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Tuesday 4 October 2022
Woburn Restaurant Owners Arrested and Charged with Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A father and son who own and operate two Woburn restaurants, Taste of Brazil—Tudo No Brasa and The Dog House, were arrested today and charged with human smuggling.
Jesse James Moraes, 64, and Hugo Giovanni Moraes, 42, both of Woburn, were charged with conspiring to encourage and induce an alien to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, and residence is or will be in violation of law. Marcos Chacon, 29, also of Woburn, was charged with knowing transfer of a false identification document knowing that such document was produced without lawful authority, and with illegal reentry by a deported alien. The word “alien” is used in this release because it is the language utilized in the statute(s) these individuals are alleged to have violated.
Following an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley in federal court in Boston, Jesse Moraes, Hugo Moraes and Marcos Chacon were detained pending a detention hearing.
Additionally, Chelbe Willams Moraes, a resident of Brazil, was charged in a four-count indictment unsealed today with conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for financial gain; encouraging and inducing an alien to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for financial gain; money laundering; and money laundering conspiracy. He is the brother of Jesse Moraes and uncle of Hugo Moraes.
According to the charging documents, Chelbe Moraes and his coconspirators smuggled individuals from Brazil into the United States for a fee of approximately $18,000 – 22,000. Once the individuals were in the United States, Jesse Moraes and Hugo Moraes allegedly employed them in their restaurants in Woburn, withholding their wages in order to pay off their smuggling debts. Chelbe Moraes, Jesse Moraes and Hugo Moraes also allegedly gave or offered to give fake documentation to the individuals in order to support asylum claims or obtain work authorization. Marcos Chacon allegedly sold fake documentation to the individuals at the request of the Moraes defendants.
The charge of encouraging and inducing, and conspiring to encourage and induce, an alien to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for financial gain, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, and residence is or will be in violation of law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of knowing transfer of a false identification document knowing that such document was produced without lawful authority provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of illegal reentry by a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of money laundering and money laundering conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Woburn Police Chief Robert F. Rufo, Jr., made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James D. Herbert, Kelly Lawrence and Samuel R. Feldman of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Sacramento Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ACRAMENTO, Calif. — Philip Rich, 50, of West Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and three months in prison for one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Rich was also ordered to pay $113,400 in restitution.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and March 2021, Rich and co-defendant Kimberly Acevedo perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and unlawful possession of dozens of stolen bank cards. Generally, Rich and Acevedo obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of victims and used that information to apply for new credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks, and other financial instruments to be sent to the victims’ real home addresses. The defendants then submitted change-of-address requests to U.S. Postal Service at www.usps.com using the victims’ PII. These change-of-address requests rerouted the victims’ mail to defendants’ shared home address, where they would open the mail and use its contents to make fraudulent purchases and cash fraudulent checks.
When federal agents executed a search warrant at defendants’ residence on Oct. 14, 2020, they seized dozens of notebooks filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of identity-theft victim PII. The notebooks were scattered throughout the house, though mainly located in defendants’ shared bedroom. In addition, agents recovered an envelope, labeled “ID Templates,” in the bedroom containing approximately 10-15 fake California Driver’s Licenses in the names of various victims, but featuring Rich and Acevedo’s photographs and fake authentication features. Agents also recovered the tools required to construct the fake IDs as well as a magstripe device. Further, agents recovered over 50 credit and debit cards in the home as well as approximately 40 checkbooks in victims’ names as well as in the names of Rich and Acevedo. In total, defendants’ scheme caused over $110,000 in actual and intended loss.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
Charges of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and unlawful possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices remain pending against Acevedo. The charges are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Washington man admits trafficking meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl to Cascade County, Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Washington man admitted to a drug trafficking crime today after law enforcement seized more than five pounds of methamphetamine along with other drugs from his vehicle near Great Falls last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jorge Perez, aka Chicago, 41, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Perez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five 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. Sentencing was set for Feb. 16, 2023. Perez was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in March 2022, witnesses in Great Falls reported to law enforcement that they had been working with Perez to bring large quantities of meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl from Spokane to the Great Falls area for distribution. The FBI’s investigation identified the vehicle Perez was driving and, with assistance from local law enforcement, stopped the vehicle outside of Great Falls on June 11, 2022. Perez was the driver and sole occupant and had more than $4,000 cash on his person. Perez admitted there were pounds of drugs in the vehicle. Law enforcement seized approximately five pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 18,120 doses, along with cocaine and fentanyl pills. In a second traffic stop in which Perez was a passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and heroin in the vehicle. In a third traffic stop, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, in which Perez was the driver and sole passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and fentanyl.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Washington Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Brian James Bell, age 22 of Mount Vernon, Washington, was sentenced on Friday, September 30, 2022, to 66 months in prison following his plea to a charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
In June 2021, Bell was involved in a traffic accident on Interstate 29. Law enforcement arrived on the scene and observed Bell carrying a backpack away from the accident site. A During a probable cause search of the vehicle and backpack, law enforcement located 97 grams of methamphetamine and two loaded firearms.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Pottawattamie Sheriff’s Department and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.
Vinita Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Sexually Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
A Vinita man was sentenced in federal court for attempting to sexually entice an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced John William Thomas Flechs, 37, to ten years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Thankfully, an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old caught John Flechs before he could reach his intended target- a teenage boy,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Flechs will spend 10 years in federal prison as a consequence of his crime.”
Starting on Jan. 15, 2021, Flechs unknowingly initiated a conversation with the undercover officer, believing he was a minor. In Kik messages, Flechs complimented the “teenager” and asked him to send photographs on three occasions. Flechs further described sexual encounters he had with male relatives, introduced graphic sexual topics that would allude to sexual acts on the boy, discussed the boy’s penis size, and asked if he had ever had anal sex. He then suggested they meet.
Still posing as the 14-year-old boy, the undercover agreed to meet Flechs at a skate park. Flechs was taken into custody when he arrived at the park.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Update on Press Release Issued August 22, 2013Read the Press Release
A federal jury found Patrick Campbell, of Sierra Leone, not guilty of the charges that were announced in the press release that appears below, originally issued on August 22, 2013.
A federal judge entered a judgment of acquittal in Campbell’s case on May 19, 2014.
Titled Individual Charged With Brokering Uranium Deal Intended For Supply To Iran
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), announce today that Patrick Campbell, 33, of Freetown, Sierra Leone, was arrested yesterday in Queens, NY as a result of an investigation conducted by the ICE-HSI. Campbell made his initial appearance earlier today in the Eastern District of New York.
According to the criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida, Patrick Campbell was charged with brokering the supply of goods which the defendant knew were destined and intended for supply to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Title 50, United States Code, Section 1701, 1705 and the Iranian Transaction Regulations, 31 CFR 560.416, 560,204 and 560.203. If convicted, Campbell faces a possible statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release, and a possible $1,000,000 fine.
The criminal complaint alleges that on August 21, 2013, Campbell traveled to the United States from Sierra Leone and brought with him a sample of uranium, concealed in the soles of the shoes in his luggage, which he believed was to be provided to a representative of individuals seeking to obtain uranium for supply to Iran.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, the Port Authority of New York and the New Jersey Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Walleisa.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Attachment:
Patrick Campbell Complaint (PDF)
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
USAO-KS Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“As technology evolves so does the complexity of the scams targeting older adults. Unfortunately, too often these fraudulent schemes procure large amounts of money from victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The DOJ won’t waver in efforts to dismantle these criminal enterprises and bring perpetrators to justice no matter where in the world they are based.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, the USAO –District of Kansas prosecuted cases related to fraud committed against senior citizens.
• In February 2021, Oyindamola Akinrinola, 24, of Lawrence pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She admitted to receiving more than $160,000 in deposits related to scams and remitting the majority of money to Nigeria after keeping a portion of the proceeds for herself. Sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2022.
• In May 2022, Innocent N. Ugwu, 24, of Fort Riley was indicted on five counts of wire fraud, five counts of laundering monetary instruments, and one count of procurement of citizenship or naturalization unlawfully. Ugwu is accused of conspiring with others to commit fraud using false pretenses and promises, and the omission of material facts to carry out romance, advance fee and other fraudulent schemes.As part of the USAO –KS’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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United States Attorney Announces Efforts to Combat Fraud Against Seniors in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In connection with the Department of Justice’s announcement of its Elder
Justice Sweep earlier today, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Rachelle
Aud Crowe, made the following announcement:
“Combating fraud against the elderly is the number one priority of our Fraud & Corruption section,”
U.S. Attorney Crowe stated. “Anytime a senior is victimized, we work very hard to find the
responsible criminals and bring them to justice.”Six federal prosecutors are assigned to the district’s Fraud & Corruption section. They are
Assistant United States Attorneys: Scott Verseman, Chief; Kevin Burke, Zoe Gross, Peter Reed,
Steve Weinhoeft and Luke Weissler.As an example of the office’s efforts to hold accountable those who harm the elderly, U.S. Attorney
Crowe cited to the recent guilty plea of Ashley McKinney, 39, of Cahokia, Illinois. McKinney’s co-
defendant, Erica Rose, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois, worked as a home healthcare provider for
elderly persons in the Metro East. While working in the victims’ homes, Rose stole their bank
account information and provided it to McKinney. McKinney then used that information to make
illegal purchases, including purchasing an automobile. McKinney and Rose were indicted in January
2020, but McKinney remained a fugitive until she was eventually hunted down and arrested by the
United States Marshals. McKinney will be sentenced on November 22, 2022. Rose previously pled
guilty and was sentenced to prison.U.S. Attorney Crowe also noted that Jaykumar Patel, 33, of Florida, pled guilty on June 28, 2022,
to assisting in a fraud scheme that victimized an elderly woman in Alton, Illinois. That fraud
scheme, which was based in the country of India, tried to convince seniors that their identities
had been stolen and that they needed to pay thousands of dollars to fix the situation. Patel was a
“Money Mule” for the organization. “Money Mules” are individuals who receive funds from victims
and send the money on to the criminals who conduct the schemes. Patel will be sentenced on January
5, 2023.“In addition to the Identity Theft schemes, there are a variety of other schemes out there that
seniors need to be on the look out for,” added U.S. Attorney Crowe. “Those schemes include: (1)
Grandparents Scams – where fraudsters impersonate seniors’ grandchildren, or some other loved one,
and try to convince the seniors that they need funds immediately, usually for some type of medical
or legal emergency; (2) Romance Scams – where scammers meet seniors online, usually through dating sites, pretend to fall in love with them, and then persuade the seniors to send them money; (3) Tax Scams – where fraudsters falsely tell seniors that they owe back taxes and must make immediate
payments; and (4) Lottery Scams – where fraudsters try to convince seniors that they have won the
lottery or some other type of prize, but need to send money first for taxes or fees.”
“Another situation we’re seeing,” added U.S. Attorney Crowe, “is scammers recruiting seniors to
participate in, and help them with, their fraud scams. When seniors knowingly help these scammers,
they themselves can be facing federal prison sentences.”As an example of this situation, U.S. Attorney Crowe noted last week’s guilty plea by Danny Vaughn,
64, of Centralia, Illinois. A few years ago, Vaughn met a person on a dating site whom he thought
was a young woman that was interested in having a relationship with him. This person turned out to
be a scammer. The scammer convinced Vaughn to engage in illegal activity, including purchasing
items using stolen credit cards and then shipping the stolen items overseas, and depositing
counterfeit checks into his bank accounts and sending that money overseas. Vaughn will be
sentenced on January 18, 2023.When asked what seniors can do to avoid being victimized, U.S. Attorney Crowe gave the following
tips:1. Be wary of individuals you meet online or over the phone;
2. If someone you’ve never met in person claims to be in love with you, there’s a good chance
that person is a scammer;3. If someone you’ve never met before asks you for, or demands, money, there’s a good chance it’s
a scam;4. If someone is asking you for, or demanding, money, ask your son, daughter, loved one, or good
friend what they think. This is true even if the person asking for money claims there is no time
for you to talk with your family or friends; and5. If someone contacts you claiming to be from a company or institution, such as the IRS or your
bank, hang up and call them back on a telephone number you look up yourself. This will enable you
to talk to representatives of the real company or institutions.“In summary, we want to do everything we can to protect our seniors from becoming victims. A big
part of that is making seniors aware of the fraud scams out there. If you have an elderly relative
or friend, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to discuss this topic with them. If you are a senior
yourself, my advice and avoid falling prey to these vicious scammers.”U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“This office has done more than just prosecute those who prey on older adults,” said Sayler A. Fleming, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. “Along with law enforcement partners, older adult advocates and consumer protection groups, we have focused on providing education, outreach events and other vital services to vulnerable populations to try and help them avoid becoming victims in the first place.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Justice Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, the Eastern District of Missouri pursued seven elder fraud cases involving 10 defendants, 62 victims who were over the age of 60 and losses in excess of $4,300,000. The fraud schemes ranged from embezzlement by a bank manager from elderly account holders to romance fraud schemes involving transnational groups to a woman who fraudulently obtained an $18,000 student loan. With the assistance of the district’s law enforcement partners and advocacy groups, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been able to prosecute fraudsters and provide necessary resources to their victims.
As part of the Eastern District of Missouri’s efforts to combat elder fraud, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. By networking with the St. Louis Elder Financial Protection Coalition, the Better Business Bureau’s Consumer Fraud Task Force and Cape Girardeau County, the district has participated in the Cape Girardeau County Senior Information Fair and the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The office also helped produce a public service announcement featuring an 81-year-old money mule and educated the public via the media. Members of the U.S. Attorney’s office and our federal law enforcement partners are available to conduct educational seminars for community groups, civic organizations and other groups.
The Justice Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 4, 2022
San Diego, CA – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.
The Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“The Southern District of California is proud to take part in the Justice Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud by joining the expanded Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Our office is committed to investigating elder fraud and bringing to justice those who target seniors.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, the Southern District of California successfully pursued cases affecting seniors in our district and nationwide. With the help of Consumer Protection Branch and the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, our office indicted and is prosecuting United States v. Knowles et al., 21cr2216-CAB, a nationwide Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) conspiracy involving a “grandparent scam” where elderly victims were convinced, over the phone, that their loved ones were in jail and needed money to cover bail.
These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. The criminals engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle about $2 million from more than 70 victims across the nation. Ten elderly victims who resided in San Diego County lost over $300,000 to the fraud. Of the eight charged individuals, six have been arrested and pleaded guilty. Three of the convicted defendants were sentenced to 108 months, 46 months, and 24 months in prison for their roles in the criminal enterprise. In sentencing one of the defendants, the federal judge described the scheme as “heartbreakingly evil.” Three remaining defendants are set to be sentenced on November 17, 2022.
In another case prosecuted by our office, United States v. Phimmasone, 21cr3262-LL, the defendant admitted to embezzling over $350,000 from a local company that provided in-home care services for mostly elderly individuals. The sentencing hearing is set for November 14, 2022.
But prevention is just as important as prosecution. We continually reach out to community groups and stakeholders to raise awareness of red flags and increase reporting of suspicious behavior. In October 2021, our office conducted virtual training on common elder scams and fraud against seniors for residents of the White Sands La Jolla Senior Living Community. In August 2022, we presented information about recent fraudulent schemes and preventing victimization at the Senior Wellness Community Event held at One Safe Place, The North County Family Justice Center.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.
This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York Joins Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to Protect Older AmericansRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York announced today that it is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and prosecute perpetrators of fraudulent schemes.
Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorney’s offices, the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorney’s offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorney’s offices in the states of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorney’s offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors. This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman stated: “Our district is proud to join the Strike Force as part of the Department’s overall efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud. We will continue to devote resources to prosecuting the perpetrators of significant exploitation schemes and spreading awareness about these scams so that people do not fall victim to them.”
The Strike Force expansion will further enhance the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. From September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
This past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has obtained indictments in two cases under the Elder Justice Initiative. Each case involves theft and misappropriation of funds by a fiduciary of an incompetent, elderly veteran. Both cases remain pending. The charges in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Also this year, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Christopher Moran, the Office’s Elder Justice Coordinators, participated in outreach efforts in the Town of Dewitt and in Saratoga Springs to spread awareness about scams targeting older Americans.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available via the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland Joins the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to Protect Older AmericansRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron announced today that as part of the Office’s continuing efforts to protect older adults and to bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, as one of 14 additional U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including Maryland and all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the states of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York.
“Targeting vulnerable victims is unconscionable,” said Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. “The Maryland Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force will use every resource available to protect victims and prosecute those who would abuse them.”
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
The Strike Force expansion will further enhance the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
The Department also highlighted other efforts, including success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of advance fee scams involving “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 160,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $62 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks.
In Maryland, defendant Oluwaseyi Akinyemi was sentenced to eight years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $486,119.07 to his victims in a social media advanced fee scheme that targeted senior victims. Akinyemi and at least one co-conspirator targeted elderly victims on social media, representing themselves as agents of both real and fictitious government agencies and offering victims non-existent financial rewards if the victims first sent cash, money orders, or gift cards to cover associated “taxes and fees.” Believing that they would receive a financial reward, the victims sent cash, money orders, gift cards, and other valuable items through the mail to Akinyemi who lived in Landover, Maryland at the time.
The Justice Department also notified consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
This past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has prosecuted several defendants participating in far-reaching schemes that aim to defraud elderly victims. For example, two defendants pleaded guilty to defrauding more than 70 elderly victims of more than $2.4 million in a “Grandparent Scam.” In addition, two defendants in Maryland were sentenced to federal prison in connection with a romance scam. Brothers David and Lesley Annor were sentenced to three years and to 20 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a romance scheme in which elderly and isolated victims were induced to send money to conspirators. The Annors received and laundered the payments from the victims. In addition to jail time, the Annors were also ordered to pay $6,278,250 in restitution to the victims.
As part of the efforts to prevent elder fraud, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office engaged in outreach to the community and to industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and how to keep from becoming a victim. This year, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron participated in a tele-town hall with AARP on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to discuss fraud schemes targeting seniors and how to avoid them, including resources for reporting fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also participated in meetings at senior housing communities and events for senior citizens, senior days at minor league baseball games, and other events to educate seniors and their families on how to spot and avoid financial scams. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also participated in a presentation with the Maryland Banker’s Association on how banks can become involved in preventing and disrupting fraud schemes targeting seniors. Member of the office also presented at the Maryland State Bar Association’s annual meeting to discuss federal elder fraud prosecutions, statistics relating to elder fraud, current trends, and resources for reporting.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help seniors, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho Takes Part in Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
BOISE – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Our Office is strongly committed to investigating and prosecuting elder fraud in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “We will not hesitate to use our resources to track down those who prey upon older Americans through online or other scams, even when the criminals are not in Idaho.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past August, a federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment against James Dougherty, 42, and Jessica Dougherty, 41, that charged conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, and bank fraud. As alleged in the indictment, James and Jessica Dougherty devised a scheme to defraud an elderly individual residing in Idaho. As further alleged in the indictment, the elderly individual ostensibly signed a power of attorney, will, and trust in favor of James and Jessica Dougherty, which James and Jessica Dougherty then used to access the elderly individual’s money and property for their own personal use and benefit, including transferring the elderly individual’s home into their own names.
As part of the District of Idaho’s elder fraud efforts, it engages with the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization, including regularly meeting with local law enforcement and financial institutions about elder fraud scams in Idaho. The District of Idaho’s Elder Justice Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol, will continue to work with state and local law enforcement partners and stakeholders to effectively educate elders and prevent elder abuse, but also to investigate and prosecute when necessary.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mountain Time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit also invited Idahoans to contact his Office directly at (208) 334-1211 and ask for Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol to report incidents of fraud directed at older Americans.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“As our work over the past year reflects, this Office will not sit by while the vulnerable are victimized and their hard-earned savings are stripped away by fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “We, and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute scams targeting older Americans and to hold the perpetrators accountable. If you think you can help yourself to someone else’s livelihood without consequences, think again.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. Nineteen of these defendants, charged by the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island, appeared in federal court in Providence on charges that they allegedly perpetrating one or more romance, grandparent, tech support, or government imposter scams that defrauded at least 133 known victims of nearly seven million dollars.
As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in a vigorous outreach program in the community and with industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov and United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins Justice Department in Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Maine has the highest percentage of older adults in the country,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “Last year, 475 senior Mainers reported being the victim of fraud, with losses totally more than $2.5M. We believe that actual losses are likely to be far higher as fear and embarrassment often keep seniors from reporting that they have been victimized by these cruel scams.”
As part of the District of Maine’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. In September, the U.S. Attorney’s Office distributed a 30-second PSA about spotting elder fraud scams and a 45-second PSA about “grandparent scams” to law enforcement and senior-related organizations around the state to use to educate their local communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also distribute information directly this winter, beginning with the People Plus Senior Health Expo in Brunswick on October 20.
“Our goal is to educate Maine seniors about current scam tactics,” McElwee said. “The perpetrators are professionals and know just how to reach and convince their victims, using everything from technology to their love for their grandchildren to bilk them out of their hard-earned savings. Knowing how to spot the red flags is key but so, too, is knowing when and how to report a scam. We know that it is difficult to admit that you were fooled, but the fraud only stops when the perpetrators are reported and caught. If you or a loved one were the victim of a senior scam, you should never hesitate to call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 and reach out to your local law enforcement to report it.”
The Department of Justice announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force by adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money.
Reporting Senior Fraud: Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida Takes Part in Justice Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
"Given our large elder population, Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens."
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, as part of this effort, the Northern District of Florida successfully prosecuted multiple defendants who victimized older adults, including: Jeremie Saintvil, who was found guilty following a jury trial of bank fraud, making false statements to a federally insured financial institution, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to a federal agency and eventually sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for fraudulently using the identities of elderly residents of senior living facilities to submit multiple false applications for COVID-19 relief program loans; Scott Haines, a former Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputy who pled guilty to federal and state charges stemming from his involvement in and misuse of the real property management and finances of an elderly woman and is currently awaiting sentencing; and Trevor Green, who pled guilty to embezzlement by a credit union employee and was sentenced to 33 months after using his position to steal almost $275,000 over a two-year period from dormant accounts of credit union members who were 65 or older.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult, and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or (833) 372-8311. This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement from the Department are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Every day across the Middle District of Pennsylvania - and across the country – scammers are using technology to steal money from our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Fighting fraud is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and we are committed to pursuing individuals who engage in such acts. We urge everyone who has been victimized to make a report so that we can continue this fight.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, the Middle District prosecuted Itcace Abramovici, a 72-year-old citizen of Canada, for his leadership role in a Montreal-based telemarketing and money laundering organization that targeted elderly victims in the United States, including those living in central Pennsylvania. Abramovici and his co-conspirators informed prospective victims that they had won a substantial amount of money in a lottery or sweepstakes and then directed those victims to send money in order to obtain their winnings. The victims’ payments were falsely characterized as taxes, customs fees, processing fees, and legal and insurance fees. None of the victims received any money, and many of their losses were substantial, with more than $460,000 in victim losses being attributed to Abramovici’s role in the fraud, and with losses to victims of the broader fraud at more than $1.3 million. Abramovici received a sentence of 30 months’ imprisonment on May 9, 2022.
The Middle District also prosecuted Jabin Godspower Okpako, of Nigeria, and his wife Christine Bradley Okpako, of Sayre, Pennsylvania, for their roles in conspiring to launder approximately $1.89 million in mail and wire fraud proceeds. The scheme sought to defraud multiple female victims throughout the United States, ranging in age from 55 to 85. The victims had visited online game, relationship and dating web sites, including Instagram, Facebook, Words with Friends, and What’s App. The conspirators, located in the United States and West Africa, befriended the victims through interaction and exchanges of photos on the web sites via text and instant messaging. After cultivating online relationships with the victims, the conspirators fraudulently induced the victims to send and transmit funds for various fictitious reasons. Jabin Okpako received a sentence of 87 months’ imprisonment and Christine Okpako received a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment.
The Middle District also charged five New York men, Josiah DeJesus, age 20, Jashua Noboa-Nival, age 20, Yeurys Peguero-Rosario, age 22, Ramon Peguero-Rosario, age 19, and Nelson Rivas-Bello, age 27, for their participation in a “Grandparent” mail fraud scheme. The indictment alleged that defendants traveled from New York to various locations in Pennsylvania, including addresses in Luzerne and Lackawanna County, and picked up UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash sent by elderly victims under the false pretense that their grandchildren had been arrested and were in immediate need of money. The victims sent the money after receiving fraudulent phone calls made by the named defendants’ co-conspirators, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as a public defender representing the victims’ grandchildren.
As part of the Middle District’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. This year, we partnered with the FBI and AARP to reach approximately 4,000 seniors during an interactive telephone town hall which discussed the facts of the latest financial scams targeting seniors. The Middle District also took part in various senior expos in the district to help educate seniors on financial scams.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Its Role in Expanded Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to Protect Older AmericansRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced today that it is welcoming 14 additional federal prosecutors’ offices as they join the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and to bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice.
Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorney’s Offices including the Central District of California, the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice.
Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners across the District, have diligently pursued criminals who target and harm older adults, including in cases ranging from transnational romance scams, investment schemes, and even the kidnapping of a local older adult,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Members of our elder justice team also regularly conduct outreach to educate local seniors and to help them avoid new scams. Our goal is to protect our community from economic exploitation by providing information on how to avoid becoming a victim. When that fails, however, we will use all of our tools to investigate crimes that target our most vulnerable residents and vigorously prosecute those responsible for elder abuse.”
The Strike Force expansion will further enhance the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
This past year, the elder justice cases the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles prosecuted included:
- Paul Ricky Mata, 59, a former Upland-based financial advisor now serving a 14-year federal prison sentence for committing a real estate investment scam that caused his clients – many of them elderly people who had invested their retirement savings – to lose more than $12 million.
- George Ugochukwu Egwumba, 47, of Cypress, and Princewell Arinze Duru, 33, of Sacramento, who are scheduled to be sentenced on October 17 after a federal jury found them guilty on June 15 of criminal charges for participating in an extensive, long-lasting, multimillion-dollar conspiracy – much of it committed by Nigerian nationals – that perpetrated a wide variety of frauds, including those committed against elders.
- Anuj Mahendrabhai Patel, 32, of Lake Elsinore, is serving a nine-year federal prison sentence for participating in an international fraud scheme in which he helped collect more than $550,000 in cash conned out of elderly victims by other co-conspirators pretending to be federal agents threatening the victims with arrest on bogus warrants.
As part of the Central District of California’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. In April 2022, our district's Elder Justice Coordinator gave a presentation to an audience of older adults at a local NGO's “Senior Safety Summit,” identifying the most reported scams currently targeting older adults, explaining cryptocurrency's role in prevalent scams, and providing tips on how to spot and hopefully avoid falling for any scam.
The Central District of California is comprised of approximately 20 million residents and the seven counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
The Department of Justice today also highlighted two other efforts, including success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes. Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina Takes Part in Department's Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King joins the Justice Department in announcing today the results of the Department’s efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Financial predators view older adults as a target rich environment,” said U.S. Attorney King. “The increased presence of elderly individuals online offers ample opportunities for fraudsters to perpetrate financial scams on older victims and steal their hard-earned money. Investigating and prosecuting bad actors who engage in the financial exploitation of older Americans is a priority for my office. I also urge older adults, family members, and caretakers to be on the lookout for schemes targeting the elderly. Prevention and education is the best way to ensure older adults are protected from this appalling criminal activity. Reporting financial scams is equally important. If you are the victim of a scam or suspect an older individual is being financially victimized take action and report the fraud,” King added.
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. During that time frame, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina has taken federal action through the filing of criminal or civil cases involving financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors.
In August 2022, a Liberian national was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in an online romance scam that targeted older adults. In June 2022, a home health provider was ordered to serve 45 months in prison for stealing more than $1 million from two elderly clients. In March 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the successful forfeiture and return of stolen cryptocurrency to an elderly individual victimized by a government imposter scam. Additionally, in May 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained a final forfeiture order for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cryptocurrency, which will be returned to an elderly victim of a romance/investment scheme. Furthermore, in December 2021, the Court ordered the forfeiture of a property purchased with the fraud proceeds perpetrated by the purported caregivers of an elderly victim. In addition to securing prison sentences for the perpetrators of the fraud, the Justice Department agreed to return the forfeited assets to the victim’s estate.
As part of its efforts to stem the tide of elder financial fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to engage in outreach to the community to raise awareness about financial scams. Last week, U.S. Attorney King hosted a scam alert seminar at the Rutherford County Senior Center, during which participants were presented important information about financial fraud. Following the presentation, the participants engaged in a game of “Fraud Bingo,” a fun activity designed to deliver information and practical tips on how to prevent the financial exploitation and victimization of older adults by scammers.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-866 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee Takes Part in Department's Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.
“We are committed to holding individuals accountable for criminally targeting older adult victims through fraudulent schemes,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “As with all successful law enforcement initiatives, our collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners is essential to protecting our community’s older adults against scams.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
On April 6, 2022, in the Eastern District of Tennessee, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging five Jamaican nationals with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, in case number 3:22-CR-33. According to the indictment, the scheme involved contacting an elderly individual by mail and informing her that she had won more than $3 million through the Golden Casket International Sweepstakes. In subsequent phone calls, the victim was directed to make a series of payments to cover purported taxes and fees associated with her winnings. Prior to the defendants’ apprehension, more than $600,000 had been taken from the victim.
The trial of the five defendants is scheduled to begin on January 10, 2023, before the Honorable Judge Thomas A. Varlan, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The lead investigating agencies are the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Lenoir City Police Department.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims, and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and it’s aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal Judge described such scams "heartbreakingly evil." The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or (833) 372-8311. This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Young Calls Attention to Elder Fraud Scams and Available Government ResourcesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – In connection with a nationwide effort to bring attention to elder fraud scams, United States Attorney Jane E. Young made the following statement today, “It is paramount that we protect our elder adults from scams targeted to steal their hard-earned assets. A critical tool in combatting the scammers is education and available resources for our elder adults to access when they are asked to send money or provide personal information over the phone or via email. Scams to take advantage and exploit our seniors can take many forms, but they share a common theme—to separate seniors from the money and property they have worked their lives to obtain,” said U.S. Attorney Young. Some of the more prevalent schemes are:
- Social Security Administration Imposters – Imposters contact prospective victims by telephone and falsely claim that the victim’s Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it has been involved in a crime. They ask to confirm the victim’s Social Security number, or they may say they need to withdraw money from the victim’s bank and to store it on gift cards or in other unusual ways for “safekeeping.” Victims may be told their accounts will be seized or frozen if they fail to act quickly.
- Romance Scams—Imposters use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to target unsuspecting seniors. They create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money. An online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist. Romance Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators. Sometimes, perpetrators of Romance Scams convince victims to serve as money mules, receiving illegal proceeds of crime and forwarding those proceeds to perpetrators. For example, Romance Scam victims often are induced to receive payments and/or goods such as technology equipment procured through fraud and to forward those payments and goods directly or indirectly to perpetrators.
- Tech Support Scams—Fraudsters make telephone calls and claim to be computer technicians associated with a well-known company or they may use internet pop-up messages to warn about non-existent computer problems. The scammers claim they have detected viruses, other malware, or hacking attempts on the victim’s computer. They pretend to be “tech support” and ask that the victim give them remote access to his or her computer. Eventually, they diagnose a non-existent problem and ask the victim to pay large sums of money for unnecessary – or even harmful – services. Tech Support Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules (including legitimate-seeming businesses registered in the U.S.) to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.
- Lottery Scams—Fraudulent telemarketers based in foreign countries are calling people in the U.S., telling them that they have won a sweepstakes or foreign lottery. The fraudulent telemarketers typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials, or lottery representatives, and tell people they have won vacations, cars or thousands — even millions — of dollars. “Winners” need only pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. Victims pay hundreds or thousands of dollars and receive nothing in return, and often are revictimized until they have no money left. Lottery Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.
- IRS Imposter Scams—Scammers aggressively target taxpayers, claiming to be employees of the IRS, but are not. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a wire transfer or stored value card such as a gift card. Victims who refuse to cooperate are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver’s license. IRS Imposter Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-866 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
More information about today’s national announcement regarding the Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud can be found at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-expands-transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force-protect-older-americans.
U.S. Attorney Parker launches environmental justice initiativeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today the creation of an environmental justice initiative in the Southern District of Ohio.
Members of the public may now report potential environmental violations by emailing [email protected].
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio is committed to enforcing all environmental laws and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all Ohioans,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.
This includes addressing any violation concerning discriminatory environmental and health impacts.
“Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to developing, implementing and enforcing environmental law,” U.S. Attorney Parker added. “We are committed to ensuring that all individuals receive equal protection under environmental laws, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income.”
Other potential environmental violations may involve topics such as air quality, drinking water, asbestos, lead paint, dangerous workplace conditions, endangered species or chemicals harming wildlife.
For more details, see the environmental justice information sheet now available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website at: justice.gov/usao-sdoh. The sheet contains contact information for several federal agencies including U.S. EPA, OSHA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FDA, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam Cullman serves as the District’s Environmental Justice Coordinator.
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U.S. Attorney Parker announces cases involved in National Elder Justice SweepRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today that nine prosecutions in the Southern District of Ohio are included in the Department of Justice’s National Elder Justice Sweep. The initiative also includes outreach within the Southern District of Ohio to connect with the District’s senior citizens.
“Elder fraud schemes can be devastating to senior citizen victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “My office is firmly committed to working with the community to prevent these crimes, and to using all available tools – both civil and criminal – to address those who prey on the trust and emotions of some of our most vulnerable people in the community.”
U.S. Attorney Parker announced his office is partnering with AARP Ohio to conduct outreach to senior citizens located in the Southern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is distributing materials to AARP members about how to prevent elder abuse, the types of abuse and resources for reporting suspected fraud.
“There were more than $86 million in scam losses reported in Ohio last year, but the true cost is much higher,” said AARP Ohio State Director Holly Holtzen. “AARP Ohio is working hard to help people spot and avoid these criminal scams, but education alone is not enough. We are proud to partner with the Department of Justice and commend their efforts to stand up for seniors and bring these criminals to justice.”
The national law enforcement sweep announced today includes filed cases with events happening between Sept. 1, 2021, and Sept. 16, 2022.
The cases in the Southern District of Ohio include romance scams, investment fraud, embezzlement, marketing scams and government imposters.
Romance Scams
In U.S. v. Seth Nyamekye, the defendant and co-conspirators created profiles on online dating sites and cultivated romantic relationships with elderly victims who they then convinced to send money for investments that did not exist. A federal jury convicted Nyamekye of 35 counts of money laundering and related fraud counts in June 2022 following a two-week trial in Columbus.
Defendants related to U.S. v. Samuel Antwi committed a similar online romance fraud scheme. In this case, the eight co-conspirators convinced victims to send money or to share their personal financial information. The defendants in this case, which was filed in Columbus, have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging form 18 months to 42 months.
In the Cincinnati case U.S. v. Delove Kofi Amuzu, Amuzu and others led victims to believe they were in romantic relationships and needed money for things such as medical bills, plane tickets and other valuable items. Amuzu was indicted in January 2022 and his charges remain pending.
Investment Fraud Scams
Shahiydullah Binraymond was sentenced in Columbus in April 2022 to 44 months in prison for defrauding an elderly couple. Binraymond executed a sophisticated scheme to get the victims to transfer real estate property to him.
In Dayton, Steven L. Humphrey pleaded guilty in May 2022 to committing wire fraud and defrauding an elderly victim of $1 million. Humphrey convinced the elderly victim to invest approximately $250,000 in rubber, classic cars and bitcoin. In fact, Humphrey was using the money for automobiles, clothes, fishing gear and firearms.
Embezzlement
Mark Alan Thomas pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus in June 2022 to mail fraud. Thomas stole more than half a million dollars from an elderly victim with dementia while acting as the woman’s power of attorney.
Marketing Scam
In U.S. v. Mary-Helene Massullo, D.O., which was indicted in August 2022, telemarketers allegedly targeted Medicare and Medicaid recipients as part of a pain cream scheme. It is alleged that Massullo authorized authorized pain creams for recipients without ever seeing or examining them. The victims were then harassed with telemarketing calls.
Government Imposters
In February 2022, Sagarkumar Patel pleaded guilty to mail fraud crimes. In this case, call center scammers identifying themselves as government officials contacted elderly victims and convinced them that warrants would be issued for their arrest unless the victims mailed the scammers large sums of money.
In U.S. v. Christopher Thornton, the defendant called an elderly victim claiming to be a federal officer who was collecting delinquent taxes and fees on the victim’s property. Thornton told the victim if she did not pay immediately her property would be seized by the government. The defendant signed a pretrial diversion agreement in March 2022.
Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Affeldt is the Elder Justice Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Affeldt and Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Garcia, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Noah R. Litton, Rob Painter, Timothy Prichard, S. Courter Shimeall and David Twombly represented the United States in these cases.
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U.S Attorney’s Office Announces Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“The targeting of elderly and vulnerable populations through fraud schemes is a significant threat and we simply must build on our efforts to combat this disgraceful conduct,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The expansion of Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force is another tool to help us work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute those who shamelessly look to cheat seniors out of their money, security, and peace of mind.”
From September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases of targeting elderly victims, involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
One example, from the Eastern District of Kentucky, was the extradition and conviction of Adedunmola Gbadegesin, 34, from Nigeria. He was charged along with three others, Olatunbosun Oluwakayode Ajayi, 40, of Atlanta, Otunuya Ineh Eqwem Livingstone, 46, of Houston, and Ismaila Fafunmi, 36, of Indianapolis, with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Gbadegesin and his co-conspirators collaborated to create fake online dating profiles, posted to online dating websites. As part of the conspiracy, they engaged in online chats, emails, and telephone calls with unwitting victims, who were located in the United States, including one in Lexington. The conspiracy employed others in the United States to receive money from the intended victims and transport that money back to Nigeria, through various means.
Additionally, with cooperation from local, state, and federal partners, the Eastern District of Kentucky has prioritized combatting elder financial exploitation. An example of that cooperation among law enforcement is the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, which brings together the resources of federal, state, and local agencies involved in protecting the elderly. For more information on the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, including how to report abuses, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/elder-justice-task-force.
Nationwide, the Department highlighted three efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims, and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has also notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Similarly, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two women indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tanisha Porter, of Newman, California, and Penny Marie Banky, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, were indicted today on methamphetamine charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Porter, also known as “T,” 43, and Banky, 68, were charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Porter and Banky are accused of working together to sell five grams or more of methamphetamine in June 2022 in Wetzel County and elsewhere.
Porter and Banky each face at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to 5 million for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Members of the Aryan Circle Convicted of Violent Crimes in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted two members of the Aryan Circle yesterday for violent crimes in aid of racketeering, specifically assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and attempted murder.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, William Glenn Chunn, aka Big Head, 39, of Humble, Texas, and Aaron Matthew Rentfrow, aka Mongo, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were members of the Aryan Circle, a race-based and violent prison gang with hundreds of members operating throughout the country, both inside and outside of prisons. The Aryan Circle enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates through threats, intimidation, and acts of violence including, but not limited to, acts involving assault and murder. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.
“The Department of Justice will do everything in its power to protect victims of violent crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These convictions demonstrate the Department’s commitment to holding white supremacist gangs, like the Aryan Circle, accountable for the acts of violence they commit and seeking justice for those victimized.”
On Aug. 17, 2017, Chunn, who is one of the five highest-ranking Aryan Circle leaders in the nation, along with other Aryan Circle leaders and Rentfrow, who was an Aryan Circle prospect at the time, carried out an attack on an inmate at USP Yazoo City, Mississippi. According to evidence presented at trial, Chunn, through his chain of command, ordered Rentfrow to stab the victim to earn membership into the Aryan Circle. Chunn ordered the attack because the victim was homosexual. Rentfrow complied with Chunn’s order and committed the attack. The victim sustained severe injuries from the attack including rib fractures, multiple puncture wounds to his chest, lacerations to his face and head, and a collapsed lung requiring a chest tube. Rentfrow became a member of the Aryan Circle as a result of this attack.
“Violent crimes committed in our prison systems will be prosecuted, period,” said U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi. “Gangs, such as the Aryan Circle, that prey upon fellow inmates and society have no place in or outside of prisons. Our office is proud to have assisted the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and ATF in providing this measure of justice.”
“Our communities deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent gangs like the Aryan Circle,” said Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “The convictions today are an example of ATF’s priorities to target individuals and organizations that plague our communities with violence. ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to pursue violent criminals and hold them accountable.”
Chunn and Rentfrow were convicted of violent crimes in aid of racketeering assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and violent crimes in aid of racketeering attempted murder. Chunn and Rentfrow are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18, 2023, and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The ATF, BOP, and DEA investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Lakeita F. Rox-Love and Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael FiggsGanter for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Two Durham Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Murder of Nine-Year-Old Z’yon PersonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – Two Durham men were sentenced today in Greensboro to imprisonment for life for multiple offenses related to the murder of nine-year-old Z’yon Person in Durham, North Carolina on August 18, 2019.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Antonio Nathaniel Davenport, Jr., 27, also known as “Lil Tony,” and Derrick Lamont Dixon, Jr., 30, also known as “Smacc,” were members of the Eight Trey Gangster Crips criminal street gang. Members of the gang committed shootings targeting rival gang members. They also trafficked drugs, committed bank fraud, and intimidated witnesses. Davenport was also a member of the Durham-based rap music group “83 Babies,” so named for the “Eight Trey” Gangster Crips. The rap group promoted the gang, rapping about gang life, gun violence, and drug distribution.
On August 14, 2019, rival gang members assaulted Davenport at the Streets at Southpoint mall in Durham. They posted a video of the assault on Instagram and taunted him and the Eight Trey Gangster Crips. Davenport and Dixon then conspired with fellow gang members, including Dival Nygee Magwood, 24, also known as “Paco,” to retaliate. On the evening of August 14, 2019, Dixon, Magwood, and others committed a drive-by shooting in south Durham.
In the days following, Davenport exchanged threatening messages with a rival gang member on Instagram and messages with fellow gang members plotting revenge. On Sunday August 18, 2019, Davenport, Dixon, and Magwood drove to an area in north Durham they knew to be frequented by rival gang members. Davenport was armed with a 9mm handgun, Dixon with a .40 caliber handgun, and Magwood with an assault-style 7.62mm pistol. At approximately the same time, 8:30 pm, nine-year-old Z’yon Person was riding in his aunt’s car with four other children on their way to get sno-cones. Davenport, Dixon, and Magwood misidentified the car as a rival gang member’s, specifically the car used by the individual with whom Davenport had exchanged the threatening Instagram messages the day before.
Davenport followed the car down Leon Street to the intersection at North Duke Street and slowed as he passed. He and Dixon opened fire on the car, discharging at least five 9mm rounds and seventeen .40 caliber rounds, hitting the car multiple times. Two bullets pierced the window that Z’yon Person was seated next to where he was struck in the head and killed. His eight-year-old cousin, seated next to him, was struck in the arm.
At the time, Davenport was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor because of pending domestic violence charges. The location data placed him at the murder scene, as well as at Dixon’s and Magwood’s homes prior to the shooting and following it, and at other locations relevant to the planning and cover-up. A surveillance camera at a middle school captured Davenport’s Honda as it followed the victims’ car immediately prior to the shooting. Shortly after the murder, Davenport paid to have his car painted black. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun from Davenport’s girlfriend’s car, and forensic firearms examination linked the handgun to the murder.
“Words are woefully insufficient to describe the heinous violence that resulted in the loss of Z’yon’s life,” said U. S. Attorney Sandra Hairston. I am grateful to the Durham Police Department, the FBI, and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in the pursuit of justice for Z’yon and his family.”
Dixon pled guilty on May 11, 2021 in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit acts of racketeering and one count of violent crime, that is, murder, in aid of racketeering. Davenport was convicted, on July 7, 2022, after a jury trial, of one count of violent crime, that is, murder, in aid of racketeering, one count of discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.
Davenport was previously convicted of Second-Degree Burglary, Felony Larceny, and Flee/Elude Arrest in 2016 in Durham County. Dixon was convicted of multiple felonies in 2012 in Durham County, including Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Breaking and Entering.
"We hope these life sentences bring some sense of justice to all of those who loved Z’yon. It is unfathomable a 9-year-old boy lost his life due to gang violence. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their tireless work,” said Michael C. Scherck, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
“The death of Z’yon Person was a tragedy that impacted many in our community. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina for their hard work to hold those responsible accountable,” said Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry. “From the beginning, this case has involved tremendous interagency cooperation – between Durham police, federal law enforcement, federal prosecutors and Assistant District Attorney Kendra Montgomery- Blinn in the Durham DA’s Office – exemplifying the strong collaboration between our agencies and our shared commitment in responding to violence. Today, my thoughts are with Z’yon’s family. I hope this outcome provides some closure to those who knew and loved him.”
“Many Durham County residents have cried out for justice in this case since the senseless and tragic murder of Z’yon Person happened in 2019,” said Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead. “Here we are, three years later, and justice has been served – with the intervention of federal authorities to charge, successfully prosecute, and sentence both Antonio Davenport and Derrick Dixon. It sends a clear signal to those who continue committing the gun violence terrorizing our communities – we will identify you, and you will be held accountable. My office will continue partnering with local, state, and federal law enforcement to make Durham County safe. I am pleased to see in this specific case, our partnership is working. It is moments like these that remind us we must keep working together to combat crime, specifically gun violence, as we strive to protect and serve all residents of Durham County.”
“We are thankful for the work of our Durham Police Department employees and federal partners,” said Durham Police Chief Patrice V. Andrews. “Without their efforts, this successful prosecution would not have been possible.”
U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston made the announcement, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys JoAnna G. McFadden and Eric L. Iverson. The prosecution was coordinated with the Durham County District Attorney’s Office. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force and the Durham Police Department with assistance from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
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Two Defendants Plead Guilty; Four Others Charged in International Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead 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 Vishal Kamal Chhabria, 41, of Lake Forest, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2018, and March 16, 2022, Chhabria conspired with others to commit marriage fraud. Chhabria, a licensed attorney, provided legal representation to fraudulently married couples when they petitioned U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services for a Green Card for the foreign national spouse, knowing the couples were in a “contract marriage,” for the sole purpose of obtaining a Green Card. Chhabria assisted the couples in completing necessary forms with false representations, gathering, manufacturing and submitting false documentation, coaching the couples to falsely hold themselves out as legitimately married and evade detection by officials at CIS interviews, and personally accompany the couples to their CIS interviews. Chhabria submitted more than six packages containing false documents for Green Cards based on fraudulent marriages. Chhabria is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
In addition, Delaina Shaw, 36, of Pomfret Center, Connecticut, also pleaded guilty before Judge Sinatra to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Shaw served as a marriage broker, connecting foreign nationals from India seeking legal permanent resident status in the U.S. with U.S. citizens willing to enter a fraudulent marriage for payment. Shaw made the arrangements for the foreign national and U.S. citizen to obtain a marriage license, participated in the marriage ceremony, and then prepared CIS forms and supporting documents for submission to CIS on behalf of the application for a Green Card. In exchange for her role as a broker, Shaw was compensated with thousands of dollars for every marriage she facilitated. In April 2018, Shaw entered a “contract marriage” of her own with a male foreign national born in India.
A federal grand jury has also returned an indictment charging three defendants with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and marriage fraud. Named in the indictment are:
• Amelia Adams, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts;
• Barbara Yater, 43, of Norwich, Connecticut; and
• Vivek Patel, 32, a citizen of the UK and resident of North Carolina.According to the indictment, on July 10, 2019, defendant Adams married an individual she believed to be a foreign national born India, for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. The foreign national was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer. After the marriage ceremony, Adams posed for staged photographs with the undercover officer to be used in the petition for a Green Card. In September 2020, Adams executed false estate planning documents, such as a will and power of attorney for use as supporting documentation to be submitted to CIS. She also met with the undercover officer to create and rehearse fictitious details of her marriage in preparation for a CIS interview the following day. In October 2020, and May 2021, defendants Yater and Patel also married individuals they believed were foreign nationals for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. Each of the alleged foreign nationals were undercover law enforcement officers.
Two additional defendants, Dishant Patel, 24, and Shweta Patel, 23, citizens of India living in Indianapolis, Indiana, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. According to the complaint, in January 2022, Dishant Patel and Shweta Patel entered into fraudulent marriages at Hamburg, NY, Town Hall in the Western District of New York in order to apply for a Green Card. Once again, the marriages were to undercover law enforcement officers.
The pleas, indictment and complaint are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Chicago Field Office under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Karen Whalen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty After Chasing a Store Clerk while Wielding a KnifeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who chased a store clerk with a knife pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jack Charles Welty, 50, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country. According to the plea agreement, Welty will serve 38 months in federal prison for the crime pending approval from a federal judge at the time of sentencing.
Welty admitted that on July 3, 2022, he assaulted a clerk at a Family Dollar Store located on Utica Street. Welty initially attempted to enter the store before it was opened then waited outside behind a pillar. When the store clerk took a break outside, Welty demanded the clerk give him a cigarette, attempted to cut the victim’s face with a knife and then chased the victim in the parking lot with the knife, threating him. Welty admitted that he only stopped when the clerk threw a cigarette toward him.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case.
Tri-Cities Rancher Sentenced to Eleven Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $244 Million in Restitution for “Ghost Cattle” FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant Sentenced in the Largest-Ever Criminal Fraud Scheme in the Eastern District of Washington
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Cody Allen Easterday, age 51, of Mesa, Washington, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastian to serve 132-months in federal prison for defrauding Tyson Foods Inc. (Tyson Foods) and another company out of more than $244 million by charging them for approximately 265,000 head of cattle that did not exist. Easterday entered into a guilty plea on March 31, 2021 to wire fraud for his $244 million “ghost cattle” scam, which is one of the largest-ever fraud schemes in the Eastern District of Washington.
At Easterday’s sentencing, Chief Judge Bastian remarked, this case involves “the biggest theft or fraud I’ve seen in my career – and the biggest I ever hope to see.” Chief Judge Bastian further remarked to Easterday that “you destroyed” the very “empire you spent so much time building. It all came to a collapse because of what you have done.” Chief Judge Bastian ordered Easterday to pay $244,031,132 in restitution, subject to offsets Easterday already paid, and imposed a three-year period of supervised release after Easterday is released from federal prison.
According to court documents and information disclosed during court proceedings, Easterday and the business he led, Easterday Ranches Inc., entered into agreements with Tyson Foods and another company (collectively the Victim Companies), whereby Easterday Ranches agreed to purchase and feed cattle on behalf of the Victim Companies. Under these agreements, the Victim Companies advanced Easterday Ranches the costs of buying and raising the cattle. After the cattle were slaughtered and sold at market price, Easterday Ranches would repay the costs advanced – plus interest and certain other costs. Easterday Ranches would then keep as profit the amount the sale price exceeded what was repaid to the Victim Companies.
Over a period of approximately four years, however, Easterday and his company collected hundreds of millions of dollars from the Victim Companies for more than a quarter million heads of cattle that Easterday and Easterday Ranches never purchased, raised, or fed. The fact is, none of these cattle ever existed; yet, Easterday and his company collected approximately $244 million for the purported costs of purchasing and raising these 265,000 “ghost cattle.”
As set forth in court filings, Easterday used most of the fraud proceeds to cover approximately $200 million in losses Easterday incurred from commodity futures trading on behalf of Easterday Ranches. In connection with these losses, Easterday also defrauded the CME Group Inc. (CME), which operates the world’s largest financial derivatives exchange, by submitting false paperwork, thereby exempting Easterday Ranches from certain position limits in live cattle futures contracts.The remainder of the $244 million Easterday stole from the Victim Companies went toward Easterday’s personal use and for the benefit of the Easterday farming empire – an empire that, by 2020, included more than 22,000 acres of farmland, 150 employees, revenues of over $250,000,000, and even a private plane and hangar.
“The Criminal Division is committed to holding those who carry out fraudulent schemes accountable, especially those that are complex, long-running, and seriously affect our nation’s food industry and commodities market,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “No one is above the law. Mr. Easterday amassed significant personal wealth, yet, he wanted more, so he defrauded his victims of nearly a quarter billion dollars by charging for cattle that never existed.” She continued, “But for the combined and incredible efforts of our law enforcement team, today’s sentence and the $240,000,00- restitution award – one of the largest in our District’s history – would not have been possible. Fraud has a debilitating impact on society by draining our communities’ limited resources. Accordingly, we will continue to prosecute fraudsters to the fullest extent so we can keep our communities safe and strong in Washington State and throughout our great Nation.”
Shortly after Easterday’s massive fraud was uncovered, Easterday Ranches and another of his companies, Easterday Farms, Inc., went into bankruptcy in the matter In re Easterday Ranches, Inc. et al., No. 21-00141-11 (Bankr. E.D. Wa.). Over the following year and a half, Easterday’s companies and their assets, including large amounts of real property, heavy farm equipment, and even aircraft, were liquidated in one of the largest bankruptcy cases in Eastern Washington history. Through the bankruptcy proceedings, the Victim Companies were able to recover approximately $65 million.
“The scale and brazenness of Mr. Easterday’s fraud is immense,” said Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Donovan, who handled restitution and bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the United States. “The amount he stole – nearly a quarter of a billion dollars – would have funded the combined police, courts, and fire department budget of Yakima, which is a city of nearly 100,000 people, for more than four years. Mr. Easterday’s greed destroyed his family’s farming empire and harmed innocent victims.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group (USPISCI). The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Avi Perry and Assistant Chief John “Fritz” Scanlon of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section as well as Brian M. Donovan and Russell E. Smoot, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Tracy Woman Indicted in Fraud Scheme to Steal California Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kaymeisha Keyes, 30, most recently of Tracy, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment on Aug. 11, 2022 , charging her with wire fraud, mail fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between April 2020 and August 2021, Keyes executed a scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD) by filing over 70 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD, seeking Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. During the scheme, Keyes collected personally identifiable information of numerous individuals — including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers — and used their identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. The filings represented, among other things, that the claimants had recently lost employment or were unable to find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These unemployment insurance claims were fraudulent because, for example, the claimants were not unemployed, they were not eligible for California unemployment insurance benefits, or Keyes did not have authority to file claims on their behalf.
Since at least October 2021, EDD has partnered with ID.me — a private company used by the EDD for ID verification of claimants — to implement a system for verifying claimant identities before EDD can process unemployment insurance claims.
In executing this fraudulent scheme, Keyes also submitted false information to ID.me that allowed fake and stolen identities to be verified. This false information included images of fake driver’s licenses that contained photos of Keyes and co-schemers and the names of the purported claimants. She also submitted photos of herself and co-schemers that were used to verify the photos on the fake driver’s licenses. Once these false identities were verified, Keyes filed the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD under the same identities.
In the fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, Keyes requested that the unemployment insurance benefits be mailed to various addresses under her control, including her residence in Tracy. EDD approved dozens of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits. Keyes then activated the EDD debit cards and spent the benefits on herself. The scheme sought over $2 million in unemployment insurance benefits and caused EDD and the United States to incur actual losses exceeding $1.1 million.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of Correctional Safety, and the California Employment Development Department (EDD) – Investigation Division, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Keyes faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the 14 wire and mail fraud counts. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the access device fraud count, and she faces a two-year mandatory prison sentence if convicted of aggravated identity theft, which must run consecutive to any sentence received on the other counts. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was prosecuted as part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, one of three interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Three Southeast Texas Felons Guilty of Firearms Offenses in Separate IncidentsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas– Three Southeast Texas men have pleaded guilty to firearms offenses in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Michael Lawrence Geral, Jr., 35, of Orange; Joseph Jarred Thibodeaux, also known as Pitt, 34, of Orange; and Eric Emerson, 52, of Beaumont, each pleaded guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm in separate hearings today before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Dec. 13, 2021, Geral was stopped for a traffic violation by officers with the Orange Police Department. As officers spoke with Geral, they smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a firearm which Geral admitted was his. Geral is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
On March 7, 2022, law enforcement officers with the Orange Police Department responded to an incident where Thibodeaux was said to have fired several shots from his vehicle towards another vehicle in Orange, some of which hit another vehicle. Officers arrested Thibodeaux and a search of his vehicle revealed a firearm under the driver’s seat and several used shell casings. Thibodeaux was also found to be a previously convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
On March 28, 2022, law enforcement officers with the Beaumont Police Department responded to a call of a burglary alarm going off at a local business located on West Cardinal Drive, in Beaumont. When officers arrived at the business, they observed a lone vehicle parked near the business. Emerson exited the vehicle. As officers investigated the scene, they observed a firearm on the passenger seat of the vehicle Emerson had exited. Further investigation revealed Emerson was a previously convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
The defendants each face up to 10 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
These cases were prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau fo Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orange Police Department, and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Three Philadelphia-Area Men Charged in Connection with USPS Arrow Key, Mail Theft from Blue Collection BoxesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Sam Wolo, 21, of Philadelphia, PA; Bruno Nyanue, 20, also of Philadelphia, PA; and Gransae Manue, 20, of Clifton Heights, PA; were arrested and charged by Indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit mail theft, possession of stolen mail, and robbery of a postal carrier. The charges arise from the defendants’ alleged schemes to steal checks from the United States mail, and to then fraudulently alter and deposit the stolen checks.
The Indictment specifically alleges that, on December 22, 2021, Wolo, Nyanue, and Manue forcibly robbed a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier of his Arrow Key, a USPS key used by letter carriers to access USPS blue collection boxes along their routes. The Arrow Key stolen by Wolo, Nyanue, and Manue opened USPS collection boxes in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, which the defendants used repeatedly to steal mail from boxes in that area.
As alleged in the Indictment, between December 2021 and February 2022, the co-conspirators “washed” and altered checks they stole from the mail that belonged to victims who had mailed checks in Drexel Hill. The defendants altered the stolen checks to make them payable to third parties, often in amounts greater than the checks’ original value, without the victims’ knowledge or consent. As part of the scheme, the defendants deposited the fraudulently washed and altered checks into those third-party accounts, and in at least some instances, withdrew some of the fraudulently deposited funds. The Indictment further alleges that approximately 370 stolen checks and nine stolen money orders were recovered from defendant Wolo’s apartment. The Arrow Key stolen by the defendants from the USPS letter carrier in Drexel Hill, as well as two stolen checks and two money orders, were also recovered from defendant Wolo’s vehicle. Altogether, the value of stolen checks and money orders recovered from defendant Wolo’s apartment and car totaled more than $171,000.
“The United States Postal Service provides an essential service to nearly every American, often conveying income, bills and expenses which are the basis of many livelihoods,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “If you choose to tamper with or steal U.S. mail for any reason, you can be assured that the federal government will conduct an intensive investigation and aggressive prosecution, as we intend to in this case.”
“People continue to use and rely on the U.S. Mail to pay bills, conduct business, send letters and cards, and send and receive goods, among other things,” said Raimundo Marreo, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “They should be able do these things without fear that their mail will be stolen. Investigating mail theft and violence against mail carriers are core missions of the Postal Inspection Service and we will work tirelessly, with our partners in local law enforcement and in state and federal prosecutors offices, to investigate and prosecute individuals who commit violence against Postal employees and who steal the mail. I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and investigators from the Upper Darby Police Department for their help in investigating and prosecuting this case against these three individuals.”
If convicted, defendant Wolo faces a maximum of 236 years in prison, defendant Nyanue faces a maximum of 64 years in prison, and defendant Manue faces a maximum of 172 years in prison. All three defendants could face fines of at least $3 million, with defendant Wolo facing a possible fine of up to $8.5 million.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Upper Darby Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Castilla Geiger.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas Joins Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to Protect Older AmericansRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced today that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force as one of 14 additional U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice.
Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the states of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Older adults are often exploited and victimized by fraud schemes that deplete their financial resources at a time in their lives when those resources are most needed and most often irreplaceable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We are committed to pursuing justice for older adults throughout communities in the Western District of Texas. We look forward to working with other members of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force and our state and local law enforcement partners in this pursuit.”
The Strike Force expansion will further enhance of the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
This past year, the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas prosecuted, Harry Cole, a Nigerian citizen, who was involved in a fraudulent “sweepstakes” scheme that targeted the elderly with losses in excess of $260 million. Cole was sentenced to 166 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $850,000 and to pay $111,870.25 in restitution. The San Antonio Division prosecuted Scherry Lynn Moses, an adult day care owner, for fleecing elderly victims out of their Medicaid and Social Security benefits. Moses was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,784,817.96 in restitution. The Court also entered a money judgment against Moses in the amount of $1,784,817.96, representing the proceeds that she obtained as part of the scheme.
The Department also highlighted two other efforts, including success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia Joins Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to Protect Older AmericansRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia today announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and to bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, as one of 14 additional U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the states of Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Texas, Arizona and California.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Our engagement in the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force comes at a time when we are seeing bad actors using any means necessary to criminally extract money from unsuspecting citizens here in the Middle District of Georgia and nationwide,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The scams are diabolical, robbing money and dignity from people who have worked and sacrificed a lifetime. Working with our law enforcement partners in Georgia, our office will vigorously pursue federal prosecution against those intent on defrauding our elder citizens.”
The Strike Force expansion will further enhance of the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims and combat grandparent scams.
This past year, the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia pursued fraud cases targeting older Americans, including the recent prosecutions of individuals involved in a nationwide gift card scam. Hundreds of Americans, many elderly, were victimized as part of the larger scheme to criminally extract money from people. For more information about these prosecutions, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/two-defendants-plead-guilty-resulting-separate-investigations-complex-wal-mart-gift.
As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia ongoing elder fraud efforts, the office engages in outreach to the community to raise awareness about scams, exploitation and preventing victimization. The office has a dedicated Elder Justice Fraud Coordinator—Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Deitrick—who is focused on the successful prosecution of elder abuse cases, along with offering opportunities for education and training. Citizen groups and law enforcement agencies interested in learning more about training opportunities can contact Pam Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Middle District of Georgia, at [email protected].
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado Takes Part in Justice Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
DENVER – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. This past year, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado secured an order for more than $880,000 in restitution against two defendants who perpetrated a lottery scam on an elderly woman residing Estes Park, Colorado. The first defendant was convicted following a jury trial and received a sentence of 108 months in prison. The second defendant was extradited from his home country of Jamaica, elected to plead guilty, and received a sentence of 63 months in prison.
Additionally, this Office helped an elderly Arapahoe County resident recover $22,000 from an investment loan scheme. The defendant in that case was on federal probation after scamming an elderly victim in Oregon out of almost $3 million dollars and gambling all of the victim’s funds away. This year, the defendant pled guilty to violating his probation, including by engaging in gambling and by obtaining the unauthorized loans from the Arapahoe County victim. He was sentenced in an additional 12 months of prison and a further two years of probation.
The Office also charged three individuals with conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and interstate transmission of a threatening communication, in case which alleges that the defendants told the victims that their identities had been connected to a criminal incident and threatened them with arrest and/or deportation if they failed to pay the “Government” large sums of money, as instructed. That case is ongoing.
As part of the Office’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. This year, the District of Colorado is disseminating a public safety awareness video on grandparent scams, which are on the rise in this state and across the country.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 160,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $62 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Video news release on Grandparents Scam Warning: https://youtu.be/7PNeN1qWYb4
Texas Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Bereniz Cavazos, 31, formerly of Texas, has been sentenced to 5 years in federal
prison for possessing heroin with intent to distribute. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney,
announced the sentence today.According to information presented in court, on October 6, 2021, investigators with the West
Tennessee Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle Cavazos was occupying, along with her two minor
children. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 5 kilograms of heroin.A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Cavazos in October 2021. On May 17,
2022, Cavazos pled guilty to one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute in
violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841.On October 3, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cavazos to 5 years
imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal
system.This case was investigatedby the Shelby County West Tennessee Drug Task Force and the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA).Deputy Criminal Chief Michelle Kimbril-Parks represented the government at the sentencing hearing.
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Contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow
@WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
Texas Men Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Torres, age 27, and Luis Gonzalez, age 26, of Texas, were indicted by a federal grand jury for cocaine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Torres and Gonzalez with conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine on September 29, 2022.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:
fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Spring Hill Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced to 96 months imprisonment and four years of supervised release on charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Brandon Washington, age 36, formerly of the City’s Spring Hill neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, on March 4, 2021, Washington delivered a quantity of cocaine to an undercover narcotics detective with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in a hotel located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. On March 18, 2021, DEA agents and members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police executed federal search warrants on several rooms utilized by Washington in the same hotel where the undercover drug buy took place. During the search of the hotel rooms detectives located crack cocaine and a semi-auto handgun that was possessed by Washington in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brandon Washington.
Spencer Man Sentenced to More Than 19 years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on September 30, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
On February 18, 2022, Armando Silva Reyes, 55, from Spencer, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between January 2020 and February 2021, Silva Reyes and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute pounds of methamphetamine in Northern Iowa. On at least two separate occasions, Silva Reyes distributed more than a quarter pound of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. On February 3, 2021, defendant and others received approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine utilizing the United States Postal Service at the Spencer post office.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Silva Reyes was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Silva Reyes remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4040. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
South Georgia man sentenced to prison for distribution and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA: A Coffee County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after his conviction on child pornography charges.
Ashley Marshall Carter, 43, of Douglas, Ga., was sentenced to 180 months in prison after a U.S. District Court jury found him guilty in June 2022 of one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Carter to pay $11,000 in restitution, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 12 years of supervised release after completion of his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Ashley Carter was found guilty by a jury of his peers, and is being held accountable for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “We commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in identifying and removing these predators from our communities.”
As described in court, a task force officer working with Homeland Security Investigations identified electronic transfers of images of child exploitation originating from Carter’s Douglas address. During a subsequent search in February 2021, Carter was arrested after investigators removed multiple electronic devices from the home and identified more than 17,000 images of child pornography.
“This sentence should serve as a warning to those who are viewing, sharing or creating these disturbing images of children being abused,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners are committed to catching and prosecuting those involved in the exploitation of children.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Jeremiah L. Johnson.
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood. Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.
South Florida Resident Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Billy Joe Gann, Jr., 32, of Sebring, has been sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography.
Court records show that in June of 2021, Gann began chatting online with a person whom he believed to be a woman living with her young daughter in Wisconsin. During the chats, Gann sent images and a video of a seven-year-old in lascivious poses and discussed his role in the girl’s sexual molestation. Gann encouraged the woman he believed to be a Wisconsin mother, and like-minded predator, to get her 14-year-old daughter drunk and sexually assault her after she was passed out. Law enforcement officers arrested Gann soon after that chat.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert M. DeWitt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami, announced the sentence that U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg imposed yesterday in West Palm Beach.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
FBI Miami investigated the case with assistance from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Special Victims Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted it.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, case number is 21-cr-14034.
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Snapchat Gun Dealer Convicted of Unlawfully Manufacturing and Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma, 20, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to unlawful dealing and manufacturing firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Larrabure-Tuma used Snapchat to advertise guns for sale. During the investigation, Larrabure-Tuma sold guns to undercover officers and a confidential informant. Larrabure-Tuma, who could not legally purchase a gun in the state of California, ordered kits from the internet, including from a company called Polymer80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns he had manufactured. A search warrant was executed at Larrabure-Tuma’s residence in Sacramento and law enforcement officers found what appeared to be a firearm manufacturing operation, including partially complete firearms, firearm kits from Polymer80, firearm parts, tools for manufacturing and finishing firearms, firearm accessories, completed firearms, and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
Larrabure-Tuma is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 10, 2023. Larrabure-Tuma faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Siskiyou County Man and Minnesota Woman Sentenced in Bribery and Marijuana Growing CaseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chi Meng Yang, 36, of Montague, and Gaosheng Laitinen, 41, of St. Paul, Minnesota, were sentenced today for their respective roles in a bribery scheme aimed at protecting illicit marijuana grows in Siskiyou County from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Yang was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Laitinen was sentenced to time-served and a $50,000 fine to be followed by two years of supervised release.
On March 18, 2022, a federal jury had convicted Yang of bribery of a public official, conspiracy to commit bribery, and manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants. Shortly before the trial, in February 2022, Laitinen—Yang’s sister—pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.
According to evidence presented at trial, the charges arose from a four-month effort by Yang to bribe Jon Lopey, the elected sheriff of Siskiyou County, so that a county ordinance banning outdoor marijuana grows would not be enforced. As part of that scheme, Yang enlisted Laitinen to assist in structuring the scheme and developing a timeline for payments.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Sheriff Lopey and offered a million-dollar donation to the charity of the sheriff’s choice in exchange for the sheriff’s “friendship” and help with a lobbying effort to legalize medical marijuana in Missouri. Yang, a Siskiyou County resident, also purported to represent a group of local cannabis farmers. Believing he was being offered a bribe, Sheriff Lopey called the FBI, who recorded all of the meetings that followed.
At the outset, Yang explained he wanted “no enforcement” on the properties or the two water trucks that he used to water the marijuana grows. He offered the sheriff $5,000 per parcel for “protection,” with another $5,000 per parcel as a contribution to the sheriff’s re-election campaign. He made clear that he wanted the payments to be “private, discreet … anonymous.”
In total, Yang met with Sheriff Lopey seven times, with Laitinen present for two of these meetings. Together, Yang and Laitinen provided the sheriff with a list of eight properties that they wanted the sheriff not to raid. To guarantee the properties would not get raided before they could realize their profit, Yang and Laitinen offered $1,000 per property up front, with the remaining $4,000 in protection fees and $5,000 in re-election money to be paid after the harvest. They paid $8,000—in envelopes of cash—as the initial protection payment for each of the eight properties. They also gave the sheriff cash “bonuses” totaling $2,500.
Over time, Yang asked for favors outside the original protection scheme. He told the sheriff he wanted to add more marijuana plants to each property and to add greenhouses to his properties, so that he could grow marijuana throughout the year. He asked the sheriff to send his deputies to serve other growers with violation notices to get them to join the protection racket, and he even asked the sheriff to raid a rival grower’s operation. Moreover, Yang asked if the sheriff could prevent the California Highway Patrol from enforcing the law against his water trucks, and also asked for the sheriff’s help concerning a family member’s DUI arrest.
Eventually, FBI agents arrested Yang at a final meeting in Sheriff Lopey’s office on Aug. 31, 2017. That day, law enforcement teams eradicated the more than 1,000 marijuana plants that were found on the eight properties identified by Yang and Laitinen.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Land Management, the Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team, the Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force, the North State Marijuana Investigation Team, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Conolly and Aaron Pennekamp prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Beckwith, Kevin Khasigian, and Ross Pearson assisted in the prosecution.
SDTX takes part in wide-ranging efforts to protect older adultsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.
During the past year, DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made to return money to fraud victims. DOJ also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“ ‘Respect your elders’ is one of the most fundamental principles we are taught,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.” Sadly, however, all too often we see our most vulnerable senior citizens fall victim to fraud and/or abuse. From call center scams to theft, my office has worked diligently to hold such scammers accountable. We will continue these efforts as part of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force with the hope we can preserve the dignity of our beloved aging community.”
From September 2021 to September 2022, DOJ personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters DOJ tackled ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. There were also substantial efforts over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
In the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) over the past year, federal grand juries returned indictments in 10 cases involving more than 15 defendants. Loss amounts totaled approximately $38 million from elderly victims throughout the district.
As part of its elder fraud efforts, the SDTX also engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. For example, the SDTX conducted a podcast in conjunction with AARP and FBI in Spanish for elderly citizens in our communities. Additional Podcasts are planned this year.
DOJ also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
DOJ announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate DOJ’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, DOJ has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies DOJ prosecuted and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, DOJ has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, DOJ also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” AKA “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money.
When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams as “heartbreakingly evil.” DOJ is also working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. The Office for Victims of Crime manages the DOJ hotline. Experienced professionals provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps.
Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about DOJ’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Readout of Election Threats Task Force Briefing with Election Officials and Workers on Grant-Funding for Physical Election Security EnhancementsRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. convened a virtual discussion today with a bipartisan group of approximately 300 election officials and workers to brief them on available grant funding for physical security enhancements under federal programs and the potential applicability of state and local fiscal recovery funds under the American Rescue Plan.
Members of the election community heard directly from representatives from the State Administering Agencies responsible for administering federal grant funds that are available for increased physical election security in their respective states. Those states included Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, and Wisconsin. The election community also heard directly from representatives with the Department of Homeland Security’s Preparedness grants program, and from the Election Assistance Commission on the use of Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds. These federal and state representatives discussed points of contact, deadlines, and strategies for accessing various funding streams that can be used to enhance the physical security of the election community.
Finally, the election community received an update on the work of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, including a briefing from the FBI on communication and coordination with FBI Election Crime Coordinators in the lead up to the November election.
Joining Assistant Attorney General Polite in the briefing today was Principal Deputy Chief John Keller of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, FBI Special Agent Lindsay Capodilupo, FBI’s National Program Coordinator for the Election Crime Coordinator Program, and Michelle M. Garcia, Deputy Director for Programs at the department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for EscapeRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape from Custody was sentenced on September 27, 2022, by 8th Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in U.S. District Court.
James Charger, 25, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Charger was indicted for Escape from Custody by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022
Charger was in Bureau of Prisons custody serving a sentence for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. He was placed at the Community Education Center in Rapid City to finish serving his sentence as part of a re-entry process. He walked away and was found outside of Rapid City a few weeks later.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Charger was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
William Scott, age 31, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 3, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In February of 2022, at Rapid City, Scott, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, did knowingly possess an Iberia Firearms Incorporated, Hi-Point brand name, model JCP, .40 Smith & Wesson caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Scott came into contact with law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The charge is merely an accusation and Scott is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Scott was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Quincy Man Pleads Guilty to Currency CounterfeitingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to counterfeiting hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency.
Victor Cardona, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of counterfeiting U.S. currency, specifically, $100 bills. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2023. Cardona was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in October 2019 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2019.
During a search of Cardona’s residence in October 2019, federal agents found equipment and materials used to create counterfeit bills including inkjet printers, a shredder and a “counterfeit buster” detection pen. Agents also found four authentic $100 bills, the serial numbers of which were tied to counterfeit currency recovered from across the country. Burned remains of counterfeit currency were also located in Cardona’s backyard.
In total, Cardona produced, or participated in the production of, thousands of fake $100 bills that were identified as counterfeit, recovered by the U.S. Secret Service, and traced by serial number to the authentic bills found at Cardona’s residence. To date, the government has recovered over $467,000 in counterfeit $100 bills traced back to the authentic bills found at Cardona’s residence.
The charge of counterfeiting any currency of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Many local police departments, in Massachusetts and elsewhere, provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Queens Man Charged with Smuggling SnakesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Calvin Bautista, age 36, of Richmond Hill, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with smuggling three Burmese pythons into the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, and Ryan Noel, Regional Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.
Bautista smuggled the snakes in his pants as he rode on a bus that crossed the U.S.-Canadian border. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge filed against Bautista carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. 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.
Bautista was arraigned today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and released pending a trial before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping.