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19 September 2022
Fitchburg Man Sentenced in Wide-Ranging Fentanyl, Heroin and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was sentenced on Sept. 16, 2022 in federal court in Worcester for his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Kevin Martinez, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 22 months in prison and six years of supervised release. On March 23, 2022, Martinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine) and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to court documents, following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area led by co-conspirators Pedro Baez and Anthony Baez. Intercepted communications identified the DTO’s cocaine, heroin and fentanyl suppliers, which included Martinez. In October 2019, Martinez delivered nearly 500 grams of cocaine to Pedro Baez.
Over the course of the investigation, agents seized over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000.
Martinez was charged along with 17 others in July 2020. Martinez is the ninth defendant to be sentenced in the case. In December 2020, Anthony Baez was sentenced by Judge Hillman to 13 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Pedro Baez pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 3, 2022. Three of the remaining defendants, Branny Taveras, Jessica Hughes, and Hector Matos have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Four defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. The Fitchburg Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Lunenburg Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fayette County Man Sentenced to 360 Months for the Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. —Christopher Wayne Livingood, 50, of Lexington, Ky., was sentenced on Friday to 360 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for production of child pornography.
According to Livingood’s plea agreement, he used the Kik social media application to communicate with another individual about sexual acts that he wanted to perform on a minor. Livingood also admitted to sending sexually explicit images of the minor to the same individual. In addition to the images he produced, he was also in possession of child sexual abuse material on various electronic devices.
Livingood pleaded guilty in May 2022.
Under federal law, Livingood must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed in Slaying of 71-Year-Old ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Edward Brown, 60, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of first-degree (premeditated) murder while armed in the stabbing of a 71-year-old man in an apartment building in Northwest Washington.
The verdict, returned in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In addition to the murder charge, the jury found Brown guilty of a second count of second-degree murder while armed, arising from the same offense. Both charges also carry potential sentencing enhancements because the victim was a senior citizen. The Honorable Rainey R. Brandt scheduled sentencing for Dec. 9, 2022.
On the morning of Feb. 5, 2018, the Metropolitan Police Department was called to an apartment in the 2300 block of 11th Street NW for a report of an unconscious person. They discovered the victim, Michael Mahoney, inside his apartment, fatally stabbed in the neck. Brown, who was temporarily staying in the apartment, was the last person to be seen on video surveillance going into and out of the apartment before Mr. Mahoney’s body was discovered by his concerned and vigilant senior friends.
Brown was arrested Feb. 27, 2018. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S Attorneys John Giovannelli, Sharon Donovan, Daniel Lenerz, and Jeffrey Wojcik; Paralegal Specialists Grazy Rivera, Kelly Blakeney, and Stephanie Siegerist; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce; Katina Adams-Washington, LaJune Thomas, and Nikiya Burnette of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; former Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim, and Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Prava Palacharla and Monica Trigoso, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Puja Bhatia, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Denham Springs Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Richard Culver, age 41, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to 240 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Following his term of imprisonment, Culver will have to serve six years of supervised release and register as a sex offender for life. Chief Judge Dick also ordered Culver to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $126,000.
According to admissions made during his plea, from June 6, 2019 to June 8, 2019, Culver posed as a 13-year-old girl and communicated with a 9 year-old girl via a social media application. During those communications, Culver sent the minor victim at least 15 images of child pornography and requested the minor victim to take and send similar photographs of herself to him. Based on Culver’s persuasion, the minor victim sent him images and video, which portrayed the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr., who also serves as Chief of the Criminal Division.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Cumberland Man to Plead Guilty in Largest Meth-Laced Pill SeizureRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – According to documents filed in federal court in Rhode Island, a Cumberland, RI, man has agreed to plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in connection with the seizure of approximately 660,500 methamphetamine-laced counterfeit Adderall® pills, the largest known seizure of its kind in the country, announced United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha.
Dylan Rodas, 27, has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on March 28, 2022, as an expansive Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation continues following the seizure of approximately 660,500 methamphetamine-laced counterfeit Adderall® pills, weighing a total of approximately 660 pounds; approximately eleven kilograms of methamphetamine powder; 1,000 fake Oxycodone fentanyl-laced pills; two motorized pill presses; 250 grams of cocaine; $15,000 in cash; and seven handguns, including two “ghost guns." This is believed to be the largest seizure of counterfeit Adderall pills to date, and among the largest single methamphetamine seizures by DEA’s New England Field Division.
In remarks delivered today at a press conference to announce the seizure, charges, and plea agreement, United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha remarked that “the quantity of methamphetamine represented by this seizure – methamphetamine that was packaged and ready to flow out onto the street, to devastating effect in our communities – is staggering.”
Addressing the burgeoning trafficking of methamphetamine into Rhode Island and New England, United States Attorney Cunha commented that, “…for a long time, we here in New England have been spared the full impact of methamphetamine, a drug that has blighted lives in so many other communities across the country. Those days, I regret to say, are over, with meth increasingly making its presence felt in Rhode Island and across the Northeast.” Mr. Cunha added, “This prosecution, which involves the seizure of what I can only term industrial scale quantities of meth, is a wake-up call that we cannot be complacent- that we cannot treat meth as a problem that happens elsewhere.”
“DEA is committed to investigating individuals like Mr. Rodas who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs, like the fake pills containing methamphetamine in this case, to the citizens of Rhode Island,” said DEA New England Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take methamphetamine off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Rhode Island and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.
A federal information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The defendant's sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of members of the Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, Woonsocket and Amtrak Police Departments; and the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General.
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United States Attorney's Office and DEACumberland County Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Charles Sistrunk Jr., 40, of Millville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with possession with intent to distribute 500 mg or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 13, 2020, agents of the FBI executed a court-authorized search warrant at Sistrunk’s residence and found over 3.7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice.” Sistrunk admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to others.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Sistrunk to three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of $2,900 of drug proceeds seized from the defendant’s residence.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the New Jersey State Police; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office; the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office; the Atlantic City Police Department; the Pleasantville Police Department; and the Millville Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Maggie Moy Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a convicted felon on a drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Terry Roshaun Pruitt, 37, of Birmingham, to 180 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine.
According to court documents, in September 2021, Pruitt ignored officer commands and drove through a license and insurance checkpoint being conducted by Birmingham Police officers. A brief chase ensued in which Pruitt crashed his vehicle into a tree and fled on foot. Officers pursued and caught him in an alley after he tripped over brush. In attempting to handcuff him, an officer found him holding a grocery bag under his body that contained crack cocaine weighing 291 grams.
In October 2008, Pruitt pleaded guilty to trafficking 50 grams or more of cocaine base and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Pruitt was on supervised release at the time of his arrest on the new charge.
“Arising from a simple traffic enforcement checkpoint, Pruitt was caught again with dangerous drugs he intended to distribute in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We are grateful for the coordinated work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in taking this dealer off the street.”
“The sentencing today of Terry Roshaun Pruitt sends a message to all who engage in the distribution of illegal drugs: we will work together to see that anyone involved in this illicit trade will be brought to justice,” Byerley said.
The DEA investigated the case, along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted the case.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Diante S. Colthirst, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison, with 60 months to be served consecutively with a state sentence, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko after he pleaded guilty in May 2022 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 2, 2020, law enforcement authorities attempted to arrest Colthirst in Orange, Ohio, due to an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for sentencing in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Colthirst fled from authorities in a vehicle as they attempted to arrest him and eventually abandoned his vehicle and ran from the scene on foot. Authorities searched the vehicle and located a firearm inside under the passenger seat.
Colthirst is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of attempted felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and having weapons while under disability and felonious assault and aggravated robbery in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Colthirst was later arrested by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive United States Marshal Task Force on March 11, 2020.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Orange Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
Bryan man sent to prison for receiving PPP funds while under indictmentRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 46-year-old Texan has been ordered to prison following his conviction of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Keith Anton Johnson pleaded guilty March 10.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ordered Tran to serve 14 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered Johnson’s fraudulent statements on multiple official documents he used to secure $123,000 in Payroll Protection Loans. Specifically, he falsely claimed he was not currently under indictment for any other crime. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hughes noted that Johnson stole not just from the government, but the taxpaying citizens of the United States who made the emergency relief possible.
At the time of his plea, Johnson admitted that in 2020, he lied on multiple documents while applying for a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan. At the time of his application, Johnson was under indictment in Harris County for theft over $300,000 in connection with construction fraud allegedly committed in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Johnson would have been ineligible to receive PPP funds due to that indictment.
Johnson applied for the fraudulently obtained PPP loan by claiming the loan was to be used for the employees of a bar and live music venue he owned in Bryan called Southerns. That venture failed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI and Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas H. Carter prosecuted the case.
Brockton Woman Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Operate a Prostitution BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman was sentenced on Sept. 15, 2022 in federal court in Boston for her involvement in a conspiracy that involved coercing young women to engage in prostitution.
Natashia Bowman, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Alison D. Burroughs to three years of probation and was ordered to pay restitution to victims. In September 2020, Bowman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise related to a prostitution business.
Bowman was charged by an Information in November 2019 for her involvement in a sex trafficking business ran by co-conspirator Matthew Engram, a/k/a “Magic.” From January 2009 until August 2015, Bowman assisted Engram in the recruitment and trafficking of multiple victims from a residence in Brockton and elsewhere to engage in commercial sex acts and took all or part of the proceeds for the financial benefit of the enterprise.
Engram and Bowman recruited multiple victims by falsely promising good earnings. Engram and Bowman advertised the victims on websites and Engram exchanged text messages with Bowman to share advertisements, organized prostitution dates and reserved hotel rooms. To maintain control, Engram used physical violence, intimidation and isolation to create a climate of fear that compelled the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex acts for the profit of the prostitution business. When the victims did not comply with Engram’s demands or did not make enough money, he physically assaulted them or directed Bowman to physically assault them. Engram or Bowman also transported the victims to other states, including Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, to perform commercial sex acts for the business.
On May 19, 2022, Engram was sentenced by Judge Burroughs to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, two counts of transportation of an individual for purposes of prostitution and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Philadelphia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit and Trial Attorneys Shan Patel and Vasantha Rao of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Pandemic Fraud, Identity Theft, Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on Sept. 15, 2022 for fraud, identity theft, firearm and drug offenses.
Jammy Alphonse, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 94 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On May 19, 2022, Alphonse pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Beginning in or around May 2020, Alphonse conspired to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, which were made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Specifically, Alphonse conspired to submit false PUA claims in other persons’ names and using other persons’ personally identifiable information. Alphonse and his co-conspirators created email accounts for the purpose of submitting fraudulent PUA claims from Alphonse’s Everett residence and other locations. The fraudulently obtained funds were then directed into accounts held in Alphonse’s name or in the name of a co-conspirator.
Additionally, in February 2021, Alphonse submitted an application to rent a property in East Boston using the name, Social Security number and date of birth of another person. As a result, Alphonse resided in that apartment from approximately February 2021 through Aug. 6, 2021, when he was arrested on a federal firearms offense. A search of the apartment recovered a loaded Glock model 43X, 9-millimeter firearm, 47 rounds of ammunition, and approximately 75 grams or more of fentanyl, among other things.
Alphonse was previously arrested and charged in August 2021 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon following a shooting in Cambridge, Mass., in July 2021. Alphonse has remained in custody since that date.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Boston Man Charged with Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been charged in federal court in Boston in connection with illegally possessing ammunition.
Tyreek Hall, 20, was charged by criminal complaint on one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Hall was detained pending a probable cause hearing scheduled for Oct. 3, 2022.
According to the charging documents, on June 9, 2022, Hall was found in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, bearing no manufacturer serial number (commonly known as a “ghost gun”), that being a Glock-style, 9x19mm caliber privately made firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Hall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The felon in possession charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of Rollins’ Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Barrow County man sentenced for kidnapping ex-girlfriendRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Ralph Haywood Jones, Jr., has been sentenced after shooting two women on June 10, 2019, including his ex-girlfriend – the mother of his children – whom he shot, kidnapped, and drove to South Carolina where he abandoned her in a parking lot without seeking medical attention. Jones left the other woman, a friend of his ex-girlfriend, lying in a driveway in Winder, Georgia, and bleeding from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
“Jones’s horrific violence resulted in significant trauma to his victims, their families, and his children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Fortunately, the quick response of our local law enforcement partners prevented the victims’ deaths. The intersection of domestic and firearms violence poses a serious risk to public safety and remains a top priority for our office and federal, state, and local law enforcement.”
“The only thing to be thankful for after Jones’s reign of terror is that no one was killed, even though he showed a disregard for human life,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, the FBI will continue to work with our partners to save lives and remove violent offenders from our streets.”
“This investigation represents a great example of several layers of agencies working together to help protect our citizens and help bring justice to victims of a terrible violent crime. Officers and medical responders of local agencies in Georgia initially responded and then collaborated with officers in South Carolina and helped get treatment for the injured and arrest Jones. During the investigation, federal authorities became involved to assist in the investigation and the US Attorney’s office persistently pursued a strong prosecution. A great team effort of multiple agencies. The Winder Police department appreciates the teamwork. Because of these efforts, a violent offender is taken off the streets,” said Chief Jim Fullington, Winder Police Department.
“Cooperation between law enforcement agencies is critical to citizen safety and the events of June 10th, 2019, demonstrates that,” according to Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “After receiving information from the Winder Police Department that a suspect in a crime from their jurisdiction may be located in Oconee County, SC, we located the victim in a vehicle in the parking lot of the store in Fair Play. Based on information we had obtained, Jones was located just down the road and was arrested and charged with a being a Fugitive from Justice in our County. The Sheriff's Office also assisted Winder Police with obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle. The importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies cannot be overstated and we are grateful that Jones is being held accountable for the crimes he has committed.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On June 10, 2019, Ralph Jones and his ex-girlfriend were scheduled to visit their children during a supervised visitation. His ex-girlfriend asked a friend to accompany them on the trip because she did not want to be left alone with Jones during the car ride.
As the trio prepared for the drive, Jones shot the friend of his ex-girlfriend in the abdomen and left her lying in a driveway in Winder, Georgia. He also shot his ex-girlfriend in the back of the neck. Jones drove his ex-girlfriend to Fair Play, South Carolina, where he abandoned her, along with his car, in a store parking lot. Officers found her bleeding and incoherent from the gunshot wound. Jones was arrested hiding in bushes near the store.
Ralph Haywood Jones, Jr., 30, of Winder, Georgia, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Jones pled guilty to kidnapping on April 18, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Winder Police Department, and the Oconee County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Area man who claimed to be African prince convicted by jury of several fraud crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal jury convicted a Dayton man, who as part of his fraud scheme purported he was a Ghanian prince, to 10 counts of various federal fraud crimes.
Daryl Robert Harrison, also known as Prince Daryl R. Attipoe and Prophet Daryl R. Attipoe, 44, defrauded at least 14 victims of more than $800,000. He was convicted of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and witness tampering.
The verdict was announced at 9pm on Sept. 16 following a trial that began on Sept. 5 before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman.
According to court documents and trial testimony, from January 2014 until September 2020, Harrison defrauded victims who thought they were investing in African trucking and mining companies.
Harrison – falsely holding himself out to be a royal prince from the African national of Ghana – told investors he had direct connections with these companies, and that they could expect an investment return of 28 to 33 percent.
Harrison and his stepfather claimed to be ministers with Power House of Prayer Ministries, which sponsored religious services in various church facilities and private residences throughout the Greater Dayton area, Southwestern Ohio area and Parker, Colorado. Many investor victims were members of the congregation.
Harrison routinely withdrew thousands of dollars in cash from the Ministries bank accounts shortly after receiving investments. Harrison and his stepfather used the investment funds to rent a house in Colorado, purchase luxury vehicles, airplane tickets, hotel accommodations and rental cars.
The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2020.
Harrison will be sentenced at a future sentencing hearing. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jaime Carazo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Dwight K. Keller and Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.
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16 September 2022
Worcester Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced on Sept. 14, 2022 in federal court in Worcester for unlawful firearm possession and trafficking in fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Daniel Donald, 41, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 16 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release. In October 2021, Donald was convicted by a federal jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine, over 28 grams of cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine), and fentanyl; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Based on his criminal history, the Court determined that Donald qualified as a Career Offender with respect to his drug convictions and an Armed Career Criminal with respect to his possession of the firearm.
In April 2017, law enforcement began investigating drug sales by Donald and his co-defendant Robert Young on Groton Street in Worcester. On Nov. 30, 2017, searches of two apartments leased by Donald at the property resulted in the discovery of a “hide” located between the exterior and interior walls of the detached apartment located at the rear of the property. One kilogram of cocaine, 345 grams of heroin, over 80 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 200 pills containing fentanyl and a loaded 9 mm firearm were seized.
In November 2021, Young was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Westborough, Wellesley, Douglas, and Southbridge Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm, John T. Mulcahy and Lucy Sun of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Warren Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Leading Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Vincent Richardson Jr., 30, of Warren, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, to more than 24 years in prison and ordered to pay a $4,000 special assessment by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko after he pleaded guilty in May 2022 to 40 counts of charges related to his role in leading a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, from March 2019 to February 2020, Richardson operated a drug trafficking organization in the Youngstown-Warren areas and supplied drugs, including cocaine, cocaine base (crack), heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, to other members of the organization to be further distributed throughout the region.
As part of an investigation into Richardson and the drug trafficking organization, authorities conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from members of the organization, including Richardson. In some instances, Richardson would direct another individual to deliver drugs to the buyer.
Investigators later executed multiple search warrants related to the investigation, including three that focused on Richardson’s residence. During the execution of these warrants, investigators obtained drug trafficking paraphernalia, a firearm, over $4,000 cash, a drug press and multiple quantities of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl analogues.
The investigation preceding the indictments was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force, Trumbull Action Group, Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Toepfer and Damoun Delaviz.
Vision Center in Colonial Heights Agrees to Settle ADA AllegationsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Colonial Heights Vision Center Optometry, PC (CHVC), a professional eye care center located in Colonial Heights.
The settlement agreement resolves allegations that CHVC’s eye exam chair and equipment were not accessible to patients with mobility disabilities, who may use mobility equipment such as walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs, and that CHVC had a practice of asking patients who use mobility devices to bring an attendant—such as a family member or friend—to facilitate manual transfer into the exam chair.
Medical facilities are not accessible under the ADA standards unless medical equipment, such as diagnostic and treatment equipment, is made accessible to all patients, including those with mobility disabilities. Accessible health care for people with disabilities is especially critical in detecting and treating serious medical conditions, which may become life-threatening if patients with disabilities do not receive equal access to care. Manual transfer of individuals with mobility disabilities can be dangerous for both patients and health care staff, unnecessarily risking bodily injury.
“The resolution of this case represents this office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with the ADA’s requirement that people with disabilities have equal access to and independence when accessing health care,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “No patient should be denied health care as a result of a mobility disability.”
To resolve this complaint, CHVC agreed to supplement its exam equipment, adopt new ADA policies that ensure that patients with mobility disabilities may attend appointments independently, transfer safely to the exam chair, and receive full and equal access to eye examinations. CHVC has also agreed to pay $1,000 to the complainant patient, for whom CHVC was unable to provide an eye exam.
The case was handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren “Lo” Stadler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Gordon, who is the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Department of Justice has several resources available to assist healthcare entities in complying with the ADA, including a Technical Assistance Publication entitled: Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, please visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). ADA complaints may be filed by email to [email protected].
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The civil claims asserted are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
U.S. Promoter of Foreign Cryptocurrency Company Sentenced to Prison for Role in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Carl Brooker, Lisa Sanniti, and Mark Pletcher
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY—September 16, 2022
SAN DIEGO— A Los Angeles man was sentenced in federal court today to 38 months in prison for his participation in BitConnect, a massive fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme, which defrauded thousands of investors from the United States and abroad.
According to court documents, Glenn Arcaro, 44, conspired with others to exploit investor interest in cryptocurrency by fraudulently marketing BitConnect’s proprietary coin offering and digital currency exchange as a lucrative investment. Arcaro and others misled investors about BitConnect’s “Lending Program.” Under this program, Arcaro touted BitConnect’s purported proprietary technology, known as the “BitConnect Trading Bot” and “Volatility Software,” as being able to generate substantial profits and guaranteed returns by using investors’ money to trade on the volatility of cryptocurrency exchange markets.
In truth, however, BitConnect operated a textbook Ponzi scheme by paying earlier BitConnect investors with money from later investors. Furthermore, Arcaro and others ensured up to 15 percent of the money invested into BitConnect went directly into a slush fund to be used for the benefit of the owner and promoters of BitConnect. The BitConnect Ponzi scheme ensnared 4,154 victims from 95 countries making it a true worldwide Ponzi scheme.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is committed to ensuring justice for victims of this Ponzi scheme. Putting a technical sheen on a vintage scheme will not stop this office’s pursuit of a just outcome.” Grossman praised the work of FBI’s Cleveland Field Office, as well as IRS-CI, the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force - a multiagency task force based in San Diego and Imperial counties that is funded by the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture.
“Identifying and investigating criminals who commit complex financial crimes under the guise of a sound investment strategy are a priority of the FBI,” said Cleveland FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen.
“The global reach and thousands of victims Mr. Arcaro impacted underscores the fact that fiscal crimes that combine the allure of cryptocurrency with new technology and a savvy marketing strategy are borderless and often begin through a relationship built on trust, hope, and promise. The FBI, together with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to work tirelessly to ensure conniving criminals are no longer a threat to any individual or business in our society.”
“Glenn Arcaro and his co-conspirators created a global web of deception and fraud,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher. “IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners diligently unraveled this web of lies, and today’s sentencing is a reminder that fraud does not pay. You will be caught, and you will go to prison.”
Arcaro admitted that he earned no less than $24 million from the BitConnect scheme, all of which, according to court documents, will now be repaid to investors in restitution or forfeited to the government. Arcaro took steps to transmit the BitConnect proceeds that he earned to offshore accounts, transform some of the proceeds into precious metals storage, and obtain foreign passports. Arcaro’s goal was to avoid paying federal and state income taxes on his income earned from the scheme and to shield his assets from collection by the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Brooker, Lisa Sanniti, and Mark W. Pletcher of the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and United States Postal Inspection Service provided indispensable assistance to the investigation.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21CR2542-TWR
Glenn Arcaro Los Angeles, CA Age: 45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349
Criminal Forfeiture—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 982
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater; forfeiture and restitution
AGENCIES
FBI
IRS Criminal Investigation—Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force
United States Postal Inspection Service
Two men accused in an assault of Bureau of Indian Affairs officer on Crow Indian Reservation admit chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Two men admitted to charges this week for their roles in an assault on a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, who was pursuing one of the men for operating a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Sept. 15, to assault on a federal officer. Old Chief faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
Co-defendant Darnell Lee Not Afraid, 38, of Pryor, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence. Not Afraid faces a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and set sentencing for Jan. 26, 2023.
The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Old Chief and Not Afraid were detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2021, BIA officers, while in the course of their official duties, were pursuing Not Afraid, who was driving a stolen truck at high speeds through residential neighborhoods in Lodge Grass. Not Afraid eventually stopped, got out of the truck and ran away. The officer pursued on foot into a residential yard and drew his Taser. As the officer neared Not Afraid, Not Afraid turned toward the officer, pulled up his shirt and grabbed a silver revolver from his waistband. The officer dropped his Taser, drew his service pistol and fired multiple times at Not Afraid, striking him at least once in the arm. An angry crowd of people, who had been watching the chase, accosted the officer, yelling and cursing at him. The crowd was angry at the officer for shooting Not Afraid and prevented the officer from attending to him. Old Chief became agitated at the scene and threw a bottle at the officer, nearly striking him in the shoulder and head. Old Chief pointed the officer’s Taser at the officer’s face and then threw the Taser at him. Officers recovered the revolver and determined that it was loaded.
A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Two Maple Heights Men Charged in Multiple Armed Carjacking IncidentsRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - Today, a federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment charging Donteze Congress, age 18, and Thomas J.D. Williams, age 18, both of Maple Heights, Ohio, with using a firearm to steal vehicles during separate incidents on August 9, 2022.
Congress and Williams are both charged with carjacking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and aiding and abetting possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Williams is also charged with attempted carjacking and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, it is alleged that on three separate occasions on August 9, 2022, police officers in Cuyahoga Falls, Solon and Streetsboro were called to respond to an armed carjacking incident. In both Cuyahoga Falls and Streetsboro, the perpetrators were alleged to have struck the victim’s vehicle from the rear, brandished firearms and confronted the victims after the victims exited the vehicle to assess the damage.
In the Streetsboro incident, it is alleged that the perpetrators approached the victim as the victim exited their vehicle, brandished a firearm and demanded the vehicle keys. However, court documents state that the perpetrators were unable to get away with the vehicle.
Defendants Congress and Williams were later identified and arrested following an investigation into the carjacking incidents.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum; in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland FBI, Solon Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Streetsboro Police Department and Garfield Heights Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Christopher J. Joyce.
Tabor Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Steven Joseph Bares, age 53, of Tabor, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on September 13, 2022, and pleaded guilty to an Information that charged him with wire fraud.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine; three years of supervised release, a violation of any condition of release could result in two years of additional custody on any such revocation; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and restitution.
Bares willfully and unlawfully devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and obtain money and property from two parishes by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
Saint Wenceslaus Parish in Tabor, South Dakota, and Saint John the Baptist Parish in Lesterville, South Dakota, are two small Catholic parishes located in rural South Dakota towns. The churches shared a single priest. The only administrative staff at the churches was Bares, who primarily worked as the bookkeeper. In that capacity, Bares wrote checks to pay bills and entered checks in the general ledges.
In May 2021, the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese, on behalf of the above-named parishes, hired an accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit. The audit uncovered multiple checks made out to companies belonging to Bares that did not correspond to any service or equipment purchased from those companies. Furthermore, these checks were neither entered in the general ledger nor entered as a legitimate expense.
Between January 2013 and March 2020, Bares embezzled money from two Parishes, totaling $324,001.37. The investigation confirmed that the checks identified in the audit report were deposited into accounts held by Bares.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 12, 2022. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.
Spokane Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Bradley Dale Hull, age 55, of Spokane, Washington, to 200 months in federal prison after Hull was convicted by a jury on May 18, 2022 of Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Heroin and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2020, a detective with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office was surveilling Hull’s residence in Spokane, Washington. After a separate search warrant was executed on Hull’s girlfriend’s residence, Hull was observed running through the snow barefoot towards a parked car. Hull was carrying a grocery bag which, after Hull was detained, was found to contain substantial quantities of methamphetamine and heroin. The grocery bag also contained more than $13,000 in U.S. Currency along with a number of collector coins. During the trial, Hull testified. Hull acknowledged that he collected coins, but denied the drugs were his, claiming the detective had seen someone else running with the bag. The jury, in returning a guilty verdict, rejected Hull’s claims. In announcing the sentence, Judge Rice observed that Hull had made false statements and perjured himself during his testimony.
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the Eastern District of Washington, stated, “Mr. Hull possessed large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin and was in such a hurry to evade law enforcement that he ran barefoot to his car on a February morning in Spokane. At trial, Mr. Hull sought to evade responsibility by making false statements to Judge Rice and the jury.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “I’m grateful for the tireless efforts of our law enforcement team, who protect our community by removing dangerous drugs from our neighborhoods.”
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis, who tried and prosecuted the case, thanked the agents and law enforcement officers who investigated the case. AUSA Ellis stated, “Whenever a case goes to trial, there is a tremendous amount of work that takes place behind the scenes. As an AUSA, I have the privilege of working closely with some the best law enforcement agents and officers in the United States. The verdict and sentence in this case are the direct result of the agents’ dedication and service within the Spokane community.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RAYMOND BAYONA, age 32, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 15, 2022 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to a one-count indictment charging him with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on March 2, 2022, detectives with the Slidell Police Department observed BAYONA on foot carrying a small red backpack near a gas station located on Robert Boulevard in Slidell. BAYONA had an active felony warrant for theft of a motor vehicle issued by the Slidell Police Department. After BAYONA entered the gas station parking lot, detectives followed him into the parking lot and requested that BAYONA stop. BAYONA then ran inside the gas station, followed by the detectives. The detectives were directed to the back of the store and located BAYONA hiding in a closet. The detectives located BAYONA’s red backpack in a corner near where BAYONA was hiding. Inside the backpack, BAYONA had a loaded Taurus nine-millimeter handgun. Prior to this, BAYONA knew that he had been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
BAYONA faces a maximum term of (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Irene González are in charge of the prosecution.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 12, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Oleg Vasiliyvich Manuylo, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Manuylo was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022.
Manuylo knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the state of South Dakota and elsewhere.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Manuylo was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 12, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jeremy James Konda, age 49, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Konda was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 5, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between May 27, 2020, and July 26, 2020, when Konda used a hidden camera placed in his bathroom to record videos of a minor female while she was using the toilet and the shower. The minor female was living there at the time.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Konda was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Reality Show Star Convicted of Murder-For-Hire ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury on Friday convicted a former reality show star from Jackson, Mississippi of murder-for-hire and insurance fraud charges connected his successful plot to have his nephew killed in 2016.
After seven days of evidence, jurors found James Timothy Norman, 43, guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Andre Montgomery Jr. on March 14, 2016, at 3964 Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis.
Norman took out a life insurance policy worth $450,000 on Montgomery, then arranged through intermediaries for his nephew's murder so that he could profit from it. Norman and Montgomery appeared on the reality show Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s.
All three of Norman’s co-defendants pleaded guilty before trial. On June 3, 2022, Travell Anthony Hill, now 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of murder-for-hire. Hill admitted that prior to Montgomery’s death, he met with a mutual acquaintance of his and Norman’s, who told Hill that Norman wanted Montgomery killed. On the day of Montgomery’s death, Hill and Norman met in St. Louis and Norman told Hill that a woman would be calling with Montgomery’s location. After receiving a call from the woman, Terica Ellis, Hill fatally shot Montgomery with a .380-caliber handgun at 8:02 p.m. and then disposed of the gun and his phone. He was later paid $5,000.
On July 22, Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to the murder-for-hire conspiracy charge and Waiel “Wally” Rebhi Yaghnam, 44, pleaded guilty to a charge of wire and mail fraud conspiracy.
Ellis, an exotic dancer from Memphis, Tennessee, admitted finding Montgomery twice for Norman before the murder and providing Montgomery’s whereabouts first to Norman, then to Hill, using prepaid “burner” phones Ellis and Norman purchased together. Ellis admitted knowing that Norman was upset and frustrated by his inability to locate Montgomery and knowing that Norman was going to take some form of action, but she did not know Montgomery would be shot. Norman paid her $10,000 for finding his nephew and told her to dispose of her burner phone after the murder.
Yaghnam, an insurance agent, admitted conspiring with Norman to fraudulently obtain a life insurance policy on Montgomery. Beginning in October of 2014, Norman and Yaghnam submitted five separate life insurance applications, all containing numerous false statements regarding Montgomery’s income, net worth, medical history, employment and family background. The $200,000 policy that was ultimately issued had a $200,000 accidental death rider that would pay out if Montgomery died of something other than natural causes and a $50,000 rider that would pay out if Montgomery died within 10 years of the policy’s issuance.
Following Montgomery’s murder, Yaghnam helped Norman file a claim on Montgomery’s life insurance policy.
Elis was charged by complaint on July 8, 2020. Norman was charged Aug. 11, 2020. Norman, Ellis and Yaghnam were indicted Aug. 20, 2020. Hill was charged Nov. 3, 2020.
Norman is scheduled to be sentenced December 15.
U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming said, “I’d like to thank the prosecution team that worked with a tremendous amount of evidence to earn this guilty verdict, as well as the cooperation and diligence of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI.”
The FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angie Danis and Gwendolyn Carroll are prosecuting the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Three Years and One Month for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 24, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Isiah Hunter, age 29, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hunter was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in May of 2019. He pleaded guilty on March 16, 2022. Hunter was responsible for distributing between 100 grams and 400 grams of heroin during his involvement in the conspiracy. Hunter obtained distributable amounts of heroin and then distributed it to others primarily in the Rapid City area. Oftentimes he would set up deals between the source and other parties obtaining heroin. Four other co-defendants have already been sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Hunter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Six Years for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 19, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Mark Twogood, age 57, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Twogood was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 18, 2022.
During his involvement in the conspiracy, Twogood and other co-conspirators obtained and transported methamphetamine between Colorado and South Dakota. The methamphetamine was then distributed in western South Dakota for use and distribution by others. Two co-defendants have previously been sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Twogood was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 16 Years and Eight Months in Federal Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jay Paul Gallego, age 37, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gallego was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 9, 2022.
Gallego, who resided in Rapid City, was a primary supplier of methamphetamine for multiple people in Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Reservation. He supplied methamphetamine to multiple individuals and coordinated and conspired with others as part of this drug trafficking conspiracy. At times, Gallego was also involved in possessing and selling firearms as part of this conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Gallego was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Three MinorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Rogelio Vega pleaded guilty to three counts of enticing a child to engage in sexual conduct. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara. When sentenced, Vega faces a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant’s use of the internet, including apps targeted to children, to sexually exploit minors is reprehensible,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Protecting children from online predators will always be a priority of this office.”
“These were not just poor decisions on Mr. Vega’s part, they were calculated, despicable wrongs,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “Today’s guilty plea holds him responsible for his actions and prevents him from causing any additional harm. And he will forever be branded as a predator who used the internet to prey on underage victims for his own sexual gratification.”
As set forth in court filings, between approximately 2015 and January 2021, the defendant used the Kik Internet messaging application, which is marketed to teens, and the Grindr application, which is marketed to the LGBTQ population, to express his interest in “young guys” and coerce and entice three male victims between the ages of 14 and 16 to meet him for sexual acts. A review of messages found on the defendant’s cell phones revealed a series of messages in which the victims identified themselves as underage and the defendant arranged to meet them for sexual encounters in his car or at motels.
Department of Justice Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ROGELIO VEGA
Age: 52
Maspeth, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-563 (EK)
Postal Worker Indicted for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEON TINSON, age 48, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on September 15, 2022 for Theft of Mail by a Postal Service Employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to the indictment, on or about April 14, 2022, TINSON stole, abstracted, and removed the contents of a letter entrusted to him and which came into his possession intended to be conveyed by mail, while performing his assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service.
If convicted, TINSON faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman is in charge of the prosecution.
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Podiatrist Convicted of $1.8 Million Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Michigan man today for his role in devising and executing a $1.8 million scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for services under another doctor’s name after Medicare revoked his privileges to participate in the program.
The defendant, Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, 60, of Oakland County, Michigan, was also convicted for falsification of records designed to prevent detection of this fraud and aggravated identity theft for falsely corresponding with Medicare under the name of another physician.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mitchell was revoked from participating in the Medicare program in January 2015. Shortly thereafter, he convinced his then-partner to enroll in Medicare and assist in opening a new clinic called Urban Health Care Group PLLC. Once the new business was set up, Mitchell continued to bill Medicare for services just as he had prior to his revocation, only now exclusively under the name of his partner. Upon law enforcement’s discovery of this scheme, Medicare suspended payments to Urban Health Care Group PLLC. Mitchell subsequently submitted false statements to Medicare regarding the fraud allegations (again, under his partner’s name) in an effort to undermine the government’s investigation and ensure the release of Medicare funds to the bank account he controlled.
Mitchell was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud; three counts of health care fraud; one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation; and one count of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of imprisonment of 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, 10 years for health care fraud, 20 years for falsification of records, and two years for aggravated identity theft (to be served consecutive to any other sentence). A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Darren Bartnik of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG and HSI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kathleen Cooperstein and Shankar Ramamurthy of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Any patients who believe they may have been treated by a doctor who billed improperly services should report this conduct to HHS-OIG at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Sex Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, initially charged in federal court by criminal complaint for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud and coercion, as well as production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The seven-count Indictment, returned yesterday, names Eric Jefferson, 39, formerly of the Polish Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh and currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail, as the sole defendant.
According to the seven-count Indictment, from in and around June 2019 to in and around April 2022, Jefferson attempted to and did by force, threats of force, fraud or coercion, cause four different adult females, who are known to the grand jury, to engage in commercial sex acts. Additionally, the Indictment alleges that from in and around February 2021 to in and around May 2022, Jefferson used the internet and cell phone to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of a business involving prostitution, in violation of state and federal law. The Indictment also alleges that on or about May 29, 2017, Jefferson produced a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Lastly, the Indictment alleges that, on or about May 18, 2022, Jefferson possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors who were under the age of 12.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The charges in the Indictment concern specific victims. Additional members of the public who may have information about Jefferson’s involvement in sex trafficking are encouraged to call the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office at (412) 432-4000.This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now). Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to Three Years and 10 Months for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Shiotah Buckman, age 22, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Buckman was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February of 2021. She pleaded guilty to the indictment on May 20, 2022. Buckman obtained methamphetamine brought to South Dakota by others and then distributed that methamphetamine to others for use and additional distribution. It was reasonably foreseeable that between 350-500 grams would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy, primarily in the Pine Ridge area.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Buckman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to over 36 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Discharge and Brandishing of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, three counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 31, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken,
Isaac Roubideaux, age 30, was sentenced to a total of 442 months in federal prison on the eight charges of which he was convicted by a federal jury in May of 2022. This time is to be followed by five years of supervised release. Roubideaux was also ordered to pay $800 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $900 in restitution.
Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He was found guilty of the charges following a jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 20, 2022.
The conviction stems from Roubideaux using a Savage rifle to shoot a male individual in the back as he attempted to leave Roubideaux’s residence at Pine Ridge on November 18, 2021. The victim was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the assault. Roubideaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 2016 and was required to register as a sex offender. On three separate occasions between 2020 and 2021, Roubideaux failed to update and register his address consistent with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Roubideaux, a convicted felon, who is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, possessed a KEL-TEC, .22 caliber handgun on September 26, 2021, and the Savage rifle that was used in the November 18, 2021, shooting.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Oglala Sioux Tribe Criminal Investigations Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rapid City Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Roubideaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Piedmont Woman Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Piedmont, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Billi American Horse, age 33, was sentenced to 10 years custody in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
American Horse was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. She pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.
During her involvement in the conspiracy, American Horse obtained methamphetamine and distributed it primarily in western South Dakota. American Horse was involved in a pursuit with law enforcement in July 2021, in which she was transporting large amounts of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. During the pursuit, she threw illegal substances out the window in an effort to discard the drugs. Once officers were able to stop her, they located methamphetamine and other drugs in American Horse’s vehicle, as well as locating a significant amount of methamphetamine that had been thrown from the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
American Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Mario Antwan Brewer, Jr., 29, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 17 ½ years in federal prison for firearms offenses, after pleading guilty on December 17, 2021. The sentence was based upon two federal indictments stemming from violations of federal firearms laws in 2020 and 2021. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partnerships play a vital role in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners is making our communities safer.”
Court documents reflect that on December 28, 2020, a shoot-out took place between two vehicles at a gas station on the corner of Fairfield and North Davis Highway in Pensacola. Multiple discharged shell casings of 9-millimeter ammunition were left behind at the crime scene which were collected as evidence by the Pensacola Police Department. Thereafter, one of the involved vehicles was located in Alabama and linked to Brewer. On January 28, 2021, Brewer was located at an apartment in Pensacola along with multiple firearms. One of those firearms, a Smith & Wesson 9-millimeter pistol, ballistically matched the firearm that left behind the spent shell casings during the December 2020 shooting. That same firearm had Brewer’s DNA on it when seized.
“Today’s sentencing reflects the collaboration and partnerships required to combat violent crimes in our communities today,” said ATF Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. “This case also demonstrates how ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network — or NIBIN — can help investigators link shootings and take violent offenders off of our streets.”
Brewer was again caught with a loaded firearm on August 27, 2021. This time, he was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Pensacola Police Department. Brewer was taken into federal custody at that time.
“Violent crime is impacting too many lives,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Today’s announcement of this sentencing is another example of our commitment to hold accountable, those who commit violent acts in our community.”
The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jennifer H. Callahan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Toledo, Ohio, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 12, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Maurice Anthony Streater, age 32, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Streater was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. He pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022.
The conviction stems from Streater failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between January 1, 2021, and September 9, 2021. Streater had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Streater was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Andover Man Sentenced for Misusing a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A North Andover man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for fraudulently using someone else’s Social Security number.
Angel Manuel German Familia, 38, was sentenced on Sept. 14, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. German Familia is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On May 31, 2022, German Familia pleaded guilty to two counts of false representation of Social Security number.
In 2016, German Familia fraudulently applied to renew a driver’s license at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a United States citizen. German Familia also applied for MassHealth benefits and opened bank accounts in the victim’s name. German Familia was using the stolen identity since as early as 2009 and had submitted a Social Security card and birth certificate in the victim’s name in a previous RMV application.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the North Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak III of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
Newington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that GLEN DAUPHIN, 50, of Newington, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a firearm offense stemming from his unlawful possession of numerous firearms, firearm components and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department learned that Dauphin was a user of crack cocaine who had amassed at his Tremont Street residence a large collection of firearms, some of which he knew were unlawful to possess, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators also received information that Dauphin possessed firearm components, ammunition, “ghost guns” and parts used to manufacture ghost guns.
On June 24, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of more than 100 rounds of ammunition and a ghost gun “kit” from Dauphin. Dauphin was arrested later that day after investigators conducted a court authorized search of his residence and seized more than 40 firearms, including handguns, shotguns and assault-type rifles; firearm components, including two silencers; other weapons and devices, including a flamethrower; and more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
Dauphin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered silencer, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Dauphin is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 21.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice Intelligence and Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Newington Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Margaret M. Donovan.
New York Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Darvent Cummings, 31, of Brooklyn, New York was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2020, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped a vehicle in which Cummings was a passenger based on a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle did not have a license and the driver and the defendant gave inconsistent stories about their travel itineraries. The driver was asked if there was anything illegal in the car and then started to cry. The driver eventually told the trooper that there were drugs in the car. A search of the car revealed two small bricks wrapped in duct tape, which later tested positive for more than 500 grams of fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth R. Aframe and John J. Kennedy.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Laundering Proceeds from Government Impostor Robocall ScamRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact: Special Assistant U. S. Attorneys Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti (619) 546-7924/8811
SAN DIEGO – Jon J. Kahen of Great Neck, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to four counts of money laundering in his role as a telecommunications company owner who facilitated and profited from the introduction of fraudulent robocall traffic into the United States.
Until 2020, Kahen was the owner and chief executive officer of Global Voicecom, Inc. (“GVI”), a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) provider based in Great Neck, New York. GVI provided telecommunications services that introduced foreign phone traffic into the U.S. telephone system, making GVI a “gateway carrier.” From approximately 2016 until a search warrant was executed at his home in January 2020, GVI was a gateway carrier for an India-based VoIP company that used GVI to route millions of fraudulent robocalls to American consumers. Many of these robocalls involved individuals based in India fraudulently impersonating agents of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA/OIG), and the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to connecting these foreign callers to American consumers, GVI resold and leased to the Indian VoIP company with Direct Inward Dial and toll-free telephone numbers that made them appear to be based in the United States. As a result of GVI’s actions, thousands of Americans were defrauded.
In his plea agreement, Kahen admitted that by 2018 he had become aware that his Indian client was using GVI’s services to commit fraud, and that by May 2019, Kahen was aware that the funds paid to GVI by this client for continued gateway carrier services were the proceeds of this fraud. Despite this knowledge, Kahen and GVI continued to provide telecommunications services to the Indian client and conducted monetary transactions on the client’s behalf. This criminal conduct ended only with the filing of a civil injunction in January 2020, when Kahen and GVI were enjoined from operating as intermediate VoIP carriers conveying any telephone calls into the U.S. telephone system.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Kahen has agreed to pay almost $400,000 in criminal forfeiture and restitution to victims of fraudulent robocalls connected by GVI.
"This defendant opened the door to foreign fraudsters who exploited the good name of our government agencies to target Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Let this case be a message to players in the United States who have been facilitating foreign actors and profiting from the fraud that they will be held accountable." Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“U.S. consumers, many of whom are elderly or are otherwise vulnerable, are inundated with millions of illegal robocalls every day,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Anyone with a telephone is a potential target. The Department is committed to stopping fraudulent robocalls and pursuing those who knowingly facilitate robocall fraud schemes for financial gain.”
“Mr. Kahen knowingly facilitated the robocalls of government imposters that not only defrauded U.S. consumers, but preyed on their trust in the government,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to pursue those who perpetuate these robocall fraud schemes, and I appreciate the trial attorneys, Yolanda McCray Jones and Wei Xiang, of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, for prosecuting this case. I also want to thank all our law enforcement partners for their contributions to the success of this investigation.”
“When consumers – especially our vulnerable older Americans – are exploited by fraudsters who are impersonating a government agency or official, the impact is detrimental and the repercussions are long-lasting,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “Anyone who engages in or facilitates deceptive practices like this should know they will not go undetected. Postal Inspectors will continue to work tirelessly to hold those criminals accountable and bring justice to the American public.”
Criminal charges against Kahen were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California on June 30, 2022, and transferred to the Eastern District of New York. Kahen is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert in the Islip, New York federal courthouse.
This case was prosecuted for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti, and for the United States Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch by Trial Attorneys Yolanda McCray Jones and Wei Xiang.
The matter was investigated by agents from SSA-OIG, the U.S. Postal Investigation Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and by Homeland Security Investigations-New York. Resources from the Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force aided in the matter’s investigation and prosecution.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-CR-1474-LL (SDCA) / 22-CR-309 (EDNY)
Jon J. Kahen Age: 48 Great Neck, NY
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General
United States Postal Inspection Service
United States Secret Service
United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations – New York
New York Man Enters Guilty Plea to Laundering Monies Connected to Proceeds from Facilitating Fraudulent RobocallsRead the Press Release
A New York man pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to money laundering for his role as the owner and operator of a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) company that facilitated and profited from the introduction of fraudulent robocall traffic into the United States.
Jon J. Kahen, 48, of Great Neck, New York, was the owner and chief executive officer of Global Voicecom Inc. (GVI), a U.S.-based VoIP provider, from 1999 to 2020. GVI provided telecommunications services, such as calling platforms and domestic direct inward dial (DID), toll-free, and call termination services, that introduced foreign phone traffic into the U.S. telephone system (thereby serving as a so-called “gateway carrier”).
Beginning at least as early as 2016, GVI began serving as a gateway carrier for an India-based VoIP provider that used GVI’s gateway carrier services to route fraudulent robocalls – including, but not limited to, U.S. government agency imposter calls placed by individuals located in India who were fraudulently impersonating agents of the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) – into the U.S. telephone system. This provider also used the DID and toll-free numbers re-leased and/or re-sold to it by GVI to facilitate various fraudulent robocall scams. U.S. consumers, including the elderly, were defrauded as a result of these scams.
By 2018, Kahen became aware that this India-based VoIP provider was using GVI’s telecommunications services to engage in unlawful activities (e.g., wire fraud involving fraudulent robocalls), and by May 2019, Kahen was aware that the funds paid to GVI by this client for continued gateway carrier services constituted the proceeds of unlawful activities. Despite this knowledge, Kahen conducted unlawful monetary transactions involving these criminally derived funds.
“U.S. consumers, many of whom are elderly or are otherwise vulnerable, are inundated with millions of illegal robocalls every day,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Anyone with a telephone is a potential target. The Department is committed to stopping fraudulent robocalls and pursuing those who knowingly facilitate robocall fraud schemes for financial gain.”
“This defendant opened the door to foreign fraudsters who exploited the good name of our government agencies to target Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California. “Let this case be a message to players in the United States who have been facilitating foreign actors and profiting from the fraud that they will be held accountable.”
“Mr. Kahen knowingly facilitated the robocalls of government imposters who not only defrauded U.S. consumers, but preyed on their trust in the government,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to pursue those who perpetuate these robocall fraud schemes, and I am grateful to the trial attorneys, Yolanda McCray Jones and Wei Xiang, of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, for prosecuting this case. I also want to thank all our law enforcement partners for their contributions to the success of this investigation.”
“When consumers – especially our vulnerable older Americans – are exploited by fraudsters who are impersonating a government agency or official, the impact is detrimental and the repercussions are long-lasting,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “Anyone who engages in or facilitates deceptive practices like this should know they will not go undetected. Postal Inspectors will continue to work tirelessly to hold those criminals accountable and bring justice to the American public.”
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Kahen agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $216,700 to four robocall victims of the above-referenced wire fraud scheme and to additionally forfeit $176,000.
The United States previously filed a civil action in January 2020, alleging that Kahen and his corporations were responsible for carrying millions of fraudulent robocalls to American consumers. This action also alleged that Kahen and his corporations were warned numerous times that they were carrying fraudulent robocalls and yet continued to do so, thereby facilitating foreign-based fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States. The civil action sought to enjoin Kahen and his corporations from engaging in the ongoing commission of criminal wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In March 2020, Kahen and his corporations were permanently enjoined from operating as intermediate VoIP carriers conveying any telephone calls into the U.S. telephone system.
Trial Attorneys Yolanda McCray Jones and Wei Xiang of the Justice Department’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti of for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.
The matter was investigated by agents from the SSA-OIG, U.S. Postal Investigation Service, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation - El Dorado Task Force. Resources from the Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force aided in the matter’s investigation and prosecution.
The department’s extensive and broad-based efforts to combat elder fraud seek to halt the widespread losses seniors suffer from fraud schemes. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
New York Man Charged with Middlesex County CarjackingRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A New York man was charged for an armed carjacking committed in South Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jashawn Robinson, 21, of Queens, New York, is charged by complaint with one count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He will appear for his initial appearance at a later date.
According to the documents filed in this case:
On Aug. 29, 2021, at approximately 11:15 a.m., as two victims approached their vehicle parked in a motel parking lot to leave, Robinson ran up behind one of them, pointed a gun directly at her, and forcefully pulled her away from the vehicle. Robinson fired one round of ammunition from his gun into the air. Robinson then pointed his gun at the second victim, who had his hands in the air and was backing away from the vehicle. Robinson then entered the vehicle and drove away. The carjacking, including Robinson’s discharge of the firearm, was captured on video surveillance.
On Sept. 27, 2021, law enforcement officers located the carjacked vehicle parked on a residential street in Queens, New York, and established surveillance. The officers observed Robinson approach and enter that vehicle. As law enforcement officers converged and surrounded the vehicle, Robinson repeatedly tried to get away, including hitting parked cars and almost hitting law enforcement personnel. Robinson was removed from the vehicle and arrested.
The count of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on any other charge. Both charges each carry a potential fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; and the South Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Raymond J. Hayducka, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the New York City Police Department, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Gasparian, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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New Mexico Man Sentenced for Attempt to Transfer Obscene Matter to A MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO – A New Mexico man was sentenced last week to 36 months in prison for attempting to distribute obscene matter to a minor in violation of Title 18, Section 1470 of the United States Code, which strictly prohibits such actions.
According to court documents, Alfredo Ramos, 24, engaged in sexually explicit and obscene text conversations with someone he thought to be 13 years old. In reality, Ramos was texting an undercover employee from the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad.
“Our office treats the protection of children as an extraordinarily serious responsibility, and as this case demonstrates, we will persist in our efforts to ensure that those who prey on minors are found and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “I am thankful for the work of our prosecutors and the efforts of our law enforcement partners.”
“We have zero tolerance for individuals who intend to take away the innocence of our children by making them victims of a sexual crime,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “I want to thank the members of the FBI El Paso’s Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force for preventing Ramos from meeting an undercover employee whom he believed was a thirteen-year-old, he met via social media, for sex. This case is another reminder for all of us to remain vigilant about our children’s online behavior and social media presence.”
On June 13, 2022, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor.
The FBI, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division and El Paso County Constable’s Offices Precinct One and Precinct Six, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Dos Santos prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Nebraska Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Newcastle, Nebraska, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Joseph Ross Burks, age 41, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Burks was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 23, 2022.
The conviction stems from Burks failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between May 22, 2021, and July 27, 2021. Burks had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for the period of 25 years.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Burks was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Maryland Man Extradited to District of Columbia to Face Charges in January 2022 Murder in GeorgetownRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Maryland man has been extradited from Jamaica to the District of Columbia following his arrest for a murder that took place earlier this year in Georgetown, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Ranje Wade Chin Reynolds, 24, of Beltsville, Maryland, is charged with first-degree (premeditated) murder in the Jan. 31, 2022, slaying of Tarek Boothe, 27. Reynolds was arrested on Aug. 16, 2022, in Kingston Jamaica at the request of the United States on a warrant charging him with murder in the case. He made his initial appearance today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and was ordered held pending a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 3, 2022.
Mr. Boothe, of Alexandria, Virginia, was shot at approximately 6:13 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2022, in the 3200 block of M Street NW. Both Mr. Boothe and Reynolds were on the sidewalk at the time of the shooting. Mr. Boothe was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later from a gunshot wound to the head.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs to secure the arrest and extradition of Reynolds to the United States.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalie Hynum, with valuable assistance from Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera and Laura Bach, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Man Who Caused Fatal Alexandria Crash Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man who was intoxicated and had used drugs, and then drove his truck more than 50 miles per hour over the speed limit before crashing into a tree and killing his front seat passenger was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for manslaughter.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2020, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Samuel Meyer, 22, was driving his Toyota Tacoma truck southbound on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which is a federal land. Near Mt. Vernon Circle, as the road curves, Meyer lost control of his truck, left the roadway, and crashed into the woods next to the travel lanes. The truck crashed with such force that the skin of the passenger side of the vehicle was peeled off entirely, and the front passenger door of the vehicle was embedded into a tree a short distance from where the truck came to a stop. Meyer’s front seat passenger, Michael Cunningham, 19, who was wearing his seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Hospital personnel could not resuscitate him, and he died from blunt trauma injuries to his head, neck, trunk, and extremities.
Meyer and a backseat passenger were also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. About three and a half hours after the crash, blood samples were taken from Meyer. An analysis showed that Meyer’s blood alcohol content was .09 g/100 mL, still above the legal limit hours after the crash. Also present in Meyer’s blood were benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of cocaine; THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana; and cocaethylene, which is formed by the liver when cocaine and alcohol coexist in the blood.
Meyer’s vehicle’s electronic data recorder revealed that he was driving 85.1 miles per hour at the time of impact. The speed limit at the location of the accident is 35 miles per hour. There was no sign that Meyer had applied his brakes and the accelerator was pressed for the last five seconds prior to impact. The roadway was clear and dry, and Meyer’s truck was working properly with no defects or malfunctions. Just before the accident, Cunningham and the other passenger had each implored Meyer to slow down.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Pamela A. Smith, Chief of U.S. Park Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Haynes and Marc J. Birnbaum prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-281.
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Daniel Trevino, 46, formerly from Primghar, Iowa, was sentenced on September 16, 2022, to 10 years’ in federal prison.
Trevino pled guilty on February 5, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from December 2020 through April 2021, Trevino and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. On April 24, 2021, Trevino was traffic stopped by law enforcement. After showing signs of impairment, law enforcement received permission to search a bag located next to Trevino. Inside the bag, law enforcement discovered a scale, cell phones, and other drug paraphernalia. When the vehicle was being secured to be towed, a black magnetic box fell from the steering column which later was found to contain approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine. Trevino had just picked up the methamphetamine from his source in Colorado.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Trevino was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-yeear term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Trevino remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4076.
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Man Found Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 15, 2022, a federal jury convicted Carlos J. Reyes-Rosario, a.k.a. “Carlitos El Mea,” of five counts for drug trafficking in the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico. He faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison.
Convict Reyes-Rosario was charged on December 8, 2017, along with 43 other defendants with conspiracy to distribute heroin, crack, cocaine, marihuana, Percocet, and Xanax at the Turabo Heights, Brisas del Turabo, Juan Jiménez-García, Práxedes Santiago, Jardines de Cidra, and Vistas de Jagüeyes Public Housing Projects and other areas nearby the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra and Aguas Buenas, PR.
Evidence at trial proved that Reyes-Rosario was a gang leader at the Jardines de Cidra public housing project. The gang’s territory spanned the greater Caguas area and had as its main leader federal fugitive Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro”. The jury heard evidence that upon the arrest and subsequent murder of a prior gang leader at Jardines de Cidra, Torres-Delgado appointed Reyes-Rosario to a leadership position. Reyes-Rosario served as the gang leader of Jardines de Cidra from late 2015 until the federal indictment came down.
Within Jardines de Cidra, armed drug dealers working under the leadership of Reyes-Rosario sold heroin, crack, cocaine, marijuana, and pills in broad daylight while residents, including families and children, went about their lives. The United States presented evidence that this gang routinely carried guns to include illegally modified automatic weapons. The gang engaged in violent territory wars to maintain control of drug sales in and around Caguas and their corresponding profits.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), specifically the Caguas Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the DEA and the US Marshals.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Gang Section, Corinne Cordero and R. Vance Eaton.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force investigates and dismantles major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi kilogram quantities of narcotics as well as the gang violence that is generated by drug trafficking.
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