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Friday 5 August 2022
Former Postal Employee Charged with Embezzling the MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEISHAN WILSON, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on August 4, 2022 for embezzling the mail.
According to documents filed in federal court, WILSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler at the processing center in New Orleans when she was apprehended stealing the content of mail items she was entrusted to handle for the Postal Service.
The maximum penalty for the offense is five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Massachusetts Assistant Chief Probation Officer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Assistant Chief Probation Officer for Lynn District Court was sentenced in federal court today in connection with child exploitation offenses.
Brian Orlandella, 49, of Beverly, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Orlandella was also ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. On April 20, 2022, Orlandella was convicted following a six-day jury trial of one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor.
“Mr. Orlandella took advantage of a vulnerable, 13-year-old girl – he sent sexually explicit material to her and coerced her into producing obscene content through an anonymous social media profile. In his day-to-day life, Mr. Orlandella held himself out to be a trusted member of the law enforcement community, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The sexual exploitation of children is an offense that will never be tolerated in my office. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute predators and bring treatment, services and justice to our victims.”
“Orlandella knowingly preyed upon a child, sending her explicit videos and directing her to reciprocate. The internet and social media are an integral part of everyday life for our children, and knowing that predators like Orlandella are lurking online is every parent’s worst nightmare. Today’s sentence underlines that the exploitation of children will not be tolerated and that the consequences are serious,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is committed to using our unique investigative abilities to search the darkest parts of the internet to find predators like Orlandella and bring them to justice.”
In May 2018, a mother in Texas contacted local police about messages she found on her 13-year-old daughter’s cell phone between her daughter and an adult man, later identified as Orlandella. In the messages, sent via the Kik mobile application, Orlandella sent the victim images of himself masturbating and directed her to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself. The 13-year-old victim told him she was 14 years old, and he acknowledged that he was much older than she was.
The Kik account’s IP address was traced to Orlandella’s residence in Massachusetts. During a search of his residence, two of Orlandella’s phones were seized, one of which contained evidence tying Orlandella to the Kik account that was used to procure sexually explicit imagery from the underage victim. During an on-site interview at his home, Orlandella admitted that he had used Kik and was the person depicted in the obscene videos recovered from the child’s phone.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Port Neches (Texas) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti, Chief of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit, and Adam W. Deitch, of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, 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 DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Denver County Deputy Sheriff Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Aiding Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Sylvia Montoya, aka Sylvia Dominguez, age 49, of Lakewood, Colorado, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing illegal narcotics.
According to the plea agreement, on March 6, 2019, the defendant’s vehicle was being driven by her associate and co-defendant, when it was stopped by an Aurora Police Officer for a window tint violation. After a K-9 positively alerted to the odor of narcotics, the defendant’s vehicle was seized pending the issuance of a search warrant. Inside the glovebox of the vehicle, officers found a stolen, loaded handgun, a digital scale with residual cocaine powder, 8 grams of methamphetamine, and 1.64 grams of cocaine.
Denver Police detectives had been separately investigating the defendant due to her employment as a Denver Sheriff’s deputy and had observed the defendant and her co-defendant together on several occasions.
On March 28, 2019, Denver police officers saw the defendant drive away from a Lakewood apartment with her co-defendant in the passenger seat. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the passenger on an outstanding warrant for firearm and drug possession. A search located three cell phones, $3,150 cash, and a key to the apartment. A K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle and officers searched the passenger compartment. Inside the center console of the vehicle, they found a clear plastic baggie containing a white powdery residue and $3,000 cash. The defendant stipulates the $3,000 cash seized was proceeds from the sale of drugs.
Denver Police detectives then obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s apartment. They discovered 102 grams of cocaine, 8 grams of heroin, 27 grams of methamphetamine, four digital scales, $1,342 cash, a dinner plate with suspected cocaine residue, and drug paraphernalia.
U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez sentenced Montoya on August 5, 2022.
“It is the actions of people like the defendant that make it harder for those in law enforcement for the right reasons to do their jobs and gain the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “This sentence should make clear to the community that no one is above the law.”
This case was investigated by the Denver Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celeste Rangel prosecuted the case.
Case number: 19-cr-00264
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- August 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Riley Joseph Blackwell; Kimberly Dawn Smith. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Intimidation, Threats, and Corrupt Persuasion; Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness, Victim, and Informant; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Corrupt Persuasion; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Engaging in Misleading Conduct. Blackwell, 20, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled and suffocated an intimate partner on July 10, 2022. Blackwell is also charged with using intimidation and threats to prevent the victim from communicating with law enforcement about the abuse. From July 11, 2022, through the date of the indictment, Blackwell and Smith, 41, of Broken Arrow, conspired together to mislead, influence, and prevent the victim from participating in an official proceeding and to have the victim withhold information to be used in the proceeding. They also attempted to mislead an FBI agent during the investigation. Smith is Blackwell’s mother. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-231
Daniel Donalson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Donalson, 35, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Romanian WASR-10 7.62x39 caliber semi-automatic rifle and 44 rounds of ammunition. U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-245
Dewayne Dudley. Deprivation of rights Under Color of Law; Obstruction. Former private prisoner officer Dewayne Dudley, 55, of Claremore, is charged with sexually assaulting a male pretrial detainee during a prisoner transport and later lying to the FBI. According to the indictment, at the time of the alleged crime, Dudley worked as a private prisoner transport officer for Blue Raven Services, a company that was hired by local jails and prisons throughout the country to transport people who had been arrested pursuant to out-of-state warrants and needed to be transported back to the states that had issued the warrants. Dudley is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim, violating the victim’s civil rights. Dudley is further charged with obstruction for lying to an FBI special agent about making two unofficial stops while transporting the victim. In a detention hearing, the FBI agent described two sexual assaults that allegedly occurred using violence and intimidation. On Thursday, a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered that Dudley be detained as his case moves through the federal court system. The case is being investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Compton for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Compton is the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Eastern and Northern Districts of Oklahoma. 22-CR-227
Alexis Danielle Flanner. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Flanner, 23, of Tulsa, is charged with the first degree murder of her sister-in-law Estrella Mendoza. Flanner shot and killed Mendoza at a QuickTrip just after 10:30 pm on July 7, 2022. She is also alleged to have pointed the firearm at a minor sometimes after the shooting. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-238
Matthew Adam Gentry. Robbery in Indian Country. Gentry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a bicycle from the victim by using violence and intimidation on July 13, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-237
Shawn Christopher Harper. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1,2). Harper, 30, of Chelsea, is charged with abusing a young child on Sept. 20, 2020. Harper is further charged with abusing a second child on March 7, 2021. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-246
Kelsie Marie Higgins. Robbery in Indian Country. On June 30, 2022, Higgins, 27, of Skiatook, aided and abetted another individual in a robbery where the victim’s cash was stolen. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-247
Gerardo Simon-Hipolito. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Simon-Hipolito, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with reentering the United States after having been removed on Feb. 11, 2015, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-254
Gaven Dean Jones. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Count 1); Witness Tampering by Misleading Conduct (Count 2); Contempt of Court(Counts 3-13) (superseding). On April 23, 2022, Jones allegedly assaulted a victim resulting in serious bodily injury. He further engaged in misleading conduct toward the victim from April 23, 2022, to May 13, 2022, in an effort to influence, delay and prevent her testimony in an official proceeding. Finally, he is charged with 11 counts of contempt of court. From May 25, 2022, through July 19, 2022, Jones allegedly messaged the victim once, telling her he wanted to be a couple again, then contacted her in person on 10 other occasions. These acts violated the pre-trial conditions of release that were ordered by a federal judge regarding the abuse alleged in the indictment. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-152
Justin Wade Malone; Devon Marie Lorocca. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Causing Death by Using and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Malone, 38, and Larocca, 36, both of Tulsa, are charged with aiding and abetting one another in the second degree murder of Cristian Amaya Valesquez. The two defendants are responsible for shooting the victim, causing his death. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Ryan H. Heatherman are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-235
Carlos Mendez-Velazquez. Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Mendez-Velazquez, 38, of Paris, California, is charged with knowingly possessing an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi automatic rifle that had a barrel of less than 16 inches in length and was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert T. Raley and Leah D. Paisner are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-234
Isaiah Blaine Ousely. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On July 13, 2022, Ousley, 18, of Tulsa, allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and demanded her keys when he stole her 2018 Ford Focus. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-233
Lauryn Donye Robbins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Robbins, 25, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Robbins was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court of drug, gang, and firearms related offenses. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-249
Jose Pedro Rodriguez-Ontiveros. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodrigues-Ontiveros, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with being in the United States unlawfully after having been removed on March 10, 2020, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-256
Christopher Scott Royce. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (superseding). Royce, 42, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin, 30/30 caliber lever-action rifle; a Mauser bolt-action rifle; an Iver Johnson .22 caliber bolt-action rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Taurus .22 caliber pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition. Royce was previously convicted of six felonies, including three crimes of violence. He is further charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Lastly, he is charged with maintaining a place in Broken Arrow for the purpose of distributing the drug. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-163
Jeffrey David Sutton. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (superseding). Sutton, 54, of Mounds, is alleged to have intentionally shot the victim with a firearm on Dec. 2, 2021, with the intent to commit murder and/or to cause bodily harm. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Kristin F. Harrington are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-7
Jack Charles Welty. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Welty, 49, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted a Tulsa store clerk by swinging a knife at the clerk, threatening to gut him, chasing him, and robbing him. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-232
Alec Lloyd Wickliffe. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Wickliffe, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting the victim multiple times with various items, including a knife, with the intent to do bodily harm from July 15, 2022, to July 24, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Gina S. Gilmore are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-257
Chrystian Edward Williams. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Williams, 22, of Miami, is charged with receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The depictions involved at least one prepubescent minor younger than 12 years of age. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case. 22-Cr-250
Chang Xiong Zou. Drug Conspiracy; Smuggling Goods into the United States; Importation of Ketamine. Zou, of Elmhurst, New York, is charged with conspiring with others to smuggle Ketamine into the United States from May 2, 2022, to July 9, 2022. Zou was living in Claremore when he allegedly committed the crimes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-251
Father and Son Owners of Jacksonville Construction Firms Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raul Solis has pleaded guilty to conspiring defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to unlawfully employ workers who were neither lawfully admitted to, nor authorized to be employed in, the United States. His son, Raul Solis-Martinez pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 27, 2022. Both face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to their plea agreements, Solis and Solis-Martinez owned and operated Solis Brothers Company, LLC and Duval Framing, LLC, which are construction subcontracting companies in Jacksonville, Florida. To illicitly lower labor costs, they conspired with each other (and the owner of another contractor, H&S Framing, LLC) to pay their employees partially “off the books.” By paying employees with a mix of checks and cash, the conspirators avoided withholding the full amount of payroll taxes owed to the IRS. Between 2014 and 2019, Solis and Solis-Martinez’s workers received approximately $22,186,096.35 in wages that were never reported to the IRS and from which no taxes were withheld. This practice led to a loss to the U.S. Treasury of approximately $5,613,082.38.
Further, by misrepresenting how much their employees were working, Solis and Solis-Martinez also defrauded the company that managed their payroll functions, as well as their workers compensation insurer, both of which relied on the conspirators’ false payroll reporting to calculate the cost of their services. In addition, Solis and Solis-Martinez knew that many of their employees had emigrated to the United States illegally or were otherwise not authorized to work here. Some workers had been previously deported from the United States, only to return and work for Solis and Solis-Martinez.
Both have agreed pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $5,613,082.38.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Eleven indicted for crimes including illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Eleven defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in U.S. District Court include guilty pleas and criminal sentences related to illegal gun possession.
The indicted cases are being investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally carry guns.
“Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing guns, and with our law enforcement partners we are committed to keeping our communities safe from violent crime by holding accountable those who would violate the law,” said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
In the past four years, more than 760 defendants have been federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for possessing a firearm after conviction for a previous felony.
Defendants named in federal indictments from the August 2022 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- Omar Lockhart, 34, of Savannah, charged with Bank Robbery for the March 7 robbery of the Synovus Bank on Paulsen Street in Savannah. Lockhart also is charged with Using, Carrying, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
- Darnell Dwight Brown, 30, and Corii Arkheem Bussey, 31, both of Augusta, charged with Assaulting, Resisting or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees, and Using, Carrying or Possessing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence. The case involves a Dec. 9, 2021, shootout in which a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was struck by multiple bullets. The mail carrier who was inside the vehicle was not injured.
- Kerry Akeem Milledge, 37, of Savannah, and Antron Ozier Charles, 19, of Pooler, Ga., charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Milledge also is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Zachary Smith, 25, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Marshall Lee Cushman, 39, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Christopher Fitzgerald Jones, 35, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Christopher David Baskett, 46, if Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
- Rondell Smith, a/k/a “Rondal Smith,” 27, of Hephzibah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional defendants recently have been adjudicated on federal charges that include illegal firearms possession:
- Phillip Allen Loughry, 41, of Baxley, Ga., was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Appling County Sheriff’s deputies charged Loughry after he ran from a December 2020 traffic stop and dropped a pistol as deputies pursued and captured him. Loughry still faces prosecution for related state charges and revocation of prior probationary status in state court.
- Lamar Harris, a/k/a “Foolie,” 21, of Savannah, was sentenced to 62 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilos or More of Marijuana, and Conspiracy to Use, Possess, or Carry Firearms. Harris was one of 29 defendants indicted in December 2020 as part of Operation Deadlier Catch, an investigation into a gang-related drug trafficking network in the greater Savannah area.
- Vesenta Cornelius Watson, 46, of Augusta, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number. Watson sped away from an attempted Richmond County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop in November 2021 and threw a duffel bag from the window of his vehicle. After taking Watson into custody, deputies retrieved the bag and found a pistol and illegal drugs inside.
- De’Montre Murray, 22, of Columbia, S.C., was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A four-time convicted felon, Murray was charged after a June 21 chase by Glynn County Sheriff’s deputies and the Georgia State Patrol on Interstate 95 for 57 miles at speeds up to 100 mph. A pistol was discovered in the stolen vehicle Murray was driving.
- Antoine Ladson, 33, of Brunswick, was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brunswick Police officers arrested Ladson in January 2021 after finding him in possession of large amounts of drugs, cash and a pistol while loitering near a liquor store.
- Akil Shawron Brown, 21, of Savannah, was sentenced to 16 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Savannah Police officers charged Brown, who was out on bond pending adjudication of felony charges on the state level, after learning he was in possession of a pistol while being treated at a Savannah hospital. Brown is a reputed member of Savannah’s 1100 criminal street gang.
- Davonta Johnson, 31, of Hinesville, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm, and Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, relating to a prior conviction for domestic violence. Johnson admitted that he lied in May 2020 about his prior conviction while purchasing a pistol at a Bullock County pawn shop. Hinesville Police arrested Johnson two months later during a traffic stop and found two pistols in his vehicle.
- Rashejon B. Curry, 28, of Pooler, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Chatham County Police officers arrested Curry following a report of an assault at a motel room, later finding him carrying a loaded pistol. Curry has a violent criminal history including convictions for robbery and gun possession.
- Michael Brandon Sharpe, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Sharpe is one of 35 defendants indicted as part of Operation Stranded Bandit, which targeted gang-affiliated drug traffickers in the Southern District. Of those defendants, 27 have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 292 months after pleading guilty; three await sentencing after entering guilty pleas; two defendants await trial; and the case against one defendant was referred to state court.
- Terry Kennard Isaacs, 37, of Beaufort, S.C., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Shortly after midnight on June 17, 2021, Pooler Police officers found Isaacs asleep inside a customer’s vehicle parked at a repair business, and arrested him after finding a pistol and drugs in a small bag in his possession. Isaacs has multiple prior felony convictions involving firearms and violence.
Agencies investigating these cases include the ATF, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Savannah Police Department, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including E. Gregory Gilluly Jr., Jeremiah L. Johnson, Henry W. Syms Jr., Jennifer A. Stanley, Tara M. Lyons, Marcela C. Mateo, and John P. Harper III, with firearms forfeitures coordinated through the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Recovery Unit.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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Defendant Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Multi-State Mother-Son Fraud Scheme Involving Identity Theft, Stolen Vehicles, and a FirearmRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Quinae Shamyra Stephens, 41, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison after she was convicted by a jury for multiple charges relating to a multi-state identity theft and fraud ring she was running with her son. Specifically, Stephens was sentenced after being convicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; identity theft; aggravated identity theft; access device fraud; interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle; and felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that sometime before late August 2021, after abandoning a stolen U-Haul van nearly half a dozen states away from where it was due to be returned, Stephens decided to enlist her son, Deandre Copes, 23, also of Douglasville, on a multi-state criminal journey to Florida. With a loaded semi-automatic handgun in her waistband, Stephens travelled down the East Coast in a second stolen U-Haul van stocked with dozens of fraudulently obtained identities and the equipment necessary to steal more identities, make fake credit cards, and print bogus checks. Stephens was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition due to four state felony convictions for fraud-related crimes, and she was on probation for two of these offenses when she committed the crimes in this case.
She was ultimately stopped by members of the Latta Police Department due to Stephens’s suspicious behavior when she stopped near a bank in Latta. A search of the van revealed more than a dozen identification documents – including several with Stephens’s picture in various names; a device for re-encoding credit cards with different account information; and more than 25 debit and credit cards, most in the name of individuals other than Stephens or her son.
Further forensics investigation by the Secret Service revealed that Stephens would download instructional material from the dark web related to credit card fraud and identity theft, and used software form the dark web to procure personally identifiable information. The laptop also contained instructional material and files that could be used to create fake banking websites to steal account information.
“Identity theft is a threat to every citizen, and the personal information of its victims can live on the dark web forever. The nearly two-decade federal prison sentence this Office sought and received showcases just how seriously we take these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “Stephens’s conduct here was especially heinous. She was a four-time felon who enlisted her son in a multi-state fraud scheme involving stolen vehicles, false identities, the dark web, obstruction of justice, and a loaded weapon. I want to especially thank our local and federal partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the jury conviction and sentence in this case.”
“This case originated due to great police work by the Latta Police Department in identifying suspicious activity being conducted by the defendants in this case,” said John Hirt, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office for the U.S. Secret Service. “We appreciate that the Latta Police Department then included the U.S. Secret Service in their investigation. I commend the diligence and hard work of the Secret Service personnel involved in this investigation. I also commend the great work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the District of South Carolina in prosecuting this case. The sentence given in this case exemplifies that the U.S. Government takes the crime of identity theft seriously, and we will not tolerate people that lie, cheat, and steal.”
“The Defendant in the case receiving this sentence is a testament to what partnerships can accomplish: local and federal agencies working together for a common goal to protect innocent victims and bring wrongdoers to justice,” said C. Zane Bryant, Interim Cheif of Police for the Latta Police Department.
At her sentencing, Stephens received sentencing enhancements for being a leader in the criminal enterprise and for obstruction of justice. The Court also heard evidence that Stephens fraudulently obtained several Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in her name, and in the names of others. PPP loans consists of more than $640 billion in forgivable Government-backed loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities as a result of COVID-19.
The Court rejected Stephens’s attempts to assert a sovereign citizen defense, which asserts that federal courts lack jurisdiction over individuals. The Court acknowledged this was a frivolous defense that has been rejected throughout the country.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Stephens to 224 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Stephens was also ordered to pay restitution to her victims. Stephens’s son, who testified at Stephens’s trial, was previously sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Latta Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Everett McMillian prosecuted the case.
Defendant Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Defrauding American Express of More Than $4.7 MillionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jasminder Singh was sentenced by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon to 48 months’ imprisonment for bank fraud and money laundering related to Singh’s scheme to defraud American Express of more than $4.7 million. Singh was also ordered to pay restitution to American Express in the amount of $4,651,845.08 and to forfeit $3,018,602.22. Singh was convicted of the charges on April 27, 2022 by a federal jury following a one-week trial.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Jasminder Singh fraudulently used American Express credit cards to purchase millions of dollars’ worth of Apple products, which he sold to enrich himself, and then tried to leave American Express holding the bag,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Today’s sentence sends a message to those, like the defendant, who defraud financial institutions, that there are serious consequences when their lies and deceit catch up to them and the bill comes due.”
According to court filings and the evidence presented at trial, Singh used four business entities that he created and controlled, and 10 American Express credit cards in those entities’ names, to purchase thousands of Apple iPhones and other Apple products that he then sold overseas for millions of dollars. Between November 2017 and December 2019, Singh misrepresented to American Express his inability to repay more than $4.7 million in charges incurred from his purchase of Apple products in order to secure additional credit, and used a series of financial transactions to conceal the money he obtained from selling the purchased iPhones. Singh used the proceeds from his fraudulent scheme to pay for personal expenses and purchase luxury items, including a $1.3 million home in Fremont, California paid for in cash.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Gibaldi and Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
JASMINDER SINGH
Age: 45
Fremont, CaliforniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-397 (CBA)
Dakota City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Dakota City, Nebraska woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced August 3, 2022, to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Erika Rojas, age 38, from Dakota City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a March 16, 2022, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Rojas admitted to being part of a drug ring selling large quantities of methamphetamine in the tri-state area. Rojas and her co-defendants, Anthony Crist, Dennys Rodriguez, and Randall Nichols received methamphetamine from Mexico through the mail in the form of decorative masks that covered the wax methamphetamine mixture. Rojas’ co-defendants would then extract the meth from the masks and redistribute the methamphetamine around Sioux City. A search of Rojas’s storage locker resulted in the decorative masks being found and multiple pounds of methamphetamine recovered. Rojas was the last of her co-conspirators to be sentenced.
Rojas was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Rojas was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Rojas is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4046.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Tyrus Brooks, 34, of Scott, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge David C. Joseph to 115 months (9 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Brooks was charged in an indictment on November 18, 2021 and pleaded guilty on April 29, 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On March 9, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Brooks’ residence. During their search, officers recovered multiple controlled substances and a Glock .380 caliber firearm and ammunition belonging to Brooks. An analysis was conducted of the seized substances, and they were found to contain methamphetamine with a gross weight of 117 grams.
Brooks has prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2011), possession of methamphetamine (2017) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2018).
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and Lafayette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.
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Co-owner of Puyallup steel fabrication business pleads guilty to tax fraudRead the Press Release
Tacoma - The co-owner and financial manager of a Puyallup, Washington steel fabrication business pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to nine counts of failing to pay over employment taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Donna Powell, 56, co-owns and operates Pinnacle Steel Fabricators, a company that makes steel parts. Donna Powell serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and Accounting Manager for the business. The Indictment alleges that, between 2010 and 2018, the company withheld approximately $1,167,891 in payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks and failed to pay any of those funds over to the Internal Revenue System (IRS). Powell is scheduled for sentencing November 7, 2022.
According to records filed in the case, the company has 15-20 employees. Between 2010 and 2018, Powell withheld the employees’ share of employment taxes from their paychecks but failed to pay the withheld funds over to the government as required by law. Each quarter, Powell was required by law to file Forms 941 with the IRS disclosing the amount of payroll taxes withheld. Powell failed to file any Forms 941 for the period between 2010 and the first quarter of 2018. Instead of paying the taxes, Powell and her husband spent on personal interests such as travel ($32,000+), gambling at casinos ($41,000+), online gaming ($33,000+) and approximately $7,400 on spa and pool-related purchases.
“Like in the movies, illegal pool parties are all fun and games until they are not,” said Special Agent in Charge Bret Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), Seattle Field Office. “Ms. Powell had ill-intentions for her employees’ payroll withholdings and stole these amounts to pay for her own globe-trotting vacations, to fund her gambling, and to help pay for a pool. While paying federal income taxes along with paying into Medicare and Social Security is not as fun as going on vacation or putting in a pool, honest people understand the need for these payroll withholdings and pay their fair share. Today’s guilty plea marks Ms. Powell’s recognition of this critical life lesson.”
Failure to pay over the taxes ultimately hurts the employees whose earning records are incomplete for Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment benefits. Employees can report concerns about federal withholding to the IRS and records can be corrected with documentation.
Willful failure to pay over employment taxes is punishable by up to five years in prison.
The case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson.
Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Charges Related to 10-Kilo Meth Bust in Lee County, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Three individuals involved in an illegal drug ring responsible for distributing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia entered guilty pleas in federal court today.
Matthew Bridges, 29, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; Terrance Battle, 41, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Quannesha Gatling, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. If convicted, each faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine. The pleas were entered today before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner. Sentencings have not yet been scheduled.
“Strong work by GBI and Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigators prevented a significant amount of methamphetamine from entering the Southwest Georgia community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is using every prosecutorial tool at our disposal to reduce criminal activity across the District and make our neighborhoods safer.”
“Drug trafficking at any level will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia. It is paramount that violators of drug laws be held accountable. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is fully committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“This case demonstrates for the citizens of Lee County and Southwest Georgia that law enforcement is working together to fight drug networks that are pushing the most addictive illegal substances into our communities. We will not tolerate this activity and we will hold them accountable for their crimes,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.
According to court documents, GBI agents debriefed a confidential informant (CI) in Aug. 2021 who advised that Bridges was selling illegal drugs in the Albany area. Between Aug. and Oct. 2021, investigators conducted several controlled buys of methamphetamine and heroin from Bridges and co-defendant Battle. On Oct. 30, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with GBI agents, initiated a traffic stop of three vehicles, driven by the co-defendants, who were returning from the Atlanta area. Law enforcement located approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately three pounds of marijuana in the vehicle operated by Gatling.
The case was investigated by GBI with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.
Carmichaels Man Sentenced to 3 Years for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his convictions for cyberstalking and communication of threats to injure, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence yesterday on Kaleb Levicky, 23, formerly of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from Nov. 3, 2020 and continuing through Nov. 30, 2020, Levicky sent numerous messages via an Instagram account and multiple telephone numbers to Person 1, Person 1’s Friend, and Person 1’s Boyfriend. In these messages, Levicky threatened to cause serious bodily injury and death to Person 1. Subsequently, on Dec. 14, 2020, Levicky sent a text message to Person 2, threatening to “kill hundreds of innocent people” with firearms. Investigators with the Federal Bureau of investigation confirmed that Levicky previously purchased these firearms, and investigators ultimately seized these firearms from Levicky. Judge Ranjan referenced the seriousness of the offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Freeland Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police, Cumberland Township Police Department, and Arizona State University Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Levicky.
Captain of Methamphetamine-Filled Boat that Rammed Coast Guard Vessel, Injuring Officers, Sentenced to 16 YearsRead the Press Release
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Bredariol (619) 546-8419 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari (619) 546-8402
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 5, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Miguel Ojeda Agundez, captain of a drug-smuggling boat that rammed a Coast Guard vessel during a dangerous high-speed chase off the shores of San Diego, was sentenced in federal court today to 194 months in prison.
Ojeda Agundez is the last of four defendants to be sentenced in connection with the event, which occurred in August 2020 off the shores of San Diego. All four defendants were charged in a 15-count federal indictment with trafficking close to 500 pounds of methamphetamine; failure to stop for the Coast Guard; and assault on five Coast Guard officers who were injured as a result of the ramming. Ojeda Agundez ultimately pleaded guilty to all 15 counts.
At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino described the defendant’s conduct as “egregious” and causing “immeasurable harm to the community.” She noted that members of the Coast Guard are working hard every day “to protect the community that they are sworn to serve…we have tremendous respect and admiration and gratitude to those who serve this country.”
The other defendants - Arturo Velasquez Soto, Luis Parada Reyes, and Juan Diaz Hernandez - were previously sentenced by Judge Sammartino to 14 years, 10 years, and just under nine years in prison, respectively.
On August 8, 2020, the defendants were detected by the United States Coast Guard Cutter FORREST REDNOUR traveling northbound off the shores of San Diego in the middle of the night. When five Coast Guard officers went to intercept the vessel, Ojeda Agundez, who was at the helm, aggressively turned the go-fast vessel towards the Coast Guard and rammed a Coast Guard smallboat, causing damage and injury to Coast Guard officers. The defendants then led the Coast Guard on a high-speed chase on the open water.
As the vessel continued closer to shore, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air & Marine Operations took over the pursuit. The defendants’ vessel attempted to ram the CBP vessel as well, but officers were able to bring the defendants’ vessel to a stop. When law enforcement boarded the vessel, they discovered ice chests filled with close to 500 pounds of methamphetamine. The defendants were brought to shore and arrested, where the investigation was continued by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations’ Marine Task Force.
In 2012, a similar sequence of events resulted in the death of Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III. In that case, a drug-laden panga intentionally rammed a Coast Guard smallboat off the coast of Santa Barbara, ejecting Chief Petty Officer Horne and another officer into the water. Chief Petty Officer Horne was struck by a propeller in the head and fatally injured.
“This case is a reminder of the heroism, bravery, and professionalism that Coast Guard officials employ on every mission to safeguard the United States from drug smugglers,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Violence against the Coast Guard will not be tolerated and will be aggressively prosecuted by this office.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time the lives of our Coast Guard members have been threatened by drug smugglers,” said Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard District 11. “Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III was killed during a counter-smuggling operation. Those individuals responsible for taking his life and threatening the lives of other Coast Guard members were held accountable. As a service, we do not take these actions lightly and I trust the decision of the courts to continue to hold these criminals responsible for their continued disregard for life.”
“This case highlights the dangers of maritime drug smuggling,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “HSI is grateful for its federal, state and local law enforcement partners and servicemembers who despite the dangers, continue to deny transnational criminal organizations the opportunity to carry out their illegal drug smuggling activities. HSI will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations who smuggle by sea, air or land.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 20cr2509-JLS
Miguel Ojeda Agundez Age: 26 Mexico
Arturo Velasquez Soto Age: 44 Mexico
Jose Luis Parada Reyes Age: 53 Mexico
Juan Diaz Hernandez Age: 55 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Counts 1-3 (All Defendants)
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine on Board a Vessel –
Title 46, U.S.C., Section 70503, 70506(b)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Onboard a Vessel; Aiding and Abetting –
Title 46, U.S.C., Section 70503, Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine Intended for Unlawful Importation –
Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
Counts 4, 6-15 (Defendant Ojeda Agundez only)
Failure To Heave To
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2237
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 111(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
Assault with Intent to Commit Any Felony
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 113(a)(2)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
Count 5 (Defendants Ojeda Agundez and Velasquez Soto only)
Failure To Heave To
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2237, Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
United States Coast Guard
Customs and Border Protection
Homeland Security Investigations
Crawford County Pair Plead Guilty to Vehicle Break in and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. –– An Oblong man and Robinson woman pleaded guilty on Thursday, August 4, 2022, to
breaking into cars, stealing checks and IDs from vehicles, and committing identity theft in order
to obtain thousands of dollars from local banks by fraud.
According to court documents, Zachary Patrick, 30, of Oblong, Illinois, and Briana Blair, 31, of
Robinson, Illinois, stole checks and personal identifying information from a series of victims,
often by breaking into the victims’ vehicles. Patrick and Blair then used the victims’ information
however they could, writing and depositing fraudulent checks, forging victims’ signatures, and
withdrawing and spending thousands of dollars as they traveled around eastern Illinois and western
Indiana. The pair even opened a bank account using one victim’s stolen information.The pair was eventually caught in a hotel parking lot in Brazil, Indiana, breaking into yet another
vehicle. Patrick and Blair initially identified themselves to law enforcement using two of the
identities they had stolen, but eventually admitted to their true identities. Law enforcement
recovered a pile of stolen IDs, credit cards, and financial information after their arrest.Both Patrick and Blair pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit financial institution
fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. They are scheduled to be sentenced on November
17, 2022, and face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a statutory maximum of as many as
32 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering
the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.“All who have been victimized by identity theft and its related crimes understand just how serious
and far-reaching its consequences can be,” said United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Along
with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this office will continue to make
investigating and prosecuting these offenses a top priority. I thank the Federal Bureau of
Investigation-Springfield Field Office, the Oblong Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s
Office, and the other local law enforcement agencies involved for their work in investigating this
case.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.Bullhead Man Indicted for ArsonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson.
James Edward Little Eagle, age 58, was indicted on July 11, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 5, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 14, 2022, in Bullhead, Little Eagle willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a dwelling.
The charge is merely an accusation and Little Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Little Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for His Role in a 2012 Murder in Baldwin Harbor and Multiple Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Richard Michel, also known as “G-Light” and “Gangsta Light,” the leader of the Red Lane Gorillas “set” of the Bloods street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 30 years’ imprisonment for racketeering and predicate acts including the October 2011 kidnapping and assault of a rival gang member and another man in Hempstead, the July 15, 2012 murder of Anthony Richard in Baldwin Harbor, and the September 2016 attempted murder of a disloyal Bloods gang member in Uniondale. Michel pleaded guilty to the charges in December 2021 along with co-defendant Dylan Cruz.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.
“For the murder, kidnapping, and assaults of Michel’s victims, the pain to their loved ones, and the violence Michel brought to our communities, today’s sentence is justice served,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “As a result of the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, Michel’s gang has been dismantled. And, we will not rest until all violent criminal enterprises on Long Island are eliminated.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, the Nassau County Police Department, and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding investigative work on the case.
Michel, along with other members of the Red Lane Gorillas, engaged in a violent gang war against rival gangs, including the Crips and the 5-9 Brims set of the Bloods, in Nassau County and Brooklyn. To maintain his leadership position in the gang and to keep rival gangs in fear, Michel engaged in extreme violence against anyone suspected of disloyalty or being disrespectful of his gang.
According to court filings and statements made by the defendant at his guilty plea, Michel, among other crimes, admitted his role in the murder of Richard, an individual that he wrongly suspected of assisting the Crips in the 2010 murder of a member of their gang. Cruz and Michel, together with fellow gang members and associates located the victim, obtained a firearm, and followed the victim’s vehicle to Baldwin Harbor. Cruz, who was Michel’s top lieutenant, exited the vehicle he was travelling in, walked up to the victim’s car and fired approximately 15 shots into the vehicle at close range, killing Richard and wounding his passenger. Michel also admitted to the October 13, 2011 gunpoint kidnapping and assault of someone he perceived as a disloyal gang member and another man in Hempstead, New York. Further, Michel admitted pulling the trigger in the September 9, 2016 attempted murder of a fellow Bloods gang member whom he suspected of disloyalty, in which the victim was lured from Brooklyn to Uniondale under the guise of a marijuana deal. Once at an isolated location in Uniondale, Michel shot the man in the back of the neck and left him in the street to die. The man survived his wounds. In June 2022, Cruz was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
This case was brought as 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. As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Boeckmann, Michael Maffei and Oren Gleich are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
RiCHARD MICHEL (also known as “G-Light” and “Gangsta Light”)
Age: 41
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 18-CR-664 (S-1) (JS)
Alleged Russian Cryptocurrency Money Launderer Extradited to United StatesRead the Press Release
The alleged operator of the illicit cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e was extradited yesterday from Greece to the United States to face charges in the Northern District of California.
“After more than five years of litigation, Russian national Alexander Vinnik was extradited to the United States yesterday to be held accountable for operating BTC-e, a criminal cryptocurrency exchange, which laundered more than $4 billion of criminal proceeds,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This extradition demonstrates the Department’s commitment to investigating and dismantling illicit cyber activity and would not have been possible without the relentless work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The Justice Department thanks the Government of Greece, particularly the Ministry of Justice, for all their efforts in securing the defendant’s transfer to the United States.”
Alexander Vinnik, 42, a Russian citizen, was charged in a 21-count superseding indictment in January 2017. Vinnik was taken into custody in Greece in July 2017 at the request of the United States. He made his initial appearance earlier today in federal court in San Francisco before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim.
According to the indictment, Vinnik and his co-conspirators allegedly owned, operated, and administrated BTC-e, a significant cybercrime and online money laundering entity that allowed its users to trade in bitcoin with high levels of anonymity and developed a customer base heavily reliant on criminal activity.
The indictment alleges BTC-e facilitated transactions for cybercriminals worldwide and received criminal proceeds from numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware scams, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings, and was used to facilitate crimes ranging from computer hacking, to fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud schemes, public corruption, and drug trafficking. The investigation has revealed that BTC-e received more than $4 billion worth of bitcoin over the course of its operation.
Despite doing substantial business in the United States, the indictment alleges that BTC-e was not registered as a money services business with the U.S. Department of Treasury, had no anti-money laundering process, no system for appropriate “know your customer” or “KYC” verification, and no anti-money laundering program as required by federal law.
In 2017, FinCEN assessed a civil money penalty against BTC-e for willfully violating U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) laws and against Vinnik for his role in the violations. A civil matter to enforce civil monetary penalties, in the amount of $88,596,314 as to BTC-e and $12 million as to Vinnik, is pending in the Northern District of California.
The indictment charges BTC-e and Vinnik with one count of operation of an unlicensed money service business, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, the indictment charges Vinnik with 17 counts of money laundering and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation (Oakland Field Office and Cyber Crime Unit, Washington, D.C.), Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia Quiroz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team provided substantial assistance. The extradition request was handled by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The Justice Department thanks the Greek Ministry of Justice for its cooperation in securing the defendant’s transfer to the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alleged Russian Cryptocurrency Money Launderer Extradited to United StatesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The alleged operator of the illicit cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e was extradited yesterday from Greece to the United States to face charges in the Northern District of California.
“After more than five years of litigation, Russian national Alexander Vinnik was extradited to the United States yesterday to be held accountable for operating BTC-e, a criminal cryptocurrency exchange, which laundered more than $4 billion of criminal proceeds,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This extradition demonstrates the Department’s commitment to investigating and dismantling illicit cyber activity and would not have been possible without the relentless work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The Justice Department thanks the Government of Greece, particularly the Ministry of Justice, for all their efforts in securing the defendant’s transfer to the United States.”
Alexander Vinnik, 42, a Russian citizen, was charged in a 21-count superseding indictment in January 2017. Vinnik was taken into custody in Greece in July 2017 at the request of the United States. He made his initial appearance earlier today in federal court in San Francisco before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim.
According to the indictment, Vinnik and his co-conspirators allegedly owned, operated, and administrated BTC-e, a significant cybercrime and online money laundering entity that allowed its users to trade in bitcoin with high levels of anonymity and developed a customer base heavily reliant on criminal activity.
The indictment alleges BTC-e facilitated transactions for cybercriminals worldwide and received criminal proceeds from numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware scams, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings, and was used to facilitate crimes ranging from computer hacking, to fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud schemes, public corruption, and drug trafficking. The investigation has revealed that BTC-e received more than $4 billion worth of bitcoin over the course of its operation.
Despite doing substantial business in the United States, the indictment alleges that BTC-e was not registered as a money services business with the U.S. Department of Treasury, had no anti-money laundering process, no system for appropriate “know your customer” or “KYC” verification, and no anti-money laundering program as required by federal law.
In 2017, FinCEN assessed a civil money penalty against BTC-e for willfully violating U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) laws and against Vinnik for his role in the violations. A civil matter to enforce civil monetary penalties, in the amount of $88,596,314 as to BTC-e and $12 million as to Vinnik, is pending in the Northern District of California.
The indictment charges BTC-e and Vinnik with one count of operation of an unlicensed money service business, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, the indictment charges Vinnik with 17 counts of money laundering and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation (Oakland Field Office and Cyber Crime Unit, Washington, D.C.), Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia Quiroz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the criminal case. The forefeiture action is being handled by David Countryman and related civil matters are being handled by Savith Iyengar.
The Justice Department’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team provided substantial assistance. The extradition request was handled by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The Justice Department thanks the Greek Ministry of Justice for its cooperation in securing the defendant’s transfer to the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Albuquerque drug trafficker sentenced to 17 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that John Seibel was sentenced on Aug. 2 to 17 years and six months in prison. Seibel, 26, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on March 15 to two counts of distribution of 50 grams and more of a substance and mixture containing methamphetamine, four counts of distribution of 40 grams and more of fentanyl, two counts of distribution of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
In his plea, Seibel admitted to leading a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to his plea agreement and other court records, on several occasions between April 1, 2021, and June 15, 2021, Seibel sold drugs to an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Seibel sold fentanyl pills manufactured by others, but also acquired a pill press and other components to fabricate his own fentanyl pills for distribution. On May 12, 2021, Seibel sold the undercover agent drugs, including fentanyl pills that Seibel and others manufactured with the pill press. In total, between April 1, 2021, and May 27, 2021, Seibel sold to the undercover agent 2,437.8 grams of methamphetamine and 546.4 grams of fentanyl.
Seibel was arrested following a sale of 1,368.6 grams of fentanyl and 1,333 grams of methamphetamine on June 15, 2021. That same day, law enforcement executed search warrants on Seibel’s residence and other locations associated with his drug trafficking activity. In Seibel’s home and vehicle, agents recovered a total of $84,139.19, which Seibel admitted were proceeds of his unlawful drug trafficking. At a residence in Tijeras, New Mexico, agents recovered the pill press, a powder granulator and other materials Seibel used to manufacture fentanyl pills. Agents also recovered 833.7 grams of powdered fentanyl, 400 grams of blue fentanyl pills, 48.3 grams of yellow fentanyl pills and 7,762 grams of methamphetamine. At a stash house in Albuquerque, agents located 634 grams of methamphetamine and 3,869.4 grams of fentanyl pills.
“John Seibel endangered the lives of countless people in the callous pursuit of his own enrichment,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “The illegal and unregulated manufacture and trafficking of counterfeit pills has contributed to the toll of fentanyl overdoses that have ravaged the District of New Mexico and communities across the nation. We will work diligently to halt these manufacturing operations and prosecute those who would profit from their flagrant disregard for the lives of our people.”
“While drug overdose/poisoning deaths continue to rise in our nation, Mr. Seibel made these dangerous illegal drugs readily available to New Mexicans for his profit,” said Greg Millard, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA El Paso Division. “DEA and its partners will continue to hold accountable those responsible for poisoning our communities, as we step up our campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of illicit drug use and medication misuse.”
Upon his release from prison, Seibel will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Among the agencies that participated in the investigation were the DEA Albuquerque District Office, DEA El Paso Division, DEA El Paso Division SRT, DEA Las Cruces District Office, DEA St. Louis Division, DEA South Central Laboratory, DEA Aviation, FBI Albuquerque Field Office, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Pueblo of Laguna Police Department, Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department, Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, Rio Rancho Police Department, Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, Belen Police Department and Albuquerque Fire & Rescue.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted this case.
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Aircraft Parts Foundry Agrees to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Failure to Conduct Testing and Falsified Test ResultsRead the Press Release
WDC Acquisitions LLC d/b/a Wellman Dynamics located in Creston, Iowa, will pay $500,000 to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act for failing to conduct contractually required testing and falsifying test results for parts used in military aircraft, the Justice Department announced today.
Wellman manufactures large metal castings that it supplies to prime defense contractors, including Bell Helicopter, Textron, Sikorsky Aircraft and the Boeing Company, for use in the UH-1Y, AH-1Z, AH-64 Apache, V22 Osprey and UH-60 Black Hawk programs.
The United States alleged that, between 2014 and 2021, Wellman failed to conduct required metallurgic and other tests on the castings, including tensile strength testing, destructive testing, microstructure analysis, hot isostatic testing and salt fog testing, and falsely certified results of tests that had not been performed. The settlement was based on an analysis of the company’s ability to pay.
“Proper testing is critical for ensuring the proper performance of the equipment that is provided to our men and women in uniform” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who knowingly falsify or fail to conduct required tests and put our military at risk.”
“It is imperative that our defense contractors and subcontractors provide the high-quality and properly tested products the military needs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy Duax for the Northern District of Iowa. “We are proud to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that this is the case.”
The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Wellman employee Bradley Keller. Under those provisions, a private party can file a lawsuit on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Keller will receive $90,000. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Bradley Keller v. WDC Acquisitions, LLC d/b/a Wellman Dynamics and Trive Capital Management LLC (S.D. Iowa No. 20-CV-100-LTS-MAR).
This matter was investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The investigation was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Gillespie.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
18th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Conspiracy Leading to the Death of a 19-Year-Old WomanRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Jordan Moreno, a/k/a “Joker”, age 23, a Honduran national recently of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal kidnapping charges related to the death of Victim 1, a 19-year old woman. Moreno had previously pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County to First Degree Murder in Victim 1’s death.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryeshia Holley of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
According to his guilty plea, beginning in October 2019, Moreno and other associates of the Tiny Locos Surenos (“TLS”) clique of the 18th Street gang conspired to kidnap and murder Victim 1 because Moreno and other co-conspirators believed she was associating with members of MS-13. MS-13 is a transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador.
In preparation for the murder, Moreno devised a plan to murder Victim 1, recruited other 18th Street gang members to assist, and selected a wooded area near Hyattstown in Montgomery County, Maryland in which to kill Victim 1. Additionally, Moreno contacted a TLS leader for authorization to kill Victim 1. Moreno and his co-conspirators planned and executed Victim 1’s murder to increase their status within the 18th Street gang.
To lure Victim 1 to her death, one of Moreno’s co-conspirators communicated with the woman on a social media platform in October and November 2019 under the pretext that he wanted to socialize with her. Eventually, Victim 1 and the co-conspirator arranged to meet on the evening of November 21, 2019. Moreno and three co-conspirators then traveled together to pick up Victim 1 in Washington, D.C before traveling to Maryland. Once they arrived at the wooded area near Hyattstown, a juvenile co-conspirator and Moreno, in turn, used a single pistol to shoot Victim 1 in the face and head, killing her. Following the murder, Moreno directed another co-conspirator to hide the firearm.
Moreno faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for conspiracy to kidnap. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, HSI, and MCPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked the Maryland State Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam K. Ake and Trial Attorney Danbee C. Kim of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Thursday 4 August 2022
Young Driver and Teenage Guide Plead Guilty After Rollover Accident Resulted in the Death of a PassengerRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Matthew Dylan Ramirez, 20, of Tempe, Arizona, and Jesus Madrid-Varela, 19, of Mexico, both pleaded guilty to Conspiracy and Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit Resulting in Death. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for November 1, 2022, before United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps.
In May 2021, Madrid-Varela smuggled three undocumented noncitizens into the United States by guiding them through the southern Arizona desert on foot, to a location near Quijotoa, Arizona.
On May 22, 2021, Ramirez picked up and transported Madrid-Varela and the three undocumented noncitizens in his vehicle with the intent to smuggle them further into the United States. While driving, Ramirez passed a Tohono O’odham Police officer who believed Ramirez was speeding. The officer attempted to stop Ramirez’s vehicle but was unsuccessful because Ramirez was driving over 100 miles per hour. Ramirez lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times, ejecting all four passengers. One of the passengers, a 36-year-old woman from Mexico, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other passengers, including the decedent’s husband, sustained non-fatal injuries. After his arrest, Ramirez admitted that he was recruited through Snapchat by a smuggling organization that was going to pay him $1,000 for driving the undocumented noncitizens to Phoenix.
Ramirez pleaded guilty to the Indictment without a plea agreement. He faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Madrid-Varela pleaded guilty with a plea agreement and faces 36 to 57 months in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Tohono O’odham Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Wright, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-01394-TUC-JGZ (EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022- 128_Ramirez_Madrid-Varela# # #
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.
Vivian Man Sentenced for Assaulting Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – A Vivian man has been sentenced for assaulting a postal carrier, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Derrick J. Thomas, 28, of Vivian, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 137 months (11 years, 5 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment in September 2021 charging Thomas with assault with a deadly weapon and he pleaded guilty to the charge on March 22, 2022. According to information presented to the court, on August 12, 2021, a rural carrier associate working at the Vivian Post Office began servicing her mail route in Vivian which she had been doing for two years. Shortly after starting the route that morning, the rural postal carrier passed Thomas sitting outside his residence (which was an abandoned residence) and parked nearby to begin to deliver mail to the street.
Soon after, the postal carrier got back into her vehicle and began driving but stopped after being flagged down by Thomas. Thomas had a 10” butcher knife hidden on his person and stabbed the postal carrier, who was 5 months pregnant at the time, in the right front shoulder. The carrier hit the accelerator and fled the scene before Thomas could stab a second time. The incident was reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and after an investigation, Thomas was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
“Our federal employees and contractors must feel safe while in the course and scope of their employment,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “This is especially true when our employees are working in rural areas where law enforcement resources are limited. This defendant, without provocation, committed a violent, inexcusable crime and deserves every day in the jail that the court gave him. We will continue to prosecute those who commit such heinous acts against federal workers.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Vivian Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan.
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Vicksburg Man Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 8 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Todd Damiani of the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Transportation.
According to court documents, John Travis Ross, 34, flew a drone carrying approximately 60 grams of marijuana, lighters, a cell phone, and various cell phone cables over a fence onto the grounds of the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl, Mississippi, during the early morning hours of August 6, 2020. Ross’s actions were captured on surveillance video. Ross has felony convictions for burglary of a building and sale of methamphetamine. On April 28, 2022, Ross pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that using drone technology for illicit distribution of contraband will not be tolerated,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-In-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Southern Region. “We will pursue and hold accountable those who choose to engage in such unscrupulous and unsafe criminal activity.”
The Mississippi Department of Corrections and the DOT OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Settles $1.66 Million Healthcare Fraud Claim Against Iowa DermatologistRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – Eastern Iowa Dermatology, PLC, located in Bettendorf, and Dr. Manish Kumar have agreed to pay $1.66 million to resolve allegations for violations of the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare for dermatology office visits and the destruction or removal of skin tags and lesions. The False Claims Act considers “up-coding”—the practice of exaggerating the amount or complexity of medical services rendered in order to achieve a higher level of reimbursement—a form a fraud.
Dr. Kumar and Eastern Iowa Dermatology, PLC also agreed to an Integrity Agreement and will submit to ongoing monitoring by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Health care providers that try to boost their profits by submitting fraudulent claims to Federal health care programs threaten the integrity of those programs and drive up prices for everyone,” said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of Federal health care programs and to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.”
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). False Claims Act cases can also be brought under the qui tam provisions of the Act, which encourage whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any financial recovery.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Faith and Investigative Analyst Connie Benton.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves Complaint about Wheelchair-Accessibility of Concentra Urgent Care Facility in Downtown DenverRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced today that it has reached a resolution of a complaint it received under the Americans with Disabilities Act about the accessibility of a Concentra Urgent Care facility in downtown Denver.
The Department of Justice received a complaint that the Concentra Urgent Care location at 1730 Blake Street in downtown Denver was no longer accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. Through an investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that 1730 Blake LLC, the owner of the building in which the facility is located, had remodeled the building’s lobby space in a manner that removed the sole wheelchair-accessible entrance to the facility.
To resolve the complaint, 1730 Blake LLC has agreed to construct a ramp at the exterior entrance of the Concentra Urgent Care facility.
“Access to health care, particularly urgent care, should never be denied to individuals in wheelchairs,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “I appreciate that Concentra Urgent Care and 1730 Blake LLC are willingly taking steps to remedy this issue. This resolution reflects our commitment to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires providing equal access for people with disabilities.”
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lake.
Outside picture of Concentra Urgent Care Downtown DenverTwo Monroe County Residents Convicted of Distributing Controlled Substances Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeremy Edward Johnson, age 31, and Susan Melissa Nickas, age 47, both of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were found guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl within the Middle District of Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of a person, after an eight-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before rendering guilty verdicts against Johnson and Nickas for the December 11, 2020, death of a 32-year-old Monroe County man. Both Johnson and Nickas were also found guilty of aiding and abetting each other in a December 10, 2020, distribution of heroin and fentanyl, resulting in that death.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of multiple witnesses, including Dr. Michael Coyer, a Forensic Toxicologist, who opined that death resulted from the use of heroin and fentanyl; and a PSP Forensic Chemist, who analyzed drugs found at the scene of the death. Additional testimony was provided by officers and detectives from the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Pocono Township Police Department, the FBI – Scranton Office; and a FBI special agent from the Pittsburgh Office.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the FBI in Scranton, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Sean Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Men from Ohio and Massachusetts Arrested Following Traffic Stop with Cash and Cocaine in CarRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Almonte Diaz, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lowinsky Cuevas Acosta, 26, of Lynn, Massachusetts, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on August 2, 2022, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of a white Toyota Camry, bearing Massachusetts plates, traveling eastbound on Interstate 90 in the area of Exit 41 in Seneca County. Diaz was identified as the driver and Acosta was identified as the front seat passenger. As the trooper approached the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, troopers recovered approximately $18,000 in cash and a gift-wrapped package that contained approximately 645 grams of cocaine.
Diaz and Acosta made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and were detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Brian Manaher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two Georgia Men Plead Guilty to Firearms Trafficking in Delaware Federal CourtRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. –David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Ryan Freeman and Shaquayvis Asberry, both from the Atlanta, Georgia area, pled guilty to conspiring to deal firearms without a license and related gun charges in federal court. Freeman pled guilty on July 12, 2022. Asberry pled guilty yesterday, August 3, 2022. The Honorable Colm F. Connolly, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, accepted both pleas.
According to court filings and statements made in open court, on January 16, 2021, while patrolling Interstate 495, Delaware State Police officers stopped the defendants for a routine traffic violation. Officers found 10 guns during a search of defendants’ car. Further investigation by the ATF revealed various text messages, photographs, and financial records, all of which demonstrated the Defendants’ intent to illegally sell these firearms. The Indictment also alleges that, with Asberry’s help, Freeman had been selling firearms without a license in Philadelphia since the summer of 2020.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Illegally trafficking firearms threatens our communities by providing individuals prohibited from possessing guns with ready access to these weapons. Disrupting the unlawful interstate transfer of firearms requires cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement. I want to thank the Delaware State Police and ATF for their thorough investigation.”
“These defendants illegally transported guns through numerous states, numerous communities, all with the intention of selling them illegally,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “Every step of the way, this threatens the safety of the public. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify and investigate anyone trafficking firearms and placing more guns into the hands of criminals.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-CR-00055 (CFC).
Two Companies Plead Guilty in Bid Rigging Scheme for Insulation ContractsRead the Press Release
BC Flynn Contracting Corp. (BC Flynn) and Axion Specialty Contracting LLC (Axion) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Connecticut for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids on insulation contracts in Connecticut in violation of the antitrust laws and, as to BC Flynn, to engage in criminal fraud related to those insulation contracts.
According to plea agreements filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, BC Flynn and Axion conspired among themselves and other companies and individuals to rig bids on contracts for installing insulation around pipes and ducts on construction projects at universities, hospitals, and other public and private entities in Connecticut. The conspiracy ran for nearly seven years, beginning as early as June 2011 and continuing until as late as March 2018. Four individuals and one company previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their role in this scheme and await sentencing.
“Construction and infrastructure projects — many of them funded in whole or part by taxpayers — deserve to have contracting processes that are fair and competitive,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The division will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the individuals and corporations that defraud these projects are held fully responsible for their actions.”
“The plea agreements detail how the perpetrators submitted collusive bids and shared bid numbers with their competitors in an illegal effort to improve their companies’ bottom lines,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “I commend the FBI and DCIS for investigating this scheme that victimized hospitals, universities and businesses throughout Connecticut.”
“Free and open markets are the foundation of a vibrant economy,” said Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating perpetrators of antitrust and fraud crimes that corruptly limit competition in the construction sector.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the integrity of the DoD procurement system,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Anticompetitive and fraudulent practices undermine the legitimate procurement processes designed to ensure equity among parties that do business with the DoD. We will continue to partner with the Department of Justice and the FBI to ensure that the market for construction services provided to the U.S. military remains competitive.”
The antitrust charges announced today carry a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for each defendant corporation. The fraud conspiracy charge against BC Flynn carries a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine. The fines for the antitrust and fraud conspiracy charges may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine. In addition, pursuant to the plea agreements, which are subject to the court’s final approval, BC Flynn and Axion have agreed to pay restitution to the victims.
This investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s New York Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI’s New Haven Division, and the DCIS’s New Haven Resident Agency.
In November 2019, the Department of Justice created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To contact the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to construction or infrastructure, go to https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Two Companies Plead Guilty in Bid Rigging Scheme for Insulation ContractsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – BC Flynn Contracting Corp. (BC Flynn) and Axion Specialty Contracting LLC (Axion) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Connecticut for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids on insulation contracts in Connecticut in violation of the antitrust laws and, as to BC Flynn, to engage in criminal fraud related to those insulation contracts.
According to plea agreements filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, BC Flynn and Axion conspired among themselves and other companies and individuals to rig bids on contracts for installing insulation around pipes and ducts on construction projects at universities, hospitals, and other public and private entities in Connecticut. The conspiracy ran for nearly seven years, beginning as early as June 2011 and continuing until as late as March 2018. Four individuals and one company previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their role in this scheme and await sentencing.
“Construction and infrastructure projects — many of them funded in whole or part by taxpayers — deserve to have contracting processes that are fair and competitive,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The division will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the individuals and corporations that defraud these projects are held fully responsible for their actions.”
“The plea agreements detail how the perpetrators submitted collusive bids and shared bid numbers with their competitors in an illegal effort to improve their companies’ bottom lines,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “I commend the FBI and DCIS for investigating this scheme that victimized hospitals, universities and businesses throughout Connecticut.”
“Free and open markets are the foundation of a vibrant economy,” said Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating perpetrators of antitrust and fraud crimes that corruptly limit competition in the construction sector.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the integrity of the DoD procurement system,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Anticompetitive and fraudulent practices undermine the legitimate procurement processes designed to ensure equity among parties that do business with the DoD. We will continue to partner with the Department of Justice and the FBI to ensure that the market for construction services provided to the U.S. military remains competitive.”
The antitrust charges announced today carry a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for each defendant corporation. The fraud conspiracy charge against BC Flynn carries a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine. The fines for the antitrust and fraud conspiracy charges may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine. In addition, pursuant to the plea agreements, which are subject to the court’s final approval, BC Flynn and Axion have agreed to pay restitution to the victims.
This investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s New York Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI’s New Haven Division, and the DCIS’s New Haven Resident Agency.
In November 2019, the Department of Justice created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To contact the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to construction or infrastructure, go to https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Two Chilton County Men Sentenced Following Federal Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Two men from Chilton County, Alabama have been sentenced for illegally possessing firearms, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
On August 3, 2022, Joshua Eugean Bean, 38, from Maplesville, Alabama, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Last summer, James Ryan Little, 27, from Clanton, Alabama, was sentenced to 90 months.
According to their plea agreements and other court documents, in May of 2018, the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office was on the lookout for a truck that had been reported stolen. It was also reported that there were multiple firearms inside the truck. On May 29, 2018, an investigator from the sheriff’s office spotted the truck and initiated a stop. Four individuals were in the vehicle, including Bean and Little, along with seven firearms. The investigator identified Bean and Little as suspects in the theft of the truck and the guns. Both men had previously been convicted of felony offenses and were therefore prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms. A grand jury indicted Bean and Little in October of 2020, charging each one with unlawfully possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense. Later, each pleaded guilty to the charge.
When pronouncing Bean’s sentence, the judge noted that when Bean was arrested on November 9, 2020—just two weeks after his federal indictment— he was again found to be in possession of a firearm.
Following their prison sentences, Bean and Little will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Russell T. Duraski prosecuted the case.
Texas pharmacy owner indicted in conspiracy that netted more than $10 million in payments for expensive drugsRead the Press Release
STATESBORO, GA: A Texas pharmacy owner is charged in a federal indictment for a scheme that generated millions of dollars in payments for unnecessary, expensive prescriptions through bribes paid to prescribing physicians.
Lucky S. Ott Jr., 44, of Boerne, Texas, is charged with Conspiracy in a one-count indictment alleging that he participated in a scheme to generate revenue by paying doctors to write prescriptions for expensive drugs that were reimbursed by insurance companies, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a statutory penalty of up to 15 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release following any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Prescription drug fraud increases health care costs for everyone, including taxpayers who subsidize social safety net programs,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “With our law enforcement partners, we will identify and shut down operations using illegal means to enrich those who profit at patient and taxpayer expense.”
According to the indictment, Ott was the owner of Boerne Drug in Boerne, Texas. The newly returned indictment by a Southern District of Georgia U.S. District Court Grand Jury alleges that from about 2017 to April 2019, Ott and co-conspirators offered and paid bribes to prescribing physicians in exchange for prescriptions for expensive drugs, including prescriptions to patients in the Southern District of Georgia whose information was obtained through the fraudulent use of a telemedicine call center. Boerne Drug would fill those prescriptions, typically for topical creams and gels, sending the unnecessary drugs to the named patients, and then receive reimbursement from pharmacy benefit managers.
During the time of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that Boerne Drug and its co-conspirators paid more than $1 million in kickbacks and bribes, and received more than $10 million in reimbursements from insurance programs including Medicare and Tricare.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Porter and Ryan C. Grover.
Texas Man Sentenced on Hate Crime Charges for Attacking Asian FamilyRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that Jose Gomez III, 21, of Midland, Texas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on hate crime charges for attacking an Asian family he believed was Chinese and therefore responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of committing a hate crime.
According to the facts admitted in the plea, on March 14, 2020, Gomez entered a Sam’s Club Warehouse in Midland, Texas, behind an Asian family with young children. Gomez had never seen them before and believed they were Chinese. Gomez followed them in the store for several minutes because he perceived them to be a “threat” as they were “from the country who started spreading that disease around.” Gomez then momentarily left the family to find a serrated steak knife in the store. Gomez bent the blade so that when he held the handle in his fist, the blade rested against his knuckles, sharp-edge facing outward. Gomez returned to the Asian family and punched the father, B.C., in the face, cutting him. Gomez then left to retrieve an eight-inch knife from the store. When Gomez returned to B.C., Gomez abruptly turned towards B.C.’s two young children – then aged six and two years old – who were seated in the front basket of the shopping cart. Gomez slashed open the face of R.C., the then-six-year-old child. The blade entered millimeters from R.C.’s right eye, split his right ear, and wrapped around to the back of his skull. Gomez also stabbed a white Sam’s Club employee, Z.O., who intervened to stop Gomez from further assaulting the Asian family. While being held down on the ground, Gomez yelled at the Asian family, “Get out of America!”
Gomez admitted he believed the Asian family was Chinese and that he blamed them for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez further admitted he had attempted to kill the six-year-old child. Gomez also admitted he had attacked Z.O., the store employee, because Gomez wanted to kill the six-year-old child and Z.O. was preventing him from doing so.
“Pandemic-driven and racially-motivated acts of violence are deplorable crimes, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.“Hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have spiked during the pandemic and must be confronted. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”
“Hate-motivated violence will simply not be tolerated in our society and every person deserves to feel safe from such vicious harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “Today’s sentence sends the message loud and clear that our office will aggressively prosecute federal hate crimes while seeking justice for victims.”
"Mr. Gomez's cowardly and racially motivated actions do not represent our West Texas community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffery R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “It is our hope today's sentence will help the victims with the healing process. Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue anyone who commits these violent acts to ensure the civil rights of all Americans are protected."
The case was investigated by the Midland Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young for the Western District of Texas and Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Texas Man Sentenced on Hate Crime Charges for Attacking Asian FamilyRead the Press Release
MIDLAND – The Justice Department today announced that Jose Gomez III, 21, of Midland, Texas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on hate crime charges for attacking an Asian family he believed was Chinese and therefore responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of committing a hate crime.
According to the facts admitted in the plea, on March 14, 2020, Gomez entered a Sam’s Club Warehouse in Midland, Texas, behind an Asian family with young children. Gomez had never seen them before and believed they were Chinese. Gomez followed them in the store for several minutes because he perceived them to be a “threat” as they were “from the country who started spreading that disease around.” Gomez then momentarily left the family to find a serrated steak knife in the store. Gomez bent the blade so that when he held the handle in his fist, the blade rested against his knuckles, sharp-edge facing outward. Gomez returned to the Asian family and punched the father, B.C., in the face, cutting him. Gomez then left to retrieve an eight-inch knife from the store. When Gomez returned to B.C., Gomez abruptly turned towards B.C.’s two young children – then aged six and two years old – who were seated in the front basket of the shopping cart. Gomez slashed open the face of R.C., the then-six-year-old child. The blade entered millimeters from R.C.’s right eye, split his right ear, and wrapped around to the back of his skull. Gomez also stabbed a white Sam’s Club employee, Z.O., who intervened to stop Gomez from further assaulting the Asian family. While being held down on the ground, Gomez yelled at the Asian family, “Get out of America!”
Gomez admitted he believed the Asian family was Chinese and that he blamed them for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez further admitted he had attempted to kill the six-year-old child. Gomez also admitted he had attacked Z.O., the store employee, because Gomez wanted to kill the six-year-old child and Z.O. was preventing him from doing so.
“Pandemic-driven and racially-motivated acts of violence are deplorable crimes, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have spiked during the pandemic and must be confronted. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”
“Hate-motivated violence will simply not be tolerated in our society and every person deserves to feel safe from such vicious harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “Today’s sentence sends the message loud and clear that our office will aggressively prosecute federal hate crimes while seeking justice for victims.”
"Mr. Gomez's cowardly and racially motivated actions do not represent our West Texas community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffery R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “It is our hope today's sentence will help the victims with the healing process. Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue anyone who commits these violent acts to ensure the civil rights of all Americans are protected."
The case was investigated by the Midland Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young of the Western District of Texas and Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
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Tampa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Construction-Related Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Kelbin Tejada (32, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $360,000, the proceeds of the wire-fraud conspiracy. Tejada had pleaded guilty on May 2, 2022.
According to court documents, Tejada owned and managed a construction company which purported to supply construction services and labor for construction contractors and subcontractors. In order to comply with Florida law, Tejada’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. Tejada’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be Tejada’s employees at construction sites and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Tejada or others would then regularly receive “payroll checks” from contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay Tejada’s purported “employees” and other related expenses.
During the course of the scheme, Tejada falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that his company had a very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. Tejada also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that his company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.
In reality, Tejada’s company received and cashed more than $18,000,000 in checks from various construction contractors for these purported “employees”. These payroll figures far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Tejada had reported to his worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees (in reality the employees of other entities) performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover.
As a result of these misrepresentations, Tejada’s company also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and that required state and federal payroll taxes were being paid for these workers. The contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were thus also able to avoid responsibility for those duties as well.
“Mr. Tejada not only defrauded insurance companies of thousands of dollars in premiums by lying on his policy application, more importantly he severely jeopardized the health and well-being of non-citizen laborers who work long hours in hazardous positions,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “HSI Special Agents and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that all workers performing these jobs have the safety net of proper workman’s compensation insurance.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Workers’ compensation fraud is a costly and dangerous crime that puts everyone at risk. This elaborate scheme illustrates how far criminals are willing to go to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums and leaves honest Florida contractors to foot the bill for higher insurance rates in Florida. Thank you to the U.S. State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and my dedicated insurance fraud detectives for their hard work in this case and bringing this bad actor to justice.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a lengthy investigation by those agencies into the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Stockton Man Charged with Possessing 83 Pounds of Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Gildardo Perez Avilez, 38, of Stockton, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Perez Avilez’s residence and seized 83 pounds of methamphetamine packaged in 1-pound bags and 8,800 counterfeit oxycodone M-30 pills containing fentanyl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Perez Avilez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Stockton Man Charged with Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Christian Flores, 25, of Stockton, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a search warrant at Flores’s residence in Stockton and seized 15 pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Flores faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Smuggled individual convicted of having pornographic imagesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national has admitted to having child pornography on his phone, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Christian Dolores Munoz-De La Rosa pleaded guilty to transporting and possessing child pornography.
As part of his plea, Munoz-De La Rosa admitted that on June 6 he was part of a group of undocumented aliens caught near Carrizo Springs. At the time of his arrest, authorities examined his phone and soon discovered the child pornography images.
There were a total of 116 images of child pornography, some of which involved a child as young as three.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Nov. 9. At that time, Munoz-De La Rosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Sioux City Man with Violent History Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon, was sentenced to 12 years in Federal Prison July 29, 2022.
Rudy Johnson, age 28, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of possession of firearm and ammunition by a felon. Johnson committed the instant offense after being released from federal prison for a 2012 crime spree.
In the summer of 2012 Johnson illegally acquired 16 guns.
On June 19, 2012, Christopher Bailey, Joshua Fields, David Johnson, Rudy Johnson, Terrence Miles, and Austin Peters used one of those stolen weapons -- a shortened semi-automatic rifle – to rob the employees of Seoul Foods in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The clerks’ children (ages 4, 10, 12, and 14) were also inside the store at the time. Johnson used a knife to hold the store’s butcher at bay during the robbery.
The same day as the 2012 robbery Johnson and others contemplated robbing a Chinese-owned business in Sioux City, Iowa, but the plot was abandoned because the store appeared to be too busy; Instead, Johnson participated in an attempted drive-by shooting of an individual elsewhere in Sioux City, Iowa. The gun misfired and the would-be shooters drove off.
On August 15, 2013, Johnson was sentenced to federal prison for offenses related this crime spree. On December 11, 2020, Johnson commenced a term of federal supervised release after his term of imprisonment and – that same day – he criminally acquired a handgun. On December 20, 2020, he transported that firearm to Iowa, shot a victim nine times with it in Iowa, concealed it, and fled Iowa.
At sentencing Johnson said he did not intend to murder the victim of the December 20, 2020 incident, and he requested a lighter sentence. However, it was undisputed defendant told another that he had “a gun on” him and “whatever happens, happens”, and it was undisputed that defendant shot the victim approximately nine times, hitting nobody else, despite the parking lot being crowded with people.
Acting United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “This case is a good example of law enforcement using the current federal gun laws to remove a dangerous repeat offender from our community.”
Johnson was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon. His term of supervised release was also revoked, and he was sent back to prison for another 24 months’ imprisonment. The two terms of imprisonment were ordered to run consecutively to one another resulting in a total new sentenced of 144 months. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal’s until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshalls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Task Force and the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4086.
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Schenectady Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Firearm, Marijuana ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Muhammad Coleman, age 42, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, and for possessing and conspiring to distribute marijuana.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
In previously pleading guilty, Coleman admitted that he conspired to sell marijuana from his Schenectady residence from at least May to October 2021. He also admitted to possessing about 20 pounds of marijuana, and to possessing a 10 mm Caspian Arms handgun, when the DEA searched his house on October 21, 2021. Coleman was not permitted to possess this firearm as a result of a prior drug felony conviction.
Coleman agreed to forfeit, as proceeds of the marijuana conspiracy, $319,387 in U.S. currency, and nine items of jewelry collectively worth more than $100,000, which the DEA seized on October 21, 2021.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, which includes DEA Special Agents and investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
St. Croix Felon Pleads Guilty to Home Invasion and CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Davis, 34, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Using a Firearm During a Violent Crime, Carjacking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for December 2, 2022, where Davis faces, a maximum of 15 years of incarceration on the carjacking, a maximum of 10 years on the felon in possession, and a mandatory minimum of seven years on the firearm possession during a violent crime. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2017, Davis, along with two co-defendants, broke into a home in Estate Rust Op Twist while brandishing a firearm. Davis and is co-defendants physically assaulted an occupant of the home by punching him in the head and threatened to kill another occupant while demanding money. Davis and his co-defendants then forced the occupants, at gunpoint, into the rear passenger seat of their Toyota Tacoma truck and drove to the shoreline location where the male occupant had left his wallet. After retrieving the wallet, Davis and his codefendants fled in the Toyota Tacoma truck and a Jeep Wrangler. In addition to the vehicles, Davis and his co-defendants stole $200.00 cash, two iPhones valued at $600 each and an iPad valued at $200.00. In 2011, Davis was convicted of Felony Assault in the First Degree in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston. The investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Rochester Woman Previously Convicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges, Going Back to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Charity Lee, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and a violation of supervised release, was sentenced to serve 39 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2021, Lee was convicted on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and sentenced to time served and three years’ supervised release. On March 8, 2021, United States Probation Officers conducted a routine home visit at Lee’s Ernst Street residence. During the visit, officers recovered 15.5 grams of crack cocaine base, a razor blade and drug packaging material, as well as multiple rounds of ammunition.
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Department, under the director of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.
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Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Gray Allen Asmus, age 49, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years supervised release for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentences are to run concurrently. Asmus was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Asmus was arrested and federally indicted following two Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Asmus was previously convicted of Possession of Child Pornography in 2016, and forensic examination of Asmus’ devices revealed multiple images of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Asmus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Prior Felon Going Back to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Quandrell Davis, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that in June 2010, Davis was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in Monroe County Court, and sentenced to five years in prison. On September 2, 2020, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), searched 52 Walnut Street in Rochester, and seized approximately 1.5 grams of fentanyl and approximately 1.5 grams of cocaine, three loaded firearms, one of which had been reported stolen in Tennessee, and ammunition. Drug trafficking paraphernalia was also seized, including digital scales and drug packaging material. Davis was taken into custody following the search.
The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.
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Pittsburgh Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 70 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Geron Anderson, 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization of which Anderson was a member. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Anderson was intercepted orchestrating the distribution of heroin throughout Pittsburgh. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Anderson’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anderson.
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.
Pearl River Woman Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl River woman was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to court documents, Winter Kate Lewis 32, of the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation distributed methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation from May 2019 to April of 2020.
A federal grand jury in July of 2021, indicted Lewis in a three-count indictment involving the possession and distribution of methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. On April 28, 2022, Lewis entered a plea of guilty to count one of the indictment charging conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. As stated in court, Lewis admitted to her role in the conspiracy.
Lewis was sentenced to a prison term of 24 months, plus a fine of $1500, to be followed by a term of 5 years supervised release following release from prison. The sentencing took place in the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the members of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Burns.
Paw Paw Man Charged with Arson of Planned ParenthoodRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that his office filed a criminal complaint today charging Joshua Brereton with setting fire to a Planned Parenthood building in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Brereton, age 25, is a resident of Paw Paw, Michigan.
On July 31, 2022, law enforcement received a report of a fire in progress at the Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo. Subsequent investigation, including review of video surveillance from the fire scene, revealed that, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a man now identified as Brereton breached the fence surrounding the building, used a combustible fuel to ignite the exterior bushes of the building, lit a fireplace starter log, and then threw the burning log onto the roof of the building, ultimately starting two separate fires. After the fires started, Brereton fled the scene.
The complaint alleges that, approximately an hour before setting the fire, Brereton purchased citronella torch fuel, a Duraflame starter log, and a utility lighter from a Walmart in Paw Paw, Michigan. He also purchased a baseball cap similar to the one depicted being worn by the suspect in Planned Parenthood’s surveillance footage.
Prior to the fire, the complaint also alleges that Brereton posted a video to his YouTube channel discussing abortion and abortion policy and referring to abortion as “genocide.” In the video, Brereton also encouraged others to “step out of your comfort zone” and lend a hand in the fight.
If convicted of the arson charge, Brereton faces up to 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.
Brereton’s arrest followed a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Carowan.
The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. A copy of the criminal complaint and the allegations are attached to this release.
Brereton Complaint###
Owner of Consulting Company Pleads Guilty to Failure to File Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 1, 2022, Reverend Terrence D. Griffith, age 61, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab for failure to file a tax return.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Griffith was the President of Clearwater Consulting Associates, Inc., located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reverend Griffith, as the responsible party for this company, failed to file a tax return for the year 2015. As a part of his guilty plea, Reverend Griffith also acknowledged that he failed to file tax returns for the years 2013-2016 for the consulting firm.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is one year of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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