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Thursday 28 July 2022
Brazilian Woman Charged with Defrauding Clients and Misappropriating Their MoneyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Daniel R. Brubaker, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging RAQUEL MOURA BORGES with securities fraud, wire fraud, and investment adviser fraud in connection with her scheme to defraud customers of her investment adviser firm, Global Access Investment Advisor LLC (“GAIA”). BORGES was arrested yesterday morning and presented before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Borges promised her investment advisory clients that she would invest in securities and other investments but in fact stole her clients’ savings and lined her own pockets. Now, for this alleged violation of the law and of her fiduciary duty to her clients, Borges faces federal criminal charges”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Daniel R. Brubaker said: “The defendant, a native of Brazil, was welcomed by Postal Inspectors with a pair of handcuffs upon her return to the United States yesterday. For years investors trusted Raquel Moura Borges and her company Global Access Investment Advisors in Manhattan with a combined total of over $19 Million. She allegedly violated at least two of those investors’ trust and broke the law by spending their money on a lavish New York City apartment and to cover other clients’ losses. The arrest of Borges should serve as a warning to criminals: no matter where they are, Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners will be waiting at the end of that road to bring you to justice. We will commit every resource available to us in the fight against investment fraud and will track down fraudsters whether they are here or abroad.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment[1]:
From at least in or about 2017 until at least in or about 2018, RAQUEL MOURA BORGES represented to Victim-1 that she was making financial investments, including a private placement investment in a particular Brazilian company, on Victim-1’s behalf. In or about December 2017, over the course of three transactions, BORGES caused approximately $2.7 million to be transferred from Victim-1’s account to accounts controlled by BORGES. Contrary to the representations made by BORGES to Victim-1 and in violation of the duties she owed Victim-1, none of the $2.7 million was actually invested on Victim-1’s behalf. Instead, BORGES diverted the money to others and spent approximately $160,000 on interior design fees for an apartment in Manhattan, New York that BORGES owned and used personally. To conceal her misappropriation of Victim-1’s funds, in or about June 2018, BORGES sent Victim-1 a fake bank statement that falsely reflected a transfer of $2.7 million for the purpose of a “private placement purchase.”
From at least in or about 2016 until at least in or about 2017, BORGES represented to Victim-2 that she was making financial investments on Victim-2’s behalf. In or about August 2016, BORGES caused approximately $1.95 million to be transferred from Victim-2’s account to a GAIA account controlled by BORGES (the “GAIA Account”). The purported reason for the transfer was an investment in real estate in New York. Contrary to the representations made by BORGES to Victim-2, and in violation of the duties she owed Victim-2, none of the $1.95 million was actually invested on Victim-2’s behalf. Instead, on or about August 23, 2016, the same date that the $1.95 million wire from Victim-2’s account arrived in the GAIA Account, BORGES signed a check drawn on the GAIA Account in the amount of $1,500,000 payable to herself (the “$1.5M Check”). The “For” line of the $1.5M Check read “RB’s new house.” Also on or about August 23, 2016, BORGES caused the $1.5M Check to be deposited into her personal account.
In or about October 2017, in a meeting with a family member of Victim-2 and in a subsequent e-mail communication, BORGES admitted, in substance and relevant part, that she had misappropriated Victim-2’s money. Among other things, BORGES stated, in sum and substance, that BORGES had used Victim-2’s money to cover other clients’ losses and that BORGES would find a way to pay back Victim-2.
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BORGES, 55, of Brazil, is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of investment adviser fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the USPIS and also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant, for its assistance in the investigation.
The case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Castellano is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Boston Man Sentenced for Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for possessing nearly 500 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution.
Juan Gabriel Bautista Vargas, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year and one day prison and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 37 months in prison. On March 31, 2022, Bautista pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In February 2021, investigators coordinated a controlled purchase of a half-kilogram of fentanyl from a supplier, to be delivered to a hotel in Boston. Bautista arrived at the meeting location to deliver the drugs, and was found in possession of approximately 498.4 grams of fentanyl packaged in a heat-sealed bag.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided critical assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Blasdell Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shawn Kostelny, 56, of Blasdell, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2020, Kostelny distributed images of child pornography to an undercover officer over the internet, using Peer-to-Peer software. On August 14, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Kostelny's residence, during which numerous electronics were seized, including a hard drive. A subsequent search of hard drive recovered over 600 images of child pornography. Some of the images included prepubescent minors, the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler, and depictions of violence.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.
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Birmingham Business Owner Sentenced for Committing Wire FraudRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Birmingham jewelry buyer, auctioneer, and appraiser was sentenced today to 151 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to devising and executing a scheme to defraud a client out of $12 million, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James A. Tarasca, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Joseph Gregory Dumouchelle, 61, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
According to court records, Dumouchelle was the owner of “Joseph Dumouchelle Fine and Estate Jewelry Buyers, Sellers, Appraisers, and Auctioneers,” a company doing business in the State of Michigan and throughout the United States. According to the facts made public at the guilty plea hearing, in late 2018, Dumouchelle began negotiating the purchase and sale of a diamond known as the “Yellow Rose.” Dumouchelle proposed the Yellow Rose as an investment opportunity to a client by claiming the diamond could be purchased by the client for $12,000,000 and sold quickly for substantially more. To lull the client into believing the investment was legitimate, Dumouchelle told the client that he could purchase the diamond by wire transferring $12,000,000 into the seller’s account. Dumouchelle sent the wire transfer directions to his client, falsely representing that the account was the sellers. In fact, as Dumouchelle well knew and intended, the wire transfer instructions were to his own account. After the client unknowingly wired the money into Dumouchelle’s account, Dumouchelle quickly withdrew the funds and used them to pay his personal and business debts and expenses.
It was part of Dumouchelle’s plea agreement that other victims of his fraud scheme and their losses would be used to calculate his sentencing guidelines and the amount of restitution he owed. Judge Goldsmith determined that total fraud loss was $25,308,216 and the restitution Dumouchelle owed was $25,206,401. The Court also ordered Dumouchelle to forfeit $12 Million for the fraud he committed. Following his release from prison, Dumouchelle will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
“White collar criminals may use sophisticated methods and apparently legitimate businesses, but their crimes amount to nothing more than lying to get money. Victims were often targeted
because of their involvement in the jewelry investment, purchase, and auction trade, or were family members and friends of Dumouchelle. Victims were lulled into believing Dumouchelle’s false promises because he held himself out to be an expert with valuable connections that would provide them substantial profits.” said United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
“This defendant defrauded investors by convincing them he was buying and selling rare jewelry for big profits,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division. “Instead of actually conducting those transactions, Dumouchelle used the victims’ money to help maintain his expensive lifestyle. The success of this investigation is the result of a strong partnership between the Birmingham Police Department and the FBI’s Detroit Metropolitan Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Task Force.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen Reynolds.Baltimore Police Detective Sentenced to Federal Prison for Criminal Civil Rights Violations and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Robert Hankard, age 46, of Baltimore, Maryland to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for criminal civil rights violations and obstruction of justice including providing a BB gun that he knew would be planted on a suspect, falsely testifying to a federal grand jury about his role in the BB gun planting, falsifying an application for a search warrant and an arrest report in a second incident where drugs were planted on a suspect and falsifying an application for a search warrant and subsequent police report related to the search of an apartment.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Marylanders deserve the right to honest and fair criminal proceedings, including law enforcement officials that always serve with integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “In coordination with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to actively prosecute individuals who violate those positions of trust.”
According to the facts proven at trial, Hankard joined the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in 2007 and was promoted to detective on March 20, 2014. In 2014 and 2015, Hankard served on a Special Enforcement Section (SES) unit assigned to the BPD’s Western District. On the evening of March 26, 2014, Hankard, who was not on duty that day, received a call from his partner, who advised him that Sergeant Wayne Jenkins had been “hemmed up” in something and asked Hankard if he had any “toys” or “replicas.” Hankard understood that his partner was asking for a BB gun or air soft gun so that it could be planted on a suspect Hankard advised that he did have a BB gun. Hankard’s partner came to Hankard’s house and Hankard provided him with the BB gun, which was subsequently planted at the scene of the arrest of D.S., whom Jenkins had run over after chasing D.S. No guns or drugs were recovered from D.S. at the time of his arrest, but drugs were recovered from D.S. at the hospital, where he had been taken in the custody of the Baltimore Police officers. D.S. was charged with possession, use, and discharge of a gas or pellet gun, for the BB gun that was planted at the scene of D.S.’s arrest, and a number of drug offenses. D.S. was detained on those charges until at least April 2, 2014, and the charges were dismissed on January 16, 2015. Further, the evidence showed that on February 13, 2019, Hankard falsely testified before a federal grand jury by stating that he had not provided the BB gun to his partner on March 26, 2014.
The trial evidence showed that on March 2, 2015, Hankard and other officers arrested I.R. in the 5100 block of Falls Road in Baltimore City. Hankard and other officers took I.R.’s keys and went to Apartment A at 15 Cross Keys Road, which I.R. had been seen leaving earlier that day. I.C. lived in Apartment A with her daughter. Hankard used one of the keys that had been taken from I.R. to open the door to Apartment A and Hankard and other officers entered the apartment, which was not occupied at that time. Once inside, Hankard searched a bag that he found inside a closet, which contained gel caps of heroin, two digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia Hankard had not obtained a search warrant prior to entering the apartment or searching the bag. Hankard then left the apartment and returned to BPD to prepare a search warrant for Apartment A. Several BPD officers remained inside Apartment A and one of those officers called I.C. and asked her to return, which she voluntarily did. I.C. then waited inside the apartment with the officers.
On the evening of March 2, 2015, Hankard appeared before a judge in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and swore out the search warrant that he had prepared after entering Apartment A, in which Hankard allegedly falsely claimed that the “exterior” of Apartment A was secured, not disclosing that he and other detectives had entered Apartment A prior to obtaining a search warrant. Nor did Hankard disclose that he had opened a bag containing gel caps with heroin, scales, and other paraphernalia prior to preparing a search warrant. After obtaining the warrant, Hankard returned to the apartment where the other officers were waiting with I.C. During the execution of the search warrant, the bag that Hankard had previously searched was seized along with its contents and I.C. was arrested. I.R. was ultimately charged with drug offenses related to their seizure. Following the execution of the search warrant, the evidence showed that Hankard authored official BPD reports which contained similar false statements.
Witnesses testified that on September 24, 2015, Hankard arrested D.B., a target in a drug investigation, as he sat in his pick-up truck in a motel parking lot. According to trial testimony, after removing D.B. from the vehicle, Hankard and other officers searched the vehicle, but no drugs were found. Other officers on the scene then went into the room where D.B. had been staying and found a woman, B.J., a large quantity of heroin that had not yet been packaged for distribution, and a small quantity of cocaine that had already been packaged for distribution. The officers had not obtained a search warrant before entering the room. After learning that no drugs had been found in the truck, another officer, with Hankard’s permission, planted some of the cocaine found in the motel room in D.B.’s truck, in order to justify the arrest of D.B. and B.J. and the entry into the motel room.
According to the evidence, Hankard subsequently wrote a search warrant for the motel room, which contained several false statements, including that his partner had “observed in plain view, a clear tied bag, that contained small zip lock bags (with red dice logo) of suspected cocaine (after opening the clear bag, it revealed 10 ziplock bags total)” in D.B.’s truck; that D.B. was seen throwing the package of suspected cocaine to the floor of the vehicle; that after making sure the motel room card key worked, detectives had secured the room pending a search warrant; and that Hankard “believes there is addition suspected controlled dangerous substances (CDS)” in the motel room. As detailed in trial testimony, after the search warrant was obtained and executed at the motel room, Hankard prepared a false incident report, which was approved by his partner as the “officer-in-charge” at the time of the arrests, even though the SES unit’s Sergeant was on the scene at the time.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Christopher M. Rigali, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report civil rights violations, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/civil-rights.
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Attorney Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERON D. FREEMAN, 47, of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax fraud offenses.
According the evidence presented during a bench trial in October and November 2021, Freeman is an attorney who has owned and operated The Law Offices of Deron Freeman in Hartford. Freeman has practiced primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal law. Between 2006 and 2010, Freeman fell severely behind on his federal tax payments and failed to pay his overdue tax balance, despite multiple notices of delinquent taxes and the imposition of payment and interest by the IRS. In 2010, the IRS initiated a collection action against Freeman for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years.
In 2011, soon after Freeman entered into a payment plan with the IRS, he began using a bank account in the name of a third party to hold hundreds of thousands of dollars in an attempt to protect the funds from IRS scrutiny. By June 2012, Freeman made sufficient tax payments so that the IRS removed a lien against Freeman for the 2008 tax year. Shortly thereafter, Freeman transferred more than $248,000 from the third-party account to his personal money market account. Freeman subsequently filed false tax returns for 2011, 2012 and 2013, failing to pay taxes on approximately $950,000 in income in those years, and also willfully failed to pay significant taxes owed for the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 tax years.
The evidence at trial revealed that Freeman spent lavishly on cars and watercraft and, between 2012 and 2016, spent approximately $1.5 million constructing a new home.
Judge Bolden ordered Freeman to pay $357,062 in restitution to the IRS and was fined $15,000.
On April 18, 2022, Judge Bolden found Freeman guilty of three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, and four counts of failure to pay income tax.
Freeman who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 12, 2022.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan L. Wines and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Armed Stockton Drug Trafficker ChargedRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Jesus Iribe, 26, of Stockton, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Iribe was stopped by law enforcement officers and found to have a gun in his pocket and a kilogram of cocaine in his pickup truck. When a search warrant was executed at his house, more than 9 pounds of methamphetamine, a kilogram of cocaine, marijuana, counterfeit oxycodone M-30 pills, and five loaded guns were found. Iribe is prohibited from possessing firearms based on his prior felony convictions, which include drug and gun possession offenses.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Iribe faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Armed Drug Trafficker Peddling Meth, Cocaine and Heroin Receives 207 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Demetrice “Peanut” Parker, 47, of Waycross Georgia, was sentenced to 207 months in prison for illegal possession of a gun and his part in a drug trafficking conspiracy that was responsible for the distribution of more than 37 kilograms of methamphetamine and 300 grams of heroin from Georgia to the Eastern District of North Carolina between 2018 and 2021. Parker had previously been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges in Georgia.
“This case is part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations bringing opioids and other illegal drugs into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Easley. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute the responsible individuals to ensure that they are behind bars and off our streets.”
According to court documents, evidence presented in court and other documents, on March 19, 2019, a Fayetteville police officer stopped a car for a traffic violation. Parker was seated in the back seat. During the traffic stop, the officer found a bag in the back seat which contained 200 grams of heroin, more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and 60 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine and a loaded stolen 9mm handgun.
On October 22, 2019, Duplin County detectives made a controlled purchase of 171 grams of methamphetamine from Parker. During the investigation it was determined that Parker was a source of supply for Jeremy Cline in Duplin County. Cline received a 288-month federal prison sentence for his role in this conspiracy.
On October 29, 2019, the DEA received information that Parker was transporting drugs from Atlanta, Georgia to Eastern North Carolina. Parker was stopped in Lumberton by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and a drug K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the car. Deputies searched the car and found 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 41 grams of cocaine, 139 grams of heroin and a loaded .38 caliber handgun.
On March 8, 2022, Parker pled guilty to the following charges: (1) Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing Methamphetamine (2) Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin and (3) Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
This is part of operation “Fighting JellyFish” which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, the Craven, Onslow, Robeson and Sampson County Sheriffs’ Offices and the Fayetteville, New Bern, Kinston and Wallace Police Departments investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-cr-00074-M.
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Wednesday 27 July 2022
Wesley Chapel Man Indicted for Producing Sexual Abuse Material Depicting Several ChildrenRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Clayton Everett Colborn (30, Wesley Chapel), also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” and “Clayay,” with two counts of enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity, five counts of using minors to produce child sexual abuse images and videos, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Colborn faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. The superseding indictment also notifies Colborn that the United States intends to forfeit electronic devices and his Chevrolet Corvette, which were used in the commission of the offense.
According to the superseding indictment, from in or around February 2019 through approximately May 2020, Colborn knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Colborn also produced several child sex abuse videos and images of minor victims.
A superseding indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocoee Police Department, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Anyone with information regarding Clayton Everett Colborn, also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” or “Clayay,” should contact the Tampa Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 813-253-1000.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAWRENCE JACKSON, 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a narcotics distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster, who worked closely with Jason Metz and James Grant. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. Between October 2020 and January 2021, Jackson was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap ordering heroin and crack cocaine from Grant. Jackson then sold the drugs to his own customers.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Jackson, Foster, Metz, Grant and 13 others.
Jackson, Foster, Metz and Grant and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested on March 3, 2021. In association with these arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms
Jackson has been detained since his arrest. On March 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Foster, Metz and Grant also pleaded guilty. Metz, of Naugatuck, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment, and Grant, of Waterbury, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment. Foster awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Waterbury Man Admits Stealing Mail from Ellington Post Office Collection BoxRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that TOMLIN HOOPER, 23, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of attempted mail theft.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, as part of mail theft investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service installed a surveillance camera outside the Ellington Post Office to record activity at the mail collection box. On four occasions between February 11 and March 22, 2021, Hooper is captured on video accessing the mail collection box using a U.S. Postal Service Arrow Key, and stealing mail, some of which included checks.
Tomlin was arrested in the early morning hours of March 29, 2021, as he attempted to steal mail from the mail collection box at the Ellington Post Office.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2022 at which time Hooper faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. As part of his plea agreement, Hooper has agreed to pay restitution of at least $23,632.34.
Hooper is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins Hosts Panel for Whistleblower LawyersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Earlier this month, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins hosted a panel discussion on qui tam lawsuits, also known as whistleblower cases. The event highlighted U.S. Attorney Rollins’ commitment to holding those who defraud the government and its taxpayers accountable through civil enforcement actions under the False Claims Act and criminal prosecutions.
The panel, which was comprised of Office leadership including the Chief and Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and the Chief of Rollins’ Criminal Health Care Fraud Unit, presented to an audience of several dozen lawyers who represent whistleblowers. The event was moderated by a representative from Taxpayers Against Fraud, a public interest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing whistleblower litigation.
“Protecting our tax dollars and the public from fraud is vital to our health care, financial, and defense contracting systems, but moreover to the well-being of our democracy. Left unchecked, fraud and corruption are corrosive to the public’s trust in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “Every enforcement action my office brings demonstrates our commitment to obtaining justice and to deterring future malfeasance. By meeting with stakeholders, we learn about trends and can hear any concerns they may have regarding the office. Being accessible and transparent will result in more relators coming to our office and exposing fraud and corruption.”
The District of Massachusetts has long been a national leader in prosecuting health care fraud and annually collects recoveries in the tens to hundreds of millions. Thus far in 2022, civil False Claims Act recoveries for cases in the District of Massachusetts exceeds $250 million for violations that include unlawful kickbacks, underpayment of Medicaid rebates, failing to property license and supervise mental health staff, billing for medically unnecessary diagnostic testing and improper physician self-referrals (also known as Stark Law violations). Civil False Claims Act work in the District of Massachusetts also includes government defense contracting fraud, grant fraud, customs fraud and fraud related to financial institutions.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office brings criminal prosecutions involving false claims, unlawful kickbacks, health care program fraud, privacy breaches and wire fraud. In recent years, the Office has prosecuted both companies and individuals who conspired to defrauded federal health insurance programs, evaded federal drug safety regulations, marketed flawed and medically unnecessary medical devices and exploited vulnerable individuals by prioritizing profits over patient care.
Under the False Claims Act, private citizens may file suits on behalf of the government against companies and individuals who defraud the federal government. If recoveries are paid by the defendants in these qui tam lawsuits, the private citizen (or “relator”) receives a portion of those funds. Many fraud investigations and lawsuits originate with qui tam filings.
U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino Appoints Election Officer for the District of ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – United States Attorney Gary Restaino announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Sean Lokey will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the upcoming August 2, 2022, primary election. AUSA Lokey has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Arizona, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of voting rights violations and election fraud in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington.
“Election Day is an opportunity for Arizona’s citizens to make their voices heard,” said United States Attorney Restaino. “The Department of Justice has strong partnerships with the highly professional and dedicated election officials throughout the state. Together we can do our very best to ensure that every eligible voter who chooses to vote can do so easily and efficiently, without interference or discrimination.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible voting rights violations and election fraud while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning, challenging, photographing, or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may themselves violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice if needed.
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote exercise that right if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt our elections are brought to justice. AUSA Lokey will be on duty on Primary Election Day on August 2, 2022, to respond to complaints of election fraud, voting rights violations, or intimidation. AUSA Lokey can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 602-514-7516.
The FBI will also have special agents available in the Phoenix Field Division to receive allegations of election abuses on election day. FBI in Arizona can be reached by phone at 623-466-1999 or online at https://tips.fbi.gov/.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of a crime of violence, call 911 immediately. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-125_Arizona-Primary-Election
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Two Men Charged in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
EL PASO – A federal grand jury in El Paso returned an indictment today charging two men for their alleged roles in a wire fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Russell Alan Vandenburg, 74, of El Paso and Scott Anthony Stuart, 55, of Las Vegas, held various leadership roles at companies that provided services in the real estate industry, including property management, construction management and property acquisition in the El Paso area and elsewhere in the United States. Vandenburg and Stuart exercised control over the bank accounts of the companies and the properties managed by the companies.
From February 2015 through October 2017, Vandenburg and Stuart engaged in an alleged scheme to defraud the partners that held an ownership interest in the properties that the companies managed by misrepresenting how funds obtained from the properties were used and by misappropriating those funds for the personal benefit of Vandenburg and others. As part of the scheme, Vandenburg and Stuart commingled funds from different properties and used the funds for non-authorized expenses including covering shortfalls and expenses for other properties and for paying Vandenburg’s personal expenses. They concealed the fraud by making misleading and false statements to company partners and by concealing information from the partners.
“Messrs. Vandenberg and Stuart are alleged to have violated the trust of individuals who invested in our local community,” stated Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso Field Office. “The FBI looks forward to assisting the United States Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this case.”
Vandenburg and Stuart are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. A date for the defendants’ initial court appearances has not been set. If convicted, Vandenburg and Stuart face up to 20 years in prison on each of the fraud counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, El Paso Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Rasmussen and Anna Arreola are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Tulsa Woman Pleads Guilty to Evidence TamperingRead the Press Release
A 30-year-old Tulsa woman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to tampering with evidence related, in part, to an investigation into her possession, use and distribution of controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The federal investigation was launched following the Jan. 4, 2021, death of the woman’s 2-month-old baby.
Ashton Nikoel Mattingly, also known as Nikki Mattingly, pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with evidence by corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating, and concealing records and other objects.
According to the plea agreement, Mattingly admitted to instructing an individual to remove a white pill bottle from her residence and to change her Snapchat password so that the evidence could not be accessed in the ongoing investigation. She also admitted to instructing another individual to falsely report her cell phone as stolen and to have her service provider disable it so that phone records could not be used as evidence.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Vani Singhal are prosecuting the case.
Tioga County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Timothy E. Deuel, age 63, of Tioga County, New York, pled guilty yesterday to three counts of possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Deuel acknowledged that in March 2015, Deuel was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York to 87 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release as a result of his conviction for distribution of child pornography. Deuel further admitted that during that term of supervised release, he possessed at his residence three digital storage devices which contained a total of approximately 1,000 images of child pornography and more than 200 video files of child pornography.
At sentencing, which is currently scheduled for November 29, 2022, on each of the three counts, Deuel faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Three Men Indicted in Government Official Impersonation SchemeRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that James Albert Witte, age 68, Jason Lee Henderson, age 36, and Indian national Dhruv Jani, age 39, all formerly of Wray, Colorado, have been indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiring to commit money laundering.
According to the indictment, from January 2020 until April 2021, the three co-defendants were part of a conspiracy to launder funds obtained from a government official impersonation scheme. Victims in the United States were contacted by telephone and coerced into believing they were under investigation by “Agents” of federal law enforcement agencies (the FBI, SSA, DHS, Treasury, or U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration). It was further part of the conspiracy that the conspirators told these victims that their identities had been connected to a criminal incident, their imminent arrest and/or deportation from the United States had been ordered by law enforcement, and that the only way to avoid arrest and or deportation was to pay the “Government” large sums of money, as instructed. The victims were instructed to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and mail the cash to various addresses, which turned out to be Walgreens stores in northeastern Colorado.
Indian national Dhruv Jani allegedly paid Witte and Henderson to use fake identification cards to pick up victims’ packages of cash mailed to the Walgreens stores. The government to date has identified 54 victims who in total have lost over $7.5 million through this scheme. Of that $7.5 million, $1.5 million in cash was mailed to Colorado. Jani allegedly also threatened to kill his estranged wife in Colorado with his “own hands” due to her filing for divorce and withdrawing her support for his green card.
Witte made his initial appearance on July 27, 2022, before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews. Jani and Henderson made their initial appearances on July 26, 2022, also before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews.
This investigation is being conducted jointly with investigators from the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security-OIG, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Sterling, Colorado Police Department. The District Attorney for the 13th Judicial District has also provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha A. Paluch.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case number: 22-cr-202
Terre Haute Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Cameron Aue, 38, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was sentenced today to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in July of 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Vigo County Drug Task Force (VCDTF) were investigating Aue for selling methamphetamine in the Terre Haute area. On July 26, 2020, DEA and VCDTF learned Aue would be traveling to Indianapolis to purchase drugs for resale. Aue was arrested later that evening when he returned to his apartment. Aue granted officers permission to search his vehicle. During the search, officers located a backpack admittedly owned by Aue. The backpack contained 245 grams of methamphetamine and $1,000 in U.S. currency. Aue admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine in Indianapolis with the intent to re-sell it to individuals in Terre Haute during an interview with law enforcement.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office; and the Vigo County Drug Task Force made the announcement.
DEA and VCDTF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Aue be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson McGrath who is prosecuting the case.
Tampa Man Indicted for Firearm and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dempsey Gilmore (32, Tampa) with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted on the conspiracy count, Gilmore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Gilmore faces a consecutive 5 years in federal prison to the drug trafficking crimes. The indictment also notifies Gilmore that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition recovered in this investigation, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but not later than on or about February 9, 2022, Gilmore conspired with others to sell or deliver narcotics. During the conspiracy Gilmore possessed a firearm. Gilmore has been convicted of multiple felonies to include escape and felon in possession of firearm or ammunition and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Suburban Chicago Man Charged in Federal Court with Trafficking More than 35 FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been arrested on federal firearm charges for allegedly trafficking more than 35 guns, including “ghost guns,” machine guns, and rifles.
ARSHAD ZAYED, 38, of Orland Hills, Ill., is charged with willfully dealing firearms without a license and illegally possessing and transferring a machine gun. Zayed was arrested this morning and made an initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Chicago. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Beth W. Jantz.
The charges and arrest were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The Illinois State Police provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jimmy L. Arce, Patrick Mott, and Tiffany Ardam.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Zayed sold approximately 36 firearms on seven occasions this year and last year. Many of the transactions occurred in a car wash that Zayed managed in Matteson, Ill., the complaint states. Several of the firearms were considered “ghost guns” because they contained no identifiable serial number and were manufactured from parts collected from various sources. Some of the firearms, including some of the ghost guns, were machine guns capable of automatically firing more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger, the charges allege. Unbeknownst to Zayed, the high-ranking Chicago gang member to whom he sold the guns was cooperating with law enforcement, the complaint states.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with the FBI, ATF, CPD, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
Holding firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is also a focus of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The unlawful possession and transfer charge is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison, while the unlawful dealing charge carries a maximum sentence of five years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Silver City man sentenced to 20 years in prison in carjacking and firearms caseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Daniel “Grumpy” Hernandez, 34, of Silver City, New Mexico, was sentenced on July 26 to 20 years in prison.
A federal jury convicted Hernandez on May 6, 2021, for conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, theft of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and two additional counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hernandez pleaded guilty on April 29 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Hernandez cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Savannah Padilla, 24, were indicted on Nov. 13, 2019. Padilla pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2021, to conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court records, on Sept. 7, 2018, and continuing to Sept. 8, 2018, Hernandez and Padilla committed a carjacking in Grant County, New Mexico. Hernandez and Padilla demanded money from the victim at gunpoint, and later demanded that the victim get out of the driver’s seat and into the back seat of the vehicle. The victim fled in fear for his life.
Upon his release from prison, Hernandez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Silver City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Armijo and Ry Ellison prosecuted the case.
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Sharing Child Pornography Online Results in 9-Year Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A DeKalb, Ill., man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing and sharing child pornography online.
JACOB MATHLEY, 45, possessed more than 10,000 videos and photos of child pornography on his laptop in 2020. The images included depictions of children engaged in sadistic and masochistic conduct. Using the online username “Slamdime,” Mathley posted some of the images to various websites, including sites on the “dark net” or “dark web,” for the purposes of trading child pornography with others.
Mathley pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal child pornography charges. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso sentenced Mathley on July 22, 2022, after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and R. Sean Fitzgerald, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. The Aurora, Ill., Police Department provided valuable assistance.
“Jacob Mathley was a prolific trader of child pornography on the dark net,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant is a danger on the internet and a danger in his community.”
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50, Tampa) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release in connection with a bank robbery he had committed in 2008. The court also ordered Reyes-Vazquez to forfeit $28,579, which are traceable proceeds of the February 2022 offenses. Reyes-Vazquez had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2008, Reyes-Vazquez committed a bank robbery through the threat of violence at a Chase Bank in Manhattan. He was convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019.
In February 2022, Reyes-Vazquez was still serving a sentence of supervised release for his federal conviction for the bank robbery he had committed in 2008.
On February 16, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando and announced that it was a robbery and that he would shoot employees if the teller did not give him the money. The teller complied and Reyes-Vazquez obtained $4,200. On February 22, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando, announced it was a robbery, and threatened to shoot everyone in the bank if they did not provide him money. Bank employees provided a total of $43,695, nearly $20,000 of which was recovered when law enforcement arrested Reyes-Vazquez two days later. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Savage Life Boys Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On July 25, 2022, a Davenport man, Darion Daquan Gardner, age 27, pleaded guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Causing Death Through Use of a Firearm, and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering.
In 2016 and 2017, as a member of Savage Life Boys (SLB), a Davenport-based street gang, Gardner was involved in multiple shootings, including at a dice game in December 2016, and at the Hotel Davenport in February 2017. On December 16, 2016, Gardner and other SLB members robbed and physically assaulted another male, including pistol-whipping him. SLB members also shot at the male’s vehicle as the male and an associate fled the area.
On February 12, 2017, at a concert at the Hotel Davenport, Gardner and several other SLB members started a physical altercation with an individual they believed had disrespected their gang. During the altercation, Gardner fired several shots, striking and killing one male and striking and injuring another.
Gardner committed these acts with the intent to maintain or increase his position in the gang.
Gardner is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2022. As part of the plea agreement, the government and Gardner have agreed to recommend a sentence of 450 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal stated “This plea was the result of a dedicated and long-term investigation that highlights our commitment with local law enforcement to combatting violent crime. The families and friends of the victims in this investigation continue to feel the pain that acts of gun violence can inflict. We will continue to pursue every available law enforcement tool and partnership towards the common goal of community safety.”
Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski said “Investigators from the Davenport Police Department have been diligently working on this case for several years with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Iowa and other collaborative partners. Their persistence and dedication to bringing justice and accountability in the 2017 homicide at the Hotel Davenport and several other shootings and violent encounters this subject was involved in is admirable. I am incredibly proud of the dedication to public safety that is demonstrated in this case and every day by officers and investigators at the Davenport Police Department. This case is a great example of the incredible partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and their commitment to justice for our community and the victims of violent crime.” Peoria, Illinois Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to More than 29 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced to 349 months in prison for multiple armed robberies in July 2019 across Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, Pitt, Halifax, and Greene Counties. On December 22, 2021, Jequayves Demondre Britt pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Britt, 21, committed a series of armed commercial robberies between July 12 and July 21, 2019, with his co-defendant and getaway driver, Jacob Austin Evans.
On July 12, 2019, Britt robbed the Kangaroo Express on Sunset Avenue in Rocky Mount with a gun. Britt also robbed a customer at gunpoint. That same evening, Britt robbed the Fuel Doc convenience store on Cokey Road in Rocky Mount. During the robbery, Britt brandished a firearm and stole an undetermined amount of cash from the register before fleeing the scene. Cell phone records revealed Evans was present at both businesses during the times of the robberies. The robberies were captured on video surveillance footage from inside the businesses.
On July 14, 2019, Britt and Evans attempted to rob the S&J Mart located in Wilson. During the robbery, Britt brandished a firearm and demanded money, but the clerk refused to comply with Britt’s demands. Britt fled on foot. Evans was captured on video surveillance footage from inside the business ten minutes prior to Britt’s arrival. That same evening, Britt robbed the City Gas and Convenience store on Forest Hills Road in Wilson. Video footage from inside the store shows Britt brandishing a firearm before stealing more than $1,000 in cash. After this robbery, Britt robbed the Speedway gas station on North Wesleyan Boulevard in Rocky Mount. Video footage shows Britt wearing the same clothes as the two Wilson robberies from earlier that evening.
On July 16, 2019, Britt robbed the New Dixie Mart located on West 5th Street in Roanoke Rapids. During the robbery, Britt brandished a firearm and stole more than $600 from the business. Video surveillance footage captured Britt committing the robbery. Later that evening, Britt robbed the Kangaroo Express on Sunset Avenue in Rocky Mount. Britt carried a firearm during the robbery and threatened to shoot one of the customers if the clerk did not turn over the money. Ultimately, Britt stole $49 from the business. Video surveillance footage captured the events of the robbery. Cell phone records revealed Evans was present at the business around the time of the robbery.
On July 18, 2019, Britt robbed the Dollar General on South Hathaway Boulevard in Sharpsburg. During the robbery, Britt brandished a firearm and stole more than $1,000 in business proceeds. Video surveillance footage from inside the business captured the events of the robbery. That same evening, Britt robbed the Dollar General on East Hamlet Street in Pinetops. During the robbery, Britt pointed his firearm at the two store clerks and stole more than $2,300 in proceeds. Video surveillance footage showed Britt wearing the same clothes as the robbery in Sharpsburg. Cell phone records revealed Evans was present at the business at the time of the robbery.
On July 21, 2019, Britt attempted to rob the Circle K on South Memorial Drive in Greenville. Witnesses observed Britt carrying a firearm as he attempted to gain entry to the Circle K. However, the business had just closed so Britt was unable to get through the locked doors and subsequently fled the area. Later that evening, Britt and Evans robbed the Sheetz gas station on Portertown Road in Greenville. Surveillance video footage shows Evans entering the store as a lookout prior to the robbery. During the robbery, Britt pointed a firearm at the clerk and demanded money from the register. Britt stole $500 in proceeds before fleeing. Cell phone records also revealed Evans was present at the business at the time of the robbery.
That same evening, Britt robbed the Speedway gas station on US Highway 258 in Snow Hill. Britt brandished a firearm during the robbery and stole over $230 in proceeds from the business. As he fled from the store, Britt accidentally discharged his firearm and shot himself in the leg. Britt ultimately made it to Evans’ car and the pair fled the scene. Evans then transported Britt to the Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro for treatment of the gunshot wound. Britt was arrested on state charges on July 26, 2019.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Wilson County Sheriff’s office, the Wilson Police Department, the Rocky Mount Police Department, the Sharpsburg Police Department, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, the Pinetops Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney J.D. Koesters and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aakash Singh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-22-D.
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Repeat Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Charles Brady, 41, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 17, 2021, Brady was stopped in his vehicle by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers, and they discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A later search of his vehicle yielded a black 9mm Taurus G2c that Brady admitted to possessing. Brady is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including attempted robbery where the defendant tried to rob a victim by pointing a firearm in his face and threatening to shoot him. While serving the probation portion of his sentence for that case, Brady was convicted of another felony offense for dealing cocaine. Brady also has a prior felony conviction for Residential Entry after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house after a court had issued a protective order against him.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The IMPD investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Brady be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Recidivist Manchester Drug Dealer Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Kermit Ceasar, 45, of Manchester, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of cocaine distribution and six counts of crack cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
The convictions resulted from a series of drug sales that Ceasar made in Manchester to an undercover informant between April and September of 2021. This case is Ceasar's third federal drug conviction in the District of New Hampshire.
"Kermit Ceasar is a recidivist drug dealer who, for his entire adult life when not imprisoned, has been selling crack cocaine in Manchester. Today's significant sentence will hopefully send the message to those who traffic crack cocaine that my office will take all steps possible to protect the public from recidivist drug dealers," said U.S. Attorney Young. "Seeking lengthy periods of incarceration for cases like this are a critical facet to keeping our communities safe from career criminals."
“Kermit Ceasar has trafficked crack cocaine his entire adult life. In fact, the only time he was not dealing crack was when he was behind bars, which, sadly has been for approximately 20 of the last 27 years. Through his own actions, he has repeatedly degraded the community in which he lives and put public safety at risk," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Today’s sentencing should send a strong message to recidivist drug dealers in New Hampshire that they will face significant consequences for their criminal conduct."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Rap group sent to prison for drug schemeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A third individual has been sent to prison for his role in a large-scale narcotics distribution operation involving multiple properties throughout Corpus Christi, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Javon Hicks aka Drank Nitti Kasino, 41, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty April 5.
Co-conspirator Dwayne Thompson aka Muddy Kasino, 39, and Zackari Williams aka Arm and Hammer Zone, 30, both of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to the same charges March 9 and March 30, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Hicks to serve a total of 138 months, in federal prison. He must also serve five years of supervised release following the sentence.
Hicks and Thompson forfeited personal items including cars, guns, jewelry and cash valued at more than $123,000 following their pleas.
At the time of their pleas, the individuals admitted they were each part of a hip-hop group that produced music under the Kasino World label. They used various houses and apartments throughout Corpus Christi to record their songs and videos. Investigation further revealed the group members also used the locations to distribute crack cocaine and meth with at least 100 sales per day.
Thompson and Williams have previously received their sentences and are currently serving 150 and 120 months, respectively, in prison.
Hicks will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roland Swanson and Dennis E. Robinson prosecuted the case.
Randolph Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Alexander Carnahan, 29, of Randolph, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to two counts of production of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that on January 15, 2020, and April 28, 2020, Carnahan removed Minor Victim 1’s clothing and took a video of Victim 1’s naked body. Carnahan did so because he was sexually attracted to Victim 1, who was 11 years old. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered additional images and videos of Victim 1 in video files belonging to Carnahan.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Quincy Man Arrested for Defrauding Victims Using Various Online SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was arrested yesterday in connection with his role in expansive online fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States.
Kelechi Collins Umeh, 39, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Umeh was released on conditions following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the charging document, Umeh participated in a series of online scams – including romance, advance fee and business email compromise (BEC) schemes – designed to defraud victims into sending money to accounts controlled by him and his co-conspirators. Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. Advance fee scams occur when a criminal asks a victim to pay a fee up front—usually described as a fee, tax, or commission—in order to obtain a bigger payout later, but that payout never occurs. BEC schemes occur when a criminal sends email messages that appear to come from a known source (e.g., “spoofing” a legitimate business email account) to cause victims to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
It is alleged that Umeh used fake passports in the names of numerous aliases to open bank accounts in and round Boston to collect and launder the proceeds of the online scams. Umeh and co-conspirators then rapidly executed large cash withdrawals from those accounts, often within days of the deposit and generally structured in amounts less than $10,000, allegedly in an effort to evade detection and currency transaction reporting requirements.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. 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; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Potter, Nebraska Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Stetson Reinick, 35, was sentenced July 26, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Reinick to 110 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On September 21, 2020, law enforcement performed a trash pull at the residence of Reinick and co-defendant, Stephanie Mitchell. Law enforcement seized foil with burned residue that tested positive for heroin. As a result, they were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. They located a backpack in a back bedroom that contained 21 grams of actual methamphetamine, scales, and drug paraphernalia. In Reinick’s bedroom, a handgun was found between the mattress and headboard on Reinick’s side of the bed.
Mitchell’s trial is scheduled for August 22, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne County, Nebraska, Sheriff’s Office.
Portage Man Sentenced to 16 Years’ Imprisonment for Leading Scheme to Defraud Amazon’s Textbook Rental ProgramRead the Press Release
Talsma is last of four defendants sentenced for participating in the mail fraud scheme
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced today that Chief United States District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Geoffrey Mark Hays Talsma, 37, of Portage, Michigan, to 16 years’ imprisonment for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Talsma’s sentence additionally includes an order to pay restitution to Amazon in the amount of $3,227,347.82. While imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Jarbou commented that Talsma “concocted the scheme and involved many others.”
“Financial crime harms businesses and harms consumers. When someone cheats, we all pay,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “My office will not tolerate financial fraud and will vigorously pursue those who profit from defrauding others.”
According to court documents, from January 2016 to March 2021, Talsma defrauded Amazon by using the internet to create numerous Amazon accounts and email accounts to rent textbooks and sell the textbooks for a profit when he should have returned the textbooks or paid the agreed upon buy-out price. Talsma caused Amazon to ship the textbooks through the United States Postal Service or across state lines using private commercial carriers. He concealed his fraudulent activities in part by recruiting and paying unwitting individuals to accept shipments of stolen textbooks at their homes so that Amazon would not detect a pattern of large volumes of books going to locations associated with him. Over time, Talsma taught some of these same individuals his scheme to defraud and actively supervised their participation in the fraud. Defendant shared the profits of the fraud scheme with these individuals after he sold the textbooks over the internet and at various bookstores, including a bookstore in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Additionally, according to the plea agreement, Talsma also ordered rental textbooks in the names of unwitting individuals and then pretended to be those individuals when calling Amazon and falsely claiming that he did not receive the textbooks. Talsma then received a credit from Amazon that he used to order additional textbooks. The fraud scheme caused losses to Amazon well in excess of $3,000,000.00.
“For years, Talsma and others enriched themselves by targeting an Amazon program designed to help students save money,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Mr. Talsma's sentence sends a strong message that the FBI is committed to working with corporations and our law enforcement counterparts to root out this type of fraud and to hold those who participate in these schemes accountable for their criminal behavior.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetrate fraudulent schemes and bring them to justice” said Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division. “This investigation, and today’s sentence reaffirms the important role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting our American consumers and businesses from fraudulent schemes that utilize the U.S. Mail.”
Talsma is the last of four defendants to be sentenced for their roles in the mail fraud scheme. The other individuals previously sentenced include:
- Lovedeep Singh Dhanoa, age 25, of Portage, Michigan – 15 months’ imprisonment
- Paul Steven Larson, age 32, of Kalamazoo, Michigan – 6 months’ imprisonment
- Gregory Mark Gleesing, age 44, of Portage, Michigan – 3 years’ probation, including 4 months’ home detention.
The offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kalamazoo, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Rapids, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald M. Stella prosecuted the case. Amazon referred the matter to law enforcement and provided significant support to the investigation.
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Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Holding Counterfeit Drugs and Possessing Equipment Used to Make Fake SubstancesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of holding counterfeit drugs for sale and possession of equipment for manufacturing counterfeit substances, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joshua Regatuso, age 26, of the City’s Brighton Heights section, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that the investigation, which began in early 2021, revealed that Regatuso used another person to receive binding powder and metal die stamps for use in a pill press. Regatuso appeared to have been using similar items to manufacture counterfeit alprazolam pills using etizolam, a medication not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for medical use in the United States. On May 6, 2021, following the execution of a search warrant, agents seized two pill presses; roughly 250 grams of etizolam powder; counterfeit alprazolam tablets containing etilozam; and two bags of binding powder. A second search warrant yielded several thousand counterfeit alprazolam tablets and a baggie of etizolam powder. The tablets had the same markings as have been used by a company that the FDA has authorized to distribute a 2mg pill containing alprazolam.
“Fake prescription medications present a clear danger to every purchaser,” said U.S Attorney Chung. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who produce and sell counterfeit pills. Counterfeit pills are not only illegal, but often dangerous and potentially lethal.”
“The fake pills that Regatuso was manufacturing and distributing represent the most important enforcement priority for the DEA,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the
Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “While a significant quantity of the fake pills that law enforcement seizes are manufactured in other countries, we continue to see locally manufactured fake pills that are produced in clandestine laboratories such as the one operated by Regatuso. The DEA would like to emphasize the only safe medications are ones that come from licensed and accredited medical professionals. The DEA warns that pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal and may contain a potentially lethal dose of illicit fentanyl.”Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8, 2022, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Joshua Regatuso.
Philadelphia Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Counterfeit Pill Operation, Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that DeWitt Drayton, 46, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and five years of supervised release by United States Senior District Court Judge Anita B. Brody for manufacturing counterfeit pills using controlled substances, including methamphetamine, and for unlawfully possessing three firearms.
In March 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. The defendant was charged with these offenses after federal investigators executed a search warrant at his home and uncovered what can be described only as a drug lab. This included multiple pill press machines and other supplies, which the defendant had been using to manufacture counterfeit prescription painkillers using a variety of narcotics, including fentanyl and the horse tranquilizer Xylazine, as well as methamphetamine-laced ecstasy pills. Investigators recovered thousands of pills, which the defendant had manufactured, and which were destined for sale on the streets of Philadelphia. The discovery of these items was not surprising, as federal authorities had been tracking the defendant’s purchases of pill-making supplies from China and elsewhere.
Agents also executed a search warrant at a property in New Jersey used by the defendant, and between the two properties, they recovered three firearms, two of which had obliterated serial numbers, and all of which the defendant was prohibited from possessing given his criminal history.
“Drug distribution and gun violence are an epidemic in Philadelphia and the federal government is aggressively prosecuting both in order to get dangerous, repeat offenders like this defendant off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “DeWitt Drayton was a large-scale drug manufacturer and illegally possessed multiple firearms to protect his business, which are both offenses that put our community and the people who live here at risk. We want to thank our law enforcement partners in this case, the DEA and HSI, for their hard work and dedication.”
“Drayton was responsible for manufacturing and distributing fake opioid pills containing illicit fentanyl and fake stimulant pills containing methamphetamine out of a house in the heart of the Kensington section of Philadelphia,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “The current overdose crisis is largely driven by criminals like Drayton who flooded our streets with fentanyl-laced fake pills. Learn more about the dangers of fake pills through our One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign, which can be accessed at www.dea.gov/onepill.”
“This sentencing demonstrates how Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia Cyber Crime Investigations Task Force (C2iTF) working hand in hand with partners from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Philadelphia Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and the Pennsylvania State Police actively seeks to hold accountable criminals whose actions harm Americans,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Philadelphia Field Office. “Methamphetamine and illicit firearms are significant contributors to public safety concerns, and we will continue to dismantle criminal organizations which prey upon our communities.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Stengel.
Pecos Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Today, Miguel Angel Ortega, 39, of Pecos pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, on January 4, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Ortega’s cellular phone. Approximately 54 videos containing child pornography of prepubescent children were located.
A sentencing date has not been set. Ortega faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Ortega has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 5, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
HSI, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Pecos Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy is prosecuting 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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Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida– United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Zayas (45, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to enticing a minor child to produce sexually explicit videos and to possessing child sexual abuse material. Zayas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces a potential life term of supervised release on all counts. A sentencing date has been set for October 26, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, in approximately July 2022, Zayas, posing as a teenage boy, used a messaging application to contact a 12-year-old child. After the child grew tired of Zayas’s romantic advances, the child stopped communicating with Zayas. Zayas then contacted the child again, this time posing as the sister of the teenage boy. Zayas threatened to physically hurt the child for ending the “relationship” with the fictional brother, and as a result, the child agreed to continue a friendship with the original persona. In order to scare the child and prove that Zayas knew who the child was, where she lived, and where the child went to school, Zayas sent the child a photo of the child’s apartment complex and a yearbook photo of the child from the child’s middle school. Zayas then requested several nude images and videos of the child performing sexual acts, and he instructed the child on what to do in the images and videos. Initially the child refused, afraid that Zayas would post the photos on the internet to harm the child. After promising not to use the images to harm the child, the child eventually sent Zayas sexually explicit videos and photos. The demands from Zayas continued, and when the child did not comply with Zayas’s requests, Zayas became hostile and threatened to expose the child with the nude videos and images the child had previously sent.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) was made aware of Zayas when a school resource officer was contacted by a parent who had received via text message a collage depicting sexually explicit photos of the child. OSCO investigators were able to trace the aliases to Zayas through phone records, and with the help of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, also discovered evidence of an order for flowers, which Zayas had delivered to the child’s middle school, from his work-issued laptop.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that on July 26, 2022, District Court Chief Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Hammaduzzaman Syed, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 120 months incarceration for attempted sex trafficking of a minor. A jury found Syed guilty on March 22, 2022, following a day and a half jury trial. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Syed will serve a 5-year term of supervised release.
In November 2020, a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted an advertisement on Skip the Games, a website known to be commonly used for prostitution. On November 17, 2020, Syed responded to the phone number on the advertisement by text message and began communicating with an undercover deputy who informed Syed that they were a 15-year-old female. Syed then arranged to meet who he believed to be a 15-year-old female for a half hour of sex for $100. Syed then traveled to the agreed upon location with condoms and the agreed upon $100 as pursuant to their text message conversation.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as part of the FBI’s Child Enticement and Human Trafficking Task Force and 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.
North Carolina Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Unapproved Covid-19 RemediesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Diana Daffin, 69, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in federal court to selling unapproved drugs with the intent to defraud or mislead the FDA, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Diana Daffin owned and operated a holistic medicine company called Savvy Holistic Health doing business as Holistic Healthy Pet. In March 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) learned that Daffin was selling unapproved drugs on her website, with the brand name HAMPL, that Daffin claimed were COVID-19 remedies and treatments. In April and August of 2020, the FDA sent Daffin warning letters explaining that various products she was selling—including the HAMPL COVID-19 drugs—were adulterated, misbranded, and unapproved drugs and that she should take immediate action to correct the violation. Daffin responded by telling the FDA that she removed the products from her website and would stop distributing them.
However, Daffin did not stop selling the products. Instead, she continued to distribute the unapproved COVID-19 drugs and took steps to defraud and mislead the FDA. For example, she continued to sell unapproved HAMPL brand drugs by moving them to a password protected website, telling one customer that this was her “way of evading the FDA.”
In February 2021, Daffin sold an undercover law enforcement officer a HAMPL product that she advertised as a drug that could cure, mitigate, treat, and prevent COVID-19 in humans. In an email leading up to the sale, Daffin told the undercover officer, “This stuff does work for covid, but fda shut it down.” Daffin later sold and shipped the undercover agent the unapproved HAMPL-brand COVID-19 drug and other unapproved drugs.
On March 5, 2021, the undercover agent in New Hampshire received HAMPL drugs sold by Daffin, including the purported COVID-19 remedy. The label stated that it provided “a stronger immunity against CV” and promised “Immunity for Humans.”
Daffin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the United States Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Georgiana L. MacDonald.
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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.
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New Hampshire Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug and firearm offenses.
Brandon Ortiz, 25, of Manchester, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
On June 6, 2019, police in the City of Lawrence responded to a 911 call about a motor vehicle incident involving a firearm. During the investigation, officers seized fentanyl, cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic pistol and ammunition from Ortiz. Ortiz is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a prior 2018 domestic violence conviction.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuted the case.
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.
New Bedford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possessing fentanyl intended for distribution.
Marquise Thompson, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 2, 2022. Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2021 and later charged in a superseding Information on July 25, 2022.
In October 2020, Thompson was arrested prior to his attempt to sell fentanyl. Following his arrest, state and federal authorities recovered more than 20 grams of fentanyl and packaging materials from an apartment that Thompson was using in New Bedford to store narcotics.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a mandatory sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
Murder Mail Leads to Federal Conviction of South Florida Jilted LoverRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A 43-year-old Pembroke Pines, Florida man who used the United States postal service to solicit, plan, and pay for the murder of his former girlfriend’s new love interest pled guilty today in federal court to a charge of using the mail to commit murder-for-hire, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1958.
As part of his guilty plea, Ryan Hadeed admitted that in September 2021, he mailed a letter to the intended hitman requesting murder services: “I need someone eliminated. I've been told you can arrange that. $10,000 All in cash and upfront. Person located in Tampa.” In that letter, and two later ones, Hadeed instructed the intended hitman to signal acceptance of the offer by posting marked sheets of paper on a store-front window, among other things. On November 10, 2021, the intended hitman received a final mailing from Hadeed that included a description and pictures of the man that Hadeed wanted killed, the victim’s home address and likely travel schedule, as well as a deadline for the murder. Also inside the envelope was $10,000 cash. Hadeed left the country on a one-way ticket the same day the hitman received the cash and pictures. During a secondary customs inspection of Hadeed when he returned to the U.S. from his international trip, additional evidence of the crime was uncovered. Law enforcement officers, who had learned of the crime, arrested Hadeed. Federal prosecutors filed a case against him in December 2021.
The intended victim, who remains alive, is romantically involved with Hadeed’s former girlfriend.
Hadeed’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 26, at 1:15 p.m. before U.S. District William P. Dimitrouleas. Hadeed faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), Miami Field Office; Juan A. Vargas, Acting Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Region; and Troy Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Miami Region, announced the guilty plea.
HSI Miami, USPIS Miami, and FDLE investigated the case, with assistance from Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley and Deric Zacca are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-60009.
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Moundsville woman admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Loretta Jean Minor, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Minor, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Minor admitted to having methamphetamine in January 2022 in Marshall County.
Minor faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Monroe County Man to Serve 30 Years for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – An Amory man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Monday for producing and distributing child pornography. United States District Judge Neal B. Biggers sentenced Brett Northington, 60, to 360 months in federal prison for using a minor to produce child sexual abuse material and distribute it on the Internet.
The investigation began when the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with international intelligence agencies, received information that Northington was distributing child pornography via an instant messaging application. Further investigation revealed that Northington had used the application to take and send sexually explicit pictures and videos of a child under the age of 12.
Northington had been previously convicted of a sex offense in state court.
In sentencing Northington to 30 years in prison, Judge Biggers noted that he felt the sentence was necessary to protect children in Northington’s own family and children outside of his family from abuse.
“Individuals who sexually abuse children in order to produce and distribute child pornography have no place among civilized people and deserve to be in prison for as long as possible,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Such evil must never be tolerated and these individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This defendant’s repeated sexual exploitation of minors is deserving of the 30-year prison sentence to ensure he will not inflict further harm and trauma on other children,” said Special Agent in Charge David Denton of HSI New Orleans. “HSI is appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the Monroe County Sherriff’s office for its work with our special agents on this investigation.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case.
Michigan man sentenced to more than 12 years for drug and firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alante Martel Nelson, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Nelson, 29, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Nelson admitted to having heroin in August 2020 in Monongalia County. Nelson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, also admitted to having a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mexican Mafia supplier and local gang member guilty of drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On April 22, authorities executed a search warrant at Manuel Moya’s residence, at which time they discovered approximately 11.2 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of meth, three kilograms of marijuana and $120,000. They also found other controlled substances such as psilocybin mushrooms, crack cocaine, synthetic cannabinoid and MDMA. He was the only one present at the location.
Law enforcement also found a Century Arms Inc. pistol, Ruger rifle, two Taurus pistols, three Glock pistols, a JTS Group shotgun, body armor, high-capacity magazines and several rounds of ammunition. Two of the firearms contained chambered rounds. Moya took responsibility of the weapons and ammunition.
In addition, they discovered several ledgers that documented Moya’s controlled substance distribution activities and a notebook with instructions on how to make drugs. Other supplies were found in the search including glassware with residue of controlled substances, bags, equipment for vacuum sealing, weight scales, small sandwich bags, money counters and razor blades.
The investigation revealed Moya was a local gang member and a drug supplier to the Mexican Mafia. He distributed narcotics on both an individual and large-scale basis.
Moya has been previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing on Oct. 19. At that time, Moya faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Committing Arson during Civil Unrest in Rockford in 2020Read the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting fire to a store in Rockford during a period of civil unrest in 2020.
SEAN CARDENAS, 22, of Rockford, pleaded guilty earlier this year to an arson charge. Cardenas admitted that on May 30, 2020, he used a hammer to break the glass front doors of Burlington Coat Factory, 6260 E. State St. Wearing a hood and mask to conceal his identity, Cardenas entered the store and used a Molotov cocktail to ignite a fire inside it.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Tuesday ordered Cardenas to pay restitution of $965,591.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S Maveus.
Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Threatening and Pointing a Firearm at a WomanRead the Press Release
A man who pointed a firearm at a woman and threatened to kill her was sentenced Wednesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“William Caudle knowingly possessed a stolen gun, fired it multiple times in a neighborhood, then pointed it at a concerned citizen. Because of his criminal acts, he will spend more than three years in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Federal prosecutors and our partners at the ATF and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office will not stand by while criminals use guns and violence to intimidate, threaten, or harm those living in Tulsa County.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced William Joseph Caudle, 19, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Eagan further referred Caudle to drug treatment and vocational training programs offered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Caudle previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and felon in possession of a firearm.
Caudle admitted that he pointed a Glock 17, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol at a woman and stated that he was going to kill the woman and her boyfriend. He further admitted to being a felon in possession of the firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition.
According to court documents, deputies were dispatched to a home just after 10 pm on Jan. 5, 2022, after the caller informed authorities that they heard gunshots.
When officers arrived, they made contact with a woman who reported that she heard four or five gunshots. Afterward, she saw Caudle standing in the street with another person and asked if he heard the gunfire. She explained that he became angry and removed a firearm from his sweatshirt. He then pointed the firearm at the woman, began walking toward her, and stated that he was going to kill her and her boyfriend.
Multiple witnesses heard the initial gunfire and placed Caudle at the scene. One witness heard the victim yell at Caudle and observed him point the firearm at the victim.
Deputies eventually made contact with Caudle, and after a short struggle, took him into custody. Based on witness accounts, deputies searched a near-by Tulsa County home and located the Glock 17. The gun was magazine loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Deputies also found two spent cartridge casings in the front yard of the home. An NCIC check revealed the firearm had been stolen earlier that morning.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced to 10+ Years for Attempted Child Sex Trafficking Following StingRead the Press Release
A would-be child sex trafficker was sentenced today to more than 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Gary Jordan, 23, pleaded guilty in March to one count of attempted child sex trafficking. He was sentenced Wednesday to 121 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr.
“This defendant trawled social media, prepared to use a combination of flattery and threats to lure teenage girls into commercial sex. Fortunately, the “child” on whom he chose to prey was an undercover agent – but it could have been an actual teen,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Unfortunately, evil lurks on the internet. Parents and guardians, please keep an eye on your children’s social media activity and report any concerns to law enforcement immediately. Child sex trafficking is all too real. We can only prevent it by working together.”
“Child sex trafficking is a despicable crime that has no place in our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jesse Woods, HSI Dallas. “This defendant’s sentence for his criminal intent should serve as reminder that the North Texas Trafficking Task Force will work endlessly to prosecute those seeking to exploit minors for roles in the commercial sex industry.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 3, 2020, Mr. Jordan initiated a social media conversation with an account he believed belonged to a 16-year-old girl. In actuality, the account was run by an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent.
During their conversations, Mr. Jordan offered to teach the child the commercial sex “game” and claimed she could earn “50k in a week.” He told her he had been involved in the commercial sex business for five years, adding that he charged a $10,000 upfront fee but would waive it for her because “I see yo worth.”
When he learned she was only 16, he offered to help her obtain a fake ID and fly her out to Fort Lauderdale. (He later changed his mind and decided to pick her up in Dallas.)
He instructed the child to send him a sexually explicit photo. When she hesitated, saying she was afraid her guardian would find out, he told her she was “not going back home.”
“Don’t think u going anywhere cause ur not,” he wrote, later stating, “I’m looking for a trap rn [right now].”
He also asked her to send a photo to prove she was not a law enforcement officer.
The child confided in him that intercourse had been painful for her in the past, and he said he would have sex with her himself before selling her body to other men. He promised to take her shopping, saying she would look “sexy” in the clothing he planned to buy her.
Eventually, he sent an uber to an address she provided to transport her to his hotel room in Dallas.
Agents arrested him inside the hotel room around 2 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2020. They forced their way into the room after hearing him attempt to open the window. He was at the foot of the bed, clad only in underpants.
In plea papers, Mr. Jordan admitted that he was aware of the purported child’s status as a juvenile and that he attempted to entice her.
Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Renee Hunter, Rebekah Ricketts (fmr.) and Melanie Smith (fmr.) prosecuted the case.
Los Angeles man sentenced to more than 15 years for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Francisco Chanes, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 188 months of incarceration for his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Chanes, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Chanes admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl from the Spring of 2018 until October 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and, the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments. The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners: the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office; the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
Lexington Man Indicted on 15 Counts for Armed Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm at 7 Columbia Area BusinessesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 15-count indictment against Deveon Antonio Belk, 35, of Lexington, charging felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and seven counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
The indictment alleges that between November 9 and November 16, 2020, Belk robbed seven Columbia-area businesses at gunpoint, including Dollar General, Family Dollar, Wendy’s, SKS Mart, and CVS. The indictment alleges that Belk brandished a firearm at each victim business, where he stole money and merchandise. The indictment also charges he was a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and that he possessed a Ruger 9mm pistol and 9mm ammunition in connection with his conduct.
Belk faces a maximum penalty of up to Life in prison. He is currently detained pending his arraignment in federal court in Columbia on August 9, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett.
This case was 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 FBI, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Irmo Police Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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