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27 October 2022
Dallas Attorney Charged with Promoting Illegal Tax ShelterRead the Press Release
An indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas was unsealed today charging a Texas lawyer with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and helping his clients file false tax returns based on an illegal tax shelter that he promoted.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2012 to 2021 Joseph Garza, of Dallas, promoted a tax shelter that allowed high-income clients to claim fraudulent tax deductions that reduced the taxes they owed to the IRS. Garza and his co-conspirators allegedly directed the clients to transfer funds into shell companies, then returned this money to the clients, untaxed, for their own personal use. To conceal the circular flow of funds, Garza and the co-conspirators allegedly commissioned fictitious business valuation reports, created invoices for fake business expenses, and drafted sham contractual agreements. According to the indictment, Garza’s scheme allowed clients to hide approximately $1 billion dollars from the IRS and caused a total tax loss to the IRS exceeding $200 million.
Garza is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Ramirez of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the 18 counts of wire fraud, 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and three years in prison for each of 22 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal income tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigations and the FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Renee Hunter, Katherine Miller, and Marty Basu, and Trial Attorney Robert A. Kemins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dallas Attorney Charged in $1 Billion Tax Shelter SchemeRead the Press Release
A Dallas attorney who allegedly created tax shelters to help high-net-worth clients conceal more than one billion dollars in income from the IRS has been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Joseph Garza was indicted Tuesday on 18 counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 22 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns. He was arrested on October 25, 2022, at his home and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramirez the following day.
“This attorney allegedly hid more than a billion dollars of client income from the IRS, conning the U.S. Treasury out of roughly $200 million and lining his own pockets in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Our country functions best when every citizen pays his or her fair share. We will aggressively pursue anyone who subverts our tax laws.”
"IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Justice are working vigorously to stop abusive tax schemes like the ones created by Mr. Garza," said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Dallas Field Office. " Mr. Garza exploited his position as an attorney and purported tax expert to try and legitimize his illegal tax scheme. His arrest should serve as a warning that individuals who create elaborate schemes that have no purpose other than to defraud the IRS and shift the tax burden to honest American taxpayers will be prosecuted.”
According to the indictment, Mr. Garza, 79, allegedly created multiple shell companies – including shell “services” companies and shell “investments” companies – to create a circular flow of funds to help clients avoid paying taxes.
These shell companies purported to provide services to the clients’ businesses or to serve as family investment vehicles, but actually had no legitimate purpose other than to move money. Mr. Garza and others allegedly created sham operating agreements, sham service agreements, phony invoices, and false private annuity agreements designed to give the companies the appearance of legitimacy and conceal the scheme from the IRS.
Mr. Garza and others then allegedly assisted clients in the preparation and filing of fraudulent tax returns, including IRS Forms 1120 and 1120-S, falsely deducting businesses expenses for services that were never performed; IRS Forms 1065 for the service companies, falsely reporting gross receipts for payments that were not earned; IRS Forms 1065 for the investment companies, falsely deducting payments from the investment company to the taxpayer for annuities that didn’t exist; and IRS Forms 1040 and 1040X, underreporting the individual taxpayers’ incomes.
He allegedly charged clients a percentage of the predetermined amount of money they had chosen to shelter from taxes.
The scheme allegedly resulted in more than $1 billion in unreported income and more than $200 million in unpaid taxes.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Garza is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the 18 counts of wire fraud, 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and three years in prison for each of 22 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal income tax returns.
Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing.
IRS – Criminal Investigations’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Renee Hunter, Katherine Miller, and Marty Basu of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case with Trial Attorney Robert Kemins of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day Set for SaturdayRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in encouraging Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday by disposing of unneeded or unwanted medications safely and anonymously at any one of dozens of drop-off locations across the state.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided an easy, no-cost opportunity to dispose of medicines stored in the home that may be susceptible to misuse and theft. Opioid misuse remains at epidemic levels in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, approximately 107,622 people died as the result of a drug poisoning last year. This means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug poisoning every five minutes.
Rhode Island Department of Health statistics show that in 2021, 435 lives were lost in Rhode Island to drug overdoses, 51 more than in 2020. Current statistics for 2022 continue to trend upward. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
“I encourage everyone across the country to dispose of unneeded medications to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The Take Back campaign is part of DEA’s continued efforts to combat the drug poisoning epidemic and protect the safety and health of communities across the United States.”
“DEA’s Take Back campaign is a great opportunity for Rhode Islanders to dispose of unused and unneeded medication in a way that’s safe, effective, easy and anonymous, and that makes sure that unwanted prescription drugs don’t do unintended harm,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
On Saturday, the DEA and its partners, including many Rhode Island police departments and pharmacies, will host secure collection boxes to collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The event will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
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Convicted Felons Sentenced for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge this week sentenced three men for being felons in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
United States District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced the following defendants:
Jonathan Peter Smith, 44, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 59 months in prison for illegally possessing a Ruger .38 caliber revolver, and a Ruger 9mm pistol in November 2021 in Calhoun County after having been previously convicted of a felony. Smith pleaded guilty to the charge in July.
Timothy Richard Muncey, 29, of Gardendale, was sentenced to 55 months in prison for illegally possessing a .223 caliber Arsenal Defense rifle and a Sig Sauer .45 caliber pistol in August 2021 in Jefferson County after having been previously convicted of a felony. Muncey pleaded guilty to the charge in July.
Teddricko Lytez Armstrong, 26, of Anniston, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for illegally possessing a Glock .40 caliber pistol in September 2018 in Calhoun County after having been previously convicted of a felony. Armstrong pleaded guilty to the charge in July.
ATF investigated the case along with the Ohatchee Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Anniston, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jarquez Sigears, 35, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in April 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information that Sigears was illegally buying and selling guns in Memphis. Sigears has a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault. As such, Sigears cannot legally possess a gun or ammunition.
In May and June of 2019, agents with ATF purchased multiple guns from Sigears including three Smith
& Wesson .40 caliber pistols, a Ceska Zbrojobka (CZ) 9mm pistol, a Kel-Tel .22 caliber pistol, a
Taurus 9mm caliber pistol, and a GMMG 9mm semi- automatic rifle. Some of the guns had been reported stolen and all the guns were loaded with ammunition.This case was investigated by the ATF.
On October 25, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Sigears to 151 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###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.
Columbus Pain Medicine Practice Agrees to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Violations Under the Controlled Substances Act, False Claims ActRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Kenneth Barngrover, M.D., and his practice, Southeast Regional Pain Center (SRPC), in Columbus, Georgia, has agreed to a $1,000,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations that the pain medicine practice violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA). In addition to a monetary payment, Dr. Barngrover and SRPC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that will be in effect for the next three years.
Barngrover was registered with the DEA as required and operated a worker’s compensation pharmacy out of SRPC offices from which he was authorized to dispense controlled substances. At issue in the settlement were allegations that in the operation of his worker’s compensation pharmacy, Barngrover failed to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements. Those alleged violations included failing to maintain a biennial inventory; failing to maintain a current, complete and accurate record of controlled substances; and collecting medications without DEA authority or documentation of receipt.
In addition to the alleged violations of the CSA, the settlement also resolves allegations that Dr. Barngrover and SRCP violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Tricare for medically unnecessary evaluation and management services, evaluation and management services that were up-coded and psychological testing services that were not appropriately rendered.
“If providers wish to operate like a pharmacy and dispense drugs to their patients, they must act like a pharmacy and maintain accurate records of highly addictive and dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Moreover, our federal health care system requires services rendered to patients be medically necessary and appropriate. Providers must abide by federal guidelines put in place for the protection of our citizens.”
“The abuse and misuse of prescription drugs is a major contributor to our nation’s opioid epidemic,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “DEA registered entities are required to maintain current and accurate records of their drug dispensing; DEA investigators will pursue violations of federal mandates put in place to prevent the diversion of these highly addictive drugs away from legitimate medical use.”
“Providers who undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense health care system for their own selfish gain will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce, DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “DCIS and our investigative partners will aggressively pursue those who divert funds intended for military families.”
“Providers who submit false claims to Medicare undermine the integrity of federal health care programs," said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that all health care providers who misuse their medical professional status for financial gain are held accountable."
The CSA subjects all registered handlers of controlled substances to strict requirements regarding the inventory control and recordkeeping of controlled substances. These requirements ensure that DEA registrants account for controlled substances from the time that they are purchased until the time that they are delivered to other registrants, dispensed to patients, or discarded. The CSA’s recordkeeping requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.
The FCA is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any persons or entities who submit, or cause to be submitted, false claims for payment on the federal government or its contractors. The liability that can be imposed under the statute is treble damages (that is, three times the loss caused by the false claims) and a civil penalty between $12,537 to $25,076 per false claim. The FCA is the primary authority used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division to redress fraud, waste and abuse within federal programs, including, but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.
This case was investigated by Diversion Investigator Chris Crutchfield of DEA-Atlanta District Office, Special Agent Kevin White of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Bryan Cofer of the U.S. Department of Defense-Defense Criminal Investigative Service. (DOD DCIS).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd P. Swanson and W. Taylor McNeill represented the United States in the settlement agreement.
Civilian Employees at Anniston Army Depot Charged with Conspiracy to Steal Government PropertyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two civilian employees at the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) have been charged with conspiracy to steal property of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce, Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Inspector General Assistant Deputy Inspector General Ronald Wesley, and United States Army Criminal Investigation Division Acting Special Agent in Charge D. Todd Outlaw.
In charging documents filed today in United States District Court, Stantillio Whitfield, 43, of Anniston and Tevin Fletcher, 32, of Oxford are each charged with one count of conspiracy to steal property of the United States.
According to the charging documents, Whitfield was a Material Examiner and Identifier for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Fletcher was a Material Expeditor for DLA. The documents allege that between October 2020 and September 2021, Whitfield and Fletcher conspired to steal approximately 50 AN/PVS-30 scopes and other government property valued at approximately $546,750.00 from DLA facilities at ANAD. AN/PVS-30 scopes are designed to be attached to military weapons systems to provide operators with instant nighttime engagement capabilities. The charging documents also allege that Whitfield and Fletcher sold the stolen property at substantially discounted prices and shared the proceeds.
“The allegations against these defendants show they placed personal gain above their duty and the safety of our military personnel,” said United States Attorney Escalona. “We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to track and prosecute those who violate positions of public trust.”
"This is an initial step toward eradicating corruption within the ranks at the Anniston Army Depot,” Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce of the Defense Department’s Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service said. “This investigation uncovered trusted government employees involved in a multi-year conspiracy to steal government property and convert it for their own personal gain.”
“The tireless efforts of the dedicated men and women of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our Law Enforcement partners ensures individuals are held accountable for their actions and army assets are properly accounted for and maintained,” said, D. Todd Outlaw, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Southern Field Office.
According to the plea agreements, also filed today, Whitfield and Fletcher have each agreed to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge. The Plea Agreements state that Whitfield received approximately $160,524.61 from the sale of government property stolen from ANAD and sent approximately $34,840.00 to Fletcher. Each defendant has agreed to pay restitution of $546,750.00 to the United States and forfeit the money they made from the conspiracy.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General are investigating the case, and Assistant United States Attorney George Martin is prosecuting it.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Choctaw Nation and United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Co-Host Law Enforcement SummitRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - On Monday, October 17, 2022, law enforcement officials gathered at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters in Durant, Oklahoma, for the 2022 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Law Enforcement Summit. The event was co-hosted by the Choctaw Nation and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The goal of the summit was to provide law enforcement and prosecutors serving within the territorial boundaries of the Choctaw Nation an opportunity to discuss the continuing changes in Indian Country jurisdiction and to focus on continued collaboration between local, state, tribal and federal agencies.
“On behalf of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, thank you to United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said Kara Bacon, Tribal Prosecutor, CNO. “This summit and other opportunities like this give our local law enforcement community—drawn from tribal, local, state, and federal agencies—an opportunity to dialogue and develop best practices as federal Indian law and policy evolves.”
“My sincere thanks to Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and the Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety for providing a wonderful venue for the summit,” said United States Attorney Christopher Wilson. “It was great to have representatives from local police departments, sheriff departments, Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, state law enforcement agencies, federal law enforcement agencies, district attorney offices, Choctaw Nation tribal prosecutors, and federal prosecutors in the same room. Together, we utilized this opportunity to strengthen coordination and communication which is critically important to accomplish our common mission of promoting public safety, holding criminals accountable, and obtaining justice for victims.”
The summit featured panelists and presenters from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Bureau of Indian Affairs; Bryan County Sheriff’s Office; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; District Attorney Offices (Districts 16, 18, and 19); Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Idabel Police Department; McAlester Police Department; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; Poteau Police Department; United States Attorney’s Office and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The format included panel discussions addressing topics such as:
- Indian Country Jurisdiction, Concurrent Jurisdiction, & Federal/Tribal/State Authority;
- Law Enforcement Authority in Indian Country;
- Concurrent Jurisdiction following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta decision on June 29, 2022;
- Law Enforcement Authority in Indian Country;
- Law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to crimes within the Choctaw Nation; and
- Savanna’s Act, Ida’s Law and the expansion of Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022;
and presentations on arson, firearms, and illegal narcotics offenses.
Charleston County Man Pleads Guilty to Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — David Washington, 55, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent income tax returns containing false deductions.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Washington operated a fraud scheme wherein he would claim false business losses for taxpayers whose returns he was preparing to offset reported income. Investigators determined that Washington’s customers provided correct tax-related information to Washington with the expectation that he would accurately file the returns for the customers. The amount of the business loss fraudulently claimed by Washington generated a substantial tax refund to which the taxpayers were not entitled and resulted in a significant loss of tax revenue to the United States Government.
“The vast majority of tax preparers, like taxpayers, are truthful and honest in their work product, calculations, and submissions,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “Those who seek to violate the tax laws, however, will face this Office and our federal partners at the IRS as we will continue to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who violate the law.”
"The IRS and Department of Justice are working vigorously to stop abusive tax schemes, whose activities unfairly shift the tax burden to honest American taxpayers," said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge Charlotte Field Office of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division. "Today's court action should serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to be wary of any scheme by a tax preparer which falsely adds expenses to their tax returns for the sole purpose of offsetting their income.”
Washington is subject to a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.00. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Washington after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
Career Criminal Sentenced to a Total of More Than Three Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A career criminal was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2022 in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction.
Robert Roscoe, 31, of Boston and Attleboro, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release. At the time he distributed fentanyl, Roscoe was on federal supervised release for a 2019 conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This sentence will run consecutive with a two-year sentence imposed on Roscoe on June 16, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton for violating his supervised release by distributing fentanyl. Roscoe had been previously convicted of armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault and battery on a police officer.
On June 30, 2022, Roscoe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. Roscoe’s co-defendant, Ozair Pereira, is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10, 2022 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Brooklyn Man, Who Was Fugitive for 8 Years, Pleads Guilty to His Role in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Dockim Deeshawn McKnight, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that McKnight was one of 10 defendants charged in April 2014, following a series of court-authorized wiretaps over several telephones in the Columbia area. Six of the 10 defendants were arrested in April 2014, while four remained fugitives, including McKnight. McKnight remained a fugitive until his May 2022 arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service in Brooklyn. Two other fugitives were arrested in 2017 in Texas. The remaining fugitive arrested in September 2022 in Concord, North Carolina, is currently awaiting trial, and is innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The 2013 investigation revealed that a group of individuals in the Columbia area were obtaining heroin from various sources outside of South Carolina and then distributing it in the Midlands. Evidence indicated that the suppliers were initially getting the heroin in packages from India. Several packages destined for Columbia and containing heroin were intercepted by law enforcement during the investigation. Evidence further showed that the co-defendants later traveled to New York to obtain heroin and transported it back to Columbia where it was distributed. In June 2013, New York authorities seized 155 grams of heroin from McKnight and his girlfriend/co-defendant Jessany Lyons while they were preparing to board a bus back to South Carolina.
Eight of McKnight’s co-defendants earlier plead guilty to their role in the drug conspiracy here in South Carolina and were sentenced as follows: Eric Shawn Bradley of Columbia was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release; Michael Glover of Columbia was sentenced to 324 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release; Jihad Salahadeen Pollard of Columbia was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release; Kenneth Crawford, Jr., of Washington, D.C. and formerly of Columbia was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release; Charles Raheem Bradley of Columbia was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 6 years of supervised release to follow; Anthony Troy Glover of Columbia was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release to follow; Larry Grover Bookman of Columbia was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 6 years of supervised release; and Jessany Lyons of Far Rockaway, New York, was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release. The New York heroin suppliers were charged and convicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York for their role in the drug conspiracy.
McKnight faces a mandatory minimum of five years with a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will sentence McKnight after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) High Intensity Drug Task Force, which was comprised of agents and officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force-Charlotte Office assisted in locating the four fugitives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Brighton High School Teacher Arrested, Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Louis Carusone, 44, of Webster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 10, 2022, Carusone, a high school physics teacher in the Brighton School District, shared a video and images containing child pornography in an online peer-to-peer file-sharing network, which were downloaded by an undercover law enforcement officer. Between October 14 and 15, 2022, the officer downloaded more files containing child pornography that were shared from Carusone’s IP address.
On October 21, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Carusone’s Webster residence and seized multiple devices including a tablet, SD cards, a laptop, desktop computers and phones. A preliminary review of one of the cell phones seized recovered 11 videos that Carusone appears to have recorded himself, between August 16 and October 13, 2022. It appears that he surreptitiously recorded and photographed female students in his classroom. Carusone also appears to have surreptitiously recorded both minors and adults in public places, to include what appears to be a water park, where he recorded both adults and children in bathing suits. In addition, a preliminary review of one of the desktop computers recovered approximately 2,030 images and 21 videos of child pornography.
Members of the public who have specific information related to this case are urged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (585) 279-0085.
Carusone made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions, to include electronic monitoring.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Boston Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been charged with allegedly trafficking a minor he met on social media to engage in commercial sex acts.
Jimall Dawn Brown, 33, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Brown was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 3 p.m. this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.
“Human trafficking – which includes both sex and labor trafficking – is a form of slavery that causes unimaginable harm through exploitation and degradation. It is an assault on an individual’s dignity and is an urgent threat to public safety and public health. Human Trafficking impacts people across races, genders, age, immigration status, and socio-economic statuses and is often perpetrated against the most vulnerable among us – in this case, a child,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
U.S. Attorney Rollins continued, “We allege that Mr. Brown preyed on a vulnerable teenager that he found on social media, coerced her to travel to Boston, where he trafficked her to engage in commercial sex. He exploited this child for thousands of dollars of profit by forcing her to engage in sex acts inflicting violence and harm when she tried to break away and leave. We must begin to face the harsh reality that human trafficking is happening every single day in our Commonwealth and across our country. With my newly established Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit, the United States Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in our fight to combat this growing threat, hold traffickers accountable and bring services, treatment and some level of justice to victims and survivors of this awful crime.”
“No person, let alone a minor, should be treated as a commodity to be transported and sold again and again. But that is exactly what Jimall Dawn Brown is accused of doing for his own financial gain. He even went as far as allegedly threatening this victim in this case with violence if she tried to break free from this cycle of abuse,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Sex trafficking is a despicable crime that has a long-lasting and devastating impact on its victims. Every day, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is working hard to protect children by bringing to justice those who exploit them. We take a victim-centered approach to each case, and we urge anyone who is or believes they may be a victim to contact us.”
"We are proud of the collaboration the Boston Police Department has with our federal law enforcement partners. This is another example of our department working to keep the community safe," said Michael Cox, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.
According to the charging document, Brown trafficked a 17-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex acts. It is alleged that Brown first met the victim, who was living outside Massachusetts, on social media. He induced and coerced her to fly to Boston, with promises of a ‘better lifestyle.” Brown posted advertisements of the victim online and arranged “dates” for the victim to have sex in exchange for money. Brown allegedly set the pricing for the commercial sex acts she engaged in, for which he collected all of the profit.
In March 2022, Brown allegedly coerced the victim, who was still a minor at the time, to fly to Georgia, where he arranged for her to engage in commercial sex, for which he collected all of the profit. It is further alleged that in April 2022, Brown took the victim to Nevada, again arranging for her to engage in commercial sex and keeping all of the profit.
According to the charging document, local law enforcement in Massachusetts met with the victim at which time she alleged that Brown told her she would have a better life if she came to Boston to “be with him,” however once she did so, Brown prevented her from leaving. Specifically, it is alleged that when the victim would attempt to leave Brown, he would threaten her or beat her up. For example, as stated in court documents, if she told him she wanted to go home, he would put his hands on her, slap her and yell at her. On multiple occasions, Brown allegedly hit the victim, choked her and physically restrained her.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this alleged crime should contact [email protected]. If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please visit https://polarisproject.org/ for information and resources.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, BPD Commissioner Cox and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Arlington and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of Rollins’ Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Blaine Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS– A Blaine man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, on May 5, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Blaine residence of Demarcus Lee Washington, 35. As a result of the search, law enforcement recovered over 1,000 grams of controlled substances, at least 800 grams of which was fentanyl.
Washington pleaded guilty today before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) and the Roseville and Mounds View Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Dunne, Ruth Shnider and Samantha Bates are prosecuting the case.
Billings man sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping minors, transporting a person for illegal sexual activity, drug trafficking and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted of multiple crimes stemming from an investigation into kidnapping minors, transportation of persons for illegal sexual activity, drug trafficking and firearms offenses was sentenced today to life in prison, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters found Angelo Corey Stackhouse, 52, guilty on June 16, following a bench trial, of all seven counts charged in superseding indictment, including transportation of a person with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, distribution of cocaine to a person under the age of 21, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and two counts of kidnapping.
District Judge Watters presided at sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This significant sentence will protect the public and community, especially vulnerable girls and women, from Stackhouse for a long time. Stackhouse is a violent predator who used threats and drugs to assault and exploit women and children for his own sexual interest while also distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in the community. I hope that with this sentence, the victims can begin to heal from the trauma and abuse Stackhouse inflicted,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and in evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that in early 2020, Stackhouse trafficked illegal narcotics, primarily cocaine. Stackhouse went to Denver, Colorado to obtain cocaine for redistribution in the Billings community through the summer of 2020. During this time, Stackhouse transported a 20-year-old female to Colorado and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions while providing her cocaine. While brandishing a firearm, he also threatened and feigned a sexual assault against a homeless adult female to whom he provided drugs and told the drugs were not free. On separate occasions, one in September 2020 and another in April 2021, Stackhouse kidnapped two minor girls for the purposes of sexually assaulting them in hotel rooms in Billings. One of the minor victims was from the Crow Indian Reservation and the second minor victim was from Billings. Multiple other adult females testified at trial that Stackhouse sexually assaulted them.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
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Belgrade man sentenced to six years in prison for meth, heroin trafficking, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Belgrade man who admitted drug trafficking and firearm crimes after law enforcement found him slumped over the steering wheel of an idling vehicle, with drugs and a short-barreled shotgun inside, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court allowed Gohde to self-report to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2021, Gohde, after absconding from probation, was found by the Bozeman Police Department officers slumped over the steering wheel of an idling vehicle on the street. Officers observed a partially open backpack on the front passenger seat, and Gohde’s probation officer requested a search of the vehicle. As officers removed the bag, Gohde stated, “there are multiple felonies in there.” The bag was found to contain heroin and meth. Also in the vehicle was a short-barreled modified shotgun with an obliterated serial number. Gohde was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions. The investigation determined that Gohde purchased pound quantities of meth from suppliers in Seattle, Washington, and Denver, Colorado, and was selling drugs to as many as 18 individuals.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bozeman Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole.
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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Ashland man admits sexually abusing minor girl on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — An Ashland man admitted today to sexually abusing a minor girl on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jordan Cody Washee, 30, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. Washee faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 15, 2023. Judge Watters continued Washee’s release pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that the victim, identified as Jane Doe, reported that starting in 2011 and continuing through 2012, Washee sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions at her house on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Doe was between the ages of 11 and 13 at the time. Doe estimated the sexual abuse happened 15 to 20 times. The government further alleged that when interviewed by law enforcement in March 2022, Washee initially denied the allegations, then said it happened only once. He later admitted that Doe was telling the truth about the multiple incidents of abuse. At the hearing, Washee disputed the number of times the abuse occurred.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office.
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Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Multi-Kilos of Meth, Fentanyl Aboard Bus Passing Through KCRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Phoenix, Arizona, woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to smuggling approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than a kilogram of fentanyl aboard a bus passing through Kansas City, Mo., enroute to St. Louis, Mo.
Alexus C. Sparks, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and to one count of possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine to distribute.
According to today’s plea agreement, law enforcement officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting narcotic interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus terminal on June 6, 2022. A bus originating from Los Angeles, California,, arrived at the terminal for a brief layover. After the passengers disembarked, a detective brought his police drug-sniffing dog onto the bus. The dog alerted to a pink floral duffel bag and a white hard-side suitcase, which were sitting near each other, and which were left on the bus after the passengers had disembarked. The duffel bag and suitcase were taken off the bus and placed on a bench directly in front of the bus in order to identify the owners when reboarding commenced.
As Sparks began to reboard the bus, she picked up the duffel bag. When an officer asked her if she owned the bag, she stated, “yes.” When he identified himself as a law enforcement officer, however, she recanted. Sparks was detained for investigation, and later admitted to officers that the duffel bag belonged to her and that she was transporting illegal drugs to St. Louis.
Officers searched the duffel bag and found two bundles that contained a total of 20.4 pounds (approximately 9.2 kilograms) of methamphetamine and a rectangular brick that contained 2.3 pounds (more than one kilogram) of fentanyl.
None of the passengers claimed the suitcase, which was determined to be abandoned. When officers opened the suitcase, they found 12 bundles that contained a total of 30.4 pounds (approximately 13.8 kilograms) of methamphetamine. Officers contacted another passenger on the bus, who was seated in the seat where the suitcase had been found. The bus tickets for both Sparks and this passenger were purchased at the same time at a bus terminal in Las Vegas, Nevada. This passenger was also detained and charged as a co-defendant.
Under federal statutes, Sparks is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 Gregg R. Coonrod and Maureen Brackett. It was investigated by the Missouri Western Interdiction Task Force (MoWIN).
Ambridge Felon Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 25, named Maurice Mosely, Jr., age 41, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about July 21, 2021 and Sept. 10, 2021, Mosely, Jr., possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm and ammunition. On or about July 21, 2021, Mosely, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. On or about Aug. 13, 2021, Mosley, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alleged sex trafficker set to appear in courtRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 31-year-old Houston man has been taken into custody on charges of sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Law enforcement arrested Jonathan Smith-Byrd today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Oct. 19 which was unsealed upon the arrest today.
Smith-Byrd allegedly used force, fraud and coercion to cause three women to engage in commercial sex. Two of the victims were minors when Smith-Byrd trafficked them, according to the charges.
The indictment also alleges Smith-Byrd coerced the victims to engage in sex acts across state lines.
If convicted, Smith-Byrd faces up to life imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed the HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as a national model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and Sebastian A. Edwards are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
26 October 2022
Woodward Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – A Woodward man was sentenced on Thursday, October 20, 2022, to 12 months and one day in prison for wire fraud and false statements to the United States Small Business Association (SBA).
According to court documents, John Richard Stidolph, age 66, submitted numerous false applications to the SBA for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Over the course of approximately one year, he submitted four fraudulent applications and received $359,800 from the SBA. As part of Stidolph’s sentence, he was ordered to pay restitution to the SBA and serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Wilkes-Barre Moving Company Owner Sentenced for Failing to Pay Required Federal Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason T. Cawley, age 44, owner of J. Cawley Moving, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 25, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 2 years’ probation, including 6 months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, for failing to collect and pay over several years’ worth of required federal payroll taxes.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, for a five year period from 2015 to 2019, Cawley willfully failed to account for and pay over to the IRS required federal payroll taxes in the total amount of $398,726.61. Although he withheld the funds from his employees’ pay, Cawley consistently failed to pay the monies over to the IRS, as required. Cawley also failed to file the required quarterly Forms 941 with the IRS.
At sentencing, Cawley was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $245,388.91, which constitutes the balance of the unpaid taxes.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Violent Felon Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison After Committing Six Armed Robberies in Six Weeks, Including Three of the Same Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Devonte Bailey, 24, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 6, 2018, Bailey approached four men standing inside a residential garage in Indianapolis, asked for directions, and then left the area. Bailey returned a few minutes later, brandished a semiautomatic pistol, and demanded the keys to the victims’ vehicle and their cellular telephones. Bailey fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The next day an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a report of shots fired and responded to the area. When the officer arrived in the vicinity of where the shots were reported, he saw Bailey sitting in the driver’s seat of the stolen vehicle. As the officer approached Bailey, he drove away at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a vehicle pursuit, which ended at an apartment building. Bailey exited the vehicle, entered an apartment, and ran out the rear of the building. The officer searched Bailey’s vehicle and found a 9mm handgun inside.
On November 1, 2018, Bailey entered a Dollar Tree on High School Road. Bailey approached the check-out counter, brandished a silver revolver, and demanded money. The cashier ran from the register and Bailey left the store without any money.
Later that same day, Bailey entered a Circle K on Lafayette Road. Bailey grabbed a bag of Doritos and proceeded to the check-out counter. Bailey again brandished the silver revolver and demanded money and cigarettes from the cashier, and the cashier complied.
On November 7, 2018, Bailey entered the same Circle K on Lafayette Road, again brandishing the silver revolver. Bailey walked behind the counter and removed money from the register and several packs of cigarettes before fleeing the store.
On November 16, 2018, Bailey entered the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell on Georgetown Road. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the safe. Bailey instructed an employee to open the safe. Bailey removed the money from the safe and then fled the restaurant.
On November 22, 2018, Bailey went back to the Circle K on Lafayette Road for a third time. When Bailey entered the store, none of the employees were inside. Bailey exited the store and located an employee and a customer standing together near the exit. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied. Bailey took the customer’s car keys and fled the store. The customer chased Bailey as he ran from the store. Bailey dropped his backpack as he was fleeing and drove away in a vehicle, but not the customer’s vehicle. The customer tried to block Bailey from leaving and Bailey almost hit him with the vehicle as he drove away. Bailey drove the vehicle into a nearby tree. Bailey exited the vehicle and ran into a storage area. Police responded moments later, and Bailey was arrested. Officers searched the backpack that Bailey had discarded and found a silver 9mm revolver.
Bailey was transported to the police station where he was interviewed. Bailey confessed to the robberies. In a subsequent interview with a federal agent, Bailey confessed to the October 6, 2018, carjacking and admitted to brandishing a 9mm handgun.
Bailey was previously convicted in Marion County, Indiana for battery with a deadly weapon. Bailey was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due this felony conviction.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division; and Randal Taylor, Police Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Bailey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Announces District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – United States Attorney Sean P. Costello announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Vicki Davis will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Davis has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Alabama, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Costello said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Costello stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Davis will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (251) 441-5845”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (251) 438-3674.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
United States Attorney Costello said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Complaints Related to November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Seth Askins (619) 546-6692
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 26, 2022
SAN DIEGO - Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.
AUSA Askins has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of Election
Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Grossman stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Askins will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (619) 546-6692.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (858) 320-1800.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
U.S. Attorney Grossman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison Appoints Steven Cares as District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Steven Cares will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Cares has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Ison stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Cares will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313)226-9139.”In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313)965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Ison said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions to Combat Violent Organized Crime and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges today against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution, and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners.
“Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this Office’s mission, and I have no higher priority as U.S. Attorney. The scourge of senseless gun violence plagues too many of our communities, particularly in our urban centers. We are committed to protecting the public from violent criminal organizations, and we will relentlessly hold those who harm and threaten the public accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “The arrests and charges announced today were achieved through my Office’s collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners through our Violent Crime Initiative. Our VCI model targets the dangerous offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey who threaten the public and perpetrate violence within our most vulnerable communities.”
The Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) is a collaborative, multi-agency program designed to combine the resources of New Jersey’s federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify, target, and prosecute violent offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey. “Selflessly working and coordinating with our law enforcement partners has strengthened our ability to better protect the public from violent actors and organized criminal conduct. The charges announced today resulted from that team effort,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger also noted that shooting incidents statewide and in cities where the VCIs operate are appreciably lower than the year-to-date total from last year, including a 23% reduction statewide, a 30% reduction in Newark, 27% reduction in Jersey City, and 12% reduction in Paterson. The following graphic reflects those reductions:
NJ State Police Total Shooting Incidents“These decreases are not a reason for anyone to rest easy or let up, but it is a positive note for our communities that have seen all too much violence,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.
“My primary responsibility and focus as Attorney General is keeping the residents of our state safe – whether by tackling a rise in auto thefts or taking actions to prevent gun violence, including by holding violent offenders accountable,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Today, as a result of the efforts of various law enforcement agencies, we are once again demonstrating that effectively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes requires collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We are, quite simply, stronger and more effective when we collaborate, communicate, and share resources — which is precisely the type of partnerships we are fortunate to have here in New Jersey.”
“The Violent Crime Initiative plays an integral role in identifying and removing the most violent offenders in our communities,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “Three of DEA’s investigations have resulted in the removal of 73 guns, more than 100 arrests, and the seizure of multiple kilograms of narcotics. It is the teamwork of law enforcement at every level working together toward the same goal that makes these investigations successful.”
“ATF remains vigilant in its pursuit of the most violent offenders in our communities by utilizing crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle, and to prosecute shooters and their sources of crime guns,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews said. “We will continue to exploit investigative and data-driven leads derived from ATF’s National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which is vital for both fair and impartial policing. These arrests send a clear and direct message of ATF’s continued commitment to combat violent crime and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard the public from violence.”
“Violent crime in every form negatively impacts quality of life for every person left in its wake,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The citizens of New Jersey – and across this country – have the absolute right to feel safe in their homes, their communities, and their country, which is why the FBI places great emphasis on eradicating violence. It is a lofty goal and one that may seem unreachable in these divisive times. But we will continue to fight this fight alongside our federal, state, and local partners for as long as it takes. We ask the community to take an active role – if you see something, report it. We cannot let violence rule our way of life.”
The charges and arrests announced today are summarized below, followed by tables setting forth the names, ages, and residences of those charged, as well as the charges against them.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Today, 14 individuals were charged by criminal complaints with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. According to the allegations in the complaints, the charged defendants participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) made up members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang. The organization controlled the drug trade in and around the Oscar Miles Village housing complex in Newark.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, investigators of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, investigators from the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz Fragé, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles investigation.
The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Fassanello of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Olta Bejleri of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization
Ten members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang were recently charged by superseding indictment with participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, carjackings, robberies, non-fatal shootings, and murder. According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, from in or around 2015 through 2022, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization operated in Essex and Union Counties, the New Jersey prison system, and elsewhere in New Jersey and nationally. During this alleged conspiracy, several of the charged defendants committed multiple non-fatal shootings and a murder, in furtherance of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under Marshal Juan Mattos’ direction; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fragé, the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura’s direction, the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization
Seven members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang were indicted for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved the commission of multiple murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, fraud, and narcotics distribution. According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or around 2019 to 2022, the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization operated in Somerset, Middlesex, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, as well as within the New Jersey prison system. During that period, several of the charged defendants are alleged to have committed violent acts, including murder, a mass shooting, and assaults with deadly weapons, all in furtherance of the affairs of Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization. In one instance, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods are alleged to have shot nine people in New Brunswick, killing two. Over the course of this conspiracy, members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization are alleged to have shot 16 people in New Jersey, killing three.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy in Newark, as well as investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Bounty Hunter Bloods investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Organization
Six defendants were charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and crack-cocaine in and around Lincoln Park in Newark. This investigation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and quantities of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under Special Agent in Charge Matthews’s direction, special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, investigators of the Newark Police Department, under Public Safety Director Fragé’s direction, and investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Fontoura’s direction, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Lincoln Park investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.
Trinitarios
Five members and associates of several branches of the Trinitarios street gang were arrested and charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin, as well as firearms offenses. According to the allegations in the complaints, the defendants conducted their narcotics and firearms activities in and around the Fifth Ward of Paterson.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge Dennehy’s direction, investigators of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale, and investigators of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Trinitarios investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Edeli Rivera of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
The investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles, Rollin 60s, and Trinitarios investigations were part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Thomas Barney
47
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najuwan Blake-Williams
23
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Altray Brown
29
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ali Carney
44
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najee Carney
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Mookadean Cheeseboro
35
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Tyrone Cradle
26
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Michael Griffin
32
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jaquan McAllister
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ikaim McSwain
32
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Latif Terry
39
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Shaquan Ward
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Taji Williams
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Zaid Williams
35
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Jason Franklin, aka “Freak,” aka “OG Freak”
38
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm
Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith”
22
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Tre Byrd, aka “Bands,” aka “G Bandz”
21
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Kareem Green, aka “Try Me”
31
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Tyheim Terry, aka “Ty,” aka “Rollin’ Ty”
24
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, Carjacking, possession of firearm in furtherance of crime of violence
Amir Warden, aka “Stampz,” aka “Killa”
30
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Rahjon Cox, aka “Tsu Surf”
32
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition
Amir Edmonds, aka “G Baby”
21
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Abdul Yarrell, aka “Runit Up,” aka “BB”
23
Union County
RICO Conspiracy
Nygee Johnson, aka “Gito”
24
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Walter Boyd, aka “Walt,” aka “Walt Daddy”
34
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Isiah Daniels, aka “Ice”
34
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Joel Lyons, aka “Jayski”
21
Middlesex County
RICO Conspiracy
Gede Maccelus, aka “G Baby”
21
Mercer County
RICO Conspiracy
Armando Ortiz, aka “Mando”
24
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Malik Stringer, aka “Rambo”
24
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Kimani Wanyoike, aka “Ki”
21
Somerset County
RICO Conspiracy
Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Investigation
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Ramon Mangan
39
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jamar Farrell
44
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Khalid Holland
43
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Tyree Norris
33
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon,
Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Ted Sanon
22
Hillside, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
*Dashawn Hines
* not charged in drug trafficking conspiracy
23
Newark
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Trinitarios
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Andy Dilone
23
Paterson, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Malvin Pena, aka “Rabia”
28
Paterson
Unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, distribution of heroin
Andy Santiago Sanchez-Polanco, aka “Tigre”
25
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Jefry Tupete, aka “Jeff”
33
Paterson
Distribution of heroin
Cesar Valerio, aka “Chico Trini”
30
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Twice Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child Sexual Abuse Material While on Lifetime ParoleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Joseph Yantiss, 35, of Greensburg, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that between August 15 and August 17, 2021, Yantiss uploaded 13 files of child sexual abuse material to his Dropbox account. Yantiss was on lifetime parole at the time of the offense. On September 27, 2021, a search warrant was issued for Yantiss’ person and his vehicle. Two cellular telephones were found in the vehicle by police. Police examined both phones, and on one of the phones they found a video depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Police also found an email account on the phone that was the same email Yantiss used for his Dropbox account.
While Yantiss was being processed into jail, an officer found a microSD card in Yantiss’ wallet. The SD card was examined and contained three files depicting child sexual abuse material.
Yantiss was convicted of attempted child molesting and child solicitation in December 2013 and possession of child pornography in July 2018, both in Decatur County, Indiana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Correction’s Division of Parole Services provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Yantiss be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and ordered Yantiss to pay $4,000 in restitution the minor victims. Yantiss must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina M. Korobov who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
Trinidad & Tobago Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Using Social Media to Solicit Sexual Exploitation Material from Teen GirlRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Lake Worth, Fla., man who pretended to be a teenage boy to get a 13-year-old girl in South Carolina to send him nude videos of herself was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release on charges of production of child sexual exploitation material.
Beginning in 2020, Olinto Lynch, a.k.a. “Olintonaruto,” communicated with at least two 13-year-old girls on a social media application. Lynch told the girls he was a teenager and used sexually charged conversations to request things from them. He promised gifts and preyed upon their troubled lives. His relationship with one of the girls lasted more than a year and he even drove to South Carolina to meet her. The second relationship lasted several weeks and he convinced the girl to produce images and inappropriate videos. This stopped when the second child’s mother uncovered the conversations and reported Lynch’s social media profile to the FBI.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Lynch’s social media account as well as his Lake Worth residence. There it was discovered that he was from Trinidad & Tobago and had been residing illegally in the United States since March 2020. Agents found sexual exploitation videos of the second girl on his phone, to which he confessed.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Miami, announced the guilty plea.
FBI West Palm Beach investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-80087.
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Three Members of Caribbean Arms Trafficking Ring Charged with Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods from the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Tevin OBrian Oliver (29, Homestead), Jameal Kaia Phillip (30, Trinidad and Tobago), and Edward Soloman King III (31, Tampa) with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Oliver, Phillip, and King were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022. Oliver and Phillip are both nationals of Trinidad. The firearms, which included pistols and rifles, and related equipment were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items to avoid detection by law enforcement and customs authorities. Conspirators also acquired firearms in the Tampa area from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination.
On April 7, 2021, Oliver shipped a package concealing and containing various firearms and related equipment, including a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a SAR Arms SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, and a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol, from Miami to Trinidad and Tobago. On April 22, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad seized those firearms and other related items that had been concealed in the shipment.
King was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Middle District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Phillip was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Oliver was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 26, 2022.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Attaché, Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Transnational Organized Crime Unit and Special Investigations Unit), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Statement of the United States Attorney’s Office Regarding Justice Department Efforts to Protect Voting RightsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Department of Justice today released its comprehensive press release (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-releases-information-efforts-protect-right-vote-prosecute-election-fraud) on federal efforts to protect voting rights and to prohibit intimidation, discrimination, and fraud in the November 8 general election and the pre-election-day voting that has already begun.
As this statement indicates, the Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of intimidation, discrimination, or fraud in the election process. Here in Arizona, we have terrific partnerships with reasoned and dedicated local, county and state officials, and we expect that our deputy sheriffs and municipal police officers will be the front line in efforts to ensure that all qualified voters are able to exercise their right to vote free of intimidation or other election abuses.
We’ll nonetheless be watching federally. As the several election threat-related cases pending federal felony charges from alleged criminal activity arising out of our State show, acts which cross the line will not go unaddressed. We have a long history of civil dialogue and civic engagement here in Arizona, and we will vigorously safeguard all Arizonans’ rights to freely and lawfully cast their ballot during the election.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-190_USAO Protect Voting Rights Statement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Wednesday sentenced a man caught with a gun while overdosing on fentanyl to six years in prison.
Derrick Hart pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted possessing that gun on March 3, 2020. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers found Hart unconscious on the side of Goodfellow Boulevard with a stolen 9mm pistol and a large-capacity magazine in his waistband. He was revived by EMS and taken to the hospital.
A few hours after his release from the hospital, Hart viciously beat his then-girlfriend in front of her 9-year-old daughter, according to a sentencing memo. Hart became enraged when he thought the victim said another man’s name during a phone call and struck her in the face. The two then struggled over a mop, which broke, and he hit her twice in the face with the jagged metal handle.
Hart’s prior felony convictions include drug charges, robbery and felonious restraint.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone prosecuted the case.
St. Francois County Man Convicted of Child pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Park Hills, Missouri was convicted by a federal jury Wednesday on charges of receiving child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography.
Investigators learned in 2019 that child sexual abuse materials were available via a peer-to-peer file sharing application and traced it to Rodney D. Price, 42. They later found that Price had used his phone to search for and view child sexual abuse materials. They found 167 images containing those materials on his phone.
Price is scheduled to be sentenced January 31. The receiving child pornography charge carries a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison and the charge of accessing child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri’s State Technical Assistance Team and Investigator Donya Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jillian Anderson and Rob Livergood are prosecuting the case.
Pleasant Plains Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempting to Sell BombsRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Pleasant Plains man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm after attempting to sell pipe bombs. Wayne Riley, 27, was sentenced yesterday afternoon by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
In September 2020, officers conducted a home visit at the residence of Darius Balentine in Newport. Balentine was on active supervision, and officers had learned that he was in possession of a firearm. While searching the home, officers located a .380 pistol and two CO2 bottles containing gun powder and roofing nails, equipped with fuses and designed as explosive devices.
Multiple witnesses confirmed the explosives belonged to Wayne Riley, who had dropped them off at Balentine’s home a few days prior. Investigators obtained text messages in which Riley stated he had ten pipe bombs and wanted to sell them for $100 each or $800 for all ten.
Riley was indicted in July 2021 and pleaded guilty in June 2022. His codefendant, Balentine, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and will be sentenced at a later date. In addition to the sentence of ten years imprisonment, which is the maximum allowed by law, Riley will serve three years of supervised release after his term of incarceration.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Newport Police Department; and the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Pittsburgh-Area Crack Dealer Sentenced to 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clinton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Tyriese Green-Saunders, age 23.
According to information presented to the court, on April 20, 2021, Green-Saunders possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Green-Saunders.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands announced today the assignment of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) to lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Marivic P. David will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Guam and AUSA Eric S. O’Malley will serve as the DEO for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands. These AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington DC.
United States Attorney Anderson said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will dedicate its resources to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 8, 2022, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEOs will be on duty while the polls are open, including periods of early voting. Ms. David can be reached by the public at (671) 479-4120 or (671) 988-3260. Mr. O’Malley can be contacted at (670) 236-2986.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The public can contact the FBI at the following numbers:
- Honolulu Field Office 24/7 (808) 566-4300
- Guam Office (671) 472-7465
- Northern Mariana Islands Office (670) 322-6934
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. Local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Ottawa County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN—U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Michael John Batt, 35, of Jenison, Michigan, with charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography.
“Protecting our most vulnerable, our kids, is a top priority for my office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes against children.”
The indictment alleges that on or about September 19, 2022, Batt used and attempted to use a child of approximately three years of age to engage in the lascivious exhibition of the child’s genitals or pubic area for the purpose of photographing that conduct. According to the indictment, Batt created images of the child using an iPhone. The indictment also alleges that on or about September 20, 2022, Batt knowingly distributed four images of child pornography using an internet-based messaging application.
“HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to investigate these offenders and to also provide care and support for victims of these types of crimes,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “Working together with our community partners we can help put a stop to child exploitation.”
“The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is committed to tracking down suspects, rescuing victims, and proactively enforcing the laws that protect our children. The MSP values the strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations,” said Detective Sergeant Chris Prevette of the Grand Rapids Computer Crimes Unit.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office; county prosecutor’s offices; HSI; ICAC; the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Anyone with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, please visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/programs/psc.html.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oswego Hospital Agrees to Pay $98,694.36 for Improper Medicare and Medicaid BillingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Oswego Hospital has agreed to pay $98,694.36 to resolve allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act by: (1) improperly billing Medicare and Medicaid for outpatient mental healthcare services that were rendered by an unsupervised LMSW, and (2) improperly billing Medicaid for outpatient mental healthcare services rendered by another LMSW for which Oswego Hospital could not provide documentation to support those claims.
“The integrity and strength of our federal healthcare system depends on accurate and honest billing for services that are provided by qualified healthcare workers,” said United States Attorney Carla Freedman. “We will continue to use the False Claims Act to hold healthcare providers accountable when their billing practice do not meet this standard.”
This case began in April of 2019, when a whistleblower filed a qui tam complaint investigation under seal in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. When a whistleblower, or “relator,” files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act requires the United States to investigate the allegations and elect whether to intervene and take over the action or to decline to intervene and allow the relator to go forward with the litigation on behalf of the United States. The relator is generally able to then share in any recovery. The relator in this case will receive $19,738.87 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 5:19-cv-0431 (GTS/ATB).
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service on behalf of the Defense Health Agency. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl G. Eurenius, and New York State was represented by Special Assistant Attorney General Ralph D. Tortora, III.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robbery, Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that, on October 25, 2022, DEVIN CHANEY (“CHANEY”), age 32, agreed to plead guilty to one count of Armed Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (d) (Count 9); and one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) (Count 3). In pleading guilty to the Armed Bank Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty-five (25) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In pleading guilty to the Hobbs Act Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In exchange for pleading guilty, the government has agreed to dismiss the remaining counts in the superseding indictment.
As part of his plea, CHANEY admitted that on Christmas Eve 2021, he entered the Capital One Bank located on Carondelet St. in New Orleans. He presented a demand note to one teller and received some money but was disappointed in the amount. CHANEY then approached a second teller, pointed a firearm at the teller, and received additional money before leaving the bank. In total, CHANEY robbed the Capital One of approximately $2,506.00. Additionally, on December 12, 2021, CHANEY entered the Subway sandwich shop located on North Broad Street, New Orleans, pointed a firearm at the cashier, and demanded the money in the register. The cashier handed over approximately $600.00 to CHANEY.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 21, 2023, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Charles Strauss.
* * *
Mystic Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YI DI LIN, also known as “Johnny Lin,” 49, of Mystic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $92,000 and a $5,500 fine, for a federal a federal tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court today, Lin owns and operates Peking Tokyo, a restaurant in Mystic. In operating the restaurant, Lin regularly paid several employees wholly or partially in cash. In mid-2019, Lin began using a payroll processing company to issue payroll checks for certain employees, make appropriate tax withholdings, and file Forms 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns) with the Internal Revenue Service. Lin subsequently failed to inform the payroll company about the existence of the employees he only paid in cash and the amount of cash he paid to employees. As a result, the payroll company prepared and filed false Forms 941 for four quarters in 2019 and 2020, and appropriate payroll taxes were not remitted to the IRS. The resulting loss to the IRS was $92,093.
On July 28, 2022, Lin pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.
Lin has paid $92,093 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
More than 4,000 Rhode Island Students Participate in U.S. Attorney’s Office Circles and Silence ProgramRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – More than 4,000 middle and high school students across Rhode Island have participated in the United States Attorney’s Office’s community outreach program Circles and Silence program during the first two months of the current school year, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Addressing opioid addiction and prevention, the Circles and Silence Program is built around a five-time Emmy nominated, locally produced U.S. Attorney’s Office documentary film narrated by a diverse group of Rhode Island young adults whose personal true-life stories delve deeply into their distinct journeys of drug dependency and recovery. The film documents their paths from addiction, in some instances to prison, to successful management of addiction, to working daily to lead productive and healthy lifestyles. In addition to sharing their stories, individuals who appear in the film participate in in-person conversation sessions with students.
With presentations this week at Central Falls High School and Blackstone Academy, the number of students participating thus far this school year far exceeds the number of participants in any previous start to a school year.
Circles and Silence is a critical part of our efforts to use every tool at our disposal to combat the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “That means not just vigorous law enforcement, but education, outreach, and support for recovery. Every student we reach, every person who leaves this program with a better understanding of what is at stake and the fact that recovery is possible, is a vital part of that mission.”
In addition to viewing the documentary and engaging in discussion with the individuals who appear in the film, attendees are provided critical information about substance abuse disorder and the many prevention, recovery, and social service programs available statewide through an expansive network.
Video clips from Circles and Silence can be viewed at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/circles-and-silence .
The United States Attorney's Community Outreach Office Circles and Silence program is available to students grades 7-12 in all Rhode Island public and private schools, and to community and not-for-profit organizations at no cost. To learn more about the Circles and Silence Program or to schedule a presentation contact United States Attorney’s Office Community Engagement & Crime Prevention Coordinator David Neill at (401) 709-5035 or at [email protected]
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Middle District of Florida Prosecutes over 300 Defendants for Federal Firearms and Violent Crime Offenses as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the fourth quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the last fiscal year, ending September 30, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted more than 325 defendants and seized approximately 685 firearms, 9 silencers, and 1,813 autosears. During the last quarter in particular, prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have prosecuted 120 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing more than 192 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart below for case details) The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the fourth quarter involved more than 800 people.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q4 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Harris et al (Fort Myers)
Marvin Harris, Jr., and Latrel Jackson have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire as a result of murder that was committed in Fort Myers in November 2019. According to court records, Harris, Jr. was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating in Lee County. As a result of the conspiracy between Harris, Jr., and Jackson, “K.U.” was murdered on November 2, 2019, in Fort Myers. Harris, Jr. caused Jackson to travel from Illinois to commit the murder in exchange for a promise and agreement to pay money. The trial is currently scheduled for December 2022.
United States v. Christopher Dozier (Jacksonville)
In September 2022, Christopher Dozier was sentenced to 18 years and 8 months in federal prison for two violent armed robberies of Jacksonville businesses. In the first robbery, Dozier physically struck an employee before binding the employee’s hands with wire. During the second robbery, Dozier disarmed a security guard, stealing his firearm and almost $2,000 from the business. Dozer fled to Massachusetts where he was arrested and eventually returned to Jacksonville. Dozier’s girlfriend acted as his driver in both robberies. She was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for her role in the robberies.
United States v. Tyree Townsel (Ocala)
On August 29, 2022, Benjamin Tyree Townsel (22, Ocala) was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing of firearms as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to court records, between August 2020 and February 2021, officers from the Ocala Police Department discovered Townsel near firearms during three separate traffic stops. In each instance, Townsel had been linked to other criminal activity, including a shooting and a high-speed chase with law enforcement. An FBI DNA comparison conclusively showed Townsel’s DNA on all the recovered firearms, one of which also had an obliterated serial number. Townsel, a member of the “Bloods” street gang, had four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States v. Raul Reyes Vazquez (Orlando)
In July 2022, Raul Reyes Vazquez was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release related to a bank robbery he had committed in New York in 2008. According to court documents, in July 2008, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Chase Bank in Manhattan and was later convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019. On February 16, 2022, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando. Six days later, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
United States vs. Ma’at Malik Darius Lee (Tampa)
In August 2022, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Ma’at Lee with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of attempted wire fraud, and possessing a stolen firearm. The indictment alleges that from July 9 to October 27, 2021, Lee robbed three individuals at gunpoint and carjacked a fourth. When a deputy from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located Lee in the stolen vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, Lee responded by firing at least eight rounds and fleeing the scene. If convicted, Lee faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The trial is scheduled for January 2023.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Update
(July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022)
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Marvin Harris, Jr. (24)
Latrel Jackson (25)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
James Blanks (26)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jontavious Griffin (33)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Doumy Joseph (26)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: life
2
Giovanni Francois (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Mike Leeman, Trent Reichling, and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (45)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Paul Bryan McCorkle (54)
Felon in possession of an explosive
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Cory Lee Kelly (34)
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Derrick Irving Gordon (47)
Material false statements related to purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Sule Pedro (46)
Distribution of methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, Michael Coolican, Tysen Duva, and David Mesrobian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Michael Latrelle Simpson (21)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ralph Fontil, Jr. (24)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal firearms licensee to maintain false information
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Alexander Timothy Rosa (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Timothy James Roberts (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Lewis Tinson, Jr. (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs William Hamilton, Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Daniel Steven King (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
Ramondo Zavious Williams (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Anthony Quantarius Brooks (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Bobby H. Bridges (48)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan J. Pilgrim (28)
Possession with intent to distribute control substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of firearm by previously convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of Machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use or Carry firearm during drug trafficking offense
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Betty Gonzalez, John M. Gardella, Shannon R. Laurie, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, and Terry B. Livanos
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Marques Howard (31)
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Hobbs Act Robbery
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
Discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
1
Robert Frascella (55)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Ma’at Darius Lee (21)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Attempted wire fraud
Maximum Prison term: 20 years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison term: 2 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison term: 10 years
1
Johnny Flores (44)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Donald Robert Smith (27)
Interference with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Discharging of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in Possession of a Firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dempsey Gilmore (31)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
Dyonnie Alvarez (24)
Christopher Alvarez (18)
Enrique Marquez (26)
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
James Junior Williams (44)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thaddeus Howard (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Reggie Harris, Jr. (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cedrick Durham (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Adam Saed (31)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Patraic Setzer (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephen Sherlock (58)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Isaac Bautista Gonzalez (20)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Eddie Winman Thomas, III (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan Anton Williams (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Samantha Beckman, Maria Guzman, Diego Novaes, David P. Sullivan, David Chee, and Michael Kenneth
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Otis Marchman IV (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brown Dimas III (27)
Making a false statement in records required to be kept by a firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
4
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Raymond Samuel Reeves (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Stephan Leon Marshall (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Bayne (25)
Conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Michael Lajaune Smith (44)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Robert Lewis (54)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Darnell Rice, Jr. (28)
Possession and transfer of a combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Making a materially false statement related to the purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, John Cannizzaro, Laura Taylor, Julie Hackenberry, Chip Corsmeier, and Michael Coolican
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Aaron Haa (42)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
Demuntray Cox (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Rey Daniel Facio-Garcia (29)
Illegal alien in possession of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Keo Ibua Mike (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Tyrone Young (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, and Will S. Hamilton
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Mandel Lamont Stewart (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Rossonno Borders, Jr. (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Isaac Millan Sepulveda (21)
Conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
7
Charles Palmatier (74)
Unlawful distribution and dealing of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
18
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry B. Livanos, and Betty Gonzalez
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Deoin Rashaud Brown (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Uriah Waggerby (24)
Sylvanis Brice (30)
Johan Holder (25)
Conspiracy to interfere with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Raequan Nelson (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
William Shumaker (38)
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Troy Dollman (45)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Delon Adams (50)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Mailing a threatening communication
Maximum Prison Term: 2 years
0
Antwan Brown (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Damien Boatwright (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Risha Asokan, Mike Sinacore, Michael Kenneth, David Chee, Samantha Beckman, Diego Novaes, and Chris Murray
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Romeo Lenell Battle (25)
Felon in possession of firearm
Sentence imposed: 57 months
1
Eric Maurice Brown (32)
Possession with intent to distribute 40 or more Grams of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base
Sentence imposed: 164 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 120 months
2
Serdarryel Dave English, Jr. (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 72 months
1
Robert Reese Lyons (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 46 months
1
Herman Fleming (29)
Felon in possession of firearm
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Sentence imposed: 120 months
1
Nickolas Rock (56)
Possession of an unregistered destructive device
Sentence imposed: 6 months
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Michael Leeman, and Trent Reichling
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Vershaun Lamar Puzie (34)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
2
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 70 months
1
Edrick Jackson (28)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 5 years
2
Brett Amante (39)
Bank Robbery
Sentence imposed: 30 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
3
Christopher Dozier (41)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 140 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
2
Johnny Davis (46)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Sentence imposed: 3 months
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, and Cyrus Zomorodian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
D’Andra Miller (21)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 32 months
1
Benjamin Townsel(22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Sentence imposed: 144 months
3
Jonathan Jermaine Thomas (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 84
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Sentenced imposed: 180 months
1
Roddrick Anthony (33)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Timothy Ivory (44)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 90 months
2
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Forcibly assaulting a federal officer with injury
Sentence imposed: 100 months
1
Samuel Alexander Glover (30)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 420 months
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentenced imposed: 24 months
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 64 months
1
Marty Eugene Days (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 27 months
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., William S. Hamilton, Hannah Nowalk and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50)
Bank Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 240 months
Bank Robbery with forced accompaniment
Sentence Imposed: 300 months
0
Yunis Isaac Mejia (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed: 21 months
1
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Hobbs Act Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 6 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence Sentence Imposed: 60 months
Aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 24 months
1
Zachary Nichols (28)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence Imposed: 60 months
2
Christopher DaSilva (25)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 57 months
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by Dana Hill, Shawn Napier, Chauncey Bratt, Jennifer M. Harrington, and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 46 months
1
Malachi Deloch (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 4 years 7 months
4
Elijah Howard (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 96 months
1
Wilbur B. Simpson IV (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: Time served
15
Hector Kirkland (40)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 57 months
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
0
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 57 months
1
Xavier Jones (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
1
Chris Boone (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
3
Derek Owens (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 51 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 60 months
2
Timothy Mills II (38)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence imposed: 151 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Cecil Hickox (46)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Javeon Jacobs (22)
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 21 years
1
Reginald Wester, Jr. (23)
Felon in possession of ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 15 months
1
Ryland Hicks (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Daniel Marcet, Samantha Beckman, Jim Preston, David Chee, Craig Gestring, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
4th Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School
84
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at
Shields Middle School
66
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Association of Florida Colleges’ Campus Safety Symposium
10
Orlando
July 16, 2022
Orange Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Resource Fair
600
Orlando
August 2, 2022
Fort Myers Success Academy
31
Fort Myers
September 26, 2022
Westbrooke Elementary Rising Stars Mentoring Group
27
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 4th Quarter: 6
Total Number of Attendees for 4th Quarter: 818
Member of 8Ave Street Gang Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison After Conviction of Distributing Narcotics and Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Kindell Smith, 32, of Cleveland, was sentenced today to more than 12 years – or 146 months – in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker. Judge Barker pronounced the sentence after Smith, a member of the “8Ave” street gang known to operate in the city of Cleveland’s 5th District, was convicted of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 14, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Southeast Area Law Enforcement (SEALE) began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of Smith. As part of the investigation, authorities encountered Smith distributing fentanyl and cocaine near the 3200 block of Central Avenue in Cleveland.
On May 19, 2020, authorities again encountered Smith, this time with codefendants Darrell Douglas and Dreshawn Maddox, who each have been convicted and sentenced on a prior date, distributing fentanyl from a vehicle. During this encounter, authorities approached the vehicle and ordered the occupants to show their hands. The vehicle then sped away from the scene and struck the driver’s side of a law enforcement vehicle.
Officers removed the occupants from the vehicle and observed Smith attempting to hide a firearm under the driver’s seat. The firearm belonging to Smith was later recovered along with various amounts of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of drug trafficking and felonious assault in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Cleveland Division of Police and the Southeast Area Law Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Robert F. Corts.
Melbourne Gun Enthusiast Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to a two-count Information. Count One charged Arledge with possession of two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and three unregistered silencers. Count Two charged Arledge with possession of child sexual abuse material. Arledge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the firearms offenses, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child sexual abuse material offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cypertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that matched Arledge’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Arledge’s residence where they found electronics, multiple firearms, ammunition, silencers, flash bangs, potassium nitrate, magnesium flakes, gun powder, tactical clothing, body armor, law enforcement insignia, and counterfeit credentials for Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A forensic examination of Arledge’s cellphone uncovered numerous visual depictions of child sexual abuse material depicting young children. During an interview with law enforcement, Arledge admitted that he had made the machine guns, multiple silencers, and downloaded the child sexual abuse material despite knowing both were illegal.
Arledge agreed to forfeit his cellphone, an AR-10 style firearm, a .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; and three firearm silencers, which were used to commit the charged offenses.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This is also another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Medford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Thousands of Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford man previously convicted for raping a child was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison today for possessing 4,500 photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
Jacob Lee Holt, 46, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Kik Messenger, an instant messaging mobile application, reported that one of its users had shared child sexual abuse material. Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) traced the Kik account to Holt and determined that some of the images he shared depicted child victims previously identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
In March 2018, investigators served a federal search warrant on Holt’s Medford residence. They located and seized six digital devices, three of which were later found to contain thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Holt’s illicit collection included graphic violent images involving infants, toddlers, sadomasochistic conduct, and bestiality.
On March 30, 2020, Holt was charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. Later, on August 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted him on the same charges. On November 24, 2020, Holt pleaded guilty.
In 2001, when he was 24, Holt raped a 13-year-old girl at a party. He was convicted in 2007 in Klamath County Circuit Court for second degree sexual abuse and sentenced to 30 days in prison and three years’ probation.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Medford Police Department and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical abuse or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit NCMEC’s website at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Created in January 2007, the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force provides cybercrime investigations and digital evidence forensic analysis for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, and HSI.
Marshall and DeSoto County Residents Arrested for Payroll Protection FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Fourteen Marshall and DeSoto County residents were arrested today on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVD pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to court documents, Robert Pearson, 52 years old, Holly Springs; Lakisha Jones Pearson, 46 years old, Holly Springs; Glendon Jones, 29 years old, Red Banks; Roneisha Dennis, 30 years old, Red Banks; Devonte Smith, 27 years old, Holly Springs; Jaliyah Godwin, 26 years old, Olive Branch; Jacoby Alexander, 39 years old, Holly Springs; Kevin Anderson, 41 years old, Lamar; Melvin Harris, 26 years old, Holly Springs; Dametris Pearson, 27 years old, Southaven; Terrance Isom, age unknown, Southaven; Mareceo Hobson, 28 years old, Olive Branch; Dianne Cox, 67 years old, Byhalia; and Doris Pearson, 56 years old, Olive Branch, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud by fraudulently applying for PPP loans, as well as participating in wire transfers of over $10,000 involving proceeds of the fraud scheme.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and illegal financial transactions. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty] of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 10 years for the financial transaction charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The federal investigative agencies that assisted with this investigation emphasized their ongoing commitment to hold accountable those citizens who seek to fraudulently and unfairly profit from federal pandemic relief programs.
“The Secret Service remains steadfast in our commitment to investigating the exploitation of pandemic relief funds,” said U.S Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Ben Zack Rogers, of the Memphis Tennessee Field Office. “We are thankful for the hard work and continued support of our partners as we work together to ensure that our country’s financial environment remains safe and secure.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to defraud the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program, which was created to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts is prosecuting the case. The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and U.S Treasury Inspector General.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Sentenced to 5+ Years for Robbing USPS EmployeeRead the Press Release
A man who robbed a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee at gunpoint was sentenced Tuesday to more than five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Abdirashid Omar, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in May 2022. He pleaded guilty the following month to robbery of property of the United States and was sentenced Tuesday by Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means to 71 months in federal prison.
In plea papers, Mr. Omar admitted he robbed a USPS letter carrier during her rounds in Fort Worth on April 11, 2022.
The postal worker told law enforcement she was walking down the driveway of a residence when the defendant, dressed in a black hoodie and blue surgical mask, grabbed her, pushed her into a fence, pressed a handgun into her abdomen, and took USPS equipment from her.
Law enforcement located surveillance video that captured the defendant’s vehicle following the carrier to various residences and then fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. Postal Inspectors located the vehicle and established surveillance that identified the vehicle visiting multiple Post Offices in the days following the robbery.
About a week later, law enforcement searched Mr. Omar’s vehicle and residence and located stolen U.S. Mail, stolen checks, and a setup in which checks were being “washed” – placed into a liquid substance to have the ink removed.
In court, Mr. Omar later admitted to robbing the carrier to obtain USPS property and to stealing U.S. Mail.
“The day of the robbery was my 30th day at that job, it was going to be my first full week being out on the street by myself. Instead I got a gun shoved into my abdomen,” the victim said at sentencing. "It may just be a robbery to some people, but it was my life that was put in direct danger and it is I who has to put the pieces back.”
“A top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has always been a focus on the safety of USPS employees,” said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division. “This sentencing exemplifies that commitment. Through a rapid response by Postal Inspectors, collaboration with local law enforcement, and the use of investigative tools and techniques, a dangerous individual was successfully apprehended. We thank the Fort Worth Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Texas for their support on this case.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Threatening Emergency DispatchRead the Press Release
Caller placed approximately 143 calls, tied up sheriff’s dispatch line for three hours
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that Jonathan Joshua Munafo, 35, most recently of Winter Park, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff to 24 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for threatening emergency dispatch personnel and tying up an emergency phone line for three hours.
“Violence, threats of violence, or intimidation is never the answer,” said U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten. “My office will not tolerate this behavior, especially when it interferes with the life-saving duties of first responders and jeopardizes the public’s safety. Our public servants on the front lines should never be subjected to this type of harassment for simply doing their jobs.”
On January 5, 2021, Munafo called the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office demanding to speak to a sheriff’s deputy or sergeant. Munafo identified himself only as “Yankee Patriot” and aggressively berated the dispatcher. When her supervisor took over the conversation, Munafo said, “Put a … cop on the on the phone now … or it’s going to go way worse for your family.” He added, “I’m telling you, this isn’t a … threat, it’s a promise. … I’m gonna cut your throat. I’m gonna make you eat your … nose. I’m gonna hurt you bad for this.”
“Today, Jonathon Munafo is being held accountable for threats made to a Calhoun County dispatcher and her family,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Public servants – particularly those who work in already stressful positions – should not be threatened or intimidated for doing their jobs. This type of behavior will not be tolerated by the FBI, and we will investigate those who threaten our community with violence.”
Munafo placed approximately 143 calls to the dispatch center, even though the supervisor pleaded with him to clear the line for emergency calls. Munafo said the dispatcher was risking lives by letting him tie up the line and that after the “Insurrection Act” he was coming to her house first. Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and FBI investigators determined that Munafo placed the call from a truck stop in North Carolina. The next day (January 6, 2021), Munafo allegedly participated in the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Munafo has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. for multiple offenses, including assaulting a U.S. Capitol Police officer.
# # #
Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Heriberto Batista Montijo (43, Lehigh Acres) to 50 years in federal prison for producing and possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Batista Montijo to serve a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Batista Montijo had pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022.
According to court documents, Batista Montijo produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of two minors, and he possessed other videos depicting the sexual abuse of unidentified minors. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip concerning an individual who had uploaded child sexual abuse material using his social media account, and NCMEC provided the cybertip to law enforcement.
On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Batista Montijo’s residence and located the security camera from his bedroom. The following day, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Batista Montijo’s vehicle and located his cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of Batista Montijo’s cellphone and security camera revealed images and videos of Batista Montijo sexually abusing a 12-year-old child and a10-year-old child between February and March 2021. Additionally, other videos were located on his cellphone which depicted the sexual abuse of unidentified minors.
“The 50-year prison sentence handed down in this case is proof of the FBI’s vigilance and dedication to protecting children. Our Child Exploitation Task Forces work tirelessly to ensure sexual predators like Mr. Montijo, are removed from society; never to prey on the innocent again,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday for the unlawful possession of firearms stemming from his illegal dealing of rifles and handguns.
John H. Morales, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf, to 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On April 7, 2021, Morales pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Our Commonwealth has strict requirements and thorough vetting processes to legally purchase, sell and carry firearms for a reason – they are dangerous and deadly weapons. Keeping illegal firearms off the street and out of the hands of prohibited individuals is at the core of combating the continued rise in violent crime we have seen across our nation,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Despite being a convicted felon strictly prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, Mr. Morales illegally delt 14 firearms – including a high-powered semi-automatic rifle with two 30 round magazines – within just four short months. His conduct is alarming and each of those firearms and the ammunition have been taken off the street. Each of those bullets is a potential gun violence victim. We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of Massachusetts residents and removing individuals like Mr. Morales from our communities is a step in the right direction.”
“The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force is working with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of illegal firearms and whether it’s through takedowns of violent gun-toting gangs or, one by one, arresting felons like Mr. Morales, a criminal in possession of 14 firearms and ammunition – including an SKS rifle – we will continue to do all we can to make our neighborhoods safer. There is little doubt these guns would have ended up in the hands of gang members had we not obtained them, resulting in serious danger to the public,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division.
In early 2019, federal law enforcement opened an investigation into Morales’ illegal firearm dealing. The investigation revealed that between February 2019 and May 2019, Morales sold a cooperating witness 14 firearms – including pistols, concealable weapons and a high-powered SKS rifle accompanied by two 30 round magazines – which were seized during the investigation. Morales was arrested in November 2019 and has been in custody since that date.
Due to prior felony convictions from 2010 and 2016, Morales is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.