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Wednesday 20 July 2022
Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Role in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Georgia woman was sentenced to 51 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States by promoting a nationwide tax fraud scheme involving more than 200 participants in at least 19 states.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Yomarie Febres, of Covington, prepared 77 false income tax returns that collectively sought more than $23.8 million in tax refunds from the IRS. Between 2014 and 2016, Febres’s co-conspirators held seminars throughout the country where they promoted the scheme and recruited clients to file false tax returns with the IRS by telling them that their mortgages and other debts entitled them to refunds. Information collected from clients was then provided to Febres for use in the preparation of false tax returns. The tax returns that Febres prepared falsely claimed that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income taxes from the clients, which entitled the clients to refunds. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to or withheld any taxes from the clients. The false returns Febres prepared caused the IRS to pay out more than $15 million in fraudulent refunds to scheme participants. Febres concealed her role in the scheme by falsely reporting that all of the returns were “self-prepared,” when she had actually created them.
Febres admitted that her co-conspirators charged clients approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in fees to participate in the scheme. Febres typically received a portion of the fee – typically $500 per client – for each tax return she prepared. Febres did not report on her 2014 and 2015 income tax returns the income she received for preparing these false returns. She also claimed false business losses on her personal tax returns.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. In April, Aaron Aqueron, who recruited clients and provided information to Febres for use in the preparation of false tax returns, was sentenced to more than four years in prison.
“Today’s sentence represents the culmination of years of work by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg. “The main promoters of this multimillion-dollar tax fraud conspiracy now has been identified, convicted and sentenced to a substantial prison term. The message to other would-be tax cheats is clear: no matter how sophisticated or complicated your scheme, we will uncover it, obtain your conviction and seek sentences that hold you fully responsible for your criminal conduct.”
“I am proud of the investigators and prosecutors who worked diligently to unravel this complex financial scheme and recover millions of dollars on behalf of American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s sentence, along with those previously imposed upon the co-conspirators in this case, shows that those who willfully violate our national’s tax laws should expect to face significant consequences for their crimes.”
“Plain and simple, you can’t defraud the U.S. government and not face repercussions for your crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “Our investigation revealed that Febres not only misrepresented the refunds her clients were entitled to on their tax returns, but she also attempted to conceal her role in the criminal activity by failing to list herself as the tax preparer. Her actions landed her in federal prison with a hefty restitution amount due to the IRS.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, the district judge also ordered Febres to serve two years of supervised release and pay $11,140,842.65 in restitution to the IRS.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind, Kavitha Bondada and Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, prosecuted the case.
Federal Indictment in Pensacola Shooting CaseRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Quinton L. Pete, 33, of Ocala, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with attempted Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Pete was arrested on this case in Dallas, Texas, a day after the armed robbery in Pensacola.
The federal indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2022, Pete attempted to rob persons at the Coyote’s Sports Bar, which is next to Cordova Mall in Pensacola. It also alleges Pete did so with a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony. The Pensacola Police Department was the first to respond to and investigate the crime scene. Working in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service, the Pensacola Police Department was able to locate Pete in Dallas, Texas, and have him taken into custody without incident.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. 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 works 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.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment today charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, on July 10, 2022, Herbert Lee, 30, was in possession of a handgun on July 10, 2022. Lee has previously been convicted of the following felonies that prohibit him from possessing a firearm: receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2013; receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2014; and receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2019.
Lee is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He remains in state custody and will be scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and ATF Louisville Division Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case. SAUSA Lantz is an Assistant Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney sworn in as a SAUSA to prosecute firearms cases in federal court. She works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime. Funding for SAUSA Lantz’s position comes from a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, to the office of Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood, 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.
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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Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- July 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
John David Boman. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Boman, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Rossi .357 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-219
Martin Andrew Breshears. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Arson in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Use of Fire or Explosive to Commit a Felony. On June 27, 2022, Breshears, 24, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted a male victim with intent to do bodily harm. On June 28, 2022, he is further alleged to have broken into the same victim’s residence, assaulted him with a sharpened lead pipe, doused the victim with lighter fluid, attempted to set the victim on fire, and endangered lives when he set the victim’s residence on fire. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Robert T. Raley are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-223
Matthew Gabriel Cowan. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cowan, 41, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Sig Sauer 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and 98 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finally, he is charged with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-224
Tyler James Lewis. Corruptly Tampering with Evidence (Counts 1-4). Between July 3, 2022, and July 4, 2022, Lewis, 23, of Cleveland, allegedly tampered with evidence in an attempt to impair an investigation into the shooting of Tyler Lane Kirk, who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Lewis allegedly tampered with the victim’s body, a blue shirt, a cell phone, and a black GMC Denali pickup truck. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-220
Jesse Ray Matlock. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Counts 2,5,7); Tampering with a Witness by Using and Threatening Physical Force (Count 3); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 4); Stalking (Count 6); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 8); Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion (Count 9) (second superseding). On February 24, 2022, Matlock, 31, of Eucha, allegedly sexually assaulted and strangled an intimate partner. He further carried a firearm during the crimes and threatened to harm and harmed the victim to prevent her from communicating with law enforcement officials. He is also charged with strangling the victim in May 2021. He is further charged with stalking the victim through electronic means from December 1, 2021, through Dec. 4, 2021. He is further charged with kidnapping and strangling his spouse between Dec. 13, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2021. Finally, Matlock is charged with persuading another individual to tamper with evidence to impair the law enforcement investigation and official proceedings related to his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-083
Donald Ray Shibley. Robbery in Indian Country (Counts 1, 4); Carjacking (Counts 2,5); Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 6). Shibley, 43, of Tulsa, allegedly struck and beat the driver of a 2006 Jaguar sedan when he stole elderly man’s jewelry, firearms and car on June 20, 2022, at an apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Tulsa. He also allegedly stabbed a different driver in the neck with a pen when he attempted to steal the elderly woman’s 2014 Honda sedan on June 22, 2022, at a Tulsa gas station. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-221
Joel Richard Smith; Amanda Irene Smith. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1,3); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2,4) (superseding). From Feb. 1, 2014, and continuing through April 5, 2019, Joel and Amanda Smith are alleged to have aided and abetted one another when they maliciously injured and tortured a child. During that time, they also failed to adequately provide for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child. The Smiths were arrested and charged after the child ran to a neighbor’s home for help. The child was severely malnourished, did not have basic hygiene needs met, and showed signs of physical abuse, including difficulty walking. Joel Smith, 47, of Salina, is charged in counts 1 and 2. Amanda Smith, 43, of Salina, is charged in counts 3 and 4. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-553
Erie Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Deceased Father's Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Erie, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in jail and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $127,636 on her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Loraleigh Helen Barber, 51.
According to information presented to the court, from January 1, 2007 through August 2, 2019, Barber received $127,636 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled. Ms. Barber had served as a representative payee for her father and after he died in December of 2006, yet she never advised the Social Security Administration and kept on receiving and spending the benefits intended for her father.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barber.
El Paso School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso school teacher was sentenced today to life in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Ricardo Ortiz, 31, began chatting with a 14-year-old on social media when the conversation quickly turned sexual in nature. Ortiz arranged to meet with the minor for a sexual encounter but when he arrived at the meeting place, Ortiz was arrested by law enforcement. Ortiz was actually speaking with an undercover FBI employee instead of a minor.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that Ortiz also engaged in sexual activities with at least three minors in the El Paso area. Agents also found child pornography on Ortiz’s electronic devices.
On March 9, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
“Our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of those who prey upon children in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We are incredibly grateful for our law enforcement partners in this case for their tireless efforts in identifying victims and working to hold Ricardo Ortiz responsible for the unspeakable harm he has caused.”
“Ricardo Ortiz, a local teacher in El Paso, was trusted by students and parents alike to serve as a role model and not a sexual predator going after teens,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso Office. “I want to thank our partners on the El Paso Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force for their dedication to the mission to protect the children of our community. They were able to stop Ortiz, who attempted to meet a 14-year-old, whom he met via social media, for sex. This case reminds all of us to remain vigilant about our children’s online behavior and social media presence. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers of online predators who use popular apps, games, and websites and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory J. Rasmussen and Kristal Wade prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 19, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Brenda Faye Fernandez, age 48, was sentenced to ten months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. She pled guilty on March 31, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from Fernandez’s involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, in South Dakota. Fernandez knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Fernandez was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Armed Invasion of Northeast Washington BusinessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Timothy Heard, 45, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for barging into a business in Northeast Washington with two loaded firearms, and then holding a female employee against her will for more than an hour.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Heard pleaded guilty in February 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of kidnapping and a related firearms offense. He was sentenced on July 19, 2022, by the Honorable Richard J. Leon. Following completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 4, 2020, at approximately 3 p.m., Heard kicked in the office door of a landscaping business in the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road NE. At the time, he was illegally armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols, even though he was barred from having guns because of a prior felony conviction. Upon entering, he saw a female employee in the office; two other employees ran out of the building. Heard told the remaining employee that she could not leave. For more than an hour, he intentionally held her against her will. The Metropolitan Police Department arrived at the scene after receiving an emergency call.
Heard called 911 as the MPD officers surrounded the business and said that he would release the employee if officers backed off. Heard eventually placed the guns in a bag and then put the bag in a file cabinet. Heard then smoked a PCP laced cigarette before walking out of the building, when he was arrested. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI and MPD. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Genevieve de Guzman, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias, and Victim/Witness Program Specialist Yvonne Bryant. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Del City Man Sentenced to Serve Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, a federal judge sentenced PATRICK SEAN HICKS, 40, of Del City, Oklahoma, to 84 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 8, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment against Hicks charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On August 4, 2021, Hicks pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Public records reflect that on November 29, 2020, at 12:49 a.m., the Del City Police Department received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance. Records further reflect that Hicks broke into his ex-wife’s house and threatened her, her boyfriend, and her children. Police officers arrived and eventually arrested Hicks with a gun in his hand. Hicks is a felon and had an active victim protective order (VPO) against him.
Public records reflect Hicks has felony convictions for larceny of copper in Cleveland County case CF-2007-599, unauthorized use of a vehicle in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-1518, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving while privilege suspended in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-3073, forgery in the second degree and concealing stolen property in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-4099, possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance (CDS) in Cleveland County case CF-2009-1088, use of a computer for the purpose of violating Oklahoma statutes, threatening to perform an act of violence, and malicious injury and destruction of property in Oklahoma County case CF-2019-997, and second degree burglary, making a false declaration to a pawnbroker, and possession of stolen property in Oklahoma County case CF-2019-1173. The defendant also had four separate VPOs filed against him by his ex-wife in Oklahoma County case numbers PO-2018-2877, PO-2019-165, PO-2020-1488, and PO-2020-2178.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Hicks to serve 84 months in federal prison. Judge Wyrick cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense, Hicks’ criminal history, and the need to protect the public. Judge Wyrick also ordered that upon release from prison, Hicks must serve 3 years of supervised release. Defendant has been in custody since November 29, 2020.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Del City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhood, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Defendants Indicted in Tractor Trailer Smuggling Incident That Resulted in 53 DeathsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment today against two men charged in the fatal tractor trailer incident that occurred on June 27, 2022, resulting in the death of 50 adults and three minor children and injuring 10 adults and one minor child.
Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, TX, and Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, TX, are charged in a federal indictment with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, all in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
Upon conviction, the charges for conspiracy to transport and transport resulting in death carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty. The Attorney General will decide whether to seek the death penalty at a later time. Should the Attorney General determine that the circumstances of the offense are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the transporting resulting in serious bodily injury charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On June 27, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents responded to the scene of a human smuggling event involving a tractor trailer and 64 individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers advised HSI Agents that they arrived at the location of the tractor trailer in southwest San Antonio after receiving 911 calls from concerned citizens. At the scene, SAPD officers discovered multiple individuals some still inside the tractor trailer, some on the ground and in nearby brush, many of them deceased and some of them incapacitated. SAPD officers were led to the location of an individual, later identified as Zamorano, who was observed hiding in the brush after attempting to abscond. Zamorano was detained by SAPD officers.
A search warrant was executed on a cell phone belonging to Zamorano. Through investigation, it was discovered that communications occurred between Zamorano and Martinez concerning the smuggling event.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol provided HSI agents surveillance footage of the tractor trailer crossing through an immigration checkpoint. The driver could be seen wearing a black shirt with stripes and a hat. HSI agents confirmed Zamorano matched the individual from the surveillance footage and was wearing the same clothing.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division, made the announcement.
HSI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department; the Palestine Police Department; Joint Task Force Alpha; Customs and Border Protection; and Border Patrol, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown, Sarah Spears and Jose Luis Acosta are prosecuting the case.
These charges resulted in coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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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Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Handgun in Chicago SuburbRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man who was previously convicted of a 1993 kidnapping and murder in Chicago has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
DARNELL LUCKETT illegally possessed the firearm on March 15, 2017, in Maywood, Ill. Illinois State Police stopped a vehicle Luckett was driving and discovered the gun under the driver’s seat. During the stop police also found ammunition, heroin, bath salts, marijuana, a digital scale, and counterfeit cash.
Luckett, 51, of Berwyn, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Luckett had previously been convicted of multiple state felonies, including the 1993 kidnapping and murder of Darren Payton in Chicago, and was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., on Monday imposed a 71-month federal prison sentence.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. ISP provided valuable assistance.
“The city of Chicago is plagued by gun violence,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Dixon argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Federal gun laws exist to prevent individuals from being armed who have shown they cannot be trusted to responsibly possess a firearm.”
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 12 Years for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Mark Allen Branch, 34, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine and for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 15, 2020, officers with the Dyer County Sheriff's Department conducted a traffic stop on a green Pontiac Bonneville for a registration violation. The defendant was in the front passenger seat.
During the search of the vehicle, officers located a green camouflage backpack on the front passenger side floorboard. A loaded Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol was found inside the backpack. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Branch admitted the backpack was his. Other items located in the backpack included a digital scale, three plastic baggies of methamphetamine, and eight individually wrapped baggies of marijuana. Branch confirmed that everything inside the backpack belonged to him.
The DEA issued a laboratory report in this case, which confirmed a net weight of 54.10 grams of actual methamphetamine with a purity level of 95%. The DEA also confirmed that the marijuana weighed 174.95 grams.
A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined Branch's pistol and determined that the gun was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee and therefore traveled in interstate commerce prior to being possessed by Branch on January 15, 2020.
Officers also confirmed that Branch is a convicted felon. In November 2007, Branch was convicted of Possession of over .5 grams of Cocaine with Intent to Sell/Deliver in Dyer County, Mitigated Statutory Rape and Failure to Appear in Dyer County in August 2009, and Promotion of Methamphetamine Manufacture in Dyer County in April 2012.
On March 23, 2022, Branch pled guilty in federal court to the charges of Possession of over 50 grams of Actual Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Felon-in-Possession of a Firearm. As a convicted felon, Branch is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On July 14, 2022, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Branch to 151 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Convicted Felon Is Sentenced to over 12 Years for Selling More Than 20 Firearms Without A License and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted felon was sentenced to 151 months in prison today for selling firearms without a license and illegal gun possession, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Anthony Dewayne Daye, 38, of Statesville, N.C., was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department, and Chief David W. Onley of the Statesville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between October 2020 and February 2021, Daye sold illegally in and around Statesville more than 20 firearms and ammunition, including rifles, handguns, “ghost guns,” and semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, and aided and abetted in the sale of additional illegal firearms. Court records show that some of the firearms Daye sold had been reported stolen. Daye is not a licensed firearms dealer and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior criminal convictions.
On November 19, 2021, Daye pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and aiding and abetting and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Daye is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Hickory Police Department, and the Statesville Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ralph Allison Pitt, Jr., 46, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on December 6, 2017, federal agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (ACHIDTA) and investigators with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on a hotel room shared by Pitt and a co-defendant, who were targets in a drug operation. Law enforcement located various controlled substances including approximately 179 grams of pure methamphetamine in a substance that weighed more than 380 grams and recovered a Smith & Wesson Model “669” 9mm pistol inside a duffle bag with a luggage tag bearing Pitt’s name.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Pitt to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) investigation. HIDTA is a grant program purposed with improving public safety and well-being by disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through intelligence-driven multi-jurisdictional operations; enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations through training; and improving communication and information sharing among criminal justice, drug prevention, and drug treatment professionals in support of the objectives as administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Additional information can be found at https://www.achidta.org/, https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta, and https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/.
This case was investigated by the Columbia’s DEA ACHIDTA, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Bales is prosecuting the case.
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California Pair Indicted for Supplying Fentanyl Linked to Wise County Teen OverdosesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A federal grand jury in Abingdon returned an indictment yesterday charging a pair of California men with supplying the fentanyl linked to teenage overdoses that occurred in Wise County, Virginia.
The grand jury has charged Alexander Ortiz, 25, of Fullerton, Calif., and Jorge Efrain Perez Jr., 24, of Anaheim, Calif., each with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl which resulted in serious bodily injury to two juvenile victims. In addition, Ortiz is charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Ortiz and Perez were the suppliers of fentanyl for Paul Mason Perkins, Austin Jeremiah Lane, Cheyenne Cassie Carico, and others, all of Southwest Virginia.
The government alleges that between November 1, 2020, and June 20, 2022, Ortiz sold thousands of pressed pills containing fentanyl to Perkins and others. Perkins ordered 1,000 pills at a time using the social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram, making purchases from Ortiz every few weeks. Ortiz had the pills mailed to Perkins at his residence in Big Stone Gap. Perkins then distributed the pills to other individuals in Wise County, including multiple sales to co-conspirators Lane and Carico. Perez assisted Ortiz in mailing the illicit packages from California to Virginia, as well as other locations throughout the country.
On November 24, 2021, Perkins sold Carico and Lane three pressed pills. Lane and Carico had purchased two of the pills for a 17-year-old female the two knew from school. Later that night, the 17-year-old female was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. Law enforcement recovered half a pressed pill from the scene of the overdose, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Later the same night, an 18-year-old male who had purchased pressed pills containing fentanyl from Perkins was hospitalized due to a drug overdose.
Search warrants executed at Ortiz’s residences in Los Banos and Santa Ana, California, resulted in the recovery of over 6,000 pressed pills containing fentanyl, approximately $60,000 cash, and 13 firearms.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Charlies J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Atlanta Division made the announcement.
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Southwest Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives are investigating the case, with assistance from the Stanislaus and Orange County, California Sheriffs’ Offices.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is 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.
Boonville Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $400,000Read the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Kyle D. Hollman, 33, of Boonville, Ind., was sentenced late yesterday to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Hollman was employed as a purchasing agent for ProLift Toyota Material Handling, and his job was to procure equipment for Aleris Rolled Products. Hollman used funds belonging to his employer and Aleris to fraudulently purchase hundreds of items for his own personal use, including, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a tractor, firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, tools, tactical gear, and camping equipment. Hollman made around 847 unauthorized purchases, totaling $346,608.65, from Feb. 20, 2018, to Nov. 12, 2020.
Hollman perpetrated his fraud scheme by billing Aleris for products that ProLift never purchased, providing inflated invoices, altering receipts, and using company credit cards for unauthorized purchases. Hollman defrauded Aleris of more than $422,693.40.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Hollman pay restitution of $164,702.65, forfeit all illicitly purchased items, and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who is prosecuting the case.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Jason L. Istre, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 78 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. The Court further sentenced Istre to serve 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made during his plea, on or about October 1, 2021, Istre knowingly received files of child pornography via the internet. Additionally, he used sophisticated computer programs to download and store images and videos of child pornography. Istre sought videos and images of minors, knowing they were under 18 years of age, and sought them with the intent to receive child pornography. Istre also possessed 1,700 total videos and approximately 45 images of child pornography, which were accessible through his laptop.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Baltimore Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl and Other Narcotics to Customers Across Four StatesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Yesterday U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Devin Cunningham, age 27, of Baltimore, to 87 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, Cunningham engaged in a years’ long conspiracy to sell and distribute narcotics including fentanyl, heroin, and other controlled substances in Baltimore. From January 2017 to December 2020, scores of customers from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia traveled to the Forest Park area of Baltimore and purchased between a half of a gram and several grams of fentanyl or heroin and other controlled substances from Cunningham and his associates.
As part of their investigation, law enforcement conducted numerous controlled narcotics purchases from Cunningham and his co-conspirators. In four of the controlled purchases, Cunningham either distributed or participated in the distribution of narcotics, including fentanyl, to a confidential informant. For example, on July 24, 2018, Cunningham and an accomplice sold less than two grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin to a confidential informant for $200.
As stated in his plea agreement, Cunningham continued to sell heroin and fentanyl until his arrest in December 2020. During his arrest, agents seized a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, four cell phones, and approximately several thousand dollars cash. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on the vehicle that Cunningham operated and recovered several items including drug packaging materials, labeling materials, digital scales, approximately 68 grams of fentanyl, approximately 41 grams of a heroin/tramadol mixture, and approximately 383 grams of marijuana.
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. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, DEA, and FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked the Montgomery County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Rigali, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced for Selling Illegal Guiding ServicesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for illegally selling big game guiding services in 2018.
According to court documents, Stephen Jeremy Hicks, 45, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one felony violation of the Lacey Act for illegally selling guiding services to a paying client near Max Lake, Alaska. Hicks sold the hunt on Bureau of Land Management lands where he was not permitted to operate and violated Alaska State laws governing guide/client supervision requirements while in the field.
Hicks was also ordered to forfeit his interest in a Piper Super Cub (N8126C) and to pay $13,460 in restitution for the illegally sold Dall sheep hunt. At sentencing the court found that Hicks had committed other wildlife hunting crimes with non-resident clients in violation of state and federal laws, including the Lacey Act. These include: guiding same day airborne hunts, guiding clients on other state and federally managed lands without permits, wanton waste of game, making false statements and records, taking big game without paying for required tags and guiding while his license was permanently revoked. While on supervision Hicks cannot fly private aircraft or engage in any commercial hunting activity in any capacity.
In determining the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, focused on the lack of investigative resources for wildlife protection, the fact that Hicks profited from his crimes and the trust placed in big game guides by the State of Alaska, stating: “the need for prison is to make clear that blatant disregard for state and federal fish and wildlife rules will not be tolerated.”
“Alaska’s wildlife is the envy of the world. Unwavering wildlife law enforcement is critical to the health and well-being of the state’s wildlife populations, which are an irreplaceable part of Alaska’s natural heritage,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Wildlife is also critical to Alaska Natives for subsistence hunting and fishing as well as sport hunting and tourism. In coordination with our federal and state partners, our office will pursue and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who violate wildlife laws.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Skrocki and Ron Dupuis of the State of Alaska Attorney General’s Office jointly prosecuted the case.
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After Serving Federal Prison Sentence, Miami Bank Robber Returns to Old WaysRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Yesterday, a federal district judge in Miami, Florida sentenced Leonard Williams to 81 months’ imprisonment for bank robbery (57 months) and for violating his supervised release on a 2010 bank robbery case (24 months).
On November 30, 2021, Williams began a three-year term of supervised release following a 151-month sentence for robbing banks. He left his residential reentry center to check in with his Probation Officer, but he never returned to the reentry center. Instead, two days later, Williams robbed two more banks. He entered Ocean Bank in downtown Miami and handed a bank teller a note demanding money, which read, “This is a bank robbery give me all cash 100 50 20 10 list don’t make it a [illegible writing.]” The teller told Williams she did not have any money, and when she did not comply with his demand note, Williams pointed at the note, climbed over the bank teller’s counter into the teller area, and yelled that he wanted cash. Williams then took a small, Ocean Bank zippered deposit bag containing blank checks, parking validations tickets, and a USB thumb drive before climbing back over the counter and exiting the bank with the Ocean Bank zippered bag. About an hour later, Williams entered a Citibank—the same one he robbed in 2010—and used a demand note to rob $7,113 from two Citibank tellers.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John J. Bernardo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami, announced the sentence that U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. imposed.
FBI Miami investigated the case, with assistance of City of Miami Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Michele Klco is handling asset forfeiture.
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 numbers 10-cr-20843 and 22-cr-20015.
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91 Arrested in Crime Reduction Operation in North Carolina and South CarolinaRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A crime reduction operation in North Carolina and South Carolina has resulted in the apprehension of more than 91 individuals on charges of homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution and gun crimes.
The enforcement operation announced today took place between July 5, 2022, and July 15, 2022, in Gaston County in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina, with special emphasis placed on communities within Gastonia, N.C. and Rock Hill, S.C.
Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, “Operation Washout” is a violent crime reduction initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement, and focuses on improving safety in local communities by identifying and removing fugitives, violent criminals, self-identified gang members, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and parole violators.
“Criminal activity impacts the well-being of our communities,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that took part in this crime reduction initiative. As we work together to build stronger relationships with our communities, we must hold accountable those who continue to spread violence and pose a threat to our citizens’ safety.”
“Our commitment to strengthen, protect and safeguard our communities is showcased by the collaborative effort of all the agencies involved in this operation,” said Chris Edge, Acting U.S. Marshal of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of North Carolina. “It also serves as a somber reminder that if you commit a crime and think by fleeing the county or state the United States Marshals Service will find you, wherever you hide.”
Partnering agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service in North Carolina and South Carolina and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Gaston County Police Department, the City of Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the York County Solicitor’s Office.
Tuesday 19 July 2022
iCore Global LLC Executives Plead Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two executives of iCore Global LLC (iCore) have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Samantha L. Mueting, 57, of San Antonio and Josephus De Laat, aka Jos De Laat, 61, of Spicewood defrauded investors through iCore, a company Mueting owned and operated and touted as being a multi-national commercial real estate provider. De Laat served as iCore’s chief financial officer.
Together they conspired to perpetrate a series of frauds upon couples nearing retirement. The defendants promised to allocate the victim couples’ funds into a commercial real estate hedge fund, but instead used the funds for their own personal gain. According to the indictment, they made fraudulent misrepresentations that iCore was a full service, conflict-free, commercial real estate provider worldwide.
Mueting claimed that iCore operated in at least 64 countries, with 156 offices, managed anywhere from tens to hundreds of billions of dollars in a commercial real estate investment fund and employed anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 employees. In reality, iCore’s incorporation address was a shipping company store P.O. Box in Helotes and never employed more than half-dozen employees at any given time. In sum, the defendants defrauded investors of more than $2.1 million.
On July 1, 2022, Mueting pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
De Laat pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
A third codefendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and is scheduled for trial on August 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Special Agent in Charge Paul Duran made the announcement.
The USSS is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Gregory Surovic 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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Windsor Resident Admits Defrauding Employer and its Lender of More Than $700KRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MARGARET BOISTURE, 50, of Windsor, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a charge stemming from her fraud against her former employer and one of its lenders.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Boisture functioned as the chief financial employee of ZoneFlow Reactor Technologies, a pre-revenue company in the business of developing and commercializing a new technology that improves the efficiency of the production of hydrogen. PayPal marketed and serviced commercial loans from WebBank, a third-party lender. Between approximately October 2016 and February 2020, Boisture defrauded ZoneFlow, PayPal and WebBank by diverting ZoneFlow money to herself; taking unauthorized loans that caused ZoneFlow to pay additional interest expense; and making misrepresentations to PayPal and WebBank to induce them to make unauthorized loans to ZoneFlow that expanded the pool of money from which Boisture could take.
In total, Boisture’s criminal conduct caused losses of $632,159.78 to ZoneFlow and $78,066.76 to PayPal and WebBank.
Boisture pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Boisture is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
United States Attorney Announces Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the second quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the past three months, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 64 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses. Those prosecutions have removed more than 200 firearms from our streets. During 2022, in total, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 115 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses, involving 287 firearms and 1,813 auto sears. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also committed to violent crime prevention. PSN community outreach efforts in the second quarter involved more than 900 people.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce violent crime in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to help make that happen, and we look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and our community stakeholders in this effort.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
The cases identified in the linked chart have been investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Police Department, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Cambrel Smart (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Terry Flournoy (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Najour Grimes (25)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
James Edward Bess, III (27)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 25 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Manuel Copland (28)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Trent Reichling, and Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Raymond Reeves (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Cornelius Moore (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephan Marshall (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Sterling Johnson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Brian Sarro (47)
Possession of a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Skeith (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Shawntae Clark (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
2
Johnny White (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
James Little (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Thomas Morrison (62)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Darrell Paschal (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Assault on a federal employee
Maximum Prison Term: 8 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dustin Eward (44)
Conspiracy; Violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
105
Gregory Eward (24)
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Michael Langston (37)
Possession of a machinegun and silencer violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of firearms by an adjudicated mental defective and unlawful user of controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
11
Dylan Jarvis (30)
Possession of a short barreled shotgun, violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
David Geathers (25)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
4
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Julie Hackenberry, Arnold Cormeier, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot, Cyrus Zomorodian, Rodney Brown, Michael Coolican, Kevin Frein, and Kirwinn Mike
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Ricky D. Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute heroin
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Kidanny Rivera-Rolon (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Mandel Lamont Stewart (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ivan Hollingsworth (34)
Unlawful dealing in firearms –
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
NFT violation for transfer of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3 plus 238 auto sears
James King (53)
Possession of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Sale of firearm to felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2 plus 12 auto sears
Brian A. Blake (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition (two counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
2
Daniel Ira Johnson (34)
Transfer of firearm to non-resident
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Javier Lopez Rivera (36)
Pedro Tapia Matos (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
3
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Jason Aaron Beaty (43)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a drug user
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry Livanos, Dana Hill, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Betty Gonzalez, and Michael Felicetta
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Jerome Miller (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Niko Wimbley (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Deandre Lopez (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Hankerson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Raequan Nelson (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Raequin Smith (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Jackie Chapman, III (20)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Ataire Carl Ray (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marquvius T. Dixon (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Marquis Player (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
William Shumaker (38)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cleate Wilson (40)
Forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with federal officers
Maximum Prison Term: 1 year
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Roy Nobles (41)
Malachi Deloch (23)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Reginal Roberts (22)
Nathaniel Carr (28)
Daniel Jackson (29)
Chrishawn Butler (22)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 24 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
O’Marie Hudson (25)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Elijah Bell (19)
Hobbs Act
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thomas Bellere (29)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Magdiel Carmona (27)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
6
Derrek Wallace (45)
Troy Dollman (45)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Rafael Gonzalez Alomar (38)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Mike Sinacore, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Maria Guzman, David Sullivan, David Chee, Michael Kenneth, and Christopher Murray
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Re’Shod Larry (27)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Romeo Lenell Battle (24)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Simon Eth
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Edrick Jackson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ramone Astin
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Andrew Harp (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Adam Taylor (32)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Charles Mobley (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, Arnold Corsmeier, Frank Talbot, David Mesrobian, and John Cannizzaro
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marty Eugene Days, Jr. (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Forcibly assaulting federal officer with injury
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marques Leroy Young (22)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Samuel A. Glover (30)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an Unregistered NFA Weapon
Maximum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, Mike Felicetta, Will S. Hamilton, and Hannah Nowalk
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Kevin Deane Jones (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Jen Harrington
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Kermon Williams (44)
Jhaphre Higgs (42)
James Higgs (37)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Attempt to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Mike Sinacore, David Chee, Craig Gestring, and Charlie Connelly
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
John Olvera Salinas (19)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence—18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
15
Joshua Wade McGinnis (27)
*Salinas codefendant
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
Distribution of cocaine (3 Counts)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
This PSN case from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Steven McWhorter (49)
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine over 500 Grams
Sentence Imposed: 136 months in federal prison
2
Charles DeYoung (45)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
1
Brittany Cooper (32)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Ashley Washington, Betty Gonzalez, David Mesrobian, and Laura Taylor
*Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marrin Maurice Baker (48)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 28 months in federal prison
1
Ashley Nicole Kirkland (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 34 months in federal prison
1
Lonnie Lorenzo Hollingsworth, Jr. (37)
Possession of ammunition affecting interstate commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 36 months in federal prison.
0
Christopher Graves (28)
Possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 53 months in federal prison.
1
Deveon Demon Jenkins (27)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 15 years in federal prison.
1
Darrell Pierre Hopkins (54)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
0
Jeffrey Walt Boston (44)
Felon in possession of firearm
Unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence Imposed: 8 years, 8 months in federal prison
1
Christopher L. Leslie (25)
Felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting commerce
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 4 months in federal prison
3
Kenyari D. Brewton (26)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: Time Served
0
Mark Charles Weatherly (21)
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (actual meth – 5 grams or more)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Larry Burrows (26)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Carjacking
Sentence Imposed: 27 years in federal prison
0
This PSN case from the Orlando Division was handled by Chauncey Bratt.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Dnerius McCullough (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 77 months in federal prison
1
Samuel Storey (43)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 17 years in federal prison
1
Antonio Phillips (33)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 8 years in federal prison
1
Victor Grant (40)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 21 years, 10 months in federal prison
0
Michael Cottone (35)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 3 months in federal prison
2
Christian Agosto (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
1
Deuntay Robertson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 6 years in federal prison
1
Robert Russel Hinote (75)
Dealing firearms without a license
Sentence Imposed: Probation
75
Travis Riley (39)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Sentence Imposed: 9 years, 7 months in federal prison
3
Ralph Malpeso (44)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed:3 years, 1 month in federal prison
6
Clay Morris (29)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Francis Zuilkoski (64)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Calfus W. Drummond (35)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 11 years, 6 months in federal prison
6
Ronald White (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
2nd Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
April 4, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
April 7, 2022
AMI Youth Program (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
29
Tampa
April 12, 2022
Girls With Pearls
17
Orlando
April 19, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
20
Orlando
April 21, 2022
Central Florida Reentry Network Program
56
Orlando
April 22, 2022
FBI Protecting Places of Worship Program
55
Tampa
April 22, 2022
Baker Correctional Reentry Program
75
Jacksonville
April 26, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
14
Orlando
April 28, 2022
Tampa Bay Reentry Month Program
163
Tampa
May 2, 2022
Rising Stars Program at Westbrooke Elementary (Gun Pledge)
18
Orlando
May 9, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
27
Tampa
May 12-13, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
21
Jacksonville
May 17, 2022
Pace Center for Girls
15
Orlando
May 20, 2022
Lockhart Elementary Lunch Buddies Mentor Appreciation
50
Tampa
May 21, 2022
NOBLE Law In Your Community Program
35
Fort Myers
May 23, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
May 26, 2022
Lee County Public Schools Assembly (Assistant Principals)
93
Fort Myers
June 2-3, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
15
Ocala
June 14, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
42
Tampa
June 15, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Shields Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
77
Tampa
May 2, 2022
May 31, 2022
June 14, 2022
June 28, 2022
PSN Violent Crime Initiative – Orlando PD
25
10
25
40
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 2nd Quarter: 24
Total Number of Attendees for 2nd Quarter: 97
Ukraine Resident Pleads Guilty for Role in Sophisticated International Scheme to Steal Money from U.S. Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen who previously resided in Ukraine pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Harold Sobel, 69, was a member of an international criminal enterprise that unlawfully debited money from the bank accounts of unknowing U.S. victims. Members of the criminal enterprise created shell companies for the purpose of receiving victim funds and created fake websites for the shell companies that claimed to offer products or services, such as cloud storage. Members of the criminal enterprise executed unauthorized debits against victims’ bank accounts, while falsely representing to banks that the debits were authorized by the victims as payment for the non-existent products and services.
“The department will prosecute members of international criminal enterprises who defraud Americans and deceive U.S. banks,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Regardless of where they are located, the department will pursue the perpetrators of these fraud schemes.”
“A sophisticated transnational criminal enterprise executed false debits against unsuspecting victims and deceived banks– victimizing American consumers and financial institutions in the process,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “The guilty plea demonstrates the tenacity and resolve of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable for their unscrupulous actions.”
Unauthorized debits against victim accounts, caused by conspirators, resulted in returned transactions and high return rates that often generated scrutiny from the banks. To both conceal and continue making these unauthorized debits, members of the criminal enterprise made misrepresentations to the financial institutions about the transactions, claiming that they were authorized. In some cases, members of the criminal enterprise caused the accounts used by the criminal enterprise to also make “micro debits” against other bank accounts controlled and funded by or for the criminal enterprise. The “micro debits” were used to artificially lower the return rates to levels that conspirators believed would reduce bank scrutiny and thereby lessen the likelihood of closure of the accounts used by the criminal enterprise. The criminal enterprise also operated a call center that fielded complaints from victims of the unauthorized debits. The call center sought to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and to government agencies.
As part of the enterprise, Sobel opened bank accounts in the United States at the direction of a co-conspirator who organized and conducted the affairs of the enterprise from outside the United States. For example, on or about Oct. 16, 2019, Sobel opened four business deposit accounts at a bank branch in Las Vegas. Sobel opened the accounts for a shell company called “Silver Safe Box” and listed himself as the sole member and authorized signer in the account opening documentation. The criminal enterprise then funded “micro debits,” designed to lower return rates, through the Silver Safe Box accounts. Between approximately December 2019 and January 2021, the Silver Safe Box accounts funded over 800,000 “micro debits” in amounts ranging from $0.99 to $1.85. Sobel also recruited at least two associates in the United States to help the foreign co-conspirator, among other things, open additional bank accounts and register shell companies.
Sobel’s participation also involved providing support for the activities of the criminal enterprise’s call center in Ukraine. Sobel devised a script to be used in response to complaints from victims by the call center’s personnel to retain as much of the criminal enterprise’s proceeds as possible, and – only on those occasions where those efforts failed – to then issue full refunds, in order to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and government agencies. Sobel also devised a metric by which he and the foreign co-conspirator could evaluate the effectiveness of the call center’s personnel. As part of his guilty plea, Sobel admitted that more than $1.5 million in victim debits were reasonably foreseeable to him.
Sobel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 12 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Meredith Healy and Wei Xiang of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Joined by State and Local Agencies, to Host One-Stop Reentry Resource Fair at the War Memorial in Baltimore Tomorrow, July 20, 2022Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Tomorrow, July 20th, 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), will sponsor a one-stop reentry resource fair that will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the War Memorial, 101 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD. More than 40 organizations, including at least 20 employers, will be on-site offering assistance and resources to returning citizens and justice-involved persons, including in the areas of employment, job training, educational opportunities, health services, transitional housing, and legal assistance, among other areas of support and assistance.
This reentry resource and job fair is a component of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s violent crime reduction strategy. In addition to the office’s enforcement efforts to remove violent criminals with guns from our communities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has initiated a number of outreach, intervention and prevention efforts to support and invest in communities plagued by violence, such as this reentry resource fair.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves Investigation into Allegations of Race Discrimination by Hartland Community School DistrictRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has resolved its investigation into allegations of race discrimination by the Hartland Consolidated School District, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. The United States Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act based on a complaint filed by a then-student in the district and her guardian, which alleged that the District failed to address pervasive race-based harassment of the student and other Black students in the district. Title IV authorizes the Department of Justice, of which the United States Attorney’s Office is a component, to address complaints that a school is depriving students of equal protection based on race, color, and other protected characteristics.
The District cooperated fully with the investigation and voluntarily took a number of steps to address concerns that were raised during the investigation, including creating a School Board-level Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, instituting training for staff and students, revising internal policies and practices regarding the investigation process for allegations of harassment, and adding counseling and social work staff. The District agreed to take additional steps during the 2022-23 school year, such as conducting a district-wide climate survey to assess the presence and effect of harassment based on race, developing a plan to address the concerns identified by the survey, and increasing measures to learn of, investigate, and respond to complaints of racial harassment.
“Students deserve a safe school environment where they can learn and grow without facing racial harassment. In districts like Hartland, where students of color are only a small percentage of the student body, schools must make an extra effort to ensure that all students are comfortable reporting harassment and other forms of discrimination and be confident that the adults in the building will keep them safe,” said Ison. “We commend the Hartland Consolidated School District for acknowledging their obligations to remove barriers to ensure that all students can fully engage in the educational process.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will review the District’s compliance with the terms of the resolution during and at the end of the 2022-23 school year, and if the terms are found to have been satisfied, it will close its investigation. The case was handled by AUSAs Susan K. DeClercq and Luttrell Levingston.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the Letter of Resolution with the Hartland Consolidated School District, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights. Civil rights complaints may be emailed to [email protected] or by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office’s civil rights hotline at (313) 226-9151.
Two Senior SEPTA Maintenance Managers and Additional Co-Defendant Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud Scheme Against the AuthorityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that David Abell, 73, of Chincoteague Island, VA, and Rodney Martinez, 51, of Blackwood, NJ, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones for bribery and fraud offenses in connection with a scheme to defraud SEPTA of approximately $900,000. Abell was sentenced to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay over $213,000 restitution and to forfeit nearly $96,300. Martinez was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $292,000 restitution and to forfeit nearly $144,300. Both defendants had pleaded guilty to charges of federal program bribery and federal program theft -- Abell in November 2021 and Martinez in December 2021.
From about 2013 through 2019, management-level employees working in SEPTA’s Bridges and Buildings Department (“BBD”) including Abell, Martinez and Peter Brauner, 59, of Kintersville, PA, engaged in bribery and theft schemes with two SEPTA vendors. The BBD is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and renovating SEPTA facilities throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania region. To facilitate this work, SEPTA issued “procurement cards” (also known as P-Cards) to management-level employees working in the BBD. The P-Cards, which operate as SEPTA credit cards, are to be used for purchasing items needed for the legitimate work of the BBD.
In about 2013, Abell, who was the Senior Director of Maintenance at SEPTA, agreed with two codefendants who were SEPTA vendors, to exploit the P-Card system for their mutual benefit. Abell solicited the vendors to provide him with regular cash payments of approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per month. In exchange for those payments, the vendors falsely billed SEPTA through the P-Card system for items that the vendor was not providing to SEPTA. The false charges to SEPTA covered the cash payments to Abell, plus a substantial additional amount to generate fraud proceeds for the vendor. As part of the corrupt deals with the vendors, Abell encouraged other BBD managers to use and continue to use the vendors for SEPTA purchases, growing the vendors’ business with SEPTA.
At various times, beginning around 2014, several other SEPTA BBD managers began engaging in similar fraud activity with the vendors. Those managers included defendant Martinez, who in 2016 replaced Abell as Senior Director of Maintenance and took over Abell’s legitimate role in SEPTA’s BBD, as well as his role in the fraud and bribery scheme. Martinez regularly solicited cash payments from the vendors under the same arrangement that the vendors had with Abell. The cash payments to Martinez totaled over $144,000. The cash payments to Abell totaled approximately $100,000.
Other BBD managers, including defendant Brauner, individually solicited the vendors for cash and personal items. The vendors agreed to provide the cash and personal items to the managers, and then fraudulently billed SEPTA to cover the cost of those payments and products and to generate additional fraud proceeds for themselves. The personal items provided to the managers included valuable gold coins, electronic devices and appliances, designer clothing, and expensive tools and equipment. Together, the two vendors defrauded SEPTA of roughly $900,000. Brauner, a lower-level participant in the scheme, was sentenced today to two years of probation, and was ordered to pay over $33,000 restitution, also by Judge Jones.
One of the corrupt vendors, Mark Irvello, was sentenced by Judge Jones in May 2022, to two years and six months in prison. The government charged a total of nine individuals who participated in this bribery and fraud scheme. All defendants have pleaded guilty and have been or will be sentenced by Judge Jones.
“Philadelphians deserve public employees who do their jobs honestly, without gaming the system to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “At a time when SEPTA is facing significant challenges to continue serving and protecting its riders, the defendants’ actions – and those of their co-conspirators – are the definition of selfish greed.”
“Stealing money from SEPTA, which so many folks depend on day to day, is both shameful and shortsighted,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “This is not the way to increase your take-home pay. The FBI takes federal program theft seriously and, as in this case, we’ll work to ensure justice is done and fraudsters are held appropriately accountable.”
“The auditors and investigators in the SEPTA Office of Inspector General worked diligently to uncover this difficult-to-detect fraud,” said SEPTA Inspector General Denise S. Wolf. “Our ridership deserves that these wrongdoers be held accountable for their illegal activity. We express appreciation for the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office for bringing these defendants to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the SEPTA Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. SEPTA’s Internal Audit Division launched an investigation after receiving tips from employees, and the Authority’s Inspector General shared the findings with the FBI.
Two Men from Wounded Knee Charged with First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that two Wounded Knee, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk, age 59, and Spencer High Hawk, age 25, were indicted on July 6, 2022. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk beating a male to death near Wounded Knee in June 2022. Eugene Acorn High Hawk is also accused of beating a juvenile male with a baseball bat during the same incident. The charges are merely an accusation, and both men are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk were detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 20, 2022.
Two Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Two Chesapeake men pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing firearms as convicted felons.
According to court documents, from October 2021 through January 2022, Brian Ellis, 28, and Raymond Wyche, 30, were buying and selling firearms as convicted felons. Wyche was serving a federal term of supervised release from a previous federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
A search of Wyche’s phone revealed numerous text messages between Wyche, Ellis, and others about buying and selling various firearm. The text messages often included pictures and even videos of the firearms. In one text message, Ellis informed Wyche that he bought a Glock pistol. Shortly thereafter a search warrant was executed at Ellis’ residence and a Glock pistol was recovered amongst his other personal effects. In another text message Wyche was attempting to sell a Glock pistol to another individual, the text message included a picture of the gun with the serial number being visible. The Norfolk Police Department recovered this same gun after conducting a high-speed of chase of several juveniles. The gun was found in their automobile.
Wyche is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16. He also faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Muhr is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-55.
Tijuana Man Charged with Possessing 249 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jessica Schulberg (619) 546-9664
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Alexis Benito Nuno of Tijuana was charged in federal court today in connection with the alleged smuggling of approximately 249 pounds of fentanyl into the U.S.
Nuno was driving a 2015 Black GMC Sierra truck on eastbound Interstate 8, about 300 yards east of the Crestwood on-ramp near the Golden Acorn Casino when he was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents around 3 a.m. During the traffic stop, a Border Patrol dog, named “Huno,” alerted to the vehicle, indicating the presence of drugs.
Agents stopped Nuno’s vehicle, in part, because he had previously been encountered at a nearby checkpoint a week earlier, on July 11, 2022, and agents noticed that he appeared nervous and his vehicle’s gas tank showed signs of tampering. According to a federal complaint, during a traffic stop on July 18, 2022, agents found 108 packages of suspected M30 Fentanyl pills hidden in the gas tank and spare tire with a total weight of 113.20 kilograms (249.04 pounds). The packages from the spare tire were wrapped in clear plastic bags with no markings or labels. The packages from the gas tank were wrapped in clear vacuum sealed bags with no markings or labels. The contents tested positive at the scene for fentanyl.
Nuno was arrested. He made his first appearance in federal court this afternoon.
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. is among our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This deadly drug is fueling a public health crisis that is destroying families. It’s always a good result when fentanyl is intercepted, particularly this massive amount.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and vigilant Border Patrol and DEA agents for working hard to keep fentanyl off the streets.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22mj2400
Alexis Benito Nuno Age: 24 Tijuana, MX
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(l)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
United States Border Patrol
Drug Enforcement Administration
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Men Charged in Ecuadorian Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment last week, which was unsealed today, charging a Florida man and two Ecuadorian citizens, who reside in Costa Rica, for their alleged roles in a bribery and money laundering scheme to obtain business from Ecuadorian state-owned insurance companies.
According to court documents, Esteban Eduardo Merlo Hidalgo, 50, of Miami, Christian Patricio Pintado Garcia, 49, of Costa Rica, and Luis Lenin Maldonado Matute, 52, of Costa Rica, allegedly conspired to pay bribes to officials of Ecuador’s state-owned insurance companies Seguros Sucre S.A. and Seguros Rocafuerte S.A. to obtain and retain business for themselves, an intermediary company, and reinsurance clients. The intermediary company also allegedly received a portion of the brokerage commission obtained from Seguros Sucre and Seguros Rocafuerte and used those funds, in part, to make the bribe payments. As further alleged in the indictment, the co-conspirators laundered funds related to the bribery scheme to and from bank accounts in Florida and used the proceeds for their personal benefit.
Merlo, Pintado, and Maldonado are each charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years; one substantive violation of the FCPA, which carries a maximum penalty of five years; conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years; and four counts of engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count. Merlo made his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Pintado and Maldonado remain at large. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum total penalty of 60 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. office; and Special Agent in Charge John J. Bernardo of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI and FBI, jointly under the auspices of the Global Illicit Financial Team.
Trial Attorneys Alexander Kramer, Katherine Raut, Drew Bradylyons, and James Mandolfo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ten Arrested in Southeastern Massachusetts Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Ten individuals were arrested today for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During today’s arrests, 14.9 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and substantial amounts of cash and were seized from target locations.
According to the charging documents, in March 2021, law enforcement began investigating a DTO led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Intercepted communications on numerous cellphones allegedly identified Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez and Alfredo Rodriguez as members of the DTO who conspired with Ortiz-Alcantara to regularly distribute multi-kilograms of fentanyl from a base of operations at a stash house in Fall River. According to court documents, at the time of their arrest this morning, Cabreja Jimenez and Rodriguez had barricaded themselves in a back bedroom of the stash house upon the arrival of law enforcement.
The investigation also identified Rebecca Bartholomew, Edwin Collazo, Jason Cruz, Michael Pacheco and Jose Santiago as alleged regular DTO customers who re-distributed fentanyl to their own local customer bases in areas including Cape Cod and New Bedford. As part of the conspiracy, it is alleged that members of the DTO, under Ortiz-Alcantara’s management and control, conducted drug transactions with these regular customers in public areas – including in the diaper aisle of a store and in supermarket parking lots. It is also alleged that on at least one occasion, members of the DTO transported drugs concealed in cereal boxes while accompanied by a child. Over 500 grams of suspected fentanyl was seized during the investigation through controlled purchases and drug seizures.
The following defendants were arrested today and charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances:
- Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 36, of Providence, R.I.;
- Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 24, of Cranston, R.I.;
- Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Benjamin Osorio Pizarro,” 32, of Providence, R.I.;
- Rebecca Bartholomew, 36, of Yarmouth;
- Jose Santiago, 45, of New Bedford;
- Edwin Collazo, 26, of New Bedford;
- Jason Cruz, 41, of New Bedford;
- Michael Pacheco, 43, of Taunton;
- Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez; and
- Alfredo Rodriguez.
“Today’s coordinated law enforcement operation disrupted an organization we believe served as a hub for the distribution of illegal and deadly narcotics in Southeastern Massachusetts and into Rhode Island,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The opioid crisis has resulted in far too much harm and far too many deaths in our Commonwealth. My office will not relent in pursuing those who make a living off pumping poisonous fentanyl into our communities – violators will be identified, prosecuted, incarcerated and put out of business. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their exceptional collaboration that led to today’s arrests and brought this case to fruition.”
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like fentanyl. The DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 84 Months of Imprisonment for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Donald Dorosheff, 75, was sentenced on July 14, 2022, to 84 months’ imprisonment for receipt and possession of child pornography, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,500 to each of the five identified victims, totaling $12,500.
At the March 2022 bench trial before United States District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, the government presented evidence to establish that from May 2013 to March 3, 2016, Dorosheff repeatedly accessed and downloaded child pornography to his laptop computer from the Internet. On March 3, 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at Dorosheff’s apartment in the Sangamon Towers in Springfield and seized his computer, an external hard drive, and various flash drives. During a subsequent forensic analysis of the computer evidence, the FBI determined that Dorosheff received and possessed more than 2,000 child pornography images and 28 child pornography videos, most of which involved prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Dorosheff has been detained since his conviction.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the FBI, Springfield Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Southwest PA Foster Parent Pleads Guilty to Producing Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal child sexual exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Ronald Oshensky, Jr., age 43, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
According to information presented to the court, Mr. Oshensky was a foster parent with Children and Youth Services (CYS) organizations from several southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Through his guilty plea and pursuant to his plea agreement Mr. Oshensky acknowledged that from July 14, 2011, to October 23, 2011, the exact date being unknown, he produced two videotapes containing a total of 18 video clips which depicted seven different minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct all of which were produced using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
U.S. Attorney Chung stated, “Mr. Oshensky was entrusted to care for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Through the documented serial sexual abuse he perpetrated against children, he breached that trust and further victimized already disadvantaged youth. Today’s guilty plea reflects my office’s commitment to holding accountable those who perpetrate sexual offenses against children and ensures that western Pennsylvania is safer a place by taking a dangerous child predator out of the community.”
“This Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operation with significant assistance from the FBI and the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Police Department clearly demonstrates the power of interagency cooperation resulting in taking a dangerous predator off the streets.” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Philadelphia Field Office. “I am especially proud of our HSI Special Agents’ investigative abilities that ultimately led to Oshensky’s federal charges and eventual guilty plea.”
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Oshensky.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Two Counts of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Trayviel Miles, age 23, was indicted on July 6, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 14, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Count one of the Indictment alleges that between February 15, 2022, and February 26, 2022, Miles knowingly attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor female to engage in explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depiction would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.
Count two of the Indictment alleges that between November 17, 2021, and February 16, 2022, Miles knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute any child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, or transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Miles is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Miles was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for September 20, 2022.
Romanian National Known as “Virus” Extradited for Operating “Bulletproof Hosting” Service That Facilitated the Distribution of Destructive MalwareRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that MIHAI IONUT PAUNESCU, a/k/a “Virus,” a dual Romanian and Latvian national, was extradited from Colombia for allegedly running a “bulletproof hosting” service that enabled cyber criminals to distribute the Gozi Virus, one of the most financially destructive computer viruses in history. PAUNESCU also allegedly enabled other cybercrimes, such as distributing malware including the “Zeus Trojan” and the “SpyEye Trojan,” initiating and executing distributed denial of service (“DDoS”) attacks, and transmitting spam. PAUNESCU was initially arrested in Romania in December 2012 and released on bail, and he was arrested again in Colombia last year at the request of the United States. PAUNESCU was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein and detained. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Mihai Ionut Paunescu is alleged to have run a “bulletproof hosting” service that enabled cyber criminals throughout the world to spread the Gozi Virus and other malware and to commit numerous other cybercrimes. His hosting service was specifically designed to allow cyber criminals to remain hidden and anonymous from law enforcement. Even though he was initially arrested in 2012, Paunescu will finally be held accountable inside a U.S. courtroom. This case demonstrates that we will work with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to pursue cyber criminals who target Americans, no matter how long it takes.”
According to allegations in documents filed in Manhattan federal court[1]:
The Gozi Virus is malicious computer code or “malware” that stole personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords, from the users of affected computers. The Gozi Virus infected over one million victim computers worldwide, among them at least 40,000 computers in the United States, including computers belonging to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), as well as computers in Germany, Great Britain, Poland, France, Finland, Italy, Turkey and elsewhere, and it caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to the individuals, businesses, and government entities whose computers were infected. Once installed, the Gozi Virus – which was intentionally designed to be undetectable by anti-virus software – collected data from the infected computer in order to capture personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords. That data was then transmitted to various computer servers controlled by the cyber criminals who used the Gozi Virus. These cyber criminals then used the personal bank account information to transfer funds out of the victims’ bank accounts and ultimately into their own personal possession.
“Bulletproof hosting” services helped cyber criminals distribute the Gozi Virus with little fear of detection by law enforcement. Bulletproof hosts provided cyber criminals using the Gozi Virus with the critical online infrastructure they needed, such as Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses and computer servers, in a manner designed to enable them to preserve their anonymity.
PAUNESCU operated a “bulletproof hosting” service that helped cyber criminals distribute the Gozi Virus and commit other cybercrimes, such as distributing malware including the “Zeus Trojan” and the “SpyEye Trojan,” initiating and executing DDoS attacks, and transmitting spam. PAUNESCU rented servers and IP addresses from legitimate Internet service providers and then in turn rented them to cyber criminals; provided servers that cyber criminals used as command-and-control servers to conduct DDoS attacks; monitored the IP addresses that he controlled to determine if they appeared on a special list of suspicious or untrustworthy IP addresses; and relocated his customers’ data to different networks and IP addresses, including networks and IP addresses in other countries, to avoid being blocked as a result of private security or law enforcement scrutiny.
* * *
PAUNESCU, 37, of Bucharest, Romania, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The maximum and minimum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are 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 FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the NASA Office of Inspector General, and the Columbian National Police. In addition, Mr. Williams thanked the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) for its partnership in this matter. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attachés in Bogota, Colombia, and the U.S. Marshal Service provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds & Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Lai 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 constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Roanoke-Based Opioid Treatment Center Settles Civil Case with United StatesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Virginia Treatment Center, LLC, doing business as Roanoke Comprehensive Treatment Center (RCTC) in Roanoke, has agreed to pay $348,934 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicaid for addiction treatment services that was not provided by the required licensed individuals.
RCTC is a subsidiary of Acadia healthcare that provides outpatient treatment, including medication-assisted treatment for adults suffering from opioid addiction.
“At a time when addiction disorder is running rampant in many Virginia communities, we must continue to be vigilant in holding accountable those who seek to defraud Medicaid through fraudulent billing schemes like this one,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I am grateful for the teamwork of my Office, the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and our other federal, state, and local partners on this important matter.”
"I'm glad that my office, in coordination with our partners in the Western District Attorney's Office and Department of Health and Human Services, was able to reach a reasonable settlement with the Roanoke Comprehensive Treatment Center for allegedly billing Medicaid for addiction treatment services not provided by licensed officials. This is yet another example of the outstanding relationship between Virginia state and federal partners, and we're continually grateful for their assistance," said Attorney General Miyares
“Both insurers and patients can be misled when health care entities bill for services as if they were performed by individuals with certain credentials but, in reality, were furnished by less-qualified personnel,” stated Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “To protect the integrity of federal health care funds, HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain insistent that providers charging programs such as Medicaid do so accurately and transparently.”
The allegations involved claims that RCTC billed Virginia Medicaid from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 for counseling to patients that was not provided by credentialed addiction treatment professionals. RCTC was required to conducted face-to-face counselling sessions for its patients. During this time period, RCTC billed Medicaid for counseling services by people who were not credentialed as though the counseling had been provided by properly credentialed addiction professionals.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lugar investigated the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Richmond Community College Director Sentenced for Stealing Student Financial Aid FundsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond woman was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for orchestrating a six-year scheme to defraud the United States Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Virginia of at least $230,000 in student financial aid funds.
According to court documents, from 2006 through 2017, Kiesha Pope, 48, was the Director of Financial Aid at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (“Reynolds”), a public community college servicing the greater Richmond area. From 2011 through 2017, Pope was involved in a scheme to defraud the Department of Education, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Reynolds of educational funds. Pope used her financial aid office access to manufacture or boost financial aid eligibility for individuals, often her family members, who were not in fact eligible for financial aid. Thereafter, Pope directed at least four such co-conspirators to send her the majority of these financial aid funds. Pope spent financial aid funds on her personal expenses, such as a vacation on Disney Cruise Line, retail shopping, and expenses for her daughter.
To execute the scheme, Pope fraudulently overrode Reynolds' internal automated controls to manually place her co-conspirators in a status that guaranteed their continued receipt of financial aid funds. For instance, Pope used her access to the Reynolds financial aid systems to procure financial aid for her son from 2011 through 2017, knowing very well that her son was not attending Reynolds. In another instance, Pope procured financial aid for her ex-fiancé while that individual - a purported student at Reynolds - was actually serving a term of incarceration.
When confronted in September 2017 by Reynolds leadership about her relationship with various academically ineligible students, Pope lied to the official, denying that she had a relationship with her co-conspirators. To conceal the lie, Pope thereafter falsified supporting justification to substantiate the high financial aid amounts she had facilitated for her co-conspirators. In one instance, Pope forged medical documents reflecting that her goddaughter was failing to meet academic eligibility due to a breast cancer diagnosis, knowing full well that her goddaughter did not, in fact, have breast cancer.
In October 2017, Reynolds leadership again confronted Pope about her relationship with various academically ineligible students that Reynolds had realized were receiving high amounts of financial aid. In that conversation, Pope again lied, claiming not to know these students—despite the fact that those students were, in fact, Pope's son, goddaughter, and cousin. When pressed for supporting documentation that would justify Pope’s financial aid structuring, Pope abruptly resigned from Reynolds.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Michael C. Westfall, State Inspector General for the Commonwealth of Virginia; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for its extensive and diligent cooperation with and assistance to the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-9.
Retired School Psychologist Going to Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead 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 David Michael Calaiacovo, 65, of Hamburg, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that Calaiacovo is a retired school psychologist. On June 27, 2019, after receiving reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) via the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Calaiacovo’s residence and found several electronics, including a laptop and a desktop computer. A forensic review of those devices recovered more than 800 images and videos of children being raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually exploited.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in Charge Matthew Scarpino; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
# # # #
Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco’s Trip to New YorkRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General (Deputy AG) Lisa Monaco traveled to New York this week to highlight the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat the cyber threats of today and prepare for the threats of tomorrow.
On Monday afternoon, Deputy AG Monaco visited the National Cyber-Forensics Training Alliance (NCFTA), a public-private partnership designed to increase information-sharing between private industry and government to identify, mitigate and disrupt cyber threats. She received a briefing from the NCFTA’s managing director, several private sector members and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the strategies they are using to tackle malicious cyber actors.
While at NCFTA, Deputy AG Monaco met with students, recent graduates, professors and career advisors from law schools and universities around New York to highlight the department’s new Cyber Fellows Program. Launched last year by Deputy AG Monaco, the program will foster the next generation of cyber leaders in the Justice Department. Alongside other department prosecutors, the Deputy AG highlighted the department’s one-of-a-kind cyber mission to protect the American people and encouraged student attendees to apply for future classes of the department’s Cyber Fellows.
On Tuesday morning, the Deputy AG provided keynote remarks at the annual International Conference on Cyber Security (ICCS), where she announced the department’s latest seizure and forfeiture of ransomware profits – this time from a North Korean state-sponsored hacking group that deployed ransomware known as “Maui.” The Deputy AG also outlined key findings from the department’s Comprehensive Cyber Review, which she launched during her first weeks as Deputy Attorney General and was published earlier today, including: applying lessons learned from the department’s fight against other national security threats and reaffirming the department’s commitment to using all the tools at its disposal to address the blended threat presented by nation state cyber actors and transnational criminal groups deploying a wide range of threats – from ransomware attacks to global botnets.
Following her remarks, the Deputy AG departed New York for Colorado, where she will attend the Aspen Security Forum and visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver and meet with federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 8, 2022, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Cody Provost, age 42, was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Provost was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 15, 2022.
The conviction stems from Provost possessing and distributing hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota between the summer of 2019 and January 2021.
The case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which includes the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Prostitution Sting Arrest Results in Nine-Year Prison Sentence for Norman Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Found in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, EUGENE DESHON HALL, 41, of Norman, was sentenced to serve more than nine years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 19, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm and witness tampering. Federal law prohibits a person who has previously been convicted of felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On January 9, 2022, Hall plead guilty to illegal possession of a firearm.
Public records reflect that, on April 6, 2021, Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit officers conducted a prostitution sting operation at a motel. The operation resulted in the arrest of a sex worker. Prior to the arrest, the sex worker called Hall to assist with removing the undercover police officer from the motel room. When Hall arrived, he was armed with a revolver and admitted to officers he possessed the firearm. Before April 6, 2021, Hall had been convicted of multiple felonies in Oklahoma, including possession of a controlled substance in McCurtain County case CF-2002-174, domestic abuse in McCurtain County case CF-2004-170, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in McCurtain County case CF-2007-299, obstructing an officer and felony driving under the influence in McCurtain County case 2010-42, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute a controlled substance in McClain County case CF-2012-458.
On July 14, 2022, U.S. Chief District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Hall to serve 110 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In support of this sentence, Judge DeGiusti cited Hall’s lengthy criminal history.
This case is the result of investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary E. Walters and David R. Nichols, Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of the national Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Previously Deported Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry and Covid-19 Related Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Pedro Hernandez-Romero, age 30, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty on July 19, 2022, to the offenses of illegal reentry of a removed alien, social security account fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hernandez-Romero, a previously deported alien, pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the country without authorization and subsequently using the identity and social security number of a United States citizen to obtain COVID-19 related benefits, including approximately $26,000.00 in Pennsylvania Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 9 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Previously Deported Mexican Men Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on July 19, 2022, Juan Esdrada-Beret, age 41, and Mario Luna-Zarate, age 38, were indicted by a federal grand jury for the offense of Illegal Reentry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Esdrada-Beret, a citizen of Mexico, had been previously removed in April 2018 and is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after that date. He was located in Schuylkill County in June 2022.
Luna-Zarate, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed in May 2020, and is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime thereafter. He was located in Schuylkill County in June 2022.
The cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Phillip J. Caraballo.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offenses is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Phoenix Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Officer During Arrest for Transporting Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Brandon Hall, 33, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Martina Vega, 41, of Superior, Arizona, were charged by criminal complaint with Conspiring to Transport Illegal Aliens While Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Another. The complaint also charged Hall with Assaulting a Federal Officer.
On July 8, 2022, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents responded to a citizen’s report claiming seven undocumented noncitizens were headed north from the border near Naco, Arizona. When agents responded, they discovered a silver vehicle, driven by Hall, transporting the group.
Hall initially appeared to stop for law enforcement, but almost hit a USBP agent as the agent approached the vehicle on foot. After Hall fled from USBP agents, he stopped the vehicle, and all of the undocumented noncitizens exited the vehicle. USBP agents later located Hall’s vehicle and apprehended Hall, his passenger Vega and four of the undocumented noncitizens.
A conviction for Conspiring to Transport Illegal Aliens while Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Another carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, or both.
A conviction for Assaulting a Federal Officer carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, or both.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Customs and Border Protection’s USBP is conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: MJ-22-4679-BGM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-119_Hall et al.# # #
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.
Oregonian Pleads Guilty in Cross-Country Meth and Marijuana Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Grants Pass, Oregon, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
George Charlan, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of marijuana as well as one count of conspiracy to launder money before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Charlan was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Charlan orchestrated the shipment of over 280 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 kilograms of marijuana from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County. Charlan also directed the shipment of a large amount of United States currency representing drug proceeds that was used to purchase additional methamphetamine and marijuana from the Western District of Pennsylvania to California. Charlan then directed Christian Maldonado to transport the remaining drug profits to Charlan.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Charlan on Nov. 29, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout
the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.Operator of Missouri Aircraft Supply Businesses Pleads Guilty in $7 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that KYLE J. WINE, 41, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from a $7 million scheme related to his commercial aircraft supply businesses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wine owned and operated various companies engaged in the business of commercial aircraft supply, including JetPro International, LLC (“JetPro”), Nexus Aviation, and Turbotech Partners. From at least 2018 through 2021, Wine defrauded investors in aircraft-related transactions. Wine used victims' money to purchase aircraft airframes and engines, sold the aircraft airframes and engines, hid the
resulting profits from his investors, and diverted invested funds for his personal use.
As part of the scheme, Wine induced an investment firm based in Darien, Connecticut, to invest $4.5 million in the purported acquisition and sale of an Airbus A320-231 airframe and two aircraft engines. Wine sent fictitious correspondence to the victim investor, and created fake domain names and email accounts and the used those email accounts to send fraudulent correspondence to the victim investor, to trick the investor into believing that JetPro was attempting to sell the Airbus airframe and the two aircraft engines to certain buyers. In fact, Wine had already sold one engine for $2.45 million and the Airbus airframe for $1.3 million. He never informed the victim investor of those sales and shared none of the proceeds of the sales with the investor. Wine also used some of these invested funds to purchase another aircraft engine without the knowledge of the victim investor.
In total, Wine’s fraud scheme caused $7,152,666.67 in losses to 13 separate victims.
Wine pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Wine is released on bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 324 Months for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.— A Morrow, Ohio man, Steven Richard Stiles, Jr., 34, was sentenced to 364 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after pleading guilty to using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child pornography.
According to Stiles’ plea agreement, from June 18, 2021 to December 16, 2021, he communicated with five minor victims via Snapchat, persuaded them to produce visual depictions of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and convinced them to send him the depictions through Snapchat. Stiles admitted that he knew that the visual depictions were of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Stiles pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2022.
Under federal law, Stiles must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Kyle Rader, Erlanger Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DHS-HSI and Erlanger Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Spievack and Amanda Harris Huang.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 168 Months for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.— A Fairfield, Ohio man, Shakir Aswad Little, 30, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after pleading guilty to transporting visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to Little’s guilty plea, on July 27, 2021, law enforcement found Little in possession of approximately 335 videos and images of child pornography on his phone, which he had transported from Ohio to Kentucky. Little admitted that he knowingly transported these videos and images and knew that they contained minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Little pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2022.
Under federal law, Little must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DHS-HSI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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