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7 November 2022
Two newly indicted, nine previous indictments unsealed for crimes including illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Six defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in U.S. District Court include guilty pleas and criminal sentences related to illegal gun possession.
The indicted cases are being investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally carry guns.
“The law specifically prohibits previously convicted felons from carrying guns – and it’s abundantly clear that reducing violent crime requires keeping gun-carrying criminals off our streets,” said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We commend our law enforcement partners for their continued commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
In the past four years, more than 790 defendants have been federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for possessing a firearm after conviction for a previous felony. Recent federal legislation increases the maximum penalty for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to 15 years, up from 10, for those found in possession after June 25, 2022.
Defendants named in federal indictments from the November 2022 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- Shannan Barnwell, 24, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Barnwell is charged in connection with the Sept. 27 armed robbery of a vendor restocking a South State Bank automatic teller machine.
- Jacob Matthew Miller, 32, of Waynesboro, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon.
Nine additional defendants were indicted under seal in October, with those indictments recently unsealed following initial court appearances:
- Robert Richard Hatten, 47, of Oak Park, Ga., charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number;
- Christopher Nakia Jones, 47, of Swainsboro, Ga., charged with three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Ephelius Artavis Brinson Jr., 28, of Hephzibah, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of Marijuana;
- Devonte Malik Jorame, 25, of Aiken, S.C., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Marijuana.
- Trevor Elijah Walker, 24, of Augusta, charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Taipai La’Don Brewer, 43, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Titus Nathaniel Travis, 23, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Diemond Dajion Wimberly, 25, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
- Deontre Hubert, 28, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional defendants recently have been adjudicated on federal charges that include illegal firearms possession:
- Thomas Kevin Robinson, 52, of Savannah, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police responding to a shoplifting call in April 2021 chased Robinson in his vehicle and on foot, and found a pistol that he had dropped while running. Robinson has an extensive criminal history with at least seven prior felony convictions.
- Terry Kennard Isaacs, 37, of Beaufort, S.C., was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Shortly after midnight on June 17, 2021, Pooler Police officers found Isaacs asleep inside a customer’s vehicle parked at a repair business, and arrested him after finding a pistol and drugs in his possession. Isaacs has multiple prior felony convictions involving firearms and violence.
- Johnathon Emanuel McGahee, 24, of Thomson, Ga., was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. McGahee crashed his vehicle while fleeing Georgia State Patrol troopers attempting a traffic stop on Jan. 1, 2021, and ran into woods where he was captured. Troopers found drugs and a loaded pistol with a high-capacity magazine in McGahee’s car. McGahee is a member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang with a violent criminal history.
- Carlos Middleton, 21, of Savannah, was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery. Middleton admitted brandishing a firearm Jan. 20, 2022, when he threatened and robbed employees of a Chatham County video game store. The plea subjects Middleton to a statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
- Rashejon B. Curry, 28, of Pooler, Ga., was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Chatham County Police officers arrested Curry following a report of an assault at a motel room, later finding him carrying a loaded pistol. Curry has a violent criminal history including convictions for robbery and gun possession.
- Daquan Dwayne Young, 27, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers arrested Young after a March 2022 traffic stop when they found a pistol in his waistband.
- Ra’ann Michell Coleman, 49, of Eastman, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to two counts of False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, a charge often referred to as “lying and buying.” In her plea agreement, Coleman admitted that when she purchased a Taurus .380 pistol on Oct. 26, 2020, and a Bersa .380 pistol on Dec. 8, 2020, she lied about being the actual purchaser of the guns when she in fact was buying the firearms on behalf of someone else.
Agencies investigating these cases include the ATF, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Savannah Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol.
The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473
For any questions, please contact Barry Paschal at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
141-22
Two Men Convicted of Conspiracy Charges at TrialRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Omar Perez-Ochoa, age 31, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, and John Radermacher, age 41, of Couderay, Wisconsin, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 21, 2022.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund to be paid by Perez-Ochoa, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund to be paid by Radermacher.
Perez-Ochoa and Radermacher were indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022.
Both Perez-Ochoa and Radermacher were involved in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution organization operating out of Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. This organization was responsible for receiving and distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere.
Radermacher obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Canbie Thompson on multiple occasions and then returned to Wisconsin with that methamphetamine to further this drug conspiracy. Radermacher and Thompson originally met in federal prison, while both were serving federal sentences for drug distribution.
Perez-Ochoa was involved with this methamphetamine conspiracy by becoming a drop location for multiple pounds of methamphetamine, along with multiple payments of thousands of dollars for methamphetamine, to ultimately be wired or otherwise transferred down to Mexican sources.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.
Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing dates will be set in the near future. The defendants were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Defendants Charged in Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Federal Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a five-count indictment against Antwon Rashad Brown, a/k/a “Blee,” 28, of Charleston, and Antonio Shamar Fyall, III, 19, of Charleston.
Brown is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Fyall is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance.
Following the indictment, federal law enforcement officers placed a legal hold on the property where the illegal activity occurred. Federal law enforcement officers also seized an additional piece of property, several thousand dollars of cash, and firearms associated with the drug distribution conspiracy.
Brown faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted and is currently detained pending trial. Fyall faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted and is currently on bond pending trial.
This case is 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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Charleston Police Department, and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Tulare County Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andras Daniel Lee, 33, of Visalia, pleaded guilty today to failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in March 2017, Lee was convicted in Tulare County of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Shortly after his release from prison, Lee moved to Liberal, Kansas. In March 2018, Lee moved back to California and intentionally did not register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) as was required as a result of his prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
On Feb. 20, 2020, Lee committed a lewd act upon a child in Tulare County while in a failure to register status. On Dec. 20, 2021, Lee was convicted of two counts of committing a lewd act upon a child.
The case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Lee is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Lee faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Three Defendants Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Three individuals, Robert L. Pryor, 46, Elaine Pryor, 43, and Joshua L. Pryor, 44, have been sentenced for preparing and filing false tax returns under the business name Better Dayz
Tax Services, LLC. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the sentences today.According to information presented in court, Robert L. Pryor owned a tax-preparation business, Better Dayz Tax Services, LLC, in Memphis, Tennessee. His wife Elaine Pryor and his brother Joshua
L. Pryor also worked at Better Dayz. He and his co-defendants prepared false income tax returns for clients and for themselves, resulting in fraudulent tax refunds and total lost tax revenue of more than $122,000 over three years. Each defendant pled guilty to one count of preparing a false tax return.On October 12, 2022, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Robert L. Pryor to a total of 15 months in federal prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Pryor may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during his supervised release. Pryor also was ordered to pay restitution of $57,672.00.
On October 12, 2022, Judge McCalla sentenced Joshua L. Pryor to three years of federal probation and ordered him to pay restitution of $25,064.00. Joshua Pryor may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during his probation.
On November 4, 2022, Judge McCalla sentenced Elaine Pryor to six months in federal prison, to be followed by 18 months of supervised release. Six months of her supervised release term must be served on home detention, and she may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during her supervised release. She also was ordered to pay restitution of
$57,853.59. There is no parole in the federal system.United States Attorney Ritz, said “I hope these sentences send a message to others who are robbing the government through fraudulent tax practices that their illegal acts will not go unchecked.”
“Those who might consider preparing false tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences as evidenced today," said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the
Charlotte Field Office. "Today's sentencing of the defendants again emphasizes that the Internal
Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who would attempt to defraud America's tax system."This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Murre Foster, who prosecuted this case.
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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at 901- 544-4231 or [email protected]. Follow@WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.
Three Arrested for International Gun Trafficking and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the arrests of ELVIS GUERRERO, a/k/a “E,” JEMYNI TRUE, a/k/a “Jemy,” and TRENTON MICHAEL JUDKINS, for trafficking firearms from New York City to the Dominican Republic. As alleged in the Complaint filed last Friday, the defendants obtained firearms from straw purchasers and then shipped six handguns and an AR-15 style rifle from New York City to the Dominican Republic inside a cargo shipping container. TRUE and JUDKINS also conspired to delete evidence regarding their scheme after JUDKINS was contacted by law enforcement. GUERRERO and TRUE were arrested after flying into JFK Airport from the Dominican Republic last Thursday and were presented before Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses in Manhattan federal court. GUERRERO was ordered detained and TRUE was detained pending release on conditions. JUDKINS was arrested last Friday in Maine.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “International gun traffickers endanger our community by putting dangerous weapons in the hands of those who often use them for violence. As demonstrated by these arrests, our Office will continue to investigate and prosecute gun traffickers who seek to profit from the illegal gun trade, which endangers the lives of law-abiding citizens everywhere.”
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “These three defendants are alleged to have conspired to obtain and traffic firearms to the Dominican Republic, and then attempted to cover their tracks to evade detection. HSI New York will continue to leverage the full breadth of its investigative authorities and maximize our investigative partnerships to combat the exportation of illegal firearms across our borders. Those who wish to engage in the illicit purchasing, trafficking, or shipping of illegal firearms will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Illegal guns pose a grave public-safety threat to every community, here in New York City and across the globe. With these charges, the NYPD and our law-enforcement partners are sending a clear and definitive message: If you traffic in these deadly weapons, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, HSI’s New York Field Office, and all of the investigators who worked on this important case.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
TRUE and GUERRERO obtained firearms from multiple straw purchasers located in the United States, including JUDKINS. GUERRERO and JUDKINS discussed that GUERRERO would pay JUDKINS for a firearm with narcotics.
On or about October 6, 2022, a shipping container that had been transported by cargo ship from New York City to the Dominican Republic was inspected in the Dominican Republic. Inside a box that was reported to contain food and other items, inspectors found six handguns and an AR-15 style rifle. A photograph of the firearms is below:
Law enforcement in the Dominican Republic searched a location where the firearms were intended to be received and found a paper containing a phone number associated with TRUE.
On November 3, 2022, law enforcement agents approached JUDKINS, who admitted to selling the AR-15 style rifle recovered in the Dominican Republic to GUERRERO and that TRUE had recently asked him to provide a second firearm. After speaking with law enforcement agents, JUDKINS communicated with TRUE, advising her that he had spoken with federal law enforcement agents and to “be careful.” In response, TRUE asked him to “delete all our chats on Facebook and here please / And text / And your s*** w [GUERRERO].” JUDKINS agreed to do so.
On November 3, 2022, law enforcement agents seized cellphones possessed by GUERRERO and TRUE after they flew into JFK Airport from the Dominican Republic. Substantially all of the data on TRUE’s cellphone had been deleted.
On GUERRERO’s phones, law enforcement found multiple photographs of firearms, including the following photograph of GUERRERO posing with a rifle:
Law enforcement agents also found communications between GUERRERO and TRUE regarding firearms and notes GUERRERO kept regarding quantities of narcotics.
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GUERRERO, 21, of Lowell, Massachusetts; TRUE, 20, of Corinth, Maine; and JUDKINS, 18, of Garland, Maine, are each charged with one count of conspiring to commit an offense against the United States, namely, gun trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and one count of gun trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. TRUE and JUDKINS are additionally charged with one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jun Xiang is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Stoughton Man Sentenced for $400,000 COVID Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced on Nov. 4, 2022 in federal court in Boston in connection with filing a fraudulent loan application in order to obtain over $400,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds.
Adley Bernadin, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Bernadin was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $284,596. On June 22, 2022, Bernadin pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
In May 2020, Bernadin used a purported healthcare business, “La Salette,” to fraudulently apply for a PPP loan of over $400,000. In the application, which he submitted through a Small Business Administration approved lender, Bernadin misrepresented information about the purported home health care company’s employees and payroll expenses and falsified a tax form in an effort to qualify the business for the PPP loan. For example, Bernadin reported that the purported home health care business had a monthly payroll of $175,200, which was false.
After receiving the PPP funds, Bernadin did not use money for the purported home health care company’s business. Instead, he made mortgage payments on his home and wrote checks to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses, through the PPP.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and William A. Kalb, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Raquelle Kaye of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 280 months prison followed by five years of supervised release for methamphetamine trafficking and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
On June 16, 2022, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel, William Howard Proto Jr., 45, was convicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. During the trial, Proto pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, on June 29, 2021, officers with the Bloomington Police Department arrested Proto after he was found in the driver’s seat of a stolen Cadillac Escalade. Officers searched the vehicle and found nine pounds of methamphetamine, 200 grams of cocaine, digital scales, more than $50,000 in cash, and a loaded firearm. Following his arrest, Proto was indicted in U.S. District Court on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
On August 19, 2021, pursuant to a federal warrant, agents located Proto at a hotel in Woodbury, Minnesota. Officers arrested Proto as he was wheeling a luggage cart in the parking lot towards his SUV. On the luggage cart in a black duffle bag, officers found five pounds of methamphetamine, $5,000 in cash, an assault style rifle, and loaded magazines. Proto also had a loaded 9-mm handgun in his pocket. Officers searched Proto’s SUV and found additional ammunition.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew S. Dunne, Joseph S. Teirab, and Ruth Shnider prosecuted the case.
South Florida Man Sentenced to over 13 Years for International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Cornelius “Neal” Singleton (60, Miramar) to 13 years and 9 months in federal prison for international money laundering. The court also ordered Singleton to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his prison term. Singleton had been found guilty after a week-long jury trial, which concluded on April 15, 2022. Singleton was indicted on July 13, 2021.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 28, 2020, Singleton delivered over $600,000 in cash to a confidential witness in a grocery store parking lot, which was intended to be sent to individuals in Colombia. In cooperation with the Colombian National Police, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Tampa arranged to have the funds delivered to the intended recipients in Colombia, who were members of a group suspected of large-scale narcotics trafficking, in order to identify the recipients. After the successful delivery was made in June 2020, during an undercover operation in Bogota, Colombia, negotiations began with Singleton for additional deliveries of cash to be made to Colombia. In June 2021, Singleton brought over $1,000,000 in cash to downtown St. Petersburg to be delivered to the same individuals in Colombia. HSI agents arrested him at that time.
Singleton committed the money laundering offense while he was on supervised release in the Southern District of Florida, after having served nearly 17 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking in Miami.
“This career criminal, even after spending more than 17 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking, worked as a money laundering mule for Colombia drug lords, supporting the peddling of their poison,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “Thanks to the diligence of our dedicated special agents, with assistance from the Colombian National Police, the Hialeah (Florida) Police Department, and the St. Petersburg (Florida) Police Department, we were able to return him to prison for another 13 years.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa), with the assistance from the Colombian National Police, the Hialeah (Florida) Police Department, and the St. Petersburg (Florida) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs, Jr.
Sisseton Man Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact.
Thomas Avery Drum, age 58, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, between on or about August 26, 2014, and August 25, 2015, in Roberts County, Indian Country, in the District of South Dakota, Drum did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of twelve years.
The charge is merely an accusation and Drum is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Drum was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux City Man with Lengthy Criminal History Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A Sioux City, Iowa man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced November 4, 2022, to more than 7 years in federal prison.
Michael Mace, age 20, from Sioux City, Iowa received the prison term after a June 23, 2022, guilty plea to possession of ammunition as a felon.
Evidence in the case showed Mace’s criminal possession of ammunition was discovered when, on July 19, 2021, officers of the Sioux City Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Mace was a passenger. A high-speed pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, a firearm was thrown from the vehicle. The pursuit ended when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Mace fled on foot but did not get far. The gun was later located on the sidewalk along the path of the flight. It bore no identifying marks, but the bullets loaded in the gun did, and were determined to bear Mace’s fingerprints.
Mace, despite being just 20, has a lengthy criminal history including: (1) Possession with Intent to Delivery Methamphetamine, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about January 21, 2021; (2) Theft in the First Degree, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about January 21, 2021; (3) Assault on an Officer, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about January 21, 2021; (4) Theft in the Second Degree, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County on or about January 21, 2021; and (5) Eluding, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about January 21, 2021.
Mace was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term and pay a $100 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mace is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-04073.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to More than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City, Iowa man was sentenced November 2, 2022, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Isaiah Wiley, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa received the prison term after a July 18, 2022, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Evidence in the case showed that on or about February 12, 2021, Wiley, while under the influence of marijuana, threatened his pregnant girlfriend with a gun. In a separate incident on or about March 14, 2022, Wiley fired a single shot into the air during an argument with another individual. After a short foot pursuit, Wiley surrendered to officers after laying the firearm on the ground.
Wiley was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand, to 52 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve 3 years of supervised release after the prison term and pay a $100 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Wiley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-04039.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
San Joaquin County Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Committing Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kulvir Singh Cheema, 61, of Ripon, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, a $4,000 fine, and was ordered to pay $259,031 in restitution for filing a false bankruptcy declaration, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Cheema lied about various material facts in a declaration and other documents in a bankruptcy proceeding, which he initiated in 2011. Cheema’s numerous lies in the bankruptcy proceeding—all made under penalty of perjury—created the false impression that he was bankrupt with no assets and deceived his creditors, the bankruptcy trustee, and the bankruptcy judge. Cheema’s lies were extensive. He lied about his business, income, employment, and assets. For example, before filing for bankruptcy, Cheema transferred his business to a new company purportedly run by his ex-wife and concealed his association with the new company. Cheema also falsely claimed he lost his residence in foreclosure when, in fact, he sold it to a close friend in a short sale while continuing to reside there. Through his lies, Cheema successfully discharged over $2 million in debt while managing to conceal $259,031 in assets from his creditors and electing to pay a close friend for a personal loan.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong prosecuted the case.
Cheema has been ordered to report on Jan. 10, 2023, to begin serving his sentence.
Ronan man admits trafficking fentanyl, illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Ronan man accused of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found fentanyl and a gun in a vehicle during a stop pleaded guilty to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Douglas Leo Wynne, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a drug addict. Wynne faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 22, 2023 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Wynne was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in December 2021, the Northwest Drug Task Force obtained fentanyl from Wynne in Lake County. On Dec. 1, 2021, the Flathead Tribal Police conducted a traffic stop of Wynne, who was arrested on a warrant. The officer located a large sum of cash in Wynne’s back pocket and a small amount of a crystalline substance in his front pocket. The owner of the vehicle Wynne was driving consented to a search, and officers found 1,468 fentanyl pills and a .45-caliber handgun. Wynne admitted to distributing fentanyl and that cocaine in the vehicle was for personal use.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police.
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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Repeat Armed Felon Sentenced to 102 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition and a Firearm while on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Nicholas Hines, 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 9, 2014, Hines was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release by the U.S. Probation Office. Hines was released from prison in March of 2020 and began serving his supervised release sentence. As part of the conditions of Hines’ supervised release sentence, and because he is a convicted felon, under federal law Hines is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On December 15, 2020, federal probation officers visited Hines’ residence on Eastern Avenue in Indianapolis to conduct a compliance check. Hines met the officers at his front door but was reluctant to unlock the door and allow the officers inside his residence. Officers negotiated with Hines for several minutes before Hines unlocked the door. Hines was placed in handcuffs while the officers searched the residence.
The officers searched two upstairs bedrooms and found a box of live .38 caliber ammunition in one of the bedrooms. The box contained nineteen rounds of live ammunition, and officers estimated that five or six rounds of ammunition were missing from the box. Hines was interviewed by the officers, and he admitted that the ammunition was his, but he denied having a firearm.
U.S. Probation Officers tried to reach Hines after the December 15, 2020, visit, but they were unsuccessful, and Hines was no longer accepting phone calls. A warrant was issued to arrest Hines for violation of the terms of his release. On December 18, 2020, a federal criminal complaint was filed against Hines for unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and another warrant was issued for his arrest. Federal law enforcement officers organized a search to locate Hines to arrest him for his outstanding warrants.
On January 14, 2021, officers located Hines at a Red Roof Inn on Lynhurst Drive in Indianapolis. Hines and a woman were seen exiting the front door of the hotel and walking towards a vehicle. The officers attempted to arrest Hines, but he ran, and a foot pursuit ensued. Hines ran behind the hotel, jumped a fence, and entered an apartment complex before a pursuing officer deployed his taser, causing Hines to fall to the ground. Hines rolled over on his back revealing a revolver in his right hand. As another officer tried to approach Hines, Hines held the revolver to his own head. After a five-minute standoff, Hines dropped the revolver and was taken into custody. The revolver was loaded with five rounds of the same brand of .38 caliber ammunition found in Hines’ upstairs bedroom during the probation search.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; and Joseph “Dan” McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana; made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Hines be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Rapid City Woman Indicted for Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.
Tiffany LaClaire, age 35, was indicted in July of 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 17, 2021, and March 23, 2022, LaClaire did knowingly steal, embezzle, willfully misapply, and convert to her use, the moneys, funds, and assets belonging to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization, in an amount greater than $1,000.
The charge is merely an accusation and LaClaire is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
LaClaire was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 3, 2023.
Philippines Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Fatally Stabbing Fellow Crewmember on Board a Container Ship at SeaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Filipino man who fatally stabbed a fellow crewmember on a container ship en route from Shanghai to Los Angeles was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison.
Michael Dequito Monegro, 44, a resident of the Philippines, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who said in court at today’s hearing that Monegro’s “conduct was unusually heinous, cruel and brutal.”
Monegro pleaded guilty on May 2 to one count of committing an act of violence against a person onboard a ship that is likely to endanger the safe navigation of the ship.
In September 2020, Monegro was working as a seaman aboard the MSC Ravenna, a 153,000-gross-ton Liberian-flagged container ship. The murder took place on September 20, 2020, when the Ravenna was approximately 80 nautical miles from Southern California and nearing the end of its two-week voyage from Shanghai to the Port of Los Angeles.
That morning, several crewmembers were in a dressing room on the ship’s upper deck, preparing for their shift and waiting for their direct supervisor to provide their work assignments for the day. Shortly after Monegro saw his direct supervisor – identified in court documents as “M.S.” – in the hallway outside the locker room, Monegro began stabbing him with a knife while they were both in the hallway in full view of several crewmembers.
The victim grappled with Monegro and the two fell to the floor. Monegro then got on top of the victim and continued stabbing him. Monegro then removed a second knife from the victim’s coveralls and stabbed him with both knives.
Crewmembers attempted to intervene to stop Monegro, including throwing a trash can at him, but their actions were unsuccessful. Monegro stopped stabbing the victim only when he became too tired to continue. In total, Monegro stabbed the victim 31 times.
The ship’s captain, chief mate and chief engineer all arrived on scene during the incident, and the captain convinced Monegro to get off the victim, who died on the ship from multiple stab wounds.
Monegro was convinced by the captain to walk to a conference room. After continued discussions, Monegro placed the knives on the conference room table and was escorted to his cabin.
After the incident, Monegro was confined to a cabin and crewmembers were assigned to guard the door, so they were unable to perform their normal duties on the ship. Other crewmembers were traumatized by witnessing Monegro stab and kill the victim.
Federal agents arrested Monegro after the ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on September 27, 2020. He has been in federal custody since his arrest.
“The tragic impact of defendant’s conduct cannot be overstated,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Monegro’s] murder of M.S. left behind M.S.’s wife and daughter, who was 17 at the time of the murder. M.S. was the sole bread winner for the family, and his death caused significant financial strain on the family.”
The FBI and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew W. O’Brien of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams, Chief of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Pennsylvania man defrauds Morgantown business of $3.5 millionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The former manager of a Morgantown construction company admitted to stealing millions of dollars from the business, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Michael D. Allen, 60, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in federal court to wire fraud and money laundering. Allen was formerly the manager of ABB Construction, LLC, which did business as Accelerated Construction Services. Allen used his position to unlawfully divert $3.5 million in company funds for his own personal benefit.
“When someone abuses a position of trust for personal financial gain, it can be crippling to individuals and to businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Because of this, we will continue to be aggressive in our pursuit of white-collar criminals like Mr. Allen.”
One of the items that Allen purchased with the stolen money was a 5.19 carat diamond ring for $113,250.
Allen faces up to 30 years in prison in addition to being required to pay back the money that he stole. 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated. The FBI assisted in the investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Peever Man Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Larry Levi Finley III, age 25, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, between on or about July 1, 2021, and October 31, 2021, in Roberts County, Indian Country, in the District of South Dakota, Finley did knowingly engage in and attempt to engage in a sexual act with a minor who had attained the age of twelve years, but had not attained the age of sixteen years, and was at least four years younger than Finley.
The charge is merely an accusation and Finley is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Finley was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Richard Joseph Moreno, age 36 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 28, 2022, to 84 months in prison following his plea of guilty to Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. After he is released from prison, Moreno will serve three years of supervised release.
On August 17, 2021, a Mills County Sherriff’s Deputy stopped Moreno for traffic violations. The deputy discovered the truck had been reported stolen. The truck smelled of spray paint and appeared as if it had been recently repainted from white to black. When Moreno stepped out of the vehicle, a marijuana pipe fell off his lap. During a search of the truck, officers located a locked bag and later opened it after obtaining a search warrant. Inside the locked bag was ammunition and a loaded firearm that had been reported stolen. Moreno had a prior felony conviction that prevented him from possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Mills County Sheriff Department and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the 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.
Ocean County Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Illegally Possessing Short-Barreled Rifle, Silencer, and Fake Federal Identification BadgesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for unlawfully possessing a privately manufactured short barrel rifle, a silencer, and five imitation badges of various federal agencies, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jeffrey Backlund, 57, of Waretown, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an information charging him with unlawfully possessing firearms that were not registered in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record, and unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 6, 2020, after investigating a domestic disturbance, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Backlund’s residence and located a number of firearms and imitation federal identification badges. They found one short-barreled, AR-style, .223 caliber rifle bearing no serial number and no branding. Attached to the rifle, they found a tan metal cylindrical device that law enforcement determined to be a silencer. Given the physical characteristics of the rifle and silencer, Backlund was required to, but did not, register these items in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record pursuant to the National Firearms Act.
Law enforcement officers also located two bi-fold wallets containing FBI Special Agent identification credentials bearing Backlund’s picture and personal information, a United States Marshals Service badge, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent badge, and a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent badge. All badges and identifications were imitation and Backlund did not have the authority to possess any of them.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Backlund to three years of supervised release and fined him $5,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan R. Miller; special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; members of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; detectives with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and officers of the Ocean Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michal J. Rogalski, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Oakland Man Convicted by Jury of Murder for HireRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury on Friday convicted Burte Gucci Rhodes, a.k.a. Moeshawn, of conspiring to commit a murder for hire and of committing a murder for hire, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson.
Rhodes, 41, of Oakland, was charged by superseding indictment on December 18, 2018. His co-defendants Marcus Etienne, a.k.a. Hitler, and Mario Robinson were also charged in that superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire, among other charges. Both Etienne, 41, of St. Martin Parish, La., and Robinson, 39, of Oakland, have since pleaded guilty and admitted their roles in the murder.
The trial of Rhodes focused on the March 22, 2016, murder of Louisiana native Trince Thibodeaux, age 28. Trial evidence demonstrated that Etienne was the leader of a racketeering enterprise based near Lafayette, Louisiana, that engaged in extensive illegal activities, including drug trafficking, assault, and illegal firearms possession. Robinson moved from Oakland, California, to Louisiana in 2015 and joined in the Etienne enterprise.
Evidence at trial showed that in 2016 Etienne believed Thibodeaux had stolen several thousand dollars that he had been tasked with transporting from Louisiana to California and therefore ordered Robinson and another member of the organization to have Thibodeaux killed. Robinson then contracted with Rhodes, a longtime friend of his from Oakland, to carry out the murder in exchange for $5,000.
Evidence at trial showed that on the night of March 22, 2016, Robinson and another member of the organization lured Thibodeaux to a predetermined location near the intersection of 90th Avenue and International Boulevard in the eastern part of Oakland, where Rhodes was waiting. The evidence demonstrated that, once Thibodeaux arrived, Rhodes approached him from behind and shot him nine times. Thibodeaux was pronounced dead later that night.
One week after the murder, Robinson sent Rhodes a wire transfer of $1,250. In the months following the murder, Robinson had other associates in Louisiana send additional wire transfers to Rhodes.
A federal jury convicted Rhodes following a one week trial of one count of murder for hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958, which carries a sentence of life in prison. The jury also convicted Rhodes of one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
United States District Judge William Alsup presided over the Rhodes trial and set a sentencing hearing for January 31, 2023. Rhodes remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
Etienne and Robinson were sentenced on October 13, 2020, for their involvement in the racketeering conspiracy, which encompassed their roles in the murder for hire. U.S. District Judge Alsup sentenced Etienne to 34 years and Robinson to 32 years in federal prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Boome and Kevin Rubino prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Jessie Chelsea.. The prosecution was a result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI with assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Oakland Police Department.
North Charleston Man Indicted for Firearm and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a three-count indictment against Elisha Shaleel Patterson, 20, of North Charleston, for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that on April 25, 2022, investigators observed Patterson engaged in an illegal gambling operation at the scene of a recent shooting. Officers arrested Patterson and during a subsequent search, they located a stolen 9mm pistol, marijuana, and a digital scale in his possession. Patterson is federally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.
Patterson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted and is currently detained pending trial.
This case was 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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Charleston Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Punching Passenger on Commercial Flight to PortlandRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Charlotte, North Carolina man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison today for punching a fellow passenger in the face on a Portland-bound commercial flight from Denver.
Yuriy Poplauskiy, 40, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release.
According to court documents, on August 14, 2019, on a commercial flight from Denver to Portland, several passengers observed Poplauskiy exhibiting strange behavior, leading some to believe he was intoxicated. With 25 minutes remaining in the flight, Poplauskiy peered through a gap in the seats at a man sitting behind him on the aisle. Poplauskiy glared at the man and mumbled “when we land, I’ll see you at the airport.” Poplauskiy then stood up, called the man a name, and punched him in the jaw. Poplauskiy ran to the lavatory, but eventually returned to his seat. Minutes later, prior to landing, Poplauskiy tried to start a fight with another male passenger and groped a male flight attendant’s genitals. Police officers met the plane at the gate in Portland and arrested Poplauskiy.
On September 18, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Poplauskiy with assault by striking while on board an aircraft. Before sentencing today, he pleaded guilty to the single charge.
Prior to his plea and sentencing, Poplauskiy violated his pre-trial release conditions six times, including by incurring two new criminal convictions for unlawfully possessing methamphetamine and eluding arrest in a motor vehicle.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Nigerian Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Launder Tens of Millions of Dollars from Online ScamsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A prolific international fraudster who conspired to launder tens of millions of dollars through a series of online scams and flaunted his luxurious, crime-funded lifestyle on social media was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison.
Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, also known by his Instagram handle, “Ray Hushpuppi,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also ordered Abbas to pay $1,732,841 in restitution to two fraud victims.
Abbas pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June 2020 and has remained in federal custody since his expulsion from the UAE.
“Abbas bragged on social media about his lavish lifestyle – a lifestyle funded by his involvement in transnational fraud and money laundering conspiracies targeting victims around the world,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Money laundering and business email compromise scams are a massive international crime problem, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement and international partners to identify and prosecute those involved, wherever they may be.”
“Ramon Abbas, a.k.a. ‘Hushpuppi,’ targeted both American and international victims, becoming one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” said Don Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Abbas leveraged his social media platforms – where he amassed a considerable following – to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime. This significant sentence is the result of years’ worth of collaboration among law enforcement in multiple countries and should send a clear warning to international fraudsters that the FBI will seek justice for victims, regardless of whether criminals operate within or outside United States borders.”
Abbas conspired with Ghaleb Alaumary, 37, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, a convicted money launderer, to launder funds derived from various crimes, including bank cyber-heists, business email compromise (BEC) schemes and other online frauds. BEC schemes typically involve gaining unauthorized access to a business email account and attempting to trick a victim business into making an unauthorized wire transfer.
In January 2019, Abbas conspired with Alaumary to launder funds stolen from a bank in Malta by providing account information for banks in Romania and Bulgaria. The United States has charged North Korean hackers with committing the bank cyber-heist in Malta, and alleged that those funds were destined for the North Korean government. Abbas has admitted that the intended loss with respect to the Maltese bank was approximately $14.7 million.
In May 2019, Abbas conspired with Alaumary to launder millions of pounds stolen from a professional soccer club in the United Kingdom as well as a British company. In connection with that scheme, Abbas provided Alaumary with details for a bank account in Mexico that “could handle millions and not block,” according to court documents.
Abbas also fraudulently induced a New York-based law firm in October 2019 to transfer approximately $922,857 to an account that a co-conspirator controlled under someone else’s name.
Alaumary was charged separately and pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He is serving a 140-month federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay more than $30 million in restitution.
Abbas also admitted in his plea agreement to conspiring with others to defraud an individual in Qatar who sought a loan of $15 million to build a school.
At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Wright ordered Abbas to pay $922,857 in restitution to the law firm victim and $809,983 in restitution to the businessperson in Qatar.
Abbas and another conspirator duped the victim businessperson into paying approximately $330,000 to fund an “investor’s account” to facilitate the loan. Abbas specifically directed the victim to send $100,000 to a bank account controlled by a co-conspirator, and $230,000 to the bank account of a luxury watch seller. Abbas used those funds for his personal benefit, including purchasing a $230,000 Richard Mille RM11-03 watch, which he arranged to have brought to him from New York to Dubai. The watch made numerous appearances on Abbas’ wrist on his now-defunct Instagram account, often with the hashtag #RichardMille.
Approximately $50,000 of proceeds from the scheme were used to fraudulently acquire a St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis citizenship and a passport for Abbas through a sham marriage to a St. Kitts citizen.
In January and February 2020, Abbas and another conspirator corresponded with the victim businessperson, attempting to fraudulently induce a further payment of $575,000 in purported taxes to release the $15 million loan. In February 2020, the victim sent approximately $299,983 to Kenyan bank accounts specified by another conspirator. In March 2020, Abbas fraudulently induced the victim to send another $180,000 to U.S.-based bank accounts; those funds were subsequently laundered with assistance from several co-conspirators.
“By his own admission, during just an 18-month period defendant conspired to launder over $300 million,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “While much of this intended loss did not ultimately materialize, [Abbas’] willingness and ability to participate in large-scale money laundering highlights the seriousness of his criminal conduct.”
The FBI investigated this matter as part of Operation Top Dog. The FBI thanks the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Police Department for their substantial assistance in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section prosecuted this case. The Justice Department Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 49 Months in Prison for Possessing Firearm While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL STANLEY, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 49 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm while on supervised release from a prior federal conviction. Judge Chatigny also ordered Stanley to serve six months in a halfway house and three months in home detention when he is released from prison, and banned Stanley from entering New Haven while on supervised release without the permission of the U.S. Probation Office.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stanley was arrested on September 7, 2021, after New Haven Police conducted a court-authorized search of his New Haven hotel room and seized a fanny pack containing his driver’s license, a small quantity of narcotics and a loaded Ruger SR9, 9mm pistol. Stanley’s DNA was recovered from swabs taken from the gun.
Stanley’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In October 2014, Stanley was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for that offense. He was released from prison in May 2019.
Judge Chatigny sentenced Stanley to 37 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing the firearm, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Stanley has been detained since February 14, 2022. On May 27, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Naples Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Illegal Machineguns and Unregistered Firearm SilencersRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Matthew Garrett Mink (38, Naples) to four years and three months in federal prison for possessing an illegal machinegun, possessing an unregistered firearm silencer, possessing a stolen firearm silencer, and possessing an un-serialized firearm silencer. The court also ordered Mink to pay a $20,000 fine and to forfeit the firearms and silencers involved in his crimes. Mink had pleaded guilty on May 2, 2022.
According to court records, Mink is the former manager of a Naples-based licensed gun dealer, who came to the attention of federal agents after his employment at the gun shop was terminated. An investigation revealed that Mink had engaged in various illegal firearms-related activities both during and after his employment at the gun shop, including falsifying paperwork relating to the acquisition and disposition of firearms in the gun shop’s inventory, possessing illegal modified machineguns, possessing illegal un-serialized and unregistered firearm silencers, and possessing a stolen firearm silencer and a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
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.
Modesto County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jerrid Kunkel, 27, of Modesto, pleaded guilty today to receipt and distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between April 2014 and December 2017, Kunkel received and distributed images and videos of child pornography over the internet on his cellphone.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian W. Enos is prosecuting the case.
Kunkel is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 21, 2023. Kunkel faces a minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mobile Man Sentenced in Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, George Lee Thompson, 35, was arrested by Mobile police officers on June 9, 2021, after a 911 caller reported seeing him waving a gun around near a gas station on Government Boulevard. When officers encountered Thompson, they found a loaded .380 caliber revolver in the front pocket of his shorts. Thompson admitted that at the time he possessed the gun, he knew he had previously been convicted of several felony drug offenses in Mobile County Circuit Court. Thompson’s prior felony convictions rendered his possession of the gun illegal under federal law.
Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Thompson to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Thompson to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 3½ Years in Prison for Role in ‘SIM Swapping’ that Led to Account Takeovers and $122,000 in LossesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Clarkston, Michigan man was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a series of “SIM swapping” schemes that allowed him and his accomplices to take control of online accounts, which resulted in the theft of cryptocurrency, causing more than $28,000 in losses.
Anthony Joseph Carlson, 25, also conducted a separate “phishing” scheme to hijack valuable Instagram accounts, which he was able to monetize. And he defrauded other victims by selling stolen Instagram accounts, causing additional losses of over $93,000.
Carlson was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who scheduled a hearing for January 18, 2023, to determine the amount of restitution that the defendant will be ordered to pay to approximately 10 individuals and companies.
Carlson pleaded guilty on August 22 to four felony offenses – two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information.
Judge Anderson today emphasized the seriousness of the cybercrimes by saying, “It’s the same as if the defendant was actually robbing the victims,” later adding, “You don’t get a break because you used a computer.”
SIM swapping is fraud in which cell phone service providers are tricked into reassigning a victim’s cell phone number to a new cell phone controlled by a fraudster, without the victim’s knowledge or authorization. The new cell phone device has a new Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), thus, SIM swapping. After hijacking a victim’s phone service, a SIM swapper is able to receive communications intended for the victim, including password reset codes for a victim’s online accounts. Carlson worked with others in SIM swapping schemes to reset victim account passwords, take over victims’ online accounts and steal cryptocurrency.
Carlson participated in two separate conspiracies to use SIM swapping to gain unauthorized access to the email, financial and social media accounts of the victims to steal cryptocurrency. One scheme that did not result in any actual losses involved the takeover of a Coinbase account in order to steal $10,000 in cryptocurrency, and a second involved the takeover of a Facebook account that allowed Carlson and a co-conspirator to obtain cryptocurrency from two friends of the person whose account had been compromised.
As a result of a separate phishing scheme – in which Carlson sent emails purporting to be from a legitimate source to induce victims to reveal information, including personal identifying information and passwords – he was able to gain control of valuable Instagram accounts with large numbers of followers. Carlson told the victims who owned the Instagram accounts that he wanted to purchase advertising on their accounts, but he needed to first determine how valuable their accounts were for marketing purposes. Carlson convinced the victims to download his purported analytics software, which had a spoofed website name almost identical to a commonly used Instagram analytics software, and they were tricked into providing their Instagram usernames and passwords, which Carlson used to take over their Instagram accounts to monetize for his personal gain.
Carlson also obtained stolen Instagram accounts from others and then re-sold them to other victims for thousands of dollars. In another scheme, Carlson collected money for advertising on Instagram accounts he did not actually control.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Lisa E. Feldman of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to his role in a tax fraud conspiracy arising from a “ten-percenting” scheme in which he cashed winning Massachusetts state lottery tickets on behalf of the ticket holders and claimed fake gambling losses to avoid taxes on the winnings.
Mohamed Jaafar, 31, of Watertown and Waltham, pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2023. Jaafar was indicted by a federal grand jury along with two co-defendants in August 2021.
Mohamed Jaafar admitted to conspiring with others to purchase winning lottery tickets from the actual winners for cash at a discount of typically between 10-30 percent of each ticket’s value. This scheme, commonly referred to as “ten-percenting,” allows lottery winners to avoid identifying themselves to the Massachusetts Lottery Commission or the Internal Revenue Service, thereby avoiding taxes or child support payments on their winnings. Mohamed Jaafar admitted to presenting the winning tickets to the Massachusetts Lottery Commission as his own and collecting the full value of the tickets. Mohamed Jaafar also admitted to reporting the ticket winnings on his income tax returns and improperly offsetting the claimed winnings with falsified gambling losses, thereby avoiding federal income taxes.
In total, between 2011 and 2019, Mohamed Jaafar and allegedly his co-conspirators cashed more than 13,000 lottery tickets and claimed more than $20,000,000 in Massachusetts lottery winnings. In 2019, Mohamed Jaafar was by himself the third highest individual ticket casher in Massachusetts.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. 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 Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haitian man was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2022 in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States.
Friendly Grandoit, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (20 months in prison) and one year of supervised release. Grandoit will now be placed into removal proceedings that will likely result in his deportation. On Sept. 28, 2022, Grandoit pleaded guilty to one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation.
In 2005, Grandoit was located in pre-trial detention by immigration officials while pending trial on drug distribution charges in Middlesex County. Grandoit was convicted in Sept. 2006 of trafficking in cocaine and sentenced to three years in state prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Grandoit was placed into removal proceedings and deported to Haiti in July 2008.
Sometime after his removal, Grandoit illegally reentered the United States. In Sept. 2019, Grandoit was arrested and charged in Woburn District Court with distribution of cocaine, identity fraud and operating with a suspended license and was ordered detained. In April 2020, Grandoit posted bail and was released from state custody. In October 2020, Grandoit was charged federally with illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation and was located by law enforcement in March 2021.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Madison & Chicago Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl-Laced Heroin DeliveriesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Keith L. Harris, 29, of Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced Friday, November 4, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for distribution of over 40 grams of a substance containing both heroin and fentanyl. Harris pleaded guilty to this charge on August 4, 2022. Derrell Bramlett, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for that offense on October 19, 2022. Bramlett pleaded guilty on July 21, 2022.
Beginning in early December of 2021, Harris sold heroin laced with fentanyl to a confidential informant in four controlled buys monitored by police. The final sale arranged by Harris took place near Fordem Avenue in Madison on January 11, 2022, and involved 50 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin. On this occasion, Harris had co-defendant Derrell Bramlett make the delivery to the informant.
At the time of the drug sales by Harris, he was on active federal supervision following his release from federal prison after serving 2 years for possession of stolen firearms. In July 2018, Harris was convicted of possessing firearms that had been stolen in a brazen burglary of PT Firearms in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. During that burglary on October 20, 2017, a group of individuals used a stolen vehicle to ram the front of the firearms store in the early morning hours, gaining access to the store and escaping with 14 firearms.
In sentencing Harris, Judge Conley stated that the offense was aggravated by the fact that Harris chose to commit more serious drug trafficking offenses while under federal supervision for his previous gun offense, as well as directing Bramlett in conducting the final delivery. Conley observed that Harris not only chose to commit the new offenses for his own profit but was callous to the danger of the fentanyl substance he was selling to others.
The charges against Keith Harris and Derrell Bramlett were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Macon Man Pleads Guilty in Social Media Death Threat and Extortion CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who was previously living in Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to three felony charges of making death threats and attempting to blackmail an individual through Facebook.
Austin Mitchel Fitch aka Jakob Enderson, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of sending threatening communications via interstate commerce and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today. Fitch faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine per each count of sending threatening communications; he faces a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for extortion. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb.1.
“There are repercussions for those who level a true threat to harm and exhort people through social media or other channels,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI’s National Threat Operations Center took swift action to investigate and determine a true threat and ultimately shut it down.”
“No one should have to face threats and extortion in person or through social media,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, Austin Fitch will no longer be able to make threats. This case is a warning to others who want to use social media as their weapon of choice.”
According to court records, a person contacted FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) on April 28 to report death threats he received through Facebook from an individual named Jakob Enderson. A second person also received death threats on the same day from Jakob Enderson. An exigent emergency request for subscriber information by FBI to Facebook resulted in the account being traced to Fitch. On April 29, the FBI spoke with Fitch, who admitted to making the death threats and indicated that he believed it was within his constitutional rights to make such threats. The agent advised Fitch that these types of comments are not protected speech and that it was illegal to make death threats. Following that conversation with FBI, Fitch proceeded to reach back out to both persons several times with additional threats through Facebook, including an attempt to extort money.
The case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.
Lynnwood, Washington man pleads guilty to making interstate threats and hate crimeRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 37-year-old Lynnwood, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to making interstate threats and a hate crime: interference with a Federally Protected Activity, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Joey David George has been in federal custody since his arrest on July 22, 2022. In his plea agreement George admits he made threatening telephone calls from at or near his home in Lynnwood, to grocery stores in Buffalo, New York, restaurants in California and Connecticut, and a marijuana dispensary in Maryland. Sentencing is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on December 16, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, on July 19, 20, and 21, 2022, George telephoned multiple grocery stores in Buffalo, New York and threatened to shoot Black people in the stores. George told the staff at the store to “take him seriously” and ordered the store to clear out the customers as he was “nearby” and “preparing to shoot all Black customers.” One store closed. The threats followed a racially motivated shooting at another Buffalo grocery store in May 2022. Law enforcement traced the phone number and identified George as the person who made the calls.
In addition to the calls to Buffalo, George admits that in May 2022, he called a restaurant in San Bruno, California. In that call George allegedly threatened to shoot Black and Hispanic patrons in the restaurant. He told law enforcement that he made the threat to strike fear in the Bay Area Black community.
On September 11, 2021, George called a cannabis dispensary in Rockville, Maryland, and used racial slurs as he threatened to shoot and kill Black people at the business. George admitted his racial hate to local law enforcement who used caller ID to trace the call. The dispensary shut down and hired extra security, causing a loss of over $50,000. On that same day George also called a Denny’s restaurant in Enfield, Connecticut and threatened Black patrons at the restaurant.
In his plea agreement George agrees to pay restitution to the impacted businesses.
Making interstate threats in punishable by up to five years in prison. Interfering with a Federally Protected Activity is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Prosecutors have agreed to limit their sentencing recommendation to the high end of the federal sentencing guidelines range. Judge Martinez is not bound by prosecutors’ recommendation and can impose any sentence up to the 10-year statutory maximum after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of multiple local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Woods and Rebecca Cohen in consultation with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Straw Purchasing Firearms for A Mexican Drug CartelRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Brown Dimas III (27, Lehigh Acres) to three years and one month in federal prison for falsifying records relating to firearms purchases. Dimas had pleaded guilty on August 4, 2022.
According to court records, between November 2018 and March 2019, Dimas purchased several high-powered rifles from licensed gun dealers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral at the request of a Mexican drug cartel. Such an act is often referred to as “straw purchasing.” For each purchase, Dimas falsely certified in ATF paperwork that he was purchasing the firearms for himself, when in truth he knew he was purchasing them for a Mexican drug cartel in exchange for cash kickbacks. After the firearms were purchased, Dimas would travel to Laredo, Texas to offload the guns to a cartel associate. Since late 2019, four firearms straw-purchased by Dimas in southwest Florida have been recovered by Mexican military personnel in or near Tamaulipas, Mexico, following firefights with suspected cartel members.
This case was investigated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
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.
Legal permanent resident admits to importing meth and fentanylRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old man residing in Pearland has pleaded guilty to importing over 20 kilograms of meth and 900 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On June 24, Jose Luis Escareno attempted to enter the United States through the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo. At that time, he was driving a pickup truck and pulling a trailer.
At inspection, he claimed ownership of everything inside the vehicle and trailer. Shortly after, law enforcement discovered narcotics hidden inside a mini split air conditioning unit located in the trailer and within a cooler in the truck. They were later determined to be 21.40 kilograms of meth and 8,500 pills of fentanyl weighing approximately 931 grams.
As part of his plea, Escareno claimed the air conditioning unit belonged to a friend who was going to pay him $150 to transport it to Houston. He further admitted he purchased and packed the coolers with contents that belonged to him.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Escareno faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
#OnePillCanKill
Lawrence Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced on Nov. 4, 2022 in federal court in Boston for his role in a Lawrence-based fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Elvin Mendoza, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 2, 2022, Mendoza pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In June 2021, Mendoza was indicted along with 13 others following an over two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating out of the Lawrence area. As a result of the investigation, Mendoza was identified as a drug trafficker responsible for distributing over 300 grams of fentanyl throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. In December 2020, approximately $74,000 cash and approximately four kilograms of fentanyl, among other evidence, were seized from members of the DTO in various locations in Billerica, Methuen, Lawrence and Ayden, N.C.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in New England and the Andover, Billerica, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Salem (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department to Monitor Polls in 24 States for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights LawsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today its plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states for the Nov. 8, 2022 general election. Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters. The Civil Rights Division will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center. The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot.
For the general election, the Civil Rights Division will monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day and/or in early voting in 64 jurisdictions:
- City of Bethel, Alaska;
- Dillingham Census Area, Alaska;
- Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska;
- Sitka City-Borough, Alaska;
- Maricopa County, Arizona;
- Navajo County, Arizona;
- Pima County, Arizona;
- Pinal County, Arizona;
- Yavapai County, Arizona;
- Newton County, Arkansas;
- Los Angeles County, California;
- Sonoma County, California;
- Broward County, Florida;
- Miami-Dade County, Florida;
- Palm Beach County, Florida;
- Cobb County, Georgia;
- Fulton County, Georgia;
- Gwinnett County, Georgia;
- Town of Clinton, Massachusetts;
- City of Everett, Massachusetts;
- City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts;
- City of Leominster, Massachusetts;
- City of Malden, Massachusetts;
- City of Methuen, Massachusetts;
- City of Randolph, Massachusetts;
- City of Salem, Massachusetts;
- Prince George’s County, Maryland;
- City of Detroit, Michigan;
- City of Flint, Michigan;
- City of Grand Rapids, Michigan;
- City of Pontiac, Michigan;
- City of Southfield, Michigan;
- City of Minneapolis, Minnesota;
- Hennepin County, Minnesota;
- Ramsey County, Minnesota;
- Cole County, Missouri;
- Alamance County, North Carolina;
- Columbus County, North Carolina;
- Harnett County, North Carolina;
- Mecklenburg County, North Carolina;
- Wayne County, North Carolina;
- Middlesex County, New Jersey;
- Bernalillo County, New Mexico;
- San Juan County, New Mexico;
- Clark County, Nevada;
- Washoe County, Nevada;
- Queens County, New York;
- Cuyahoga County, Ohio;
- Berks County, Pennsylvania;
- Centre County, Pennsylvania;
- Lehigh County, Pennsylvania;
- Luzerne County, Pennsylvania;
- Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania;
- City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island;
- Horry County, South Carolina;
- Dallas County, Texas;
- Harris County, Texas;
- Waller County, Texas;
- San Juan County, Utah;
- City of Manassas, Virginia;
- City of Manassas Park, Virginia;
- Prince William County, Virginia;
- City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and,
- City of Racine, Wisconsin.
Monitors will include personnel from the Civil Rights Division and from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. In addition, the division also deploys monitors from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. Division personnel will also maintain contact with state and local election officials.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and the Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website, at https://www.ada.gov/.
Complaints related to disruption at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local election officials (including officials in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
The Justice Department recently announced its overall plans for the general election to protect the right to vote and secure the integrity of the voting process through the work of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, National Security Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at https://www.justice.gov/crt.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Leading Criminal Enterprise Linked to Two MurdersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of leading a criminal enterprise linked to two murders and multiple violent assaults, and which distributed at least a kilogram of methamphetamine every day for nearly a year in the Kansas City, Springfield, St. Joseph, and St. Louis, Mo., areas, as well as illegally possessing firearms.
Trevor Scott Sparks, 33, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of participating in a money-laundering conspiracy, one count of possessing firearms in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Sparks has remained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on Dec. 18, 2018.
Sparks engaged in the drug trafficking conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2017, to December 12, 2018. Although not charged, the trial jury heard evidence that the drug-trafficking organization led by Sparks was responsible for two murders and multiple violent assaults. In August 2018, James Hampton was seized by members of the organization. Hampton, who was in St. Louis, was seized because Sparks thought he could help find the drugs and money that had been stolen from the organization. When they realized Hampton could not or would not help, he was restrained and beaten. Hampton was then transported from St. Louis to Kansas City in the trunk of his car. Brittanie Broyles, who was with Hampton and witnessed him being beaten and restrained, was also taken to Kansas City.
On Aug. 6, 2018, Hampton’s car and body were discovered burning in Bates City, Mo. On Aug. 8, 2018, Broyles’s body was recovered by the Super Flea in the Northeast area of Kansas City. She had been murdered by two gunshots to her head.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Sparks has two prior felony convictions for robbery, and prior felony convictions for assault and possession of a controlled substance.
Sparks must pay a money judgment of up to $4,160,000, which represents the drug-trafficking proceeds, as determined by the court at the time of his sentencing. That forfeiture amount is based on the unlawful distribution of approximately 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average price of $8,000 per kilogram.
In addition to Sparks, 31 co-defendants have pleaded guilty in this case and its companion case.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about an hour before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Nov. 1, 2022.
Under federal statutes, Sparks is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, and Springfield, Mo., Police Departments, the Sni Valley Fire Department, the Jackson, Lafayette, Buchanan, and Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Departments, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the St. James, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Insulation Contracting Firm Sentenced for Rigging BidsRead the Press Release
Axion Specialty Contracting LLC (Axion) was sentenced to pay a $1,001,989 criminal fine and $313,121 in restitution on Nov. 4 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for its participation in a bid-rigging scheme targeting public and private entities in Connecticut. This is the third sentencing arising out of a long-running investigation into the insulation contracting industry.
According to a guilty plea entered on Aug. 3 the defendant conspired with other insulation contractors to rig bids on contracts for installing insulation around pipes and ducts on construction projects at universities, hospitals and other public and private entities in Connecticut. The conspiracy ran for over five years, beginning as early as October 2012 and continuing until as late as March 2018. Six other individuals and companies have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct arising out of this investigation. Three individuals and one company await sentencing.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of conduct that subverts the competitive process and targets public and private institutions,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. “We will pursue and hold accountable companies that subvert the competitive process for personal gain and corporate greed.”
“Through this prosecution, individuals and businesses that illegally colluded with competitors to improve their companies’ bottom lines are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “I commend the FBI and DCIS for investigating this scheme that victimized hospitals, universities and businesses throughout Connecticut.”
“The FBI takes allegations of project or construction fraud and bid rigging very seriously and will expend all appropriate resources to investigate such matters fully,” said Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI New Haven Office. “This sentence and punitive penalty stand as evidence that we will pursue and bring to justice those who conspire to commit such crimes.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, investigates anticompetitive practices that erode equity and trust in the DoD contracting processes,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to partner with the Department of Justice and the FBI to hold accountable those companies that threaten the DoD procurement system.”
Axion previously pleaded guilty to one count of bid rigging under Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Axion was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $400.
The Antitrust Division’s New York Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI New Haven Office and the DCIS’s New Haven Resident Agency investigated this case.
In November 2019, the Department of Justice created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To contact the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to construction or infrastructure, go to https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
INTERPOL Washington's Project TERMINUS Supports Indonesian Border Security EffortsRead the Press Release
On October 27, 2022, INTERPOL Washington--the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB), sent a technical team to Jakarta, Indonesia, to support ongoing border security improvement efforts under Project TERMINUS. The team performed maintenance on previously provided equipment and delivered and configured new hardware and software that will improve the Government of Indonesia’s interface with INTERPOL’s I-24/7 secure network, including the Stolen and Lost Travel document (SLTD) database.
During maintenance of the older equipment, the team discovered that a core component had failed, resulting in loss of the ability to process key INTERPOL Notice data. Once the team repaired the component, the system immediately began consuming 15,175 missing Notice movements, including critical additions, updates, and cancellations. The USNCB team also plans to support its Indonesian partners by helping to relocate the existing Bali Terminus Service Delivery enclave from Jakarta to Surabaya in the future.
“INTERPOL Washington is pleased to continue its partnership with the Government of Indonesia. As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia presents unique challenges in securing its borders, and Project TERMINUS offers a key piece of the security puzzle,” said INTERPOL Washington Director Michael A. Hughes.
Established in 2016, Project TERMINUS is a partnership between INTERPOL Washington and the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism. The mission of Project TERMINUS is to extend INTERPOL's I-24/7 secure, global police-to-police communications system in high-risk areas and select host nations globally.
Project TERMINUS provides expert technical assistance to countries seeking to integrate access to INTERPOL's SLTD database into their national border security information-sharing systems. This assistance helps nations screen against the illicit international travel of transnational criminals and terrorists. Project TERMINUS is currently operating globally. In addition to Indonesia, Partner Nations receiving assistance include Nigeria, Malaysia, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, and The Maldives.
Hawkeye Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm after the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office searched his Hawkeye, Iowa, home on August 10, 2022, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Rusty Joe Barker, age 38, from Hawkeye, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition after he was convicted of a felony offense.
In an earlier detention hearing, the evidence showed that Fayette County Deputies learned that Barker had access to a firearm and ammunition when they went to the Barker home in response to a child abuse/runaway child investigation. At the plea hearing, Barker admitted he possessed a handgun and ammunition on August 10, 2022, when the deputies searched his home. Barker also admitted he was previously convicted of kidnapping and willful injury in the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County on September 25, 2007.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Barker remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Barker faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Attorney’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive. 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02057.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Hampton Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with Multiple Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Anthony Silva, 37, of Hampton, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva orchestrated two different fraud schemes. First, in late 2021, he used stolen personal identifying information of victims, including their names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, to apply for 15 different credit cards from American Express. Silva sometimes also submitted fake driver’s licenses with the victims’ names and other personal identifying information, but with his own photograph. Silva used the credit cards to make personal purchases at retailers like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, and Home Depot, and was recorded on store security footage making the purchases.
Second, between April 2020 and May 2021, Silva submitted unemployment insurance applications to Vermont and Massachusetts using the identities of many individuals. He typically had the unemployment insurance payments mailed as checks to addresses he controlled or had access to. He then deposited the checks into one of 32 different trust accounts he opened at Citizens Bank, which were in the names of purported charitable causes.
Silva will be required to pay restitution of $699,496.14 and forfeit the trust accounts he controlled at Citizens Bank. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General, and Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy.
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Great Falls man admits trafficking meth, fentanyl and illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man suspected of dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Great Falls community and of illegally possessing a firearm admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Joseph Drayton Cook, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Cook faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and 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. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 23, 2023 and continued Cook’s detention pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in 2017 and in 2020, Cook had been convicted in Montana state courts of felonies and was on probation for those offenses in March 2022, when Russell Country Drug Task Force agents identified Cook as a drug dealer. Agents and probation officers located Cook and approached him as he was placing items in a vehicle. During that interaction, Cook acknowledged there were drugs and a gun in the vehicles. He admitted to dealing meth and fentanyl and to having dealt heroin in the past. He also told law enforcement he knew he was a felon and not supposed to have firearms. In a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found two safes containing heroin, cocaine, fentanyl pills and meth along with a large sum of cash. Law enforcement also found a 9mm pistol in the vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Russell Country Drug Task Force.
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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Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Mike Marty Hernandez, 26, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2022, Hernandez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm equipped with a large capacity magazine. Because of his criminal record, including a 2019 conviction for threatening a public official, Hernandez may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department’s Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 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.
Fraudster Pleads Guilty to Participating in an $800,000 Elder Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Michael Odell Anderson, age 64, of Crystal Beach, Florida and Dun Lorring, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in relation to his participation in an elder fraud scam.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, from April 2020 to December 2020, Anderson conspired with others to persuade elderly victims to give them thousands of dollars under false pretenses. Specifically, members of the conspiracy called elderly victims posing as a police officer, lawyer, or relative and convinced victims to send money for the purported legal expenses of a loved one, generally a grandchild, who had been incarcerated in connection with a car accident or traffic stop involving a crime.
If victims provided cash as directed by conspirators, conspirators fabricated additional reasons for them to send more money, claiming the additional funds were necessary for their grandchild’s legal expenses, bail costs, fines, or to pay damages. Conspiracy members continued to call victims and demand additional funds, regularly obtaining tens of thousands of dollars from the retirement savings of victims. Additionally, conspirators falsely told the victims that the money they sent would be returned to them at a later date. To conceal the crime, the co-conspirators often told the victims that there had been a “gag order” placed on the case requiring secrecy and that the victim could not share the information with others.
Anderson admitted that he and other conspirators posed as bail bondsmen or couriers and received cash directly from the victims, taking approximately seven percent of the proceeds as their payment and distributing the remaining fraud proceeds to other conspirators. To conceal their identities, Anderson and the other conspirators used fake names and would not park directly in front of the victims’ homes when retrieving cash from the victims. When Anderson was recruited into the conspiracy in April 2020, he traveled to the Maryland area to perpetrate the scheme, collecting money from victims in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and other states. As part of the conspiracy, Anderson recruited additional participants to join the conspiracy and assist in retrieving cash from the victims. Anderson directed the recruited conspirators to pay him a percentage of their earnings from the fraud scheme.
For example, Anderson, posing as a bail bondsman, traveled to Sykesville, Maryland on December 4, 2020, and collected $29,000 in cash from Victim 3, who had received a call from a co-conspirator telling her that her nephew had been arrested and needed money for his bail. The next day, Victim 3 received another call and was told that she needed to pay an additional $10,000 in cash for bail money. Anderson again traveled to Victim 3’s home to collect the cash and was arrested while attempting to retrieve the money.
As a result of the scheme, Anderson and the other conspirators caused at least 49 victims to pay at least $842,670 through materially false pretenses, representation, and promises. Of that amount, approximately $578,170 was not returned to the victims
As part of his plea agreement, Anderson will be required to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, which does not exceed $578,170 and to forfeit any property or assets derived from, or obtained as a result of, his criminal activity, including $70,327 seized from Anderson’s residence on December 18, 2020.
Anderson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
The Department of Justice runs the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), has an interactive tool for elders who have been financially exploited to help determine to which agency they should report their incident, and also has a senior scam alert website. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney, who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative.
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Four Men Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four men from the greater Boston area have been arrested and charged for attempting to pay for sex with 12- and 14-year-old girls. If convicted, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 or 15 years in prison.
Sadeq Ali Quraishi, 45, of Boston; Dmitri McKenzie, 27, of Boston; and David Cannon, 59, of Lexington were each arrested and charged by criminal complaint with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child. Misael Fabian Medina, 37, was also arrested and charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child under 14 years old. Quraishi, McKenzie, and Cannon appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul Levenson and were each held pending detention hearings scheduled for Nov. 8, 2022. Medina appeared before Magistrate Paul Levenson on Nov. 4, 2022 and agreed to voluntary detention and waived a probable cause hearing.
According to the charging documents, Quraishi, McKenzie, Cannon and Medina each responded to an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts. Each defendant communicated via text message with an individual who purported to be selling 12- and 14-year-old girls for commercial sex. Each defendant allegedly agreed to purchase sex with one or both of the advertised children and then traveled to a local hotel to have sex with the fictitious victims. It is alleged that, upon arrival at the hotel, each defendant physically met up with the individual purporting to sell the 12- and 14-year-old girls for sex and again allegedly committed to paying to sexually abuse one or both of the children.
“These arrests show that the sex trafficking of children is happening every day. There is a huge demand for this abusive, repugnant and criminal behavior. We need to dispel the myths about who actually commits this horrific crime. The perpetrators can be white collar professionals who live in nice suburban neighborhoods. Many are married. All put their own sexual gratification over the trauma and harm inflicted on vulnerable, innocent child victims,” said United States Attorney Rachael S Rollins. “We are dedicating substantial resources in the fight against labor and sex trafficking. That includes reducing the demand driving this horrific conduct. These four defendants are the first of many more to come. Consider yourself warned.”
“Knowing people are out there on the internet, looking to prey on children is every parent’s worst fear, but trafficking of children is a heartbreaking reality that Homeland Security Investigations fights against every day. This operation, with the vital assistance of our partners, has identified and led to the arrest of four men alleged to be willing to participate in that horrific crime. Human trafficking is a crime that is notoriously difficult to combat and progress is only possible with the collaboration and support of our many partners and survivor support services. We are grateful to be part of this united effort and to continue the fight to end trafficking,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information about this case should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 617-748-3274.
The charge of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child is punishable by up to life in prison and carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for offenses involving children 14 and older, and a 15-year mandatory minimum for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child under 14 years old. The charges also carry a maximum of at least a five-year term of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Waltham, Barnstable, Quincy and Cambridge Police Departments as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty, Torey Cummings, Elizabeth Riley of Rollins’ newly established Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit and Timothy Moran, Chief of Rollins’ Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases.
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.
Fort Dodge Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty November 2, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Amber Miller, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Miller admitted her involvement in a conspiracy scheme that distributed more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine from January 2020 through April 2022. On two separate occasions in January and March 2021, Miller distributed a total of 140 grams of meth to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Miller also admitted conduct in the obstruction of justice.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Miller remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3015. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former bank teller sentenced for taking nearly $100,000 from bankRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Paul Ritter, a former bank teller at Summit Community Bank in Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for taking nearly $100,000 from customer accounts, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Ritter, 31, of Salem, was employed as a bank teller at Summit Community Bank. From July 2020 until February 2021, Ritter embezzled more than $97,000 from five bank accounts. He then failed to report the extra income in his tax return to the IRS for 2020.
Ritter pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Bank Theft” and one count of “False Tax Return.” As a part of the plea agreement, Ritter agrees to pay $97,765.30 in restitution to the bank. Ritter was also ordered to pay $27,374.28 in restitution to the IRS.
Victims in this case were identified and the bank reimbursed the affected accounts immediately after the theft was discovered.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service, the FBI, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.