسمنت الجلابية، ووافقوا في النهاية على دفع أموال لداعش بناءً على حجم الإسمنت الذي تبيعه شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت لعملائها، والذي شبّهه مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت بدفع "الضرائب".
المدعى عليهم تفاوضوا على اتفاقيات تقاسم العائدات مع داعش وسعوا لتحقيق ميزة اقتصادية
قام مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت عن قصد بصياغة اتفاقياتهم مع داعش لتعويض المنظمة الإرهابية بناءً على كمية الإسمنت التي تتمكن شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت من بيعها – مما يُعدّ بالفعل اتفاقية لتقاسم الإيرادات - لتحفيز المجموعة الإرهابية على التصرف بما يخدم المصلحة الاقتصادية لشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت.
وكشرط لإبرام اتفاقية تقاسم الإيرادات، التمس مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت مساعدة داعش لفرض تكاليف على المنافسين الذين يبيعون الإسمنت التركي الذي يتم استيراده إلى شمال سوريا، والذي كان يباع غالبًا بسعر أرخص من الإسمنت المنتج في مصنع الجلابية للإسمنت، وأوضح مدراء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت للوسطاء الذين يتفاوضون مع داعش أنه في مقابل دفع شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت مبلغ 750 ليرة سورية لكل طن من الإسمنت الذي تبيعه، فإنهم يتوقعون أن يتخذ داعش إجراءات ضد منافسي شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت، إما عن طريق وقف بيع الإسمنت التركي المستورد المنافس في المناطق الخاضعة لسيطرة داعش، أو بفرض ضرائب على الإسمنت المنافس مما يسمح لشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت برفع أسعارها للإسمنت.
ومن آب/أغسطس 2013 إلى تشرين الأول/أكتوبر 2014، دفعت شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت إلى داعش وجبهة النصرة، من خلال وسطاء، ما يعادل حوالي 5.92 مليون دولار، وهي مدفوعات في شكل "تبرعات" شهرية ثابتة إلى داعش وجبهة النصرة، ومدفوعات للموردين الخاضعين لسيطرة داعش لشراء المواد الخام ومدفوعات مختلفة على أساس كمية الإسمنت التي تبيعها شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت؛ ودفعت شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت أيضًا ما يعادل 1.11 مليون دولار تقريبًا إلى أطراف ثالثة وسيطة للتفاوض مع داعش وجبهة النصرة ودفع مبالغ مالية لهما نيابةً عن شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، عندما أخلَت شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت في نهاية المطاف معمل إسمنت الجلابية في أيلول/سبتمبر 2014، استحوذت داعش على الإسمنت الذي أنتجته شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت لتستمر في المؤامرة، وباعت داعش الإسمنت بأسعار كانت ستدر لداعش ما يقرب من 3.21 مليون دولار. ونتيجة لهذا المخطط، حصلت شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت على ما يقرب 70.30 مليون دولار كإجمالي إيرادات المبيعات من آب/أغسطس 2013 حتى 2014. وبلغت المكاسب التي حققها جميع المشاركين في المؤامرة، بما فيهم شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت والوسطاء والجماعات الإرهابية، حوالي 80.54 مليون دولار.
المدعى عليهم أخفوا مدفوعاتهم وزوّروا السجلات وغيّروا تواريخ العقود
كما أخفى مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت بنشاط مخططهم لتقديم الدعم المادي لداعش وجبهة النصرة. على سبيل المثال:
- طلب مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت من الوسطاء إنشاء كيانات تجارية بأسماء غير مرتبطة بشكل واضح بالوسطاء وقاموا بإنشاء فواتير بأوصاف مزيفة للخدمات المقدمة للوسيط لتقديمها إلى شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت؛
- قام مدراء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت بصياغة مدفوعات تقاسم الإيرادات التي يقدمونها لداعش بحيث يدفع عملاء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت إلى داعش، في حين أن شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت تعوض العملاء عن طريق خصم الأسعار التي تفرضها عليهم. وللتأكد من أن عملاء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت لا يدفعون لداعش أقل من اللازم، وافقت شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت على تقديم تقارير مبيعات دورية لداعش، والتي يمكن لداعش استخدامها للتحقق من أن عملاء شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت يدفعون المبالغ المستحقة بموجب شروط اتفاقية شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت مع داعش؛
- لإخفاء هذه الترتيبات بشكل أكبر، حاول مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت مطالبة داعش بعدم إدراج اسم "لافارج" في الوثائق التي تكرّس الاتفاقيات الخاصة بهم وتنفيذها؛
- استخدم العديد من مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت المشاركين في المخطط عناوينهم للبريد الإلكتروني الشخصية بدلاً من عناوين البريد الإلكتروني للشركة، لتنفيذ المؤامرة؛
- في أكتوبر 2014، طلب مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت من الوسيط توقيع اتفاقية تُنهي اتفاقيته لتقديم الخدمات إلى لافارج سوريا للإسمنت كشرط لدفع المال لوسيط للتفاوض مع داعش والجماعات المسلحة الأخرى. وبشكل حاسم، قام مدراء شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت بتغيير تاريخ اتفاقية الإنهاء إلى 18 آب/أغسطس 2014، وهو تاريخ بعد فترة وجيزة من إصدار مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة قرارًا يدعو الدول الأعضاء إلى حظر التعامل مع داعش وجبهة النصرة، للإيحاء زورًا بأن الوسيط لم يكن يتفاوض مع داعش نيابة عن شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت بعد قرار الأمم المتحدة.
وتم الاستحواذ على شركة لافارج من قبل منافس ("الشركة الوريثة") في صفقة أغلقت في 10 تموز/يوليو 2015. ولم يكشف مدراء لافارج للشركة الوريثة عن مدفوعات شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت إلى داعش وجبهة النصرة خلال اجتماعات العناية الواجبة قبل الاستحواذ، كما لم تقم الشركة الوريثة بإجراء العناية الواجبة قبل أو بعد الاستحواذ للتحقق من عمليات شركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت في سوريا، والتي كانت قد انتهت بحلول وقت إغلاق الصفقة. وبالإضافة إلى ذلك، لم تُبلغ شركة لافارج وشركة لافارج سوريا للإسمنت ولا الشركة الوريثة عن تلك السلوكيات أو تتعاون بشكل كامل في التحقيق الذي أجراه هذا المكتب.
قام بإجراء التحقيق فريق العمل المشترك لمكافحة الإرهاب التابع لمكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالي بنيويورك. ويقوم قسم الأمن القومي والجرائم الإلكترونية بالمكتب بإدارة قضية الحكومة. وقام بقيادة التحقيق والمقاضاة كل من المدعين العامين المساعدين للولايات المتحدة: ألون ليفشيتز (Allon Lifshitz)، وألكسندر أ. سولومون (Alexander A. Solomon)، وإيان سي ريتشاردسون (Ian C. Richardson)، وجوشوا هافيتز (Joshua Hafetz)، بمساعدة المدعين العامين المساعدين للولايات المتحدة: أرتيميس ليكاكيس (Artemis Lekakis)، و ج. ماثيو هاجانز J. (Matthew Haggans)، ولوران أ. بومان (Lauren A. Bowman)، ومحاميا الادعاء: بريجت بهلنغ Bridget) (Behling، وجنفير ليفي (Jennifer Levy)، من قسم مكافحة الإرهاب في شعبة الأمن الوطني.
وقدم مكتب الشؤون الدولية التابع لوزارة العدل مساعدة بالغة الأهمية في هذه القضية. كما تعرب الوزارة عن تقديرها للتعاون الكبير والمساعدة المعتبرة التي قدمتها السلطات الفرنسية والمغربية واللبنانية.
Young man indicted for transporting fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodoneRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredo resident has been charged for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1.42 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Ivan Eleodoro Garcia. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on Sept. 29, Garcia drove a 2014 Ford Taurus sedan into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on I-35 north of Laredo. Three, a K-9 unit allegedly alerted law enforcement to the presence of concealed humans or narcotics at the rear of the vehicle.
Authorities conducted a search and allegedly discovered a custom-installed hidden compartment between the trunk and passenger area of the sedan. The charges also allege they discovered 13 bags containing 1.42 kilograms of blue pills. Law enforcement allegedly believed the pills were oxycodone hydrocholoride due to an embossed letter M on each pill. However, a field test later revealed the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, according to the charges.
If convicted, Garcia faces up to life in prison a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
#OnePillCanKill
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Woodland Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute and Possess MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Cassandra Wallace, age 37, of Woodland, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts Two and Eleven of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Wallace did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Further, on December 18, 2019, Wallace did distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2023. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both, for Count Two, and a minimum sentence of 5 years in a prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both, for Count Eleven. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brolin. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Washington man indicted on charges involving sexual abuse of a minorRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathanial James Davis, formerly of Marysville, Washington, is facing charges that accuse him of traveling across the country to have sex with a minor in Barbour County, West Virginia, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Davis, 33, was indicted today on one count of “Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Act with a Minor,” one count of “Possession of Child Pornography,” and one count of “Commission of a Felony Offense Involving a Minor by a Person Required to Register as a Sex Offender.” Davis, a registered sex offender, is accused of traveling to West Virginia to engage in sexual conduct with a minor and having child pornography on his phone. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in April and May 2022 in Barbour County and elsewhere.
Davis faces up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the interstate travel charge. He faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the child pornography charge and faces 10 years in prison for the final charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Walton County Man Sentenced to 15 Years Federal Prison for Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Joseph Fletcher Lee, Jr., 47, of Defuniak Springs, Florida, was sentenced last week to serve a mandatory minimum term of fifteen years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the charges of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Communities throughout our district are plagued by methamphetamine distribution,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute drug traffickers who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”
On October 14, 2021, law enforcement executed two federal search warrants at Lee’s residence and property located in Walton County, Florida. Inside the residence, law enforcement located and seized approximately 466.5 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and approximately $23,419 in U.S. Currency.
Lee’s imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release.
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
United States Attorney's Office Implements Election Day Program to Stop Fraud and Protect Voting RightsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes 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 Goes has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia, 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.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” Thompson said. “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).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Thompson said. “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 Goes will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at (304) 340-2395 or (304) 345-2200.”
The Southern District of West Virginia also has an online option for reporting complaints: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/report-corruption. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office through its Election Division offers a form for filing elections complaints as well: https://sos.wv.gov/media/424/electionscomplaintformpdf.
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 (304) 346-2300.
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.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” Thompson said. “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.
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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United States Attorney Kavanaugh Appoints Dedicated Officials to Answer Western District of Virginia Election ComplaintsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh 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. Assistant United States Attorneys Lena Busscher in the Abingdon Division, Michael Baudinet in the Roanoke Division, and Ronald M. Huber in the Charlottesville Division have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Western District of Virginia. In that capacity they 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.
“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 threats of violence. The Department of Justice continues to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said.
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).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise that right if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt the voting system are brought to justice,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said. “To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns during the upcoming election, we must ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities.”
AUSA/DEOs Busscher, Baudinet, and Huber will be on duty in this District while the polls are open and may be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 540-857-2250.
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 may be reached by the public at 804-261-1044.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws maybe 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 Kavanaugh added, “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.
United States Attorney Announces Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Daniel Tvedt 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 Tvedt has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Iowa, 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 Duax 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 Duax 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 Tvedt will be on duty in the Cedar Rapids area while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 319-363-6333. AUSA Ron Timmons will be on duty in the Sioux City area and can be reached at 712-255-6011.”
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 402-493-8688.
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 Duax said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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USAO-KS Announces Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Duston Slinkard announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jared Maag 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 Maag has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney’s Office - District of Kansas, 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 Slinkard 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 Slinkard 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 Maag will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (785) 295-2850.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in field offices and resident agencies 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 816-512-8200.
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 Slinkard said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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U.S. Department of Justice announces grants totaling nearly $3 million in the Southern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: The U.S. Department of Justice has announced more than $2.8 million in grants awarded to agencies and entities to support law enforcement and public safety initiatives in the Southern District of Georgia.
These federal grants include funding for the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a key component of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, and funding from the Office of Community-Oriented Policing (COPS), said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“These grant awards will assist law enforcement agencies throughout the Southern District in our continued fight against violent crime, while also supporting communities and agencies allied in our efforts to improve the safety of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Estes.
The end-of-fiscal-year 2022 PSN grant to the Southern District of $100,665, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance through Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, will distribute funding to Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick, the three most populous cities in the Southern District, in collaboration with local public safety agencies to help achieve reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides.
“Reducing violence and sustaining those reductions will require strong partnerships between criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every community member,” said Office of Justice Programs Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg. “The investments we are making through Project Safe Neighborhoods will enable every stakeholder to play a part in building safer and healthier communities.”
Additional DOJ grants awarded during the regular end-of-fiscal-year funding cycle include:
Office of Community-Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Program:
- City of Swainsboro, $316,653
COPS School Violence Prevention Program:
- Lincoln County School District, $274,065
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking:
- Tharros Place, Inc., Savannah, $750,000
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grants through the Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program:
- Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, $739,172
BJA – STOP School Violence Prevention Program:
- New Bethlehem Community Center, Inc., Augusta, $333,333
BJA – The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities:
- Liberty County, $120,000
BJA – The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program:
- City of Savannah, $126,177
- Augusta/Richmond County, $52,106
- Glynn County, $24,527
- Liberty County, $14,242
- City of Waycross, $10,022
BJA – Body-worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program:
- Liberty County, $53,940
- City of Thomson, $9,825
More information on the implementation of these grants is available from the individual recipient agencies, and from the U.S. Department of Justice grants information page at justice.gov/grants.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with New Jersey Transit to Ensure Equal Access for Individuals with Disabilities at Five Intercity Rail StationsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has reached a settlement with New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) to resolve findings that its intercity rail stations are not accessible to individuals with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
“This Office is committed to ending unlawful barriers to inclusion and equality in our society,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “For too long, people with disabilities have been deprived of equal access to intercity rail stations operated by NJ Transit. In ways large and small, people with disabilities were denied full access to transportation services – whether it was the lack of access to restrooms, no signs, bad ramps, poor access to elevators, or that parking spaces were just too small for those who needed wheelchair access. Through this resolution, we are holding NJ Transit to its obligation to provide accessible transportation services to all. To their credit, NJ Transit has swiftly recognized these deficiencies and already begun to bring its intercity rail stations into compliance with the ADA.”
Under the agreement, New Jersey Transit has committed to make five intercity rail stations – Newark Penn, Princeton Junction, MetroPark, Trenton, and New Brunswick – accessible to individuals with disabilities. New Jersey Transit must modify multiple portions of the rail stations and their access points, including physical modifications to multiple platforms, waiting areas, parking lots, and restrooms.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division, which U.S. Attorney Sellinger created in 2022. The Division’s sole focus is to enforce federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, with the goal of protecting and upholding the civil rights of those in our community. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Campion, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts Roundtable on Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division hosted a roundtable today for community organizations to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in housing, U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino announced. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is asking anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.
“Sexual harassment in housing is underreported and hard to detect,” U.S. Attorney Restaino said. “Landlords and others with control over housing often commit egregious violations of the Fair Housing Act by using their power over tenants to extort sexual acts, or even commit assaults. Our office is committed to uncovering such intolerable violations and vigorously enforcing the law.”
The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.
Today’s roundtable was hosted as part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative (https://www.justice.gov/crt/sexual-harassment-housing-initiative), an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing across the country. The Justice Department’s initiative seeks to identify barriers to reporting sexual harassment in housing, increase awareness of the Justice Department’s enforcement efforts, and collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to increase reporting and help people who have experienced sexual harassment quickly and easily connect with federal resources. Roundtable discussions like the one U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino hosted today are one way to increase awareness and build strong partnerships in the community to combat the problem together.
Launched in 2017, the Initiative has filed 26 lawsuits across the country alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.6 million in damages for harassment victims. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years. Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the Department of Justice may be able to help.
The Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to submit a report online or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona by calling (602) 528-7299, visiting https://www.justice.gov/usao-az, or by emailing [email protected].
Individuals may also file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling (800) 669-9777.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-182_Sexual Harassment in Housing Roundtable
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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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Michael Savage in Charlotte, and Don Gast in Asheville, will lead the efforts of their Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.
AUSAs Michael Savage and Don Gast have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western District of North Carolina, and, in that capacity, they 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, D.C.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney King. “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 King 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, AUSAs/DEOs Savage and Gast will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Savage can be reached by the public in Charlotte at 704-344-6222, and AUSA Gast can be reached in Asheville at 828-271-4661.
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 704-672-6100.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
U.S. Attorney King 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 Young Announces District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Seth R. Aframe 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 Aframe has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Hampshire, 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 Young 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 Young stated that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote 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 Aframe will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 603-230-2503.
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 857-386-2000 or at tips.fbi.gov.
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 Young said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam Announces $554,355 in Justice Department Grants to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $554,355 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Funding will support community efforts to address gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grants to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency are just a few of the awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which is part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
“The Justice Department’s grants provide resources for our state and local law partners to help protect individuals and communities from violent crime,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department is taking a comprehensive approach, recognizing that we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem—the resources in these grants will help our state and local partners reduce gun violence through increased community trust and investments in community-based initiatives like violence intervention programs.”
“These funds will continue to help reduce violence in our communities across the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “We remain focused on prioritizing our violent crime reduction efforts through the PSN initiative, including prevention and treatment to stop incidents before they start.”
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants 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 enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard Announces $168,085 Justice Department Grant to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
[TOPEKA, KAN.] – U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $168,085 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grant, to Wichita State University, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
“The Department of Justice sees great value in investing resources into violent crime prevention initiatives that encourage people to steer away from criminal activity instead of solely allowing for funding to bring perpetrators to justice after someone has been injured or killed” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas is grateful to Wichita State University for agreeing to take the lead on this collaborative effort to make our communities safer places to live.”
“Reducing violence and sustaining those reductions will require strong partnerships between criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every community member,” said OJP Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg. “The investments we are making through Project Safe Neighborhoods will enable every stakeholder to play a part in building safer and healthier communities.”
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants 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 enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Results of Multi-Faceted Strategy to Combat Fraud Related to COVID-19Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19 during fiscal year 2022, ending September 30, 2022. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “Those who seek to exploit these programs and further harm victims should beware. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
On the criminal-enforcement front, the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined together in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the task force has prosecuted more than 40 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs created or expanded to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). These cases and matters involve diverse schemes, from traditional healthcare fraud involving COVID-19 programs, to violent gangs using unemployment insurance fraud proceeds to operate their narcotics businesses. These defendants collectively sought to defraud the United States of over $43 million. Over thirty of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against nine defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.)
For example, on September 15, 2022, Marqus Johnson (40, Tampa) pleaded guilty to a 9-count Information charging him with bank fraud and illegal monetary transactions. Johnson formed and operated two corporate entities—All American Health, LLC and Next Level Health & Transportation, LLC—that purportedly were engaged in health care-related transportation services. In April and June 2020 and January 2021, Johnson use false and fraudulent representations to apply for a total of seven SBA-backed loans (one PPP loan and six EIDL) and received loan funding in connection with three of the loan applications. Based on his false representations, Johnson fraudulently obtained $544,900, including a $375,000 PPP loan.
In another matter, Julio Lugo (45, Davenport), a convicted felon on federal supervised release, conspired with others to steal nearly $6 million from the SBA’s PPP and EIDL programs and launder the proceeds of those stolen funds. Lugo pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison on July 28, 2022. The court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $4.4 million and entered an order of restitution in the amount of $4.8 million.
The Middle District of Florida has been at the forefront of addressing the complex issues that arise out of investigating and charging frauds relating to new government programs. The Fort Myers Division, for example, was the first office in the country to take a COVID-19 fraud case to trial in United States v. Casey Crowther. Crowther was found guilty and sentenced to more than three years in federal prison. The Orlando Division meanwhile handled the country’s first COVID-19 fraud-related extradition in United States v. Don V. Cisternino. Cisternino recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transactions related to his scheme to secure more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a PPP loan.
Further, the Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $14.3 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $8.5 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.
The Attorney General has 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. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Small Business Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
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.
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo (39)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria (33)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$150k
Alexander Leszczynski (22)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$200k
Charles Cunningham (72)
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Diego Novaes, and Jennifer Peresie
Orlando Division
Brian Blake (30)
Possession of device-making equipment
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP/UI
$832k
Emmet Bowens (53)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20K
This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price (45)
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82K
This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris (36)
Wire Fraud (14 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years per count
PPP
$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Keith Nicoletta (49)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant (37)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL/PPP
$413k
Keaujay Hornsby (26)
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Kareem Spann (27)
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Melinda Hernandez (33)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Richard Simpkins (47)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Steve Moodie (33)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, John Michelich, and Greg Pizzo
Orlando Division
Daniel Johnson (34)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Unlawful transfer of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
UI
$2.3M
Joel Greenberg (37)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
EIDL
$430k
Teresa McIntyre (55)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
EIDL
$730k
Don Cisternino (46)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal Monetary Transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP
$7.2M
This COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg and AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, and Dana Hill
Fort Myers Division
Daniel Joseph Tisone (34)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison Term: 2 Years Consecutive
Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL/MSLP
$2.6M
Liliana Gonzalez (31)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$169k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling and Jesus M. Casas
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, III (63)
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$815k
Kary Stevenson (48)
Corey Quinn (35)
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI
$1M
Bridgitte Keim (52)
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP
$588k
Wayne Ganaway (47)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL
$300k
Eriaius Bentley (29)
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI
$3M
Rolanda Wingfield (39)
Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI
$135k
Tywon Spann (25)
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI
$3M
Randy Jones (34)
Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI
$250k
Julio Lugo (45)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$4.4M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, and SAUSA Chris Poor
Orlando Division
Jacquavius Smith (21)
Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$10k
Johnson Eustache (40)
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$2.2M
Joseph Harrison (43)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI
$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys (39)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP
$2M
Holly Urban (36)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.5M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther (36)
Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$2.7M
Anthony Bruey (36)
Amber Bruey (35)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL
$881k
Edrica Leann Watson (30)
False statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP
$392k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas
Types of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Two Sentenced for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Michael Aponte, 32, of Pennellville, New York, and Rawy Correa-Perez, 31, of Avon Park, Florida, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Aponte received a sentence of 130 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. Correa-Perez received a sentence of 97 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
Both Aponte and Correa-Perez were found guilty by a jury on May 19, 2022. At trial, Douglas County Nebraska deputies testified that on February 26, 2021, they stopped a vehicle driven by Aponte for a traffic violation. Correa-Perez was a passenger in the vehicle. During the contact with Aponte and Correa-Perez, deputies noted several indicators of criminal behavior. Deputies deployed “Bezos,” a certified drug detection canine, to perform a sniff around the vehicle. Bezos indicated to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Deputies searched the vehicle and found 34 pounds of cocaine in the spare tire.
The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation. DEA special agents testified to obtaining and analyzing electronic data that was obtained from Apple Inc. for both Aponte and Correa-Perez. The electronic data contained photographs consistent with the drug trade. Special agents also provided expert testimony, including that the cocaine had a value of approximately $390,000.
In addition, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau assisted in the analysis of both the cocaine and fingerprints that were obtained from the cocaine packaging.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two Hudson County Men Indicted for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted two men in connection with the armed robbery of a bank in Union City, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Juan Jimenez, 23, of Union City, New Jersey, and Nicholas Seda-Corales, 24, of West New York, New Jersey, were previously each charged by complaint with one count of bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Both individuals are in custody. They will be arraigned at a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 8, 2022, Jimenez and Seda-Corales entered a bank in Union City, New Jersey, dressed in dark clothing and wearing face masks. Jimenez drew a handgun, aimed it into the teller area, and jumped over the teller counter. Seda-Corales made his way toward the rear of the bank to prevent bystanders from exiting through a back door. Video footage depicts Jimenez searching several drawers in the teller area before jumping back over the counter and fleeing the bank with Seda-Corales. Law enforcement officers later executed a search warrant at Jimenez’s apartment and recovered three handguns and clothing consistent with that worn by Jimenez and Seda-Corales during the robbery.
The bank robbery charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The brandishing a firearm during the bank robbery charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must be served consecutive to the other counts.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation, leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Mezzanotte of the General Crimes Unit Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Celebrates 40th AnniversaryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) was created by Presidential Order four decades ago. On Oct. 14, 1982, in the Great Hall of the Department of Justice building, President Ronald Reagan announced a new coordinated federal government effort bringing together prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to attack the command and control elements of the drug trafficking organizations responsible for moving massive quantities of illicit narcotics into the country.
The White House directed that the OCDETF’s top priority would be to disrupt the sales and distribution networks of the traffickers. Some of the department’s most notable successes against drug cartels have resulted from OCDETF coordinated investigations and prosecutions. OCDETF was instrumental in taking down the powerful Colombian cartels of the 1980s; the notorious and violent Mexican cartels such as the Tijuana, Juarez and Gulf Cartels in the 1990s; and the methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and opioid threats from all over the world in the last two decades.
As criminal networks have grown more sophisticated in the last 40 years — branching out to more varied types of criminal activity — OCDETF has responded by expanding its mission beyond drug trafficking organizations and money laundering networks to all forms of transnational organized crime. OCDETF is fully engaged in all manner of investigations into criminal networks involved in human smuggling, sophisticated financial fraud, cyber-enabled crime, illicit finance, arms trafficking, government benefits theft, business e-mail compromise and U.S. sanctions evasion. OCDETF is uniquely and ideally structured to support the fight against transnational organized crime through operational integration, collaboration and law enforcement information sharing.
“Since its founding, OCDETF has been a synchronizer and our role is to incentivize prosecutors to lead smart, creative law enforcement agents in investigations focused on priority targets of organized criminal groups and the illicit financial networks that support them,” said OCDETF Director Adam W. Cohen. “Today, OCDETF provides a forward leaning structure for our partners to work together and leverage each other’s strengths, capabilities and legal authorities resulting in continued positive impacts to the nation.”
OCDETF’s successes over the last 40 years have been made possible by strong collaboration and coordination with its member agencies. OCDETF is partnered with the 93 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the department’s Criminal Division and 11 federal law enforcement agencies from the Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Marshals Service), Homeland Security (Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Secret Service), Treasury (Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation), Postal (U.S. Postal Inspection Service), Labor (Office of the Inspector General), and State (Bureau of Diplomatic Security).
OCDETF’s governance, bringing leadership to the multi-agency transnational organized crime mission and focus on joint priority targets has generated genuine measurable accomplishments — over 34,000 multi-agency cases against priority targets, over 124,000 indictments of almost 360,000 defendants, and incredibly, over 15,690 of those resulted in impactful disruption, or even dismantlement of criminal organizations.
“As OCDETF begins our 41st year, we will continue to provide a coordination platform for comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of the most dangerous transnational criminal organizations, the successful result of which is to make our nation safer,” said OCDETF Director Cohen.
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Texas Man Indicted in Federal Court for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury recently returned a three-count indictment charging James Martin, age 50, of Beckville, Texas, with distribution of child pornography. Martin appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.
According to the criminal complaint that preceded the indictment, between July 2022 and August 2022, Martin sent more than 250 sexually explicit videos and photographs of young children, including toddlers, to an undercover FBI agent in the Middle District of Louisiana.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the Panola County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner.
NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Stockton Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Possession of Unregistered Firearms SilencersRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alan Alfredo Garcia, 26, of Stockton, was sentenced Monday to three years and five months in prison for possession of unregistered silencers, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Garcia’s residence in Stockton and found two unregistered firearms silencers, parts for making additional silencers, an AR jig for converting AR rifle and pistol lower receivers into completed firearms, six firearms, and various firearms parts. A search of Garcia’s cellphone revealed additional evidence that he was manufacturing and modifying firearms, including to make them fully automatic.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Stamford Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMIN HASAN, 44, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge Shea ordered Hasan to serve the first six months of his supervised release in a halfway house.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 5, 2020, Hasan was arrested by Stamford Police after causing a disturbance at a shopping plaza and a search of a van he rented revealed 13 filled 5-gallon gas cans, two hatchets, and ax and other items. The next day, law enforcement searched Hasan’s residence and seized numerous items, including a gas mask, a chainsaw, a “survival-style” knife, two backpacks containing 30 smoke grenades and 44 caltrops (spikes used to puncture vehicle tires), and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol. Investigators also found a note on Hasan’s bed with instructions to call his cousin in the event of his death. Days later, Hasan’s car was found parked in Bridgeport and contained an additional 12 filled 5-gallon gas cans, a hatchet, and other items.
In May 2019, Hasan was convicted in state court of assault of public safety, emergency medical, public transport or health care personnel. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Hasan has been detained since his arrest. On May 6, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Related state charges against Hasan are pending.
This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.
Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Misappropriating Military Veteran’s FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SLOANE SIGNAL-DEBOSE, age 51, a resident of Slidell, pled guilty to misappropriating funds from a veteran while SIGNAL was the veteran’s fiduciary.
The government filed a one-count bill of information that charged SIGNAL with misappropriation by a veteran’s fiduciary, in violation of Title 38, United States Code, Section 6101. According to court documents, from 2016 until 2018 SIGNAL was a fiduciary for a veteran who needed assistance with the management of his affairs, and controlled the veteran’s finances and bank accounts. During that time, SIGNAL took over $100,000 from the veteran’s accounts, routed it through bank accounts in her own name, ultimately using it as the down payment on a home for SIGNAL that was only in SIGNAL’s name. SIGNAL also used additional funds from the veteran to pay contractors working on SIGNAL’s home. SIGNAL then submitted false records to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to hide her misuse of the veteran’s funds.
SIGNAL faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to SIGNAL or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Judge Sarah S. Vance set the sentencing hearing for February 15, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawrence Guerain Fleming, 38, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2020, Fleming lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento County. A witness stopped to help Fleming, who asked the witness to conceal a gun without a serial number (sometimes called a “ghost gun”) loaded with eight rounds of ammunition behind a guardrail on the freeway. When officers arrived, the witness told them about the firearm. A warrant was issued for Fleming’s arrest, and on March 17, 2021, Fleming was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Fleming possessed a ghost gun that was loaded with a high-capacity magazine containing 14 rounds.
Fleming cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition because he has a prior federal felony conviction for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier with a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Highway Patrol, the Fairfield Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alstyn Bennett and Adrian T. Kinsella 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Arson of Multiple Buildings in St. PaulRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Rochester man who fled to Mexico to evade apprehension, and was later located and returned by Mexican authorities, was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $39,028 in restitution for the arson of two retail stores and a school during the summer of 2020, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, Jose Angel Felan, Jr., 36, set fire to the Goodwill retail store, the Gordon Parks High School, and the 7 Mile Sportswear store, all of which were located on University Avenue in St. Paul. Following the arsons, Felan and his wife and co-defendant Mena Dhaya Yousif, 23, fled the state. Felan and Yousif traveled by car from Rochester, Minnesota, to Texas, where Felan had family. Ultimately, Felan and Yousif fled the United States and escaped to Mexico. On February 15, 2021, following an anonymous tip, Felan and Yousif were located and detained by Mexican immigration authorities and returned to the United States.
Felan was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge David S. Doty. On February 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of arson.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, the Rochester Police Department, the St. Paul Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. The fugitive apprehension efforts were led by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.
Roanoke Man to Serve 12 Years for Using Gun in Fatal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man, who had been acquitted in state court of a May 2019 murder in the City of Roanoke after claiming self-defense, was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in prison on a federal gun charge.
Demarcus Shaiquan Glenn, 23, pled guilty in July 2022 to one count of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, a 16-year-old male contacted Glenn through a friend on May 31, 2019, in order to purchase two ounces of marijuana. Glenn agreed to sell the teenager the marijuana for $300 and was to meet him at a Denniston Avenue residence to conduct the transaction. In the course of that transaction, Glenn produced a firearm and shot and killed the teenager.
Glenn was charged in state court for the shooting but was later acquitted, claiming self-defense.
During his state jury trial, Glenn testified in his own defense. According to Glenn, he carried firearms for protection because he sold drugs and it can be dangerous, and when he arrived at the teenager’s residence, Glenn was carrying a loaded firearm in his right pocket. Glenn admitted under oath to shooting the teenager in the course of the drug deal.
Federal law prohibits convicted drug dealers from possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Division, and Samuel Roman, Chief of Police for the City of Roanoke, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Roanoke Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coleman Adams and Kristin B. Johnson 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.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking Maine WomanRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to cyberstalking, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
According to court records, between March 2019 and September 2019, Larry Spencer, 63, of Providence, Rhode Island and formerly of Maryland, cyberstalked his former spouse. The victim ended their brief marriage in 2016 and filed for a restraining order in Maryland. Despite the restraining order and the victim relocating, Spencer continued to harass and intimidate the victim on social media and by email. The harassment and threats continued after the victim moved to Maine in 2018 and obtained a protection from abuse order in March 2019. The protection order included explicit language that the “Defendant shall not post any direct or indirect threats about or concerning the plaintiff on social media/online.”
Spencer faces up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
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Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Fadden, 49, of Savona, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography by an individual who has a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a child. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in March 2021, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received two cybertip reports from Yahoo! Inc. that in February and March, 2021, user [email protected] uploaded approximately 185 image files of suspected child pornography. In October 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Fadden’s residence and seized nine electronic devices and storage media. A forensic analysis recovered approximately 278 images on those devices.
Fadden is a Level 3 registered sex offender. He was convicted in 1991, 1992, and 2001 of Sexual Abuse 1st: Sexual Contact with Individual Less Than 11 Years Old. In 2013, Fadden was convicted of Sex Offender Fail to Report Change of Address/Status In 10 Days.
The plea is a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Reading Man Sentenced to 100 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 17, 2022, William F. Showers, age 37, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 100 months of imprisonment and a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from July through December 2021, Showers conspired with others to distribute over 200 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, including over 50 grams of actual or pure methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, an undercover agent purchased methamphetamine directly from the defendant at locations in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is also 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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Press release by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan relating to the November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Brent Gray 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 Gray has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Georgia, 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.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “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.
U.S. Attorney Buchanan added, “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.”
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,” said U.S. Attorney Buchanan. “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 Gray will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (404) 581-6001.
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 770-216-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
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.
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.
Planner of Kidnapping and Home Invasion Robbery Convicted After TrialRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A South Florida man recently was convicted in a Miami federal district court for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery as well as aiding and abetting the commission of said robbery.
Thomas Munne, 44, a marijuana dealer himself, had the idea to rob a rival marijuana dealer thought to be in possession of a large amount of money. Munne contacted a co-conspirator in California to carry out the robbery. He promised to pay for the co-conspirator’s rental car, hotel, and all other expenses while in Miami.
On the afternoon of August 4, 2020, the victim was driving his truck toward I-75 when he was pulled over by a gray sedan with flashing red and blue visor lights. Believing this was a legitimate traffic stop, he pulled over only to find two men in masks and imitation police clothing approaching his truck. One of the men was armed.
The co-conspirator, and another person he’d enlisted for the robbery, pulled the victim from his truck, handcuffed, and assaulted him. The co-conspirators then zip tied his legs and tossed him in the backseat of his own truck. The suspects then ditched the sedan in a remote location and drove to the victim’s house. Once there, the suspects entered the victim’s residence, forcefully restrained his mother, and stole a safe from the victim’s bedroom.
The suspects returned to the remote location where the sedan was stashed and threatened to kill the victim if he didn’t provide the safe combination. Fearing for his life, he gave up the information and the suspects removed more than $200,000 from his marijuana dealings and fled the scene in the gray sedan.
The next day, law enforcement discovered a GPS tracker that had been attached to the victim’s truck. Law enforcement traced the purchase of the tracker to a store in Miami that also sold imitation police clothing. Video surveillance from the store showed the co-conspirator arrive in a gray sedan and purchase the tracker. Law enforcement later determined that the sedan was rented at Miami airport.
Rental records for the vehicle reflected that it was rented for the week preceding the kidnapping/home invasion and was paid for by Munne. Additionally, location data from the GPS tracker showed that after its purchase, it was brought to a hotel in Miami Lakes. Reservation records from the hotel showed that the defendant had paid for a room for the same time period as the rental car.
Further investigation revealed that the defendant also told the co-conspirator what vehicle the victim drove and where he lived. As further proof of Munne’s involvement, law enforcement found that he paid more than $130,000 for a boat within weeks of the robbery and had mailed some of the robbery proceeds to his co-conspirator in California.
Munne’s primary co-conspirator was sentenced to 214 months for carjacking and brandishing a firearm to advance a crime of violence. Investigation into the second conspirator is ongoing. Munne will be sentenced Jan. 24, 2023.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Dewitt, FBI, Miami Field Office, and Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department made the announcement.
FBI Miami and Miami-Dade Police Department investigated the case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane Butland and Eduardo Gardea.
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 at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20182.
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Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The seven-count Superseding Indictment named Torrell Jones, 34, of the City’s Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Jones is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin on or about Aug. 15, 2019, and possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on or about Jan. 31, 2020. Jones is also alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about Aug. 15, 2019, and on or about Jan. 31, 2020. In addition, Jones is alleged to have possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on or about Aug. 15, 2019, on or about Oct. 7, 2019, and on or about Jan. 31, 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $11,125,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pearl City Man Arrested for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Bronson Kepa‘a, 38, of Pearl City, made his initial appearance today in United States District Court on charges filed in a criminal complaint that he possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute them and carried a semi-automatic pistol during and in relation to that possession. The appearance followed his arrest yesterday at his Pearl City residence. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader ordered him detained pending a detention hearing on October 21, 2022.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) followed up on a fentanyl overdose resulting in death on October 7, 2022. The investigation led to an individual who reported obtaining fentanyl from a second individual and giving it to the overdose victim on October 7. The second individual, who was arrested after agreeing to provide more fentanyl to the first individual, identified a third individual as the person who provided the fentanyl. The third individual was arrested after agreeing to sell more fentanyl to the second individual.
The affidavit further recounted that the third individual identified Kepa‘a, who was known to the third individual as “Bronzy,” as a person who provided both fentanyl and methamphetamine to the third individual. On October 17, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant on Kepa‘a’s Pearl City residence and recovered approximately 61 grams of suspected fentanyl and one kilogram suspected crystal methamphetamine as well as a loaded firearm, semiautomatic rifles, and boxes of ammunition.
“Increased trafficking of fentanyl, an extremely lethal synthetic opioid, promises to cause significant harm in our state,” said Clare E. Connors, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. “As demonstrated by this case, a very small dose – one pill – has the potential to kill, and while federal and local law enforcement will continue
their joint efforts to investigate illegal drug trafficking, including trafficking resulting in overdose deaths, everyone should be aware of the terrible dangers of fentanyl.”
“Dangerous and highly addictive synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl are wreaking havoc on our communities and killing people at increasing rates,” said DEA Hawaii District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez. “This case illustrates the collaborative work, alongside our local law enforcement partners, to target and hold drug traffickers accountable who drive addiction and threaten public safety.”
“The collaborative efforts of the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office resulted in a week-long operation that culminated in the arrest of this defendant and others who were involved in the distribution of fentanyl,” said Rade Vanic, Acting Chief of HPD. “The tragic death of a young Honolulu resident associated with at least one member of this group resulted from an overdose of fentanyl. This overdose death and others afflicting our community highlights a pernicious problem, and this investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished with a coordinated law enforcement effort. Those profiting from the distribution of fentanyl and the suffering of our community will be held accountable for their actions, and we remain committed to keeping our municipality safe from those who peddle poison to our ohana and friends.”
If indicted and convicted on those charges, Kepa‘a faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of ten years, on the drug offenses, and for the firearm offense, a mandatory term of five years imprisonment consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug charges.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nammar is handling the prosecution.
Pasco Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Possessing Five Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Agrees to Forfeit House and over $400,000Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edwin Hill (51, Holiday), a/k/a “Z,” has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and is subject to enhanced minimum penalties due to a prior conviction for attempted first-degree murder. He has agreed to forfeit his interest in a house in Pasco County that was used in the offense, approximately $400,536 in drug proceeds, three handguns, and assorted ammunition. Hill was arrested on September 27, 2018, where he has remained in custody. The charges and penalties for each offense are as follows:
Count
Offense
Penalty
One
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or More of Heroin and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment
Two
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Three
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Four
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Five
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Seven
Possession of 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment
Eight
Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment to be served consecutively to the drug counts
According to court documents, Hill trafficked fentanyl in in Pasco County. He used a residence in New Port Richey for distributing the drugs and his personal residence in Holiday for storing the controlled substances, cash, and firearms. After four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hill, federal authorities obtained search warrants for both residences and executed them on September 27, 2018. During the execution of the search warrants of the two houses, agents recovered more than a half-kilogram of fentanyl, almost a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms – including two that had been reported stolen – and more than $370,000 in cash. During an interview with law enforcement, Hill admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking, ownership of the seized guns, and that the money was the result of drug proceeds.
After agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement, Hill secretly, and without informing law enforcement, sent three text messages to coconspirator Nelson White letting him know that Hill had been arrested:
Text 1: D e a
Text 2: Dont come
Text 3: Stop answering the feds got me
Law enforcement officers observed White leave his residence after a bag was loaded into his car. A deputy from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office pulled over White’s car for a traffic violation and found approximately an additional pound of fentanyl, almost a half-kilogram of cocaine, more than $29,000 in cash, four additional firearms, and assorted ammunition.
White was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced on December 1, 2020, to over 21 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.
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.
Owner of Danbury Grocery Store Sentenced for Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LIZBEL SANCHEZ, also known as Lizbel Diaz, 47, of Brookfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation and ordered to pay a $400,000 fine for a federal tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanchez is a minority owner of Danbury Food Corp. (“DFC”), which operates a C-Town grocery store in Danbury. Sanchez was responsible for DFC’s accounting and financial records, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from DFC’s employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and social security taxes. She also was also responsible for ensuring that DFC, as an employer, paid its own share of FICA and its Federal Unemployment Tax (“FUTA”), which were based on its employees’ taxable wages.
An investigation revealed that, Sanchez and DFC paid several employees in cash and failed to collect, account for and pay over the federal income taxes and FICA taxes associated with the cash wages. Sanchez also failed to account for and pay over DFC’s share of FICA taxes and its FUTA obligation based on the taxable wages of those employees that DFC paid in cash. This conduct caused a tax loss of $408,121.85 to the IRS for the 2016 tax year.
On April 14, 2022, Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over taxes.
Sanchez has paid $408,121.85 in restitution to the IRS. She also has acknowledged similar conduct for DFC in 2017 and 2018, and for other businesses in which Sanchez had an interest in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Additional tax losses will be addressed civilly by the IRS.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Oklahoma City Home Health Company and Two Former Corporate Officers Agree to Pay $22.9 Million to Settle Federal False Claims Act and Kickback Allegations Arising from Improper Payments to Referring PhysiciansRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CHC Holdings, LLC d/b/a Carter Healthcare, an Oklahoma limited liability company that provides home healthcare through subsidiaries in multiple states, including Texas and Oklahoma, as well as Stanley Carter and Brad Carter (collectively Defendants) agreed to pay $22,948,004 to resolve allegations that Carter Healthcare wrongfully paid physicians to induce referrals of home health patients under the guise of medical directorships, resulting in the submission of false claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has an improper financial arrangement, including the payment of compensation that exceeds the fair market value of the services actually provided by the physician. Both the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law are intended to ensure that physicians’ medical judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and instead are based on the best interests of their patients. Claims submitted under the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law violate the False Claims Act.
"Offering illegal financial incentives to physicians in return for patient referrals undermines the integrity of our health care system," said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. "Patients deserve care based on good medicine and informed choice that is free from the corrupting influence of money and other motivating enticements. We are committed to pursuing entities and individuals that offer kickbacks and the doctors that solicit or accept them."
"The taxpayer dollars that fund Medicare and Medicaid are meant to support the delivery of health care services most suitable for beneficiaries. The payment of kickbacks to medical providers to induce referrals for home health services can improperly divert those dollars and undermine the quality of care being provided to patients," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Stapleton with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "This outcome is the result of cooperation amongst law enforcement partners focused on upholding the integrity of federal health care programs."
"Government-sponsored programs like Medicare and TRICARE are intended to support the healthcare needs of deserving Americans," said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. "Today’s announcement demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals and companies accountable for illegally profiting off of federally funded programs. We are determined to safeguard the integrity of our nation’s healthcare systems."
The settlement resolves allegations that between 2013 and 2020, Carter Healthcare paid remuneration to its home health medical directors in Oklahoma and Texas for the purpose of inducing referrals of Medicare and TRICARE home health patients. The Defendants’ alleged conduct resulted in the submission of claims for services provided to these illegally referred patients, in violation of the False Claims Act. Stanley Carter and Brad Carter, Carter Healthcare’s previous CEO and COO respectively, also agreed to be excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal healthcare programs for a period of five years.
Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, CHC Holdings, LLC entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The CIA requires, among other things, an Independent Review Organization to review arrangements entered into by or on behalf of Carter Healthcare entities. The CIA also increases individual accountability by requiring compliance-related certifications from key executives.
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The whistleblowers also alleged other claims under the False Claims Act and Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Duffield et al. v. CHC Holdings, LLC, et al., No. CIV-17-826-HE (W.D. Okla.). The whistleblowers will share in the settlement amount.
Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Maule, Ron Gallegos, and Amanda Johnson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. Investigative assistance was provided by HHS-OIG, HHS-OIG Office of Audit Services, the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In reaching this settlement, Defendants did not admit liability, and the government did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims. The settlement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.
Separately, on the same date, the Defendants also settled a qui tam False Claims Act civil suit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida for $7,175,000 to resolve allegations that, from 2014 through 2016, Defendants submitted claims for therapy services without regard to medical necessity and overbilled therapy services by upcoding patients’ diagnoses. The Florida qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Mahaffey et al. v. Carter Healthcare, et al., Case No. 9:16-cv-80459-MARRA (S.D. Fla.).
The total amount of the two settlement agreements, with interest, exceeds $30 million.
Ohio man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dallas Michael Acoff, of Euclid, Ohio, has admitted to drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Acoff, also known as “Dal,” 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Acoff admitted to selling cocaine, also known as “coke,” cocaine base, also known as “crack,” methamphetamine, and fentanyl in August 2021 and February 2022 in Ohio County.
Acoff faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 each of the remaining charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Oak Ridge Man Sentenced to Serve 112 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU - The United States Attorney's Office announced that Joseph M. Lopez, age 40, of Oak Ridge, Missouri, was sentenced to serve 112 months in federal prison for the offense of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Lopez appeared for his sentencing hearing Monday before United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Lopez’s residence in Oak Ridge last November. A 9mm pistol was discovered inside a safe in Lopez’s bedroom. Officers also discovered methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia items during the search. Lopez is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to his status as a convicted felon. At his guilty plea hearing earlier this year, Lopez admitted that he possessed the pistol. After serving his 112-month sentence, Lopez will be placed on supervised release for a period of three years.
This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.
Norton Shores Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Selling Counterfeit Sports Cards and PacksRead the Press Release
LANSING, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Bryan Kennert, 57, of Norton Shores, to 30 months in prison after selling $43,354.94 of antique baseball card packs that he represented as original and unopened. The packs were opened, had the valuable cards removed, and were resealed to look like new, unopened packs. Kennert has engaged in schemes to sell fake sports cards and packs for at least 30 years. Federal agents also found fake sports cards at his home that would have been worth $7.3 million if authentic.
“Kennert exploited unsuspecting victims for 30 years,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Consumers should have confidence that the products they buy are the real thing. My office will continue its hard work to root out consumer fraud.”
Between April and October 2019, a couple purchased $43,354.94 of baseball card packs from Kennert that they later learned were tampered with. The couple met Kennert after visiting an antique store in Muskegon, Michigan, where they saw packs of baseball cards that were listed for sale as original and unopened. The couple researched the packs, determined the price was a bargain, and met with Kennert eight times from April to October 2019 to purchase packs. When the couple went to have the packs authenticated and checked for condition, they were told the packs were resealed and nearly worthless.
After learning of the fraud, federal agents executed a search warrant at Kennert’s home. There, they found fake cards that would have been worth $7.3 million, alongside supplies to make fake card packs. Agents interviewed Kennert, who admitted making around $100,000 a year selling fake cards and packs.
“I commend the hard work of our HSI Grand Rapids special agents in pursuing this case and bringing this fraudster to justice,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “We will continue to dismantle these schemes, wherever we find them, to protect hard-working Americans. We encourage all members of our community to remain vigilant and scrutinize deals that seem too good to be true.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin M. Reust.
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New Jersey man sentenced for role in drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sterling C. Davis, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 94 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
After a three-day trial in October 2021, Davis, 44, was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl” and two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Davis worked with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl from June 2019 to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
At trial, the evidence revealed that co-conspirators in West Virginia would wire money for drug payments to Davis in Camden, New Jersey. The evidence also revealed multiple trips by West Virginia co-conspirators to Camden, New Jersey to obtain large amounts of heroin and fentanyl that were distributed and intended to be redistributed in West Virginia.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office assisted.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty After Suitcase with Three Kilos of Cocaine is Found on Bus Traveling Through KCRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jersey City, New Jersey, man whose suitcase, which contained more than three kilograms of cocaine, was found aboard a bus traveling through Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Jose A. Cordero, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Officers of the Missouri Western Interdictions and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on Oct. 22, 2018. As passengers unboarded from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a drug-sniffing police dog to conduct an open-air check of the luggage on the bottom compartment of the bus. The dog alerted to a black Samsonite suitcase with a Newark, N.J., destination tag. However, none of the passengers on the bus claimed ownership of the suitcase. Cordero was not a passenger on the bus.
Detectives considered the suitcase abandoned and searched its contents to identify the owner. Inside the suitcase, detectives found three sealed mailing envelopes that contained a total of 6.63 pounds (3,009.73 grams) of cocaine.
Detectives also found a United Airlines bar code label on the suitcase that identified the owner of the suitcase as “Jo Cordero Jr.” Cordero had flown on United Airlines from Newark to Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 2018. Cordero departed Los Angeles to return to Newark on Oct. 19 and the cocaine was found on the bus in Kansas City, which had traveled for 36 hours, on Oct. 22.
During a forensic examination of the suitcase and its contents, investigators identified Cordero’s DNA from the waistband of a pair of underwear and his fingerprints from one of the bundles of cocaine.
During the investigation, another individual who was on the bus, Sergio Gonzalez-Bedolla, 24, of Chowchilla, Calif., was found in possession of 2.8 kilograms of heroin in his backpack. Gonzalez-Bedolla pleaded guilty in a separate and unrelated case and was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole.
Under federal statutes, Cordero is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years 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. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the MoWIN Task Force, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Nevada Woman Charged with $7 Million Advance Fee Ponzi Scheme and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Nevada woman was indicted today on wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice charges related to a $7 million advance fee Ponzi scheme and obstructing the government’s investigation, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anna Kline, formerly Jordana Weber, 33, of Sparks, Nevada, is charged by indictment with two counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, four counts of transacting in criminal proceeds, and two counts of obstructing justice. Kline is scheduled to appear before a U.S. District Judge on a date to be scheduled.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From April 2017 to July 2019, Kline owned and operated several shell companies that falsely purported to offer lending services to customers, typically small business owners seeking high value loans, often in excess of $100 million. As part of the scheme, Kline required the victim borrowers to pay up to 5 percent of a potential total loan amount as a “fee” prior to the loan being funded.
After the victim’s “fee” was paid, Kline purported to conduct due diligence on the loans. During this period, Kline frequently gave victims bogus explanations for why the funding of their loan was delayed. It was also common for the victims to be provided with falsified or fraudulent documents, including bank statements that purported to show that the shell companies had sufficient money to fund the loan.
Kline and her significant other, Jason Torres, used the “fees” paid by the victims for their daily living expenses and other purchases. The “fees” were also used to pay back previous victims of the fraud, in the manner of a traditional Ponzi scheme. Torres is charged by complaint, and those charges remain pending.
Six victims have been identified with approximately $7 million being transferred to bank accounts controlled by Kline.
Kline was arrested on charges related to the fraudulent advance fee scheme in July 2019. While released on bail on those charges, Kline, through her then-attorney, provided the government with a PDF document that purported to be a portion of a Cellebrite report showing iMessages between Kline and Torres that appeared to show Torres making threats toward Kline and insinuating that Torres was primarily responsible for the fraudulent advance fee scheme.
A forensic review of the PDF document Kline provided to the government revealed that it had been falsified. Further investigation revealed that Kline presented the fake Cellebrite report to a family court in California as part of a custody dispute between Kline and Torres. During that hearing, Kline represented that the report had been generated by a forensic examiner named “Drew Andrews.” Investigation revealed that “Andrews” did not exist, but was actually an alter-ego of Kline’s that Kline used to deceive the California Family Court, her then-attorney, and a forensic expert into believing that the fraudulent Cellebrite Report was legitimate.
In addition to the fraudulent Cellebrite report, Kline also provided the government a computer that she claimed contained an iTunes backup that included the alleged text messages from Torres. A forensic review of the computer revealed that data on the computer, including the iTunes backup, had been manipulated. Kline changed, or caused to be changed, certain time stamps on the computer to make it appear as if the iTunes backup and other files stored on the computer were created in April 2020, when the fictional “Andrews” purportedly ran the fraudulent Cellebrite Report.
The wire fraud charges carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The money laundering charges carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater. The transacting in criminal proceeds charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. The obstruction charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Torntore of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the indictment against Kline and the complaint against Torres are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney, Vanessa R. Waldref, announced today that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Guillermo Valdez, age 34, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 204 months in federal prison after Valdez had pleaded guilty on April 20, 2022 to two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 or More Grams of Methamphetamine and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Valdez also was sentenced to 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 24, 2021, Valdez participated in a residential burglary in Spokane County, Washington, during which Valdez stole eleven firearms. Valdez, along with a co-defendant, trafficked the stolen firearms, one of which was used during a homicide of a child in Othello, Washington, days after the burglary on February 27, 2021. Later, on April 2, 2021, a trooper with the Washington State Patrol attempted to pull Valdez over. Valdez, while driving 90-100 miles per hour, was observed throwing a bag which contained a pistol and 822 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle. Valdez was detained while hiding in a tree after crashing his vehicle through a fence. Further, on July 7, 2021, Valdez was arrested at his residence in Moses Lake, Washington. Valdez’s residence was searched and 604 grams of methamphetamine was recovered, some from inside his minor child’s bedroom.
United States Attorney Waldref, who is the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer in the Eastern District of Washington, stated, “Mr. Valdez endangered his community by distributing large quantities of illegal narcotics, trafficking in stolen firearms, leading police on a high speed chase, and keeping distribution quantities of methamphetamine in a child’s bedroom. Here, Mr. Valdez’s distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms directly led to the homicide of a child and placed another child in danger. I’m grateful for the joint efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement, who helped bring Mr. Valdez to justice and who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and our neighborhoods strong.”
Assistant United States Attorney Earl A. Hicks, who was one of the lead prosecutors on the case, stated after the sentencing, “I’m grateful for the law enforcement team that investigated this case. Each day, these agents and officers serve their community, and they often do so at significant personal sacrifice. I’m honored to serve alongside such dedicated public servants as we work together to address violent crime and drug distribution in Eastern Washington.”
“Mr. Valdez’s brazen conduct clearly warranted this significant sentence,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “ATF is committed to keeping members of our communities safe from violent criminals such as Mr. Valdez.”
“We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to ensure individuals like Mr. Valdez no longer threaten the health and safety of our communities,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Othello Police Department, the Moses Lake Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol. These cases were prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks and Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
More Than 4 Million Deadly Dosages of Fentanyl Seized in Michigan, Ohio During DEA Enforcement SurgeRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division today announced the results of an
enforcement operation that resulted in significant fentanyl seizures across the Midwest. Dr. Colleen Lane, Spectrum Health board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and addiction medicine participated in the announcement as well.
As part of the nationwide One Pill Can Kill initiative in Michigan and Ohio, the DEA and its law enforcement partners seized more than 65 kilograms of fentanyl powder and 88,000 fentanyl laced pills during the period of May 23 through Sept. 8, 2022 – enough to provide 4.7 million deadly dosages.
“My office is committed to prosecuting the traffickers who are distributing this poison and the dealers who peddle it,” said Mark Totten, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. “But let me also be clear: this is not a problem that we can prosecute our way out of. All stakeholders – law enforcement, first responders, the healthcare and rehabilitation community, and those in harm reduction must continue working together to address this problem.”
“Fentanyl in pill form is a deliberate attempt by drug cartels to make illicit drug use more appealing to Americans,” said DEA Detroit Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “Fake pills are especially concerning because the appeal they can have to an unsuspecting person. One may believe they are taking a legitimate pharmacy-grade pill pilfered from perhaps someone’s medicine cabinet or stolen from a pharmacy. Far too often that isn’t the case; many of the pills people buy on the street were haphazardly made in a clandestine lab – containing lethal dosages of fentanyl.”
Nationwide, more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized during the same time span. The amount of fentanyl taken off the streets during this surge is equivalent to more than 36 million lethal doses. Additionally, 338 weapons were seized, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and hand grenades
“The opioid epidemic is something that touches us all – we all have friends, family, or coworkers who have been directly affected by an opioid poisoning or death,” said Dr. Colleen Lane with Spectrum Health’s Center for Integrative Medicine. “Our Spectrum addiction medicine clinic is committed to educating our medical colleagues to better support patients and their families, providing resources to improve quality of care for vulnerable individuals, and reducing stigma around substance use disorder.”
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this nation. In 2021, a record number of Americans – 107,622 – died from a drug poisoning. Sixty-six percent of those deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
Drug traffickers have expanded their inventory to sell fentanyl in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. Rainbow fentanyl was first reported to DEA in February 2022, and it has now been seized in 21 states.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose.
As part of DEA’s ongoing efforts to educate the public and encourage parents and caregivers to talk to teens and young adults about the dangers of fake pills and illicit drugs, DEA has also created a new resource, “What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About Fake Pills.”
In September 2021, DEA launched the One Pill Can Kill enforcement effort and public awareness campaign to combat the fake pill threat and educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl pills being disguised and sold as prescription medications, despite these pills not containing any of the actual medications advertised. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. All other pills are unsafe and potentially deadly.
Additional resources for parents and the community can be found on DEA’s Fentanyl Awareness page.
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Mission Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on October 14, 2022.
Buddy Robert Poor Bear, a/k/a Bud Poor Bear, age 56, was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2021.
The charge related to an alleged incident that occurred on April 15, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Edward Charles Linkswiler, II, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Linkswiler, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Linkswiler, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having two semi-automatic pistols in January 2021 in Mineral County.
Linkswiler faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
McKees Rocks Man on State Parole Indicted for Illegal Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Taivon Cunningham, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about Aug. 18, 2022, Cunningham was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Cunningham was on state parole for third degree murder at the time. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Massachusetts Woman Charged with Unlawful Transportation of Individuals Who Entered the United States IllegallyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Patricia Ruano-Murcia, 31, of Hudson, Massachusetts, has been charged by criminal complaint for the unlawful transportation of individuals who entered the United States illegally. Ruano-Murcia is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle today.
According to documents in the case, on October 16, 2022, just after 1:00 am, United States Border Patrol observed people walking south, just east of the Highgate Springs Port of Entry and in close proximity to the international border with Canada. Agents investigating the suspected illegal crossings of the border encountered a Toyota RAV4 in the vicinity of Exit 22 off Interstate 89. After the first sighting of the vehicle, the RAV4 departed the area. Shortly thereafter, it returned to the same approximate location. Border Patrol subsequently stopped the RAV4, and located Ruano-Murcia, who was the driver. Three people were in the rear passenger seat of the RAV4, and three more were huddled in the rear cargo area. The six passengers in the RAV4 thereafter admitted to not being citizens of the United States and lacking immigration documents authorizing them to enter and remain in the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that a criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 5 years of imprisonment on the current charge. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the United States Border Patrol for their investigation of Ruano-Murcia.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt represents the government. Ruano-Murcia is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.