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Friday 8 July 2022
Persistent gang members sentenced to 4+ years in prison for illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two Seattle men, with connections to violent street gangs and drive-by shootings, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for illegally possessing firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Both Sytrel Defranco Butler, 26, and Leo Myron Dickerson, 25, were sentenced to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez told the men they need to make different choices, “otherwise your future is being in prison over and over again, or being dead.”
“For the last five years, these two men have been repeatedly involved with guns and violence – indeed they have repeatedly documented their firearm addiction on social media,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “The sentences imposed in the past did not stop their criminal conduct. Now, these longer federal prison terms will protect the public. We can only hope the federal prison time will break the cycle of guns and violence and get them to change their ways.”
A review of state and federal court records paint a disturbing record of men with gang ties who are repeatedly illegally possessing weapons. Butler was prosecuted in King County in 2017, when he came to the attention of Kent Police who were investigating a series of drive-by shootings. In that case, Butler was shown on video possessing an AK-47 style assault rifle. Butler has been shot twice between 2015 and 2017 and was prosecuted for a retaliatory drive-by shooting in 2015. In 2018, Butler was charged federally with illegal firearms possession. The arrest followed the investigation of a drive-by shooting where an innocent person living next to the target was almost hit and killed.
Dickerson too has been repeatedly caught with firearms. He was prosecuted for two incidents in 2018 where he was caught illegally possessing firearms. The guns were assault rifles and Glocks with extended magazines. By May 2019, Dickerson was back on the streets and implicated in a shooting in Kent. He was arrested in a car that contained a backpack with three firearms. The investigation revealed that one of the guns had been used at a shooting in Kent and another at a shooting in Seattle.
In 2020, Butler and Dickerson had their supervised release revoked due to a video where they were seen with other felons and pictured with firearms. Dickerson was arrested later that year for illegally possessing firearms. Butler was arrested and had his supervised release revoked for drug dealing and firearms possession following a traffic accident in SeaTac.
In July 2021, Butler was investigated in connection with a homicide in Seattle. The case remains under investigation. As part of the investigation, law enforcement monitored the men’s social media. In various posts both Butler and Dickerson were shown with weapons. A warrant was issued for their arrests due to the supervised release violations. On August 19, 2021, the men were arrested at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines. When law enforcement moved in, the two men threw handguns into the woods near where they were sitting. One gun was a Glock with an extended magazine, and the other was a stolen handgun. In addition to the handguns, two other AR-style pistols were found in a bag near the men, and in one of their vehicles.
In its request for a 5-year sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that the “conduct is part of a recidivist pattern of criminal activity during which – for years – Butler and Dickerson consistently have possessed loaded firearms and associated with fellow gang members and felons under dangerous circumstances. Simply put, whenever Butler and Dickerson are not in custody, they possess firearms and revert to associating with the same criminal actors.”
Chief Judge Martinez sentenced Butler to 42 months in prison on the current criminal case, with another year to run consecutive for his supervised release violations. For Dickerson, Chief Judge Martinez imposed two years for the supervised release violations with a consecutive 30-month sentence for the gun possession at Saltwater State Park. “That was extremely serious,” the Chief Judge said, “Putting others in the community in grave danger.”
“The sentences these two men received should hopefully, and finally, send the message to them that their actions endangered not only themselves but the community as a whole,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “While Mr. Butler and Mr. Dickerson are off the streets now, ATF continues to investigate those who turn to the illegal use of firearms in our effort to make our communities safer.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department and Kirkland Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
Owners of Skilled Nursing Facilities Agree to Settle Americans with Disabilities Act ComplaintRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the owners of Carrington Place of the Tappahannock (CPOT), which is located in Tappahannock. CPOT’s owners also have an interest in 12 other nursing facilities, and the remedial terms of the settlement agreement apply to each of these nursing facilities.
The settlement agreement resolves allegations that CPOT had denied admission to an individual who is deaf because she would need sign language interpreting services while at CPOT. The ADA prohibits covered entities from excluding individuals with disabilities from their services because they require auxiliary aid or services, such as a sign language interpreter. In addition to making significant changes to the policies and procedures at their nursing facilities, the owners of CPOT also agreed to pay $40,000 to the resident who it denied admission and a $50,000 civil penalty.
To resolve this complaint, the nursing facilities’ owners agreed to adopt new ADA policies at all 13 of the nursing facilities in which they have an interest: (1) Essex Rehabilitation & Care Center, LLC d/b/a Carrington Place at Tappahannock; (2) Essex Rehabilitation & Care Center, LLC d/b/a Tappahannock Post Acute Care; (3) LA First Street, LLC d/b/a Springhill Post Acute & Memory Care; (4) LA Westfork, LLC d/b/a White Oak Post Acute Care; (5) LA Old Hammond HWY, LLC d/b/a Pines Retirement Center of Baton Rouge; (6) LA Park Manor, LLC d/b/a Lafrenier Assisted Living and Memory Care; (7) Cplace Zachary ALF, LLC d/b/a Oakwood Village; (8) East Lake Rehab & Care Center, LLC d/b/a Trinity Regional Rehab Center; (9) Cplace of St. Pete, LLC d/b/a St. Pete Post Acute Care; (10) Birdmont Health Care, LLC d/b/a Carrington Place at Wytheville; (11) Botetourt health Care, LLC d/b/a Botetourt Post Acute Care; (12) Norfolk Area Senior Care, LLC d/b/a Chesapeake Post Acute Care; and (13) Cambridge Sierra Holdings, LLC d/b/a Reche Canyon Regional Rehab Center.
These policies will make the facilities’ services accessible to individuals with communication disabilities, including those who require the services of a sign language interpreter; require designation of ADA Administrators, who will be responsible for ensuring each facility’s compliance with the ADA; require the facilities to enter into agreements with sign language interpreting service providers to provide services to individuals who need them; and provide training for the facilities’ personnel on the ADA’s effective communication requirements.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, who is the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The civil claims settled by this ADA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including Effective Communication and a Business Brief on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Owner of Chicago Shipping Companies Charged with Helping Prepare False Corporate Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
On July 6, a federal grand jury in Chicago, Illinois, charged a Florida man with aiding in the preparation and filing of false corporate tax returns.
According to the indictment, from 2016 to 2017, Athanasios “Tom” Dimitropoulos, of New Port Richey, Florida, helped prepare and file 10 false corporate income tax returns on behalf of SDA Global Inc. and ABC Group Corp., two Chicago-based corporations he owns and controls. Dimitropoulos helped prepare tax returns that reported inflated amounts of costs of goods sold and deductible business expenses, resulting in both corporations underreporting their taxable income.
Dimitropoulos will make his initial appearance at a later date. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of 10 counts of helping to file a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick King for the Northern District of Illinois 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.
Opelika Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison Following Federal Gun ConvictionRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Thaddeus Dimarggio Holstick, a 43-year-old from Opelika, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to Holstick’s plea agreement and other court records, in June of 2020, an officer with the Opelika Police Department (OPD) saw Holstick inside a convenience store having an argument with another man. Holstick and the other man eventually went outside and starting fighting. The OPD officer ordered the men to stop and, while attempting to separate them, saw a handgun tucked into Holstick’s waistband. Holstick has multiple felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
Following his prison sentence, Holstick will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the OPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted the case.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan L. Traver, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Traver to 105 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Traver will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On September 19, 2020, an Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), Special Operations Division, was working in an undercover capacity on the Bit Torrent network. The NSP was working to identify persons distributing child pornography to other Bit Torrent network users. The Investigator was sent child pornography from another individual located in Omaha. During the investigation, the NSP was able to identify the IP address of the individual who sent the child pornography to the undercover Investigator. The NSP obtained information related to the IP address, which ultimately identified Traver as the subscriber.
On October 9, 2020, NSP Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol contacted Traver at his Omaha residence. Traver confessed to downloading and viewing files of child pornography on the Bit Torrent network. NSP Investigators located numerous videos and image files of child pornography on Traver’s cell phone. Some of these images involved children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.
Nicaraguan Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUIS ANTONIO CRUZ-SANCHEZ a/k/a “Lebardo Rojas”, age 36, a native of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 7, 2022 for illegally using a social security number to enroll in a safety class to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced CRUZ-SANCHEZ to a probationary term of three (3) months and a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on or about March 30, 2022, CRUZ-SANCHEZ presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana. CRUZ-SANCHEZ falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him when in fact; the social security number had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to another individual.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Newark, Ohio woman sentenced for stealing Social Security and pension fundsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cindy S. Hardway stole more than $250,000 over 15 years by continuing to claim her father’s pension and Social Security benefits after he passed away.
The 62-year-old Newark woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to pay restitution of $254,115.74, serve six months in federal prison, and spend three years under supervised release.
According to court documents, Hardway used some of the money for a trip to Las Vegas soon after her father’s death in 2005 then continued stealing the money for another 15 years.
“This money was intended for some of our nation’s most vulnerable people: retirees, widows and people with disabilities, among others,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “I commend the Social Security’s Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Labor for continuing to audit its programs and identify inappropriate distributions and theft. People should know they can be identified and held accountable.”
“This sentence holds Ms. Hardway accountable for accessing her deceased father’s account to steal taxpayer funds. I am gratified that a review by our audit office identified this case and alerted our investigators of this fraud,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “These efforts are critical to maintaining the public’s trust in Social Security. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Landry for prosecuting this case.”
Hardway pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of theft of public money and one count of theft or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan. Both crimes are felonies.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James L. Graham and commended the investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty as Charged to Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON SMITH, age 27 of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty, on June 6, 2022, as charged to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The single count indictment was for possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(8) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, SMITH was issued a domestic violence protective order by a magistrate in Orleans Parish on June 1, 2020. That order restrained him from harassing, stalking, or threating an intimate partner, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury. It also prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Investigators discovered SMITH possessed a 7.62mm “Draco” firearm and ammunition on December 23, 2020, while the domestic violence order was still in place.
The sentencing in this matter is set for October 12, 2022. SMITH faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, a maximum of three (3) years supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 137 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ramon Williams, age 44, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 5, 2022, to 137 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on May 25, 2022, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of possessing two handguns in furtherance of drug trafficking, and to a separate count of distributing over 28 grams of crack cocaine. Charges were originally filed against Williams on March 20, 2019. Williams, however, failed to appear at a Court hearing on December 4, 2019, and absconded from pretrial supervision. He was located and arrested in Monroe County on March 24, 2022, and later pleaded guilty to the above charges.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stroud Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Monessen Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Receiving a Kilo of Cocaine Sent through the US MailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Shaiquane Harrison, age 27.
According to information presented to the court, Harrison attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On March 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery operation of a parcel that previously contained one kilogram of cocaine to a residence in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Following the control delivery of the parcel, mobile surveillance observed the defendant arrive in a rental vehicle, take possession of the parcel and then depart in the rental vehicle. Law enforcement followed the defendant to another Monessen residence and saw Harrison enter that residence with the parcel. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement observed the defendant, who had pieces of the parcel in his hands, flee contrary to directives to stop. Prior to jumping a fence, Harrison leaned through a window of a shed, hid a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, and dropped his cellular phone. A search of the phone revealed texts notifying Harrison that the parcel was sent and also revealed browser history of him tracking the parcel.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harrison.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for the Armed Robberies of Two Gas Stations and a HotelRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robberies of two Speedway gas stations and a Super 8 Hotel, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on February 4, 2020, Keanu Dewone Ross, 30, entered a Speedway gas station in Columbia Heights, pulled what appeared to be a firearm, and demanded cash from the register and the safe. Ross stole $140 in cash, various tobacco products, and several lottery tickets, before fleeing the scene in a waiting SUV parked several blocks away with his co-defendant, Antoinette Deniece Mae Dobyne, 30. On February 12, 2020, Ross entered a Speedway in Fridley, pulled what appeared to be a firearm, and demanded cash from the register. Ross ordered the employee to the ground and kicked the employee in the face. Ross fled the store with more than $700 in cash, tobacco products, and lottery tickets. On three separate days in February, surveillance camera footage showed Ross and Dobyne cashing some of the stolen lottery tickets at two different gas stations.
According to court documents, on February 14, 2020, Ross and another man were driven to the area of the Super 8 Hotel in Brooklyn Center by Dobyne in her SUV. The men entered the hotel and ordered a hotel employee to the ground at gunpoint. Ross and the other man took the employee’s cell phone and car keys, and over $550 cash from the business. The men then told the employee to run from the scene. As the employee fled on foot, he heard gunshots. Officers recovered a discharged .380-caliber cartridge casing at the scene of the robbery. Surveillance camera footage showed the two men committing the robbery as described by the employee. The footage also showed the two men running from the hotel after the robbery toward an SUV and then fleeing on foot after the SUV got stuck in a snowbank. BCPD officers located Dobyne in the SUV at the scene. A warrant-authorized search of the SUV revealed Ross’s wallet and identification, and a black duffle bag full of various tobacco products.
According to court documents, later that same day, Ross was detained during a traffic stop by officers with the Minneapolis Police Department. Officers confiscated a Taurus Model PT738 .380-caliber semiautomatic pistol that was found on Ross’s person along with a large amount of cash. Subsequent forensic ballistics analysis using the discharged .380-caliber cartridge casing recovered at the scene of the hotel robbery revealed that the firearm confiscated from Ross’s person was the same gun that was fired during the Super 8 Hotel robbery. On January 19, 2022, Ross pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge David S. Doty and ordered to pay more than $1,850 in restitution to the businesses that were robbed. Dobyne’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Brooklyn Center Police Department, the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Fridley Police Department, and the Hennepin County Crime Lab.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Mexican national caught with 9+ kilograms of methamphetamine pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Mexico who was caught with more than nine kilograms of methamphetamine in St. Charles, Missouri pleaded guilty Friday to a federal drug crime.
Juan Manuel Barajas-Magana, 35, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
During a Feb. 19, 2020, traffic stop, St. Charles police found 26 packages containing a total of 9.269 kilograms of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm handgun and $5,046 in cash hidden in a subwoofer in a pickup truck being driven by Barajas-Magana.
Barajas-Magana’s passenger and traveling companion, Susana Esmeralda Salazar-Amaya, pleaded guilty to the same charge in August and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 15. She admitted being in the country illegally, giving a false name to police and having an active federal warrant from Indiana at the time of her arrest.
Barajas-Magana, a Mexican national who overstayed his visa, faces 10 years to life in prison when sentenced Oct. 4.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Charles Police Department.
Photos courtesy of St. Charles Police Department. St. Charles police found 26 packages containing a total of 9.269 kilograms of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm handgun and $5,046 in cash hidden in a subwoofer during a 2020 traffic stop. Photo courtesy of the St. Charles Police Department. A close-up of the drugs and gun found by St. Charles police during a 2020 traffic stop.Member of $3M COVID-19 Loan Fraud Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A McLean man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that involved the submission of at least 63 fraudulent loan applications to obtain COVID-19 pandemic relief funds to which he and his co-defendants were not entitled.
According to court documents, between April and December of 2020, Foad “David” Darakhshan, 47, conspired with his girlfriend, Haleh Farshi, 44, of Ashburn, and his brothers and their friends to submit falsified loan applications in order to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through banks and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration. The defendants used multiple shell entities they controlled to apply for PPPs and EIDLs and falsified IRS tax forms submitted to lenders. They engaged in a group WhatsApp chat devoted to executing the fraud scheme, openly discussing falsifying documents and inflating the numbers of employees, company revenues, and payroll figures in order to induce lenders to make the loans.
Altogether, the defendants wrongfully obtained over $3 million in loan proceeds. They submitted at least 63 loan applications, of which 17 were approved, the remainder being denied. Foad Darakhshan received over $1.5 million of the overall proceeds of the scheme. The group used the proceeds to invest in the stock market, fund a home construction project, travel to Cancun, purchase a vehicle, and pay for other personal expenses.
The U.S. government recovered over $1 million of the total scheme proceeds through seizure warrants, and Foad Darakhshan is ordered to pay full restitution.
Haleh Farshi; Farough Darakhshan, 39, of Great Falls; Fouzi Darakhshan, 36, of Falls Church; Shoughi Darakhshan, 30, of McLean; and Marcus Gharib, 29, of Tysons, all previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. They are scheduled to be sentenced between July and September.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge for the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg prosecuted the case with assistance from the Asset Recovery Unit.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-267.
Manchester Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Wilgfrido Valnodis Arias-Mejia, 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Manchester, was sentenced today to 91 months in federal prison for conspiring to sell fentanyl and other substances around the Manchester area, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Arias-Mejia, also known as “Chino,” was a prolific drug distributor who sold fentanyl and crack cocaine from at least 2018 to November 27, 2019, in the Manchester area. He ran a drug ring during that time period, selling large quantities of fentanyl and other controlled substances, and employing various co-conspirators to sell drugs on his behalf. The defendant provided his employees with pre-packaged bags containing multiple “fingers” (10-gram packages) of fentanyl and smaller baggies containing fentanyl, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine, and he would re-supply his co-conspirators as soon as each package was sold.
Arias-Mejia previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including more than 40 grams of fentanyl, on March 3, 2021. He is the last of five defendants in the conspiracy to be sentenced.
“This defendant was a major drug trafficker in the Manchester area who endangered the community by selling drugs directly to New Hampshire residents, and through others he recruited to do his bidding for him,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “He is the last in this conspiracy to be sentenced, and he is the most culpable. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to keep drugs off the streets of our communities and hold drug traffickers like Arias-Mejia accountable for their crimes.”
“Wilgfrido Valnodis Arias-Mejia led a major drug trafficking organization, selling deadly narcotics to a region hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for setting up multiple drug distribution houses in Manchester that profited from endangering the safety of our communities,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to crack down on illegal drug trafficking by investigating the criminal organizations behind it.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Arias-Mejia who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Manchester Police Department and Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana MacDonald and Aaron Gingrande.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Alien Smuggling Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. –Rafael Almanza-Guillen, 41, of Mexico, was sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 63 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Almanza‑Guillen previously pleaded guilty to Unlawfully Bringing an Illegal Alien to the United States, Resulting in Death.
On August 1, 2021, Almanza-Guillen brought three undocumented noncitizens from Mexico into the United States in exchange for payment. He led the noncitizens on foot through the desert, in temperatures averaging 106 degrees Fahrenheit. After running out of food and water, the four individuals found themselves stranded in the desert. Ultimately, one of the noncitizens died from hyperthermia, which is abnormally high body temperature. Yuma Border Patrol Agents rescued Almanza-Guillen and the two other noncitizens.
Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Yuma Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa E. Jennis and Genevieve A. Ozark, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-00650-PHX-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-111_Almanza-Guillen# # #
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.
Man Pleads Guilty to Lying to a Federal Grand Jury and Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on July 7, 2022 JAMES HEIGLE, 40, from St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty to counts four, five, and six of the superseding indictment for false declarations before a grand jury, felon in possession of a firearm, and violent felon in possession of body armor. HEIGLE was initially indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on July 1, 2021.
Between May 8 – 29, 2019, HEIGLE possessed multiple firearms and a bullet-proof vest. Before May 2019, he was convicted of a violent felony in Jefferson Parish, which precluded him from possessing firearms and a bullet-proof vest.
At sentencing for count four, false declarations before a grand jury, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1623.
At sentencing for count five, felon in possession of a firearm, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
At sentencing for count six, violent felon in possession of body armor, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 931 and 924(a)(7).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Thursday, July 7, 2022, that TRON HUGHES, age 42, resident of New Orleans, LA, pled guilty as charged to a one-count indictment for his participation in a weapons violation on June 10, 2021. Count 1 of the indictment charges HUGHES with being a felon in possession a firearm.
In Count 1 of the indictment, HUGHES is charged with possessing two firearms on June 10, 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 2. HUGHES faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2022.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Louisville Man on Parole Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jereld Maurice Swain, of Louisville, Ohio, was sentenced on Friday, July 8, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to more than six years in prison and ordered to forfeit $3,740 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2021, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at Swain’s residence. Swain was released from prison on August 22, 2020, and was placed on parole. During the search of the residence, officers obtained multiple bags of a white substance later identified as fentanyl and cocaine, as well as packaging materials, a digital scale and $3,740 in U.S. currency.
This case was investigated by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Canton FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz.
Liverpool Man Going to Prison for Robbing Banks in Brighton and Buffalo, and Attempting to Rob A Third Bank in Niagara FallsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Tyo, 34, of Liverpool, NY, who was convicted of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that over the course of four days in August 2019, Tyo robbed a bank in Brighton, NY; a bank in Buffalo, NY; and attempted to rob a third bank in Niagara Falls, NY:• On August 24, 2019, Tyo robbed the Citizens Bank inside the Tops Market on South Clinton Avenue in Brighton. Tyo gave the bank teller a detailed note that said, “if I even glimpse a dye-pack I will not hesitate to elevate the situation and you will be the first casualty.” The bank teller complied with Tyo’s demands and gave him U.S. currency, which Tyo took and fled the bank.
• On August 27, 2019, Tyo robbed a second Citizens Bank inside the Tops Market on South Park Avenue in Buffalo. He gave the bank teller a note demanding $50 and $100 bills and threatened the use of violence, stating in the note that he would use his gun if the teller did not cooperate. The teller complied and gave the defendant U.S. currency, which Tyo took and fled the bank.
• Also on August 27, 2019, Tyo attempted to rob a third bank, the Key Bank on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls. However, when he gave the teller a demand note, the teller said that they were dealing with a computer issue, and Tyo did not succeed in obtaining any money.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dave Catholdi, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Jury convicts former Cincinnati Council member Sittenfeld of bribery and attempted extortionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI - A U.S. District Court jury here found former Cincinnati City Council member P.G. Sittenfeld, 37, of Cincinnati, guilty of accepting $40,000 in campaign contributions in exchange for votes on a development project pending before the council.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on one count of bribery (up to 10 years) and one count of attempted extortion by a government official (up to 20 years).
Testimony in the trial which began June 21 included audio and video recordings of Sittenfeld telling undercover agents posing as developers that he could “deliver the votes” in exchange for contributions to a political action committee he controlled. He accepted eight $5,000 checks in 2018 and 2019. A federal grand jury indicted him in November 2020.
“We truly appreciate the jurors’ time and serious consideration of this matter,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Democracy requires politicians to uphold their oath with the highest standards of integrity and respect. In this case, we worked alongside the FBI to hold Mr. Sittenfeld accountable for abusing his oath and, ultimately, the trust that the citizens of Cincinnati placed in him.”
“When elected officials choose to commit illegal acts, they greatly damage the relationship between government and the public they were elected to serve,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “The FBI prioritizes efforts to expose corruption in order to help maintain the integrity of our democracy and the trust citizens have in our government institutions.”
U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole will set a date for Sittenfeld’s sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Parker and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division announced the verdict. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew C. Singer and Megan Gaffney Painter are representing the United States in this case.
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Jury Convicts Doctor of Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a New York man today for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by causing the submission of false and fraudulent claims for surgical procedures that were not performed.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Harold Bendelstein, 71, of Queens, billed Medicare and Medicaid for an incision procedure of the external ear for hundreds of patients, when in fact all he actually performed was an ear exam or ear wax removal. Specifically, between January 2014 and February 2018, Bendelstein, an ENT doctor, billed Medicare and Medicaid approximately $585,000 and was paid approximately $191,000. Medicare and Medicaid data demonstrated that Bendelstein was an outlier and the highest biller for this procedure in New York State.
Bendelstein was convicted of one count of health care fraud and one count of making a false claim. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York; Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Office of Investigations; and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh of the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and OMIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Andrew Estes and Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Vagelatos of the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Mississippi – A Jackson man was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to court documents, in 2017, DEA agents began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Chey Johnson, 49, of Jackson, Mississippi, and other affiliated drug traffickers in central Mississippi. Throughout the investigation, agents seized approximately $585,000.00 in cash and 12 kilograms of cocaine. Johnson was indicted as a part of the trafficking organization and pleaded guilty as a result.
In addition to the prison sentence, Johnson was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Deadly Dose,” which began as an operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in the central Mississippi area. “Deadly Dose” is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Internal Revenue Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings on July 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Daniel Joseph Colvin, 35, of Livingston, on charges of unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Colvin faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Colvin was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-92.
Malea Orser, 24, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute narcotics. If convicted of the most serious crime, Orser faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Orser was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-100.
Appearing on an indictment and pleading not guilty on July 7 was:
Jeremy Taylor Sims, 33, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sims faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Sims was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-62.
Appearing on July 6 was:
Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., 36, of Lodge Grass, on charges of assault on a federal officer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Old Chief faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Old Chief was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-44.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on July 6 was:
Rachel Aileen Goodbird, 29, of Poplar, on charges of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Goodbird faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Goodbird was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-41.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Richard Hornsby, 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on December 9, 2020, troopers with the Indiana State Police stopped Hornsby for driving with an expired license plate. Troopers learned that Hornsby was also driving with an expired license and had a handgun in the car. After further investigation, troopers located approximately 175 grams of methamphetamine in the center console and an additional pistol. Hornsby admitted to possessing the methamphetamine, that he intended to sell it, and that he often carries a firearm during times where he will purchase methamphetamine for resale.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office; and Doug Carter, Superintendent of the Indiana State Police made the announcement.
DEA and the Indiana State Police investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Hornsby be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath who prosecuted this case.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that NORMAN GARCIA-GARCIA, age 24, was charged on July 7, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, NORMAN GARCIA-GARCIA (“GARCIA”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on February 23, 2018. If convicted, GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. Duane Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. oversees the prosecution.
Herkimer County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Patrick Galusha, age 31, of Ilion, New York, pled guilty today to distribution and receipt of child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Brenda K. Sannes, Galusha admitted that in January 2022 he traded child pornography with others over a social media messaging application on his phone, distributing approximately 35 files in exchange for 163 images and 7 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
When Galusha is sentenced on November 7, 2022, he faces at least five years and up to 20 years in prison for each of the distribution and receipt offenses. In addition, Galusha will be required to serve a term of supervised release of between five years and life after his term of imprisonment and will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other actors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Hazleton Man Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Pandemic Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fredy Mendoza, age 34, formerly of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 300 months’ imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking, and 18 months’ imprisonment for committing pandemic unemployment fraud, to run concurrent with the methamphetamine trafficking sentence.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on July 23, 2021, Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiring with several other individuals to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 5 and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Hazleton area between October 2019 and July 2020 and laundering between $40,000 and $95,000 in drug proceeds. He also pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on December 9, 2019.
Mendoza also pleaded guilty to committing pandemic unemployment fraud while incarcerated and awaiting trial on the federal narcotics charges. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was created by the March 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.
Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiring with his codefendant, Christina Covey, formerly of Drums, Pennsylvania, to file false PUA applications on his behalf and for another federal inmate. The applications sought unemployment benefits for both inmates by claiming that they were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and available to work, despite their incarceration on underlying federal drug trafficking charges. The conspirators subsequently filed false weekly certifications required to continue receiving PUA benefits, ultimately securing nearly $30,000 dollars, which were mailed in debit cards to Covey. Mendoza was ordered to pay $29,799 in restitution.
Covey was also Mendoza’s codefendant in the methamphetamine trafficking case. Covey previously pleaded guilty to both methamphetamine trafficking, and to conspiring to commit pandemic unemployment fraud. She was sentenced by Judge Mannion to 48 months’ imprisonment for the methamphetamine trafficking, and 15 months’ imprisonment for committing pandemic unemployment fraud, five months of which were to run consecutive to the methamphetamine trafficking sentence.
The methamphetamine trafficking case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts. The pandemic fraud case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service and by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
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 narcotics investigation was 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.
This case was also part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Fulton Missouri Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sextortion, Online Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Fulton, Missouri man, Chad Alan Craghead, 45, was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to 360 months in prison for Production of Child Pornography and Interstate Communications with Intent to Extort. Following his prison term, Craghead was ordered to serve five years of supervised release. Craghead will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Craghead engaged in “sextortion” over a period of nearly two years. At the time he committed these offenses, he was an elementary and middle school teacher and high school track coach. Craghead posed as a teenage boy online and obtained nude images of Minor Victim 1, a sixteen-year-old. After obtaining those images, he created a second false identity and demanded additional nude images of Minor Victim 1, threatening to disseminate the nude images he already had to her friends and family if she did not comply. Craghead extorted Minor Victim 1 over the course of several months, including sending photos of her home, referencing her parents and sister by name, and sending a photo of her sister.
Craghead also extorted Minor Victim 2. Craghead threatened to disseminate Minor Victim 1’s nude images if Minor Victim 2 did not comply with his demands for nude images and videos. Minor Victim 2 complied, sending Craghead sexually explicit videos of herself. Even then, Craghead continued to extort Minor Victim 2 by threatening to disseminate her images and videos if she did not continue to send him sexually explicit material.
Through several Snapchat accounts associated with Craghead, the FBI located numerous other minor female victims across the country, some as young as 12 and 13 years old, who either sent Craghead nude images or from whom he extorted or attempted to extort nude images. In one instance, Craghead took on the minor females’ identity, created a social media account, and obtained child pornography material with the intent to blackmail the senders, all while acting as the minor victim. Craghead told the victim he did it because she refused his demands. The FBI observed the same “sextortion” pattern of conduct with all identified victims. The victims reported feeling fear, distrust, and distress due to Craghead’s conduct.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muscatine Police Department investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Fulton Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Fulton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm.
Antonio Jerome Beard, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 18, 2021, Beard pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
On Oct. 17, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Beard’s residence. Officers seized 443.98 grams of methamphetamine, 45 oxycodone pills, approximately 43 marijuana vape cartridges, 87 suspected ecstasy pills, $2,221 in cash, a loaded High Point .40-caliber pistol, and drug paraphernalia from Beard’s bedroom.
Beard admitted that he had purchased the approximately one pound of methamphetamine from his source for $5,000. Beard, who had purchased a pound quantity of methamphetamine from the same source two or three times, told investigators that he sold the methamphetamine for $500 an ounce.
On Nov. 5, 2019, law enforcement officers executed another search warrant at Beard’s residence and seized an additional 6.9 ounces of methamphetamine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather D. Richenberger. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the MUSTANG Drug Task Force.
Former Postal Employee Indicted for Theft and False StatementsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eunice Ting, age 68, of Watervliet, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging theft of government property and making a false statement to obtain benefits from the United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ting faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Ting was arraigned today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. She was ordered released pending a trial to be scheduled before Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr.
This case is being investigated by USPS-OIG and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
Former New Jersey Resident Sentenced to 41 Months in Connection with Acadia National Park Triple Vehicular FatalityRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Indian national man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for three counts of manslaughter, two counts of operating under the influence (OUI), and one count of unsafe operation of a motor vehicle, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Praneeth Manubolu, 30, to 41 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Manubolu pleaded guilty on January 31, 2022.
According to court records, in the early morning hours of August 31, 2019, Manubolu, then living in New Jersey on a student visa, was the driver in a motor vehicle crash on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park that injured him and killed his three passengers. Subsequent investigation revealed that Manubolu had been drinking earlier in the evening. His blood alcohol content was determined to be .095% approximately 90 minutes after the crash with the legal limit being .08%. The investigation also revealed that Manubolu’s car was traveling 76 mph approximately three seconds before impact. The speed limit on the section of Park Loop Road where the crash occurred was 25 mph.
The National Park Service and the Bar Harbor Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of the Maine State Police and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
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Former National Guard member sentenced to 4 years in prison for possession of images of child rape and abuseRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 56-year-old Maple Valley, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to four years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Paul Von Nahme was arrested in April 2021, after an overseas law enforcement agency reported that Von Nahme was using the ‘Kik’ social media platform to send images of child sexual abuse to a person overseas. The agency also reported Von Nahme was making claims online that he raped a 9-year-old child. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “You need to remember the damage and devastation these images do to the victims…. Your conduct helps make the [child pornography market] survive.”
According to records filed in the case, when law enforcement served a search warrant on Von Nahme’s electronic devices they found more than 3,400 images of child rape and abuse. The images of child sexual abuse came from all over the world: Russia, Australia, France, and Indonesia among others. Under a law passed in 2018, the Amy, Vicki, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA), Von Nahme must pay at least $3,000 to each child identified in the horrific images. In this case the amount of restitution could be as much as $126,000. The restitution amount will be determined at a hearing in late August 2022.
Von Nahme pleaded guilty on November 3, 2021. He was released on bond pending sentencing. However, in March 2022, he was returned to custody for having unauthorized electronic devices to connect to the internet.
Von Nahme will be required to register as a sex offender when released from prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Deputy King County Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation crimes in federal court.
Former Marlow Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Battery of StudentRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – WILLIAM JOSEPH DANIEL, 45, of Stephens County, pleaded guilty today to sexual battery of a student, announced Robert J. Troester, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On June 8, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Daniel for offenses he allegedly committed while employed by Marlow Public Schools. These incidents occurred between February 1, 2022, and May 12, 2022. Count 1 alleged Daniel touched in a lewd and lascivious manner the body and private parts of a student who was at least 16 and less than 20 years old. Count 2 alleged Daniel digitally penetrated the private parts of the student.
Today, Daniel pleaded guilty to Count 1 before U.S. District Judge David L. Russell. At sentencing, Daniel will face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $10,000, followed by up to three years of supervised release. As part of the plea agreement, the government has agreed to dismiss at sentencing Count 2 of the indictment. A sentencing date will be set by the court.
This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Oklahoma City Division) and the Marlow Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Noble is prosecuting the case.
Former Indiana Police Officer Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against Three IndividualsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury in Indianapolis returned an indictment late yesterday charging a former New Castle Police Department officer with three counts of deprivation under color of law and one count of witness tampering.
According to the indictment, Aaron Strong, 44, violated the civil rights of three individuals by using unreasonable force when he assaulted arrestee J.W., pretrial detainee T.C., and pretrial detainee E.S., resulting in bodily injury to all three. The indictment further alleges that the assaults against J.W. and E.S. involved the use of dangerous weapons. Each of these civil rights charges carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
The indictment also charges Strong with one count of witness tampering for engaging in misleading conduct toward another person with the intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication to a federal law enforcement officer of information relating to the assault of J.W. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton for the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Indianapolis Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Indiana Police Officer Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against Three IndividualsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Indianapolis, Indiana, returned an indictment late yesterday charging a former New Castle Police Department Officer with three counts of deprivation under color of law and one count of witness tampering.
According to the indictment, Aaron Strong, 44, violated the civil rights of three individuals by using unreasonable force when he assaulted arrestee J.W., pretrial detainee T.C., and pretrial detainee E.S., resulting in bodily injury to all three. The indictment further alleges that the assaults against J.W. and E.S. involved the use of dangerous weapons. Each of these civil rights charges carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
The indictment also charges Strong with one count of witness tampering for engaging in misleading conduct toward another person with the intent to hinder, delay and prevent the communication to a federal law enforcement officer of information relating to the assault of J.W. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton for the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Employee of Mechanical Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Inflating Change OrdersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM SACCO, 49, of Pelham, New Hampshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a construction project fraud scheme. Judge Dooley also ordered Sacco to serve the first five months of supervised release in home confinement and to perform 50 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sacco was a project manager for a Massachusetts-based mechanical contractor. From June 2014 to December 2017, Sacco conspired to defraud his employer and the owners of certain projects he managed by inflating change orders on the projects. As part of the conspiracy, a co-conspirator subcontractor, who owned an insulation company, made more than $200,000 in payments to Sacco and also for Sacco’s benefit, including payments for Sacco’s children’s college tuition, a graduation party, a Mac laptop, airline tickets, hotels and Sacco’s rent. Sacco and the co-conspirator submitted inflated change orders to Sacco’s former employer to offset some of the costs of the payments the co-conspirator made to Sacco.
Sacco was arrested on November 22, 2021. On February 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Judge Dooley ordered Sacco to pay restitution of $41,195.85, which was paid in full prior to the sentencing.
Sacco, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 6.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, New York Office.
Felon who Used Straw Purchaser to Buy Firearm Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used a straw purchaser to obtain a firearm was sentenced today to more than 6 years in federal prison.
Dejswah Shaquawn Sibley, age 27, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 19, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Sibley admitted to possessing a Glock 9mm pistol while he was prohibited due to felony convictions for theft, residential burglary, and possession of a controlled substance. At sentencing, the evidence showed that Sibley used a straw purchaser to obtain a Glock 9mm pistol. On December 2, 2020, Sibley was driving in Marion, Iowa, when he was pulled over for speeding. The vehicle smelled of marijuana and law enforcement found the pistol inside the car, loaded with a 17-round magazine. Sibley later asked the straw purchaser to claim ownership of the firearm for him. At sentencing, the judge stated that Sibley, “persuaded another person to commit a federal offense and attempted to obstruct the investigation.”
Sibley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Sibley was sentenced to 77 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sibley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-20.
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Federal Jury Convicts Oklahoma State Penitentiary Inmate of Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that William Clayton Brown, age 39, of McIntosh County, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of Murder in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(a), 1151, and 1153. The jury trial began on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, and concluded on Thursday, July 7. Based on the jury’s verdict, the Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on October 19, 2019, the Defendant, a validated member of the Indian Brotherhood (IBH) prison gang, killed Mark Lawhead, his cellmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, by beating and strangling him. The evidence adduced at trial indicated that the Defendant committed the murder to improve his standing and reputation within the IBH.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the Defendant is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting in Oklahoma City, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following the completion of the report. Brown was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorneys James Montoya and Casey Richmond represented the United States.
Federal Charges Filed Following Record-Breaking Methamphetamine SeizureRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Blanca Quintero (619) 546-7118
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 8, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Four men were charged today with federal drug trafficking offenses following the seizure of more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine discovered already inside the U.S. in two trucks in National City, California. This is believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in San Diego County.
The complaint alleges that on July 7, 2022, at approximately 4:55 p.m., a commercial 20-foot box truck crossed into the United States through the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry. Law enforcement surveilled the box truck as it travelled to Hoover and 30th Street, in National City. Once there, agents observed the defendants unloading dozens of cardboard boxes from the box truck and loading them into a Dodge van. Law enforcement then apprehended the defendants, Rafael Alzua, Mario Contreras, Ethgar Velazquez, and Galdrino Contreras and discovered inside the boxes approximately 148 bundles of a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. The methamphetamine, in total, weighed more 5,000 pounds.
“This is a significant accomplishment by our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Due to stellar work by law enforcement agents, the government stopped more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine from being distributed on our streets.”
“This monumental seizure represents another win against drug cartels that fuel addiction in the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “Because of our great partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, we will continue to disrupt the cartels’ flow of drugs into our cities.”
“I am grateful for the hard work, vigilance, and steadfast dedication of our Sheriff's Detectives, as well as our local, state and federal partners,” said Sheriff Anthony C. Ray. “Our partnership and collaboration allow us to share information that is absolutely critical in keeping drugs from entering our streets and holding drug traffickers accountable.”
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant Information
Defendant Criminal Case No: 22-mj-02450-MDD
Defendant Number
Name
Age
Hometown
1
Rafael Alzua
37
Tijuana
2
Mario Contreras
41
Tijuana
3
Ethgar Velazquez
44
Tijuana
4
Galdrino Contreras
41
Tijuana
Summary Of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.
Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine.
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Border Crime Suppression Team
Homeland Security Investigations
United States Border Patrol
Dutch National Sentenced for Malbis Chevron Robbery and High-Speed Flight from Border Patrol Agents in TexasRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Dutch national was sentenced to 27 months in prison for robbing a gas station in Daphne in March 2020 and engaging in high-speed flight from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Texas in June 2021.
According to court documents, Melvin Henrillien, 32, of Baytown, Texas, threatened a cashier as he robbed the Malbis Chevron gas station on March 24, 2020. As depicted on surveillance video, Henrillien kept his right hand in his waistband during the robbery and told the cashier that he “didn’t want to hurt” him. The cashier believed Henrillien was concealing a weapon and emptied $280 from the cash register into a plastic bag, which Henrillien took before fleeing the store. A short time later, Daphne police caught Henrillien, who had called 911 from his cell phone to report the robbery, walking along State Highway 181 two miles south of the Chevron. As part of his guilty plea, Henrillien admitted that he committed the robbery, that he took the victim’s property by threatening force and violence, and that his actions obstructed, delayed, and affected interstate commerce in violation of the Hobbs Act.
On June 21, 2021, while on conditions of release and awaiting trial in his robbery case, Henrillien approached a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita, Texas. A drug-detection dog alerted for the presence of contraband in Henrillien’s car. A Border Patrol agent asked Henrillien to open the trunk of his car, which he did. As the agent began to search the trunk, however, Henrillien sped away from the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 77 toward Sarita. Henrillien fled for nine miles, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Agents eventually took Henrillien into custody at a highway rest area. Henrillien admitted to the agents that he ran because he knew he had a pending arrest warrant for absconding from supervision in his federal robbery case. Agents found two metal grinders containing a small amount of marijuana in Henrillien’s car.
United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Henrillien to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo testing and treatment for substance abuse and will receive mental health treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered Henrillien to pay $280 in restitution to the robbery victim and $200 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Daphne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller (Southern District of Alabama) and Christopher Marin (Southern District of Texas) prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Doylestown Man Sentenced to 10 Years of Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ryan Eastman, age 29, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for his role in a conspiracy to distribute at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in central and southeastern Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Eastman and at least 22 other individuals conspired to and did distribute more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from June of 2017 until February 6, 2020, in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lancaster, Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as many law enforcement agencies in the counties where the distribution activities were occurring. Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.
This case was part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
# # #
Decatur County Man with Violent Felony Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Possessing Numerous Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A South Georgia resident with a violent criminal history found in possession of numerous stolen firearms and who released his dog to attack deputies before he fled arrest has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.
James Currin, 44, of Bainbridge, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on July 7. Currin is facing a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with our law enforcement partners across the District to identify and stop violent, repeat offenders who are trafficking firearms in our communities by holding them accountable at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Decatur County Sheriff’s deputies safely apprehended this defendant, and their efforts have made Decatur County a safer place.”
“There is no initiative more critical to ATF than increasing the safety of our communities. Cases which result in the arrests and prosecution of violent criminals are fundamental to continuing this initiative while simultaneously shows criminals that ATF and its law enforcement partners will not falter in this mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We will pursue violent criminals such as these wherever they may operate and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to court documents, Currin, who is a convicted felon, was under investigation in Sept. 2019 for distribution of methamphetamine and illegal possession of numerous firearms. During this time period, Decatur County deputies were investigating a home burglary involving 20 stolen firearms. On April 1, 2020, deputies learned that the burglary suspect had traded six of the stolen firearms to Currin in exchange for methamphetamine. A search warrant was subsequently executed at Currin’s home. When deputies approached the defendant, who was armed and walking with a pit bull on a leash, Currin released the dog and ran into the woods. The dog attacked an officer while other responding officers ran after Currin but were initially unable to locate him.
During a search of Currin’s home, deputies found a total of 23 long guns and three handguns, along with methamphetamine and 36 marijuana plants. Some of the firearms recovered from Currin’s home were confirmed stolen in the home burglary and some had obliterated or removed serial numbers. Currin was taken into custody on April 7 in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Currin told investigators that he was planning “to do a suicide by cop.”
Currin has multiple prior felonies, including methamphetamine possession and felony battery-great bodily harm charges in Georgia and Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possession firearms.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Cross-Country Methamphetamine Conspiracy Halted in Washington CountyRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A former California man, who had recently relocated to Southwest Virginia, was found guilty of conspiracy and drug distribution charges following a three-day jury trial in the United States District Court in Abingdon, United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced.
Guy Benjamin Bowman, 56, of Meadowview, Virginia, formerly of Chino Hills, California, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distributing 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine as well as one count of distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine trafficking is currently one of the greatest threats to public safety in Southwest Virginia,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh stated today. “This case represents just one example of the successes we are achieving with our partners in Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement agencies in Southwest Virginia, and we will continue to collaborate to identify individuals responsible for distributing large quantities of this deadly substance and bring them to justice.”
“The partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement is a great instance of how government can effectively work together to crack down on dangerous drug dealers in the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Attorney General Miyares. “Decreasing the volume of crystal methamphetamine in Southwest Virginia by aggressively prosecuting those who intend to distribute illicit drugs like meth is a top priority for my Office. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners and will continue to facilitate this dynamic partnership to make Virginian communities safer.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Bowman and Sally Mae Carr, 42, of Meadowview, Virginia, operated their meth trafficking business in Washington County from January 2021 through April 2022 and conspired with Bowman’s sources in Chino Hills, California to bring approximately 200 pounds of crystal methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia for redistribution. At the time of their arrests, over 2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $42,000, as well as over $7,000 in currency were seized.
Carr is scheduled for sentencing on October 11, 2022, and Bowman’s sentencing is set for October 14, 2022. At sentencing, both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10 million.
The investigation of this case is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Washington Division, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Virginia State Police, and task force officers from both the Lebanon Police Department and Smyth County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney and Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen and Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case.
Cleveland, Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Files Depicting the Sexual Victimization of Children and Extorting 11-Year-Old Female to Send Sexually Explicit DepictionsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAVAN BAILEY, age 20, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty as charged on June 7, 2022 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier after previously being charged in a two-count indictment with producing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of an eleven-year-old female, Victim 1, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2251(a), and transmitting interstate threats for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d).
According to court documents, BAILEY met Victim 1, a New Orleans resident born in about October 2009, in a social media service that specialized in the hosting and presentation of short-form videos hosted by its users in about February 2021. BAILEY pretended to be a minor female and communicated with Victim 1 about twerking videos. After moving the conversation to a text-based platform, BAILEY sent Victim 1 a video of a juvenile female twerking and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. BAILEY then instructed Victim 1 to send him a video of Victim 1 engaging in sexually explicit conduct or else BAILEY would post the video he sent Victim 1 on social media platforms and say the video was of Victim 1. Victim 1 complied. For the next three months, BAILEY continued to direct Victim 1 to record and send him increasingly explicit content, while threatening to release the prior content if Victim 1 refused.
On about May 27, 2021, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on BAILEY’S residence in Cleveland, Ohio, during which they seized BAILEY’s cellular telephone. A digital media search revealed that between about November 2019 and May 2021, BAILEY sought and obtained depictions of dozens of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct using the same extortionate scheme he employed to obtain sexually explicit material from Victim 1. Additionally, BAILEY sold the sexually explicit depictions he received of minors by charging approximately $30 in exchange for sharing a link to the content. BAILEY sold the link dozens of times.
Attempts to identify and notify victims are ongoing. If you believe you are a victim of these criminal activities, or know someone who is, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324), and reference this case.
BAILEY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty-two (32) years. BAILEY also faces a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, a mandatory special assessment fee of $200 and he can be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Barbier has been scheduled for October 13, 2022.
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 United States 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Claremore Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for 2018 Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
A Claremore man was sentenced Friday in federal court for raping a woman after she withdrew consent during a sexual encounter in 2018.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Travis Carl Condry, 30, to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Far too many perpetrators, like Travis Condry, rationalize their actions by saying ‘stop doesn’t always mean stop’ during sexual encounters. This is unacceptable and the acts are criminal. This office and our law enforcement partners will bring to account those who commit such acts of sexual violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The victim in this case was a key partner in Condry’s prosecution. Her courageous testimony helped secure the guilty verdict and resulting 15-year prison sentence.”
As part of her victim impact statement, the victim said, “I hope that I’ve helped pave the road for women who have ever or will ever be in the situation I was in. I want you to know you are not alone.”
On Feb.23, 2022, a federal jury convicted Condry of aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country.
The victim and defendant knew one another prior to the crime, and on Dec. 21, 2018, Condry violated the victim’s trust and raped her. The encounter was initially consensual, although the victim was hesitant. The victim quickly withdrew consent as he started to have sex with her. Condry placed his phone on the bed and recorded the incident. The camera did not capture video of the crime, but the audio recorded what occurred. During the incident, the victim told Condry “you can’t do this,” “no,” “please stop,” and “I’m serious.” Condry could also be heard saying “Don’t run away.” The defendant continued to rape the victim while she repeatedly screamed and pleaded for Condry to stop for almost five minutes.
The victim told Condry she felt like she had been assaulted and left immediately after the crime. As the victim left, Condry told her to “snap me, text me, or don’t.”
The victim reported the assault to the Claremore Police Department. Officers interviewed Condry the following day. During the interview, Condry said that he had been drinking and the encounter was consensual sex. He further told investigators that the victim told him to stop but he did not stop right away. He stated that in his opinion “stop doesn’t always mean stop.”
At the trial’s closing in February, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden reminded the jury that no means no, stop means stop, and crying and pleading means stop. He suggested that Condry didn’t believe “stop means stop” because it would prevent him from getting what he wanted.
The FBI and Claremore Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Valeria G. Luster prosecuted the case.
Chandler Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Stabbing DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. –Alanna Marleice Jackson, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, was sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On October 7, 2019, Jackson and co-defendant Jose Carpio, stabbed the victim, killing her. Jackson previously pleaded guilty on March 9, 2021, to Voluntary Manslaughter.
The Gila River Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynette Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-20-00182-02-PHX-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-112_Jackson# # #
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.
CEO of Dozens of Companies and Entities Charged in Scheme to Traffic an Estimated $1 Billion in Fraudulent and Counterfeit Cisco Networking EquipmentRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned an indictment yesterday charging a resident of Florida with running a massive operation over many years to traffic in fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking equipment with an estimated retail value of over $1 billion.
According to the indictment, Onur Aksoy, aka Ron Aksoy, aka Dave Durden, 38, of Miami, allegedly ran at least 19 companies formed in New Jersey and Florida as well as at least 15 Amazon storefronts, at least 10 eBay storefronts, and multiple other entities (collectively, the “Pro Network Entities”) that imported tens of thousands of fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking devices from China and Hong Kong and resold them to customers in the United States and overseas, falsely representing the products as new and genuine. The operation allegedly generated over $100 million in revenue, and Aksoy received millions of dollars for his personal gain.
According to the indictment, the devices the Pro Network Entities imported from China and Hong Kong were typically older, lower-model products, some of which had been sold or discarded, which Chinese counterfeiters then modified to appear to be genuine versions of new, enhanced, and more expensive Cisco devices. As alleged, the Chinese counterfeiters often added pirated Cisco software and unauthorized, low-quality, or unreliable components – including components to circumvent technological measures added by Cisco to the software to check for software license compliance and to authenticate the hardware. Finally, to make the devices appear new, genuine, high-quality, and factory-sealed by Cisco, the Chinese counterfeiters allegedly added counterfeited Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, packaging, and other materials.
The fraudulent and counterfeit products sold by the Pro Network Entities suffered from numerous performance, functionality, and safety problems. Often, they would simply fail or otherwise malfunction, causing significant damage to their users’ networks and operations – in some cases, costing users tens of thousands of dollars. Customers of Aksoy’s fraudulent and counterfeit devices included hospitals, schools, government agencies, and the military.
As set forth in the indictment, between 2014 and 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 180 shipments of counterfeit Cisco devices being shipped to the Pro Network Entities from China and Hong Kong. In response to some of these seizures, Aksoy allegedly falsely submitted official paperwork to CBP under the alias “Dave Durden,” an identity that he used to communicate with Chinese co-conspirators. To try to avoid CBP scrutiny, Chinese co-conspirators allegedly broke the shipments up into smaller parcels and shipped them on different days, and Aksoy used at least two fake delivery addresses in Ohio. After CBP seized a shipment of counterfeit Cisco products to Aksoy and the Pro Network Entities and sent a seizure notice, Aksoy allegedly often continued to order counterfeit Cisco products from the same supplier.
According to the indictment, between 2014 and 2019, Cisco sent seven letters to Aksoy asking him to cease and desist his trafficking of counterfeit goods. Aksoy allegedly responded to at least two of these letters by causing his attorney to provide Cisco with forged documents. In July 2021, agents executed a search warrant at Aksoy’s warehouse and seized 1,156 counterfeit Cisco devices with a retail value of over $7 million.
Aksoy is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and to commit mail and wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; four counts of wire fraud; and three counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Aksoy was charged by a criminal complaint filed in New Jersey on June 29 and was arrested in Miami the same day.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna of the District of New Jersey; Acting Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Western Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Floyd Martinez of the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG), Southeast and Caribbean Division; Special Agent in Charge Peter Tolentino of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Economic Crimes Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of the HSI Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina of the HSI Newark Field Office made the announcement today.
The CBP Electronics Center of Excellence; the CBP Los Angeles National Targeting and Analysis Center; and the CBP Office of Trade, Regulatory Audit and Agency Advisory Services, Miami Field Office provided valuable assistance.
If you believe you are a victim of Aksoy or the Pro Network Entities, please visit www.justice.gov/largecases or /usao-nj/united-states-v-onur-aksoy-pro-network for more information.
The Pro Network Entities include at least the following:
Pro Network Companies
Approximate Month and Year of Formation
State of Formation
Pro Network LLC
August 2013
New Jersey
Netech Solutions LLC
November 2016
Florida
Target Network Solutions LLC
January 2017
Florida
Easy Network LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
ACE NETUS LLC (aka Ace Network)
April 2017
New Jersey
My Network Dealer LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
1701 Doral LLC
May 2017
New Jersey
Maytech Trading LLC
August 2017
Florida
NFD Trading LLC
September 2017
Florida
Kenet Solutions LLC
September 2017
Florida
Team Tech Global LLC
January 2018
New Jersey
Tenek Trading LLC
January 2018
Florida
The Network Gears LLC
February 2018
Florida
All Networking Solutions LLC (aka All Network)
April 2018
Florida
San Network LLC
October 2018
Florida
Pro Network US Inc.
January 2019
Florida
Jms Tek LLC
August 2019
Florida
Renewed Equipment LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Ship US LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Network Amazon Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
Albus Trade Hub
January 2014
EasyNetworkUS
March 2014
Get Better Trade
July 2015
Mercadeal
February 2017
Netech Solutions
February 2018
Netkco LLC
September 2014
NFD Trading LLC
January 2018
Palm Network Solutions
June 2017
Renewed Equip
August 2017
Servtaur
August 2019
Smart Network
July 2017
SOS Tech Trade
August 2017
Target-Solutions
September 2020
TeamTech Global
March 2016
TradeOrigin US
August 2015
Pro Network eBay Storefronts
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
connectwus
March 2014
futuretechneeds
July 2017
getbettertrade
July 2017
getontrade
April 2016
maytechtradingllc
October 2017
netechsolutions
April 2017
netkco
September 2014
nfdtrading
February 2018
smartnetworkusa
January 2014
tenektradingllc
May 2018
HSI, DCIS, GSA-OIG, NCIS, and CBP are investigating the case.
Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the District of New Jersey 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.
CEO of Dozens of Companies and Entities Charged in Scheme to Traffic an Estimated $1 Billion in Fraudulent and Counterfeit Cisco Networking EquipmentRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury has indicted a Florida man for allegedly orchestrating a scheme over many years to traffic in counterfeit Cisco networking equipment with an estimated retail value of over $1 billion, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna, District of New Jersey, and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite announced today.
Onur Aksoy, aka “Ron Aksoy” and “Dave Durden,” 38, of Miami, Florida, is charged by indictment, returned July 7, 2022, with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and to commit mail and wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; four counts of wire fraud; and three counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Aksoy was originally charged by complaint on June 29, 2022, and was arrested in Miami that day.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Aksoy allegedly ran at least 19 companies formed in New Jersey and Florida as well as at least 15 Amazon storefronts, at least 10 eBay storefronts, and multiple other entities (collectively, the “Pro Network Entities”) that imported tens of thousands of fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking devices from China and Hong Kong and resold them to customers in the United States and overseas, falsely representing the products as new and genuine. The operation allegedly generated over $100 million in revenue, and Aksoy received millions of dollars for his personal gain.
The devices the Pro Network Entities imported from China and Hong Kong were typically older, lower-model products, some of which had been sold or discarded, which Chinese counterfeiters then modified to appear to be genuine versions of new, enhanced, and more expensive Cisco devices. The Chinese counterfeiters often added pirated Cisco software and unauthorized, low-quality, or unreliable components – including components to circumvent technological measures added by Cisco to the software to check for software license compliance and to authenticate the hardware. To make the devices appear new, genuine, high-quality, and factory-sealed by Cisco, the Chinese counterfeiters allegedly added counterfeited Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, documentation, packaging, and other materials.
The fraudulent and counterfeit products sold by the Pro Network Entities suffered from numerous performance, functionality, and safety problems. Often, they would simply fail or otherwise malfunction, causing significant damage to their users’ networks and operations – in some cases, costing users tens of thousands of dollars. Customers of Aksoy’s fraudulent and counterfeit devices included hospitals, schools, government agencies, and the military.
As set forth in the indictment, between 2014 and 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 180 shipments of counterfeit Cisco devices being shipped to the Pro Network Entities from China and Hong Kong. In response to some of these seizures, Aksoy allegedly falsely submitted official paperwork to CBP under the alias “Dave Durden,” an identity that he used to communicate with Chinese conspirators. To try to avoid CBP scrutiny, Chinese conspirators allegedly broke the shipments up into smaller parcels and shipped them on different days, and Aksoy used at least two fake delivery addresses in Ohio. After CBP seized a shipment of counterfeit Cisco products to Aksoy and the Pro Network Entities and sent a seizure notice, Aksoy allegedly often continued to order counterfeit Cisco products from the same supplier.
From 2014 to 2019, Cisco sent seven letters to Aksoy asking him to cease and desist his trafficking of counterfeit goods. Aksoy allegedly responded to at least two of these letters by causing his attorney to provide Cisco with forged documents. In July 2021, agents executed a search warrant at Aksoy’s warehouse and seized 1,156 counterfeit Cisco devices with a retail value of over $7 million.
The charge of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The charges of mail and wire fraud each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charges of trafficking in counterfeit goods each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
Attorney for the United States Khanna and Assistant Attorney General Polite credited special agents and members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang; the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny; the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, Southeast and Caribbean Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Floyd Martinez; the U.S. Navy, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Economic Crimes Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Peter Tolentino; HSI Miami, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury; HSI Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the indictment.
The CBP Electronics Center of Excellence; the CBP Los Angeles National Targeting and Analysis Center; and the CBP Office of Trade, Regulatory Audit and Agency Advisory Services, Miami Field Office, provided valuable assistance.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Aksoy or the Pro Network Entities, please visit www.justice.gov/largecases or /usao-nj/united-states-v-onur-aksoy-pro-network for more information.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark, Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section in Washington, D.C., and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit in Newark.
The Pro Network Entities include at least the following:
Business Entities
Pro Network Companies
Approximate Month and Year of Formation
State of Formation
Pro Network LLC
August 2013
New Jersey
Netech Solutions LLC
November 2016
Florida
Target Network Solutions LLC
January 2017
Florida
Easy Network LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
ACE NETUS LLC (a/k/a Ace Network)
April 2017
New Jersey
My Network Dealer LLC
April 2017
New Jersey
1701 Doral LLC
May 2017
New Jersey
Maytech Trading LLC
August 2017
Florida
NFD Trading LLC
September 2017
Florida
Kenet Solutions LLC
September 2017
Florida
Team Tech Global LLC
January 2018
New Jersey
Tenek Trading LLC
January 2018
Florida
The Network Gears LLC
February 2018
Florida
All Networking Solutions LLC (a/k/a All Network)
April 2018
Florida
San Network LLC
October 2018
Florida
Pro Network US Inc.
January 2019
Florida
Jms Tek LLC
August 2019
Florida
Renewed Equipment LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Ship US LLC
August 2021
Florida
Pro Network Amazon Storefronts
Pro Network Amazon Storefront
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
Albus Trade Hub
January 2014
EasyNetworkUS
March 2014
Get Better Trade
July 2015
Mercadeal
February 2017
Netech Solutions
February 2018
Netkco LLC
September 2014
NFD Trading LLC
January 2018
Palm Network Solutions
June 2017
Renewed Equip
August 2017
Servtaur
August 2019
Smart Network
July 2017
SOS Tech Trade
August 2017
Target-Solutions
September 2020
TeamTech Global
March 2016
TradeOrigin US
August 2015
Pro Network eBay Storefronts
Pro Network eBay Storefront
Approximate Date of Earliest
Known Activity
connectwus
March 2014
futuretechneeds
July 2017
getbettertrade
July 2017
getontrade
April 2016
maytechtradingllc
October 2017
netechsolutions
April 2017
netkco
September 2014
nfdtrading
February 2018
smartnetworkusa
January 2014
tenektradingllc
May 2018
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Structuring Currency TransactionsRead 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 Eric Iwu aka James, 32, a Nigerian citizen currently residing in Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2019, a company called Reliancee Industry LLC was registered with the New York State Division of Corporations. One day later, with Iwu’s assistance, a KeyBank account was opened in the name of Reliancee Industry LLC. In August 2019, three separate deposits of $58,019.76, $54,522.28, and $51,989.54 were made into the account. After each deposit was made, multiple cash withdrawals were then made on different dates, all under $10,000, by an individual being directed by Iwu. Iwu directed the individual to withdraw the sums of cash on different dates knowing that KeyBank was legally obligated to report currency transactions in excess of $10,000. Iwu did so with the intent to evade that reporting requirement.
Iwu also admitted his role in opening bank accounts that received fraud proceeds from four victim companies located in the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Singapore, and California, totaling approximately $760,000.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Biloxi Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Biloxi man, who previously lived in Alabama and Texas, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for the federal crime of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to court documents, Nicholas Paul Godsey, 41, was arrested following a July 8, 2021 traffic stop in Biloxi. During the traffic stop, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents found in the vehicle Godsey was driving methamphetamine , a Glock, Model 17, 9mm pistol, three ammunition magazines, 39 rounds of ammunition, a digital scale, a meth pipe with meth residue, four counterfeit $100 bills, blank checks, and a smartphone.
Further law enforcement investigation revealed that Godsey, beginning at least in about June 2021, conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II, federally controlled substance. Godsey previously served more than 13 years in federal prison for other narcotics related convictions and possession of firearms.
Godsey pled guilty on February 16, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Biloxi Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.