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22 August 2022
Charlotte Mail Thief Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Daron Quashawn Wright, 29, of Charlotte, to serve 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for mail theft, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, between November 2019 and February 2021, Wright and two co-conspirators, Shermar Isaiah Walker and Haleem Gilliland, targeted apartment complexes in Charlotte and in other states in the Southeast and stole the mail of more than 540 victims. Court records show that the defendants generally used a crowbar to break into clusters of mailboxes located at apartment complexes, and stole hundreds of pieces of mail, including individual and business checks, credit cards, and packages. The estimated loss the victims incurred as a result of the mail theft scheme is over $172,400.
According to court records, on March 3, 2020, CMPD received a 911 call regarding a break-in in progress of the mailboxes at an apartment complex in Charlotte. Officers responding to the call identified Walker as the mail thief and Walker was arrested in connection with the incident. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement also located a crowbar and multiple bags of mail sitting by the mailboxes that had been broken into. Law enforcement also found at the same location a cargo van and another vehicle, both filled with mail from at least two other mail thefts. Court records show that the investigation led to Wright and Gilliland, who were staying at an area hotel. When law enforcement entered the hotel room, they observed it was filled with stolen mail. Law enforcement retrieved from the hotel room hundreds of additional pieces of stolen mail, including credit and debit cards, business and vendor payments, and other mail.
Wright and Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail theft, and Gilliland pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Walker and Gilliland were sentenced to time-served.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked USPIS and CMPD for their investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Cape Coral Woman Sentenced to More Than Two and A Half Years in Prison for Committing Fraud Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Nicole Sprague (38, Cape Coral), to two years and nine months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. As part of her sentence, the court also ordered restitution to the identified victims in the amount of $297,900, and entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $250,000, representing the proceeds of the fraud. Sprague had pleaded guilty on May 24, 2022.
According to court documents, Sprague participated in a tech support scam that operated from approximately January 2018 through April 2019, which defrauded numerous elderly victims. The conspirators, some of whom were located overseas, falsely represented themselves to be online computer tech support personnel to obtain money from elderly victims who believed that they were paying for necessary computer repairs or installing computer security software. After the victim agreed to make payment to the telemarketer for purported tech support, access to the victim’s computer occurred while the victim believed that a legitimate service had been received. While conspirators were remotely connected to each victim’s computer, the conspirators were able to access each victim’s personal information, including access to the victim’s financial accounts.
Subsequently, the conspirators contacted each victim to offer purported refunds to the victims for the purchase of the original service. The telemarketers instructed each victim to allow remote access to the computer and then instructed the victim to log into their online banking platform to allow for a direct deposit of the refund. Upon having access to the victim’s computer, the telemarketer falsely represented that a deposit had been made into the victim’s account and would purport to accidentally deposit large amounts of money into the victim’s account. Conspirators then instructed the victims to return the false overpayment in the form of cash or cashier’s checks via U.S. mail and other parcel delivery services to Sprague.
During her participation in the scheme, Sprague opened various bank accounts in which she was the sole signor on each account. She also opened several post office boxes at authorized depositories in Cape Coral. Sprague routinely deposited the victims’ funds into her bank accounts before she disbursed and transferred the proceeds to other members of the conspiracy. Sprague often initiated international wire transfers, that had been funded with victims’ funds, to her co-conspirators. She retained a portion of the fraud proceeds to use for her own personal benefit. Sprague received at least $250,000 in proceeds from the fraud.
After the victims conducted cash withdrawals or purchased cashier’s checks as form of repayment to the purported technology support company and mailed the money to Sprague, the victims discovered that the refund and purported overpayment were false. During the remote access, the telemarketer often transferred monies from the victim’s savings account or line of credit to the victim’s checking account to give the fraudulent appearance that the victim’s checking account was credited for the refund and purported overpayment.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud target at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme Involving over $300,000 in Fraudulent Purchases from the Home DepotRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN ORPILLA SINLAO, age 37, a resident of San Jose, California, pled guilty on August 18, 2022 to Count One of his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2). In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss seven (7) counts of Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(5).
In pleading guilty to Count One, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of seven-and-a-half (7.5) years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct approximately $340,164.49 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at The Home Depot stores using customers’ Citibank credit card numbers. These transactions occurred between February of 2019 and July of 2019 at Home Depot stores in Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, and Oklahoma. The Honorable Barry W. Ashe set sentencing in this matter for November 10, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
California Executive Compensation Consultant Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud for Committing Insider TradingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRANK GLASSNER, a principal of an executive compensation consulting firm based in Novato, California (the “Consulting Firm”), pled guilty to one count of securities fraud in connection with his scheme to commit insider trading based on material, nonpublic information regarding the upcoming public announcement that Kadmon Holdings, Inc. (“Kadmon”) – which GLASSNER and the Consulting Firm were advising – would be acquired by Sanofi, S.A. (“Sanofi”). GLASSNER was arrested in May of this year and pled guilty on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court, Frank Glassner misappropriated his client’s material, non-public information about an upcoming acquisition to make personal trades and line his own pockets. Glassner now awaits sentencing for his crime, and must also forfeit his illicit profits”
According to the Information to which GLASSNER pled guilty, the complaint that was filed in this case, and statements made during court proceedings:
Between July 2021 and September 2021, Kadmon, which, prior to its acquisition by Sanofi, was a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company traded under the ticker symbol “KDMN” on the NASDAQ, engaged GLASSNER and the Consulting Firm to provide executive compensation consulting services related to a potential acquisition. In connection with this engagement, GLASSNER had access to material, non-public information, which he misappropriated and, in violation of the duties that he owed to Kadmon, used to trade Kadmon stock and call options between on or about August 3, 2021, and on or about August 23, 2021. On September 8, 2021, Kadmon publicly announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Sanofi for a per-share price significantly above the share price at which Kadmon was trading. That day, Kadmon’s share price increased by approximately 71% and GLASSNER ultimately profited $368,000 on the Kadmon stock and call options he had previously purchased.
As part of his plea agreement, GLASSNER has agreed to forfeit $368,000.
GLASSNER is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Liman on December 6, 2022.
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GLASSNER, 68, of Novato, California, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which brought a related civil action against GLASSNER.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Castellano is in charge of the prosecution.
Athens Resident Who Shot at Repo Employees and Fled Arrest Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – An Athens resident with a violent criminal history who shot at two people attempting to repossess a vehicle and then led police on a high-speed chase through a residential area pleaded guilty to illegal gun possession in federal court recently.
Ceddrick Demon Mercery aka Stunt, 30, of Athens, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 19. Mercery faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Federal and local law enforcement worked seamlessly to safely capture Ceddrick Mercery and bring him to justice for his reckless actions which endangered two innocent employees and a residential neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is using every law enforcement and prosecutorial tool available to hold armed habitual offenders accountable and reduce violent crime in communities across the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Career criminals who carry guns are a threat to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the Project Safe Neighborhoods program are dedicated to keeping the sanctity and security of our communities a priority.”
According to court documents, two individuals attempting to lawfully repossess a Honda Accord located on Loblolly Road in Athens on Sept. 23, 2020, were nearly struck by the same vehicle as Mercery sped away from them driving the car. Mercery then drove toward Freeman Drive, made a wide right turn, stopped, rolled down the window and fired three shots at the individuals, who took cover from the gunshots and were not struck. An Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officer spotted the Honda Accord being driven by Mercery on Commerce Road and attempted to pull him over. Mercery fled at a high rate of speed through a residential complex and then abandoned the car, running away. Officers found heroin and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The following day, the .40 caliber pistol confirmed by ballistics tests as having been used in the shooting was found along the route Mercery drove while fleeing apprehension, discarded in front of an apartment building on College Avenue with a round in the chamber and three bullets in the magazine.
FBI and ACCPD tracked Mercery to an apartment complex on Berlin Street and took him into custody on Oct. 26. Prior to his arrest, Mercery was armed with a pistol and was pacing inside the apartment, voicing displeasure that the police were outside the apartment. Mercery was taken into custody without incident. Agents found a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine and a laser sight inside the apartment. Mercery’s cell phone was also located inside the apartment; it had been broken and placed in a toilet.
Mercery has a lengthy criminal history which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, including prior felony convictions for hit and run, possession of cocaine and aggravated stalking. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
Armed Robber and Carjacker Facing Federal Charges After Opening Fire on A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s DeputyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Ma’at Malik Darius Lee (20, Tampa) with armed carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition. If convicted on all counts, Lee faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, including a minimum mandatory term of nine years in prison. Lee will make his initial appearance at 10:00 a.m. on September 6, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite.
According to court documents, on July 9, 2021, Lee robbed two individuals at gunpoint in the parking lot of the victims’ apartment complex. In the weeks that followed, Lee attempted to use the victims’ identities and credit cards. On October 27, 2021, Lee robbed a third victim at gunpoint as the victim was returning home. An hour later, while brandishing a firearm in each hand, Lee carjacked a fourth victim of a 2007 Jeep Cherokee outside of a Dave and Buster’s in Tampa. A few days later, a deputy from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located Lee in the stolen Jeep and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Lee responded by opening fire at the deputy at least eight times prior to the deputy exiting his cruiser, striking the deputy’s vehicle repeatedly. The deputy was not hit and returned fire from inside his vehicle. Lee fled the scene and was later arrested.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Arizona Man Charged in Alleged Armed Robbery Spree that Ended in High-Speed Chase in Which He Fired Upon Federal Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Arizona man was charged today in a federal criminal complaint alleging he robbed 10 stores in Southern California and Arizona during a three-week crime spree that ended in a high-speed chase in which he fired upon federal agents and, after police rammed his car, he accidentally shot himself under his chin.
Samuel Sven Smith, 26, of Phoenix, was arrested on August 20 at the conclusion of a high-speed chase after he allegedly robbed a PetSmart store in Rancho Cucamonga. In a criminal complaint filed today, Smith was charged with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer.
Smith is in a hospital, recovering from his injuries. He is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in the coming weeks.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Smith, armed with a gun, robbed 10 businesses – nine of them PetSmart stores – beginning on July 31 and ending August 20. The targeted stores were a Big Lots store in Riverside and PetSmart stores in Signal Hill, Orange, San Bernardino, Fontana, Pico Rivera, Redlands, Huntington Beach, Phoenix, and Rancho Cucamonga.
During the armed robbery spree, Smith allegedly used a distinct black handbag with pink trim during the robberies and pointed a black handgun at store employees at the cash register. The total loss to the stores was approximately $7,091, according to the affidavit.
On August 20, Smith allegedly robbed a PetSmart store in Rancho Cucamonga, but noticed law enforcement approaching him. Smith opened the driver’s side door of his car and fire at least two rounds at the unmarked vehicle for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which was struck by gunfire. An officer in another vehicle then returned fire.
Smith then entered his car and fled at a high rate of speed for approximately 20 minutes through several different cities. During this pursuit, Smith allegedly fired several rounds at the law enforcement officers pursuing him.
The pursuit ended when law enforcement rammed their vehicle into Smith’s car. When law enforcement approached Smith’s car, they determined he had suffered a gunshot wound underneath his chin. Smith told officers who were performing life saving measures, that when they rammed into his vehicle, he accidentally shot himself.
At the time of his arrest, Smith was still wearing the same clothing that he wore during the robbery, including the ski mask. In the passenger seat, law enforcement recovered the firearm. On the floorboard of the driver’s seat, law enforcement recovered several rounds of live ammunition.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of all charges, Smith would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the Hobbs Act robbery count, seven years in federal prison for the firearm brandishing count and 20 years in federal prison for the assaulting a federal officer count.
The ATF Orange County Violent Crime Task Force is investigating this matter. The task force, which is responsible for investigating serial robberies around Southern California, is comprised of the ATF; the Brea Police Department; the Fullerton Police Department; the Santa Ana Police Department; and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
20 August 2022
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for Laundering Money as Part of a Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Rosa Elena Magana Madrigal, age 64, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Madrigal was indicted for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in July of 2021. She pled guilty on May 25, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing to on or about May 11, 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Rosa Madrigal knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce, to wit: conducting wire/money transfers, which involved the proceeds of a specified unlawful activity. The unlawful activity is conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, with the intent to promote the carrying on of the unlawful activity, and that while conducting and attempting to conduct such financial transactions, knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
Madrigal voluntarily and intentionally joined in the agreement or understanding to conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce in 2019. During the time she was conducting financial transactions with her co-conspirators, she learned the money she was depositing was proceeds of a controlled substance conspiracy, and that these transactions were designed in whole, or in part, to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the controlled substance conspiracy.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Madrigal was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Don Young, Jr., 22, of the 2200 block of North Flora, was sentenced on August 18, 2022, to 37 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Young was indicted in December 2021 and filed his change of plea in April 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that on December 15, 2021, Peoria police officers were attempting to arrest Young pursuant to an outstanding arrest warrant when Young fled on his bike and then on foot, leading police on a chase between houses in the 2400 block of Ellis Avenue in Peoria. After apprehending Young at gunpoint, police searched the area and found a Glock, Model 19, 9mm caliber pistol a short distance from where Young was taken into custody. The firearm was equipped with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 33 rounds of ammunition. An additional round of ammunition was loaded in the chamber of the gun, indicating it was ready to be fired. The gun also had an aftermarket conversion “switch” attached to it, a device designed to convert Glock pistols into automatic firearms capable of shooting more than one round of ammunition with a single pull of the trigger. Glock conversion “switches” are defined as machine guns under federal law. Young admitted to possessing the firearm, claiming that he needed it for protection.
The statutory penalties for possession of a machine gun are up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a three-year term of supervised release, and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
“Conversion devices that enable a store-bought handgun to be fired as a fully-automatic machine gun are extremely dangerous,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ronald L. Hanna. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals that use and possess these devices in our community.”
The Peoria Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Young is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Four Todd County Men Indicted for Assault and Firearm Charges, and Aiding and AbettingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that four Todd County, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Aiding and Abetting, and Accessory After the Fact.
Kevin Bordeaux, age 23, Carston Eagle Deer, age 21, Gervis Fool Bull, age 28, and Julian Moran, a/k/a Jullian Moran, age 28, were indicted in August of 2022. Kevin Bordeaux appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 15, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. Carston Eagle Deer, Gervis Fool Bull, and Julian Moran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moreno on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on July 6, 2022, in Todd County, Bordeaux unlawfully assaulted the victim with a handgun, that said assault resulted in serious bodily injury, and that Eagle Deer did receive, relieve, comfort, and assist Bordeaux in order to hinder and prevent Bordeaux’s apprehension, trial, and punishment.
The Indictment further alleges that on July 8, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated and interfered with two law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and an assisting officer who was employed by the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, and that such conduct involved the use of a firearm, and that they aided and abetted in the commission of the offenses.
The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, the Winner Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 25, 2022.
19 August 2022
Waukegan Man Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
An Illinois man was sentenced to 29 months in prison today for using stolen identities to file false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilmer Alexander Garcia Meza, of Waukegan, used others’ personal identifying information — including their names, dates of birth and identification documents such as foreign passports — to fraudulently obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) from the IRS. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number. From 2013 through 2017, Garcia used the ITINs to file tax returns in the name of the stolen identities, claiming thousands of dollars in fraudulent refunds. Garcia then used identification documents in those same names to cash the refund checks issued by the IRS. In total, Garcia caused a tax loss of approximately $221,923.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo ordered Garcia Meza to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $221,923 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Thomas Flynn and Jacob Green of the Tax Division prosecuted the case. Former Trial Attorneys Michael Landman and Eric Schmale of the Tax Division provided valuable assistance on the case.
Utica Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Melisa Muminovic, age 25, of Utica, New York, pled guilty yesterday to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division, and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department.
As part of her guilty plea yesterday, Muminovic admitted from at least January 2021 through July 2021, she agreed with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl to customers in the Utica, New York area. Muminovic further admitted that she accompanied co-conspirators to the New York City area to purchase fentanyl, which was then sold in the Utica area.
At her sentencing, currently scheduled for December 14, 2022, Muminovic faces a maximum potential sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU), investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, members of the City of Utica Police Department, DEA, ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Richard Southwick.
Umatilla County Man Faces Federal Charges for Armed Robbery at Wildhorse Resort and CasinoRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County, Oregon, man is facing federal charges for robbing the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation at gunpoint and brandishing a firearm.
Javier Francisco Vigil, 51, has been charged by criminal complaint with committing a Hobbs Act robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, in the early afternoon on August 17, 2022, Vigil is alleged to have entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area, and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million. Vigil then drew a holstered pistol, pointed it at the cashier, and threatened to “bathe everyone in blood.” After being given nearly $70,000 in cash, Vigil exited the casino, pointed his firearm at a responding tribal police officer, and discharged at least one round. Vigil sustained injuries in an ensuing exchange of gunfire and was transported by officers to a local hospital.
Vigil made his initial appearance in federal court today in Portland before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Umatilla Tribal Police Department and the Hermiston Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Cassady Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S Attorney’s Office in the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Announces Sentences in Two Drug Distribution CasesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two men were sentenced to federal prison in separate drug distribution cases this week, announced Josh Hurwit, the United States Attorney for the District of Idaho.
Danny Eugene Smith, 28, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 121 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl pills in the Magic Valley. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Smith to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, between 2020 and 2021, Smith distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills in the Magic Valley. On three occasions, Smith sold another person fentanyl pills at a store parking lot in Twin Falls. In October 2021, police officers obtained a search warrant for Smith’s residence. Inside they found 5,578 fentanyl pills along with a 9mm handgun and large quantities of cash. In total, investigators seized $123,505 of drug proceeds from Smith’s residence. Officers also seized two vehicles which Smith had purchased with drug proceeds.
In a separate case, Heriberto Xavior Valencia, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Valencia to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, Valencia drove to Boise, on October 20, 2021, to sell another person a half pound of methamphetamine in exchange for $1,650. Less than three weeks after that sale, on November 5, 2021, investigators obtained information that Valencia was on his way back to Boise to sell additional controlled substances. With an arrest warrant in hand, investigators approached Valencia’s vehicle at a hotel parking lot in Boise. Investigators executed the arrest warrant and searched the vehicle. In the vehicle they found approximately one and one quarter pounds of methamphetamine, one quarter pound of heroin, over 1,000 fentanyl pills, a jar of marijuana, and a loaded Glock pistol attached to a magnetic strip under the steering column of the vehicle, which Valencia was prohibited from possessing. In addition to the firearm and controlled substances, investigators found two children in the vehicle that had traveled with Valencia and two women from Phoenix to Boise.
“These significant prison sentences send a clear message to drug traffickers that they will be held responsible if they choose to distribute dangerous drugs to the people of Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
The Smith case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges.
The Valencia case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force consisting of officers from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Nampa Police Department, which led to the charges.
The Smith prosecution 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 prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Valencia case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Recent Law Enforcement Actions as Part of Federal Violent Crime StrategyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, today announced recent enforcement actions in the Twin Cities and in Rochester resulting in the arrest of multiple violent offenders as part of the federal violent crime strategy launched earlier this year.
On May 3, 2022, U.S. Attorney Luger announced a new federal violent crime strategy that expanded capacity within the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute violent crime cases. Every criminal prosecutor in the office has assisted in the effort by taking on violent crime cases, including carjackings, illegal possession of firearms and/or ammunition, drug trafficking, straw purchasing, armed Hobbs Act robberies, well as cases involving the illegal possession of machineguns and ghost guns.
“Violent crime is at an all-time high and the statistics are alarming, but that is only part of the story. The nature of the violence has changed. By their actions, their weapons and their words, violent offenders are displaying an absolute disdain for the law, and a disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “Criminals are engaging in an appalling level of violence, using militaristic weapons and accessories that not only change the nature of the violence, but also the resulting harm. Several recent cases and the enforcement operations we’re announcing today illustrate our violent crime strategy in action. We are making progress in our efforts to break this violent crime trend, but there is still more work to be done. We will not let up; we owe it to our communities.”
Throughout the summer, law enforcement has been working in tandem with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify, investigate, and bring charges against the most violent offenders. Just yesterday, a joint law enforcement operation culminated in the arrest of 15 violent offenders and the seizure of 32 illegal firearms and machineguns. All 15 defendants have been charged in federal court. This operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Violent Offender Task Force, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Paul Police Department. This operation involved more than 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, including out-of-state special response teams.
In addition, yesterday morning, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team led a separate coordinated enforcement action involving more than 60 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers to dismantle a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy based in Rochester. The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 drug traffickers and the seizure of drugs and firearms. All 10 defendants have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
These cases are the result of joint investigations conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the Minneapolis Police Department, the St. Paul Police Department, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, and other law enforcement partners.
As part of the strategy to reduce violent crime, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota produced and released two public service announcements (PSA) to further the violent crime deterrence message.
Auto-Sear PSA: https://youtu.be/7IOM4JdOIRA
Violent Crime PSA: https://youtu.be/VFeHe0Yn1D4The charges outlined are merely allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two indicted for exploiting adult day care patients in Medicare fraud schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas ‐ A physician and employee have been charged for their roles in a health care fraud scheme involving the submission of more than $3.5 million in claims to Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities took Dr. Osama Balhir Nahas, 67, McAllen, and Isabel Moreno Pruneda, 50, Edinburg, into custody today. They are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.
A federal grand jury returned the 15-count indictment Aug. 16. It alleges Nahas is a physician and owner, while Pruneda was an employee at Crosspoint Medical Clinic located in Edinburg. Nahas allegedly paid kickbacks to various adult day care companies to gain Medicare beneficiary information under the guise of providing medical services.
Nahas, Pruneda and other co-conspirators used their access to adult day care facilities to perform a variety of unnecessary medical tests and procedures and order prescriptions for expensive medications that were not needed, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges many of the patients had their own primary care physicians who were not consulted prior to or after the examinations. Most of the patients were allegedly elderly or disabled and lacked the capacity to consent to the examinations, tests and other procedures that Nahas and Pruneda performed.
In addition, marketers paid Nahas and Pruneda illegal kickbacks in exchange for ordering laboratory tests and prescriptions that were unnecessary and that patients often did not want, according to the charges. In many instances, patients allegedly did not receive their test results or the prescribed medication.
Pruneda also forged patient signatures on consent forms connected to the fraudulent laboratory testing services and prescriptions, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges more than $3.5 million was billed to Medicare in connection to the fraud scheme.
Nahas and Pruneda are charged with seven counts of health care fraud and conspiracy to do so, all of which carry a possible 10-year-term of imprisonment, as well as one count of conspiracy to receive illegal remunerations which could result in another five years in prison. Both are also charged with aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory two years in federal prison which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All convictions could also result in maximum possible fines of $250,000.
The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (OIG), Texas Health & Human Services Commission-OIG, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Texas Department of Insurance - Fraud conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Two Men Charged in Federal Court with Violent Carjackings in Chicago SuburbsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted two men on carjacking charges in connection with the violent thefts of vehicles in the north suburbs of Chicago.
EDSON RESENDEZ and MAVERICK CELA forcibly took vehicles in Morton Grove, Ill., and Skokie, Ill., according to an indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment charges Resendez, 21, and Cela, 21, both of Chicago, with one count of conspiracy to commit carjackings and two counts of carjacking. Resendez also faces an additional count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Resendez was arrested Thursday morning and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court. A detention hearing is set for Aug. 23, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert.
Cela is currently in the custody of the state of Illinois. His arraignment in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department, Morton Grove Police Department, and Skokie Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cornelius A. Vandenberg.
According to the indictment, Resendez and Cela took a Chevrolet Sonic from a victim in Morton Grove on Sept. 11, 2020. Cela later disposed of the vehicle by lighting it on fire in the 6200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, the indictment states.
On Sept. 13, 2020, Resendez and Cela took a Lexus GS350 from a victim in Skokie, the indictment states. The pair later disposed of the vehicle in the 4800 block of South Hermitage Avenue in Chicago, the charges allege.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each carjacking count is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison. The firearm count against Resendez carries a minimum prison sentence of seven years and a maximum of life, which must be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the carjacking offense. The conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Tucson-Based Cocaine Distributor Sentenced to Five YearsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Diego Armando Equihua-Sanchez, 31, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release. Equihua-Sanchez previously pleaded guilty to Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
Equihua-Sanchez actively worked with others to distribute bulk amounts of cocaine in and around Tucson and other parts of the United States. On November 2, 2020, Equihua-Sanchez delivered approximately one kilogram of cocaine to help complete a transaction involving an out-of-state customer.
The Drug Enforcement Administration in Sierra Vista, Arizona conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Lizano, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-02281-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-143_Equihua-Sanchez# # #
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.
Texas Prisoner Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking Crimes Related to Prison Yard Drone DropsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Texas prison inmate man has been arrested and charged with federal violations related to a drone drop scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Yeshmel James Wright, 35, of Dallas, is named in the 11-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas on Feb. 9, 2022. The indictment alleges the individuals conspired to use drones and mail to smuggle drugs and contraband such as cellular phones in to prisons in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In all, 42 individuals have been indicted on multiple counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic marijuana; money laundering; firearms violations; operating an aircraft to further drug trafficking; and Hobbs Act robbery. The seizure has resulted in the seizure of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, “M30” fentanyl pills, and synthetic marijuana. Additionally, approximately $150,000 in cash, jewelry and vehicles have been seized.
Wright is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana. He appeared in federal court this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine Nowak.
If convicted, Wright faces up to life in federal prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Office of Inspector General; U.S. Marshals Service; IRS-Criminal Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Lewisville Police Department; Little Elm Police Department; and Dallas Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.
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Taos Pueblo man indicted for aggravated sexual assaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Amadius Archuleta was arraigned on Aug. 18 on an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual assault in Indian Country. Archuleta, 22, of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment and other court records, on July 2, Archuleta contacted a 14-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe, through Instagram. Archuleta allegedly invited the victim to meet. When they met later that evening, Archuleta allegedly led the victim to an abandoned house to smoke marijuana and provided her with alcohol. Though the victim told Archuleta that she had only recently turned 14 years old, Archuleta allegedly initiated sexual contact with the victim. Jane Doe asked Archuleta to stop, but he allegedly forcibly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim.
Jane Doe was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos for examination, then transported to Solace Crisis Treatment Center in Santa Fe.
Archuleta and Jane Doe are both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Taos, and the alleged offense was committed in the Taos Pueblo.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Archuleta faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison in prison.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – William K. Gordon, Jr., 28, originally of Cairo, Georgia, but living in Tallahassee, Florida, at the time of his arrest, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of more than 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute recidivist offenders who continue to distribute such these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”
Evidence introduced at the sentencing hearing demonstrated that Gordon was obtaining methamphetamine from Georgia and selling it in Tallahassee, Florida. On March 17, 2021, members of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Capital Area Drug Response & Evaluation (CADRE) Initiative used a confidential source to purchase two ounces of methamphetamine from Gordon. Three days later, Gordon fled from officers of the Tallahassee Police Department, who were able to catch and arrest him. TPD officers found that Gordon had $2705 in his pants pocket at the time of his arrest, including twenty of the bills used for the March 17 controlled purchase. Despite being released on bond for his state charges, Gordon continued his narcotics distribution activities. On August 4, 2021, the North Florida HIDTA CADRE Initiative used a second confidential source to purchase three additional ounces of methamphetamine from Gordon. When arrested on August 6, 2021, officers identified and recovered 23 of the bills from Gordon which were used during the August 4 controlled purchase.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous synthetic drug that has an incredibly destructive effect on our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure Florida communities remain safe and healthy.”
Gordon’s federal prison sentence will be followed by 15 years of supervised release.
“The arrest and conviction of William K. Gordon is a major step in getting some of the most addictive and deadly drugs out of Leon County,” said Sheriff Walt McNeil. “I am grateful for the hard work of our deputies and detectives who assisted in this case. LCSO and our law enforcement partners will continue to work closely to identify, arrest and prosecute these dealers to keep our communities safe.”
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Florida HIDTA CADRE Initiative, with assistance from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Syracuse Woman Sentenced to 111 Months for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Chantal Jaquez, age 20, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 111 months in federal prison for robbing a Syracuse convenience store and brandishing a semi-automatic rifle in furtherance of the robbery, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshal David McNulty, Chief Joseph Cecile, City of Syracuse Police Department (SPD), and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of her previous guilty plea to robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce (the Hobbs Act) and using a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence, Jaquez admitted that on December 21, 2020, at about 10:45 am, she and another person robbed a convenience store in Syracuse, NY. During the robbery, the other robber carried a handgun and Jaquez carried a rifle. Jaquez went behind the counter where the clerk was standing and pointed the rifle at the clerk. While fleeing the store, the other robber fired several rounds from his handgun at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck Jaquez in the leg.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Jaquez to a five-year term of supervised release to begin after she serves her term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (SPD-CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (SPD-Intel), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Statement by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco on the Sentencing of El Shafee ElsheikhRead the Press Release
Today, the men and women of the Department of Justice and our criminal justice system delivered justice. Today, we remember the four Americans for whom it was delivered: James Foley, Kayla Mueller, Steven Sotloff, and Peter Kassig. Each was in Syria serving others when they were taken hostage and murdered by ISIS—James and Steven were there to report on the brutality of ISIS and Kayla and Peter to help those suffering under its rule. They were targeted and ultimately murdered because they stood for the very principle ISIS feared the most: freedom.
The sentence imposed today brings to a close a long investigation of a barbaric enemy, but it does not erase the heartbreak of the Foley, Mueller, Sotloff, and Kassig families. For years, I have personally witnessed and been inspired by their strength and resolve to seek accountability for the horrors their loved ones were forced to suffer and to improve and shape the policy of their government so that other families might not endure the same pain. Their relentless pursuit of justice, in the face of unimaginable pain, has inspired the men and women of the Department of Justice—namely the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the National Security Division—to investigate and prosecute this case with the same determination.
Today is a reminder of the Justice Department’s unshakeable commitment to combatting terrorism around the world. It should also serve as a warning to those who dare to threaten Americans that, no matter where you hide or how long it takes, we will find you, and we will bring you to justice.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Thomas Coelho (53, St. Petersburg) to 10 years in federal prison for wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1.8 million, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme. Coelho had pleaded guilty on March 24, 2022.
According to court documents, Coelho recruited investors for a business opportunity that purportedly involved Coelho using investor funds to purchase event tickets and then resell those tickets to third parties at a profit. Coelho, who held himself out to be a lawyer and a Wharton School of Business graduate, used his association with persons and entities in the entertainment industry to give the appearance of the means and ability to acquire tickets to certain high-profile events (which could then be resold). Instead of using investors’ money to further the purported business, however, Coelho primarily used the funds for personal expenses, entertainment, and cash withdrawals. Coelho created fraudulent documents, including wire transfer receipts, to convince his victims the funds were properly invested and to continue to induce new victim investments. During the course of the scheme, Coelho defrauded three victims out of a total of more than $1.8 million.
At the time of his arrest, Coelho, formerly known as Thomas Jurewitz, had been arrested more than 15 times for fraud-related incidents. He had three outstanding arrest warrants, dating back 20 years, under his prior name. He also faced several civil judgments, largely from failed business ventures.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Jones.
Son of gun trafficker sentenced for role in exporting firearms to MexicoRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The 18th member of a trafficking cell responsible for sending hundreds of firearms to transnational criminal organizations in Mexico has been ordered to federal prison for his role in the scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Guillermo Gomez-Lazcano, 26, a Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston, pleaded guilty April 6 to being an alien in possession of a firearm, possessing a machine gun and participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Today, U.S. Circuit Judge Gregg Costa ordered Gomez-Lazcano to serve a total of 200 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how many dangerous weapons were being sent to very dangerous people in Mexico that ultimately destroyed many families.
Gomez-Lazcano is the son of Gustavo Gomez-Valenzuela, the leader of the gun trafficking organization that was unlawfully exporting firearms to Mexico. Gomez-Valenzuela had pleaded guilty to eight counts related to the scheme, admitting to providing funds to purchase hundreds of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition, smuggling both firearms and ammunition to Mexico, possessing firearms and selling kilogram quantities of meth.
Co-conspirators purchased firearms from Khalid Abdulaziz, the owner and manager of Zeroed In Armory to send to Gomez-Valenzuela. While acting in the capacity of a federal firearms licensee in Houston, Abdulaziz sold the majority of the firearms to others in the cell. Several have also pleaded guilty, admitted to making false statements in the purchase of firearms.
As a result of the scheme, they purchased approximately 500 firearms which were ultimately trafficked to transnational criminal organizations in Mexico. To date, authorities have recovered over 60 firearms in Mexico, the majority of which were being used in acts of violence.
Gomez-Lazcano will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Abdulaziz, 34, Manvel, and Gomez-Valenzuela, 49 and illegally residing in Houston, were sentenced to 10 and 30 years in prison, respectively. Other prison sentences have ranged from 18 months to more than 10 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Stabe and Lisa M. Collins prosecuted the case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Six Men Arrested in Sex Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex-trafficking operation during the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The operation began on August 5, 2022, and continued through August 11, 2022.
As a result, the following six men were arrested and charged:
Brandon Reide Prue, 27, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Donald William Laun, 61, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Kordelle Ray Running Hawk, 24, Rapid City, South Dakota- Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Siddiq Ahmed Damkiwala, 32, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
William Henry Riese, 31, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Christopher Daniel Luna, 32, Sturgis, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release.
The charges are merely accusations, and all six defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The agencies involved in the operation were DCI, ICAC, HSI, Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.
Six Members of a Meth Distribution Ring Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MIDLAND – Joshua Rojero, 35, of Odessa was sentenced last week to 264 months in prison for his role in a meth distribution ring operating in and around the Midland Odessa area.
According to court documents, Rojero, along with Juvencio Camargo-Garcia, 26, of Mexico; Rudy Mireles, 45, of Midland; Hector Gastelum Valenzuela, 26, of Mexico; Andrea Arroyos, 40, of Lubbock; and Ever Garcia, 19, of Mexico, were all part of a methamphetamine distribution ring that operated in Midland and Odessa. A joint investigation by the Midland and Odessa Police Departments revealed the group distributed multiple-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from an Odessa residence as well as a motel in Odessa.
Camargo-Garcia, Mireles, Valenzuela, Rojero, Arroyos, and Garcia each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and Garcia also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In addition to Rojero’s sentence of 264 months, Camargo-Garcia was sentenced to 262 months; Mireles to 235 months; Valenzuela 188 months; Arroyos to 189 months; and Ever Garcia to 195 months in prison.
“The prosecution that resulted in these substantial prison sentences sends a strong message that peddling this poison in our communities will simply not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “It is important to note that over two kilograms of methamphetamine and four firearms were seized in connection with the investigation in this case.”
“This is a great example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Permian Basin that has made our communities safer,” said Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke. “The Odessa Police Department appreciates all of our partners and understands that we are stronger when we all work together.”
The Midland and Odessa Police Departments investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.
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San Diego Attorney Sentenced for $500,000 Tax Fraud with Former Chabad of Poway Rabbi GoldsteinRead the Press Release
Valerie Chu (619) 546-6750 and Michelle L. Wasserman (619) 546-8431
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Elliot Adler, an attorney and founding partner of a boutique San Diego law firm, was sentenced in federal court today to one year and one day in custody for conspiring with former Chabad of Poway Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein to commit tax fraud. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.
Beginning at least as early as 2010 and continuing through October 2018, Adler participated in a so-called “90/10” tax scheme with Rabbi Goldstein. Specifically, Adler gave money to Rabbi Goldstein that purported to be a donation to Chabad of Poway. Goldstein then secretly funneled ninety percent of the funds back to Adler, keeping ten percent of the funds as his fee. None of the donated funds was actually given to the Chabad as a charitable donation. Adler then falsely claimed that the fraudulent donations were tax-deductible on his tax returns, allowing him to reduce his personal income tax liability by approximately $500,000 (cumulatively) for tax years 2011 through 2017.
To accomplish the scheme, Adler and Goldstein communicated using coded language. Goldstein would refer to cash as “challah,” the source of the cash as “the baker,” and would invite co-conspirators to “wrap tefillin” when he proposed meeting to receive checks or deliver cash. For example, on Thursday, January 7, 2016, Goldstein texted Adler, “Good morning I got the challah[.] What time?” That same day, Adler replied via text message, “Monday morning 8am at shul or today before 12pm if you can come to my office.” Goldstein then replied, “Monday @8 is fine.” On Monday, January 11, 2016, Goldstein deposited a check from Adler for $30,000 payable to Chabad of Poway.
On or about December 29, 2017, Goldstein deposited two sequentially-numbered checks from Adler, one for $180,000 and the other for $980,000. On Friday, January 5, 2018, Goldstein sent Adler a coded text message proposing that they “get together and wrap teffilin.” A few days later, on January 10, 2018, Goldstein wired approximately $1 million to a wholesale and retail jeweler to purchase 246 Suisse Fortuna 1 oz. rectangular gold ingots, 246 Canadian Maple Leaf 1 oz. gold coins, and 246 American Eagle 1 oz. gold coins. On January 17, 2018, Goldstein sent another coded message to Adler asking him, “[w]hen can you come [i]n for a teffilin wrap? I’m ready for you.” Goldstein delivered the gold to Adler the next day. Adler nonetheless claimed on his 2017 tax returns that he had donated over $1 million to charity, fraudulently reducing his 2017 tax liability by approximately $447,000. Adler was ordered to forfeit the gold coins as part of his sentence.
At today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant also ordered Adler to forfeit the gold. A restitution hearing is set for October 24, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
Adler and Goldstein took additional steps to conceal their scheme from authorities. On or about October 18, 2018, Goldstein told Adler that he was under investigation by the IRS and that he had been the subject of an undercover operation relating to tax evasion. Goldstein asked for Adler’s help to prove, falsely, that Goldstein, and not Adler, was in possession of the gold coins purchased with Adler’s purported donation. In the early hours of October 19, 2018, Adler arrived at Goldstein’s residence and returned the gold coins.
In July 2020, Rabbi Goldstein pleaded guilty to fraud charges, admitting that he participated in a complex, years-long, multi-million-dollar tax-evasion scheme and other financial deceptions involving theft of public money. Rabbi Goldstein’s plea agreement outlined the fraud scheme with Adler.
Adler is the eleventh and final individual to be sentenced for crimes discovered in this investigation. Two additional individuals agreed to deferred prosecution agreements as a result of the investigation.
“For several years, Elliot Adler defrauded the United States while giving the false appearance of making charitable donations,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “This investigation and the resulting prosecutions should leave no doubt that the United States takes tax fraud seriously and those who perpetrate these schemes will be brought to justice.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the FBI and IRS for their excellent work on this case.
“For years, attorney Adler chose to ignore the laws and ethical rules of conduct he swore to uphold and conspired with others using sophisticated schemes to commit tax fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Such schemes erode the public's trust in the legal and charitable institutions within our community, but today's sentencing ends his criminal career. Financial crimes have long been a top FBI investigative focus and we remain steadfast in our efforts, in coordination with our partners, to bringing such fraudsters to justice.”
“Mr. Adler, who is an educated and successful attorney, knowingly broke the law by repeatedly committing tax fraud for over seven years,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler R. Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Adler stole over half-a-million dollars from the United States, and our special agents are committed to bringing thieves like him to justice. Our tax and financial systems rely on Americans to pay their fair share in order to ensure that our infrastructure, our national security, and our education and benefits programs are funded. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work alongside the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office on this incredibly impactful investigation.”
SUMMARY OF CHARGES Case Number 22-CR-821-BAS
Elliott Adler Age:45 San Diego, CA
Conspiracy to Commit Tax Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
PREVIOUSLY CHARGED DEFENDANTS AND SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Yisroel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR1916-BAS Age: 58 Poway
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Sentenced to 14 months in custody
Alexander Avergoon, Case Number 19CR2955-BAS Age: 44 San Diego
Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 1343
Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, USC 1028A
Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, USC 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
Sentenced to 64 months in custody
Bruce Baker, Case Number 20CR1912-BAS Age: 74 La Jolla
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and file false tax returns, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Sentenced to 15 months in custody
Bijan Moossazadeh, Case Number 20CR1893-BAS Age: 63 San Diego
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Sentenced to three months in custody
Yousef Shemirani, Case Number 20CR1895-BAS Age: 74 Poway
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Sentenced to two years’ Probation
Boris Shkoller, Case Number 20CR1913-BAS Age: 83 Del Mar
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Sentenced to one year Probation
Mendel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR2772-BAS Age: 63 Brooklyn, NY
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Sentenced to eight months in custody
Stuart Weinstock, Case Number 21CR0042-BAS Age: 64 Escondido, CA
Filing False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, U.S.C. §7206(1)
Sentenced to eight months in custody
Jason Ellis, Case Number 21CR2200-BAS Age: 42 Poway, CA
Filing False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, U.S.C. §7206(1)
Sentenced to six months of home confinement
Yehuda Hadjadj, Case Number 22CR148-BAS Age: 47 La Jolla, CA
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Sentenced to three years’ Probation
Rotem Cooper, Case Number 20CR3968-BAS Age: 54 San Diego
Deferred Prosecution Agreement
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Igor Shtilkind, Case Number 20CR3955-BAS Age: 55 San Diego
Deferred Prosecution Agreement
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations
Reno Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Receipt of over 14,000 Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du to five years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for unlawful receipt of over 14,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“The defendant’s criminal conduct against our most vulnerable members of society was despicable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue its joint efforts to investigate and prosecute those who sexually exploit children and bring predators to justice.”
“I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to ensure this defendant was brought to justice and will no longer be able to perpetuate the abuse of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “His sentence should serve as a strong reminder that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and holding accountable those who victimize innocent children.”
Brandon Eric Navarrete (29) pleaded guilty in May 2022 to receipt of child pornography. Navarrete is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act after completion of his prison term.
According to court documents, Navarrete admitted that he downloaded CSAM images and videos to his thumb drive, cell phone, and laptop computer. A forensic examination of those devices revealed about 13,836 images and 284 videos. Some of the images and videos depicted infants and children under 12 years old while others portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
This case was a joint investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI's Northern Nevada Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Sparks Police Department, the Reno Police Department, and the Nevada Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph St. Clair prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Attempted Sexual Coercion of a Child and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Glen William Vellner, 47, of Mount Clemens, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison before United States District Judge Denise Page Hood on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, receipt of child pornography, and penalties for registered sex offenders, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Vellner had admitted that on January 8, 2021, he requested that an individual that he believed to be a 13-year-old girl send him a picture of her genitals during a chat on Google Hangouts. He also admitted that he received child pornography over the internet between June 5, 2016, and August 1, 2019. Vellner committed these offenses while already being a registered sex offender for prior criminal convictions directed at children. In 2001, Vellner was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual conduct against a 13-year-old girl. After only serving probation for these offenses, Vellner was convicted of ten counts of child sexually abusive activity in 2006. After being released from prison in 2015 based on his 2006 convictions, Vellner went on to commit the crimes in this case while being a registered sex offender. When federal agents searched Vellner’s house in this case, they located a notebook containing passwords to various accounts. Vellner frequently used the phrase “ILuv2RapeLiLgirls” as a password to his accounts. In total, Vellner possessed 4,317 images and 320 videos of child pornography. Of those, 1,319 images and ten videos contained images of infants or toddlers and 179 images and three videos contained sadistic or machoistic conduct or violence.
“Repeat sexual offenders who victimize children present a special danger and require significant sentences to assure the safety of our kids and the community. The court’s sentence today is just punishment and prevents this defendant from further victimizing children. This office will continue to strenuously prosecute these offenders to keep children safe.” stated Dawn N. Ison, United States Attorney.
The case was investigated by the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force (“SEMTEC”) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Catherine Morris.
Postal Service Employee Arrested for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An employee for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) was arrested today for allegedly stealing packages he was responsible for delivering.
William J. Paige, 32, of Duxbury, was indicted on three counts of theft of mail matter by a Postal Service employee. Paige was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David Hennessy.
According to the indictment, Paige worked as a mail carrier with USPS in Whitinsville. It is alleged that between January and February 2022, Paige stole collector’s coins and other items from packages he was entrusted to deliver.
The charge of theft of mail matter by a Postal Service employee provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Port Saint Joe Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Fabian Tomaz Frazier, 27, of Port Saint Joe, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Communities throughout our district are plagued by methamphetamine distribution,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute armed drug traffickers who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”
Evidence introduced during the sentencing hearing demonstrated that Frazier was distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana in the area of Port Saint Joe, Florida. On March 15, 2021, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Frazier near Lake City during which they discovered 11 pounds of marijuana and a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Frazier was arrested on state charges and subsequently released. Despite his arrest and narcotics seizure, Frazier continued his illegal drug trafficking activities. On May 22, 2021, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office used a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of 18 ounces of methamphetamine from Frazier, removing the drugs from the community and giving rise to the charges to which he has been sentenced.
“I appreciate U.S. Attorney Coody and his team for their hard work and dedication,” said Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. “Armed Drug Traffickers like Frazier needs to be off the streets and serving time in prison. Good job by all involved in this case.”
“We are extremely grateful for the local/Federal partnership that enables repeat meth traffickers to receive sentences which keeps them out of our communities longer, thus making them safer,” said Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith.
Frazier’s federal prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Methamphetamine is destroying lives and tears at the fabric of our families and community,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “We are proud to work with our partners to hold those that traffic in these destructive drugs accountable.”
“FHP is proud of our partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I am especially proud of our troopers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and secure.”
“Highly addictive and incredibly destructive, methamphetamine can have a devastating effect on our communities. DEA remains committed to keeping this destructive drug off of our streets,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This sentencing demonstrates how strong law enforcement partnerships are integral to keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ponzi Scheme Fraudster Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Embezzling over $4 MillionRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A 55-year-old former resident of Macomb County was sentenced yesterday to over 11 years in federal prison for defrauding seventeen people of over $4 million in an investment fraud scheme, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Joining in the announcement was James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
U.S. District Judge Laurie J. Michelson sentenced Gino Accettola to 135 months in prison following his April 2022 guilty plea to wire fraud charges and ordered that Accettola pay restitution to his seventeen victims in the amount of $4,199,846.35.
According to court records, from 2014 to 2016, Accettola solicited investments from associates and friends of friends. Accettola offered investors abnormally high short-term returns. Accettola told investors that the money they invested with him was in support of various commercial construction projects in Michigan and Florida. Many of the commercial construction projects that Accettola described to investors did not exist. Specifically, Accettola solicited investments in support of purported work for a Michigan based manufacturing facility and claimed to be friends with the managing partner of the company. In reality, Accettola had no connection to company nor was he friends with the managing partner. In order to perpetuate his fraud, Accettola provided investors with fraudulent emails, contracts, payout schedules and other information purportedly from the company, the managing partner or other company employees. Between 2014 and November 2016, Accettola defrauded investors of approximately $4,199,846.35. Accettola had a long history of cheating and deceiving people, having previously been convicted of sixteen fraud crimes between 1991 and 2019.
“This defendant lied to his victims in order to carry out his fraud. He told his victims that he was investing their money for legitimate construction projects when in reality he used their money on himself at casinos, restaurants, and on entertainment,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that we will hold accountable all those who take advantage of others for personal gain.”
Special Agent Tarasca stated, “Criminals like this use every means of deceit available to further their selfish goals, and investors need to exercise great caution so as not to become victimized.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Woodward.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Assante Bangmon, 31, of the 1300 block of North Bourland Street, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing on August 18, 2022, the government presented evidence that in February 2021 a Peoria police officer approached Bangmon in a clothing store to detain Bangmon for an outstanding arrest warrant. Bangmon refused to comply with the officer’s commands and, instead, fled out the back door of the business and ran away down a nearby street. As Bangmon fled, he discarded a cell phone and keys to a Jeep he had driven to the clothing store and parked in the business’s lot. Officers ultimately captured Bangmon in a residential area adjacent to the clothing store. Pursuant to a search of Bangmon’s Jeep, police located 12 individually wrapped baggies containing 37 grams of crack cocaine located in the arm rest of the driver’s side door.
Bangmon was indicted in February 2021, and pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance are five to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5 million dollar fine, and up to a four-year term of supervised release.
The Peoria Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Bangmon is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Oregon Man Sentenced for Interstate Communication of ThreatsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Harvey Dulgar, age 28, of Salem, Oregon was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment by United States District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann for making interstate threats.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in July 2021, Dulgar placed a call from Oregon to the Montgomery Area School District. Dulgar left a threatening message on the school’s answering machine including stating that it would be “a school of ashes” that there would be “dead kids along the way.” Dulgar entered a guilty plea to making interstate threats in March 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting this case.
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Oneonta Woman Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking in North CountryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jillian Eckberg, age 43, of Oneonta, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 70 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division and Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent of the New York State Police.
As part of her previously entered guilty plea, Eckberg admitted she trafficked methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl from New York City to the areas of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, New York, where she delivered the narcotics to customers who redistributed them. Eckberg admitted that throughout her involvement, she distributed approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 54 grams of heroin and approximately 90 grams of fentanyl.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start after Eckberg is released from prison.
This case was investigated by DEA and New York State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Brookfield Jewelry HeistRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 18, 2022, James P. Quinn (age: 57) of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to a 57-month term of federal imprisonment by United States District Judge Lynn S. Adelman. Quinn had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to public court filings, Quinn and at least two others burglarized Treiber & Straub Jewelers in Brookfield, Wisconsin, during the night of July 11-12, 2016. They defeated security systems and cut a hole in a reinforced concrete wall to breach the store’s vault. The burglars took jewelry and other valuables worth more than $4 million and returned to Ohio.
In announcing the sentence, Judge Adelman noted Quinn’s history of similar conduct. Judge Adelman indicated that a substantial prison term was required because Quinn had the ability to earn legitimate income and had not been deterred by prior terms of imprisonment. Quinn will also be responsible for more than $4 million in forfeiture and restitution.
“This defendant now has been prosecuted three times for various federal offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “His latest offense caused extensive damage and resulted not only in the loss of jewelry owned by the store but also victimized individuals who happened to have items at the store for service or repair. I commend the excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in Wisconsin and Ohio to bring some measure of justice to the victims in this case.”
This investigation is being handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Brookfield (WI) Police Department, with assistance from the Canfield (OH) Police Department, Boardman (OH) Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farris Martini and Laura S. Kwaterski.
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North Las Vegas Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Jonathan Millard Robinson (44) pleaded guilty yesterday to unlawful possession of ammunition and fraudulently submitting a loan application to a lender under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled a sentencing for November 17, 2022.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Robinson — who was already on supervised release — admitted that he was previously convicted in North Carolina of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distributing cocaine. Both convictions are felonies which prohibit him by law from possessing ammunition.
Robinson also fraudulently submitted a Paycheck Protection Program loan application to a lender to obtain approximately $20,833. In the application, Robinson falsely stated that he was the proprietor of a company, which did not in fact exist, reported a false revenue derived from the fake company, and falsely denied that he was serving parole or probation for a prior felony conviction.
At sentencing, Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for illegally possessing ammunition, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the COVID relief scheme.
Robinson is also charged in another case because he committed new crimes in Nevada while on supervised release for felony drug convictions in North Carolina. The maximum penalty is two years in prison. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon is presiding over the case.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the ATF, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General; IRS-Criminal Investigation; Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Veronda and Kimberly Frayn are prosecuting the case.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Moline Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Moline, Illinois, man, Brian P. Kelly, 43, of the 500 block of 53rd Street Drive, was sentenced on August 16, 2022, to 240 months of imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, along with a lifetime term of supervised release. Kelly was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow commented on the lifelong devastation that the distribution of child pornography can have in the lives of child victims.
Kelly pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2021. The statutory penalties for the offenses are at least 15 years to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment on the exploitation count and up to 20 years of imprisonment on the possession count. The penalties for each conviction also provided for terms of supervised release ranging from five years to life.
The investigation was conducted by the Moline Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew represented the federal government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Mexican Nationals Living in Indiana Charged with Unlawful Transportation of Individuals in VermontRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Lucio Carrillo-Genis, 34, and Alejandro Carrillo-Linares, 32, both of Martinsville, Indiana, were indicted on Thursday, August 18, 2022, by a federal grand jury on a charge of unlawfully attempting to transport individuals they knew to have entered the United States illegally. Carrillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares were arraigned in United States District Court in Burlington this afternoon, where they both entered pleas of not guilty. They both remain detained pending further proceedings pursuant to a prior detention order issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is an accusation only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As currently charged, Carillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares would each face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their investigation and apprehension of Carrillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher represents the United States in this case. Carrillo-Genis is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. Carrillo-Linares is represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq.
Mexican National Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican national who was illegally in the United States has been sentenced in federal court for soliciting pornographic images and videos from an 11-year-old victim over Facebook Messenger.
Alejandrino Velazquez-Hernandez, 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 16, to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Velazquez-Hernandez had been ordered removed from the United States on Nov. 19, 2013, after failing to appear for his immigration hearing.
On Feb. 8, 2022, Velazquez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Velazquez-Hernandez admitted that he used an 11-year-old child, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” to produce child pornography in Greene County, Mo., from Oct. 1, 2020, through April 1, 2021.
Velazquez-Hernandez communicated with the child victim on the Facebook Messenger application, through which she sent him pornographic images and videos at his request. They made several plans to meet but they were never able to be alone.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Mexican Man Convicted for Conspiracy & Transporting Illegal Aliens within the U.S.Read the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Mexican man was found guilty of multiple federal felonies related to smuggling illegal aliens.
Abel Michua-Tototzin, 37, was found guilty on August 17, 2022, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel in Gulfport. Michua-Tototzin was found guilty of conspiracy to bring one or more aliens into the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry; conspiracy to unlawfully transport aliens within the United States; unlawful transportation of one or more aliens within the United States; and unlawful return of an alien to the United States after deportation or removal.
Michua-Tototzin faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his conspiracy convictions; 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and $5,100 in special assessments for his conviction of unlawful transportation; and 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for unlawful return after deportation or removal. After completing any sentence of incarceration, he is subject to Homeland Security proceedings to remove him again from the U.S. Judge McNeel will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in Gulfport.
On April 27, 2022, a Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe bearing a North Carolina license plate on I-10 eastbound. The driver, Michua-Totozin, and his four passengers only had identification from Mexico; but, because the U.S. Border Patrol could not respond, Michua-Tototzin was released. After their release, the Border Patrol determined that Michua-Tototzin and his passengers all had been illegally present in the U.S.
On May 17, 2022, the Border Patrol stopped the same vehicle traveling eastbound on I-10 again and being driven by Michua-Tototzin. He did not have a driver’s license and was found, along with his six passengers, to be illegally present in the U.S. The vehicle was overloaded by two persons, with seat belts for only five people.
U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, of the Southern District of Mississippi, Jason E. Schneider, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, and David Denton, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in New Orleans, made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the investigative efforts and coordination of the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Member of Large Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced the sentencing of Yascia N. LaFrance age, 42 of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as part of Operation Hidden Fee, an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based and operating in Baton Rouge.
Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced LaFrance to 90 months in federal prison following her convictions of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base. LaFrance must also serve four years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea, LaFrance was the partner of Travis James. LaFrance joined James and others to negotiate for and purchase kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin in Houston. Their source of supply in Houston, in turn, received the narcotics from Mexico. James and his associates then brought the narcotics to Baton Rouge for sale and distribution. To this end, Travis James maintained local stash houses where he kept hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, stored and cut large quantities of cocaine into smaller distribution amounts, and cooked powder cocaine into “crack” cocaine. LaFrance lived with James at one of those locations, where they concealed large amounts of drug trafficking proceeds. On June 12, 2017, LaFrance delivered $200,000 of those proceeds to other members of the organization who were traveling to Houston to purchase kilogram amounts of cocaine and heroin.
On June 13, 2017, while executing search warrants at the home LaFrance shared with Travis James, investigators seized approximately $280,310 in drug proceeds concealed in the attic and a money counter. An additional $179,000 in cash was seized in another warrant search from Travis James’ safe deposit box at a local bank.
To date, 11 members of this large-scale conspiracy have been prosecuted and convicted.
The investigation is yet another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises. The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with invaluable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Other agencies also assisted in apprehending the defendants, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Sheriffs’ Offices in Ascension, Iberville, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. These cases were prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Lyman E. Thornton III.
McNary Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact of a ChildRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Tuesday, Terrance Padilla, 34, of McNary, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 276 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Padilla previously pleaded guilty to three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.
In the summer of 2020, Padilla sexually assaulted three children, under the age of 12, who were in his custody. Padilla is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Church, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-20-08013-PHX-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-141_Padilla# # #
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.
McLaughlin Woman Indicted for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter.
Jessica Ann Black Cloud, age 23, was indicted in August of 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 19, 2022, in Corson County, South Dakota, Black Cloud unlawfully killed another person while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
The charge is merely an accusation and Black Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Black Cloud was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Manitowoc County Sex Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 17, 2022, Smedley D. Butler (age: 51) of Maribel, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
In November of 2021, the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office received a tip which led to Butler’s arrest for possessing and distributing numerous digital images and videos of child pornography via the internet. At the time of his arrest, Butler was a registrant with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program based on a 2009 conviction for possession of child pornography.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the charge, the effect these crimes have on their victims, and the need for just punishment. Following his release from prison, Butler will spend 15 years on supervised release. He will continue to be required to register as a sexual offender.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Manitowoc Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Timothy W. Funnell.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Man Sentenced to 160 Months for Role in International Lottery Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Tuesday, David Odean McIntosh, 29, of Jamaica, was sentenced by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 160 months in prison. McIntosh was previously found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Between 2013 and 2018, McIntosh was one of the leaders of an international fraud ring that targeted thousands of elderly victims around the United States. Jamaican-based scammers and others called elderly victims in the United States, claiming the victims had won a lottery or other prize. To receive their winnings, the victims were told that they must first pay money for taxes and fees. The fraudsters provided some victims with phony letters claiming to be from the IRS that threatened to seize their assets if they failed to pay. McIntosh’s role in this scheme was to distribute “lead lists,” which contained the names and personal information of thousands of primarily elderly individuals for the scammers to contact and lure into the scheme. In addition, McIntosh also conspired to launder portions of the fraudulent proceeds. As part of his sentence, the court ordered McIntosh to pay approximately $1.8 million in restitution.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation in this case. The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-2216-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-142_McIntosh# # #
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 Burglaries in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Delante R. Pierce, 36, who had no fixed address, pleaded guilty today to felony charges stemming from two break-ins in Northwest Washington last fall, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Pierce pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of second-degree burglary and attempted second-degree burglary. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2022. The charges carry a statutory minimum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 11, 2021, Veterans Day, shortly after 6 a.m., Pierce entered a restricted area of a hotel in the 1200 block of 22nd Street NW, and stole, among other things, a tool kit. Pierce then entered an occupied residence in the 2100 block of N Street NW. The resident was awakened from his sleep and discovered Pierce standing in his bedroom. Pierce initially claimed he was there to fix a sink, but he then fled the residence with the victim’s Apple Watch and other possessions. He left behind the items he had just stolen from the hotel. A short time later, police were able to locate Pierce in the Adams Morgan neighborhood by tracking the victim’s Apple Watch. Pierce abandoned bags containing the victim’s property and fled the police, but he was quickly apprehended. After being identified by the victim, Pierce was placed under arrest. He has remained in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Crystal Waddy. Finally, they commended for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Madison Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Madison, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Treton Anderson, age 24, was indicted in August of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about December 18, 2021, and June 29, 2022, Anderson knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Anderson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigation, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Anderson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Los Lunas man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Martin Perea, 42, of Los Lunas, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Aug. 17 to production of child pornography. Perea will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Perea on Aug. 25, 2015. According to court records, on July 1, 2015, the victim’s mother discovered pornographic content of Perea and the victim on a memory card from Perea’s cellular telephone. The mother confronted Perea about the pornographic content and, two days later, fled with the victim to Spokane, Washington. Once in Spokane, the mother contacted local law enforcement authorities to file a complaint against Perea.
The FBI obtained a federal search warrant for the card, and on July 28, 2015, a search was performed at the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. The memory card contained numerous video files of child pornography.
In his plea agreement, Perea admitted that from Oct. 8, 2014, to March 2015, he knowingly used the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Perea acknowledged that the victim was seven and eight years old at the time Perea committed the crimes.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Perea faces 17 to 25 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department and the New Mexico Computer Forensic Laboratory as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.,
The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.
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