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24 October 2022
Flexsteel Industries Agrees to Pay for the Cleanup of the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site in Elkhart, IndianaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Flexsteel Industries Inc. has agreed to a consent decree that requires it to pay $9.8 million for the cleanup of contamination at the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site (Lane Street Site) in Elkhart, Indiana, and to reimburse the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a portion of its past costs incurred at the Lane Street Site.
According to the complaint filed simultaneously with the proposed consent decree in the Northern District of Indiana, Flexsteel is liable for the cleanup because its former manufacturing operations contributed to contamination at the Lane Street Site. Previously, EPA entered into administrative settlements with two other potentially responsible parties for their alleged contributions to the contamination at the Lane Street Site.
“This settlement ensures that the responsible party and not the taxpayers fund the cleanup of the Lane Street Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The cleanup funded by this agreement protects the environment and the health of the surrounding community.”
“This is an excellent settlement that funds necessary cleanup of a contaminated groundwater plume in Elkhart, Indiana,” said U.S. Attorney Clifford Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. “This cleanup will protect the drinking water and health of Elkhart residents.”
“Groundwater is a drinking water source for wells and public water systems and it also flows to above-ground rivers and streams,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “Through this settlement and others like it, EPA is taking action to protect the health of communities and the environment by holding polluters accountable for groundwater contamination.”
“Indiana proudly works with our federal partners and industries across our state to make sure the health of Hoosiers and our environment is protected,” said Brian Rockensuess, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. “This settlement is great news for the people of Elkhart and will help ensure the cleanup of long-standing water contamination.”
The Lane Street Site consists of approximately 65 acres of residential and light industrial properties in Elkhart, Indiana, impacted by a groundwater plume contaminated primarily with solvents and degreasers such as trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. In 2016, EPA issued its record of decision for the Lane Street Site that selected a remedy for treating the groundwater plume by breaking down the contamination into harmless compounds. The proposed consent decree funds implementation of the selected remedy.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval and will be available for public review on the Department of Justice website at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
More information about the Site is available on the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination website (https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0510229).
Final Defendant Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Defrauding the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darron Dimitri Ross, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced today to six years in prison and $696,912 in restitution for conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
“Ross and his co-defendants committed a brazen fraud scheme that targeted over 200 people receiving Social Security benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will not tolerate exploitation of government benefit programs.”
“Mr. Ross conspired with a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee and others to use personally identifiable information stolen from SSA records to commit identity theft against beneficiaries to obtain their funds. This was an egregious crime, and his role was unconscionable,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “This sentence holds him accountable for his actions and for restitution to those harmed. We will continue to protect the integrity of SSA programs from those who seek to defraud taxpayers. I thank the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and the FBI for their valuable assistance in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
According to court documents, between November 2015 and October 2018, Ross and co‑defendants Eric Lemoyne Willis, 46, of West Sacramento, and Joshua Bilal George, 39, of San Diego, conspired to commit fraud and steal public money from the Social Security Administration (SSA). During the conspiracy and fraud scheme, Willis worked as an SSA Operations Supervisor in Sacramento and Lodi. George was a federal law enforcement officer with the Federal Protective Service and was responsible for coordinating security at various federal buildings in California including some used by the SSA. Ross resided in Charlotte, North Carolina, and knew George because they were childhood friends.
According to court documents, Willis used his authority as an SSA employee to access the confidential Social Security records of numerous Social Security beneficiaries. These records contained personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, account numbers, family information, and benefit payment amounts. Willis would seek out PII for beneficiaries who used direct deposit for payment of large benefits. Under the terms of the defendants’ conspiracy, Willis then transferred this PII to Ross who in turn transferred some of it to George for use in the fraud scheme.
Ross and George’s roles in these crimes included calling numerous SSA field offices across the country and using the stolen PII to impersonate the beneficiaries. Ross also opened at least 44 online bank accounts under fraudulent identities to receive diverted SSA benefit payments. If Ross succeeded in convincing an SSA representative that he was the beneficiary, he would request that the beneficiary’s direct deposit account be changed to one of the conspirators’ fraudulent accounts. The SSA then deposited benefit payments into the fraudulent account. The defendants then withdrew the funds at ATMs and spent additional funds using debit cards associated with the accounts. Ross also transferred much of the stolen proceeds to co‑conspirators for their participation in these crimes. Once the SSA became aware that a particular victim was the target of this fraud, it stopped depositing benefit payments to the fraudulent account.
The SSA has identified more than 200 beneficiaries nationwide who were targeted by these crimes, and it suffered at least $696,912 in losses caused by the defendants’ offenses. The defendants spent the proceeds of their crimes on, among other things, vacation trips and luxury items.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz prosecuted the case.
On July 6, 2022, Willis was sentenced to four years in prison, and on Aug. 22, 2022, George was sentenced to six months in prison to be followed by 12 months of home confinement.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- October 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Damien Arevalo-Hernandez. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Arevalo-Hernandez, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing an Astra .25 semi-auto pistol while unlawfully being in the United States. He is further charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on April 4, 2016, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-363
Wayne Allen Baker. Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft (superseding). Baker, 53, of Bixby, allegedly devised a scheme to defraud a national commercial products distributor based in California. Prosecutors allege the purpose of his scheme was to obtain thousands of dollars-worth of commercial goods from the Company in order to enrich himself. Baker told the company that he was acting on behalf of a business described as EMI in the indictment. As part of his scheme, Baker altered the name of the legitimate EMI business by inserting a hyphen into the name, thus appearing to be legitimate. Baker set up online accounts with the Company where he falsely and fraudulently represented that he was acting on behalf of EMI and was associated with EMI’s chief executive officer. Using the fraudulently created EMI account at the Company, Baker ordered commercial goods worth a total of approximately $92,098.25. He directed the goods to be delivered to his residence in Bixby where he represented himself as EMI’s chief executive officer. Baker was not associated with the company EMI and had no authority to act on its behalf, and he had no association with nor the authority to act on behalf of EMI’s chief executive officer. Baker initially made the orders appear legitimate, in part, by making bogus partial online payments to the Company. Baker was allegedly able to enrich himself with the Company’s commercial goods in the amount of $29,000 before the Company discovered the scheme. Baker was originally indicted in December 2021 and was finally located and arrested in September 2022. The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-557
Colton Lee Barnes. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Barnes, 27, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute on May 14, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-352
Daniel Christopher Edwards. Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Attempt to Commit Arson in Indian Country; Conveying False and Misleading Information Concerning an Explosive Device. Edwards, 48, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a destructive device on Oct. 5, 2022, that had not been registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The incendiary bomb, also called a Molotov cocktail, consisted of a glass jar filled with an ignitable liquid, having a wick constructed of a cloth like material. He is further alleged to have assaulted a Holy Family Cathedral employee when he slashed him with a machete multiple times, causing serious bodily injury. He then attempted to set fire to the church when he threw the incendiary bomb at the church. Finally, he is charged with conveying misleading information concerning an explosive device at a Tulsa Reasor’s grocery store. Edwards allegedly told several individuals that if he was approached, he would push a button that “would be worse than a bomb.” See the initial Complaint press release here. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-362
Daniel Robert Frost; Jessica Dawn Morris. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Frost, 25, of Gore, and Morris, 31, of Vian, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Both Frost and Morris allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Frost is further charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, Frost and Morris are charged with possessing a firearm to further their drug trafficking crimes. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-353
Alvaro Garcia-Mendez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Mendez, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported at or near Del Rio, Texas, on Jan. 22, 2020. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-354
Jacob Nolan Jessup. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition(Counts 1,2) (superseding). Jessup, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Canik 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol on March 25, 2022, and being a felon in possession of Sturm, Ruger & Company .380 caliber pistol and three rounds of ammunition on Aug. 7, 2022. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-276
Brandon CJ Palmer. Robbery in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country (Count 2); Assault of a Spouse by Strangling, and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Count 3); Obstruction of Justice by Threatening Physical Force Against a Witness (Count 4); Domestic Assault in Indian Country by a Habitual Offender (Count 5); Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 6,7); Cyberstalking (Count 9); Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Counts 8,11); Extortion (Count 10); Abusive Sexual Contact by Force or Threat in Indian Country (Counts 12). On Sept. 23, 2022, Palmer, 34, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled an intimate partner with intent to commit murder, beat her, took her purse and threatened to kill her if she called the police. He further is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions from November 2021 to January 2022 and from July 2022 to Sept. 22, 2022. He is further charged with assaulting the same victim from Sept. 1, 2022, to Sept. 22, 2022; with sending threatening and harassing electronic messages to the victim from Jan. 22, 2022, to Feb. 2, 2022; and with extorting the victim. Finally, Palmer is charged with abusive sexual contact with a different victim by using force, threats and fear on Sept. 21, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-355
Miles Alan Parsons. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. From Sept. 13, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2022, Parsons, 38, of Tulsa, allegedly used electronic means to attempt to coerce and entice an individual he believed to be a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-356
Josue Ramirez-Yanez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramirez-Yanez, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed at or near Laredo, Texas on Nov. 22, 2011. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-357
Brock Anthony Edward Thompson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length; Transportation of Livestock. Thompson, 34, of Nowata, is charged with being a felon in possession of an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 semi-automatic rifle on March 29, 2022. He is further charged with possessing the firearm, which had a barrel of less than 16 inches, that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Finally, he is charged with transporting stolen livestock on July 28, 2022. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bartlesville Police Department, Nowata County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-361
Jose Manuel Vazquez-Calderon. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Vazquez-Caleron, 38, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed at or near Hidalgo, Texas, on about March 11, 2015, to on or about March 14, 2015. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-358
Gilberto Jessi Vazquez-Munoz. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States. Vazquez-Munoz, 28, a Mexican National, is charged with possessing a Phoenix Arms Co. .22 caliber pistol while knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-360
El Paso Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced last week to 262 months in prison for his role in methamphetamine importation and distribution.
According to court documents and testimony at trial, on April 12, 2020, Gilberto Lopez, 40, driving a 2003 GMC Yukon, applied for entry into the U.S. from Mexico at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. Lopez and his passenger were referred to secondary inspection where a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted to the vehicle for narcotics. Subsequent inspection of the Yukon revealed two black bundles containing methamphetamine under the muffler’s shield.
On May 20, 2021, a federal jury in El Paso found Lopez guilty of one count of conspiracy to import 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of importation of 500 grams of methamphetamine; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Government’s evidence at trial included Lopez’s fingerprint on an inside layer of one of the bundles.
Lopez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 12, 2020.
“We frequently highlight fentanyl, but methamphetamine trafficking continues to contribute to violent crime and tragic overdose incidents in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “The dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners and prosecutions like this help to protect our communities by disrupting the flow of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs into the United States.”
“Collaborating with our federal partners is always a priority for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and this sentence exemplifies the result of our unified effort to interdict, investigate and prosecute drug traffickers who continue to poison our citizens, and who are contributing to the narcotics epidemic that is ravaging our country,” said Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI will continue to aggressively target, disrupt and dismantle the highest levels of transnational criminal organizations with the goal of disrupting the flow of drugs into our communities.”
HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ganz and Stanley Serwatka prosecuted the case.
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Easton Resident Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Posing as A Teenage Boy on Social Media to Entice Minor Females to Send Him Sexually Explicit Images and Videos of ThemselvesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Chief United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Angel Gabriel Arroyo-Angelino (“Arroyo”), age 34, a Mexican citizen residing in Easton, Maryland, today to 18 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Arroyo admitted that he pretended to be a teenage boy on social media accounts, in order to induce minor females to produce and send to him, sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Chief Judge Bredar also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Arroyo will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Alan Lowrey of the Easton Police Department; and Talbot County State’s Attorney Scott G. Patterson.
According to his guilty plea, from December 24, 2017 through September 11, 2018, Arroyo used the alias “Elias Garcia” to create a social media account. Arroyo used the social media account to persuade, induce, and coerce four minor victims to produce and send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Arroyo initiated contact with each of the minor victims on social media and told the victims that he was 16 years old. Arroyo used a profile picture depicting a teenaged boy to manipulate the minors he met online. Arroyo complimented the minors, sent them images of flowers and money, and made other romantic overtures to the minor victims. From these communications, Arroyo knew that the victims were underage minors. Despite that knnowledge, Arroyo persuaded the victims to send him nude images, often sending them cash in the mail if they sent the sexually explicit images and videos he requested.
The social media platform became aware of Arroyo’s misconduct in May of 2018 and terminated his Elias Garcia account. The social media platform also submitted a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) detailing a sexually explicit online conversation that Arroyo had with one of the victims, a 15-year-old female (Victim #3), which culminated in the minor sending Arroyo a sexually explicit video of herself.
After receiving the Cybertip, investigators at the Easton Police Department obtained a series of search warrants for online and phone accounts associated with the “Elias Garcia” persona, and after gathering additional information, obtained a search warrant to search Arroyo’s residence in Easton, Maryland on September 11, 2018. While executing the search warrant, detectives discovered a white envelope in Arroyo’s bedroom that contained a $50.00 bill. The envelope was addressed to an individual later identified as a 12-year-old female and Victim #3’s name was handwritten in the area where “sender” information is customarily placed. Investigators discovered that Arroyo had been engaging in communications with the 12-year-old minor through social media, offering her money in exchange for sexually explicit photos.
In addition to the white envelope, investigators also discovered a black cell phone hidden in Arroyo’s bedroom. A subsequent review of the contents of the cell phone revealed sexually explicit images of several of the minor victims, as well as evidence linking Arroyo to the “Elias Garcia” communications and to another alias “Emiel Quiross” Arroyo used to create an additional social media account after the social media platform shut down his “Elias Garcia” account. Investigators obtained a search warrant and discovered that Arroyo used the “Emiel Quiross” account to coerce and entice two additional minor victims, Victim #5 and Victim #6, to produce and send him sexually explicit images of themselves. Arroyo employed a similar pattern to manipulate Victim #5 and Victim #6, by pretending to be a 16-year-old boy and offering the minor females cash in exchange for sending him close-up images of the victims’ genitals.
On September 11, 2018, after voluntarily waiving his Miranda rights, Arroyo agreed to speak with investigators. During the interview, Arroyo used another alias when identifying himself to investigators and did not provide his real name. Arroyo admitted that the cell phone and white envelope found in his bedroom belonged to him. Arroyo claimed that he was mailing the money to his “ex-girlfriend.” When asked why Victim #3’s name was handwritten on the top-left “sender” portion of the envelope, Arroyo denied knowing Victim #3, and claimed that he made up the name of a female to place on the envelope so his “ex-girlfriend’s” new boyfriend would not become suspicious regarding the source of the money she received in the envelope.
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 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Easton Police Department and the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen E. McGuinn, who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Durango Business Owners Plead Guilty to Federal Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Durango - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that Kenneth and Suzanne Fusco of Durango, Colorado pleaded guilty to federal income tax evasion on October 13, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, the defendants jointly operated a restaurant in downtown Durango, Colorado. During the tax years 2014 through 2019, the defendants willfully overstated their business expenses to reduce their tax liability. Specifically, the defendants categorized personal expenses as “customer supplies” on their accounting software, which was then transmitted to tax professionals to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. The couple also provided a signed statement to their tax professionals indicating that the information they were providing was “complete and correct to the best of our knowledge,” when in fact the defendants knew they were not providing accurate information and had unreported business income totaling $933,586. This resulted in a tax loss to the government of $160,536.
The Fuscos face a prison sentence ranging from 12 to 41 months, restitution in the amount of $160,536, and a fine of $5,500 to $55,000, plus interest and penalties. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nikki Cassidy and Jeffrey Graves handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 22-cr-00311-REB-JMC
Dover Man Sentenced for Killing Bald EagleRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN –A Dover, Ohio, man was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Carmen E. Henderson to one year of probation and was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and $1,500 in restitution to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service after he pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a bald eagle.
“The prosecution of crimes committed against our district’s wildlife and natural resources, including the national bird of the United States, are important duties of the U. S. Attorney’s Office,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Individuals who senselessly kill bald eagles and other federally protected migratory birds can expect to be punished similarly.”
“There is no excuse for knowingly shooting and killing a bald eagle,” said Special Agent in Charge John Brooks of the Office of Law Enforcement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Working with our state partners in Ohio, our agents investigated this senseless killing. Thanks to their work, the defendant has lost his hunting rights and will now pay substantial fines.”
According to court documents, David B. Huff, 79, routinely conducted inspections of farmland and several fields that he owned in Tuscarawas County for the presence of pests and rodents. On October 7, 2021, during one of these inspections, Huff shot and killed a bald eagle with a scoped rifle at a distance of approximately 100 feet.
After shooting the eagle, Huff picked up the animal and discarded it in the tree line of a bordering field.
On June 21, 2022, Huff pleaded guilty to a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits anyone, without a permit, from, among other actions, shooting bald or golden eagles.
As part of his sentence, Huff is banned from hunting for a five-year period and the rifle and ammunition seized during the investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service will be destroyed.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.
District Man Sentenced to Nine-Year Prison Term for Fatally Shooting Man in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lloyd Patterson-Ross, 21, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to a nine-year prison term for fatally shooting a man last year at a gas station in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Patterson-Ross pleaded guilty in June 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to voluntary manslaughter while armed. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon term of 7 ½-to-9 years in prison. The Honorable Marisa Demeo accepted the plea and sentenced Patterson-Ross accordingly on Oct. 21, 2022. Following his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 22, 2021, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Patterson-Ross was at a gas station in the 4600 block of South Capitol Street SE along with the victim, Dawaan Saunders. Mr. Saunders, who was armed, along with another individual attempted to rob Patterson-Ross and his associates. The robbery attempt failed, and Mr. Saunders attempted to flee. He ran across the street to another gas station but dropped his firearm as he was running. He then attempted to enter a vehicle but was unsuccessful.
Patterson-Ross subsequently picked up the firearm on the ground and chased Mr. Saunders. He then shot Mr. Saunders, causing him to fall. Patterson-Ross then fled. But after seeing Mr. Saunders attempt to get back up, he came back and shot him multiple times at close range. Mr. Saunders, 30, was shot 14 times and subsequently died.
Patterson-Ross was arrested on Dec. 20, 2021. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels and Victim/ Witness Specialist Karina Hernandez.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shehzad Akhtar who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Detroit Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Johnson and Magoffin CountiesRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Detroit man, Jayshawn Robinson, 30, was sentenced on Friday to 185 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier, for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On August 12, 2021, a Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a search of the residence of Charles Chandler in Johnson County. During the search, law enforcement seized over 500 grams of methamphetamine that Chandler had obtained from Jayshawn Robinson.
Robinson pleaded guilty to aggravated drug trafficking charges, in March 2022. According to Robinson’s plea agreement, between April of 2021 and August 12, 2021, he had been regularly importing drugs into Johnson and Magoffin Counties to supply drug dealers there, including Chandler.
Charles Chandler was sentenced to 90 months in prison, in June of 2022. Also charged in the conspiracy were Ashley and Cory Johnson of Magoffin County. For their roles in the conspiracy, Cory Johnson was sentenced to 46 months and Ashley Johnson was sentenced to 80 months.
Under federal law, the defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Doug Saylor, Sheriff of Johnson County, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Operation UNITE, and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set for Oct. 29, 2022Read the Press Release
BILLINGS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana, including two DEA sites in Billings. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.
“As we face an epidemic of opioid deaths, overdoses, and addictions, I urge Montanans to help protect their loved ones, friends, and community by disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs at collection sites across the state. The DEA’s Take Back Day is an important, safe, and convenient way to clean out your medicine cabinet,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
“Opiate overdoses are occurring throughout the United States, and Montana is no different. But we can all pitch in to help stop this epidemic,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Stacy Zinn-Brittain. “I encourage everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and nightstands of expired or unneeded prescription medicine, especially opioids, and to bring them to DEA’s designated Take Back locations. Together, we can make a difference.”
The DEA will have two drop off locations in Billings. The locations are the Elks Lodge, 934 Lewis Ave., and the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center, 2917 Gabel Road.
More than 27 sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across Montana are participating in Take Back Day. Information about collection sites and more information about event is available here: https://takebackday.dea.gov/
During the last Take Back Day held on April 30, 2022, 4,427 law enforcement participants at 5,144 collection sites brought in a total weight of 721,093 pounds, or 360 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 15.9 million pounds, or more than 7,995 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.
During the April 30, 2022 event, Montanans turned in 1,513 pounds of prescription drugs at 33 collection sites. Thirty-two law enforcement agencies participated.
In addition to DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 29, prescription drugs can be disposed of any day throughout the year at any of the 11,000 authorized collectors. For more information on collection sites, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 29 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
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Cordele Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Planters First BankRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Cordele, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty today in federal court to robbing a local bank.
Donald Wellons, Jr., 26, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. Wellons faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court.
“Bank robbery is a crime of violence and intimidation, affecting the victims and the larger community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Cordele Police Department’s speedy apprehension of a dangerous individual in this case underscores their commitment to this community’s sense of peace and safety.”
“Thanks to the quick reaction of our local law enforcement partners, Wellons was arrested and unable to threaten any more innocent victims,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Wellons now faces serious prison time without the opportunity for parole, where he will no longer be able to wreak havoc in his community.”
“Officers with the Cordele Police Department did an outstanding job working this case, from the initial response to the investigation and—ultimately—the conviction,” said Cordele Police Chief Jalon J. Heard. “As officers, we take an oath to serve and protect the communities in which we work. I hope that with this conviction, the citizens of Cordele know that we take that oath very seriously and take pride in our community.”
According to court records, Wellons entered the Planters First Bank in Cordele on the morning of Sept. 28, 2021, and handed a bank teller a threatening note that read, “Do you want to make it home today?” The teller was slow to respond, so Wellons reached towards his waistband and indicated he had a weapon—believed to be a firearm at the time of the incident but later determined to be a knife—then demanded money from the teller drawer. The bank teller emptied a drawer of cash into a bag furnished by Wellons, who demanded more money. When Wellons saw the drawer was empty, he left the bank.
Cordele Police Department officers immediately recognized Wellons from crime scene images as the suspect and quickly located him at his residence. A family member consented to a search of the home. In Wellons’ bedroom, officers found the stolen cash, the bag, a knife and the threatening note he had passed to the bank teller. Wellons has a lengthy criminal history in the Cordele community to include identity theft fraud, unauthorized discharge of firearms and possession of a firearm by a felony first offender.
This case was investigated by the Cordele Police Department and FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Johnathan Anton Williams (38, Ruskin) with distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the drug offense, Williams faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of the firearms offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison for carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies Williams that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on May 4, 2022, Williams was selling methamphetamine, during which time he had a firearm and ammunition in his possession. At the time of the incident, Williams had previous felony convictions for robbery and possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Connecticut Man Faces Federal Drug Charge After Northfield ArrestRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Raymond Rivera, 33, of Hartford, Connecticut, was arrested last Thursday and charged on Friday by criminal complaint. Rivera was charged with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on October 20, 2022. Rivera appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon. He was detained pending a hearing scheduled for this Thursday.
According to court records, the Northfield Police Department initiated a drug trafficking investigation aimed at a residence in Northfield. Northfield Police coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist with the investigation. On the morning of October 20, 2022, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at the residence. Approximately 128 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 230 grams of suspected cocaine were seized during the search. Rivera, who was at the residence, was arrested at the time of the search.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Rivera is presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime. If convicted of the charge in the complaint, Rivera faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. Any sentence imposed would be informed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Northfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Rivera is represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq.
Chinese Intelligence Officers Charged with Using Academic Cover to Target Individuals in United StatesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging four Chinese nationals, including three Ministry of State Security (MSS) intelligence officers, in connection with a long-running intelligence campaign targeting individuals in the United States to act as agents of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and National Security Division Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen announced.
As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2008 to 2018, Wang Lin, Bi Hongwei, Dong Ting, aka Chelsea Dong, Wang Qiang, and others engaged in a wide-ranging and systematic effort to target and recruit individuals to act on behalf of the PRC in the United States with requests to provide information, materials, equipment, and assistance to the Chinese government in ways that would further China’s intelligence objectives. These recruitment efforts included targeting professors at universities, a former federal law enforcement and state homeland security official, and others to act on behalf of, and as agents of, the Chinese government.
As part of the conspiracy, MSS intelligence officers Wang Lin, Dong Ting, and others used a purported academic institute at Ocean University of China – referred to as the Institute for International Studies (IIS) – as cover for their clandestine intelligence activities. Acting under cover as the purported director of the IIS, Wang Lin, in coordination with other MSS operatives operating under the guise of academics at the IIS, targeted professors at American universities and others in the United States with access to sensitive information and equipment.
“This indictment drives home the fact that the intelligence risk posed by MSS continues to be real, ever-present, and significant,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “Everyone in the United States – and especially those in academic, business, military, or government positions that have access to sensitive information or equipment – should take heed of the risk that the MSS poses to our democracy and way of life.”
“These defendants cloaked themselves and their motives in order to get access to our higher learning institutions and recruit others to betray this nation. All intended to give China a leg up,” Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy said. “The FBI would never let that happen. The safety of the citizens of the United States and the security of our nation are our top priorities. When foreign adversaries threaten either of those two things – whether on our soil or from another country; whether in-person or through cyber channels – we will use every resource at our disposal to uncover their espionage, thwart their malign influence, and bring them to justice.”
According to the indictment unsealed today:
The threat posed by the PRC’s ongoing, wide-ranging, and systematic effort to collect intelligence information from United States sources is significant and ongoing. China’s civilian intelligence agency, the MSS, is responsible for conducting counterintelligence and foreign intelligence activities, as well as political security for the PRC. The MSS and its regional bureaus focus on identifying and influencing the foreign policy of other countries, including the United States, by seeking to obtain information on political, economic, and security policies that might affect the PRC, along with military, scientific, and technical information of value to the PRC. The MSS and its regional bureaus are tasked with conducting clandestine and covert human source operations, of which the United States was and remains a principal target. Chinese intelligence services, including the MSS, utilize a variety of state ministries, societies, academic institutions, and the Chinese military-industrial complex to support intelligence activities, including by providing cover jobs to operatives. The investigation revealed that the defendants used one such purported academic institution – the IIS – as cover for their intelligence activities for the MSS.
MSS intelligence officers Wang Lin, Bi, Dong, and others, acting for and on behalf of the MSS and the Chinese government, systematically targeted United States persons, including but not limited to a coconspirator who was a resident of the state of New Jersey and a second individual who was a former federal law enforcement officer and state homeland security official and a professor at an American university.
Among other things, the conspiracy targeted the second individual by inviting the individual in 2008 and 2018 on all-expenses-paid trips to China sponsored by the IIS. During those trips, Wang Lin, Dong, and others sought to recruit this individual as a human source, requesting that the individual provide sensitive fingerprint technology, information, and assistance with stopping planned protests along the 2008 Olympic Games torch route in the United States, which the conspirators expressed would be “embarrassing” to China. The individual also was requested to sign a contract for purported consulting services with a Chinese company whose “core value” was the “national interest and national security” of China, with an objective to “protect the national interest and Chinese enterprises’ overseas interest[s]” and to “build sources and channels to collect security information.” Recognizing Wang Lin, Dong, and others as Chinese intelligence officers, the individual refused these requests and reported them to law enforcement.
The conspiracy also targeted the coconspirator in New Jersey by tasking the coconspirator to take specific action in the United States in furtherance of the MSS’ intelligence objective. Wang Qiang coordinated a meeting in 2016 between the coconspirator, Wang Lin, and Bi Hongwei in the Bahamas, at which time MSS intelligence officers Wang Lin and Bi directed the coconspirator to obtain United States currency and provide it to a designated individual in New Jersey. The coconspirator returned to New Jersey and did as Wang Lin and Bi instructed. Wang Qiang then visited the coconspirator in New Jersey, at which time Wang Qiang and the coconspirator discussed in detail their and others’ activities taken on behalf of the Chinese government in the United States.
Wang Lin, 59, Bi, age unknown, Dong 40, and Wang Qiang, 55, all are nationals and residents of the People’s Republic of China. They each are charged in the indictment with conspiracy to act in the United States as agents of a foreign government, namely, the People’s Republic of China, without prior notification to the Attorney General of the United States, as required by law, and to direct such unlawful action by others in the United States. The conspiracy charge carries a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day, Attorney-in-Charge of the Trenton Branch Office, Joyce M. Malliet, Chief of the Office’s National Security Unit, and Trial Attorney David C. Recker of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Chinatown Meat Distributor Required to Pay $250,000 Civil Penalty for Violating Food Safety Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA-FSIS”), announced today that a federal district court has approved an agreement (“Agreement”) resolving violations by defendants CHUNG SHING MEATS, INC., a/k/a “New Chung Hing Meats, Inc,” WING HONG CHEUNG, MIAO HE FENG, YIU KWAN CHEUNG, and TIAN LUN FENG (collectively, the “defendants”) of a previously entered judicial consent decree requiring defendants to comply with food safety laws at their meat distributorship in Chinatown, Manhattan. Today’s Agreement imposes a $250,000 civil penalty on defendants, which equals the highest civil penalty ever imposed for such violations.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This Office has zero tolerance for defendants who continue in their ways after entering into consent decrees in which they commit to come into compliance. Such conduct is all the worse where, as here, the consent decree was designed to protect the public health. The significant financial penalty should serve as notice to all defendants that they must live up to their commitments and comply with the law.”
FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker said: “FSIS’s authority to enforce the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act is clear. Our inspection personnel and investigators are on the job daily, verifying that establishments are providing consumers with safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled food. We remain committed to public health, and this civil penalty shows that we will take swift action to protect American consumers.”
The Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”) protect public health by ensuring the nation’s commercial supply of meat and poultry is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled and packaged. These requirements allow consumers to have confidence in the safety of their meat and poultry products and permit public health officials to trace problems to their source.
In 2019, this Office filed a civil complaint against defendants, alleging that they routinely prepared and sold meat and poultry products at 19 Catherine Street, New York, New York, without meeting the federal inspection requirements of the FMIA and the PPIA, including by misbranding or repackaging meat and poultry products without the marks of federal inspection. USDA-FSIS had identified FMIA and PPIA violations by the defendants that included selling uninspected or misbranded roast pork, pork chops, roast ducks, beef brisket, chickens, and other beef, poultry, and pork products. In all, USDA-FSIS’s inspections had uncovered over 400 pounds of meat and poultry products sold or offered for sale in violation of the FMIA and PPIA.
Contemporaneously with the 2019 complaint, defendants agreed to resolve the violations by entering into a consent decree that required them to comply with the FMIA and PPIA. Among other things, the consent decree included a permanent injunction prohibiting defendants from “selling, transporting, offering for sale or transportation, or receiving for transportation, any meat, meat food products, poultry, or poultry products required to be inspected and passed by USDA-FSIS that have not been inspected and passed by USDA-FSIS federal inspectors,” and requiring defendants to “prepare and maintain, for each product containing meat, meat food products, poultry, or poultry products, ... business records of all transactions ...” The consent decree included financial penalties that would apply if defendants violated these obligations. On January 7, 2020, the federal district court approved the consent decree, making it a binding court order.
Defendants, however, have repeatedly violated the consent decree. As stated in the Agreement approved by the court today:
- “... Defendants [have] admitted to selling a total of 787.62 pounds of non-federally inspected and misbranded meat and poultry between August 3, 2020, and January 26, 2021, in violation of Paragraph 4(a) of the Consent Decree”
- “... Defendants [have] further admitted that New Chung Hing had generally failed to keep requisite purchase invoices post-dating the Consent Decree, in violation of Paragraph 5 of the Consent Decree”
The Agreement requires defendants to pay $250,000 as a civil penalty for these violations of the Consent Decree. This penalty equals the highest civil penalty ever imposed for violations of a USDA-FSIS consent decree under these food safety statutes, reflecting the gravity of defendants’ violations.
* * *
Mr. Williams thanked the USDA-FSIS for its efforts on this matter.
This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica F. Rosenbaum is in charge of the case.
Central New York Doctor Settles Improper Billing and Controlled Substance Act ClaimsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ahmad M. Mehdi and his medical practice, Ahmad M. Mehdi, M.D., P.C. (“Mehdi”), agreed to pay a total of $900,000 to resolve civil claims for up-coding billings for some medical services, billing for smoking cessation counseling services that were not adequately documented, and allegedly improper prescribing of opioids, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman.
Mehdi operates a general medical practice with offices in Groton and Tully, New York. According to the settlement agreement, between January 1, 2012, and September 17, 2018, Mehdi caused false claims to be submitted to federal healthcare programs by billing for some services at a higher rate of reimbursement than it would be entitled to for the service actually provided, a scheme commonly referred to as “upcoding.” Mehdi also submitted billing to federal healthcare programs for some smoking cessation counseling services that were not sufficiently documented. This settlement also resolves claims that Mehdi violated the Controlled Substances Act between April 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, by prescribing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice to three patients. Mehdi has agreed to pay $331,250 to the United States to resolve all of these claims. Mehdi will also pay $568,750 to the State of New York pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement.
“Providers who increase their own profits by over-billing for medical care increase medical costs for all of us and drain critical funds from Medicare and other government health programs,” said U.S. Attorney Freedman. “We will continue to hold accountable medical professionals who undermine our healthcare system by over-billing for care.”
“Every dollar scammed from Medicaid is a dollar not spent caring for New Yorkers with actual medical needs,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “I am proud of the work my team did, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, in uncovering these false claims and securing these funds. Let this settlement be a clear message: We have zero tolerance for lying to Medicaid, and we will hold those who do accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Freedman thanks the New York Attorney General’s Office for its collaboration in the investigation and resolution of this matter
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the New York Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Moran and John Hoggan handled this matter for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Canadian National Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A Canadian national pleaded guilty to making false statements on income tax returns.
According to court documents, William Henry Woo, 66, earned income in the United States from gambling at casinos that was subject to federal taxes Beginning in January 2007 through January 2011, Woo submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent claims seeking approximately $5.4 million in tax refund monies by falsely over-reporting the tax withheld by the casinos and by duplicating his refund claims. Woo fraudulently obtained more than $1 million in tax refunds from the Department of Treasury.
Woo pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements on income tax returns for tax year 2007. A sentencing date has not been set. For each count, Woo faces up to three years in prison, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, Houston Field Office, made the announcement.
The IRS-CI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Castillo is prosecuting the case.
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Brooklyn Yeshiva Admits to Pervasive Program and Benefit Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Central United Talmudic Academy (“CUTA” or “the School”), a yeshiva in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, admitted today in federal court that it was involved in several overlapping frauds, including a multi-million dollar scheme to wrongfully obtain funds designated to feed needy schoolchildren. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.
CUTA has entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the government in connection with a criminal information filed today in the Eastern District of New York charging the school with conspiring to commit wire fraud. As part of this agreement, the School has agreed to pay $5 million in penalties, in addition to more than $3 million in restitution it has already paid, to resolve the investigation into the school’s fraudulent conduct.
Elozer Porges, the former executive director of CUTA, and Joel Lowy, Porges’s assistant, both pleaded guilty in March 2018 for their roles in the conspiracy to defraud the government. Porges was sentenced to two-years’ imprisonment in October 2019, while Lowy was sentenced to five-years’ probation, 1000 hours of community service and $98,407.21 in restitution in April 2022.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the agreement.
“The misconduct at CUTA was systemic and wide ranging, including stealing over $3 million allocated for schoolchildren in need of meals,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s resolution accounts for CUTA’s involvement in those crimes and provides a path forward to repay and repair the damage done to the community, while also allowing CUTA to continue to provide education for children in the community.”
“Today’s admission makes clear there was a pervasive culture of fraud and greed in place at CUTA. We expect schools to be places where students are taught how to do things properly. The leaders of CUTA went out of their way to do the opposite, creating multiple systems of fraud in order to cheat the government. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate these types of frauds and schemes to ensure government programs benefit those they were designed to help without being exploited,” stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “As detailed in the prosecution agreement, CUTA engaged in an extensive scheme to steal millions of dollars in public funds, diverting money intended to feed schoolchildren and facilitating tax and benefit fraud by its employees. DOI and its law enforcement partners in the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and the USDA are committed to the prevention of fraud that undermines public assistance programs. With this resolution, which includes a $5 million penalty, CUTA has acknowledged and will be held accountable for its misconduct.”
“USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins stated: The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) was created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance. Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent. Our joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation identified those who sought to profit from the CACFP through illegal schemes. The USDA Office of Inspector General will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, in order to protect the integrity of these programs and bring to justice those who commit fraud.”
According to admissions in the statement of facts and other public documents, between 2014 and 2016, CUTA received more than $3.2 million in reimbursement for a meal program that purported to feed students of the yeshiva. The program was almost entirely fictitious. Rather than feed its children, the School diverted the funding, including to subsidize parties for adults. To commit the crime, the School fabricated records and made dozens of sworn misrepresentations to government agencies.
During the investigation into the fictitious meal program, the investigative team uncovered evidence of other fraudulent conduct by the School and its employees. In addition to the program fraud noted above, this included various payroll practices that enabled the School’s employees to commit benefit and tax fraud.
For example, the School paid its employees in a manner that grossly underrepresented their employees’ “on the books” income. The School accomplished this in several ways. In addition to paying its employees in cash, the School provided its employees with “coupons” that were redeemable at local stores for a specific cash value. Employees could use these coupons to make purchases, and the stores would then redeem the coupons back to the school for payment. These “coupons” thus facilitated the creation of an underground economy, in which employees obtained usable income unknown to the government. The school provided additional “off the books” income in other ways, such as through undisclosed investment accounts.
The investigation determined that the School engaged in these practices, in part, to facilitate additional frauds committed by its employees. By underrepresenting its employees’ income, CUTA enabled its employees to obtain various public benefits—including health care and childcare—that would not have been available if the employees honestly reported their income. The School further supported these efforts by providing letters to government agencies falsely stating that their employees only earned the “on the books” amount the School disclosed to the taxing authorities, thus enabling their employees to commit welfare and other benefits fraud. The School, in turn, also benefited from its employees misrepresentations, as it then accepted and cashed child care vouchers provided to its employees’ by the State, which its employees only qualified for as a result of the School’s own misrepresentations. Defendant Joel Lowy was among the many CUTA employees to avail themselves of this scheme.
In addition to the payroll fraud described above, the School also provided no-show jobs to non-employees, facilitated “parsonage” tax exemptions for individuals who did not provide parsonage services, sought and obtained technology funding for uses unrelated to the school’s educational purposes and provided child care services without proper licenses.
As outlined in the agreement, the Office reached this resolution with the School, in part, due to the School’s remedial efforts, many of which have been in effect for several years. In addition to recognizing and applying a zero-tolerance policy to the conduct described above, the School engaged in a series of significant structural changes. Among other things, it replaced its executive management team; developed a set of financial and procedural controls; instituted a compliance manual to guide ethical decision-making; created an oversight committee to oversee the implementation of the new standards; and conducted audits to ensure ongoing compliance. In addition to the fine and restitution referenced above, the School will be subject to the supervision of an independent Monitor for a three-year period. The Monitor will assess the School’s compliance with the deferred prosecution agreement and ensure that the School continues to follow its legal and ethical obligations.
The agreement announced today is part of an investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI’s New York Field Office, USDA Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations’ Northeast Regional Office and the New York City Department of Investigation. The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Paulsen is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant: CENTRAL UNITED TALMUDIC ACADEMY
Brooklyn, New York
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-328 (NGG)Barrio Azteca Gunmen Who Committed Consulate Murders in Ciudad Juarez Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
The Barrio Azteca gunmen directly responsible for the March 2010 murders in Juarez, Mexico of a U.S. Consulate employee, her husband, and the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee were sentenced to life in prison today.
“The gunmen who viciously shot and killed Leslie Enriquez, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros will now deservedly spend the rest of their lives in prison,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department’s commitment to combating violent transnational criminal organizations and holding accountable those who may harm Americans, whether at home or abroad. I want to thank the Mexican Government for its cooperation that helped lead to this just result, including extraditing both defendants to the United States to be prosecuted for their heinous crimes.”
On Feb. 3, Jose Guadalupe Diaz Diaz, aka Zorro, 43, of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Martin Artin Perez Marrufo, aka Popeye, 54, also of Chihuahua, were found guilty of all 11 counts after a 13-day jury trial in the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division. The jury found Diaz and Marrufo guilty of conspiracy to commit racketeering, narcotics trafficking, narcotics importation, money laundering, and murder in a foreign country; three counts of murder in aid of racketeering; and three counts of murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking.
“The victims in this case were coming from a child’s birthday party when they were misidentified as targets by members of Barrio Azteca and gunned down in a senseless act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “I am incredibly proud of the work our office and our law enforcement partners, including international law enforcement, have done to bring some sense of justice to the victims’ families.”
Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that on March 13, 2010, Diaz and Marrufo served as gunmen on the hit teams that murdered U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Enriquez, her husband, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. The victims were targeted by the hit teams after leaving a child’s birthday party in Juarez because they were mistaken initially for rival gang members. Diaz shot and killed Enriquez and Redelfs. Marrufo shot and killed Ceniceros.
The defendants were sentenced to life in prison on 10 counts and 240 months of imprisonment on the remaining count. Three of the life in prison sentences will run consecutive to the sentences imposed on all other counts. Both defendants were also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the senseless violence that transnational criminal organizations continue to inflict on the American people, wherever they reside,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “It was important that justice be served, not only for the victims, Leslie Enriquez, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros, but also their families. The FBI appreciates the collaborative efforts of our local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners in ensuring all those responsible were held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing serves as a testament to DEA’s commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to bring to justice those responsible for the heartbreaking murder of innocent members of our U.S. mission abroad,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA will stop at nothing to pursue those that use violence and intimidation to further drug trafficking schemes.”
As proven at trial, Barrio Azteca is a transnational criminal organization engaged in, among other things, money laundering, racketeering, and drug-related activities in El Paso, Texas, among other places. The gang allied with other drug gangs to battle the Sinaloa Cartel, at the time headed by Joaquín “Chapo” Guzman, and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because it is a principal illicit drug trafficking route into the United States.
A total of 35 defendants were charged in the third superseding indictment and are alleged to have committed various criminal acts, including the 2010 Juarez Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico, as well as racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, murder, and obstruction of justice. Of the 35 defendants charged, all have been apprehended. Of those apprehended, 28 have pleaded guilty, three (including Diaz and Maruffo) have been convicted by a jury following trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and three are awaiting extradition from Mexico.
Diaz was extradited from Mexico on Nov. 13, 2019, and Maruffo was extradited from Mexico on Jan. 18, 2020. The extraditions were the result of close coordination between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities, who have cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Acting Deputy Chief Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force located at the Texas Anti-Gang Center in El Paso, FBI Albuquerque Field Office, DEA Juarez, and DEA El Paso investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico, Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico, Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility; and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico provided valuable assistance.
Ahead of Election Day, U.S. Attorney Leary Names District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Will Keyes and Todd Swanson will lead the efforts of the office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 8 general election. AUSA Keyes and Swanson have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. 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,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “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, our designated District Election Officers will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keyes and Swanson can be reached by calling 478-621-2698.”
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 calling 770-216-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “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.
22-Year-Old Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of U.S. Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Rey David Marquez-Jimenez, 22, of Mexico, previously pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer on October 20, 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2023, before United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps.
On January 26, 2022, near Hereford, Arizona, Marquez-Jimenez tackled a United States Border Patrol (USBP) agent as the agent attempted to handcuff another individual. Marquez-Jimenez punched the agent several times and tried to pull the agent’s firearm from his holster. When the firearm came out of the holster, Marquez-Jimenez tried to point it at the agent. He then got on top of the agent and attempted to slash and stab him with a knife. The agent gained control of the knife, and Marquez-Jimenez fled on foot before being apprehended by other USBP agents.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Marquez-Jimenez faces a sentence of 60 to 108 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Houston, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00175-TUCJGZ-LCK
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-189_Marquez-Jimenez# # #
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.
21 October 2022
Yankton Man Sentenced to over 12 1/2 Years on Fentanyl Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Yankton, South Dakota man convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance was sentenced on October 17, 2022, by District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Ronald D. Minniefield, a/k/a “Zareef Al-amin,” a/k/a “Chicago,” a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “King,” a/k/a “KO,” 52, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Minniefield was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 15, 2022.
Minniefield and his co-conspirators knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Minniefield was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Waterloo Man who Threatened to Kill Victim Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who threatened to pistol whip and kill a victim while displaying a firearm was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Durango Ken Castile, age 48, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after May 26, 2022 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information from sentencing showed that Castile was released from prison on parole in August 2021. Thereafter, Castile was abusive towards the victim for several months, which culminated in Castile threatening to pistol whip and kill the victim while he was holding a firearm. At the plea hearing in this case, Castile admitted that he possessed a firearm on or about January 3, 2022, after previously being convicted of a felony offense.
Castile was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Castile was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Castile is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyndra Lundquist and Lisa Williams. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Waterloo Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2007.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
AKRON – Scott Allen Renninger, 53, of Uniontown, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams to six years in prison and was ordered to pay $17,520 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to attempting to arrange a murder-for-hire plot.
“Engaging in a plot to kill or harm another is a threat to our way-of-life,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “This defendant went to great lengths in an attempt to facilitate the murder of an innocent person and now he will face the consequences of his actions.”
"Thwarting carefully crafted plots to carry out violent crimes are a priority of the FBI," said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. "The cold and callous nature of a scheming individual is a threat to not only the victim of the action, but also the community. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to find and investigate criminals or their network intent on causing harm to others."
According to court documents, from October to November 2020, Renninger met with an individual and discussed offering the individual money in exchange for the murder of a victim.
Court documents state that Renninger and the individual had frequent contact and that Renninger provided the individual with a photograph of the victim, license plate information and other materials that disclosed the victim’s residence. On one occasion, Renninger stated to the individual that they needed to figure out a way to communicate, possibly using disposable phones and confirmed his desire to make the victim “disappear.”
During subsequent meetings, Renninger and the individual again discussed the plot and agreed upon a price of $20,000 in exchange for the murder.
Renninger was arrested at his residence, without incident, on Nov. 17, 2020. The victim was unharmed.
Renninger pleaded guilty on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, to one count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Brad J. Beeson.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Points of Contact for Election Fraud and Voting Rights ConcernsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Michael F. Perry and Joshua R. Rosenthal will lead the efforts of the Northern District of New York in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 8, 2022 general election. AUSAs Perry and Rosenthal have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Northern District of New York, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.
United States Attorney Freedman 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).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs Perry and Rosenthal will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 315-448-0913 (AUSA Perry) and 518-431-0389 (AUSA Rosenthal).
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 518-465-7551.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Freedman 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.”
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 Announces District Election Officers for November General ElectionRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Ava R. Dustin and Megan R. Miller have been appointed as District Election Officers (DEO) to lead the Northern District of Ohio efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.
AUSA Ava R. Dustin will serve as the DEO for the Western Division of the Northern District of Ohio, and AUSA Megan R. Miller will serve as the District Election Officer for the Eastern Division. AUSAs Dustin and Miller are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said Baeppler. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs Dustin and Miller will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers:”
AUSA Ava R. Dustin (Western Division): (419) 259-6376
AUSA Megan R. Miller (Eastern Division): (216) 622-3600
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: (216) 522-1400
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg Appoints Election Officer for the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Roger B. Handberg announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Frank Talbot 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 Talbot has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Florida, 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 Handberg said, “Every citizen should be free to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote counted in a fair and free democratic process. Similarly, those officials and staff charged with the responsibility of facilitating that process should be free to exercise their duties without fear of intimidation, threats, or violence. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the electoral process. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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).
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 Frank Talbot will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (904) 301- 6284.
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. Local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (813) 253-1000 (Tampa/Orlando Division) or (904) 248-7000 (Jacksonville Division).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss Announces Election Officer for November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Claudia Pare 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 Pare has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Delaware, 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 Weiss stated, “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 Weiss stated that, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can freely exercise that right if they choose to do so, 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 Pare will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (302) 573-6277.”
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 (302) 658-4391.
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 Weiss 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, 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 Appoints District Election Officer for November 8 ElectionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tiffany J. Preston 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 Preston has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of Election Day complaints relating to voting rights concerns, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. The Southern District of Indiana is comprised of the southern sixty counties in the state.
U.S. Attorney Myers 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 Myers 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. 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 Preston will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 317-226-6333.”
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 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also 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 Myers 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 the Appointment of District Election Officer to Monitor Elections in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced today that Assistant United States
Attorney (AUSA) Scott Smith 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 Scott Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western
District of Tennessee, 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 Ritz 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.
Our office and 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 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 Ritz 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 Smith will be on duty in this
District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 901-544-4231 and 901-969- 2962.”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. On November 7, 2022, 8am-4pm, and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 6am-8pm, the local FBI field office will be available to the public at 901-747-9506. During the broader election cycle, the local FBI field office can be reached 24/7 by the public at
901-747-9650.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 Ritz 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.
###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.
U.S. Attorney Announces New Procedures for Reporting Environmental ViolationsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Michael A. Bennett, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, announced today that his office, to advance environmental justice, has implemented a new procedure for members of the public to report environmental violations. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
U.S. Attorney Bennett has implemented this public reporting procedure as part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy. This Strategy seeks to provide “timely and effective remedies for systemic environmental violations and contaminations and for injury to natural resources in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.”
“Our plentiful natural resources are part of what makes the Commonwealth such a special place to live and work,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We are committed to protecting these natural resources and the health and safety of all citizens in this district—including those who have historically been ignored or marginalized—from pollution and contamination.”
Members of the public who have concerns about environmental violations in the Western District of Kentucky can now report them to the U.S. Attorney’s office by email at [email protected]. The Office’s public reporting procedures are in addition to other methods of reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. Additional information about the district’s efforts to advance environmental justice may be found on the district’s website at https://justice.gov/usao-wdky/programs/envjustice.
In furtherance of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Strategy, U.S. Attorney Bennett has appointed Assistant United States Attorney A. Matthew Weyand as Environmental Justice Coordinator for the Western District.
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U.s. Attorney’s Office Takes Part in Justice Deparment’s Wide Range Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – The United States Justice Department recently announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Justice Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the past year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced that it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Fraud targeting our seniors is especially reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith from the District of the Virgin Islands. “These scams harm the financial stability of a vulnerable group typically with limited income and resources. My office will aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that impact seniors in the territory, and we will pursue every possible avenue to recover financial losses for any victims.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Justice Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. Most recently during this past year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands recovered fraudulently obtained disaster relief funds obtained by a defendant who falsely represented himself as the owner of a home severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. The home was actually owned by the defendant’s elderly relative.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands also engages in outreach to raise awareness about elder-targeted scams and exploitation. This past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a presentation at a local financial institution to increase elder fraud awareness. This coming year, the Office will continue to raise awareness about elder fraud schemes by addressing seniors through a variety of community organizations.
The Justice Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. The Department announced that, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force by adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Justice Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union.
Additionally, the Justice Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud. The Department also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Thomson Penitentiary Inmates Sentenced to Additional Prison Terms for Assaulting Other InmatesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — Two inmates at the United States Penitentiary in Thomson, Ill., have been sentenced to additional prison terms for assaulting other inmates.
GEORGE RICHARD GAUNT, 34, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, to be served consecutively to the federal sentence he is currently serving for robbing multiple banks.
KELLY BRYAN SCHNEIDER, 29, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentences he is currently serving for murder and hate crime in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the State of Idaho.
Gaunt and Schneider each pleaded guilty to federal assault charges. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the additional sentences this week after hearings in federal court in Rockford.
The sentences were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Ashley T. Johnson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza L. Tomlinson.
Gaunt and Schneider admitted in plea agreements that on Aug. 9, 2019, they punched, kicked, and stomped on an inmate’s body and head multiple times, causing serious injuries and loss of consciousness. The pair continued to strike the inmate while he was defenseless and in a protective posture. Schneider admitted that he attempted to bite off the inmate’s ear and continued to strike the inmate until correctional staff intervened.
Gaunt and Schneider assaulted another inmate on Aug. 23, 2019. In that attack, the pair punched, kicked, and stomped on the inmate’s body and head multiple times, causing serious injuries and loss of consciousness. Gaunt and Schneider continued to strike the inmate while he was defenseless.
Gaunt and Schneider admitted in their plea agreements that neither of the victims provoked the attacks in any way.
Two Texas Men Convicted of Bribing City OfficialsRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted two Texas men yesterday for conspiring to pay bribes to two city commissioners in Weslaco, Texas, in connection with millions of dollars in city contracts.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Richard Quintanilla, 57, of Weslaco, and former Hidalgo County Commissioner Arturo C. Cuellar Jr., 68, of Hidalgo County, agreed with others to bribe two Weslaco City Commissioners, John Cuellar and Gerardo Tafolla, in exchange for official actions favorable to engineering companies seeking large contracts with the city.
From approximately March 2008 through December 2015, one of the participants in the scheme received approximately $4.1 million from two engineering companies and shared nearly $1.4 million with Arturo Cuellar. Arturo Cuellar also used a company he controlled to facilitate the payment of approximately $405,000 in bribes to his cousin, John Cuellar, which were disguised as legitimate legal expenses. In exchange for these payments, John Cuellar took several official actions to benefit the companies, including helping to award a $38.5 million contract to rehabilitate Weslaco’s water treatment plant. Quintanilla also facilitated the payment of other bribes to Tafolla.
John Cuellar pleaded guilty in August 2019 to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and has not yet been sentenced. Tafolla pleaded guilty in April 2019 to federal program bribery and has not yet been sentenced.
Arturo Cuellar was convicted of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, four counts of honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, 26 counts of money laundering, and 26 counts of using a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate unlawful activity. Quintanilla was convicted of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, four counts of honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and seven counts of money laundering.
Arturo Cuellar and Quintanilla each face up to 20 years in prison on the top count. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 18, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery for the Southern District of Texas; Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Antonio Field Office and IRS-CI Houston Field Office investigated the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri and Trial Attorney William J. Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Deputy Chief of PIN Peter M. Nothstein and former PIN Trial Attorneys Erica O’Brien Waymack and Jessica C. Harvey assisted in the prosecution.
Two Men Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging They Shot Guard During Armored Truck Armed Robbery Earlier this WeekRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two men were arrested this morning on federal robbery and firearms offenses that allege they robbed an armored car on Monday and shot a guard several times in the leg.
Gregory James, 47, of San Pedro, and Lamond Akins, 30, of Compton, were arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint that charges them with Hobbs Act robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Both men are expected to make their initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
On Monday morning at approximately 11:20, a Loomis guard was ambushed by two armed suspects after working on ATMs at a Bank of America branch in Harbor City. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, surveillance video from the scene and from James’ residence link the two defendants to the robbery.
Furthermore, “Akins is also the registered owner of a black Chevy Malibu, which is consistent with the vehicle used during the robbery,” the affidavit states. “Cell phone records for James’s cell phone place him in the location of the October 17, 2022, robbery at the time of the robbery.”
During the incident, the robbers ambushed the guard and both opened fire, striking him in the leg several times. According to the affidavit, the robbers stole $140,000, as well as the guard’s firearm.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Hobbs Act robbery offense alleged in the complaint carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, and the firearms offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are conducting the investigation in this matter. The Gardena Police Department provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
Two Defendants Convicted of Armed Robbery at Aqueduct RacetrackRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Lafayette Morrison of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery in connection with the March 7, 2020 armed robbery of more than $280,000 in cash from Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens. Morrison and co-defendant Lamel Miller were also convicted of brandishing a firearm, and Morrison of obstruction of justice. Miller pleaded guilty to the robbery in September 2022. When sentenced, the defendants each face minimum sentences of seven years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment. The verdict followed a five-day trial before United States District Court Judge Ann M. Donnelly.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“Their armed robbery of Aqueduct Racetrack played out like a Hollywood movie heist, but with a bad ending for the defendants who now face steep prison sentences,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s verdict proves once again that it is a losing bet to commit a violent crime and think that you will outrun the law.”
“This should serve as a warning to those who believe that armed robbery will be tolerated by the law enforcement community and the public,” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito. “The men and women of ATF, and our NYPD partners in the ATF Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery and Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) Group, are at work daily to investigate and arrest those who believe they can prey on New Yorkers without consequence. Thanks to the NYPD’s Queens Robbery Squad and U.S. Attorney's office for the outcome of this case.”
“This violent robbery plot, featuring a racetrack security guard who betrayed his duty, showed a callous disregard for several victims,” said NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “Thanks to our joint law enforcement efforts, those responsible will now bear the consequences of their despicable acts. I want to thank our NYPD officers, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, the ATF’s New York Field Division, and everyone involved in this case for their exceptional work.”
As proven at trial, at approximately 10 p.m. following the Gotham Day stakes races at Aqueduct, Miller and a co-conspirator held up at gunpoint several racetrack employees – including Morrison, who was employed as a racetrack security guard – as they were transporting more than $284,000 in cash earnings to a vault. Miller and the co-conspirator emerged from their hiding spot in a stairwell and confronted the employees at gunpoint, taking the cash and employees’ cell phones, and forcing the employees into a closet. Miller and the co-conspirator then went to a hotel where they divided up the robbery proceeds; they each took $100,000 and gave the remaining $84,000 to Morrison who had posed as a victim during the robbery, but who was actually the robbery crew’s “inside man,” providing information in advance about where and when the money would be transported to the vault. When interviewed by federal law enforcement officers after the robbery, Morrison repeatedly lied to officers, including by claiming to be a victim of the crime and misidentifying a photograph of his childhood friend, Miller.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti and Rachel A. Bennek are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Anna November.
The Defendants:
LAMEL MILLER
Age: 39
Queens, New YorkLAFAYETTE MORRISON
Age: 39
Jamaica, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 20-CR-216 (AMD)
Three arrested in connection with ten kilos of fentanyl pills trafficked in Whatcom CountyRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two men were arrested in Bellingham, Washington, and a third was arrested in North Carolina, in connection with distribution of more than 75,000 fentanyl pills, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Guillermo Vieyra Salas, 22, and Jaime Alonso Hernandez-Hernandez, 41, appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle yesterday. A third defendant, identified as Manuel Lugo, was arrested in Wilmington, North Carolina and will appear in U.S. District Court there on Monday October 24, 2022.
Pills seized“Taking these fentanyl-laced pills off the street is a top priority for federal law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “In this case, the defendants were allegedly able to order up thousands of pills worth more than $100,000. Keeping these potentially deadly pills out of our community is a win.”
“There have been far too many deaths in Whatcom County attributable to fentanyl overdoses,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo. “We were pleased to join forces with our federal partners to disrupt the criminal enterprises that are bringing this deadly menace into our community.”
According to records filed in the case, in August 2022, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned of a drug trafficking network that was bringing fentanyl pills to Western Washington from Mexico. In August 2022, agents, acting in an undercover capacity, purchased an initial batch of 2,000 fentanyl pills. In September, the agents put in a request for 75,000 pills for $112,000. The deal was set for September 28,2022, near the Bellingham airport. While one co-conspirator was delivering the drugs to one location, two other men met with undercover agents at a coffee shop where the undercover agents briefly showed the two men what appeared to be $112,000 in cash.
“Those who peddle fentanyl-laced pills do so with extreme indifference to the people they might kill, all in the name of profits,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “We will continue to work exhaustively with our law enforcement partners to protect the communities which we serve from the scourge of fentanyl and the devastation it causes.”
All three men were arrested this week and are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Because of the quantity of drugs involved, the men face a mandatory minimum of ten years, and up to life, in prison.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung.
Pills SeizedThree Men Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wallace Smith, age 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jolie Brown, age 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Andres Garcia-Grajeda, age 33, of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug trafficking.
Smith was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment, Brown was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, and Garcia-Grajeda was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. Defendants previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms and more of cocaine and 400 grams and more of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on April 11, 2021, Smith, Brown, and Garcia-Grajeda were arrested outside the Hampton Inn in Hanover, Pennsylvania. At the time of the arrests, Smith was wheeling a luggage cart holding bags which contained over 81 kilograms of cocaine and 5 kilograms of fentanyl from his hotel room into Grajeda’s vehicle. A search of Brown’s hotel room discovered over $823,000 in drug proceeds. Smith and Brown had driven the drugs to Adams County from California in a tractor trailer and were dropping them off to Grajeda for distribution.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and fentanyl traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin and fentanyl related offenses.
The convictions were the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Behe and Scott Ford prosecuted the case.
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Taos business owner sentenced to prison for failure to pay taxes withheld from employee paychecksRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Diane Mariani, 67, of Taos, New Mexico, was sentenced on Oct. 19 to three months in prison and nine months on home detention for willful failure to collect or pay over tax. The Court further ordered Mariani to pay $203,137 as restitution for the Internal Revenue Service, and to pay an additional $150,000 fine. Mariani pleaded guilty on May 18.
Until 2015, Mariani was co-owner, operator and treasurer of Taos RPM LLC, and beginning in 2015 Mariani, was co-owner, operator, and treasurer of Mountain Resort Management, Inc., in Taos, New Mexico. Mountain Resort Management did business as Snakedance Condominiums, Bumps Market and Hondo Restaurant. Mariani was responsible for paying employees of Snakedance Condominiums and Mountain Resort Management and knew she had a duty to withhold federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes – collectively referred to as “trust fund taxes” – from employee paychecks. She also knew that she had a duty to report those taxes on a quarterly basis and to deposit those taxes on a regular basis.
From the first quarter of 2015 through the fourth quarter of 2018, Mariani withheld at least $203,137 in trust fund taxes from the employees she paid. Mariani willfully failed to pay those taxes to the IRS.
Upon completion of her prison and home detention sentence, Mariani will be subject to three years of supervised release.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Peña prosecuted the case.
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Tampa Man Sentenced for Firearms Charges After Brandishing Gun at DriverRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Karey Tyrone Taylor II (42, Tampa) to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Taylor to forfeit a firearm and magazine that were used in the offense. Taylor had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.
According to court documents, on January 2, 2021, Taylor brandished a firearm at a victim while she was driving on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa. The victim pulled into a nearby carwash, and Taylor confronted her. Standing face-to-face, Taylor told the victim that if he had known or seen that she was “all that,” then he would not have pulled a gun on her. The victim then told employees at the car wash what had happened, and an employee called the police.
Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded and interviewed the victim. The officers also located an SUV matching the description of Taylor’s vehicle. They found Taylor in the driver’s seat and detained him. While searching the vehicle, the officers found a black Taurus .45 caliber handgun with one round of ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. A DNA sample later obtained from Taylor for comparison indicated that Taylor’s DNA matched DNA found on the handgun.
Taylor had previously been convicted of a felony offense, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and distribution of controlled substances in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Tampa Police Department. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement assisted with the DNA analyses. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan and Patrick Scruggs.
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.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding in Filing of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the filing of false tax returns. Johnson faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 Johnson worked as a tax preparer for a tax preparation business at its office location in Seffner. In order to maximize the refunds that the IRS would have to pay his clients, Johnson prepared fraudulent Forms 1040 which falsely reported fictitious amounts for educational expenses on behalf of his clients. Many other tax returns that he prepared for clients contained fictitious information as to the Schedule C portion of the returns reflecting profit/loss from the operation of businesses. The inclusion of those types of false items helped to fraudulently inflate the refunds that the taxpayers would receive.
The indictment charged Johnson with aiding in the filing of numerous such false tax returns. The tax loss attributable to the single false tax return to which he pleaded guilty is nearly $14,000. The tax loss for other tax returns that Johnson had a role in preparing, and which contained similar false statements, is approximately $188,940. Johnson also caused large tax losses from many other tax returns which contained false education credit entries.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Tampa Man Indicted for Illegally Possessing A Firearm While Confronting Citizens on Downtown RiverwalkRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Meccos Donta Allen (38, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Prosecutors alleged in open court that on July 29, 2022, Allen confronted multiple citizens along Tampa’s Riverwalk. In one instance, Allen approached a couple sitting on a swing. The couple departed, returning to their nearby residence, and Allen followed them and pointed a gun at them as they entered their complex. In a second incident, Allen confronted another couple that were sitting on a bench on the south end of Tampa’s Riverwalk. During this confrontation, Allen allegedly pointed his gun at one victim and groped another. Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to the area and made contact with Allen, who fled on foot as the officers approached. While fleeing, Allen dropped a Glock pistol.
The indictment alleges that at the time of the incident, Allen had prior felony convictions for battery, delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and delivery of cocaine. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
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 the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
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.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tyron Columbia Watson, 39, of Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to Life in federal prison for two counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor Under the Age of 14. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Watson’s sentence was the result of a three-day federal jury trial resulting in a guilty verdict on April 27, 2022, finding Watson guilty on two counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor Under the Age of 14.
“This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable, and it should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”
“We are grateful to see justice prevail for the victim in this case,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Watson’s sentencing is a testament to the judicial system’s tireless efforts to hold accountable those who break the law and reiterate to the community that human trafficking will not be tolerated.”
“This sentence recognizes both the horror of the crime and the incredible work of the investigative and prosecution team,” said State Attorney Jack Campbell. “Too often, we think that sexual trafficking only happens in other parts of the world. Through the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors, we literally saved the life of a child held in sexual slavery on the streets of Tallahassee. We must all recognize that she was not alone, and we shall bring freedom to such victims and justice to their oppressors.”
“Operation Stolen Innocence has produced a torrent of prosecutions of child predators who destroy the hopes of successful futures for our children,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “This life sentence is a testament to the partnership, dedication, and commitment of the investigators from HSI, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office who aggressively fight to dismantle the sexual exploitation of children in Florida. We are obviously all in on this fight.”
He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area. First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven and Special Assistant United States Attorney Khari James prosecuted this case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Stephen K. Bannon Sentenced to Four Months in Prison on Two Counts of Contempt of CongressRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stephen K. Bannon was sentenced today to four months of incarceration and ordered to pay a fine of $6,500 on two counts of contempt of Congress stemming from his failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 breach of the United States Capitol.
Bannon, 68, was found guilty by a jury on July 22, 2022, of one contempt count related to his refusal to appear for a deposition and another count related to his refusal to produce documents in response to a subpoena from the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. The verdict followed a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
On Sept. 23, 2021, the Select Committee issued a subpoena to Bannon. In its subpoena, the Select Committee said it had reason to believe that he had information relevant to understanding events related to Jan. 6, 2021. The subpoena required him to appear and produce documents to the Select Committee on Oct. 7, 2021, and to appear for a deposition before the Select Committee on Oct. 14, 2021. Bannon refused to appear to give testimony as required by subpoena and refused to produce documents in compliance with a subpoena.
Bannon, formerly a Chief Strategist and Counselor to the President, has been a private citizen since departing the White House in 2017. He was indicted on the contempt charges on Nov. 12, 2021.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possession and Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Tyrell Harris, 29, of the 2000 block of MacArthur Boulevard, was sentenced on October 18, 2022, to concurrent sentences of 57 months’ imprisonment for distribution of heroin and 120 months’ imprisonment for possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute.
At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, the government presented evidence that, when officers attempted to arrest Mr. Harris at his residence on an unrelated arrest warrant for firearms charges, they found approximately 240 grams of heroin inside, in addition to other evidence related to drug sales.
Harris was indicted in May 2019 and pleaded guilty in June 2022.
The statutory penalties for distribution of heroin are up to 30 years in prison, up to a $2,000,000 fine, not less than 6 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. The statutory penalties for possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute are up to life in prison, up to a $8,000,000 fine, not less than eight years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
The Springfield Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
South Bend Woman Sentenced to 132 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Frances Bianco, 43 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on her plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Bianco was sentenced to 132 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, law enforcement performed a traffic stop involving Bianco that led to the seizure of over 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Her criminal history revealed she has three prior felony convictions and was on bond at the time the stop occurred.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer
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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Second Alien Smuggling Coordinator Pleads Guilty to Bribing Former Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On October 6, 2022, Omar Natalio Martinez Fontes, 51, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery and Alien Smuggling. Sentencing is scheduled for December 20, 2022, before United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps.
Fontes paid former United States Border Patrol (USBP) agent Carlos Passapera thousands of dollars in cash bribes for smuggling undocumented noncitizens into the United States between June 2019 and January 2020. Another alien smuggling coordinator involved in the conspiracy, Luis Alfredo Quintero-Gonzalez, previously pleaded guilty for his role in bribing Passapera in case CR 21-01529-TUC-JGZ-MSA. Quintero-Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2022, before Judge Zipps.
According to court documents, Fontes coordinated and conspired to coordinate the illegal entry of undocumented noncitizens by acting as the middleman between Passapera and the individuals seeking illegal passage into the United States. While working as a USBP agent, Passapera would receive communication from Fontes and then pick up the undocumented noncitizens along the U.S.-Mexico border near Lukeville, Arizona. Passapera would then smuggle the individuals through Border Patrol checkpoints and deliver them to locations within the Phoenix area. Throughout the conspiracy, Fontes and Passapera smuggled at least 13 undocumented noncitizens into the United States. In exchange for his role in the conspiracy, Passapera received approximately $104,000 in bribery payments from Fontes.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Bribery and Alien Smuggling carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Passapera was charged separately for his involvement in the conspiracy in case CR 20-01706-JGZ-MSA and has pleaded not guilty. Passapera’s case is set for trial on April 3, 2023, before United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southern Arizona Corruption Task Force, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General. The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-00792-JGZ-MSA
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-187_Fontes# # #
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.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Running $80 Million “Oasis” FOREX Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Michael J. DaCorta (57, Sarasota) to 23 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $2,817,876.16, a portion of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury had found DaCorta guilty on May 4, 2020.
According to testimony and evidence presented during the 13-day trial, from November 2011 through April 18, 2019, DaCorta ran an investment company named Oasis International Group, Ltd. (“OIG”). DaCorta and his co-conspirators persuaded at least 700 victims to invest in OIG through promissory notes and other means, causing victims’ losses exceeding $80 million. DaCorta, who had effectively been banned from conducting foreign exchange trading (“FOREX”) by agreement with the National Futures Association, induced victims to invest in OASIS by falsely representing to victim-investors that OASIS was reaping enormous profits by being a “market maker” and collecting “spread” on voluminous FOREX trades. DaCorta also pitched the opportunity as essentially risk free and OASIS as well-collateralized. In reality, OASIS was not making markets and had no true revenue. The “spread” earnings were being paid on each trade by OASIS back to OASIS in order to create the illusion of revenue, which was published to investors on fictious account statements and an online portal. The OIG investor portal showed the “spread” credits but concealed catastrophic underlying trading losses.
DaCorta and his conspirators used the balance of the victim-investors’ funds to make Ponzi-style payments to perpetuate the scheme and to fund lavish lifestyles. For example, the evidence showed that DaCorta used victim-investors’ funds to purchase a Maserati and Range Rovers for his family members, a country club membership, multiple million-dollar homes in Florida, college tuition for family members, flights on private jets, and lavish trips to Europe and the Cayman Islands. DaCorta also under-reported his income on his 2017 federal income tax return, claiming a negative income and receiving a tax refund.
“Mr. DaCorta guaranteed his more than 700 clients an “oasis” of an investment, when in reality all they got was a dust bowl of empty promises,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s significant prison sentence ordered by the court should offer some measure of justice to all of those impacted by the destructive wake of Mr. DaCorta’s greed and indifference.”
“Mr. DaCorta surrendered to greed and swindled millions of dollars from honest, hard-working Americans,” said FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “Today’s sentencing confirms the FBI’s commitment to hold heartless fraudsters accountable for their actions and ensure justice is served.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and David W.A. Chee, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Murray.
Salem Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Decade-Long Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem, Mass. real estate developer was sentenced to four years in prison today in connection with a decade-long mortgage fraud scheme involving at least two dozen loan transactions, totaling $6.5 million, that resulted in more than $3.8 million in losses to lenders.
George Kritopoulos, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to four years in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. The judge reserved determination on an order of restitution. On May 27, 2022, Kritopoulos was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, one count of aiding the preparation of a false income tax return and one count of obstruction of justice.
Kritopoulos was originally charged in September 2018 along with co-defendants Joseph Bates III and David Plunkett. Bates pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution and two counts of bank fraud in October 2018 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1, 2022. Plunkett pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aiding in the submission of false tax returns in February 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2022.
From 2006 through 2015, Kritopoulos, Bates and others engaged in a scheme to defraud banks and other financial institutions by causing false information to be submitted to those institutions on behalf of borrowers – people recruited to purchase properties – located primarily in Salem. The properties were usually multi-family buildings with two-to-four units, which the conspirators then converted into condominiums. Kritopoulos recruited new borrowers to purchase the individual condominium units, which were also financed by mortgage loans obtained by fraud.
The false information submitted to lenders included, among other things, representations concerning the borrowers’ employment, income, assets and intent to occupy the property. Specifically, the false employment information included representations that borrowers were employed by entities that were, in fact, shell companies “owned” by Kritopoulos and were used to advance the fraudulent scheme. The employment information also included false representations about the income that the borrowers received from the entities, when, in fact, the borrowers received little or no income from them. Kritopoulos brought newly recruited borrowers to Plunkett, who then prepared tax returns that contained false and inflated income. Some of those tax returns were submitted to lenders in support of the fraudulent loan applications.
Since the borrowers did not have the financial ability to repay the loans, in all but two instances among 21 properties, they defaulted on their loan payments, resulting in foreclosures and losses to the lenders.
In addition, Kritopoulos sought to obstruct the federal criminal investigation into the mortgage fraud scheme by encouraging Bates and Plunkett to make false statements and create false documents he hoped would make the companies appear to have been legitimate.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office; and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Regional Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild, of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, and Brian M. LaMacchia, of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit prosecuted the case.
Statement by U.s. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff Regarding the November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Today United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff announced that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Matthew Devlin 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 Devlin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Texas. In that capacity he is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints about voting rights, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to 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 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 right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” stated United States Attorney Hoff. “To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and possible election fraud during the upcoming election and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Devlin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (512) 687-0818.”
In addition, the FBI will have personnel available in each field office throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and/or other election abuses occurring on Election Day. The FBI San Antonio Field Office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741. The FBI El Paso Field Office can be reached by the public at (915) 832-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Hoff further stated that, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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