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Friday 24 June 2022
Arrests Made in Fentanyl Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
Council Bluffs, Iowa – Five Cass County, Iowa residents were arrested on federal indictments charging Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation into a series of fentanyl overdose cases occurring in Cass and Shelby Counties. The investigation identified a fentanyl distribution network that covered Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. The investigation into this distribution network remains ongoing.
According to court documents, 19-year-old Mason Blaine Loudermilk of Atlantic, Iowa; 28-year-old Chase Daniel Jahnke of Lewis, Iowa; 26-year-old Kelsi Marie Thurman of Lewis, Iowa; 25-year-old Colby Ray Clarken of Atlantic, Iowa; and 19-year-old Collin Jacob Clarken of Atlantic, Iowa appeared on June 24, 2022. Trial is set for each defendant on August 8, 2022.
The potential penalty for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance as charged in these indictments is a minimum of twenty years up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case has been investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics, along with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Omaha Police Department, Fourth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Iowa Division of Intelligence, and Drug Enforcement Administration. This case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
United States Attorney Richard Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anderson Man Sentenced for Asbestos ViolationRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Brian Thomas Rogers, 53, of Anderson, owner of Rogers Environmental, LLC, was sentenced to three years of probation, to include the first six months on an overnight curfew, ordered to pay a $25,500 fine, and will perform 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement in a Clean Air Act Document.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 1, 2018, Rogers Environmental was contracted to perform an asbestos building inspection at Pratt Hall on the campus of Anderson University, Anderson County, South Carolina. Rogers' limited survey report stated that no asbestos containing material (ACM) was found in the materials sampled. Based on the negative ACM survey, contractors commenced with demolition and renovation.
On June 20, 2018, while removing flooring from a bathroom, the sub-contractor encountered 9x9 floor tile and black mastic under the top layer of flooring, which it suspected to contain asbestos.
On June 21, 2018, Rogers was called back to the site and collected two additional samples. Rogers later provided the contractor, by email, with a lab report that showed the two additional samples did not contain asbestos.
On June 22, 2018, after learning of Rogers’ negative asbestos report and doubting the result, the sub-contractor collected its own samples from the same room inspected by Rogers and sent the samples to the same lab for analysis. The lab report indicated that asbestos was present in the two samples.
Due to the discrepancies between Rogers Environmental and the subcontractor’s sampling reports, the sub-contractor notified the general contractor, who in turn brought in a new building inspection company to resample the entire building.
On June 25, 2018, the new company surveyed and collected samples from the entire site, which documented approximately 29 samples had positive asbestos results. The total amount of asbestos found was approximately 3,620 square feet.
Investigators for DHEC later interviewed Rogers, who admitted changing the original lab results on one sample from 20% chrysotile (asbestos) to none detected. Rogers also admitted that he emailed the manipulated false documents to the general contractor.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., ordered the sentence, recommending that Rogers perform his community service at Anderson University. Rogers will satisfy the fine in payments of $750 per month for roughly three years.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigative Division, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., is prosecuting the case.
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Thursday 23 June 2022
भर्ती-संबंधी भेदभाव के दावे का समाधान करने के लिए कै लिफोलनिया-स्थिर्त IT ररक्रू टर के साि न्याय लवभाग का समझौर्तRead the Press Release
Download Hindi Press Release Translation.pdf
वॉल िंगटन – न्याय लवभाग ने आज यह घोषणा की लक उन्ोिंने SpringShine Consulting, Inc., कै ललफोलनिया में स्थित एक IT स्टालफिं ग किं पनी, के साि समाधान समझौते पि हस्ताक्षि लकए। यह समझौता इन दावोिं का समाधान किता है लक SpringShine ने उस समय अमेरिकी कमिचारियोिं के साि उनकी नागरिकता स्थिलत के आधाि पि भेदभाव लकया िा जब उन्ोिंने के वल अथिायी कायि वीज़ा के ललए प्रायोजन की मािंग कि िहे लोगोिं से िोज़गाि के अवसिोिं के ललए आवेदन मािंगे िे।
"जो लनयोक्ता आवेदकोिं को उनकी नागरिकता या आप्रवासन स्थिलत के आधाि पि हतोत्सालहत किते हैं, या के वल उन्ीिं आवेदकोिं के ललए िोज़गाि के कु छ अवसिोिं को सुिलक्षत िखते हैं लजन्ें युनाइटेड स्टेट्स में काम किने के ललए प्रायोजन की आवश्यकता है, वे कानून का उल्लिंघन किते हैं औि उन्ें जवाबदेह ठहिाया जाना चालहए," न्याय लवभाग के नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग के सहायक अटॉनी जनिल लिस्टन क्लाकि ने कहा। "नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग यह सुलनलित किेगा लक कमिचारियोिं को इस तिह के गैि- कानूनी भेदभाव से बचाया जाए।"
SpringShine द्वािा एक भती वेबसाइट पि पोस्ट लकए गए लवज्ञापन के बािे में एक व्यस्क्त द्वािा ल कायत किने के बाद लवभाग ने जााँच ुरू की, लजसमें के वल ऐसे अनुभवी IT किं सल्टेंट्स से आवेदन आमिंलित लकए गए िे, लजन्ें िोज़गाि-आधारित अथिायी कायि वीज़ा के ललए प्रायोजन की आवश्यकता िी। वह लवज्ञापन लव ेष रूप से किं पनी के H-1B वीज़ा प्रायोजन की मािंग किने वाले कमिचारियोिं पि लनदेल त िा, लजसमें इसका कोई सिंके त नहीिं िा लक अन्य नागरिकता स्थिलतयोिं वाले कमिचारियोिं पि भी िोज़गाि के अवसि के ललए लवचाि लकया जाएगा, जैसे अमेरिकी नागरिक, मूल अमेरिकी लनवासी, वैध थिायी लनवासी, िणािी या िेफ्युजी। SpringShine ने दावा लकया िा लक लवज्ञापन िोज़गाि की पे क से जुडा नहीिं िा, बस्ि वह के वल उसके क्लाइिंट्स की अनुमालनत भावी श्रलमक आवश्यकताओिं को पूिा किने हेतु योग्य किं सल्टेंट्स का समूह तैयाि किने के ललए एक रििू लटिंग टू ल िा। हालािंलक, अपनी जााँच के आधाि पि लवभाग इस लनष्कषि पि पहाँचा लक (1) किं पनी ने पोस्स्टिंग का जवाब देने वाले आवदेकोिं में से एक को प्रायोलजत किने की पे क की िी, (2) लवज्ञापन में SpringShine द्वािा अपनी भती-सिंबिंधी आवश्यकताओिं को पूिा किने के ललए H-1B वीज़ा वाले कमिचारियोिं को प्रािलमकता देना द ािया गया है, औि (3) पोस्स्टिंग ने कई लोगोिं को लवचाि के ललए आवेदन किने से गैि-कानूनी रूप से िोककि अमेरिकी कमिचारियोिं को नुकसान पहाँचाया िा। आप्रवासन औि िाष्ट्रीयता अलधलनयम (Immigration and Nationality Act, INA) के तहत, आम तौि पि लनयोक्ताओिं को भती किने या नौकिी देनेमें नागरिकता स्थिलत के आधाि पि भेदभाव किने की अनुमलत नहीिं है।
समाधान समझौते की तों के तहत, SpringShine युनाइटेड स्टेट्स को नागरिक दिंड में $17,000 का भुगतान किेगी औि यह सुलनलित किेगी लक वह अपने िोज़गाि लवज्ञापनोिं औि नौकिी देने की कायिप्रणाललयोिं में लकसी लव ेष नागरिकता या आप्रवासन स्थिलत वाले आवेदकोिं के ललए लकसी भी गैि- कानूनी प्रािलमकता को ालमल या लागू नहीिं किती। इसके अलतरिक्त, SpringShine भती किने औि नौकिी देने में ालमल कमिचारियोिं को INA के भेदभाव-लविोधी प्रावधान में प्रल लक्षत किेगी।
नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग का अप्रवासी औि कमिचािी अलधकाि अनुभाग (Immigrant and Employee Rights Section, IER) INA के भेदभाव-लविोधी प्रावधान को लागू किने के ललए लज़म्मेदाि है। यह कानून नौकिी देने, नौकिी से लनकालने या ुि लेकि भती किने या िेफिल में नागरिकता स्थिलत औि िाष्ट्रीय मूल; अनुलचत दस्तावेज़ी कायिप्रणाललयोिं; औि प्रलत ोध औि डिाने-धमकानेके आधाि पि भेदभाव को प्रलतबिंलधत किता है।
इस सिंलक्षप्त वीलडयो के माध्यम से IER के कायि औि सहायता प्राप्त किने के तिीके के बािे में औि जानें। IER की वेबसाइट पि इस बािे में अलधक जानकािी प्राप्त किें लक लनयोक्ता नागरिकता स्थिलत सिंबिंधी भेदभाव से कै से बच सकते हैं। वे आवेदक या कमिचािी जो यह मानते हैं लक नौकिी देने, नौकिी से लनकालने, भती किने, या िोज़गाि योग्यता सत्यापन प्रलिया (फॉमि I-9 औि ई-वेरिफाई) के दौिान उनकी नागरिकता, आप्रवासन स्थिलत, या िाष्ट्रीय मूल के आधाि पि भेदभाव लकया गया िा; या बदला ललया गया िा, वे आिोप दायि कि सकते हैं। आम लोग भी 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, सुनने में पिे ानी वालोिं के ललए TTY) पि IER की कमिचािी हॉटलाइन पि फोन कि सकते हैं; 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, सुनने में पिे ानी वालोिं के ललए TTY) पि IER की लनयोक्ता हॉटलाइन पि फोन कि सकते हैं; [email protected] पि ईमेल कि सकते हैं; एक मुफ़्त वेलबनाि के ललए साइन-अप कि सकते हैं; या IER की अिंग्रेज़ी औि स्पेलन वेबसाइट्स देख सकते हैं। IER से अपडेट प्राप्त किने के ललए GovDelivery को सब्सिाइब किें।
Worcester Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison on Multiple Charges Stemming from Cocaine Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for cocaine trafficking, firearms, money laundering and fraudulent tax return charges.
William Hoey, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 87 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On March 7, 2022, Hoey pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime; two counts of money laundering; and three counts of filing a false and fraudulent tax return.
“Today’s sentence should send a clear message to drug traffickers across the District: this office takes seriously our commitment to holding individuals accountable who pollute our communities with drugs and violence,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Like so many others, Mr. Hoey thought he could make a business out of trafficking deadly narcotics and conceal his activity by laundering proceeds. I commend our federal law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaborative and investigative work to make the Worcester community safer.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division. “Let this arrest and sentencing serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like cocaine. The DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners here in Massachusetts and our solid relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The possession and distribution of illegal narcotics is often a predicate offense to both money laundering and tax violations,” Said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office. “Drug traffickers use money laundering as a way to introduce their illegal profits into our local economies and failing to report these profits on their tax returns is a violation of the law. This sentence is another example of our successful partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and our collaborative effort to identify and disrupt narcotics traffickers in the New England area.”
On three occasions between July 2019 and September 2019, Hoey sold over 348 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness.
On Oct. 22, 2019, while travelling to meet with the cooperating witness for another cocaine deal he had arranged, Hoey was stopped by law enforcement in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 499.4 grams of cocaine as well as a 9 mm Ruger handgun containing seven live rounds of ammunition. Hoey admitted that he had the gun in case there was a problem during the cocaine deal. A subsequent search of Hoey’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 835.9 grams of cocaine from a safe, a Sig Sauer semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, a black Beretta firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition, $4,450 in cash, cutting agents, a scale, weights, a money counter and several cellphones.
Hoey also attempted to conceal drug trafficking proceeds by moving money from his bank accounts into accounts held by someone else. On Oct. 25, 2019, Hoey caused TD Ameritrade to issue a check from his account in the amount of $80,400 payable to another person, that was then deposited into a recently opened Leominster Credit Union account in the other person’s name. And, on March 24, 2020, Hoey caused another check to be issued by TD Bank in the amount of $87,180 payable to the same individuals that was deposited into the Leominster Credit Union account. Hoey conducted these financial transactions knowing that the funds in both the TD Ameritrade and TD Bank accounts did in fact include funds from his drug trafficking activities.
Additionally, in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Hoey filed false and fraudulent tax returns by omitting his income from drug dealings in his tax filings for each year.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and IRS-CI SAC Simpson made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Civil Disorder and Unlawful Possession of Molotov CocktailRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for civil disorder and the unlawful possession of three Molotov cocktails during a demonstration in the City of Worcester over the murder of George Floyd.
Vincent Eovacious, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to time served (approximately three days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 13 months in prison. In September 2021, Eovacious pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, which includes a Molotov cocktail.
On June 1, 2020, crowds gathered at various locations in Worcester, including South Main Street, to protest the murder of George Floyd. At approximately 10 p.m., a large crowd blocked traffic and began throwing rocks, bottles and other objects at police. As officers on scene gathered into a defensive line formation, officers spotted Eovacious – dressed in a trench coat and carrying a satchel over his shoulder – standing above them on the roof of the one-story building at 848 Main Street. Eovacious appeared agitated, paced back and forth on the rooftop and could be heard screaming at the crowd below to “kill the police.” Officers then observed Eovacious reach into the satchel and remove a white rag and a bottle that contained a yellow-colored liquid. While holding what appeared to be a lighter in one hand, Eovacious attempted to insert the rag into the glass bottle. In response to this threat, officers shined their flashlights at Eovacious, causing him to retreat from the edge of the rooftop and out of the officers’ direct line of sight. Minutes later, officers observed Eovacious walking in the area of May and Main Streets, still carrying the satchel, and stopped him. They searched the satchel and recovered three clear glass bottles filled with gasoline, five white rags and two lighters. Eovacious admitted that the bottles contained gasoline and that he was “with the anarchist group” and was “waiting for an opportunity.” At the time of his arrest, a partially filled gas can and more cloth rags were found in Eovacious’ vehicle.
“During what should have been a peaceful demonstration, Mr. Eovacious sought to incite violence by bringing dangerous Molotov cocktails with him and threatening to kill police officers,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Protesting injustice is legal. Violence, destruction and threats are not. My sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners for their work on this case as well as their work every day protecting our communities and ensuring the rights of everyone.”
“This defendant possessed and recklessly attempted to use an explosive device which had the potential to cause significant damage and injure countless people,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF is committed to protecting our communities from harm and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt violent activity.”
“Vincent Eovacious had no compunction about committing civil disorder and causing chaos by building Molotov cocktails with the apparent intent of hurling them at police officers, putting their lives, and the lives of others in danger. His behavior was appalling, and this case should serve as a warning to others that you’ll face a swift law enforcement response and federal prosecution if you commit violent acts that break federal law,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, ATF SAC Ferguson, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
West Philadelphia Man Sentenced to over Nine Years for Firearms Offense During 2020 Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Mashaq White, 24, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karen S. Marston, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon stemming from an incident which occurred during the period of civil unrest in Philadelphia over two years ago.
On June 1, 2020, Philadelphia police responded to a burglary in progress call at a looted Rite-Aid at 57th and Chestnut Streets in West Philadelphia. When they arrived, the officers found the Rite-Aid ransacked. White was encountered inside and was found to be in possession of a firearm loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition. Police saw the defendant moments before his arrest with a companion at an ATM machine located at the front of the store, and defendant was seen drilling into the machine. In October 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to the one-count Indictment charging the firearms offense.
“Our Office is committed to prosecuting those who commit violent crimes including illegally possessing firearms, which is a federal crime” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “In this case, a previously convicted felon illegally possessed a loaded firearm, which presents a clear danger to our community that is struggling under a surge of violent gun crime.”
“ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to do everything in our power to take guns out of the hands of violent felons and disrupt violent gun crime in our community,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This sentence is a small victory in the perpetual battle against gun violence, and should send a clear message to those criminals who endanger our citizens.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James R. Pavlock.
Warren County Felon Who Shot at Deputy Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A man who shot at a Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rodriguez Crudup pled guilty to the charge on March 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Easley stated, “We stand with and will protect law enforcement who respond to dangerous situations. Our office will continue to prosecute armed felons who threaten our community.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on December 28, 2021, during the early morning hours, a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in Warrenton, North Carolina. The deputy was advised that Crudup, who was at the residence, took the victim’s loaded firearm and ran from the residence into the woods. The deputy heard Crudup running in the woods and ran towards the area identifying himself as a Warren County Sheriff’s Officer. At this time a single shot was discharged by the defendant and the deputy heard the crack of a projectile pass over his head. The deputy retreated and took cover at his vehicle as he called additional units. Crudup was later arrested, and the loaded firearm was found in the woods where Crudup had been. An assessment of the firearm revealed it had jammed after the first round was discharged. Crudup’s prior convictions include breaking and entering, and two prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge James C. Dever rejected the defendant’s arguments that this was an accidental discharge and found the defendant intentionally fired his weapon at a law enforcement officer. The defendant was sentenced to the maximum sentence he could receive.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District James C. Dever. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane J. Jackson and Yasir Sadat prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-00014-D-1.
United States Attorney’s Office Issues Warning of Telephone ScamRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are alerting the public of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be United States Attorneys, FBI Agents, or other law enforcement officials. Individuals receiving such calls are encouraged to report the solicitations to their FBI Jacksonville Division and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.
During the calls, appearing to come from the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office telephone number, the imposters attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest purportedly related to a claim of human trafficking, or other similar offenses. The intended victims are advised they can avoid arrest by paying a monetary fine.
The tactics utilized appear credible, such as providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and physical courthouse addresses. The fraudsters also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency.
If you have been contacted or believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and to the Federal Trade Commission.
Things to remember:
- The United States Attorney’s Office will never contact individuals about criminal investigations and never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
- You should never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
- Report scam phone calls to your local FBI office and to the FTC.
- You may remain anonymous when you report suspicious or criminal activity.
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.
United Against Hate Pilot Program in Eastern Washington Paves the Way for National Roll OutRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today the accomplishments of her office’s pilot outreach program, United Against Hate, which directly connects the United States Attorney’s Office and its local and federal law enforcement partners with a diverse group of community organizations to increase community understanding and reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. This community outreach program seeks to address the chronic underreporting of hate crimes and hate incidents and build strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to more effectively share resources and respond to potential unlawful acts of hate.
U.S. Attorney Waldref announced the Eastern District’s engagement in the United Against Hate program in March of 2022. In the last few months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully partnered with several community organizations and houses of worship to discuss how law enforcement responds to reports of hate crimes, hate incidents, and unlawful discrimination. Presenters at United Against Hate events include Assistant United States Attorneys, detectives and crime analysts from the Spokane Police Department, and special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United Against Hate programs have taken place throughout Eastern Washington, including at a Jewish Temple in Spokane, an Islamic Center in Pullman, and a Sikh Temple in Eastern Washington.
Based in part on the success of the United Against Hate program in Eastern Washington, on May 18, 2022, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke formally announced the Department of Justice’s nationwide rollout of the program. U.S. Attorney Waldref was selected to present at the national rollout of United Against Hate today. Yesterday, at that rollout event U.S. Attorney Waldref encouraged other districts around the country to follow Eastern Washington’s lead in proactively reaching out to houses of worship, minority communities, and community organizations on the critical issue of combatting hate crimes and hate incidents.
“Law enforcement has a vital role in protecting the public from hate-motivated offenses.,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By encouraging the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents, the United Against Hate program provides law enforcement the tools to more effectively combat the uptick in hate-based violence.
The underreporting of hate crimes and hate incidents allows perpetrators to go undetected and un-prosecuted, which allows them to continue to spread their unacceptable messages of hate, fear, and intimidation. The United Against Hate program is designed to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and know that they live in a place where acts of hate will not be tolerated.”
“Hate crimes have no place in our community,” said Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl. “The Spokane Police Department is pleased to partner with the US Attorney’s Office in educating the public about what constitutes a hate crime, how to report one, and how to combat such crimes. Hate crimes are particularly impactful not only because of the harm they cause directly to the victims, but because they also take a substantial emotional toll on victims, families, loved ones and our community. SPD is dedicated to holding accountable those responsible for crimes fueled by prejudice and bias,” said Chief Meidl.
Each United Against Hate presentation discusses vital pieces of information, which include:
‐ What constitute hate crimes or hate incidents and encouraging the public to always report them to law enforcement
‐ How to report a hate crime or hate incident to law enforcement. For example, to call 911 if there is a crime in progress or any potential immediate threat or danger. Otherwise hate crimes and hate incidents can also be reported to an individual’s local Crime Check (in Spokane, 509-456-2233) or by reporting it to the FBI (by calling 509-458-8100 or submitting tips to www.fbi.gov/tips).
‐ Even when prosecuting a hate crime or hate incident is not viable, the data from such reporting to law enforcement is essential both to investigating and prosecuting related hate crimes by the same individual or group and in determining where, when, and how to best deploy law enforcement resources, such as additional patrols, to help detect and deter hate crimes.
Community members who attended the United Against Hate presentations participate in group discussions and activities and provide the law enforcement panelists with their questions and concerns. Additionally, when appropriate, for United Against Hate presentations in Spokane County the U.S. Attorney’s Office has joined with the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force (SCHRTF), a private non-profit organization. SCHRTF’s Hate Reporting Tool Kit is an online tool for reporting hate crimes and hate incidents and includes an option to report anonymously. The SCHRTF Hate Reporting Tool Kit is found at www.ReportHateBias.org.
“The Spokane County Human Rights Task Force created its Hate Reporting Tool to determine the extent of hate activity occurring in our county in order to provide victim support and targeted outreach programming. The Hate Reporting Tool is simple to access and simple to use,” said Board member, Hershel Zellman. “We are excited to join with law enforcement in promoting the United Against Hate program and emphasize that the information provided through the Hate Reporting Tool is treated confidentially by the Task Force and has no connection to law enforcement,” said Past-President, Dean Lynch.
“My office is thrilled with the excellent reception and impact that our United Against Hate efforts have already had in making our communities in Eastern Washington safer and stronger. These presentations offer panelists and community members the opportunity to share stories, concerns, and understand our shared values for safe neighborhoods to raise our families and the freedom to express religious beliefs without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. Community members and leaders who are interested in exploring whether to host a United Against Hate presentation are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Team at [email protected] or by leaving a voice mail at (509) 835-6306.
“We cannot bring the full force of the people’s power against hate crimes, hate incidents, and other civil rights violations without individuals being given opportunities to come forward. We encourage anybody in our community to report these concerns. We are all partners in keeping each other safe and building a stronger community that reflects our values of hope and belonging where we protect each other and have a joint mission to pursue justice for all,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s online complaint form is available at https://www.justice.gov/usaoedwa/edwa-civil-rights-webpage.The form can be emailed to [email protected], or concerns can be shared by leaving a voice mail for our Civil Rights Team at (509) 835-6306.
United Against Hate presentation photos from outreach to a local Jewish Temple:
Pictured from left to right: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman, Detective Brian Cestnik Spokane Police Department, FBI Special Agent Ryan Butler, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter, Spokane PD Sargent Zachary Dahle, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Tornabene, Spokane PD Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst Thomas Michaud, and Hershel Zellman board member Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.
Pictured: Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter
Pictured from left to right: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman, Spokane PD Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst Thomas Michaud, and Spokane PD Sargent Zachary Dahle.
Pictured from left to right: Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter, Spokane County Human Rights Task Force board member Hershel Zellman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman.
Photo from U.S. Attorney’s outreach to an Eastern Washington Sikh Temple:
Pictured: Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler Tornabene (left) and Dan Fruchter (right)
Photo from U.S. Attorney’s and FBI Outreach to a Pullman Islamic Center:
Pictured: FBI Special Agent Christian Parker (left) and Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Tornabene (right)
Pictured: U.S. Attorney Waldref speaking at World Refugee Day in Spokane
United States Attorney’s Office Declines Prosecution in Shooting Death on Wind River ReservationRead the Press Release
On March 21, 2021, Michael Summers, 62, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A thorough investigation of the death was conducted by the FBI, with the assistance of the Wind River Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fremont County Coroner’s office.
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that based on a review of the investigative and medical materials collected during the investigation, the United States declined pursuing criminal charges related to the death as there is insufficient evidence that the subject of the investigation did not act in self-defense.
U.S. Attorney Ross Chosen as Chair of Attorney General Garland's Subcommittee on Law Enforcement/Victim/Community IssuesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has been selected as the Chairperson for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) sub-committee on Law Enforcement Coordination, Victim Assistance and Community Relations. In this role, Ms. Ross will lead the sub-committee that will advise the Attorney General on matters involving law enforcement, victim assistance, and community relations.
On March 30, 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the appointment of Ms. Ross as one of the 12 members to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). Created in 1973, the AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies.
“It is an honor to be asked to lead this sub-committee, which will focus on aspects of our job that are vital to the work we do,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “The importance of fostering positive relationships with members of law enforcement, and those living in the communities we are responsible for protecting, should not be understated. It is also important that we always remember the victims as we pursue justice to ensure their voices are heard. This sub-committee allows us to be a conduit to build trust between law enforcement and the community, and to work to protect those who have been victimized. I look forward to working with my colleagues so we can advise the Attorney General on these very important relationships.”
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Tyler Man Guilty of Using Stolen Valor to Defraud InvestorsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Derek Robert Hamm, 38, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, embellish rank, or make false claims of military service to obtain money, employment, property, or some other tangible benefit. As part of the plea agreement, Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct, including jewelry, automobiles, and cash proceeds in the amount of $1,675,000.
According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero. Hamm held himself out to be a former member of the Army Special Forces who had served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. He claimed to have been awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Service Cross for his service. Hamm also represented that he was related to Harold Hamm, the billionaire oilman in Oklahoma, which he claimed gave him access to financial resources and oil industry expertise. Through this larger-than-life persona, Hamm created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Those investors believed Hamm’s claims and invested in what they expected to be worthwhile ventures spearheaded by a trustworthy and capable entrepreneur.
In reality, Derek Hamm was nothing of the sort. Hamm was not a decorated war hero. He was no oil industry tycoon. He was not related to Harold Hamm. He did not spend investors’ funds on the latest oil industry technology or new oil wells. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. All the while, Hamm represented to investors that he had invested their money in successful oil industry projects. Because of the Hamm war hero persona, the investors trusted Hamm even as their invested funds failed to produce any returns.
“Whenever people invent achievements and claim valor for things done by others, they tarnish the legacy and service of those men and women who have made real sacrifices in service to this country,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “That is especially true when someone uses the valor of such service to ultimately steal from people. Hamm’s repugnant actions are an insult to true American heroes who received real recognition for their real achievements.”
Hamm also pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. Hamm was convicted in Smith County in 2020 for theft of property, a state felony. As a felon, Hamm is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. According to court documents, Hamm was in possession of dozens of firearms, including several rifles with high-capacity magazines, and ammunition for those firearms.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Hamm with federal violations on January 20, 2022. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of Derek Robert Hamm, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 903-594-3503. Derek Robert Hamm is also known as D. Wayne Hamm II, Wayne Hamm, D. Wayne H., DW Hamm, and RD Hamm.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the Phoenix Arizona Police Department, Smith County Adult Probation, the Texas Railroad Commission-Enforcement Division, Department of Veteran’s Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts-Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Army Special Operations Command. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Austin Wells and Ryan Locker.
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Two Colorado Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Daniel Walker, age 38, of Evergreen was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover ATF agents on several occasions.
According to the plea agreement, on March 5, 2021, Walker sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 12 grams of heroin and approximately 30 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant and two undercover ATF agents. At the time, he was armed with a loaded pistol. On March 10, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and 43 fentanyl pills to the undercover agents. On April 20, 2021, Walker sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. At the time, he was armed with a different pistol than the defendant possessed on March 5. On June 11, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, as well as smaller amounts of heroin and fentanyl pills to undercover ATF agents. The total sale price of the controlled substances was just over $18,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced the defendant on June 22, 2022. He also sentenced him to 5 years of supervised release. Co-defendant Michael Robbins, age 42, of Denver was sentenced to 84 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release in May of this year.
“We are currently facing a crisis with the amount of illicit drugs flowing into our communities. These lengthy prison sentences demonstrate that if you peddle this poison, we will prosecute you and hold you accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We appreciate the work done by our partners at the ATF to bring these drug traffickers to justice.”
“Daniel Walker’s willingness to use crime guns while trafficking dangerous drugs such as heroin, meth and fentanyl supports the necessity of this strong sentence of over 16 years in federal prison,” said ATF Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge David. S. Booth.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Teitelbaum.
Case number: 21-cr-00317
Tokio, ND, Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Death of Foster Child and Abuse and Neglect of Other ChildrenRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetrud Puhl announced that Erich Longie, Jr. of Tokio, ND, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, and was sentenced to serve life in prison after having plead guilty to First-Degree Felony Murder within Indian Country; three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country; and Child Neglect in Indian Country.
On May 6, 2020, agents with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the home of Erich and Tammy Longie on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Law enforcement observed a deceased 5-year-old child in the basement of the home and observed bruising throughout the body. An autopsy concluded the death a homicide and identified the cause of death as bilateral subdural hematomas incurred from assault. The pathologist observed abrasions and contusions consistent with "multiple episodes of inflicted trauma." The child’s sibling was examined at a local hospital and determined to need a higher level of care and was hospitalized for more than a month. An attending physician explained the child had bruising over the child’s body consistent with abuse. The primary medical concern, however, was heart failure due to malnutrition.
Spirit Lake Tribal Social Services ("SLTSS") had placed the two children in foster care in the Longie home in July of 2019.
The investigation revealed that two biological children were also abused including with objects and hands.
Co-defendant Tammy Longie plead guilty to Second-Degree Murder; three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country, and Child Neglect in Indian Country and is scheduled for sentencing. Sentencing for Tammy Longie before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte is scheduled for August 9, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case.
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Ten KC-Area Residents Indicted for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ten Kansas City area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as well for illegally possessing firearms.
David M. Jones, also known as “Davo,” 29, Nathaniel Finney, also known as “Nate,” 33, Joshua T. Fluker, also known as “Jizzle,” 29, Reggie McDowell, also known as “Dime,” 25, and Isaac J. Wilson, also known as “Hothead” and “Meces,” 27, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Jason Lumpkin, also known as “Lump,” 34, Vincent T. Jackson, also known as “Squeak,” 31, Steffon Rainey, also known as “Cheese” and “Money,” 30, Shane Mitchell, also known as “Biggz,” 27, and Deonte E. Willams, also known as ‘Tae” and “Locc,” 29, whose addresses are unknown, were charged in a 26-count indictment returned under seal by a federal jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 22. That indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of most of the defendants in a metro-wide law enforcement operation this morning.
The federal indictment alleges that all 10 defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 22, 2022.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, McDowell is also charged with six counts related to distributing methamphetamine and three counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The indictment also charges various other defendants in various counts related to methamphetamine trafficking. Jones and Mitchell are each also charged with distributing fentanyl. Mitchell is also charged with distributing cocaine. Mitchell and Finney are also each charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Sumter County Man Indicted for Possessing Destructive Devices, Firearms, and SilencersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Clay Bexley (34, Center Hill) with possessing destructive devices and firearm silencers and possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. If convicted, Bexley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.
According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office located six firearms, two silencers, and two small explosive devices in Bexley’s vehicle. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad then responded and discovered two destructive devices (pipe bombs) on Bexley’s front porch. After obtaining a search warrant, federal agents recovered approximately 35 pounds of explosive materials and bomb-making equipment from within the residence, along with an additional 12 firearms and two silencers.
Firearm silencers and destructive devices, such as pipe bombs, are illegal to possess unless registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. None of Bexley’s silencers or destructive devices had been registered as required under federal law. Furthermore, it is also a federal crime to possess firearms while subject to a domestic violence injunction.
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, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
St. Louis area men sentenced to prison for helping violent drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced two men who helped violent drug traffickers try to avoid prosecution to lengthy prison terms.
Michael Grady, 67, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 years and 10 months in prison and Oscar Dillon III, 48, of St. Charles County, was sentenced to 15 years and seven months.
Grady and Dillon aided a massive, large-scale drug conspiracy connected to multiple murders by trying to determine who was cooperating with investigators and prosecutors. The pair pulled court documents and performed other research for the conspirators. Dillon attended a court hearing to intimidate a potential witness. They also directed one of the leaders of the conspiracy to flee to Texas following his indictment and helped conceal the source and ownership of drug proceeds.
On April 7, 2021, after a trial that lasted more than two weeks, a jury found both men guilty of drug conspiracy, attempted obstruction of justice and money laundering.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Intelligence Section investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Reilly and Donald Boyce prosecuted the case.
St. John the Baptist Resident Charged with Failure to Report International Travel as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GENE MURRAY, age 49, was charged on Thursday, June 23, 2022, by grand jury indictment with one count of failure to report international travel as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) 18 U.S.C. § 2250(b).
If convicted, MURRAY faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Southwestern PA Woman Sentenced to 22½ Years for Producing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pitcairn and Trafford, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 270 months’ imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release on her conviction for production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence yesterday on Rebecca Owens, age 25.
According to information presented to the court, from May 17-19, 2019, Owens communicated with another individual online through the social media application Skout/MeetMe and discussed sexually abusing Minor A, a minor known to Owens. At sentencing, the Court was presented with additional text message conversations that Owens had with another individual from January through July 2019, wherein Owens engaged in a sexually graphic discussion and offered children known to her, including Minor A, to this other individual to be sexually abused. The government also presented the Court with evidence that, during the text message conversations with this other individual, Owens, again, created and sent sexually explicit images of Minor A.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville noted the “exceptionally troubling” nature of Owens’ very serious criminal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Allegheny County Police Department, and the New Castle Police Department, and the Pitcairn Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Owens.
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.justice.gov/psc .
South Bend Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Lamonte Powell, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Powell was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, law enforcement bought narcotics from Powell on two occasions. Thereafter, in May of 2021, law enforcement recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine, along with a firearm, and cash from a search of Powell’s residence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Sex Offender Convicted of Escape from the Bureau of Prisons and Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal judge convicted an Illinois man yesterday on charges of escaping from the Bureau of Prisons and failing to register and update a sex offender registration.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Francis David Sherman, Sr., aka "Robert Copeland Shields", 65, was convicted of rape in Peoria County, Illinois, in 1981. He was also convicted of deviate sexual assault in Douglas County, Missouri, in 1998. Both convictions required the defendant to register in a sex offender registry every 90 days for the course of his life. In 2010, he was convicted in the Western District of Virginia of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle and access device fraud. He received a sentence of 144 months in the Bureau of Prisons. In 2020, he was transferred to the James River Residential Reentry Center in Newport News. On or about October 27, 2020, he signed out of the Bureau of Prisons facility to go to work and never returned. On July 7, 2021, he was arrested in Escambia County, Florida, by members of a fugitive task force with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He last registered as a sex offender in Virginia on August 3, 2020. Under federal law, a sex offender must register and keep the registration current where the offender resides. He failed to register as a sex offender in Florida and update his registration in Virginia. The Virginia Department of State Police maintains the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Sherman was convicted of escape from custody and failure to register and update a sex offender registration and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on October 20. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the verdict.
Special thanks to the U.S. Marshal Service and Escambia County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Devon Heath are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-cr-51.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 28 years in prison for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Jeremy Shawn Lopezieo, 35, participated in a live chat through social media. During the chat he live streamed the sexual abuse of a child not realizing he was chatting with an undercover agent with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The FBI immediately located and arrested Lopezieo and rescued the child.
On January 20, 2022, Lopezieo pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Lopezieo also was ordered to pay $50,000 to the victim. After his prison term, he will serve 25 years on supervised release. He has remained in custody since his arrest on February 28, 2019.
“I am hopeful the sentence handed down to Lopezieo gives the victim some sense of justice, even though it cannot mitigate a lifetime of trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “I am thankful the FBI intervened so quickly in this case and stopped the abuse of this predator.”
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder of the need for continued and aggressive pursuit of all those that would rob children of their innocence and harm them in such a despicable manner,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners in our Child Exploitation Task Forces are committed to protecting children from these horrible predators and will do everything we can to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
The FBI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Rowlett Man Who Stalked, Murdered Ex-Girlfriend Pleads Guilty to Violent Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
A Rowlett man who cyberstalked his ex-girlfriend and shot and stabbed her to death in the midst of a bitter custody dispute pleaded guilty today to two violent federal crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Andrew Charles Beard, 35, was charged with cyberstalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death and with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle.
“This was a brutal, bloody crime,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Ms. Burkett’s daughter is now suffering twin tragedies: Her mother is deceased, and her father is an admitted murderer. We pray for strength for this child and the rest of her family in the days, weeks, and years to come.”
“If you looked up evil in the dictionary, you would see Mr. Beard stabbing his wife in a parking lot. His crimes are gut wrenching and shock the conscience. I am very proud of the investigative effort to keep him behind bars and prevent him from perpetrating such acts in the future. ATF remains committed to the fight against domestic violence offenders in possession of firearms. If you, or someone you know, fears violence from gun wielding domestic partners, please notify law enforcement immediately,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
In plea papers, Mr. Beard admitted that he cyberstalked and murdered his ex-girlfriend, 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett, in a parking lot in Carrollton on Oct. 2, 2020, in an attempt to gain custody of their young daughter.
He admitted he that he placed a GPS tracking device on Ms. Burkett’s car, entered a black SUV he had purchased for the occasion, followed her to the apartment complex where she worked, and donned a disguise. He then exited his vehicle with a shotgun and shot Ms. Burkett in the head as she sat behind the wheel of her car. Believing that he had fatally shot her, Mr. Beard ran back to the SUV to drive away.
However, Ms. Burkett – severely injured and bloodied from the shotgun blast – staggered out of her car and attempted to enter a nearby building for help. Realizing that his ex-girlfriend was still alive, Mr. Beard exited the SUV, ran up to her and grabbed her from behind, and stabbed her 13 times through the upper body with a sharp object. She died in the parking lot as he raced away from the scene.
Ms. Burkett’s mother and coworkers told responding officers that Ms. Burkett feared Mr. Beard, believed he was tracking her, and worried he would kill her. Her boyfriend told police that Mr. Beard had seemed “overly obsessed” with Ms. Burkett and their child.
Three hours later, officers stopped Mr. Beard as he drove away from his residence in a white pickup truck. They seized three phones from Mr. Beard, including a prepaid burner phone. On one phone, they found an internet search for “what is the best way to remove gunpowder residue from hands.”
Officers also searched his vehicle, where they found a pair of men’s hiking boots cut into pieces and soaking in bleach, and they searched his residence, where they found a battery that matched the GPS trackers affixed to Ms. Burkett’s vehicle. They also found a written script Mr. Beard had used to phone in a false drug tip against Ms. Burkett a month earlier.
In plea papers, Mr. Beard admitted that he called in the fake tip on September 2, 2020, after planting drugs and a gun in her car. Identifying himself as “Frank Marrow,” he claimed Ms. Burkett was selling drugs out of the trunk of her car and advised police to check the spare tire well. Officers searched the tire well and found illegal drugs and a pistol with an obliterated serial number. Ms. Burkett vehemently denied selling drugs and stated that she believed Mr. Beard had planted the evidence in her vehicle.
The day after the murder, officers found the black SUV Mr. Beard had driven to and from the murder scene abandoned in a residential neighborhood near Mr. Beard’s home. Dried blood recovered from the vehicle contained DNA that matched Ms. Burkett. A fake beard recovered from the vehicle contained DNA that matched Mr. Beard.
Mr. Beard now faces up to two life sentences in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for October 6, 2022.
The Carrollton Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay, Camille Sparks, and Andrew Briggs are prosecuting the case.
The case was brought under Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence using federal firearm laws.
Rocky Mount Woman Sentenced for Drug and Firearms Offenses Concerning Buying Guns for Gang MembersRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount woman was sentenced yesterday to 71 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl and conspiring to make false statements during the purchase of firearms. On February 10, 2022, Vernisha Suggs pled guilty to the charges.
“We are not just prosecuting those who pull the trigger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are also targeting those who supply the crime guns fueling violence in our communities. I applaud the ATF, Rocky Mount Police Department and Nash County Sheriff’s Office for their work on our Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) to keep Rocky Mount a safe place to work and raise a family.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Suggs, 35, engaged in a conspiracy from 2018 through 2020 to purchase numerous firearms on behalf of Bloods gang members from federally licensed firearms dealers in Rocky Mount. Though Suggs completed paperwork during each purchase attesting that she was purchasing the firearms for her own use, she would then transfer possession of the firearms to local Bloods gang members. One of these handguns was recovered after being used in a gang-related shootout at 1041 Long Avenue in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on July 28, 2019. Several other firearms that Suggs purchased were recovered from Bloods gang members during traffic stops or search warrants conducted during investigations into other shootings and drug trafficking activity.
Suggs also assisted Bloods gang members in their effort to distribute fentanyl and heroin throughout Nash and Edgecombe Counties. Suggs’ Rocky Mount residence was used as a meeting spot for out of state drug suppliers to bring deliveries of fentanyl/heroin mixtures. She also provided a rental vehicle that was used in an attempt to transport a mixture of fentanyl and heroin from New York back to the Rocky Mount area.
“Anyone that knowingly puts firearms into the hands of dangerous, prohibited individuals is jeopardizing the entire community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “The consequences can be severe for those involved in illegal firearms purchases.”
"The men and women of the Rocky Mount Police Department will continue investigating violent firearms-related crimes. We are committed to identifying the trigger pullers and those purchasing firearms for individuals committing these violent acts. We will continue reducing violent crime as we target those contributing to these heinous acts of violence, both directly and indirectly," said Rocky Mount Police Chief Robert Hassell.
“This is another example of local and federal partnerships,” stated Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “This case proves again that spreading poison in our community and possessing firearms to help facilitate criminal activity will not be tolerated and the consequences are significant.”
VCAP is a three-pronged approach drawing on close partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the community, to combat violence.
- Focused and strategic enforcement bringing state and federal prosecutors together to prioritize the review of gun crime cases and identify and prosecute the most significantly violent repeat offenders and criminal organizations as well as identifying and stopping the sources of guns.
- Inter-Agency coordination and intelligence-led policing to analyze crime data to deploy resources where they are most needed and leveraging federal Task Force officers to bring federal technology to address local gun violence.
- Community engagement including youth education, offender re-entry programs and sustained dialogue with the communities most affected by the violence.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Rocky Mount Police Department, and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-289-2.
Registered Sex Offender Convicted for a Third Time on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Christopher J. Skinner, 33, of Providence, a registered sex offender previously convicted on child pornography charges in 2010 and in 2014, and incarcerated, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to a charge of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
In January 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that six files of child sexual abuse material and been uploaded. A Homeland Security Investigations agent viewed one of the files and determined that it contained images of child pornography. Further investigation by a State Police detective assigned to the ICAC Task Force determined that the images were uploaded from an IP address assigned to Skinner’s residence.
On February 16, 2022, law enforcement executed a federal warrant to search Skinner’s residence. A forensic review of Skinner’s phone identified approximately 29 images containing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, in 2010, Skinner was convicted of possession of child pornography by the United States Air Force and sentenced to 2 years of confinement and dishonorable discharge from the Air Force; and in 2014, Skinner was convicted of possession of child pornography in Rhode Island state court and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration - 3 years to serve.
Skinner has also been convicted of failure to register as a sex offender.
At sentencing on October 6, 2022, Skinner faces a statutory penalty of a minimum of 10 years of incarceration to be followed by a term of up to lifetime supervised release. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco’s Trip to PhiladelphiaRead the Press Release
Today, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lisa O. Monaco traveled to Philadelphia to highlight the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and gun violence through strong federal and local law enforcement partnerships and collaboration with community-based organizations.
DAG Monaco began her day at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with a roundtable meeting of state, local and federal law enforcement leaders to discuss the strong partnerships that Philadelphia area law enforcement are using to tackle violent crime and gun violence. The DAG was joined by leaders from the Justice Department law enforcement components in the area, representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and other representatives of the Philadelphia Police Department and Chief of the Wilmington, Delaware Police Department Robert Tracy. Their conversation focused on the successful intelligence-sharing behind law enforcement’s targeting of the most significant drivers of violent crime in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
The DAG also convened a separate roundtable discussion with community advocates, survivors of gun violence, families who have lost loved ones to gun violence and medical experts to discuss the impact of gun violence on local Philadelphia communities. During the discussion, the DAG heard personal and painful stories from parents whose children were killed by gun violence, who now devote their time to speaking directly with other parents, young adults and children to interrupt the cycle of violence in communities.
While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the DAG met with U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero, who was sworn in earlier this week, and office leadership to discuss a variety of issues. The DAG also had a chance to hear from and thank the federal prosecutors of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The DAG then joined the Philadelphia Police Department for a ride-along through several neighborhoods in the city to witness both the impact of drug use and violent crime, as well as community policing strategies and collaborative partnerships to better understand neighborhood trends and needs, rebuild community trust, and target the most significant drivers of violent crime. On the ride-along, the DAG had the chance to meet with several Philadelphia Police Department officers who are working foot and bike patrols through local neighborhoods every day.
In the evening, DAG Monaco returned to Washington, D.C.
Quebec Woman Sentenced for Selling Protected Wildlife SkullsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vanessa Rondeau, 27, of Montreal, Quebec, who was convicted of trafficking in protected wildlife, was sentenced to time served and one year supervise release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Rondeau was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $1,364 to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and a $40,000 criminal fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handling the case, stated that on January 13, 2020, during online communications with an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Special Agent, Rondeau agreed to sell a polar bear skull to the agent for $780 USD. On January 24, 2020, Rondeau entered the U.S. at the Champlain, NY port of entry with the polar bear skull in violation of the Endangered Species Act and proceeded to a third-party shipping business to send the polar bear skull to the agent in Amherst, NY. The agent received the package on February 2, 2020. On January 26, 2021, Rondeau again communicated with the agent and agreed to sell another polar bear skull for $584.11 USD. On February 11, 2021, the agent received a Canada Post package from Rondeau which was labeled as “1 Cadre,” which is the French word for “frame.”
Rondeau also illegally trafficked in other protected wildlife by shipping and/or bringing wildlife from Canada to the United States without being declared to the FWS. The total value of the wildlife illegally trafficked by Rondeau was approximately $37,204.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, under the direction of Ryan Noel, Special Agent-in-Charge of the USFWS-Office of Law Enforcement North-Atlantic Appalachian Region. Additional assistance was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Vermont Offices of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection.
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Prior Felon Arrested on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Paul D. James, Jr., 31, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carry and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 29, 2022, Rochester Police officers responded to the area of 212 Saratoga Street for a report of four gunshots being fired in the area. While driving to the area, an officer observed a male that he knew from previous contacts as James, who was found to be in possession of a revolver that contained a live round of ammunition and four spent or empty casings in the cylinder. James also possessed 34 small bags of suspected cocaine. James was convicted in February 2015, in Monroe County Court of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second degree and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
James made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is being detained.
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Paraguayan National Admits Unlicensed Money Transmitting in Connection with International Money Laundering InvestigationRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Paraguayan man today admitted his role in facilitating an international money laundering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Rodrigo Alvarenga Paredes, 35, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Paredes previously was charged by complaint with co-defendants Cynthia Tarrago-Diaz and Raimundo Va with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Alvarenga made his initial appearance before Chief Judge Wolfson today and pleaded guilty to the information. He was released pending sentencing.
According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
From March 2018 to November 2019, Alvarenga was the owner and operator of a money exchange business in the Republic of Paraguay, which was not licensed or registered to operate as a money transmitting business under the laws of the United States or the state of New Jersey. Until January 2019, Tarrago was a member of Paraguay’s Congress, and in late 2019 had publicly announced her intention to run for mayor of the capital district of Asunción. The investigation revealed that Tarrago and her husband, Va, agreed to accept at least $2 million in United States currency from two individuals who represented themselves to be narcotics traffickers, believing the money to be proceeds of unlawful narcotics trafficking. Tarrago and Va agreed to launder the funds through an international network of accounts in order to disguise the unlawful source of the proceeds.
Tarrago and Va traveled to New Jersey and Florida on multiple occasions and accepted approximately $800,000 in United States currency from the purported drug traffickers, and caused those funds to be transmitted through Alvarenga’s money exchange business; using his unlicensed business, Alvarenga then caused those funds to be transmitted through accounts located in multiple countries and ultimately caused the funds to be transferred back to an account maintained by the purported drug traffickers. To disguise the illicit source of the funds, Tarrago, Va, and Alvarenga coordinated to generate fraudulent invoices that stated legitimate business reasons for the transfers of the laundered funds.
Unbeknownst to Tarrago and Va, the currency that they accepted from the purported drug traffickers was not actually illicit drug proceeds, but was provided by two undercover FBI agents as part of an undercover investigation of the money laundering network. Alvarenga, operating through the auspices of his money-exchange company in Paraguay, facilitated Tarrago’s and Va’s money laundering by causing the undercover funds to be transmitted through his money exchange business and back to the FBI undercover account, knowing that the transactions violated United States laws and regulations.
The unlicensed money transmitting count to which Alvarenga pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum potential penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense; or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary loss sustained by any victims of the offense whichever is greatest. Tarrago and Va each were sentenced to terms of imprisonment of 33 months. Alvarenga’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jesse Levine, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance in the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Joseph Gribko of the Criminal Division in Trenton and J. Brendan Day, Attorney in Charge of the Trenton Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Owner of Suburban Chicago Manufacturing Company Guilty of $4.3 Million in Payroll Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The owner of a suburban Chicago manufacturing company has pleaded guilty to a federal tax offense for withholding millions of dollars in employee payroll taxes but failing to remit the money to the IRS.
As the president and sole owner of Lane Tool & Manufacturing Company Inc. in South Elgin, Ill., EDWARD T. ARNIERI was required to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over to the IRS payroll taxes on wages paid to Lane Tool employees. Although Arnieri issued paychecks to employees reflecting that the company had withheld income and Social Security amounts from their wages, Arnieri willfully failed to pay the money to the IRS. This conduct resulted in tax losses from 2010 to 2018 of more than $3.8 million.
Arnieri’s failure to pay over taxes for employees also resulted in the filing of inaccurate individual tax returns for himself, resulting in additional tax losses of nearly $450,000 from 2010 to 2017.
In total, Arnieri’s tax crimes resulted in total tax losses of more than $4.3 million.
Arnieri, 71, of St. Charles, Ill., pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of willfully failing to pay over taxes. The conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, plus restitution to the U.S. Treasury and State of Illinois. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for Sept. 28, 2022.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. King, Jr.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Thomas E. Carodine, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for three counts of distributing fentanyl. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Carodine to 38 months’ imprisonment. Following his release from prison, Carodine will begin a 6-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Carodine is a gang member and convicted felon who distributed large amounts of fentanyl pills. On February 4, 2020, a confidential informant (CI) met Carodine in the street just outside a local Apple Store in Omaha. The CI entered Carodine’s vehicle and purchased 49 fentanyl pills for $900.
On February 10, 2020, the CI met Carodine in a local Scheels store parking lot. Carodine entered the CI’s vehicle and sold 125 fentanyl pills for $2,260.
On February 22, 2020, the CI met Carodine in the parking lot of Lakeside Hospital. Carodine entered the CI’s vehicle and sold more than 400 fentanyl pills for $9,000.
At the time of these offenses, Carodine was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2010 conviction for conspiracy to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana. His supervision was revoked following his arrest in the immediate case. Chief Judge Rossiter sentenced Carodine to an additional 12 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutive to the 38-month sentence for the fentanyl convictions, resulting in a total sentence of 50 months’ incarceration.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
Nursing Director Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Agents Regarding Production of Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccine CardsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tammy Hutson McDonald, 53, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about the production of fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on September 13, 2021, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control received a complaint that McDonald, who was then director of nursing at a PruittHealth skilled nursing facility, was providing false COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.
Further investigation revealed that on June 20, 2021, McDonald provided vaccination cards for various individuals. McDonald filled out the cards and was aware that the individuals to whom she provided vaccine cards did not, in fact, receive the vaccine as noted on the cards. One of the individuals who procured a card needed a replacement. On July 28, 2021, McDonald filled out another card for him although she was aware that he had not received the vaccine as noted on his card.
On October 22, 2021, federal agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spoke to McDonald at work. Even after being told she was talking to federal agents, and that lying to a federal agent was a crime, she insisted she had never given anyone a false or incorrect vaccine card. Evidence presented to the Court showed that this was a materially false statement, and McDonald knew the statement was false, as she provided fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.
“The Defendant created a direct risk to the people of South Carolina by creating false vaccine documents for others to use, and she compounded this wrongdoing by lying to federal agents,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “As a registered nurse, she knew better and owed more to her community. This felony conviction showcases that this office will continue to prosecute fraud related to the Coronavirus in all its forms.”
"Vaccination record cards play an integral part in efforts to address the public health emergency," said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles, with HHS-OIG. "HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable any providers who undermine public health measures and put the health of others at risk by distributing these cards to unvaccinated individuals."
“COVID-19 related fraud has severe consequences, no matter the chosen scheme,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Columbia field office’s Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigators will continue to work diligently to turn over every stone in search of the truth, and we will hold individuals accountable for their crimes.”
McDonald faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow any term of imprisonment. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence McDonald on September 20, 2022, after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
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.
This case was investigated by Special Agent Ryan Schubert with HHS-OIG and the FBI, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake, who also serves as the District’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, is prosecuting the case.
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Nurse Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jennifer Hansen to two years in prison for filing false tax returns for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018. She had pleaded guilty on March 22, 2022.
According to court documents, Hansen, a registered nurse, was employed by a medical examination company to evaluate individuals who were seeking life insurance policies. In that role, Hansen earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in income during the years 2016, 2017, and 2018, all of which she intentionally omitted from her federal income tax returns. Through her false returns, Hansen caused a tax loss to the United States of $257,830.44. The Court ordered her to make full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in that amount.
During the investigation into Hansen’s tax crimes, investigators also learned that a substantial portion of Hansen’s unreported income was illegitimately earned. In that regard, Hansen generated income by submitting false records to her employer claiming that she had examined a real patient, when, in fact, she had not. The Court ordered Hansen to pay over $1,000,000 in restitution to her former employer.
"For three years, Ms. Hansen cheated her employer, insurance policy holders, and the American people to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars for herself," said Brian Payne, special agent in charge of IRS-CI's Tampa Field Office. "Cheaters don't win, and Ms. Hansen must now face consequences for her actions."
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Northumberland County Man Charged with Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alex Santiago, age 40, of Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, was charged by a federal grand jury for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on June 15, 2022, Santiago was in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber firearm loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition, in Mount Carmel. As a previously convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northumberland County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bloomsburg Police Department, the Sunbury Police Department, the Shamokin Police Department, and the Coal Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
This case is also being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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North Tonawanda Man Arrested, Charged with Possession and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Angstenberger, 46, of North Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March 2022, the FBI received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children stating that in late November 2021, a Snapchat user, later identified as Angstenberger, shared or sent two videos containing child pornography. On April 7, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Angstenberger’s residence and seized a Samsung smart phone and Samsung tablet. A review of the phone and tablet recovered approximately 189 images and 13 videos containing child pornography.
Angstenberger made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and was released on conditions, including home detention with location monitoring.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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North Georgia business owner pleads guilty to dumping hazardous wasteRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Amin Ali, who directed the dumping of over 100 drums and other containers of chemicals, including hazardous waste, has pleaded guilty to a charge of disposal of hazardous waste without a permit.
“Ali disregarded the health and safety of citizens by trying to conceal his illegal dumping,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He also broke the law regarding the proper handling of hazardous materials. Our office takes protection of the environment very seriously and will continue to prosecute those who seek to destroy our precious natural resources.”
“The defendant illegally disposed of numerous drums containing hazardous waste in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno of EPA-CID’s Southeast Area Branch. “This guilty plea demonstrates that EPA will hold accountable for such criminal behavior and that EPA and DOJ will continue to vigorously prosecute those that choose to violate our environmental statutes.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) addresses the problem of hazardous waste transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal and is designed to protect human health and the environment by requiring the proper and safe management of hazardous waste from the time it is created until the time it is disposed of properly. RCRA prohibits the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste without a permit issued under the statute. RCRA also prohibits the transportation of hazardous waste to a facility that lacks a permit to accept hazardous waste.
The defendant, Amin Ali, owned and controlled Goldstar Investment Group LLC, 7 Days Property Management Inc., and Rock Springs Farming LLC. Through these entities, he owned the property in Dalton, Georgia (a warehouse formerly owned by a chemical company), and in Rock Springs, Georgia (a farming property containing several old chicken houses).
In August 2021, Ali had over 100 drums and other containers of chemicals, including many containing hazardous waste, moved from the Goldstar property to the Rock Springs property. The drums were left in one of the old chicken houses, with some of the drums left in an open trench to be buried. Some of the contents of the drums spilled and leaked into the surrounding soil.
Subsequent testing of the drums and soil revealed the presence of benzene, lead, and chromium. In addition, the contents of the drums were reactive and ignitable.
Sentencing for Amin Ali, 56, of Dalton, Georgia, is scheduled for September 20, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May. Ali pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Non-Citizen Charged with Hindering Removal to Trinidad and TobagoRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brent Anthony Benito, age 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury for hindering removal.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Benito is a removable alien, with a valid order of removal. The indictment alleges that Benito knowingly took steps to prevent his own removal.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin.
Benito faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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New Orleans Woman Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that, ERIKA JAMES (“JAMES”), age 48, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on June 21, 2022 with one count of health care fraud.
According to the bill of information, JAMES was a Denial Specialist at Crescent Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center and AIDS Service Organization. Crescent Care provides HIV medical care, other health care, and social services in the New Orleans area.
From March 2020 through April 2021, JAMES created fraudulent invoices with falsified supporting documents, such as explanation of benefits documents from insurance companies. JAMES endorsed checks that were issued to patients that were in higher amounts than the usual range of the refund amount. JAMES made claims in the system that made it appear that patients came into Crescent Care and paid out of pocket for services. JAMES would then have the Finance Department issue the patient refund check, and JAMES would then deposit the refund check into her personal bank account. JAMES filed additional claims with the Louisiana Health Access Program (“LAHAP”) in December 2020 and told LAHAP to mail the checks to her residence. The checks that were sent to JAMES’s residence were made out to Crescent Care. JAMES then proceeded to deposit those checks into her personal bank account.
If convicted, JAMES faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.
The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana stated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Ryan McLaren and Kathryn McHugh.
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New York Man Sentenced to Probation and Fined for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Christopher Dunn, 49, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to four years of probation by Chief District Court Judge Robert Molloy on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 1.37 kilograms of marijuana. Judge Molloy also ordered Dunn to pay a $2,000.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 11, 2021, Dunn arrived at the Cyril E. King airport a flight from JFK New York. While conducting flight inspections, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered a green leafy substance in Dunn’s carry-on luggage. CBP officers then escorted Dunn to secondary inspection where they conducted a thorough search of Dunn’s carry-on bags and discovered three vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana weighing approximately 1.37 kilograms.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CBP investigated, and Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker prosecuted this case.
Motocross coach indicted for child exploitation crimesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Ryan Meyung, a motocross instructor who traveled the country building motocross tracks and mentoring children has been indicted for multiple child exploitation offenses.
“Meyung allegedly produced, transported, and possessed child pornography while working with children as a motocross coach,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Victimizing children is heinous and horrific. With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue these types of sexual predators.”
“There is no place in our society for those who prey on innocent children and individuals who use their position of trust to gain access to children are particularly heinous,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet. “We are thankful to our special agents and our law enforcement partners who do the difficult but important work of investigating these crimes and safeguarding our nation’s children.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Ryan Meyung allegedly engaged six different minor victims in sexually explicit conduct to produce images of child sexual abuse, and transported and possessed visual images of child sexual abuse. The alleged crimes occurred between 2019 and 2021. He was arrested on state charges in December 2021 and has remained in custody.
Meyung was known to frequent states including Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
Ryan Meyung, 30, was charged with six counts of producing child pornography, one count of transporting child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Chattanooga jointly with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee), the Chattanooga Police Department, and HSI field offices throughout the country.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin N. Spritzer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, and the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.
Investigators believe Meyung may have victimized additional children. If you have information related to Meyung that could further law enforcement’s investigation, or if you suspect that a particular child may have been one of his victims, you are encouraged to call the HSI Tip-line at 866-347-2423 or https://www.ice.gov/tipline.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Monroe County Man Charged with Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jesse Diaz, age 53, of Sciota, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with a child exploitation crime involving accessing and viewing child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that Diaz used his Kik messenger account to access a private chat group dedicated to the distribution and sharing of child pornography with the intent to view minors, including a minor under the age of 12 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Portland, Oregon Divisions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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 justice.gov/psc.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 14 ½ years in Prison for Carjackings and RobberyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 23, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced 24-year-old Trayvon Taylor to 14 ½ years in federal prison after Mr. Taylor pled guilty to two armed carjackings in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and an armed robbery of a convenience store in Clarksville, Tennessee.
According to court filings, on March 4, 2020, Mr. Taylor and two co-actors attempted to carjack a 79-year-old male victim in the parking lot of the Walgreens across from Mayfair Mall. After that attempt, Mr. Taylor and his two co-actors crossed Mayfair Road and carjacked a 31-year-old female victim in the parking lot of the Equitable Bank. Mr. Taylor was the gunman in both carjackings. Two days later, Mr. Taylor and one of the co-actors fled to Tennessee in the second carjacking victim’s car and committed an armed robbery of the Circle K convenience store in Clarksville, Tennessee.
”In just a 3-day period, Mr. Taylor committed three different violent offenses with a firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “He and his co-actors traumatized their victims and shattered their sense of safety and security. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to bring violent offenders to justice and to trying to make our communities safer places in which to live and work.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Wauwatosa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
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Public Information Officer [email protected]
414-297-1700
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Military contractors indicted for $7 million procurement fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - A federal grand jury has indicted a company and three individuals in an alleged fraud scheme involving military contracts totaling over $7 million. The three-count indictment charges Envistacom LLC, its President Alan Carson, a vice president Valerie Hayes, and the owner of another company, Philip Flores, each with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of major fraud.
“The United States relies upon its contractors to be honest and forthright in their dealings,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “When they allegedly provide false information to obtain contracts, they harm the American taxpayer and the integrity of the system. We will diligently work to bring such companies and their executives to justice.”
“Collusion and fraud undermine competition in the procurement process to the detriment of U.S. taxpayers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Investigating and prosecuting criminal activity remains a top priority for the Department of Justice and all members of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force.”
“The indictment of these individuals demonstrates the resolve and dedication of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our investigative partners in protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense contracting system,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Contractors who circumvent the contracting process for their own personal gain will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their fraudulent actions.”
“Such alleged activity by government contractors who provide services to the Army will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (Army CID) Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. “We will continue to investigate allegations of this nature and do everything in our power to see that persons responsible are held accountable and brought to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan and the indictment: From at least September 2014 through at least November 2016, the defendants and others conspired by preparing and procuring purported “competitive quotes” from other companies, which were sham quotes that were intentionally higher than the proposal prices and/or price quotes from Envistacom and Flores’ company to ensure the sole-source awards.
The conspirators also concealed that the defendants prepared the independent government cost estimates and other procurement documents for the award of these contracts and made false statements, representations and material omissions to federal government contracting officials regarding these estimates being legitimate independent cost estimates and the sham quotes being “competitive.”
Alan Carson, 51, of Atlanta, Georgia, Valerie Hayes, 56, of Callaway, Maryland, and Philip Flores, 51, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, were indicted on May 25, 2022. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber for the Northern District of Georgia, and the DOJ Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Military Contractors Indicted for $7 Million Procurement Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia returned an indictment charging military contractors with an alleged fraud scheme involving government contracts totaling over $7 million.
The three-count indictment charges Envistacom LLC, its President Alan Carson and a vice president Valerie Hayes, and the owner of another company, Philip Flores, each with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of major fraud.
“Collusion and fraud undermine competition in the procurement process to the detriment of U.S. taxpayers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Investigating and prosecuting criminal activity remains a top priority for the Department of Justice and all members of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force.”
“The United States relies upon its contractors to be honest and forthright in their dealings,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “When they allegedly provide false information to obtain contracts, they harm the American taxpayer and the integrity of the system. We will diligently work to bring such companies and their executives to justice.”
“The indictment of these individuals demonstrates the resolve and dedication of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our investigative partners in protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense contracting system,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Contractors who circumvent the contracting process for their own personal gain will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their fraudulent actions.”
“Such alleged activity by government contractors who provide services to the Army will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (Army CID) Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. “We will continue to investigate allegations of this nature and do everything in our power to see that persons responsible are held accountable and brought to justice.”
According to the indictment, from at least September 2014 through at least November 2016, the defendants and others conspired by preparing and procuring purported “competitive quotes” from other companies, which were sham quotes that were intentionally higher than the proposal prices and/or price quotes from Envistacom and Flores’ company to ensure the sole-source awards. The conspirators also concealed that the defendants prepared the independent government cost estimates and other procurement documents for the award of these contracts and made false statements, representations and material omissions to federal government contracting officials regarding these estimates being legitimate independent cost estimates and the sham quotes being “competitive.”
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for major fraud is 10 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or, if the gross loss to the government or the gross gain to a defendant is $500,000 or greater, a fine of $5 million. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The charges are the result of a federal investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Army CID and DCIS.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
In November 2019, the Department of Justice created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government – federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to defense-related spending, go to https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mexican Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Williamsport charged Mario Hernandez-Gonzaga, age 40, with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hernandez-Gonzaga was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on May 11, 2009. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime before November 5, 2021. He was found in the United States in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 2022, by Deportation Officers after failing to appear for court on DUI charges pending in Northumberland County.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.
Hernandez-Gonzaga faces a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Louisville Pediatrician Federally Indicted in Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY– A federal grand jury in Louisville returned a one count indictment on June 15, 2022, charging a Louisville physician with her role in a murder-for-hire scheme to kill her former husband.
According to court documents, Dr. Stephanie M. Russell, 51, used facilities in interstate commerce, specifically telephones, to call and text a person Russell believed she was paying to kill her former husband. In fact, the person Russell was plotting with is employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was working in an undercover capacity while communicating with Russell.
Russell is charged with the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. The defendant was detained pending trial following a hearing before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Kentucky, and at her arraignment on the single count indictment on June 16, 2022, she entered a plea of not guilty. The case is scheduled for a jury trial before a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky on August 22, 2022. If convicted, Russell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Ford is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Logan County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County woman was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pamela Sue Gillman, 52, sold fentanyl and heroin to an undercover informant on three occasions in October and November 2020. Gillman also admitted that in September 2021, she possessed 8 grams of fentanyl and 1.8 grams of heroin that she intended to distribute.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Cremeans prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-168.
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Local felon admits to possessing loaded pistol and ammunitionRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 32-year-old man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Chad Everett Williams Jr., Corpus Christi, admitted to possessing a loaded Diamondback Firearms pistol and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
On Oct. 27, 2021, law enforcement pulled Williams over to conduct a traffic stop. At that time, they noticed the odor of marijuana. He admitted to smoking in the car earlier in the day. Upon questioning, he also admitted he had a weapon in his vehicle. Soon after, authorities conducted a search and discovered the pistol along with the ammunition.
Williams has been previously convicted for aggravated robbery. As a felon, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Sept. 21. At that time, Williams faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin is prosecuting the case.
Kentucky State Trooper Indicted for Conspiracy and ObstructionRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky.- A Kentucky State Police Trooper, from London, Ky., has been indicted for conspiracy as well as engaging in misleading conduct with the intent to prevent communication to a federal official or commission of a federal offense.
A federal grand jury sitting in London returned the indictment charging 32-year-old Michael L. Howell with conspiracy to obstruct a criminal investigation and for engaging in misleading conduct with the intent to prevent communication of information to federal law enforcement relating to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense.
The indictment alleges that Howell, along with another KSP Trooper, conspired with others to conceal the true nature of force used by KSP troopers, and the circumstances under which they used that force, to detain an arrestee. The indictment alleges that Howell and the others failed to disclose the use of force upon the victim, by developing a fictious story about what happened, which matched “the closest thing to what the video would show,” in order to conceal the true events and mislead his investigating supervisor.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Emily Greenfield.
A date for Howell to appear in court is scheduled for July 8 at 1:30 p.m. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This indictment is part of an ongoing investigation.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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KC Man Sentenced for Robbing Family, Business at GunpointRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man who was charged in two separate federal indictments has been sentenced in federal court for the armed robberies of a local business and a family in their residence.
Chase M. Murphy, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, June 22, to 12 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 17, 2021, Murphy pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Murphy admitted that he used a firearm to rob the Taco Bell at 5925 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Mo., on May 28, 2019. A brick was thrown through the drive-through window of the Taco Bell, shattering the glass. Murphy and another person, both carrying handguns, entered the restaurant through the broken window. They pointed their guns at two employees and ordered one to open the cash register. Murphy hit an employee in the back of the head with a firearm, then held a gun against his neck. They took $300 from the register and fled through the broken window.
Murphy also admitted, in a separate and unrelated case, that he robbed a family in their home at gunpoint with co-defendant Cameron E. Scott, 20, of Kansas City, Mo. Scott was sentenced on March 8, 2022, to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to one count of robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Murphy and Scott (along with an unidentified third man) robbed a group of three juveniles (including a 10-year-old child) and four adults at gunpoint on March 22, 2020. The three men forced their way into a residence in the 8100 block of Wayne Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., and pointed firearms at multiple victims (mostly members of the same family). They held one of the victims at gunpoint while demanding money and marijuana.
The three men stole $450, marijuana, a rifle and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol then left the residence. Officers saw a car matching the description a witness gave of the robbers’ vehicle. Three men got out of the vehicle and ran into a residence in the 9200 block of Indiana Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. Soon afterward, the driver of the vehicle returned to the car and left. Officers attempted to follow the vehicle but lost sight of it. Murphy and Scott were seen leaving from the back of the residence. When officers announced themselves, they fled into a wooded area. A short time later, Murphy and Scott were seen walking in the tree line near 93rd Street and Grandview Road. Officers tried to approach them, but they fled on foot again. Officers gave chase and ultimately found them hiding in a creek bed.
Officers searched the residence on Indiana Avenue. In the attic, they found a black suitcase with a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol (which matched the description of the firearm taken during the robbery) and a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. They were investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Raytown, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Operation LeGend
Operation LeGend is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in Kansas City, Mo., in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional federal agents were assigned to the operation from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.