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17 November 2022
Former Pittsburgh-based Health Services Company Executive Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Pennsylvania Health Services eompany executive has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joseph W. Nocito, 80, of Sewickley, Pa. 15143, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between 2006 and 2012, Mr. Nocito, as CEO and President of Pittsburgh-based Automated Health Systems, conspired to fraudulently write off millions of dollars as business expenses against other companies he owned named Palace Development Inc, Nocito Enterprises and Jonnolley Properties in the construction of his 39,000-square-foot Bell Acres home known as “Villa Noci,” including both the exterior and interior construction, design and furnishings, an outdoor pool, landscaping for the grounds, and a playground, tennis court and bocce court. Mr. Nocito also fraudulently expensed millions of dollars for other personal expenses such as luxury vehicles, personal fitness, and private school tuition for grandchildren. The tax consequence of this scheme enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying approximately $4 million in personal income tax on his 1040 personal income tax returned between 2006 and 2012, causing the filing of false personal and corporate income tax returns.
Mr. Nocito also conspired to conceal AHS Inc. taxable income by shuffling millions of dollars through these companies, and falsely characterized the transfers as management, administrative or consulting expenses causing him to significantly underreport company profits. The tax consequence of the concealment of corporate income enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying an estimated $11 million in corporate income tax for the conspiracy period.
As part of the guilty plea, Mr. Nocito agreed to pay criminal restitution to the Internal Revenue Service of $15,824,056 prior to his sentencing date.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2023. date and time of sentencing The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Joseph Nocito.
Former Owner and CEO of Pharmaceutical Company Indicted for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted the former chief executive officer and owner of a pharmaceutical company with wire fraud for his role in an embezzlement scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
John Klein, 76, of Tampa, Florida, was indicted on one count of wire fraud. He was previously charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From May 2016 to January 2017, Klein misappropriated millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical company for his own personal use. In May 2016 a customer of the company paid $3.9 million into a company bank account that Klein controlled. After these transfers, Klein made numerous personal expenditures out of the account. Although he had diverted the customer payment for his own personal use, between December 2016 and January 2017, Klein caused the pharmaceutical company to write off the $3.9 million as uncollectable debt.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Torntore and Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old Crime VictimRead the Press Release
A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then14-year-old girl, who was a victim of sexual assault, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. The defendant gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. At the time, the defendant was 53-years-old.
“The defendant’s job was to protect a child who was a victim of sexual assault but instead he exploited her vulnerabilities and abused his position of power to carry out his own sexual assault of the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officials who sexually assault children are not above the law. The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who sexually assault their victims when they should have otherwise been keeping them safe.”
“The safeguarding of all of our citizens’ civil rights is an essential part of our Constitution, especially for crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any violation of these rights, especially when committed by a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the rights of our citizens, is particularly disturbing. The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will execute their sworn duties honestly and faithfully and, if not, that they will face the consequences of their actions. Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of civil rights.”
“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of Color of Law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today's guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Rodney Vicknair will be held responsible and no one is above the law. We thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”
According to the court documents, in the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair, while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15-years-old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the defendant remained in the driver’s seat. Then, the defendant locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. He leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. The defendant admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law, but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
A sentencing hearing has been set for March 8, 2023.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old Crime VictimRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then14-year-old girl, who was a victim of sexual assault, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. The defendant gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. At the time, the defendant was 53-years-old.
“The defendant’s job was to protect a child who was a victim of sexual assault but instead he exploited her vulnerabilities and abused his position of power to carry out his own sexual assault of the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officials who sexually assault children are not above the law. The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who sexually assault their victims when they should have otherwise been keeping them safe.”
“The safeguarding of all of our citizens’ civil rights is an essential part of our Constitution, especially for crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any violation of these rights, especially when committed by a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the rights of our citizens, is particularly disturbing. The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will execute their sworn duties honestly and faithfully and, if not, that they will face the consequences of their actions. Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of civil rights.”
“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of Color of Law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans.” Today's guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Rodney Vicknair will be held responsible and no one is above the law. We thank our partners at the U.S. States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”
According to the court documents, in the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15-years-old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the defendant remained in the driver’s seat. Then, the defendant locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. He leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. The defendant admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law, but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
A sentencing hearing has been set for March 8, 2023.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
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Former Employee of Youth Soccer Organization Sentenced for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Scottish man who was previously employed by Global Premier Soccer LLC (GPS), a youth soccer organization, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for obstructing justice.
Gavin MacPhee, 37 was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to one year of probation, with the first four months served in home detention. In May 2020, MacPhee pleaded guilty to one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation.
MacPhee held several roles at GPS, including office-based roles in administration and marketing, which involved managing GPS’ website and assisting with the management of GPS email accounts. In December 2019, MacPhee used his access to the organization’s information technology platform to delete a GPS email account belonging to a former employee with whom he had a close relationship. MacPhee deleted the account despite knowing about an ongoing federal investigation into GPS and the former employee, and the relevance of the email account to the investigation.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Regional Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
Former Border Patrol agent indicted for hiring undocumented individuals as driversRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A former Border Patrol (BP) agent, his wife and a Laredo man have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to hire illegal aliens by fraudulently obtaining immigration permits, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities arrested Ricardo Gonzalez, 39, his wife, Natalia Gonzalez, 35, and Alex Lopez, 33, today. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Nov.15.
According to the charges, the three conspirators were responsible for the day-to-day operations of Gonmor Inc., a commercial trucking company located in Laredo.
Beginning in February of 2017, the indictment alleges the group recruited and hired undocumented individuals to work as commercial truck drivers and paid them less due to their citizenship status. They were allegedly aware that the people they hired were not legally allowed to work in the United States.
The conspirators allegedly prepared paperwork so the individuals could obtain an I-94 permit which allows a visitor to travel farther than 25 miles from the border and remain in the United States for more than 30 days. Applicants must present another permit/visa such as a border crossing card in order to obtain an I-94 and are not eligible to work in the United States by law, according to the charges.
The paperwork allegedly included a letter from a fictious Mexican trucking company and stated the undocumented individual was employed by the company as a truck driver. According to the indictment, the letter further requested that the person receive an I-94 permit so that he could travel into the United States.
The group allegedly instructed individuals to present the letter to authorities at a port of entry in Laredo to apply for the permit. When the individual received the permit, the co-conspirators allegedly assigned jobs to the new employee to transport legitimate cargo throughout the United States.
Gonzalez is a former BP agent and allegedly utilized his knowledge, training and experience to facilitate the employment of undocumented individuals and obtaining the I-94 permits.
If convicted, each faces up to five years for the conspiracy to fraudulently obtain immigration permits and up to 10 years each for the conspiracy to encourage or induce an alien to remain in the United States and conspiracy to harbor/shield an alien from detection.
Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Ferguson Man Faces at Least 15 Years in Prison After Jurors Find Him Guilty of Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury in U.S. District Court on Wednesday convicted a man from Ferguson, Missouri of a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Due to a series of prior convictions for violent offenses, Anthony Willis, 29, now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison as an armed career criminal.
Willis was found guilty Wednesday after a trial lasting less than two days.
On July 19, 2021, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers saw a Hyundai Elantra fail to stop at a stop sign in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood and tried to pull the car over.
Willis instead sped up and ran through another stop sign before other officers used spike strips to deflate his tires.
Willis kept going until he hit another vehicle at Goodfellow and Natural bridge. He then ran away but was caught a short distance away. He’d left a loaded Glock handgun in the car.
As a convicted felon, Willis is barred from possessing a firearm. Willis was convicted of the 2010 robbery of a Del Taco in St. Louis and the robbery of a Popeye’s Chicken manager in St. Louis County on two occasions in 2010.
Willis is scheduled to be sentenced March 15.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Martin and Donald Boyce are prosecuting the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing “Ghost” GunRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 11, Ajee Whitter, a.k.a. “Glockz,” 28, was arrested during an undercover narcotics operation conducted by Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). During his arrest, Whitter threw into the back of a vehicle a bag which contained a 9mm semiautomatic “ghost gun” loaded with a 50-round drum magazine, along with another loaded stick magazine. The two magazines were found to contain a total of 56 rounds of ammunition. Review of Whitter’s “professorglockz” Instagram account revealed numerous pictures of Whitter in possession of the gun.
Ghost guns are firearms bearing no serial number that are typically homemade or home assembled. Whitter was previously convicted of felony robbery in Prince William County and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Whitter is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Amon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-195.
Federal Jury Convicts Tulsa Man of Domestic Violence Strangulation, Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man who strangled his pregnant girlfriend multiple times and threatened her with a firearm was found guilty Wednesday by a federal jury, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Dakota Wayne Campus, 28, was convicted of assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and attempting to strangle in Indian Country; assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country; carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On February 4, 2022, at approximately 10 am, Tulsa Police were dispatched to a home to investigate a possible domestic violence disturbance as reported in two 911 calls. One caller reported that she heard a woman yell “get the gun out of my face,” a person being hit, and someone being dragged in the apartment. A second caller reported that he heard a woman scream “stop” in an apartment above him and then someone being thrown around. He reported that the woman upstairs was pregnant.
When arriving at the apartment, Tulsa Police officers made contact with a woman in the apartment. Officers immediately observed injuries on the victim who said her fiancé, Dakota Campus, assaulted her and jumped out of the apartment window when police arrived. She said she had been in a relationship with Campus and was 18 weeks pregnant with his child.
The woman stated that Campus took her cell phone and strangled her twice on Feb. 3, 2022, and on Feb. 4, 2022, she tried to speak to Campus about the pregnancy when he became angry and threw her cell phone out the window. The victim said she attempted to go to her neighbors for help, but Campus chased her into the apartment complex’s hallway brandishing a silver handgun and drug her back into the apartment. He then threw the victim to the ground, broke her eyeglasses, strangled her, pushed her head into the ground, pointed a gun at her face and threatened to shoot her and the police. Campus eventually allowed the victim to get up but continued to strike her. When police knocked on the door, Campus warned her not to tell the police about him and jumped out the apartment window.
She further told officers she was afraid of Campus and was worried he would kill her. She reported that she tried to get away from him previously, but he always found her and threatened her with violence if she filed charges.
Officers noted bleeding lacerations on the victim’s lips, red swelling on both cheeks, and red marks consistent with strangulation wrapping around her neck. A paramedic with EMSA who treated the victim testified at trial that the victim told him about the violence that had occurred on Feb. 3 and 4 and also complained of head and neck pain. He personally observed bruising around the victim’s left eye and both cheeks, a laceration on her upper lip and multiple marks and abrasions on her face and neck.
The victim was transported to St. John’s Broken Arrow where she was treated by an emergency department doctor who testified that the victim told the doctor her fiancé “choked” her with his hands, struck her in the face multiple times, and tried to smother her. She told the doctor that he put all his weight on her lower abdomen and that she was pregnant. She also complained about head and neck pain.
In addition to receiving treatment for her physical injuries, the woman was further treated for psychological trauma and provided assistance with safety planning.
On Feb. 11, 2022, Tulsa Police officers apprehended Campus after he attempted to evade arrest by running into a drainage ditch and under a bridge where he discarded the firearm. The gun matched the description provided by the victim.
Campus, a felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. His previous state felony convictions include robbery with a firearm in 2015. He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison but was released March 9, 2021, with time served and 14 years suspended. The Court cited the COVID-19 epidemic as a reason for his early release. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office has since filed a petition to revoke his suspended sentence.
Studies have found that domestic violence strangulation is a significant predictor of future attempted and completed murders, increasing the odds of death by more than seven times. While signs of strangulation are not always visible, strangulation can result in long-term psychological and physical injuries to victims, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, traumatic brain injury, strokes and more. Timely intervention is critical to minimize the short and long term negative effects of strangulation.
To find resources for domestic violence victims, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at thehotline.org. In an emergency, call 911.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Todd and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Sioux Falls Man of Firearm and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Mark James Olson, age 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 16, 2022.
The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum of five years in custody up to 40 years and/or a $5,000,000 fine, mandatory four years of supervised release up to life, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Olson was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. A superseding indictment was returned in July of 2022.
According to evidence presented during trial, on or about June 28, 2021, in Sioux Falls, Olson, having been convicted of a felony and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. Olson also possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for February 6, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Convicts Krebs Resident of Multiple Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of A Minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Roy Lee Roberts, Jr, age 37, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, November 14, 2022, and concluded on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant sexually abused two minors in 2017-2018. One victim was under the age of 12 and the second victim was between the ages of 12 and 16. Both victims appeared in Court, detailed the abuse they endured, and clearly identified Roberts as their abuser.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable David Cleveland Joseph, U.S. District Judge from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Roberts was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Hannah Jones represented the United States.
Erie Coke and Corporate Officer Indicted for Violating the Clean Air Act over Four YearsRead the Press Release
ERIE, PA - Erie Coke Corporation, along with a corporate officer, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on among other charges, Violation of the Clean Air Act, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The eight-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 15, 2022, and unsealed today, named Erie Coke Corporation, now permanently out of operation, and Anthony Nearhoof, 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around October 2015 and continuing until in and around December 2019, Erie Coke Corporation and Nearhoof tampered with measurements on heating systems which emitted contaminants and pollutants into the air including volatile gases such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. Erie Coke Corporation was a plant regulated by federal and state statutes and regulations including the Clean Air Act (CAA) administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), which was located adjacent to numerous private residences, public facilities, and several schools.
Nearhoof was an operator and “responsible corporate officer” at the plant when hazardous air pollutants were being released and directed other plant supervisors and foremen to vent combustion gases directly into the air to avoid the plant’s environmental monitoring system.
“It is important to protect our community from environmental health hazards and to ensure equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “This indictment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to securing environmental justice by holding Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for violations of laws meant to protect the environment and the community.”
“Today’s indictment holds Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for covering up and lying to federal regulators and the public about their discharges,” said Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge for the Mid-Central Area Branch. “Through thorough investigative efforts by EPA and its state partner, we were able to uncover the fraudulent scheme.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000,00, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. 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 Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Michael L. Ivory, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Perry D. McDaniel and Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive case notifications, submit a victim impact statement, or if you have any questions about your rights, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/vw/us-v-erie-coke-corporation.
East Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS SALAMAN, JR., also known as “J,” “Lou Benz,” “Louie Benz” and “Benz,” 20, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, New Haven Police officers arrested Salaman on an outstanding state arrest warrant after he entered a store on the corner of Ferry Street and Sanford Street in New Haven. At the time of his arrest, Salaman possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number, and heroin and marijuana that he intended to distribute.
The investigation also revealed that, in the summer of 2020, Salaman provided marijuana to an individual in exchange for two handguns.
Salaman has been detained since his federal arrest on October 2, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 14, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha Freismuth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
East Hartford Resident Sentenced to Prison for Making Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AUDLEY REEVES, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for fabricating “ghost guns.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that John Lee Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers or other identifying markings that prevent them from being traced to the owner, seller or manufacturer of the firearm. In December 2021, investigators made controlled purchases of seven handguns, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Ortiz. Most of the handguns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer. Reeves was identified during the investigation as the fabricator of the ghost guns.
Reeves and Ortiz were arrested on January 5, 2022. On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment on Church Street in East Hartford revealed six fully assembled firearms, approximately 25 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms. Reeves was present in the apartment at the time of the search, and a 3D printer in the apartment was in the process of printing a stock of an AR-15 style rifle.
On August 24, 2022, Reeves pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license.
Reeves, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6.
Reeves is a citizen of Jamaica and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
On November 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3.
This FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for LarcenyRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny.
Sophie Little Wounded, also known as Sophie Dupris, age 35, was indicted in November of 2022. She appeared before Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 8, 2022, and October 19, 2022, Little Wounded unlawfully took and carried away, with intent to steal and purloin, the personal property of another, with a value of more than $1,000.
The charge is merely an accusation and Little Wounded is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Little Wounded was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 10-Year Prison Term for Role in Series of Armed Robberies in Fall 2020Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mekhi Truesdale, 20, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a series of armed robberies that took place during the fall of 2020 in Northwest Washington.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, Christopher Stock, Acting Chief of the U.S. Park Police, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Truesdale pleaded guilty in August 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia., to two counts of armed robbery. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentence of eight to 10 years in prison, consistent with the Court’s voluntary sentencing guidelines. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe accepted the plea and sentenced Truesdale accordingly yesterday. Following his prison term, Truesdale will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to plea documents, on Oct. 22, 2020, at approximately 9:45 p.m., a woman was walking in the area of Belt Road and Harrison Street NW when Truesdale and an accomplice approached her. Truesdale told the woman he had a gun and demanded her cellphone and phone passcode. He lifted his sweatshirt to reveal a black semi-automatic handgun. The woman handed over her cellphone, passcode, and wallet. About 45 minutes later, the cellphone was used to transfer $500 to Truesdale via a Venmo account. The next morning, an unsuccessful attempt was made to transfer more than $12,000 to various Venmo accounts held by Truesdale and others.
Another robbery took place on Nov. 1, 2020. At approximately 1:05 a.m., a man and woman were getting into a vehicle that was parked in the 1400 block of 22nd Street NW. Truesdale and an accomplice approached them and demanded their cellphones, phone passcodes, wallets, and keys. The accomplice pointed a silver revolver, and the man and woman turned over their cellphone, wallets, and keys. The woman also turned over her Apple AirPods. Truesdale and the accomplice then ordered the man and woman to get into the car, which they locked using the stolen car keys. They then fled. Less than 15 minutes later, $20 was transferred from one of the victims’ accounts and an attempt was made to transfer another $50.
Three others pleaded guilty on July 13, 2022, to charges in the investigation:
-- William Bell, 20, of Washington, D.C. Bell pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery for two hold-ups on Oct. 17, 2020, and Oct. 21, 2020. The first took place near the intersection of 22nd Street and Virginia Avenue NW, and the second in the area of the 1200 block of W Street NW. He was sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison, with all but two years suspended on the condition that he successfully complete three years of supervised probation.
-- Dave Harding, 20 of Washington, D.C. Harding pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of robbery, for two hold-ups, both on Oct. 31, 2020, including one at Fort Reno Park and another in the 3100 block of P Street NW. He was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
-- Jada Winder, 20, of Greenbelt, Maryland. She pleaded guilty to two counts of receiving stolen property involving the transfers from victims’ accounts. She was sentenced in August 2022 to 360 days of incarceration, but all of that time was suspended on the condition she successfully complete one year of supervised probation.
Truesdale was arrested in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 5, 2020, following a foot chase in the Georgetown area. Bell was arrested Nov. 30, 2021, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., by the U.S. Marshals Service. Harding was arrested on April 8, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Winder was arrested in Greenbelt on Nov. 24, 2021.
This case was investigated by MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force, and the U.S. Park Police. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Montgomery County, Md., Police Department.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Acting Chief Stock, and Chief Contee expressed appreciation for the work of those investigating the case from MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office, and USPP, as well as for the assistance of the Deputy U.S. Marshals involved in locating the defendants. They also acknowledged the efforts of those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Debra McPherson and Alesha Matthews Yette.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Charles R. Jones, who investigated and prosecuted the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter, who investigated the case prior to indictment.
District of Columbia Man Charged with Obstruction of Justice for Illegally Recording and Publishing Grand Jury ProceedingsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging a Washington, D.C. man with contempt and obstruction of justice under federal and District of Columbia law, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced.
Alexander Hamilton, 28, was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was released on personal recognizance, with restrictions on social media use, pending a preliminary hearing set for Jan. 11, 2023.
According to an affidavit in support of the complaint, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) observed a public Instagram account with approximately 10,400 followers posting multiple videos, with sound, that recorded the proceedings within the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Grand Jury room located at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s office recognized the individual in the video as Hamilton, a grand juror. During a consensual interview with law enforcement, Hamilton admitted to recording grand jury proceedings and posting them to his Instagram Story. Hamilton indicated that he filmed the proceedings using one of two phones that he owns. A forensic extraction of Hamilton’s phone identified videos of live grand jury testimony. Hamilton also sent dozens of messages via text message and Instagram sharing the videos or discussing his grand jury service. Additionally, Hamilton demonstrated an awareness in numerous messages that he is not permitted to have his cellphone in the room during presentations before the grand jury.
Hamilton had been sworn in as a grand juror on Sept. 9, 2022. During orientation, he took an oath to, among other things, keep secret the information learned during grand jury service. A video taken on Hamilton’s phone on Sept. 9, 2022, depicts Hamilton recording himself (i.e., a selfie). Specifically, the video shows him standing with his right hand raised as the oath described above was read to him aloud. In the video, Hamilton looks down at the phone and states, “I’m about to lie.”
All grand jurors are instructed that grand jury proceedings are secret and must remain secret permanently unless and until the Court determines that the proceedings or a portion of them should be revealed in the interest of justice. Grand jurors are admonished to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings by abstaining from communicating with family, friends, representatives of the news media or any other person concerning that which transpires in the grand jury room. Moreover, grand jurors are required to place their phones and any other potential recording devices into lockers located in the lobby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prior to proceeding to the grand jury rooms.
Charges in criminal complaints are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The contempt charge is a federal offense, and the obstruction charge is a District of Columbia offense. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Federal Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed in Triple Homicide in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rakeem Willis, 31, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of charges stemming from the fatal shooting of three men, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict was returned on Nov. 16, 2022, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The jury found Willis guilty of three counts of first-degree murder while armed and fleeing law enforcement. The Honorable J. Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 26, 2019, at approximately 10 p.m., Willis lured the three victims -- Sean Shuler, 26, Javon Abney, 26, and Tyrik Hagood, 24 -- to a quiet, dead-end street in the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place SE, where they were shot numerous times by gunmen. The three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A stolen Lexus sedan used in the murders was later found burning just across the Maryland state line off of I-295.
Willis was arrested on June 11, 2019, after a vehicle pursuit, and has been in custody since that time.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team. They acknowledged the efforts of those who provided assistance in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Chrisellen Kolb, Chief of the Appellate Division; Lindsey Merikas, Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section; Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels; Lead Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris; Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Victim/Witness Coordinators LaJune Thames and Maenylie Watson; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Supervisor Leif Hickling, and Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Spence and Ariel Dean, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Des Moines Man Sentenced for Discharging a Firearm During a Drug Deal, Resulting in the Death of a 15-Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
Des Moines, Iowa – Brett Michael Dobberke, age 22, of Des Moines, was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it.
According to court documents and the facts detailed at the sentencing hearing, on November 7, 2021, Dobberke set up a drug deal, via Snapchat, with an individual unknown to him. Dobberke arrived at the drug deal with a loaded gun. The customer who arrived to buy drugs from Dobberke was a 15-year-old boy. During the drug deal, Dobberke and the 15-year-old boy exchanged gunfire, and Dobberke shot and killed the minor victim. Following the shooting, Dobberke did not call for help or render aid to the victim and instead left the scene.
After Dobberke killed the minor victim, he did two more drug deals that same night. He also hid the shell casing from the discharged round that killed the victim. When police officers located Dobberke, he had another loaded gun in his vehicle. The gun Dobberke used to shoot and kill the victim was located at his residence.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa; and the Des Moines Police Department made the announcement.
The Des Moines Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikaela J. Shotwell and Kristin M. Herrera prosecuted the case, with assistance from Victim Witness Specialists Charlotte Kovacs and Katie Blanchard.
Defendant Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Stalking R. Kelly Victim and Her MotherRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Donnell Russell was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 20 months’ imprisonment for his participation in a scheme to harass, intimidate, and cause substantial emotional distress to Jane Doe, a victim in the Eastern District of New York racketeering case against Robert Sylvester Kelly, also known as “R. Kelly,” and Jane Doe’s mother. Russell, a self-described manager, advisor and friend of Kelly, harassed and threatened Jane Doe and her mother after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against R. Kelly. Russell continued his harassment campaign after it was clear that Jane Doe was a victim in Kelly’s criminal case in this District and would likely testify against Kelly.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.
“For more than a year, the defendant engaged in a vicious campaign to harass, humiliate and threaten the victim in order to force her to dismiss her lawsuit against R. Kelly and stop speaking publicly about him,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The punishment meted out to the defendant today is a victory for crime victims, particularly those of sexual assault and abuse, who are often reluctant to come forward to law enforcement or pursue legal recourse, given the trauma and fear of retaliation associated with publicly discussing their experiences.”
Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Homeland Security Investigations, New York, for its outstanding investigative work on the case.
Between November 2018 and February 2020, Russell threatened to reveal sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe and to publicly reveal her sexual history if she did not withdraw her lawsuit against Kelly. In November 2018, Russell caused a letter, with attachments, purportedly written by Kelly, to be mailed to Jane Doe’s lawyer at the time. The attachments included cropped nude photographs of Jane Doe with the following text: “the next two pictures have been cropped for the sake of not exposing her extremities to the world, yet!!!” In December 2018, Russell, using his alias “Colon Dunn,” sent a series of text messages to Jane Doe and her mother, which contained the same photographs of Jane Doe, and stating “Just a sample. We will seek criminal charges. You’ve been warned,” as well as “Publishing soon” and “[T]his is Colon.”
On January 3, 2019, Russell sent additional text messages to Jane Doe and her mother, stating, “Pull the plug or you will be exposed.” On January 6, 2019, Russell, using the Colon Dunn alias, created a Facebook Page named “Surviving Lies,” a play on the title of Lifetime’s “Surviving R Kelly” documentary, and posted screen shots of text messages between Kelly and Jane Doe, which contained the same sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe. In late January 2020, Russell appeared on two live interviews with “vloggers” supporting Kelly and discussed Kelly’s legal troubles, which were streamed live on the internet via YouTube. Russell again displayed the same sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe and broadcast them publicly over the internet.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Anna Karamigios is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DONNELL RUSSELL (also known as “Don Russell” and “Colon Dunn”)
Age: 47
Chicago, ILE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-427 (AMD)
Conway Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Conway man was sentenced yesterday afternoon for attempting to produce child pornography. United States District Court Judge Billy Roy Wilson sentenced Kenneth Avance, 26, to 30 years in federal prison.
In May 2021, FBI received a report that Kenny Avance had contacted an individual on Snapchat and asked for photos of “you doing sexy things with your little ones.” Avance was aware the individual had children ages 9 and 13. Avance asked the person to “show them naked or naked and you touching them,” and the individual responded they were not comfortable doing that. Avance then sent two images of a female toddler, completely naked, with a naked adult male’s genitalia in the photo.
During the investigation, FBI agents discovered Avance had two cell phones, both of which contained images of child sexual abuse. Forensic examination revealed these phones contained 630 photos and 74 videos of child sexual abuse material.
Avance was indicted in June 2021 and pleaded guilty in August 2022. In addition to the 30-year prison term, Avance was sentenced to ten years of supervised release following his imprisonment. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allison Bragg.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Cohoes Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zachary Adams, age 30, of Cohoes, New York, pled guilty today to possession of a stolen firearm.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his guilty plea, Adams, a former delivery driver, admitted that on May 25, 2019, he stole a rifle that he was supposed to deliver to a gun dealer in Hillsdale, New York. Adams further admitted that he sold the rifle to an acquaintance several days later.
Adams faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison for Shipping More Than 2 Kilograms of Fentanyl Pills Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
AKRON – Larrie Ladell Campbell, 35, of Cleveland, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, to more than 12 years – or 151 months – in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after he pleaded guilty to mailing over 2 kilograms of fentanyl pills from Phoenix to Cleveland.
According to court documents, on May 10, 2022, a Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified a suspicious package shipped from Phoenix to an address in Cleveland. Authorities executed a search warrant for the package and found it to contain approximately 2.2 kilograms of pressed fentanyl pills.
Authorities then began an investigation into the origins of the package and identified Campbell as the owner. During the investigation, authorities learned that Campbell had mailed the package from a post office in Phoenix and then traveled to Cleveland to retrieve it.
Campbell pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering and attempted possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in July 2022.
This case was investigated by the USPIS with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Lewis.
Clearfield Woman Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to 25 Years for Producing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Johnstown on charges of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Amanda Nichelle Downs, age 31, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to September 1, 2019, Downs produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Following the guilty plea, Judge Haines sentenced Downs to 300 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Her co-defendant, Jackson Curtis Martin III, age 46, was sentenced to 35 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release on June 21, 2022.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Downs.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge today sentenced a Chicago man to seven and a half years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
A jury last year convicted THOMAS OSADZINSKI, 23, after a trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman ordered that the prison term be followed by ten years of court-supervised release.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice; and John S. Morales, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
The case was investigated by the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Melody Wells of the Northern District of Illinois, and Alexandra Hughes, Trial Attorney of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that ISIS and its supporters disseminated the terror group’s propaganda materials on social media to recruit fighters and inspire violence against the United States and other countries. Many social media platforms removed ISIS media content due to the violent nature of the materials. Osadzinski, a U.S. citizen, designed, used, and taught a process using a computer script to make ISIS propaganda more conveniently disseminated online. The process would automatically copy and preserve ISIS media postings in an organized format, allowing social media users to continue to conveniently access and share the content.
Osadzinski in 2019 shared his script – and instructions for how to use it – with individuals whom he believed to be ISIS supporters and members of pro-ISIS media organizations. Unbeknownst to Osadzinski, the individuals were actually covert FBI employees and a person confidentially working with law enforcement.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Couture, age 41, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty today to attempted enticement and coercion of a minor, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Couture admitted that, between January and February 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with an undercover officer posing as a 9-year-old child in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Couture also admitted that, on February 8, 2022, he traveled to a prearranged meeting location in Oneida County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 9-year-old child. Couture was arrested by law enforcement upon arrival at the location.
The charge against Couture carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Couture will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
Couture’s sentencing is currently scheduled for March 22, 2023, in Syracuse before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
This case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Computer Crimes Unit (CCU). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Multi-State Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Denise Marie Cottrill, 64, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cottrill admitted to a role in a large-volume drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in Kanawha County.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cottrill sold a total of approximately 7.2 grams of methamphetamine to confidential informants on two occasions in January 2021, each time at her Charleston residence. On February 5, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cottrill’s residence and seized approximately 23 grams of methamphetamine. Cottrill admitted that she intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
Cottrill was among 17 individuals convicted following the dismantling of the DTO, which had distributed more than 160 pounds of methamphetamine as well as quantities of fentanyl and other drugs primarily in the Charleston, Rand, and St. Albans areas from March 2019 to September 2021. The investigation targeting the DTO led to the seizure of more than 12.3 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 34 firearms, more than $86,000 in cash, and several vehicles including three motorcycles. The investigation also thwarted a plan by four of the defendants to murder an individual on Charleston’s West Side on July 4, 2021.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the United States Marshals Service, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Alex Hamner prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-172.
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Charleston Man Ordered to Pay Restitution for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Malik Breckenridge, 26, of Charleston, was ordered today to pay $41,666 in restitution and sentenced to five years of federal probation, including eight months on home detention, for wire fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Breckenridge admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of over $41,666 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Between April 4, 2021, and August 10, 2021, Breckenridge applied for and obtained two PPP loans on behalf of Malik Breck, his purported business. Malik Breck was not a registered business entity in West Virginia and was not engaged in substantial, legitimate business activity on or before February 15, 2020. Breckenridge admitted that he falsely stated that Malik Breck was established in 2014 and operating on February 15, 2020. Breckenridge further admitted that he submitted a false Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business reporting that Malik Breck had earned $180,489 in gross income during 2019.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses, through the PPP. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities.
A Florida lender processed both of Breckenridge’s PPP loan applications. Each loan totaled $20,833. Breckenridge admitted that he later applied to have both PPP loans forgiven even though he had not spent the loan proceeds on permissible business expenses. The SBA forgave the loans on August 8, 2021.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the United States Secret Service.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan of the U.S. Attorney Office’s Financial Litigation Unit coordinated restitution.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-84.
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Camden County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Role in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for defrauding a victim of almost $2 million in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Frank N. Tobolsky, 60, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to one count of wire fraud. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in 2013, Tobolsky raised money from a victim, purportedly as an investment that would loan money to season ticket holders who owned seat licenses for the Philadelphia Eagles. The seat licenses would be used as collateral to secure the loans. The victim sent Tobolsky approximately $2.4 million to invest in the purported business venture. The money was not used for loans to season ticket holders. Instead, Tobolsky used a substantial portion on personal expenses.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Tobolsky to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1.98 million in restitution to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware for assisting in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crockett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
Camden County Man Admits Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Ryan Osinski, 33, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In December 2020, law enforcement officers interviewed Osinski after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that images of child sexual abuse were shared from an IP address assigned to Osinski’s residence. During and after the interview, law enforcement officers lawfully reviewed the contents of Osinski’s cell phone, which contained numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse. They found links and folders on a cloud storage website controlled by Osinski that Osinski transmitted to others using a social media application on his cell phone. These links and folders contained numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse, including materials that depicted prepubescent children and sadomasochistic conduct.
Osinski faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Department of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
Calhoun City Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Creating Images of Molestation of MinorRead the Press Release
Oxford – A Calhoun City man was sentenced on Thursday to serve more than 18 years in prison for creating child pornography. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Jason Rusch, 49, to 220 months’ incarceration followed by 10 years of supervised release for creating images of his molestation of a 9-year old minor. He was also ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution to five minor victims whose images of Child Sexual Exploitation he possessed.
Rusch was identified in part by his fingerprints in photos he took of his molestation of a minor.
“Rusch is a sexual predator who deserves every day of this sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Every child deserves a safe childhood, and I appreciate the hard work of our partners in the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office to enable the vigorous prosecution of child exploitation crimes.”
“We are pleased to work with our federal partners on this case and others that take down predators and disrupt their vast network of child exploitation,” remarked Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is precisely the kind of law enforcement partnership that is necessary to protect children from abuse. Mississippi parents can rest assured that we will rigorously investigate and prosecute these cases to keep children safe.”
FBI SAC Jermicha Fomby remarked, "Safeguarding our society's future begins with protecting underage citizens of our communities from predatory individuals like Jason Rusch. Those who commit these heinous crimes against our youth will be aggressively sought after and brought to justice. The FBI is committed to supporting our DOJ partners in protecting the innocence of our minors, ensuring offenders are brought to justice"
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.
Burlington County Man Charged with Possession of Machinegun and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man has been charged with firearms and narcotics offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Cody Starr, 35, of Mount Holly, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machinegun, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Starr made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal in Camden federal court and was detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Nov. 8, 2022, undercover agents met with Starr at his residence. While armed with a machinegun, which was a privately made firearm (PMF), Starr sold methamphetamine and three PMFs to the undercover agents. A PMF is a firearm, including a frame or receiver, completed, assembled, or otherwise produced by a person other than a licensed manufacturer, and without a serial number placed by a licensed manufacturer at the time the firearm was produced.
“The charges described in this complaint include possessing a privately-made automatic weapon, U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “We are committed to protecting the community by prosecuting those who commit firearms offenses.”
“ATF remains steadfast in identifying, investigating, arresting, and prosecuting those offenders responsible for violent crime and preventing them from wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said. “We will continue to target not only those who illegally possess or utilize firearms to commit violent crimes, but also those who facilitate illegal manufacturing and trafficking of firearms. ATF will never waver in our commitment to protecting the community and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold all violators accountable.”
The charge of drug distribution carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a potential maximum term of life in prison, and up to a $10 million fine. The felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun each carry a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Camden Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, New Jersey State Police, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Mount Holly Police Department, Evesham Police Department, and Pine Hill Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Browning man admits assaulting man with claw hammer on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of beating a man in the head with a claw hammer admitted to an assault charge on Nov.16, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Calvin Lame Bull Juneau, 37, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Juneau faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Morris set sentencing for April 6, 2023. Juneau was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 19, 2021, Juneau and co-defendant, Dale Ray Racine, entered a residence in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, who was sleeping in a bedroom. Doe awoke and saw Juneau and Racine rushing toward him. Juneau had a claw hammer in his hands. The victim received multiple strikes in the head, one to his hand and one to his leg. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Indian Health Service in Browning and treated for head injuries. Racine pleaded guilty earlier to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and is pending sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Quaruan Chance, age 34.
According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 30, 2019, Chance was found to be in possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chance.
Bronx Man Indicted for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Bronx, N.Y. man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, as well as traveling with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with the minor victim.
Markell Greene, 25, was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of minors and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct. Greene is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Greene persuaded, enticed and coerced a 13-year-old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, it is alleged that on or about Feb. 14, 2022, Greene traveled in interstate commerce with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victim.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington, Mass. and New York City Police Departments; the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bridgeport Felon with 3 Prior Federal Convictions Admits Possessing Loaded GunRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 33, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. He was released from prison in September 2013. In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance. He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment. He was released from prison in March 2020.
On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release. Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2023, at which time Carter faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Carter has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Birmingham Woman Found Guilty of Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham woman for kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Derick Irisha Brown, 32, after three days of testimony before Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler. Brown was convicted of one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim arising out of events which occurred in October 2019. The jury further found that the minor victim’s death resulted from the kidnapping and that Brown conspired with Patrick Stallworth. Stallworth faces life in prison.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 12, 2019, Brown traveled in a Toyota Sequoia with co-conspirator Stallworth to the Tom Brown Village Housing Development located in Birmingham, Alabama and kidnapped 3-year-old Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney. Her body was found 10 days later.
“Last month, a jury convicted Patrick Stallworth and today, the jury convicted the other defendant charged with kidnapping this young child. Kamille McKinney’s loss is felt not only by her family, but also by our entire community,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “While these prosecutions cannot bring her back, Stallworth and Brown will never be able to threaten or harm another child. We thank our local, state, and federal partners for their efforts to remove the threat posed by these dangerous criminals.”
“While I applaud today’s verdict, the only proper outcome in this matter would be to have Kamille returned to her family.” Acting SAC Rivera said. “Brown’s heinous actions cut short a precious life that can never be replaced. I continue to be grateful to the men and women in my office, along with our state, local and federal partners who worked tirelessly to bring Brown to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Birmingham Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Chief of the Criminal Division Lloyd C. Peeples and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Milner and Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.
Bellevue Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jacob R. Price, 38, Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 168 months’ imprisonment for receipt of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Price will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On November 9, 2020, Officers with the Bellevue Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Bellevue. Upon arrival offices were informed that the reporting party found a video of a naked minor on a cellphone previously used by Price. Officers forensically analyzed the contents of the cellphone and located a video showing a minor getting undressed. The video showed Price covertly placing the cellphone in the minor’s bedroom for purposes of videoing the minor while she was naked. The cellphone also contained additional thumbnail images of unknown minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Price downloaded from the internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Armed Fentanyl Trafficker Caught in Nash County Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Anthony Cyquan Herring, 40, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for possessing fentanyl and other drugs for distribution, while armed with a loaded handgun. Herring’s sentence comes after an Elizabeth City, NC, jury found him guilty of all charges in March of this year.
“This career criminal was running dangerous drugs through North Carolina with his children and a loaded gun in the car,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Now, he will spend the next two decades behind bars.”
“Nash County appreciates the diligence of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “This was an opportunity to apprehend a dangerous drug trafficker before he could distribute his deadly poison into the hands of children and families. Fentanyl is the main factor for overdose deaths in the community and we will not stop our fight to interdict these narcotics before they reach the citizens of Nash County. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office is committed to removing gangs, illegal guns, and drugs from our communities through our partnerships with federal law enforcement."
The case started when Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone stopped an SUV for speeding along I-95. The car was being driven by Herring and smelled like marijuana. An ensuing search revealed a loaded handgun within reach of Herring. In Herring’s luggage, Deputies found thirty-six grams of heroin and fentanyl, fifty grams of cocaine, marijuana, $2,200 in cash, and materials for packaging and distributing drugs.
Herring claimed he was driving to the beach for a vacation. But deputies discovered Herring’s two young children in the back of the SUV, sleeping and urinating in bottles as their dad drove through the night from Connecticut on the way to South Carolina.
Herring was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal because he had at least three prior convictions for drug trafficking crimes.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons and former Assistant U.S. Attorney J.D. Koesters prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-cr-00347-BO-1.
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Albuquerque man sentenced to prison for child pornography, false claims act violationsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Bobby Peña was sentenced on Nov. 14 to three years and seven months in prison. Peña, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10 to possession of child pornography and false claims against the government.
Peña was the owner and sole operator of De La Peña LLC. From May 2008 to June 2017, Peña worked as a subcontractor to Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and entered into a contract with SNL and the United States Department of Energy to provide specialized cleaning services, including air particle count monitoring and cleanroom cleaning services, for three buildings at SNL.
Between July 1, 2015, and Feb. 28, 2017, Peña fraudulently submitted invoices totaling $47,025 for air particle count monitoring and $6,000 for cleanroom cleaning services that had not been performed. In the plea agreement, Peña admitted to fraudulently submitting invoices for an additional $14,850 for air particle count monitoring and $2,250 for cleanroom cleaning services. Peña received a total of $70,125 from the Department of Energy for services for which he had fraudulently invoiced SNL but had not performed.
In connection with the investigation into Peña’s illegal activities, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the De La Peña business address on Dec. 13, 2017. During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices, including three external hard drives. Forensic analysis of the devices revealed approximately 3,972 images and 58 videos of child pornography, material that included depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Upon his release from prison, Peña will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Albany Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Wayne Myers, age 32, of Albany, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing and conspiring to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and amphetamine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Myers admitted that between June 2020 and February 2021, he distributed cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and amphetamine. He admitted that, in coordination with his co-conspirators, he distributed at least 343.1 grams of cocaine base, 251 grams of cocaine, 145 grams of amphetamine, and 5.7 grams of methamphetamine. Myers further agreed to forfeit $40,050 as proceeds from drug sales.
Senior United States District Lawrence E. Kahn also ordered Myers to serve a 5-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
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Yankton Man Sentenced for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Dylan James Steffen, age 30, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Steffen was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pled guilty on August 17, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 22, 2021, and January 24, 2021, when Steffen knowingly received and distributed material which contained child pornography. While using his KIK social media account, Steffen engaged in chat conversations with other KIK users. During those conversations, Steffen shared files that contained images and videos of child pornography, including prepubescent minors that had not attained the age of twelve years old.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Yankton Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Steffen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Williamsville Man Going to Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher D. Robbins, 61, of Williamsville, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who handled the case, stated that in January 2020, Robbins was identified as a member of a group on Kik used to exchange images and videos of child pornography. Subsequently, on July 2, 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant at Robbins’ residence in Williamsville, seizing several electronic items that contained child pornography.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Milwaukee Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Robert E. Hughes; the Buffalo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Stansbury; and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
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Wilkinson County Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Kilogram Quantities of Methamphetamine and Cocaine in the Natchez, Mississippi AreaRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – A Wilkinson County man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III, to 168 months in federal prison for participation in an interstate drug trafficking operation distributing kilogram quantities of illegal drugs in the Natchez area from 2016 through 2018, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sammy Davis Wright, 51, of Woodville, MS, was indicted by a federal grand jury and subsequently pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Wright’s federal prison sentence includes 108 months in prison for his drug crimes, to be followed by a separate 5-year sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Wright’s sentence includes a penalty for being an organizer or leader of criminal activity, and a penalty for maintaining premises for the purpose of drug distribution. Court records reflect that Wright has prior convictions in Wilkinson County Circuit Court in 2001 and 2002 for sale of controlled substances.
According to court documents, Wright conspired with Kevin Singleton, of Natchez, Wesley Bell, of Natchez, Jimmie Lee Swearengen, Jr., of Mesquite, TX, Gregory Woodard, of Crosby, Roy Goodrich, of Baton Rouge, LA, Jerry Lee White, Jr., of Gloster, and Denonta Thadison, of McComb. Singleton, Woodard, Goodrich, White, and Thadison have already been sentenced for their crimes.
Kevin Singleton, as head of the interstate drug trafficking organization, received a 35-year prison sentence from U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III, in September 2021. Woodard, Goodrich, and White received smaller prison sentences in 2020 ranging between 2½ and 3 years for their minimal involvement in the drug trafficking operation. Thadison was sentenced on November 15, 2022, to 87 months in prison for cocaine distribution in the Natchez area. Swearengen was separately sentenced today for his participation in drug trafficking operations in the Natchez area. Bell is currently awaiting sentencing.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force in Atlanta, GA, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Pearl Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Clark prosecuted these cases.
Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dexter Yard, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on August 17, 2021, in Luzerne County, Yard distributed fentanyl and cocaine, possessed methamphetamine for further distribution, possessed a .38 Special handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Yard is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun
violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Under federal law, for the drug charges, Yard faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, a term of supervised release and a fine. For the firearms charges, Yard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum sentence of life, a term of supervised release and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Wayne County Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky.— An Albany, Ky., man, Jeremy Lynch, 42, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to Lynch’s plea agreement, on February 25, 2019, law enforcement searched a hotel room occupied by Lynch, finding approximately one pound of methamphetamine. Additionally, law enforcement searched a vehicle being used by Lynch, finding another pound of methamphetamine. Lynch admitted that he was in possession of the methamphetamine and intended to distribute it to others in the Wayne County area.
Lynch had previously been convicted of a serious drug felony, manufacturing methamphetamine, in Jefferson County Circuit Court. Lynch pleaded guilty to the current charge in July 2022.
Under federal law, Lynch must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Chief Joey Hoover, Monticello Police Department; and Director Wayne Conn, Lake Cumberland Drug Task Force, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Monticello Police Department, and Lake Cumberland Drug Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
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Violent Crime Initiative Yields Multiple Federal Indictments and Arrests on the San Carlos Apache Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Seventeen individuals were indicted federally, with most being arrested, following an intensive violent crime initiative on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. The charges filed in this investigation include arson, aggravated assault, firearms violations, domestic violence assaults, assault against an officer, child abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, manslaughter, and murder.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, with significant assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, and the San Carlos Apache Tribal Prosecutor’s Office.
Maximum sentences for convictions of these offenses range from five years to life in prison, with a maximum fine of $250,000. In determining an actual sentence, federal judges will consult the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judges, however, are not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas C. Simon and Dimitra H. Sampson, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-1353-PHX-DJH CR-22-1351-PHX-MTL
CR-22-1354-PHX-JJT CR-22-1350-PHX-DWL
CR-22-1348-PHX-DLR CR-22-1352-PHX-MTL
CR-22-1129-PHX-DJH CR-22-01233-PHX-SMB
CR-22-01347-PHX-DLR CR-22-01355-PHX-SMB
CR-22-01345-PHX-JJT CR-22-01346-PHX-MTL
CR-22-00774-PHX-JJT CR-22-01179-PHX-DLR
CR-22-01181-PHX-DWL CR-22-01182-001-PHX-GMS
CR-22-01182-002-PHX-GMSRELEASE NUMBER: 2022-208_Pahe et al
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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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron Announces Awards RecipientsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron announced that twenty-two employees of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, four law enforcement officers, and two civilians were honored today with the Office’s most prestigious awards. At a ceremony held to announce the awards this morning at the United States Courthouse in Baltimore, U.S. Attorney Barron also introduced 24 new Assistant United States Attorneys and other employees who have joined the Office since last year.
During today’s awards ceremony, U.S. Attorney Barron also announced that every criminal federal prosecutor in the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office will be assigned a firearms case in addition to their regular caseloads. This is the most expansive anti-firearms initiative in terms of resource commitment in the history of the United States Attorney’s Office.
“It is a pleasure to be able to recognize and celebrate the impactful work done by today’s award recipients,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “Since my arrival as U.S. Attorney just over a year ago, we have hired and promoted the most diverse supervisory and legal staff in the history of the Office and we have increased our efforts to reduce violent crime through innovative and coordinated strategies with our law enforcement partners. I believe that assigning at least one firearms case to every criminal Assistant United States Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney demonstrates to the community and to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners our continued commitment and focus on making Maryland communities safer. We have also committed to keep our communities safer by establishing a Violent and Organized Crime Section, including 30 new state-funded prosecutors and administrative staff positions; by establishing a Civil Rights and Special Victims’ Section; by being named a national Department of Justice COVID-19 CARES Act Strike Force and an Elder Justice Strike Force; as well as expanding our National Security and Cyber Crimes Section.”
Annual Awards
The following awards were announced by United States Attorney Barron:
Gary Jordan Award
Recipient: Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin
Gary P. Jordan served with distinction for many years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, as First Assistant from March 29, 1987 until his death on October 25, 1996, and as interim U.S. Attorney in 1993. This is an honorary award presented annually to an employee for exemplary performance that demonstrates the highest traditions of the office: integrity, ingenuity, dedication to public service and fairness.
Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award
Recipient: Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan
In her 23 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Southern Division and Senior Litigation Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Deborah A. Johnston fearlessly took on the most challenging prosecutions in pursuit of justice. Established in 2019, the Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award is presented to one or more assistant U.S. attorneys who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to duty while representing the United States of America.
Barnet D. Skolnik Award
Recipients: Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Clark
Assistant United States Attorney Anatoly SmolkinBarnet D. (Barney) Skolnik was an Assistant U.S. Attorney who led teams that prosecuted numerous white-collar criminals and corrupt public officials in the 1970s, including Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. This is an honorary award presented annually to one or more Assistant U.S. Attorneys who demonstrate outstanding professionalism, determination and creativity in a case of unusual public significance.
Employee of the Year Award
Recipient: Information Technology Specialist Derek Johnson
The Employee of the Year Award recognizes sustained superior performance and outstanding achievements by a non-attorney employee. The award also recognizes the recipient's professionalism, dedication, and comprehensive knowledge in their area of expertise.
Pete Twardowicz Award
Recipients: Special Agent Adam Eaton, Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Special Agent Robert Petrole, Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Special Agent August Merker, Homeland Security InvestigationsThe Pete Twardowicz Award was established in honor of Eugene P. (Pete) Twardowicz, who rendered many years of outstanding service to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an IRS criminal investigator and a Special Investigator for this Office. This award recognizes law enforcement agents or officers for outstanding cooperation and achievement while working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on a significant case.
Excellence in Civil Advocacy
Recipient: Assistant United States Attorney Vickie LeDuc
The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Civil Advocacy, established in 2007, is presented annually to an Assistant U.S. Attorney for outstanding advocacy in civil litigation.
Excellence in Prosecution of Fraud
Recipients: Assistant United States Attorney Harry M. Gruber
Assistant United States Attorney Paul A. RileyThe U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Fraud, established in 2007, is presented annually to an Assistant U.S. Attorney for outstanding work in prosecuting fraud.
Excellence in Prosecution of Violent Crime
Recipients: Assistant United States Attorney Patricia C. McLane
Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick KibbeThe U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Violent Crime, established in 2007, is presented annually an Assistant U.S. Attorney for outstanding work in prosecuting violent crime.
Rod J. Rosenstein Award
Recipient: Detective Carl Walder, Baltimore County Police Department
The Rod J. Rosenstein Award, established in 2017, is presented annually to a state and/or local investigator whose cooperative efforts and excellent work reflect the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession.
Excellence in Prosecution of Organized Crime
Recipients: Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hagan
Assistant United States Attorney William Moomau
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Sarma
Julie Finocchiaro, Trial Attorney, Department of Justice
Alex Gottfried, Trial Attorney, Department of JusticeThe U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Organized Crime, established in 2007, is presented annually to an Assistant U.S. Attorney for outstanding work in prosecuting organized criminal activity.
Excellence in Legal Support
Recipient: Paralegal Specialist Lesley Dunlap
Paralegal Specialist Stacey ThompsonThe U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Legal Support, established in 2007, is presented annually to one or more non-attorney employees for outstanding work in support of the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Outstanding Contributions to a Law Enforcement Initiative
Recipients: Assistant United States Attorney David Salem
Assistant United States Attorney Ellen Nazmy
Assistant United States Attorney Shabnam Aryana
Assistant United States Attorney Bijon Mostoufi
Special Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan TsueiThe U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to a Law Enforcement Initiative, established in 2007, is presented annually to one or more employees for outstanding work in support of an initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Carl S. Lackl Award
The Carl S. Lackl Award for Exemplary Perseverance and Fortitude in Pursuit of Justice was established in 2008 in honor of Carl Stanley Lackl, Jr. Mr. Lackl witnessed a murder in Baltimore in 2006 and agreed to testify against the suspect he identified. After the suspect was arrested by police and charged in state court with the murder, he used a contraband cellular telephone to contact co-conspirators and arranged to murder Mr. Lackl, who was shot to death outside his house in front of his daughter. All of the conspirators were convicted on federal charges.
This year the award was presented to two women who assisted with a case in the Greenbelt Office.
New Employees
In addition, United States Attorney Barron welcomed new employees who joined the office last year. Assistant United States Attorneys: Adeyemi Adenrele, Ariana Arnold, Shabnam Aryana, Michael Aubin, Steven Brantley, Geonard Butler, Joel Crespo, Ryan Dietrich, Ariel Evans, Darren Gardner, Robert Goldaris, Melissa Goldmeier, LaShanta Harris, Coreen Mao, Colleen McGuinn, Calvin Miner, Bijon Mostoufi, Christopher Sarma, Matthew Shea, Alicia Shelton, Beatrice Thomas, John Truex-Chung, Joseph Wenner, Michael Wilson. Special Assistant United States Attorneys: Keelan Diana, Jared Engelking, Jacob Gordin, Patrick Kibbe, Jeffrey Maylor, Alena Mosier, Nicholas Potter, Joshua Rosenthal, Laura Ruppersberger, Sarah Simpkins. Administrative Staff: Robin Blumenshine, Marissa Crockett, Fernando Dominguez, Juliette Frase, Brandon Haynes, Anna Jones, Jose Lopez-Berrios, Jill Pegues, Aleta Sacksteder, Angelina Thompson, Scott Wilson.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles ADA Claim with Chicago Restaurant to Ensure Equal Access for Patrons with Service AnimalsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has reached a civil settlement with a Chicago restaurant to ensure equal access for patrons with service animals, as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office found that Castaways Bar & Grill at North Avenue Beach in Chicago discriminated against a woman with a disability when restaurant staff on June 19, 2022, offered to seat the woman and her service dog only in the back of the restaurant, segregated from other patrons. The woman, who is legally blind and relies on the service dog for many daily life activities, attempted to explain to restaurant staff that such segregated seating due to the presence of a service animal violates the ADA, but the restaurant refused to accommodate her.
Under the terms of a settlement agreement and consistent with penalties available under the ADA, the restaurant’s operator – Lakefront Operations, Inc. – agreed to pay $15,000 to the victim of discrimination and $2,500 to the United States. In addition, all current and future restaurant staff will undergo training on the obligations of public accommodations to serve persons with disabilities, specifically with regard to service animal obligations. Castaways will also post a sign near its entrance stating, “This Restaurant Welcomes Customers with Disabilities Who Are Accompanied by Their Service Animals.”
“Service animals are trained to perform tasks that foster autonomy and independence for persons with a myriad of physical challenges,” said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “This settlement should send a clear message that individuals who rely on service animals are entitled to equal access and opportunity in all areas of community life, including dining at restaurants.”
Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, such as restaurants, from excluding people with disabilities from enjoying goods, services, privileges, facilities, and advantages provided. For more information regarding the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat discrimination, please visit the official ADA government website. To learn more about the obligations of public accommodations under federal disability rights statutes, call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301, 800-514-0383 (TTY).
The settlement agreement was reached to avoid the costs and burdens of litigation and does not represent an admission of liability by Lakefront Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Johnson represented the government during the investigation and settlement.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Help Mark National Adoption MonthRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will join Mission West Virginia and other officials to help celebrate National Adoption Month on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Bible Center Church.
Thompson will speak along with a youth who has experienced adoption firsthand, parents in the foster care system, and a representative from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
WHAT: National Adoption Month Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Bible Center Church, 1100 Bible Center Drive, Charleston
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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