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Wednesday 24 August 2022
Mon Metro Drug Task Force seizes “Rainbow Fentanyl”Read the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – A search warrant executed last week in Morgantown led to the recovery of a large batch of “Rainbow Fentanyl,” a colorful version of the deadly drug that resembles candy.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld was joined by officials from the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force today to discuss the case and to notify the community about how fentanyl is being marketed in the region. The pills, seized last week by Task Force officers, are multi-colored and stamped with M/30 like a conventional oxycodone pill. Ihlenfeld noted that the production quality of the counterfeits was superior to pills seized in the past, and that they are suspected to have originated Mexico and shipped to Morgantown from California.
“Adolescent drug overdose deaths have doubled over the past decade due to the emergence of illicit fentanyl and the manner in which it is being marketed,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This another example of drug cartels being creative in how they produce and sell their product.”
In addition to the fentanyl pills, officers recovered significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and powdered fentanyl. The investigation is ongoing, and criminal charges will be announced in the future.
The candy-colored pills seized in Morgantown are consistent with a trend being seen in other parts of the country. Last week in in Nogales, Arizona, U.S. Custom and Border Patrol agents seized 15,000 multi-colored pills from an individual attempting to smuggle them into the country. Similar seizures have been made in California, Oregon and Washington, D.C.
“We will relentlessly pursue drug dealers who are targeting our youth with drugs disguised as candy,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “These pills may look harmless, but they are potentially deadly. We ask the community to talk with your children about the dangers of illegal drugs and to not take something if they aren’t sure what it is or where it came from.”
The Mon Metro Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is comprised of representatives from the Morgantown Police Department, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia University Police Department, Granville Police Department, and the Star City Police Department.
Missouri man gets 10 years for secretly filming nude boysRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a man from Scott County, Missouri to 10 years in prison for secretly filming underage boys in the bathroom.
Michael Stevens, 43, of Oran in Scott County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in May to coercion and enticement of a minor.
Stevens admitted luring teenage boys to accompany him to concerts in the St. Louis area. Stevens used a hidden camera to secretly record video of two boys in the bathroom of the hotel rooms where they stayed, his plea agreement says.
Stevens began taking one of the boys hunting and fishing starting when the boy was 13.
In April of 2020, the boy’s parents contacted the Scott County Sheriff’s Office after their son said Stevens had grabbed his buttocks in a hotel after a 2019 concert in St. Louis and asked for pictures of his genitals. The parents asked the boy about Stevens after Stevens complained that the boy would no longer go hunting and fishing, and the boy then disclosed Stevens’ crimes.
On May 5, 2020, Stevens told law enforcement that he took multiple teenage boys under his wing and mentored them. He also admitted engaging in sexual talk with some of these boys, and identified another victim.
Stevens also took that boy hunting and fishing and to a concert in the St. Louis area. At a hotel, Stevens hid a camera to record the boy changing, his plea agreement says. Stevens also asked that victim for nude pictures.
After his release from prison, Stevens will be on supervised release for life and will have to register as a sex offender. He was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution and also agreed to forfeit a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the truck will go to the restitution.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri's State Technical Assistance Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Middlesex County Man Admits Leading Heroin and Fentanyl Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted leading a drug trafficking organization that operated out of a drug mill located in the Bronx, New York, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Luis Cabrera, 37, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Five other individuals have previously pleaded guilty to charges arising from this investigation: Pedro Acosta Ramos, 34; Rodolfo Antonio Acosta Liriano, 38; Johan Manuel Lopez Brito, 35; Humberto Antonio Rodriguez, 35; and Julian Brito Sanchez, 50.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2019 to June 2020, Cabrera was a leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to customers in New Jersey and elsewhere. He operated a drug mill in an apartment located in the Bronx, New York. On June 30, 2020, law enforcement searched the mill and recovered heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The quantity of heroin amounted to 8,650 individual doses. Law enforcement seized the drug trafficking organization’s distribution materials, including glassine baggies, tape, scales, cutting agents to mix with narcotics to increase their weight and value, and stamps for the branding of the drugs. Cabrera was at the mill during the search and was arrested. On previous occasions, Cabrera met with conspirators in New Jersey and also purchased supplies for the mill in New Jersey.
Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
Maryland Woman Sentenced for Role in Prison Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Priyanka Kumar was sentenced to two years of probation and a $5,000 fine for engaging in interstate transmissions in aid of racketeering between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Kumar, age 35, of Potomac, Maryland, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
Kumar conducted thousands of dollars of interstate wire transfers to federal inmates and their associates to fund a prison drug trafficking and money laundering enterprise on behalf of her boyfriend who was incarcerated in federal prison at the time. Kumar transferred over $60,000 via interstate wire transfers in 2017 and 2018. Over $40,000 of the $60,000+ of wire transfers were sent to federal inmate accounts.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron Announces Strategies to Use Additional State Funds to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – At a press conference earlier today, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, joined by federal, state, and local partners announced that his office is devoting more federal resources than ever before to fight violent crime in Maryland. These resources have been made possible by an unprecedented level of state funding to support these efforts. Partners at today’s announcement included:
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron;
Governor Larry Hogan;
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh;
Mayor Brandon Scott;
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Toni Crosby;
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget;
Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Rob Turner;
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Harris;
Secretary Robert Green of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services;
Maryland State Police, Colonel Woodrow Jones;
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison; and
Representatives from the Maryland Congressional delegation.As discussed at the press conference, the Maryland General Assembly passed Governor Larry Hogan’s allocation of $3.5 million to support 14 additional Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 10 additional investigators, five data analysts, and four legal support personnel, with the support of Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh. The hiring process for those positions has already begun in the Attorney General’s Office and several Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys have already started to combat violent crime on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Barron announced today that the newly established Violent and Organized Crime Section is being expanded by the 30 new state-funded positions. In addition, U.S. Attorney Barron has encouraged prosecutors to use all available resources to investigate and prosecute repeat violent offenders—specifically to look at any wrongdoing that meets office priorities, including COVID-19 CARES Act fraud, in particular unemployment insurance fraud, Paycheck Protection Program fraud, Economic Injury Disaster Loan fraud, and utilizing a federal school zone statute that makes it a crime to possess a gun within 1000 feet of a school.
“The appalling multi-victim shooting at Park Heights Avenue today underscores the need for the steps announced and the renewed commitment from our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron. “I have instructed my staff to provide whatever assistance we can to ensure that the shooters from the incident today are quickly arrested, taken off the street, and brought to justice. We will continue to use every legal means necessary to fight violent crime in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.”
“For eight years our administration has been fighting to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to fight violent crime and to hold violent criminals accountable,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “A critical piece of that has been active collaboration and coordination between all levels of government. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Barron for continuing the long-standing partnership we have had with the federal prosecutor's office, and I want to commend him for building on our crime-fighting efforts with these new initiatives.”
“I am pleased to join local, state, and federal leaders to share this announcement and show that, together, we are dedicated to making the streets of Baltimore the safe spaces that we know they can be,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “I look forward to working with each and every agency that shares our commitment to reducing violence.”
“ATF is proud to work with all local, state, and federal partners in our collective efforts to reduce violence. The core of ATF’s mission in Baltimore is to identify, investigate, and apprehend trigger-pullers and traffickers by using the crime gun intelligence model. Firearms tracing, ballistic forensics from crime guns, and partnership are the cornerstones to this intelligence-led approach,” said ATF Baltimore Field Division Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “We have seen policemen shot. Coaches, college students, and even children murdered. The street crews and gangs who commit shootings nearly every day do so without conscience, and we are relentless in our pursuit of them. Since 2019, partnered ATF Special Agents and Baltimore Police Task Force Officers on our Crime Gun Enforcement Team have closed 50 homicide cases and 22 nonfatal shooting cases, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Maryland Attorney General’s Office. With every closed case, we hope that the families of the victims feel some sense of justice. By working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, and with the community, we will continue to do everything in our power to take the most violent offenders off Baltimore streets.”
“The resources and programs we outlined today, along with the proactive work conducted with our community members and our partners, are going to make all the difference in reducing drug-related violent crime here in Baltimore,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Washington Division. “Working proactively to truly address these issues and make sure all of our area families can live safely is our top priority”
“We cannot expect to make a difference in the lives of our citizens if we do not work together, which is why the continuation of the funded task forces is key to the violent crime fight,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Turner.
“We would be naive to think that we have all the answers to the many factors that play a part in an individual committing senseless acts of violence,” said Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore. “However, we have some amazing tools at our disposal, and we have developed some strong partnerships. If we can continue to engage in the initiatives that decrease the number of gangs and violent criminals on our streets, the initiatives that disrupt the selling of deadly drugs, and the initiatives that diminish the possession and trafficking of illegal weapons, we will see a significant downward trajectory in the number of violent incidents. This is something we all want and deserve, and it is something that we know we can eventually achieve.”
“The Department has 249 Parole and Probation employees based in the City, as well as more than 40 sworn law enforcement officers and intelligence personnel,” says Robert Green, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. “These resources are embedded within, or in direct support of, the law enforcement agencies represented here today. The Governor’s commitment to this critical collaborative expansion will enable us to provide more resources to help our city, state, and federal partners in this vital crime-fighting initiative announced today.”
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Maryland Police Officer Indicted in District of Columbia on Federal Charges of Excessive Force and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Officer Philip Dupree, 38, formerly of the Fairmount Heights Police Department in Maryland, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating a man’s civil rights and obstruction of justice. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves of the District of Columbia, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The indictment alleges that during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police Officer when he conducted a traffic stop in the District of Columbia. Dupree allegedly detained a man identified as T.S. and then deployed pepper spray in an unreasonable use of force against him. Dupree allegedly obstructed justice by submitting a probable cause statement that offered a false justification for his use of force on T.S.
The indictment was returned in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Dupree faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for his alleged use of unreasonable force. The obstruction of justice charge carries with it a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy of the District of Columbia.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland Police Officer Indicted for Excessive Force and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
Officer Philip Dupree, 38, formerly of the Fairmount Heights Police Department in Maryland, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating a man’s civil rights and obstruction of justice.
The indictment alleges that during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police Officer when he conducted a traffic stop in the District of Columbia. Dupree allegedly detained a man identified as T.S. and then deployed pepper spray in an unreasonable use of force against him. Dupree allegedly obstructed justice by submitting a probable cause statement that offered a false justification for his use of force on T.S.
Dupree faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for his alleged use of unreasonable force. The obstruction of justice charge carries with it a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves of the District of Columbia and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy of the District of Columbia.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Stealing more than $2.2 Million in Pandemic Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Detroit resident pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, in connection with schemes to defraud multiple state workforce agencies and the Small Business Administration out of more than $2.2 million in Covid-19 pandemic assistance and also to defraud the U.S. Postal Service of another $200,000, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge James A. Tarasca, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Andre Martin Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and Rita Saenz Director of the California Employment Development Department.
Chaz Duane Shields, 34, entered his guilty pleas today, before United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland. Shields is facing up to twenty years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution of the proceeds of his fraud.
According to court records, beginning at least as early as May 2020 and continuing through at least July 2021, Shields and others agreed to commit wire fraud. Specifically, Shields and his coconspirators submitted more than 240 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to more than 20 states and territories, fraudulently obtaining more than $2,200,000 in benefits. Shields also successfully obtained a fraudulent $20,833.00 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Separately, Shields admitted to defrauding the U.S. Postal Service of over $200,000 through a scheme in which he conspired to submit more than 1,000 fraudulent insurance claims, in the names of more than 40 separate individuals. Shields and others used USPS Self-Service Kiosks to mail a number of packages. For each of the packages, the conspirators subsequently filed and received a fraudulent insurance claim by attesting that the package contained an item of significant value. In reality, the packages typically contained empty plastic picture frames with little to no value.
Cortney Saquan Shields, 33, of Detroit and Daeshawn Tamar Posey, 26, of Detroit have previously pleaded guilty connected to the case. Brittany Levett Witherspoon, 26, of Warren has also been charged in connection to the investigation.
This is case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Particka, Timothy J. Wyse, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Corinne M. Lambert. The investigation is being conducted jointly by agents from the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
Man Admits to Robbing Eight Chicago-Area BanksRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has admitted in federal court that he robbed eight Chicago-area banks over a seven-month period in 2019.
MANUEL MARTINEZ, 26, of Chicago, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three counts of bank robbery. Martinez admitted in a plea agreement that he robbed a total of eight banks in Chicago and nearby suburbs from April to September of 2019.
Two co-defendants – ANDRES ADAME, 37, of Melrose Park, Ill., and AARON FLORES, 24, of Chicago – previously pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery apiece and admitted to participating with Martinez in some of the heists.
Each count of bank robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman set sentencings for Oct. 4, 2022, for Adame; Oct. 13, 2022, for Flores; and Nov. 30, 2022, for Martinez.
The guilty pleas were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Ashley Johnson, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Elmwood Park Police Department, Park Ridge Police Department, Franklin Park Police Department, Niles Police Department, and Schiller Park Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung.
Martinez, Adame, and Flores admitted to participating in the following robberies:
- Citibank, 3535 N. Central Ave. in Chicago, on Sept. 17, 2019.
- TCF Bank, 1 W. Devon Ave. in Park Ridge, Ill., on Sept. 18, 2019.
- PNC Bank, 10272 W. Grand Ave. in Franklin Park, Ill., on Sept. 26, 2019.
- Fifth Third Bank, 5670 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, on Sept. 27, 2019.
- U.S. Bank, 7312 W. Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park, Ill., on Oct. 2, 2019.
Martinez and Adame also admitted to participating in the following robberies:
- Chase Bank, 7007 Dempster St. in Niles, Ill., on April 6, 2019.
- TCF Bank, 9343 W. Irving Park Rd. in Schiller Park, Ill., on Sept. 6, 2019.
In addition, Martinez admitted to robbing Citibank, 3535 N. Central Ave. in Chicago, on April 10, 2019, while Adame admitted to robbing U.S. Bank, 10035 W. Grand Ave. in Franklin Park, Ill., on Feb. 2, 2019, and Chase Bank, 2639 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, on April 27, 2019.
Man Sentenced for Defrauding Government with Revenue Suppression Software Used by Wyoming RestaurantsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that JIN CHEN LIANG, age 62, of Corona, California, was sentenced for conspiracy to defraud the government in a hearing on August 16, 2022, before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. Liang was sentenced to five years’ probation, with the first six months under home confinement, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment and over $700,000 in restitution to the State of Wyoming and the IRS. The United States recommended a sentence of 30 months’ incarceration.
Liang developed, sold, and installed software that enabled several restaurants in Wyoming to conceal cash sales, facilitating the restaurant owners’ under-reporting of the amount of sales tax owed to the State of Wyoming and the amount of income tax owed to the federal government. Liang sold the software to individuals who owned restaurants in Casper, Cheyenne, Green River, Riverton, and Rock Springs. The total amount of under-reported tax was approximately 2 million dollars. The Wyoming Department of Audit suspected the presence of the software on the Wyoming restaurants’ point of sales systems and collaborated with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the IRS during the investigation.
Restaurant owners who bought and used Liang’s software, Quyen Sam Ha, Soi Sam Ha, and Jenn Sam Ho, were previously convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the government. All the convicted restaurant owners were placed on supervised probation for a term of 5 years and have already paid restitution totaling over 1.8 million dollars to the State of Wyoming and the IRS.
“This was the culmination of an investigation that began in 2016 and involved multiple Wyoming restaurants,” said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo. “The crime facilitated by Liang’s software harmed not only the State of Wyoming, but it also created an unfair advantage over law-abiding restaurant owners who lawfully paid state and federal taxes. Due to the diligent and collaborative work of both federal and state investigative agencies, Liang’s criminal enterprise has been dismantled.”
“The use of revenue suppression software to hide your income is a crime against not only the federal government, but all honest taxpayers,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are experts in uncovering sophisticated tax avoidance schemes, and we will continue to pursue individuals and organizations attempting to avoid their tax obligations.”
This crime was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wyoming Department of Audit, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher prosecuted the case.
Case No. 21-cr-00068-SWS
Lodge Grass man admits burglary in sexual abuse investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man suspected of breaking into a woman’s house on the Crow Indian Reservation and sexually abusing her in 2020 admitted to a burglary charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Joe Claren Tate Reed, 32, pleaded guilty to burglary. Reed faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Watters set sentencing for Dec. 8. Reed was detained pending further proceedings.
A plea agreement filed in the case calls for a second count of sexual abuse to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 18, 2020, Reed was drinking with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and others. In the early morning, Doe was taken home and put to bed because of alcohol intoxication. Doe awoke naked in her bed. Doe realized that while she was passed out, her bedroom window had been removed and her front door was unlocked. Doe suspected Reed had broken into her home and had sexually abused her. Doe made an immediate report to the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement and got a sexual assault medical exam. Reed consented to giving a buccal swab. The results found Reed’s DNA on swabs taken from Doe’s exam. Reed initially denied having sex with Doe. When confronted with the DNA results, Reed changed his story and claimed he attempted to have consensual sex with Doe, but she passed out, so he stopped.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Thomas K. Godfrey are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Leadership of Yoga to the People Arrested for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (“IRS-CI”), and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), announced charges against GREGORY GUMUCIO, MICHAEL ANDERSON, and HAVEN SOLIMAN for participating in a conspiracy to commit tax fraud for at least seven years. The three defendants were longtime leaders at a prominent nationwide yoga business, Yoga to the People (“YTTP”), from which they all received a substantial amount of income, yet none of the three defendants filed individual or business tax returns – or paid any income taxes – from at least 2013 through 2020. GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN were arrested today in Washington State. GUMUCIO and SOLIMAN will be presented before Magistrate Judge David W. Christel in the Western District of Washington (Tacoma Division), and ANDERSON will be presented before Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler in the Western District of Washington (Seattle Division).
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants operated a lucrative nationwide yoga business, which brought in over $20 million and netted them each substantial sums, permitting them to live lavish lifestyles. Yet the defendants chose not to file tax returns, or pay income taxes, for at least seven consecutive years. The defendants perpetrated their scheme in various ways, including paying employees in cash and off the books, refusing to provide employees with tax documentation, not maintaining books and records, paying personal expenses from business accounts, and using nominees to disguise their connection to various entities. At least two of the defendants even submitted fabricated tax returns to third parties when seeking a loan or an apartment, despite not filing any tax returns with the IRS. Thanks to dogged investigative work, the defendants now face serious charges for their alleged crimes.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Fattorusso said: “The defendants purported to create a donation-based exercise community to make yoga more accessible for their clients, when in reality, they allegedly ran a more than decade-long cash cow that relied on a sophisticated network of tens of millions of dollars in unreported income and free labor to fund the leaders’ lavish lifestyles. Today’s arrests and charges are the opening salvo against this years-long scam and the first step to holding these defendants accountable for their alleged crimes.”
DOL-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is ensuring that workers receive the wages that they are entitled to and that appropriate unemployment insurance taxes are withheld from their pay and remitted to the relevant tax authority. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations."
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
In or around 2006, GUMUCIO founded YTTP in New York, New York. YTTP was originally donation-based: YTTP requested, but did not require, payment from its yoga students. YTTP started with one yoga studio on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and it became extremely popular. Over the ensuing years, YTTP opened at least approximately 20 yoga studios or affiliated entities throughout New York City and in various other places, including California, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and Washington State. YTTP also had a teacher training program, which earned substantial income from aspiring yoga teachers. YTTP operated from at least approximately 2006 until 2020. From 2010 to 2020, YTTP and its affiliates generated gross receipts of more than $20 million. Yet YTTP never filed a corporate tax return with the IRS.
YTTP’s leadership included GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN. GUMUCIO was YTTP’s founder, principal owner, and functional chief executive officer, as he directed and made decisions for the YTTP enterprise. ANDERSON was an owner of YTTP and the functional chief financial officer; he was involved in, among other things, negotiating leases for YTTP entities, obtaining Employer Identification Numbers from the IRS, opening bank accounts, and working with GUMUCIO to expand YTTP. SOLIMAN was an owner of YTTP, its Chief Communications Officer, the Director of Education for YTTP’s Teacher Training (“TT”) Program, and was actively involved in YTTP’s efforts to expand internationally.
GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN each received a large volume of income from YTTP, yet none of the three defendants filed a personal tax return with the IRS for any calendar year from 2013 to 2020, inclusive. Using conservative figures, for calendar years 2015 to 2020, GUMUCIO had unreported income directly from YTTP exceeding $1.6 million and a tax due and owing to the IRS exceeding an estimated $431,000; ANDERSON had unreported income directly from YTTP exceeding $2.1 million and a tax due and owing to the IRS exceeding an estimated $603,000; and SOLIMAN had unreported income directly from YTTP exceeding $961,000 and a tax due and owing to the IRS exceeding an estimated $196,000. During the charged period, GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN each represented their annual income to be six figures to third parties not associated with the Government (e.g., in loan applications, rental applications, and/or bank documents), yet none of them filed an individual tax return.
During the charged period, despite not filing any tax returns and not paying any income taxes, GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN enjoyed extravagant lifestyles, which included frequent foreign travel; expensive meals and clothing; NFL season tickets; and horse lodging and horseback riding.
YTTP and its leaders, including GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN, used various methods to evade taxes, including, among others:
- Accepting yoga students’ payments in cash (e.g., which was collected in tissue boxes that were passed around during yoga classes) and paying yoga teachers in cash and “off the books”;
- Using nominees to disguise the defendants’ connection to various entities which, in fact, were part of the YTTP enterprise and from which GUMUCIO, ANDERSON, and SOLIMAN all received income; to that end, GUMUCIO targeted and groomed typically young women and others to become nominee “owners” of studios, luring them with the title of studio owner when, in fact, he generally controlled business decisions, took a cut of their proceeds, and the nominees generally took on meaningful financial risk;
- Generally forbidding YTTP teachers from counting incoming cash that yoga students paid and requiring yoga studio managers to transport cash proceeds to GUMUCIO’s apartment on St. Marks Place in Manhattan, where those proceeds were “stacked” and counted during so-called “stacking parties”;
- Failing to maintain a corporate headquarters or keep corporate books and records;
- Using YTTP business accounts to pay the defendants’ personal expenses; and
- Maximizing unreported income, as GUMUCIO manipulated subordinates into providing free labor (e.g., teaching unpaid classes, stacking cash, cleaning yoga studios, depositing cash into bank accounts, etc.).
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GUMUCIO, 61, of Cathlamet, Washington; ANDERSON, 51, of Bellevue, Washington; and SOLIMAN, 33, of Cathlamet, Washington, are each charged with (i) one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and (ii) five counts of tax evasion, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington for its assistance.
Mr. Williams also noted that the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you have information about the defendants, this case, or if you believe you are a victim of any crimes related to YTTP, please email [email protected].
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Neff is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Last of 18 Defendants Charged in a Birmingham-Based Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine SentencedRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge yesterday sentenced the last of 18 defendants charged in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey.
United States District Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Adrien Hiram Taylor, aka “Slim,” 33, of Bessemer, Alabama, to life in prison and Leanthony Martez Gillins, aka “Fatman,” 35, of Bessemer, Alabama, to 232 months for managing a multi-million dollar conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and using a communication facility to commit drug trafficking crimes. Co-defendant Janaya Lenise Bibb, 36, of McCalla, Alabama was sentenced to 40 months in prison. Bibb was convicted of conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
A total of eighteen people were charged in the indictment returned on October 29, 2019. The indictment was the result of a three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation into the drug-trafficking enterprise based in Western Jefferson County. The task force identified acts in furtherance of the conspiracy committed by members of the organization over a period of six years. All 18 defendants have now been sentenced. U.S. District Judge Axon sentenced the Rolando Antuain Williamson, aka “Baldhead” and “Ball Head,” 37, of Bessemer, Alabama, to life in prison plus 120 months as the Kingpin of the multi-million dollar continuing criminal enterprise on August 9, 2022, and ordered a money judgment of $36,615,000 against Williamson.
The OCDETF agencies involved in this investigation are the FBI, IRS, member agencies of the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bessemer Police Department.
The North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force arrested Williamson the morning of August 22, 2019, in the parking lot of a grocery store located in Homewood, Alabama. Williamson was driving a 2016 Dodge Hellcat worth $80,000. At the time of arrest, Williamson was armed two loaded pistols, additional loaded magazines, and was carrying almost $14,000 in cash. All other members of the conspiracy were arrested on or about November 13, 2019.
At the time of Williamson’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized from him and three of his stash houses, 366 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 109 grams of suspected cocaine, 573 grams of pure methamphetamine, 52 kilos of marijuana, over $97,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and over 1700 rounds of ammunition.
“As a result of the sustained and extensive investigation by our many law enforcement partners, this Birmingham-based drug trafficking network has been dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “We are thankful for the collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in working diligently to disrupt the pipeline of deadly drugs into our communities. These sentences should send a clear message that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated in our district.”
“The sentencing of these three drug traffickers puts the final nail in the coffin of their drug organization,” SAC Sharp said. “I continue to be proud of the great work of the FBI’s North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force and our partners that work every day to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the criminal organizations that bring their poison and violence to our neighborhoods.”
“The sentencing of these individuals is just another step in multiple agencies working together to keep the citizens of Jefferson County safe and to further our fight to remove illegal drugs from our streets,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway.
“These convictions and sentencings of all of those involved send a strong message to the criminal element in western Jefferson County and beyond,” Bessemer Police Chief Michael Roper said. “It is my hope that other criminals will have second thoughts before they engage in this type of activity. It is time for individuals to learn that these drugs are very harmful to the community. These dangerous drugs are accompanied by other crimes in the community. I say thanks again to all of the agencies involved in this successful operation.”
Forfeiture was obtained for two of Williamson’s high-end vehicles: a $46,000 Ford F-250 King’s Ranch and $37,000 Cadillac Escalade; over $100,000 dollars in cash; $45,000 in jewelry; and all firearms and ammunition used to facilitate the drug trafficking enterprise.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Cross and Gregory R. Dimler prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Secures Settlement with Texas Harvesting Company to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination ClaimRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with A. Olivarez Harvesting LLC (Olivarez). The settlement resolves a claim that Olivarez discriminated against two U.S. citizens based on their citizenship status when it denied them crop harvesting positions it had promised them and instead filled the jobs with temporary visa workers through the Department of Labor’s H-2A program, in violation of the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“Employers engage in unlawful discrimination against U.S. workers by giving an advantage to temporary visa workers because of their citizenship or immigration status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to enforce the anti-discrimination provision of the INA to ensure that employers do not unlawfully deny employment to workers in the community because of their citizenship status, regardless of whether those workers are U.S. citizens or immigrants with permission to work in the United States.”
Based on its investigation, the department determined that Olivarez initially agreed to employ two brothers who are U.S. citizens to harvest corn, but then falsely told them that the harvesting work was no longer available and instead offered them warehouse jobs with a lower hourly wage. Olivarez employed only H-2A visa workers to do the harvesting work during that harvesting season. Under the H-2A visa program, employers are generally required to offer agricultural jobs to qualified U.S. workers before sponsoring and hiring temporary visa workers from another country. Failure to do so could run afoul of the anti-discrimination provision of the INA if the employer’s preference for the temporary visa workers over U.S. workers is based on immigration or citizenship status.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Olivarez will pay a civil penalty for the violation, offer back pay plus interest totaling $14,165.10 (combined total) to the two affected workers, post notices informing workers of their rights under the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, train its staff and be subject to departmental monitoring for three years.
The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Find more information on how employers can avoid citizenship status discrimination on IER’s website. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email [email protected]; sign up for a free webinar; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER. View the Spanish translation of this press release here.
Indictment Charges 5 Men Involved in Scheme to Steal and Sell Catalytic ConvertersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. Boston Division, today announced the unsealing of a nine-count indictment that charges five men with federal offenses related to their participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.
The indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on August 16, charges ALEXANDER KOLITSAS, 28, of Wolcott; BRYANT BERMUDEZ, 31, of East Hartford; ROBERTO ALICEA, 30, of New Britain; FRANCISCO AYALA, 22, of Ansonia; and THEODORE ROOSEVELT OWENS, 21, of Hartford.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.
The indictment alleges that Kolitsas owned and operated Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford. Bermudez started working with Kolitsas at Downpipe Depot in November 2021. At Downpipe Depot, Kolitsas and Bermudez purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Alicea, Ayala and Owens. Kolitsas and Bermudez instructed their suppliers on the types of catalytic converters that would obtain the most profit upon resale. Kolitsas and Bermudez then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.
The indictment alleges that, as part of the scheme, Downpipe Depot received $237,329 via wire transfer shortly after Kolitsas transported a load of catalytic converters, including stolen converters, to Freehold, New Jersey, in October 2021. Also, on two occasions in March 2022, Kolitsas transported catalytic converters, including stolen converters, to Island Park, New York, and sold them for a total of approximately $300,000 in cash.
The indictment further alleges that Kolitsas and Bermudez acquired and maintained firearms as Kolitsas’s residence and Downpipe Depot’s warehouse.
“Catalylic converter thefts are more than just an annoying property crime for victims, they increase insurance rates for all car owners and increase pollution in the air we breathe,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “We have also seen a rise in violence connected to catalytic converter theft incidents. This criminal activity would not exist but for the salvagers and metal processors who orchestrate these thefts and purchase the stolen converters. I thank the ATF and IRS-Criminal Investigation agents, and all members of our partner state and local law enforcement agencies, for diligently investigating this matter and exposing the alleged participants in this scheme.”
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the investigation is ongoing.
“Organized criminal activity, such as this, is extremely costly to victims,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “Often times these types of crimes fund larger more violent criminal enterprises that place citizens at even greater risk. This indictment is an example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together.”
“Today’s arrests and indictments effectively shut down a multi-state property theft ring which peddled in stolen catalytic converters,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Simpson. “While this is a first of its kind federal prosecution, we know that there are similar schemes all across the country. If nothing else, this case should serve as a stark warning to all of those involved in these types of schemes that it’s not a matter of ‘if’ you will be brought to justice but ‘when.’”
The indictment charges Koltisas, Bermudez, Alicea, Ayala and Owens with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment also charges Kolitsas with one count of promotional money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, for using proceeds from the theft and sale of catalytic converters to purchase a Ford Transit Van. He is also charged with two counts of engaging in monetary transactions with proceeds of specified unlawful activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, related to his using Downpipe Depot funds to make a payment to a Mercedes Benz dealership in Florida, and to purchase a home entertainment system.
Kolitsas is also charged with one count of possession of firearms by an unlawful drug user or addict, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
On June 1, 2022, law enforcement executed multiple court-authorized search warrants and seized five firearms from Kolitsas, approximately $47,007 in cash from Kolitsas, approximately $20,100 in cash from Bermudez, approximately $8,020 in cash from Downpipe Depot, the Ford Transit Van, a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, and a 2016 Polaris Slingshot. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of this property, as well as approximately $92,581 that is held in a Downpipe Depot bank account.
Kolitsas was surrendered to law enforcement today. His arraignment is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven.
Bermudez and Alicea were arrested yesterday. Bermudez is released on a $150,000 bond and Alicea is detained pending a hearing scheduled for August 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Ayala is currently in state custody, and Owens is currently in federal custody for an unrelated offense.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Multi-State Drug RingRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man were sentenced today to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Marvin Jerome Calvin, 41, admitted that he sold approximately 1.8 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington on July 6, 2020. Calvin further admitted that he distributed cocaine base, also known as “crack,” to a confidential informant on June 25 and 26, 2020. On August 6, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Calvin’s residence in Huntington and recovered approximately 1.6 grams of cocaine. Calvin admitted that he intended to sell the cocaine.
Calvin pleaded guilty to the distribution of fentanyl. The case is the result of a long-term investigation that disrupted the DTO and its distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, heroin, cocaine and crack. All 18 defendants have pleaded guilty.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Southern West Virginia TOC-West Task Force. The Southern West Virginia TOC-West Task Force consists of officers with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Hurricane Police Department, and the Marshall University Police Department, with support from the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West. The Ohio Highway Patrol, the Kentucky State Police, and the FBI and DEA in Columbus, Ohio also assisted in the investigation.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Courtney L. Cremeans prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-109.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Lee Graves II, 38, of Huntington, was sentenced today to six years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 7, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Graves’ residence. Graves admitted that he possessed three loaded firearms found during the search: an Eagle Arms AR15 .223-caliber rifle; a Springfield XDS 9mm pistol; and a Taurus Judge Public Defender, .45/.410-caliber pistol.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Graves knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 22, 2014.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Cremeans prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:21-cr-181.
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Hartford Men Indicted for June Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that ZAIQWAN FOTHERGILL, 20, and HAKEEM ROBINSON, 27, both of Hartford, have been charged with robbing a Hartford credit union in June.
An indictment, which was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on August 4, alleges that, on June 29, 2022, Fothergill and Robinson used a firearm to commit a robbery of the Cencap Federal Credit Union located at 2775 Main Street in Hartford.
The two-count indictment charges Fothergill and Robinson with armed bank robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, and with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.
Hartford Police officers arrested Fothergill and Robinson in Keney Park in Hartford shortly after the robbery. They have been detained since their arrests.
Robinson appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty. Fothergill’s arraignment is scheduled for September 6.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Appleton Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography & Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor
Wang Lo, 23, Appleton, Wisconsin, is charged with 1 count of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The indictment alleges that he used a cell phone to produce a video of the minor on October 29, 2021.
The indictment also charges Lo with using a means of interstate commerce to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity for which any person could be charged with a criminal offense under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, specifically second degree sexual assault of a child. The indictment alleges that on October 29, 2021, he used Snapchat messages to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity.
If convicted, Lo faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on the charge of producing child pornography, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of attempted online enticement. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Marathon and Outagamie County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is prosecuting the case.
Evansville Man Charged with Distributing & Possessing Child Pornography
Brandon M. Grazioso, 22, Evansville, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of distributing child pornography and 1 count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that he posted a file of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct onto Kik on November 23, December 3, and December 14, 2021. The indictment also alleges that on June 28, 2022, he possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Grazioso faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, and Evansville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is prosecuting the case.
Two Beloit Residents Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Methamphetamine & Fentanyl
Depronce Burnett, 38, and Dominique Holsten, 34, both of Beloit, Wisconsin, who are husband and wife, are charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated from October 1 to October 27, 2021. They are also charged with maintaining a place in Beloit for the purpose of distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Burnett and Holsten are also charged with 2 counts of distributing cocaine, 2 counts of distributing methamphetamine, 1 count of possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute, 1 count of possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, 1 count of possessing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and 1 count of possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The indictment also charges Burnett with 3 counts of distributing crack cocaine and 1 count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
If convicted, Burnett and Holsten face a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge and each of the charges alleging 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The other distribution charges, possession with intent to distribute charges, and charge of maintaining a place for drug distribution each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The charges against Burnett and Holsten are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Janesville and Beloit Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Shakur Antwan Clayton, 28, Chicago, Illinois, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that Clayton possessed the methamphetamine on May 16, 2022. Clayton was arrested in Monroe County, Wisconsin on that day.
If convicted, Clayton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is prosecuting the case.
Marathon County Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Ryan P. Murray, 45, Weston, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that Clayton possessed the methamphetamine on January 10, 2022.
If convicted, Murray faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is prosecuting the case.
Frame and Receiver Rule Goes into EffectRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) “Frame or Receiver” Final Rule goes into effect. The new rule modernizes the definition of a firearm and makes clear that parts kits that are readily convertible to functional weapons, or functional “frames” or “receivers” of weapons, are subject to the same regulations as traditional firearms. This rule will help curb the proliferation of “ghost guns,” which are often assembled from kits, do not contain serial numbers, and are sold without background checks, making them difficult to trace and easy to acquire by criminals.
“Last year, the Justice Department committed to modernizing our regulations to address the proliferation of ‘ghost guns’ that law enforcement officers across the country have increasingly recovered from crime scenes,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These guns have often been sold as build-your-own kits that contain all or almost all of the parts needed to quickly build an unmarked gun. And anyone could sell or buy these guns without a background check.
“That changes today. This rule will make it harder for criminals and other prohibited persons to obtain untraceable guns. It will help to ensure that law enforcement officers can retrieve the information they need to solve crimes. And it will help reduce the number of untraceable firearms flooding our communities. I am grateful to the professionals across the Department who worked tirelessly to get this important rule finalized and implemented, and who did so in a way that respects the rights of law-abiding Americans.
“The Justice Department will continue to do everything within its power to protect our communities from violent crime and put an end to the plague of gun violence.”
The rule, which was posted in the Federal Register in April, will address the proliferation of these un-serialized firearms in several ways. These include:
- To help keep guns from being sold to convicted felons and other prohibited purchasers, the rule makes clear that retailers must run background checks before selling kits that contain the parts necessary for someone to readily make a gun.
- To help law enforcement trace guns used in a crime, the rule modernizes the definition of frame or receiver, clarifying which part of a weapon must be marked with a serial number – including in easy-to-build firearm kits.
- To help reduce the number of unmarked and hard-to-trace “ghost guns,” the rule establishes requirements for federally licensed firearms dealers and gunsmiths to have a serial number added to 3D printed guns or other un-serialized firearms they take into inventory.
- To better support tracing efforts, the rule requires federal firearms licensees, including gun retailers, to retain records for the length of time they are licensed, thereby expanding records retention beyond the prior requirement of 20 years. Over the past decade, ATF has been unable to trace thousands of firearms – many reportedly used in homicides or other violent crimes – because the records had already been destroyed. These records will continue to belong to, and be maintained by, federal firearms licensees while they are in business.
The proliferation of privately made firearms (PMFs), also known as “ghost guns”, are a growing problem for law enforcement efforts to reduce violent crime. Recent federal prosecutions by the Chicago Firearms Trafficking Strike Force show the impact:
- An Orland Hills, Ill., man was charged with illegally selling 36 firearms, including “ghost guns” and machine guns, in the Chicago area. Many of the transactions occurred in a car wash in a Chicago suburb.
- Two Indianapolis men were charged with federal firearm violations for allegedly trafficking 10 guns, including four semiautomatic rifles and two “ghost guns,” from Indianapolis to Chicago.
- A Chicago resident was charged with trafficking more than a dozen guns, including a “ghost gun” and a machine gun, in Chicago.
- Five men were indicted for allegedly trafficking guns from St. Louis to Chicago.
As the final rule explains, from January 2016 to December 2021, ATF received approximately 45,240 reports of suspected PMFs recovered by law enforcement, including in 692 homicide or attempted homicide investigations.
In April 2021, the Attorney General announced that the ATF would be issuing a proposed rule within 30 days to address the proliferation of unmarked firearms increasingly being used in crimes. On May 7, 2021, the Department of Justice issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, and during the 90-day open comment period, the ATF received more than 290,000 comments, the highest number of comments submitted to a proposed rule in the Justice Department’s history.
The final rule, as submitted to the Federal Register, can be viewed here: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/definition-frame-or-receiver.
Former Schoolteacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A former schoolteacher with the Southside Independent School District was sentenced yesterday to 240 months in prison on child pornography charges.
According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Mark Anthony Rodriguez, 56, of San Antonio. During the search, three devices were found that contained approximately 4,700 images and 384 videos of child pornography.
At the conclusion of a bench trial on December 12, 2019, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery found Rodriguez guilty of one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of receipt of child pornography; and three counts of possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Rodriguez was ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution to fourteen separate victims.
“During his sentencing, Rodriguez acknowledged that his job was to be a protector, not a predator, of children,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “He failed. The justice system has now held him accountable. We are proud of the work our office and law enforcement partners do to combat this blight on our communities.”
“HSI San Antonio, remains committed in identifying individuals distributing child pornography on the internet,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Identifying and investigating those who prey on our most vulnerable population, especially those individuals that hold positions of public trust, remains a top priority for HSI. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that there will be severe consequences for those who exploit children in anyway and HSI will continue to dedicate our resources to identify these individuals and bring them to justice”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former Investment Bank Employee Arrested for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former investment bank employee was arrested today in Hudson County, New Jersey, for cyberstalking former bank colleagues, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Gawargyous, aka “George,” Shind, 31, of Jersey City, New Jersey is charged by complaint with cyberstalking. Shind is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From April 2020 to November 2021, Shind engaged in a pattern of harassment directed towards at least four female victims by employing means of electronic communications, including text messages and computing services platforms, to threaten grievous bodily injury and death. Shind began a campaign of cyberstalking multiple victims after his termination from a bank where he and the victims were employed. Shind sent messages stating his intention to kill the victims and their families and referred to himself as a “predator.”
The charge of cyberstalking is punishable by five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in both the Newark and New York field offices, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy of the Newark field office, and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the New York field office, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Woman Sentenced to Prison for Her Role in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida woman was sentenced to one year and one day in prison today for helping to execute a nationwide tax fraud scheme and attempting to prevent the IRS from recovering a fraudulent refund she received after filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rebecca Cyphers, 65, of Winter Springs, Florida, participated in a nationwide tax fraud scheme from at least September 2014 to May 2016. As part of the scheme, promoters recruited clients by convincing them that their mortgages and other debts entitled them to tax refunds. Other members of the scheme prepared tax returns on behalf of clients for submission to the IRS, falsely reporting that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax that entitled the clients to refunds. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to, or withheld any taxes from, the clients. Cyphers admitted to her role in the scheme, which included inviting potential clients to at least one recruiting seminar. She also encouraged the prospective clients to participate in the scheme, even though Cyphers knew it was illegal.
Cyphers personally benefitted from the scheme by filing an amended 2013 income tax return that falsely claimed her mortgage holder had withheld more than $560,000 in taxes. As a result, the IRS issued Cyphers a refund of approximately $240,000 that she was not entitled to receive. Cyphers obstructed the IRS’s efforts to recover these ill-gotten profits by making large cash withdrawals from a bank account containing the refund amount, transferring much of the remaining amount into a trust, and sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza ordered Cyphers to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $ $232,185.20 in restitution to the United States.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than 8 years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Another individual, Aaron Aqueron, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for recruiting clients to the scheme and providing information to another co-conspirator for use in the preparation of false tax returns. A fourth individual, Yomarie Febres, was also sentenced to 51 months in prison for preparing false tax returns for scheme participants. Several other individuals in Florida and around the country have received prison sentences for their involvement in the scheme.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Florida Woman Sentenced to Prison for Her Role in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - A Florida woman was sentenced to one year and one day in prison today for helping to execute a nationwide tax fraud scheme and attempting to prevent the IRS from recovering a fraudulent refund she received after filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rebecca Cyphers, 65, of Winter Springs, Florida, participated in a nationwide tax fraud scheme from at least September 2014 to May 2016. As part of the scheme, promoters recruited clients by convincing them that their mortgages and other debts entitled them to tax refunds. Other members of the scheme prepared tax returns on behalf of clients for submission to the IRS, falsely reporting that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax that entitled the clients to refunds. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to, or withheld any taxes from, the clients. Cyphers admitted to her role in the scheme, which included inviting potential clients to at least one recruiting seminar. She also encouraged the prospective clients to participate in the scheme, even though Cyphers knew it was illegal.
Cyphers personally benefitted from the scheme by filing an amended 2013 income tax return that falsely claimed her mortgage holder had withheld more than $560,000 in taxes. As a result, the IRS issued Cyphers a refund of approximately $240,000 that she was not entitled to receive. Cyphers obstructed the IRS’s efforts to recover these ill-gotten profits by making large cash withdrawals from a bank account containing the refund amount, transferring much of the remaining amount into a trust, and sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza ordered Cyphers to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $ $232,185.20 in restitution to the United States.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than 8 years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Another individual, Aaron Aqueron, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for recruiting clients to the scheme and providing information to another co-conspirator for use in the preparation of false tax returns. A fourth individual, Yomarie Febres, was also sentenced to 51 months in prison for preparing false tax returns for scheme participants. Several other individuals in Florida and around the country have received prison sentences for their involvement in the scheme.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Florida Marketer in Syndicated Conservation Easement Scheme Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false tax return that claimed a fraudulent charitable contribution relating to the donation of a conservation easement over land. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Randall Lenz, of Boca Raton, Florida, was a licensed CPA and attorney with more than thirty years of experience handling tax matters. From approximately 2015 through 2019, Lenz marketed to his clients illegal tax shelters developed and promoted by other individuals. In return, Lenz received a commission of 12% of the money his clients paid for their tax shelters. In all, Lenz received more than $700,000 in such commissions.
The tax shelters enabled high-income taxpayers to claim inflated charitable contribution deductions in connection with the purported donation of a conservation easement over land. The tax shelters operators created an LLC and then acquired land, or an entity that owned land, through the LLC. The promoters then sold units in funds operated by the LLCs to high-income clients. In exchange for those purchases, those clients were supplied with documentation and tax forms purporting to justify tax deductions in amounts 4 to 4.5 times the amount of money the clients paid for their units.
Lenz admitted that he knew the tax shelters did not entitle him to a tax deduction, but he nonetheless purchased units for himself for tax years 2018 and 2019. As a result, he was able to claim false charitable deductions of approximately $100,000 on his tax returns for each of those years.
Lenz faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Kraft and Nichols J. Schilling Jr. of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
First of Five Defendants Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for his Role in Nationwide Grandparent ScamRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jasaun Pope a/k/a “Biz”, 31, of Valley Stream, New York, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison late yesterday for mail fraud and money laundering offenses related to his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme. Pope and four co-conspirators have all signed plea agreements for their roles in the offense, and Pope is the first to be sentenced.
According to court documents, from at least April 2020 and continuing through January 2021, Pope, along with co-conspirators Darlens Renard, Princess Elizer, Jennifer Glemeau, and Kareem Brown, targeted and exploited the elderly and their relationships with their relatives for personal financial gain. This sophisticated criminal network, through extortion and fraud, induced elderly Americans across the United States to pay tens of thousands of dollars to help their grandchild or other close family relative in a scam known as a “Grandparent Scam.”
Unidentified members of the conspiracy made scam telephone calls to elderly victims in Indiana and nationwide claiming that their grandchild or other relative had an urgent legal or medical problem and needed money immediately. The caller, who often claimed to be an attorney, police officer, or other authority figure, told the victims to send an overnight delivery of cash to help the purported relative in need—typically between $5,000 and $15,000—to a delivery address used by the conspiracy. Pope’s crew, consisting of Elizer, Glemeau, and Brown, traveled to cities around the country to identify unoccupied residences to use as cash delivery addresses. Pope’s crew relayed the delivery addresses to Pope, who in turn, sent them to Renard, who provided them to other members of the conspiracy. Pope’s crew then traveled to the delivery addresses to retrieve the cash sent by the elderly victims and the conspirators divided the criminal proceeds amongst themselves.
To date, investigators have identified over sixty-eight suspected victims of the defendants’ scheme and identified losses amounting to over $683,464.
“These sophisticated criminal organizations exploit the elderly by preying on the love and commitment they have for their families,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “These heinous frauds wreak immeasurable financial and emotional harm on victims to satisfy the greed of networks of criminals. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute scammers who seek to take advantage of vulnerable members of our community.”
“Honest and hard-working citizens are fed up with criminals who exploit the vulnerable through scams and deceit,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Those who engage in this type of cruel financial fraud should know they will not fly under the radar and will be held accountable.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to vigorously pursue those who utilize the U.S. Mail to advance their fraud schemes,” said Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division. “Crimes of these type bring grave financial and personal hardships to their victims. Criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail will not be tolerated, and our agency will continue to go after those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.”
“The Metro Drug Task Force is proud of the work of our investigators who stepped outside their normal scope of investigations to bring these criminals to justice,” said Bryan P. Smith, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. “We want to thank our federal and international partners for their cooperation to bring this case together. For those criminals that wish to victimize central Indiana communities, the Task Force will continue to use whatever means available to them to find bad actors and make our communities safer.”
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Metro Drug Task Force investigated the case. The investigation was supported by the Baltimore Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and state and local law enforcement partners in Orleans, Massachusetts; Bartonville, Illinois; Starkville, Mississippi; New York, New York; Ossining, New York; Westchester County, New York; Delaware County, Ohio; Hermantown, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Sumter County, South Carolina; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Sumner County, Tennessee; Hurst, Texas; and Richmond, Virginia.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson also ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $554,574.02 to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Nicholas J. Linder who prosecuted this case.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors, and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Four Indictments for Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned four indictments last week separately charging firearms and drug offenses. According to the indictments:
Charles Lee Bailey, age 45, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon;
Elmer Gregorio Mendoza, age 60, of Guatemala, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute more than a half kilogram of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl;
Charles Bethel, age 44, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute more than a half kilogram of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and
Charles Jermaine Gore, age 38, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Bailey made his initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Mendoza made his initial court appearance on August 9, 2022. Bethel and Gore will be scheduled at a later date to make their initial court appearances.
If convicted, Bailey faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, Mendoza faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, Bethel faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, and Gore faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Division, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and LMPD Chief Erika Shields made the announcement.
The ATF, DEA, FBI, and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the cases.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Alicia Gomez and Frank Dahl.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fargo, ND, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Illegal Ghost Guns and Imported SilencersRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that Matthew Kraft, Age 31 of Fargo, ND, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, and was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon; Receipt or Possession of Firearms Made in Violation of National Firearms Act; Receipt of Possession of Unregistered Firearms; and Illegal Importation of Firearms. Judge Welte also sentenced Kraft to 3 years of supervised release and a $400 special assessment.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the United States Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package from China headed to Fargo, North Dakota, that contained a firearm silencer. On June 28, 2021, federal and state law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the home of Matthew Kraft. During the search, law enforcement found an arsenal of weapons, to include short-barreled rifles, ghost guns, and over 20 firearm silences. Most of the firearm suppressors were illegally imported from China.
"It is extremely dangerous to have unregulated firearms, such as ghost guns, circulating throughout the community," said acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Saint Paul Jamie Holt. "It’s not just the unregistered weapons themselves that present an obvious danger, but the criminal networks who are profiting from the sale of these illegal arms. HSI, and our law enforcement partners will continue our work to remove these unlawful guns from the streets and bring all of those involved in their trade to justice."
"Through his previous convictions, Mr. Kraft has demonstrated his lack of public trust," said ATF Special Agent in Charge William McCrary, of the St. Paul Field Division. "Circumventing the law to obtain firearms, silencers or any other controlled item as a person prohibited from possessing such items cannot and will not be tolerated. We are grateful to our partners for their work in the case and applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its successful prosecution of this investigation."
"This case represents our commitment to reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in our region," said United States Attorney Jennifer Puhl.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection; ND Bureau of Investigations; Cass County Sheriff’s office; Cass County Drug Task Force; and Fargo Police Department and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lee assigned to the case.
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Fort Washakie Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that EMILIO LEE WESAW, age 31, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced on August 16, 2022, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Wesaw to 27 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
On October 29, 2021, on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Wesaw sent a text message to the victim asking for a ride. When the victim arrived at Wesaw’s residence to pick him up, Wesaw opened the driver’s side door of the vehicle, pulled the victim out of the vehicle and, without provocation, began striking the victim’s head with his fists and feet. After the assault, Wesaw fled the area. The victim was subsequently treated for a fractured skull.
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Case No. 22-cr-00042-SWS
Former Detroit Police Lieutenant in Charge of Integrity Unit Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Former Detroit Police Lieutenant John F. Kennedy pleaded guilty today to conspiring with another Detroit police officer to commit bribery, in connection with the corruption of towing permits in Detroit, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Kennedy, 57, of Rochester Hills, at one point commanded the Detroit Police Department’s Integrity Unit—a division of the department’s Internal Affairs Division—and was responsible for investigating reports of law violations and professional misconduct by police officers and other city employees. Kennedy conspired with fellow Detroit police officer Daniel S. Vickers to commit bribery by accepting money and other items of value in exchange for Kennedy using and promising to use his influence as a supervisor to persuade other officers to make tow referrals to a towing company in violation of the city’s ordinance and Detroit Police Department policy. Under the city’s towing rotation, qualifying private towing companies are called by the police to tow cars that are seized by the police or reported stolen. Kennedy and Vickers were aware that by making towing referrals directly to a towing company which was not on the city’s towing rotation, they were violating the city’s rules and an ordinance which prohibit a towing company from receiving towing referrals if they are not on police department’s towing rotation.
Kennedy and Vickers also conspired to solicit and accept thousands of dollars in cash, cars, car parts, car repairs, and new carpeting for Vickers’ home, in exchange for providing the towing company that Kennedy was investigating with information about the status of the Integrity Unit’s case.
In total, between October 2018, and March 2021, Kennedy accepted over $14,000 in cash, cars, and car repairs as a bribe from the owner of the towing company and from an undercover federal agent.
The bribery conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Today’s plea represents our commitment to ensuring that the citizens of Detroit are protected by officers characterized by the highest levels of integrity. We will not accept members of law enforcement who prioritize their personal gain over policing excellence. We thank Chief of Police James White for his assistance in this investigation.”
“Today, John Kennedy has admitted to using his official position for his personal benefit. His actions are not in keeping with the integrity and professionalism exhibited by the Detroit Police Department,” said James A. Tarasca of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “The FBI appreciates the partnership and cooperation of Police Chief James White as we continue to address public corruption in the City of Detroit.”
"I'm disappointed that this officer has tarnished the badge that represents integrity and professionalism," said Detroit Police Chief James E. White. "The actions of one officer clearly do not represent the largest policing agency in the state of Michigan and those who put themselves in harm's way each day. We will continue to fully cooperate with our federal partners, and most importantly, be transparent with our community."
The case was investigated by the Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Detroit Police Department, Michigan Attorney General's Office, Customs & Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown and originally indicted by United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for distributing multiple images and videos of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Mauricio Calderon, 51, of Belleville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2020 to April 10, 2020, Calderon used an encrypted, internet-based application to distribute multiple graphic videos depicting the sexual assault of minors. During the course of the investigation, Calderon publicly posted multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some of which featured infants and toddlers, in a chatroom, and also sent links that redirected to web pages containing child pornography. Law enforcement also discovered numerous videos and images of child sexual abuse on Calderon’s electronic devices when he was arrested at his home in September 2020.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Cecchi sentenced Calderon to 10 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una empresa de cosecha en Texas que resuelve una acusación de discriminación relacionada con la inmigraciónRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con A. Olivarez Harvesting, LLC («Olivarez»). El acuerdo resuelve una acusación de que Olivarez había discriminado a dos ciudadanos de los EE. UU. por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía al denegarles el empleo en la cosecha de cultivos que les había prometido y, en su lugar, llenó las vacantes con trabajadores con visas temporales mediante el programa H-2A del Departamento de Trabajo, en contra de la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad («INA», por sus siglas en inglés).
«Los empleadores discriminan de manera ilegal a trabajadores en este país al darles una ventaja a trabajadores con visas temporales, debido a su estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía», afirmó la Fiscal General Auxiliar Kristen Clarke, de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá haciendo cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA con el fin de garantizar que los empleadores no denieguen, de manera ilegal, un empleo a trabajadores en la comunidad por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía, independientemente de si son ciudadanos de los EE. UU. o inmigrantes con permiso para trabajar en los EE. UU.»
Con base en su investigación, el Departamento determinó que inicialmente, Olivarez había acordado inicialmente emplear a dos hermanos, ciudadanos de los EE. UU., para cosechar maíz, pero posteriormente les mintió, diciendo que el trabajo de cosecha ya no estaba disponible y, en su lugar, les ofreció puestos en un almacén, con un sueldo por hora más bajo. Durante aquella temporada de cosecha, Olivarez empleó únicamente a trabajadores con visas H-2A para realizar el trabajo de cosecha. Conforme al programa de visas H-2A, por lo general, a los empleadores se les requiere ofrecer empleos agrarios a trabajadores cualificados en este país antes de patrocinar y contratar a trabajadores con visas temporales de otro país. El incumplimiento con este requisito podría resultar en la infracción de la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA si la preferencia del empleador por trabajadores con visas temporales en vez de trabajadores en este país se basa en su respectivo estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía.
Conforme a los términos del acuerdo conciliatorio, Olivarez pagará una sanción civil por la infracción, ofrecerá pagos retroactivos más intereses que se ascienden a un total de $14,165.10 (total combinado) a los dos trabajadores afectados, publicará notificaciones para informar a los trabajadores de sus derechos en virtud de la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA, capacitará a su personal y se someterá a la supervisión del departamento durante tres años.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. La ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Para aprender más sobre la labor de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda, vea este vídeo corto. Aprenda más sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía en el sitio web de la IER. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés o español. Para recibir las últimas noticias de la IER, inscríbase a GovDelivery.
East Longmeadow Man Indicted for Possessing Fentanyl Intended for Distribution and a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking FelonyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Longmeadow man was arrested yesterday on fentanyl and firearm offenses.
Carlos Gonzalez, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, Gonzalez was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 23, 2022.
“The serious fentanyl and gun charges in this indictment reflect my office’s commitment to devote all the resources at our disposal to combat violence and drug trafficking wherever it occurs,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners here in Massachusetts.”
According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, 2022, Gonzalez allegedly possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution and a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of the fentanyl trafficking.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and DEA SAC Boyle Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District of Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation and Sex Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Christopher Young, 31, of Washington, D.C., has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and second-degree child sexual abuse for abusing a minor child, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Young pleaded guilty on Aug. 23, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2022.
According to the government’s evidence, Young, pretending to be a young girl, reached out to the victim, a 10-year-old child, in June 2019 through a messaging application. In the messages that Young exchanged with the victim, he blackmailed her for the purpose of sexually abusing her. While pretending to be a young girl, Young messaged the victim, stating that if the victim did not engage in sexual acts with Young, embarrassing photographs of the victim would be disseminated to the victim’s family. Young also photographed his sexual abuse of the victim. One of these photographs was recovered from Young’s e-mail account.
The victim reported the abuse to her mother, and Young was arrested on July 23, 2019. He has been in custody since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as the MPD’s Narcotics and Special Investigation Division, Human Trafficking Unit. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson, Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jodi Lazarus, Kathleen Kern, Rachel Bohlen, and Janani Iyengar.
Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Bobby James Mitchell, 42, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to six years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and violating his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 11, 2021, a Hurricane Police officer pulled over a vehicle driven by Mitchell on Interstate 64 in Putnam County. Mitchell admitted that the officer found 499 pills containing approximately 54 grams of fentanyl in the vehicle. Mitchell further admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl.
Mitchell was previously convicted of distributing heroin in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on November 21, 2016. Today’s prison sentence includes one year and one month for committing crimes while on supervised release.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Hurricane Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Cremeans prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-71.
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Department of Justice Announces the Opening of Nominations for the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the Department of Justice is now accepting nominations for the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. Through this award, the Department of Justice honors the incredible work our nation’s law enforcement does to keep our communities and our country safe.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across the country work to forge and maintain strong community ties that are essential for ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “The Department of Justice cannot fulfill its public safety mission without such critical efforts, and this award is just one way the Department says ‘thank you’ to our law enforcement partners.”
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing recognizes individual state, local, Tribal, and territorial police officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded officers, deputies, and troopers will have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: innovations in community policing, criminal investigations, or field operations. Within each category, an award will be given to law enforcement agencies serving small, medium, and large jurisdictions. Those agency sizes are defined as follows:
- Small: agencies serving populations of fewer than 50,000.
- Medium: agencies serving populations of 50,000 to 250,000.
- Large: agencies serving populations of more than 250,000.
By acknowledging and rewarding these efforts, the Department strives to promote and sustain its commitment to community policing and to advance proactive policing practices that are fair and effective. With the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, the Justice Department recognizes that the nation’s law enforcement agencies, officers, deputies, and troopers continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
The deadline for nominations is Sept. 23, 2022 at 8 p.m. (ET). More information and the application for nominees can be found at: www.justice.gov/ag/policing-award.
DeKalb Resident Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Bringing Undocumented Workers to the U.S. for Private Financial GainRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A DeKalb, Ill., resident was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for bringing undocumented workers to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence on LUIS ALFREDO DELACRUZ, 53, after a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and R. Sean Fitzgerald, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Homeland Security Investigations. The DeKalb Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza Tomlinson.
Delacruz admitted in a plea agreement earlier this year that on Nov. 1, 2015, he knowingly brought an alien to the U.S. to work at Delacruz’s business, Alfredo’s Iron Works in Cortland, Ill. Delacruz admitted that he paid a smuggling fee to another individual to bring the worker into the country. Once the worker started working for Delacruz’s business, Delacruz deducted the smuggling fee from the worker’s paychecks, referring to it as an “employee loan repayment.”
Investigating agents who executed a search warrant at Delacruz’s business found in a desk drawer fraudulent identification documents for an additional ten undocumented workers. In all, Delacruz admitted that he smuggled at least two people into the U.S. on at least four separate occasions.
Company Operating Aluminum Processing Facility in the Dalles Charged with Clean Air Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Illinois-based company that operates an aluminum processing facility in The Dalles, Oregon has been charged with violating the Clean Air Act by negligently releasing a hazardous air pollutant from its facility, endangering employees and nearby community members.
Hydro Extrusion USA (Hydro), a limited liability corporation based in Rosemont, Illinois, has been charged by criminal information with negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act.
“Enforcing emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants is critical to protecting the air we breathe and ensuring companies play by the rules,” said Ethan Knight, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We will vigorously prosecute any company that risks the health and safety of its workers or our communities.”
“Our nation’s environmental laws are designed to protect our communities from hazardous pollutants,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criminal investigation program in Oregon. “The criminal charge filed in this case demonstrates that companies that negligently violate those laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”
According to court documents, Hydro operates a secondary aluminum processing facility in The Dalles where it melts aluminum scrap in induction furnaces to produce reusable aluminum billets. While operating, air emissions from the company’s furnaces were open to the interior of the building and did not pass through any pollution control devices before reaching employees or being vented to ambient air.
Under the Clean Air Act, secondary aluminum production facilities are only permitted to use “clean charge,” aluminum scrap free of paints, coatings or lubricants. Despite this requirement, from July 2018 through June 2019, Hydro acquired and melted scrap aluminum coated in a mineral-oil based mixture that, when combusted, produced hazardous smoke. During this time, Hydro employees noticed excessive smoke in the facility. Despite being notified by inspectors from EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (Oregon DEQ), Hydro continued melting the unclean charge.
Hydro has fully cooperated with the government’s investigation of this matter and agreed to plead guilty.
This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) with assistance from Oregon DEQ. It is being prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
A criminal information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Colombian National Sentenced to 30 Years for Recruiting Crewmembers to Smuggle over 1,500 Kilograms of Cocaine on Ill-Fated Oil Freighter “Fat Crow”Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Hector Fabio Garcia Vengohechea (59, Cartagena, Colombia) to 30 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Garcia Vengohechea had pleaded guilty on January 19, 2022.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma interdicted the oil freighter “Fat Crow” in international waters south of Kingston, Jamaica. There were nine crewmembers on the vessel and 1,504 kilograms of cocaine concealed within. The vessel, registered in the Togolese Republic, was destined for a point off the coast of Honduras.
Garcia Vengohechea, who had a prior federal conviction for drug trafficking prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida, recruited the crewmembers of the “Fat Crow” and helped plan the venture. He also negotiated payments to the crewmembers and met with the crew prior to departure. After his arrest in Cartagena on October 10, 2019, on a provisional arrest warrant in this case, Garcia Vengohechea admitted to FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service agents that he was in charge of providing guidance to the “Fat Crow” crewmembers as well as supplies for the venture.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Cincinnati Men Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.— Two Cincinnati men, Taravon Geer, 28, and Keith Upshaw, 26, were sentenced to federal prison Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after previously pleading guilty to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Geer was sentenced to 216 months in prison and Upshaw was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A third member of the conspiracy, Radaja Ford, was sentenced to 228 months in prison.
According to court documents, the Geer and Upshaw conspired with Ford to distribute a large amount of fentanyl, by selling a combination of fentanyl and heroin on multiple occasions. Law enforcement made sixteen controlled drug buys from the group, in June and July of 2020. They arranged each transaction by calling a common cellular number and arranging the transaction with either Ford or Geer. At his arrest, Geer was found in possession of 16.251 grams of fentanyl, more than $3,500, digital scales, baggies, and two cellular phones. At his arrest, Ford was found in possession of more than $4,000 in cash, twenty oxycodone tablets, and three cellular phones. At his arrest, Upshaw was found in possession of a loaded Glock 19 handgun, a digital scale, and 3.955 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a fentanyl analogue. Upshaw admitted to his involvement in distributing over 40 grams of fentanyl and Geer admitted to participating in the distribution of over 400 grams of fentanyl. Geer has prior convictions for drug trafficking, residential burglary, and burglary while in possession of a firearm and was on parole at the time of these offenses.
Under federal law, each Defendant must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon release from prison, Geer and Upshaw will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisville Field Division; and Rob Nader, Covington Police Chief, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Covington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.
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Casa Grande Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Shooting at Federal AgentRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Monday, Alejandro Nathaniel Rodriguez Stalter, 31, of Casa Grande, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 13 years in prison. Stalter previously pleaded guilty to one count of Assault on a Federal Officer and one count of Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
In August 2020, Stalter fled an immigration checkpoint at a high rate of speed with two undocumented noncitizen passengers inside his car. United States Border Patrol (USBP) agents pursued Stalter for approximately 20 miles until his vehicle collided with a stationary object. Once the vehicle was disabled, a USBP agent approached the vehicle, identified himself as a law enforcement agent and tried to open Stalter’s door. As he tried to open the car door, Stalter shot at the agent through the driver’s side window with an AR-15 style assault rifle. The agent took cover, returned fire, and injured Stalter, who ultimately surrendered.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Coleen Schoch, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-20-00499-PHX-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-146_Stalter# # #
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.
Career Recidivist Drug Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years for Trafficking Crack Cocaine while ArmedRead the Press Release
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – This week a federal judge sentenced a convicted felon charged with drug trafficking while armed announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Chief United States District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Clemmie Lee Spencer, 43, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to 25 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm after previous convictions of drug trafficking and possession.
“Reducing violent crime is top priority of our office,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Spencer repeatedly ignored the law, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes. Thank you to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for working diligently to continue to remove the worst offenders from our communities.”
“Drug trafficking and the prevalence of guns on our streets continue to plaque our community at alarming rates,” SAC French said. “The ATF will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and charge those individuals who continue to make our neighborhoods unsafe with their armed drug trafficking activities.”
On August 15, 2019, Spencer was arrested at 1115 28th Street in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, following the execution of a search warrant. Upon arrival in the early morning, agents had to forcefully enter the home due to no response when they announced their presence. Once inside the house, agents found Spencer and his girlfriend. Agents seized over 60 grams of “crack” cocaine, 17 grams of marijuana, cash, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a loaded H&R Arms Company .38 caliber revolver, a loaded Winchester .22 caliber rifle, assorted ammunition, and digital scales. The loaded rifle was found in a utility closet with children’s toys and bicycles.
Spencer’s prior convictions include a January 4, 2006 conviction for trafficking marijuana. He was sentenced to the Alabama Department of Corrections for 10 years. While incarcerated, he was disciplined 11 times, including 5 times for possession of prison contraband. Three months after being released, on February 22, 2011, Spencer was arrested for being in possession of marijuana packaged for sale. He was convicted on September 6, 2012, for unlawful possession of marijuana first degree, and sentenced to 32 months of home confinement. That sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation for three years. While on probation, Spencer was a repeated violator.
Spencer was arrested again on December 10, 2014, and indicted for second degree rape and sex abuse of a child less than 12 years of age. These charges were dismissed on January 4, 2018, because the mother of the victims and the victims failed to cooperate with the prosecution of Spencer.
On November 17, 2020, a grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama charged Spencer in a three-count superseding indictment with possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The jury trial in this case began on March 22, 2021. After eight prosecution witnesses testified, Spencer knowingly and voluntarily pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021. The Court accepted Spencer’s plea of guilty to all three charges in the superseding indictment and found Spencer guilty. While in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service awaiting trial, Spencer committed numerous institutional violations including possession of drugs and weapons.
ATF investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Brittany T. Byrd prosecuted the case.
Cody Man Sentenced to over Ten Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that PHILLIP AARON DOBBINS, 44, of Cody, Wyoming was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Dobbins appeared for a sentencing hearing before United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 16, 2022. Dobbins was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and $500 in community restitution.
In approximately November 2020, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation began investigating Dobbins for the distribution of methamphetamine in the Cody, WY area. The investigation revealed that Dobbins was receiving methamphetamine from an in-person source in Aurora, Colorado and through the U.S. Mail from a source in California.
This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Cody Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case.
Case No. 21-cr-84-NDF
Atlantic City Man Admits Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Cory Newman, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 20, 2021, agents with Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI) served a search warrant at Newman’s residence in Atlantic City and discovered electronic devices containing numerous videos and images of children being sexually abused.
Because Newman has been previously convicted of possession of child pornography, the charge of possession of child pornography carries an enhanced mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold. He also thanked the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, and the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Interim Officer in Charge Deputy Chief James A. Sarkos, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Atlanta based rapper Paper Lovee sentenced to federal prison for firearm possessionRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Ibnisa Durr has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm after a felony sentence. Durr fled from officers in a highspeed chase on Georgia 400 before ultimately crashing his vehicle and attempting to throw a bag containing a loaded firearm over an interstate guardrail.
“Durr has a serious criminal history, which includes robbery and aggravated assault convictions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “His reckless conduct seriously endangered the lives of innocent motorists and officers. However, the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies led to Durr’s capture, and subsequent sentence.”
“The message from this sentencing is clear. Anyone who thinks about possessing an illegal firearm and compounding that crime by fleeing from police and putting innocent civilians in danger, will get caught, and when they do, they will serve significant time in prison,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the assistance from our local law enforcement partners, the threat from this criminal is eliminated from our streets.”
“Anytime we take a career criminal off the streets of our great city, it’s a win-win situation for the city and the citizens of Atlanta,” said Interim Chief Darin Schierbaum. “The collaborative efforts of the Atlanta Police Department and the Sandy Springs Police Department is another example of two law enforcement agencies working together to bring a criminal to justice.”
“Lawlessness and criminal behavior should not be tolerated in a civilized society. This sentence imposed will serve as a reminder to all who would commit violent crimes, that you will pay a high personal price for your misdeeds. Metro Atlanta law enforcement will always work together to make our cities, roads, and neighborhoods a safe place for all,” said Sandy Springs Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On May 30, 2021, officers with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) responded to a residence in Atlanta, after receiving reports that a person had been shot. When they arrived, APD discovered the victim had been shot multiple times with non-life-threatening injuries. Through a subsequent investigation, APD identified Durr as the shooter and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Approximately three months after the shooting, APD’s Fugitive Unit located Durr and observed him enter a vehicle. When APD attempted to take Durr into custody, he sped away, and a highspeed chase ensued on Georgia 400. During the chase, Durr attempted to elude police by rapidly changing lanes, which led him to crash into two police vehicles, as well as an uninvolved motorist’s vehicle. Durr tried to flee on foot, and in doing so, he attempted to throw a bag containing a loaded firearm over a nearby guardrail. The firearm was recovered by the arresting officers.
Ibnisa Durr (“Paper Lovee”), 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to seven years and four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On May 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to the offense of felon-in-possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Atlanta Police Department and the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Albuquerque man sentenced to more than 5 years in prison for auto loan fraud schemes exceeding $1.5 millionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Rick Benavidez, 47, of Albuquerque, was sentenced in federal court to five years and three months in prison for leading and organizing two auto loan fraud schemes involving a total intended loss of more than $1.5 million.
Benavidez pleaded guilty on April 29 to two counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of making fraudulent returns, statements or other documents. In his plea agreement, Benavidez admitted to conspiring with his co-defendant, Damian Maron, 41, of Albuquerque, to carry out a loan fraud scheme against federally insured credit unions in Bernalillo County. Benavidez and Maron convinced lower-level members of the conspiracy to apply for loans totaling $359,662.97. Benavidez gave the loan applicants false pay stubs overstating their income to improve the likelihood of loan approval. Benavidez, Maron and their co-conspirators did not actually use the proceeds of the loans to buy vehicles. Instead, they arranged for the lenders to disburse the loan funds to a fictitious auto dealership. The co-conspirators then divided the proceeds of the fraud and used the money for their own personal benefit.
Benavidez also admitted to taking part in a separate auto loan fraud scheme involving an intended loss of $1,154,493.42, of which $999,993.42 was actually disbursed by financial institutions. Benavidez agreed to make restitution to the victims of his crimes in an amount to be determined at a separate hearing. Benavidez must complete a five-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
In his plea agreement, Benavidez also admitted to submitting a false document to the Internal Revenue Service while his auto loan fraud case was pending. This false document purported to designate United States District Judge William P. Johnson as Benavidez’s legal fiduciary. Benavidez knew this designation was false when he submitted the document.
Maron previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 2.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor F. Hartstein and Sean J. Sullivan are prosecuting the case.
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Agana Heights Resident Sentenced to 65 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands announced that defendant Maria E.L. Untalan, age 64, from Agana Heights, Guam was sentenced in the United States District Court of Guam to 65 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1). The Court ordered the Defendant to participate in a 500-hour drug treatment program, serve three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle and $4,742.00 in cash. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
Between April 2018 and continuing through April 2019, Maria E.L. Untalan entered into an agreement with other persons to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride in Guam. As part of that agreement, Untalan received packages containing methamphetamine that were mailed using the United States Postal Service. On March 25, 2019, Untalan picked up a package at the Postnet facility in Upper Tumon. The package consisted of methamphetamine hydrochloride wrapped in plastic and electrical tape. The drug weighed 406 grams and was 100% pure.
“I congratulate our law enforcement partners for the results of their hard work in intercepting these drugs in the mail stream,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “As this case and recent reports indicate, methamphetamine continues to be shipped on island. We will make every effort to seize illicit drugs and prosecute those who engage in this criminal activity.”
“Those who distribute dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine cause great harm in our communities and ultimately contribute to the addiction and substance abuse problem,” said DEA Los Angeles Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis. “This sentencing sends a clear message that we will pursue and hold those responsible for distributing drugs on the island.”
“This sentence is a reminder to drug traffickers that we will not tolerate using the United States mail to transport-controlled substances in Guam or anywhere else,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Kevin Rho of the United States Postal Inspection Service, San Francisco Division. “I would like to thank our federal, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies for their partnership in stopping the spread of this methamphetamine and bringing this defendant to justice.”
The case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas, United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Guam.
Arapahoe Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that ELVIN WAYNE MCCLAIN, 30, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced on August 18, 2022, for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced McClain to 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
On December 12, 2021, McClain’s vehicle pulled up to Sage West Hospital in Riverton, Wyoming. The victim exited the passenger side of the vehicle and limped into the emergency room, while McClain’s vehicle fled the area. The victim was treated for multiple stab wounds to the left leg. The injuries were the result of McClain stabbing the victim multiple times with a kitchen knife while driving across the Wind River Indian Reservation.
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Case No. 22-CR-00013-NDF
10-Time Convicted Felon with Domestic Violence History Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Bradford Jensen, 50, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Jensen was on parole in Marion County, Indiana, after serving 8 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a serious felon. On October 28, 2021, parole agents searched Jensen and his residence, and found a loaded 9mm handgun. Jensen admitted to possession of the firearm during an interview with law enforcement officers.
Jensen is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon. Over 30 years, Jenson has accumulated ten felony convictions, including domestic battery, stalking, conspiracy to commit burglary, and two prior convictions for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Jensen be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Additionally, 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Tuesday 23 August 2022
Wilmington Man Receives 74 Months for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to 74 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On March 30, 2022, Rasul Gatford, age 31, pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in October of 2021, members of the Wilmington Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit began an investigation into Gatford after receiving information concerning his drug trafficking activities. On October 28, 2021, Gatford was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department for distributing crack cocaine and, during his arrest, officers located a quantity of crack cocaine on Gatford’s person. A search warrant of Gatford’s home also revealed an additional quantity of crack cocaine, marijuana, drug manufacturing equipment, and a firearm.
At the time of this offense, Gatford was on Federal Supervised Release for a 2013 conviction for Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Aiding and Abetting (7:13-CR-10-1BO).
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the cases. Mr. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Ben David has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County.
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.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:21-cr-00140-BO.