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20 July 2022
Las Vegas Apartment Complex Manager Sentenced for Violating Clean Air Act Asbestos Regulations at Two FacilitiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A California man was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and 36 months of supervised release for renovating two apartment complexes in violation of federal Clean Air Act regulations intended to prevent human exposure to toxic airborne asbestos fibers.
Bobby Khalili, 46, of Los Angeles, was indicted by a grand jury sitting in the District of Nevada in September 2019, in connection with asbestos-related Clean Air Act violations at a Las Vegas apartment complex. The grand jury later returned a superseding indictment against Khalili in July 2021, in connection with new Clean Air Act asbestos violations at a second apartment complex, which Khalili committed while on pretrial release for the first set of charges. Khalili pled guilty on March 11, to failing to safely remove asbestos prior to renovation at each complex.
As part of his guilty plea, Khalili acknowledged that, on behalf of Las Vegas Apartments LLC, he oversaw renovation activities at both apartment complexes. He further admitted that he was aware of asbestos-containing materials at both buildings, and that he hired untrained individuals to tear out those materials without following asbestos work-practice standards prescribed by the Clean Air Act. Those work practice standards require that asbestos-containing materials be safely removed prior to general renovation activity taking place. Asbestos-containing materials must be kept wet at all times to prevent dust escaping, sealed in leak-proof bags, and disposed of at facilities authorized to accept asbestos waste. At both apartment buildings, untrained laborers removed asbestos-containing drywall and ceiling texture without wetting or containment, releasing asbestos fibers into the surrounding atmosphere.
Khalili also admitted to taking steps to evade law enforcement at each site. At the first apartment complex, Khalili attempted to have a dumpster filled with asbestos waste removed from the site when inspectors from the Clark County Department of Air Quality discovered asbestos-related violations. At the second complex, where he oversaw illegal renovations while on pretrial release, he instructed the contractor in charge of the renovation to lie to inspectors about who owned and oversaw the project, in an attempt to blame another person for the Clean Air Act violations he knowingly committed. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum filed with the court, Khalili also created a fake contract purportedly showing that other person’s responsibility for the renovation; in truth, that person was deceased at the time of the project.
Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been determined to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, an invariably fatal disease. Congress and the EPA have determined that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that cutting corners on asbestos abatement will not result in a slap on the wrist,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “These are serious offenses with serious consequences, and we will continue to work with EPA and our partners in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to prosecute violations of the Clean Air Act’s asbestos safety regulations.”
“The defendant placed the public in danger of inhaling asbestos fibers when he failed to follow Clean Air Act regulations,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This sentence sends a deterrent message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners will hold accountable individuals who violate federal environmental laws that are designed to protect workers and our communities.”
“The defendant failed to provide for the required safe removal of material containing asbestos,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Nevada. “In addition, the defendant created an elaborate scheme in an effort to deceive law enforcement and regulators. Today’s sentencing reflects our commitment to holding people like Khalili accountable for their criminal conduct.”
Special agents of the EPA and employees of the Clark County Department of Air Quality investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Cassandra Barnum of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jean Ripley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
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Lake City Man Sentenced to Eleven Years in Federal Prison for Trading Child Sexual Abuse Material with His BrotherRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Dennis Dewayne Jackson (39, Lake City) to 11 years and 6 months in federal prison for receiving visual depictions of child sexual abuse. The Court also ordered Jackson to serve a 20-year term of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to forfeit the phone that he had used to receive the images and videos of children being sexually abused. Jackson had pleaded guilty on March 9, 2022, and has been detained since his arrest on July 22, 2021.
Jackson’s older brother, John Thomas Jackson, was sentenced on January 27, 2022, to 20 years in federal prison for distributing visual depictions of child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, the FBI initiated an investigation of a private chat group that catered to people interested in sexual activity between daughters and daddies and in which files of child sexual abuse material were regularly shared. After identifying John Jackson, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI executed a search warrant at the Jacksons’ residence in Lake City on July 4, 2021. While reviewing seized electronic devices, the FBI discovered that John Jackson was distributing videos of the sexual assault of children to his brother, Dennis Jackson. Further, the two had exchanged messages about the “need” to rape a 15-year-old child with whom John Jackson was communicating and of whom Dennis Jackson requested nude photos.
During a recorded interview, Dennis Jackson admitted to distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material for the last two years, and that he had received approximately 1,500 files of such material and distributed files dozens of times.
“The exploitation of children requires swift and intense law enforcement action,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “We at the FBI are prepared to immediately respond whenever a child is at risk. Predators should heed this warning: the FBI, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to stop these heinous crimes and protect innocent children.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ladson Man Sentenced to 5 Years Imprisonment for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA --- David Crosby, 29, of Ladson, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the Court demonstrated that an individual in Canada traded child pornography with Crosby through an instant messaging application for smartphones. Investigators located Crosby through the IP address he used to access the instant messaging application. Following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, investigators located 398 images and 20 videos of child pornography on Crosby’s devices, including images of prepubescent minors having sex with adults.
United States District Judge Margaret Seymour sentenced Crosby to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Seymour also ordered Crosby to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim identified in the case.
This sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Lander Man Sentenced to 63 Months’ Imprisonment for Wire Fraud Relating to Cares Act Stimulus FundingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that PAUL MCCOWN, 33, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, for four counts of wire fraud in relation to pandemic relief programs administered by the Wyoming Business Council and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds and three counts of wire fraud in relation to money fraudulently obtained from Ria R Squared, Inc., the proceeds of which were used in part to repay the Wyoming Business Council. McCown was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $700 in special assessments. The court will determine any restitution amount at a later time.
Paul McCown was the Chief Financial Officer of the Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyoming. He was also attempting to open a gin distillery. When the Wyoming Business Council received CARES Act funds to distribute to Wyoming businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, McCown applied for grants for his personal business even though he had never sold any gin. After his grants were audited, he agreed to pay back the $841,863 he fraudulently obtained from the State of Wyoming. Through his position at Wyoming Catholic College, he was introduced to a private financial management firm, Ria R. Squared, Inc. He then engaged in an elaborate scheme that included impersonating others and forging documents to fraudulently induce the financial management firm to loan him $15,000,000.
“Paul McCown’s fraudulent behavior was extreme and went on for nearly a year” said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo. “He violated the trust of the people of the State of Wyoming and the United States by fraudulently obtaining nearly $850,000 in COVID relief money. His misconduct damaged the community as a whole and harmed businesses that legitimately needed the aid. He then went on to defraud a private investment firm for approximately $15,000,000. The District Court’s 63-month sentence reflects the gravity of McCown’s deceitful conduct.”
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said, “Mr. McCown took advantage of money allocated by the Federal government through programs that were created to provide critical support to our communities during the pandemic. This case is a reminder that the FBI will continue to aggressively pursue those who defraud the Federal government to enrich themselves.”
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christyne M. Martens prosecuted the case.
Case No. 22-cr-00023-SWS
Kentucky Drug Dealers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Evansville and HendersonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – James Shultz, 37, of Louisville, Ky., was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On Jan. 5, 2021, codefendant Sheena Garrett, 35, of Henderson, Ky., was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from Jan. through Sept. 2018, Shultz and Garrett conspired to distribute more than 4.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Shultz regularly supplied three to six pounds of methamphetamine at a time to Garrett, who distributed the methamphetamine in Evansville, Henderson, and surrounding areas.
On Sept. 1, 2018, Shultz was driving on I-69 in Vanderburgh County when he was stopped by law enforcement officers following a traffic violation. Officers searched the vehicle after a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers seized approximately 1,425 grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of U.S. currency from the vehicle. In his guilty plea, Shultz admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to Garrett for further distribution.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office; and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force (EVCDTF) made the announcement.
DEA and the EVCJDF investigated the case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following the defendants’ guilty pleas. As part of the sentences, Judge Young ordered that Shultz and Garrett each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years, following their release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin, Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today on charges related to heroin and methamphetamine trafficking and to illegally possessing firearms.
Brian K. Tice, 58, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, two counts of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
By pleading guilty today, Tice admitted that he received an Express Mail package from California on Feb. 18, 2022, that contained 393.26 grams of heroin. The package was intercepted by a postal inspector, who learned that Tice had been sent 20 similar packages from the same person in California over the previous year. Law enforcement officers set up a controlled delivery of the package to Tice’s residence. When he brought the package inside and opened it, officers executed a search warrant at his residence.
Officers found a loaded Springfield Armory handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, and a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun on the bed where the controlled delivery parcel was located. Officers also found a Springfield Armory handgun and a Bryco .380-caliber handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, in the closet of the same bedroom. Officers also seized 115 grams of methamphetamine, two grams of crack cocaine, four cell phones and drug paraphernalia.
On March 5, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Tice when he left a residence they had under surveillance. Officers searched Tice and the vehicle he was in, and seized 84 tablets of benzodiazepines, 69 tablets of Alprazolam, 108 tablets of Zolpidem Tartrate, 24 tablets of Hydrocone, and a vial that contained fentanyl.
Tice had earlier been stopped by a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy, which is the basis for one of the heroin distribution counts. At about 11 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2019, Tice was driving a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta and made a left-hand turn onto Broadway from West 39th Street in Kansas City. The deputy braked to avoid a collision with the Jetta, which continued traveling north on Broadway down the middle of the street. The deputy stopped the vehicle and conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Tice failed. The deputy arrested Tice for driving under the influence; during a search the deputy found two plastic bags that contained a total of 25 grams of heroin and $3,762 in cash in Tice’s pockets. The deputy also searched Tice’s vehicle and found a grocery sack underneath the driver’s seat that contained a plastic bag with approximately 91 grams of heroin.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tice has prior felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Tice is subject to a sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Jefferson County, Kentucky, Officials to Ensure Polling Place AccessibilityRead the Press Release
The Justice Department has secured an agreement under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Jefferson County, Kentucky, Board of Elections to ensure that the Board’s polling places are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The department identified architectural barriers at numerous polling places after it reviewed the Jefferson County Board’s voting program for compliance with the ADA. These barriers included inaccessible parking, ramps that were too steep, walkways that had steep cross slopes or had gaps and bumps and voting machines that could not be accessed by voters with mobility disabilities. The department also identified that the Jefferson County Board fails to provide voters with disabilities privacy and independence while voting.
Under the ADA, state and local governmental entities that conduct elections may not select polling places that are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities for use during elections, and they must make reasonable modifications to ensure that voters with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in voting programs.
“Voting is the bedrock of our democracy, and all voters, including those with disabilities, should have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to use every tool at our disposal, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, to protect the rights of all Americans to vote.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the Jefferson County Board will immediately begin remediating its voting program. The Board will employ measures such as portable ramps, signage and propped-open doors to ensure that its selected polling places are accessible to voters with disabilities. In addition, the Board will train its poll workers and other elections staff on the requirements of the ADA and how to use temporary measures to ensure each polling place is accessible during elections. The Board will also survey polling locations for accessibility and maintain the accessibility of each polling place it uses on election days. When selecting future polling places, the Board will select locations that will be accessible during elections.
This settlement is part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places. Through this initiative, the Department of Justice has surveyed more than 2,500 polling places and increased polling place accessibility in more than 50 jurisdictions, including Newton County, Arkansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Travis County, Texas; and Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
For more information about the ADA, please visit http://www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Justice Department Charges Dozens for $1.2 Billion in Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced criminal charges against 36 defendants in 13 federal districts across the United States for more than $1.2 billion in alleged fraudulent telemedicine, cardiovascular and cancer genetic testing, and durable medical equipment (DME) schemes.
The nationwide coordinated law enforcement action includes criminal charges against a telemedicine company executive, owners and executives of clinical laboratories, durable medical equipment companies, marketing organizations, and medical professionals. In connection with the enforcement action, the department seized over $8 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other fraud proceeds.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Center for Program Integrity (CPI) announced today that it took administrative actions against 52 providers involved in similar schemes.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting people who abuse our health care system and exploit telemedicine technologies in fraud and bribery schemes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This enforcement action demonstrates that the department will do everything in its power to protect the health care systems our communities rely on from people looking to defraud them for their own personal gain.”
The coordinated federal investigations announced today primarily targeted alleged schemes involving the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes by laboratory owners and operators in exchange for the referral of patients by medical professionals working with fraudulent telemedicine and digital medical technology companies. Telemedicine schemes account for more than $1 billion of the total alleged intended losses associated with today’s enforcement action. These charges include some of the first prosecutions in the nation related to fraudulent cardiovascular genetic testing, a burgeoning scheme. As alleged in court documents, medical professionals made referrals for expensive and medically unnecessary cardiovascular and cancer genetic tests, as well as durable medical equipment. For example, cardiovascular genetic testing was not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently had a cardiac condition and was not approved by Medicare for use as a general screening test for indicating an increased risk of developing cardiovascular conditions in the future.
“Protecting the American people is at the forefront of the FBI’s mission,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Fraudsters and scammers take advantage of telemedicine and use it as a platform to orchestrate their criminal schemes. This collaborative law enforcement action shows our dedication to investigating and bringing to justice those who look to exploit our U.S. health care system at the expense of patients.”
“Today’s enforcement action highlights our dedication to fighting health care fraud and investigating individuals who target Medicare beneficiaries and steal from taxpayers for personal gain,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt fraud schemes that use the guise of telehealth to expand the reach of kickback schemes designed to cheat federally funded health care programs.”
One particular case charged involved the operator of several clinical laboratories, who was charged in connection with a scheme to pay over $16 million in kickbacks to marketers who, in turn, paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies and call centers in exchange for doctors’ orders. As alleged in court documents, orders for cardiovascular and cancer genetic testing were used by the defendant and others to submit over $174 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare—but the results of the testing were not used in treatment of patients. The defendant allegedly laundered the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme through a complex network of bank accounts and entities, including to purchase luxury vehicles, a yacht, and real estate. The indictment seeks forfeiture of over $7 million in United States currency, three properties, the yacht, and a Tesla and other vehicles.
Some of the defendants charged in this enforcement action allegedly controlled a telemarketing network, based both domestically and overseas, that lured thousands of elderly and/or disabled patients into a criminal scheme. The owners of marketing organizations allegedly had telemarketers use deceptive techniques to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to cardiovascular genetic testing, and other genetic testing and equipment.
“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services continues to aggressively investigate fraud, waste and abuse and has taken action to protect patients, critical health care resources and to prevent losses to the Medicare Trust Fund,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Work like this to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in our federal programs would not be possible without the successful partnership of CMS, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.”
The charges announced today allege that the telemedicine companies arranged for medical professionals to order these expensive genetic tests and durable medical equipment regardless of whether the patients needed them, and that they were ordered without any patient interaction or with only a brief telephonic conversation. Often, these test results or durable medical equipment were not provided to the patients or were worthless to their primary care doctors.
Today’s announcement builds on prior telemedicine enforcement actions involving over $8 billion in fraud, including 2019’s Operation Brace Yourself, 2019’s Operation Double Helix, 2020’s Operation Rubber Stamp, and the telemedicine component of the 2021 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Specifically, the Operation Brace Yourself Telemedicine and Durable Medical Equipment Takedown alone resulted in an estimated cost avoidance of more than $1.9 billion in the amount paid by Medicare for orthotic braces in the 20 months following that enforcement action.
Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by Acting Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster, Acting Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Trial Attorney Catherine Wagner of the National Rapid Response Strike Force in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The Fraud Section’s National Rapid Response Strike Force and the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Strike Forces (SF) in Brooklyn, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Houston, Miami, Newark, as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Texas, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Tennessee, Northern District of Georgia, Northern District of Mississippi, and Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting these cases.
In addition to the FBI, HHS-OIG, and CPI/CMS, VA-OIG, DCIS, IRS, MFCU, DEA, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies participated in the operation.
Prior to the charges announced as part of today’s nationwide enforcement action and since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 16 strike forces operating in 27 districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers approximately $24.7 billion.
A complaint, information or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The following documents related to today’s announcement are available on the Health Care Fraud Unit website through the following links:
Telemedicine Enforcement Action (justice.gov)
Telemedicine Court Documents (justice.gov)
Telemedicine Press Releases (justice.gov)
Telemedicine Case Summaries (justice.gov)
Any patients who believe that they have been contacted as part of a fraudulent telemedicine, clinical laboratory, or DME scheme should call to report this conduct to HHS-OIG at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Investigation of a Pizza Delivery Box Lands a Meth Dealer in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jerrell Taylor, 36, of Kinston North Carolina, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison for trafficking methamphetamine. The investigation tied meth sales to Taylor through a pizza delivery box that listed his address. When Taylor began to believe he was under federal investigation, he left North Carolina for Las Vegas, Nevada. He was arrested there in April of 2020.
“Through our collaboration across federal, state and local law enforcement, we are taking dangerous and illegal drugs off the streets and putting dealers behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.
Taylor pled guilty in July 2021, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, evidence presented in court and other documents, on July 24, 2019, Onslow County Sheriff’s Detectives arranged a controlled purchase of 449 grams of meth for $6500. A “middleman” arrived on a motorcycle carrying a pizza box which contained the meth. The address listed on the pizza box was Taylor’s residence in Kinston. Following the deal, the middleman met with Taylor. Law enforcement observed the meeting and stopped both individuals. Taylor was found in possession of money from the controlled purchase.
The investigation revealed that from December 2018 until his arrest, Taylor was involved in the receipt and distribution of more than 18 kilograms of methamphetamine. Taylor was supplied methamphetamine from California including from people associated with the Grape Street Crips. Taylor and others would have packages sent to addresses in Kinston and New Bern. Taylor also had various people wire drug proceeds back to California. Among those involved in this conspiracy was Carlos Green. According to information received by law enforcement, Green received several packages of meth from the same source in California. Green was also involved in the distribution of heroin and cocaine in New Bern and Beaufort. Green was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon and multiple drug trafficking charges in September of 2020. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison earlier this year.
This is part of operation “Fighting Jelly Fish” which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, the Craven and Onslow County Sheriffs’ Office and the New Bern and Kinston Police Departments investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-00005.
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Inform Diagnostics Agrees to Pay $16 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Medically Unnecessary TestsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Inform Diagnostics, Inc., (Inform) formerly known as Miraca Life Sciences, Inc. (Inform), has agreed to pay $16 million to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims for payment to Medicare and other federal health care programs.
Inform is a clinical laboratory headquartered in Irving, Texas, that provides anatomic pathology services to physician practices throughout the United States. On April 27, 2022, Fulgent Genetics purchased Inform, and the company is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Fulgent Genetics.
According to the settlement, Inform admits that, between 2013 and 2018, it routinely and automatically conducted additional tests on biopsy specimens prior to a pathologist’s review and without an individualized determination regarding whether additional tests were medically necessary. The United States contends that Inform’s policy of conducting routine additional tests caused Inform to perform many tests that were medically unnecessary. Inform submitted these medically unnecessary tests for payment, causing federal health care programs to pay for false claims.
“Laboratories that bill for medically unnecessary tests drain funds from Medicare and other federally funded health care programs,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Prioritizing profit over complying with the law wastes hard earned taxpayer dollars. Companies that engage in this fraudulent conduct will be held accountable.”
“Clinical laboratories are expected to closely follow Medicare rules and bill properly — nothing more, nothing less,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “When that obligation is violated, government health care programs – and American taxpayers – pay the price. We are committed to pursuing these types of allegations along with our law enforcement partners as we work to protect the integrity of our federal health care system.”
“Companies that provide services to VA will be held to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” said Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Veteran Affairs’ Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “Submitting claims for medically unnecessary services will not be tolerated, and the VA OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable.”
“Submitting claims for medically unnecessary tests threatens the integrity of the federal health care programs and wastes taxpayer dollars,” said Amy K. Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General. “Today’s settlement is a reminder to all providers that the OPM OIG will not tolerate fraud against the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.”
“Billing federal health care programs for medically unnecessary tests contributes to the soaring costs of health care for all of us,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s settlement with Inform Diagnostics demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that health care providers base their treatment decisions on patients’ needs rather than their own financial interests.”
The False Claims Act allegations being resolved were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. In connection with today’s settlement, the whistleblower will receive 17 percent of the recovery.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, HHS-OIG SAC Coyne, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and OPM OIG SAC Parker made the announcement today. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of Rollins’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Narcotics and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Indiana, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 97 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Ahmed Doumbia, a/k/a “Med”, age 28.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about July 5, 2018, to on or about May 5, 2020, Doumbia did conspire to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack,” as well as, conspired to commit money laundering.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
OCDETF conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department.
Guilty verdict in conspiracy to transport 124 peopleRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury sitting in Laredo has convicted a 67-year-old Laredo man of conspiring to transport people in a sealed trailer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting David William McKeon for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens following a two-day trial.
On April 20, McKeon arrived at the Laredo North Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint while driving a tractor-trailer. At that time, law enforcement heard suspicious noises coming from the trailer. They opened a vent door and discovered 124 locked behind the doors.
At trial, the jury heard that McKeon had said he was recruited for the job at his birthday party a few days earlier. They heard he picked up the tractor-trailer from a dirt road then was given a fraudulent bill of lading in the parking lot of a Popeye’s restaurant before driving to the checkpoint.
However, the defense attempted to convince the jury that McKeon didn’t know there were aliens inside the trailer. The jury ultimately found him guilty of engaging in a conspiracy to transport the aliens.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, McKeon faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
McKeon has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and David Fawcett are prosecuting the case.
Four Orleans Parish Residents and One Jefferson Parish Resident Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN GUILLORY III, a/k/a “Tunie,” age 51, JOHN PETRIE, age 38, DEVIN JOHNSON, age 36, and SHAWN MAJOR, JR., a/k/a “G-Shawn,” age 22, residents of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, and LARRY MOSES, age 37, a resident of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana were charged on July 14, 2022, in a fourteen-count indictment by a federal grand jury. Charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; distribution of fentanyl and crack; possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana; felon in possession of firearms; and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
GUILLORY III is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of marijuana , in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He’s also charged with distribution of 28 grams or more of crack and fentanyl, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); and being a felon in possession of a firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted of the conspiracy count, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, GUILLORY III faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, GUILLORY III faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
PETRIE is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana; and being a felon in possession of a firearms.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, PETRIE faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine count, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, PETRIE faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
JOHNSON is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, JOHNSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code, or $250,000 on each count. For each count he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
MAJOR, JR. is charged with conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin counts, MAJOR, JR. faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the possession with intent to distribute crack, and methamphetamine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, MAJOR, JR. faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release on each count. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
MOSES is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. If convicted, MOSES faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, and U.S. Border Patrol. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Fort Stockton Man Found Guilty of Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PECOS – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted Thomas Scott Perkins, 31, of Fort Stockton on child pornography charges.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents determined through investigation that Perkins was sharing child pornography online. A search warrant was executed at Perkins’ residence and multiple hard drive devices were discovered that contained 95,316 images and 1,237 videos of child pornography.
Perkins was found guilty of one count of distribution of child pornography and eight counts of possession of child pornography. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 24, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison on the distribution count and up to 10 years in prison on each of the possession counts. Perkins has remained in federal custody since his arrest on September 14, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
HSI, with assistance from the FBI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Safety, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott V. Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former officer sent to prison for accepting bribeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 48-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to federal prison after allowing drugs into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Oziel Cantu is a former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. He pleaded guilty April 1, 2021, to one count of bribery of a public official.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez handed Cantu a 120-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted this type of case bothers her every single time and it is very difficult to understand the situation in which Cantu put himself. She informed him that everyone in the court room has been in a difficult financial situation before and yet none of them resorted to crime. Judge Alvarez stated that she would not let law enforcement corruption slide.
The investigation began after authorities suspected Cantu had contacted members of a Mexican drug trafficking organization to offer his assistance in smuggling narcotics through the Pharr Port of Entry where he was stationed for payment.
During an undercover operation, Cantu had agreed to assist with importing 40 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for a cash payment of $15,000. Cantu provided instructions on how to drive a vehicle containing the narcotics through a specific inspection lane during the early morning hours on Aug. 19, 2020. Once there, Cantu would let the vehicle pass into the United States.
Cantu was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and CBP – Office of Professional responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Former Sales Representative Convicted in Compound Prescription Drug SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former sales representative was convicted by a federal jury for his role in a scheme to defraud public health benefits programs by billing for medically unnecessary compound prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Matthew Puccio, 40, of Randolph, New Jersey, was convicted on July 19, 2022, of conspiracy to commit health care fraud following a seven-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez.
According to documents in this case and the evidence at trial:
Compound medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compound drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as if a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredients in the prescription.
From November 2014 to March 2016, Puccio participated in a conspiracy that involved submitting fraudulent prescriptions for compound medications to public health benefits programs. Marketing companies recruited and paid sales representatives, such as Puccio, to obtain compound medications for themselves and others regardless of medical necessity, targeting health plans that reimbursed for compound medications at high rates.
Puccio exploited this opportunity through working as a sales representative for several compounding pharmacies. He targeted individuals who had health plans that covered compound medications and then convinced those individuals to obtain prescriptions for compound medications, regardless of medical necessity. Puccio and others induced two New Jersey-based physicians to sign medically unnecessary prescriptions for beneficiaries that Puccio and others had recruited.
Once the prescriptions were written, they were filled by the compounding pharmacies with which Puccio worked. The compounding pharmacies would then receive reimbursement from the health plans and would pay Puccio a percentage of the reimbursement amount. Puccio and his conspirators caused a significant loss to public health benefits programs.
For the charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, Puccio faces a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma Spiro and Shawn Barnes of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty then Sentenced to Probation and Community Service for Obstruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIERRA HUDSON, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to obstruction of mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1701 on July 15, 2022. HUDSON was sentenced to five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service, a $1,000.00 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.
According to court documents, HUDSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and was assigned to work at the Central Carrier Station, New Orleans, LA 70122. From May 2020 through July 2020, HUDSON knowingly and willfully obstructed the passage of mail in that she unlawfully secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 640 First Class postcards and 573 pieces of political mail that were recovered from a residential trash can. HUDSON also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately two First Class letters, 535 advertising flyers, and 20 nonprofit small parcels in the trunk of her personal vehicle.
This case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”). The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.
Former Federal Employee Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gary Lee Peksa, a former federal employee, was sentenced today to eight years in prison for repeatedly connecting his cellphone to a wireless network at the Library of Congress and searching for, downloading, and viewing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and J. Thomas. Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Peksa, 56, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty in December 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of receipt of child pornography. He was sentenced by the Honorable Richard J. Leon. Following his prison term, Peksa will be placed on 20 years of supervised release. He also will be required to pay $47,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the child pornography he received and possessed. He also must register as a sex offender for at least 15 years.
According to court documents, Peksa was a sheet metal mechanic who worked for the Architect of the Capitol at the Library of Congress. On various dates, between Oct. 11, 2018 and July 29, 2019, he used his cellphone and the public wireless network at the Library of Congress to access websites that contained images and videos of child pornography. He did so in areas including a bathroom, his office, and a breakroom. Additionally, Peksa used his personal laptop, cellphone, and WiFi service to access similar materials at home.
Peksa’s conduct came to light after the Library of Congress network security operations center notified investigators of web traffic on the Library of Congress public wireless network of browsing associated with child pornography and the sexual exploitation of children. In July 2019, Capitol Police seized Peksa’s cellphone and laptop. The cellphone had 199 images that showed minor boys and girls exposing their genitals and/or engaging in sexual activity. The laptop had 215 files that depicted young girls being sexually abused and assaulted.
Peksa was arrested on Oct. 21, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the U.S. Capitol Police. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Manger commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the U.S. Capitol Police. They also acknowledged the assistance provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Paralegal Specialist Kenny Nguyen, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Larson, who prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Role in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Georgia woman was sentenced to 51 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States by promoting a nationwide tax fraud scheme involving more than 200 participants in at least 19 states.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Yomarie Febres, of Covington, prepared 77 false income tax returns that collectively sought more than $23.8 million in tax refunds from the IRS. Between 2014 and 2016, Febres’s co-conspirators held seminars throughout the country where they promoted the scheme and recruited clients to file false tax returns with the IRS by telling them that their mortgages and other debts entitled them to refunds. Information collected from clients was then provided to Febres for use in the preparation of false tax returns. The tax returns that Febres prepared falsely claimed that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income taxes from the clients, which entitled the clients to refunds. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to or withheld any taxes from the clients. The false returns Febres prepared caused the IRS to pay out more than $15 million in fraudulent refunds to scheme participants. Febres concealed her role in the scheme by falsely reporting that all of the returns were “self-prepared,” when she had actually created them.
Febres admitted that her co-conspirators charged clients approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in fees to participate in the scheme. Febres typically received a portion of the fee – typically $500 per client – for each tax return she prepared. Febres did not report on her 2014 and 2015 income tax returns the income she received for preparing these false returns. She also claimed false business losses on her personal tax returns.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. In April, Aaron Aqueron, who recruited clients and provided information to Febres for use in the preparation of false tax returns, was sentenced to more than four years in prison.
“Today’s sentence represents the culmination of years of work by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg. “The main promoters of this multimillion-dollar tax fraud conspiracy now has been identified, convicted and sentenced to a substantial prison term. The message to other would-be tax cheats is clear: no matter how sophisticated or complicated your scheme, we will uncover it, obtain your conviction and seek sentences that hold you fully responsible for your criminal conduct.”
“I am proud of the investigators and prosecutors who worked diligently to unravel this complex financial scheme and recover millions of dollars on behalf of American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s sentence, along with those previously imposed upon the co-conspirators in this case, shows that those who willfully violate our national’s tax laws should expect to face significant consequences for their crimes.”
“Plain and simple, you can’t defraud the U.S. government and not face repercussions for your crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “Our investigation revealed that Febres not only misrepresented the refunds her clients were entitled to on their tax returns, but she also attempted to conceal her role in the criminal activity by failing to list herself as the tax preparer. Her actions landed her in federal prison with a hefty restitution amount due to the IRS.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, the district judge also ordered Febres to serve two years of supervised release and pay $11,140,842.65 in restitution to the IRS.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind, Kavitha Bondada and Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, prosecuted the case.
Federal Indictment in Pensacola Shooting CaseRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Quinton L. Pete, 33, of Ocala, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with attempted Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Pete was arrested on this case in Dallas, Texas, a day after the armed robbery in Pensacola.
The federal indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2022, Pete attempted to rob persons at the Coyote’s Sports Bar, which is next to Cordova Mall in Pensacola. It also alleges Pete did so with a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony. The Pensacola Police Department was the first to respond to and investigate the crime scene. Working in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service, the Pensacola Police Department was able to locate Pete in Dallas, Texas, and have him taken into custody without incident.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment today charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, on July 10, 2022, Herbert Lee, 30, was in possession of a handgun on July 10, 2022. Lee has previously been convicted of the following felonies that prohibit him from possessing a firearm: receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2013; receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2014; and receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 in 2019.
Lee is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He remains in state custody and will be scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and ATF Louisville Division Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case. SAUSA Lantz is an Assistant Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney sworn in as a SAUSA to prosecute firearms cases in federal court. She works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime. Funding for SAUSA Lantz’s position comes from a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, to the office of Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- July 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
John David Boman. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Boman, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Rossi .357 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-219
Martin Andrew Breshears. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Arson in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Use of Fire or Explosive to Commit a Felony. On June 27, 2022, Breshears, 24, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted a male victim with intent to do bodily harm. On June 28, 2022, he is further alleged to have broken into the same victim’s residence, assaulted him with a sharpened lead pipe, doused the victim with lighter fluid, attempted to set the victim on fire, and endangered lives when he set the victim’s residence on fire. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Robert T. Raley are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-223
Matthew Gabriel Cowan. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cowan, 41, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Sig Sauer 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and 98 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finally, he is charged with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-224
Tyler James Lewis. Corruptly Tampering with Evidence (Counts 1-4). Between July 3, 2022, and July 4, 2022, Lewis, 23, of Cleveland, allegedly tampered with evidence in an attempt to impair an investigation into the shooting of Tyler Lane Kirk, who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Lewis allegedly tampered with the victim’s body, a blue shirt, a cell phone, and a black GMC Denali pickup truck. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-220
Jesse Ray Matlock. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Counts 2,5,7); Tampering with a Witness by Using and Threatening Physical Force (Count 3); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 4); Stalking (Count 6); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 8); Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion (Count 9) (second superseding). On February 24, 2022, Matlock, 31, of Eucha, allegedly sexually assaulted and strangled an intimate partner. He further carried a firearm during the crimes and threatened to harm and harmed the victim to prevent her from communicating with law enforcement officials. He is also charged with strangling the victim in May 2021. He is further charged with stalking the victim through electronic means from December 1, 2021, through Dec. 4, 2021. He is further charged with kidnapping and strangling his spouse between Dec. 13, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2021. Finally, Matlock is charged with persuading another individual to tamper with evidence to impair the law enforcement investigation and official proceedings related to his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-083
Donald Ray Shibley. Robbery in Indian Country (Counts 1, 4); Carjacking (Counts 2,5); Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 6). Shibley, 43, of Tulsa, allegedly struck and beat the driver of a 2006 Jaguar sedan when he stole elderly man’s jewelry, firearms and car on June 20, 2022, at an apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Tulsa. He also allegedly stabbed a different driver in the neck with a pen when he attempted to steal the elderly woman’s 2014 Honda sedan on June 22, 2022, at a Tulsa gas station. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-221
Joel Richard Smith; Amanda Irene Smith. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1,3); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2,4) (superseding). From Feb. 1, 2014, and continuing through April 5, 2019, Joel and Amanda Smith are alleged to have aided and abetted one another when they maliciously injured and tortured a child. During that time, they also failed to adequately provide for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child. The Smiths were arrested and charged after the child ran to a neighbor’s home for help. The child was severely malnourished, did not have basic hygiene needs met, and showed signs of physical abuse, including difficulty walking. Joel Smith, 47, of Salina, is charged in counts 1 and 2. Amanda Smith, 43, of Salina, is charged in counts 3 and 4. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-553
Erie Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Deceased Father's Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Erie, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in jail and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $127,636 on her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Loraleigh Helen Barber, 51.
According to information presented to the court, from January 1, 2007 through August 2, 2019, Barber received $127,636 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled. Ms. Barber had served as a representative payee for her father and after he died in December of 2006, yet she never advised the Social Security Administration and kept on receiving and spending the benefits intended for her father.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barber.
El Paso School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso school teacher was sentenced today to life in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Ricardo Ortiz, 31, began chatting with a 14-year-old on social media when the conversation quickly turned sexual in nature. Ortiz arranged to meet with the minor for a sexual encounter but when he arrived at the meeting place, Ortiz was arrested by law enforcement. Ortiz was actually speaking with an undercover FBI employee instead of a minor.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that Ortiz also engaged in sexual activities with at least three minors in the El Paso area. Agents also found child pornography on Ortiz’s electronic devices.
On March 9, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
“Our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of those who prey upon children in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We are incredibly grateful for our law enforcement partners in this case for their tireless efforts in identifying victims and working to hold Ricardo Ortiz responsible for the unspeakable harm he has caused.”
“Ricardo Ortiz, a local teacher in El Paso, was trusted by students and parents alike to serve as a role model and not a sexual predator going after teens,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso Office. “I want to thank our partners on the El Paso Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force for their dedication to the mission to protect the children of our community. They were able to stop Ortiz, who attempted to meet a 14-year-old, whom he met via social media, for sex. This case reminds all of us to remain vigilant about our children’s online behavior and social media presence. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers of online predators who use popular apps, games, and websites and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory J. Rasmussen and Kristal Wade prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 19, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Brenda Faye Fernandez, age 48, was sentenced to ten months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. She pled guilty on March 31, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from Fernandez’s involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, in South Dakota. Fernandez knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Fernandez was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Armed Invasion of Northeast Washington BusinessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Timothy Heard, 45, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for barging into a business in Northeast Washington with two loaded firearms, and then holding a female employee against her will for more than an hour.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Heard pleaded guilty in February 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of kidnapping and a related firearms offense. He was sentenced on July 19, 2022, by the Honorable Richard J. Leon. Following completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 4, 2020, at approximately 3 p.m., Heard kicked in the office door of a landscaping business in the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road NE. At the time, he was illegally armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols, even though he was barred from having guns because of a prior felony conviction. Upon entering, he saw a female employee in the office; two other employees ran out of the building. Heard told the remaining employee that she could not leave. For more than an hour, he intentionally held her against her will. The Metropolitan Police Department arrived at the scene after receiving an emergency call.
Heard called 911 as the MPD officers surrounded the business and said that he would release the employee if officers backed off. Heard eventually placed the guns in a bag and then put the bag in a file cabinet. Heard then smoked a PCP laced cigarette before walking out of the building, when he was arrested. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI and MPD. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Genevieve de Guzman, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias, and Victim/Witness Program Specialist Yvonne Bryant. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Del City Man Sentenced to Serve Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, a federal judge sentenced PATRICK SEAN HICKS, 40, of Del City, Oklahoma, to 84 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 8, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment against Hicks charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On August 4, 2021, Hicks pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Public records reflect that on November 29, 2020, at 12:49 a.m., the Del City Police Department received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance. Records further reflect that Hicks broke into his ex-wife’s house and threatened her, her boyfriend, and her children. Police officers arrived and eventually arrested Hicks with a gun in his hand. Hicks is a felon and had an active victim protective order (VPO) against him.
Public records reflect Hicks has felony convictions for larceny of copper in Cleveland County case CF-2007-599, unauthorized use of a vehicle in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-1518, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving while privilege suspended in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-3073, forgery in the second degree and concealing stolen property in Oklahoma County case CF-2007-4099, possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance (CDS) in Cleveland County case CF-2009-1088, use of a computer for the purpose of violating Oklahoma statutes, threatening to perform an act of violence, and malicious injury and destruction of property in Oklahoma County case CF-2019-997, and second degree burglary, making a false declaration to a pawnbroker, and possession of stolen property in Oklahoma County case CF-2019-1173. The defendant also had four separate VPOs filed against him by his ex-wife in Oklahoma County case numbers PO-2018-2877, PO-2019-165, PO-2020-1488, and PO-2020-2178.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Hicks to serve 84 months in federal prison. Judge Wyrick cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense, Hicks’ criminal history, and the need to protect the public. Judge Wyrick also ordered that upon release from prison, Hicks must serve 3 years of supervised release. Defendant has been in custody since November 29, 2020.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Del City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhood, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Defendants Indicted in Tractor Trailer Smuggling Incident That Resulted in 53 DeathsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment today against two men charged in the fatal tractor trailer incident that occurred on June 27, 2022, resulting in the death of 50 adults and three minor children and injuring 10 adults and one minor child.
Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, TX, and Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, TX, are charged in a federal indictment with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, all in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
Upon conviction, the charges for conspiracy to transport and transport resulting in death carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty. The Attorney General will decide whether to seek the death penalty at a later time. Should the Attorney General determine that the circumstances of the offense are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the transporting resulting in serious bodily injury charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On June 27, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents responded to the scene of a human smuggling event involving a tractor trailer and 64 individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers advised HSI Agents that they arrived at the location of the tractor trailer in southwest San Antonio after receiving 911 calls from concerned citizens. At the scene, SAPD officers discovered multiple individuals some still inside the tractor trailer, some on the ground and in nearby brush, many of them deceased and some of them incapacitated. SAPD officers were led to the location of an individual, later identified as Zamorano, who was observed hiding in the brush after attempting to abscond. Zamorano was detained by SAPD officers.
A search warrant was executed on a cell phone belonging to Zamorano. Through investigation, it was discovered that communications occurred between Zamorano and Martinez concerning the smuggling event.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol provided HSI agents surveillance footage of the tractor trailer crossing through an immigration checkpoint. The driver could be seen wearing a black shirt with stripes and a hat. HSI agents confirmed Zamorano matched the individual from the surveillance footage and was wearing the same clothing.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division, made the announcement.
HSI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department; the Palestine Police Department; Joint Task Force Alpha; Customs and Border Protection; and Border Patrol, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown, Sarah Spears and Jose Luis Acosta are prosecuting the case.
These charges resulted in coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Handgun in Chicago SuburbRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man who was previously convicted of a 1993 kidnapping and murder in Chicago has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
DARNELL LUCKETT illegally possessed the firearm on March 15, 2017, in Maywood, Ill. Illinois State Police stopped a vehicle Luckett was driving and discovered the gun under the driver’s seat. During the stop police also found ammunition, heroin, bath salts, marijuana, a digital scale, and counterfeit cash.
Luckett, 51, of Berwyn, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Luckett had previously been convicted of multiple state felonies, including the 1993 kidnapping and murder of Darren Payton in Chicago, and was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., on Monday imposed a 71-month federal prison sentence.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. ISP provided valuable assistance.
“The city of Chicago is plagued by gun violence,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Dixon argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Federal gun laws exist to prevent individuals from being armed who have shown they cannot be trusted to responsibly possess a firearm.”
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 12 Years for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Mark Allen Branch, 34, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine and for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 15, 2020, officers with the Dyer County Sheriff's Department conducted a traffic stop on a green Pontiac Bonneville for a registration violation. The defendant was in the front passenger seat.
During the search of the vehicle, officers located a green camouflage backpack on the front passenger side floorboard. A loaded Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol was found inside the backpack. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Branch admitted the backpack was his. Other items located in the backpack included a digital scale, three plastic baggies of methamphetamine, and eight individually wrapped baggies of marijuana. Branch confirmed that everything inside the backpack belonged to him.
The DEA issued a laboratory report in this case, which confirmed a net weight of 54.10 grams of actual methamphetamine with a purity level of 95%. The DEA also confirmed that the marijuana weighed 174.95 grams.
A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined Branch's pistol and determined that the gun was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee and therefore traveled in interstate commerce prior to being possessed by Branch on January 15, 2020.
Officers also confirmed that Branch is a convicted felon. In November 2007, Branch was convicted of Possession of over .5 grams of Cocaine with Intent to Sell/Deliver in Dyer County, Mitigated Statutory Rape and Failure to Appear in Dyer County in August 2009, and Promotion of Methamphetamine Manufacture in Dyer County in April 2012.
On March 23, 2022, Branch pled guilty in federal court to the charges of Possession of over 50 grams of Actual Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Felon-in-Possession of a Firearm. As a convicted felon, Branch is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On July 14, 2022, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Branch to 151 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Convicted Felon Is Sentenced to over 12 Years for Selling More Than 20 Firearms Without A License and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted felon was sentenced to 151 months in prison today for selling firearms without a license and illegal gun possession, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Anthony Dewayne Daye, 38, of Statesville, N.C., was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department, and Chief David W. Onley of the Statesville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between October 2020 and February 2021, Daye sold illegally in and around Statesville more than 20 firearms and ammunition, including rifles, handguns, “ghost guns,” and semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, and aided and abetted in the sale of additional illegal firearms. Court records show that some of the firearms Daye sold had been reported stolen. Daye is not a licensed firearms dealer and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior criminal convictions.
On November 19, 2021, Daye pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and aiding and abetting and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Daye is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Hickory Police Department, and the Statesville Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ralph Allison Pitt, Jr., 46, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on December 6, 2017, federal agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (ACHIDTA) and investigators with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on a hotel room shared by Pitt and a co-defendant, who were targets in a drug operation. Law enforcement located various controlled substances including approximately 179 grams of pure methamphetamine in a substance that weighed more than 380 grams and recovered a Smith & Wesson Model “669” 9mm pistol inside a duffle bag with a luggage tag bearing Pitt’s name.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Pitt to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) investigation. HIDTA is a grant program purposed with improving public safety and well-being by disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through intelligence-driven multi-jurisdictional operations; enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations through training; and improving communication and information sharing among criminal justice, drug prevention, and drug treatment professionals in support of the objectives as administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Additional information can be found at https://www.achidta.org/, https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta, and https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/.
This case was investigated by the Columbia’s DEA ACHIDTA, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Bales is prosecuting the case.
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California Pair Indicted for Supplying Fentanyl Linked to Wise County Teen OverdosesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A federal grand jury in Abingdon returned an indictment yesterday charging a pair of California men with supplying the fentanyl linked to teenage overdoses that occurred in Wise County, Virginia.
The grand jury has charged Alexander Ortiz, 25, of Fullerton, Calif., and Jorge Efrain Perez Jr., 24, of Anaheim, Calif., each with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl which resulted in serious bodily injury to two juvenile victims. In addition, Ortiz is charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Ortiz and Perez were the suppliers of fentanyl for Paul Mason Perkins, Austin Jeremiah Lane, Cheyenne Cassie Carico, and others, all of Southwest Virginia.
The government alleges that between November 1, 2020, and June 20, 2022, Ortiz sold thousands of pressed pills containing fentanyl to Perkins and others. Perkins ordered 1,000 pills at a time using the social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram, making purchases from Ortiz every few weeks. Ortiz had the pills mailed to Perkins at his residence in Big Stone Gap. Perkins then distributed the pills to other individuals in Wise County, including multiple sales to co-conspirators Lane and Carico. Perez assisted Ortiz in mailing the illicit packages from California to Virginia, as well as other locations throughout the country.
On November 24, 2021, Perkins sold Carico and Lane three pressed pills. Lane and Carico had purchased two of the pills for a 17-year-old female the two knew from school. Later that night, the 17-year-old female was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. Law enforcement recovered half a pressed pill from the scene of the overdose, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Later the same night, an 18-year-old male who had purchased pressed pills containing fentanyl from Perkins was hospitalized due to a drug overdose.
Search warrants executed at Ortiz’s residences in Los Banos and Santa Ana, California, resulted in the recovery of over 6,000 pressed pills containing fentanyl, approximately $60,000 cash, and 13 firearms.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Charlies J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Atlanta Division made the announcement.
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Southwest Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives are investigating the case, with assistance from the Stanislaus and Orange County, California Sheriffs’ Offices.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boonville Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $400,000Read the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Kyle D. Hollman, 33, of Boonville, Ind., was sentenced late yesterday to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Hollman was employed as a purchasing agent for ProLift Toyota Material Handling, and his job was to procure equipment for Aleris Rolled Products. Hollman used funds belonging to his employer and Aleris to fraudulently purchase hundreds of items for his own personal use, including, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a tractor, firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, tools, tactical gear, and camping equipment. Hollman made around 847 unauthorized purchases, totaling $346,608.65, from Feb. 20, 2018, to Nov. 12, 2020.
Hollman perpetrated his fraud scheme by billing Aleris for products that ProLift never purchased, providing inflated invoices, altering receipts, and using company credit cards for unauthorized purchases. Hollman defrauded Aleris of more than $422,693.40.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Hollman pay restitution of $164,702.65, forfeit all illicitly purchased items, and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who is prosecuting the case.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Jason L. Istre, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 78 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. The Court further sentenced Istre to serve 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made during his plea, on or about October 1, 2021, Istre knowingly received files of child pornography via the internet. Additionally, he used sophisticated computer programs to download and store images and videos of child pornography. Istre sought videos and images of minors, knowing they were under 18 years of age, and sought them with the intent to receive child pornography. Istre also possessed 1,700 total videos and approximately 45 images of child pornography, which were accessible through his laptop.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Baltimore Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl and Other Narcotics to Customers Across Four StatesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Yesterday U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Devin Cunningham, age 27, of Baltimore, to 87 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, Cunningham engaged in a years’ long conspiracy to sell and distribute narcotics including fentanyl, heroin, and other controlled substances in Baltimore. From January 2017 to December 2020, scores of customers from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia traveled to the Forest Park area of Baltimore and purchased between a half of a gram and several grams of fentanyl or heroin and other controlled substances from Cunningham and his associates.
As part of their investigation, law enforcement conducted numerous controlled narcotics purchases from Cunningham and his co-conspirators. In four of the controlled purchases, Cunningham either distributed or participated in the distribution of narcotics, including fentanyl, to a confidential informant. For example, on July 24, 2018, Cunningham and an accomplice sold less than two grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin to a confidential informant for $200.
As stated in his plea agreement, Cunningham continued to sell heroin and fentanyl until his arrest in December 2020. During his arrest, agents seized a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, four cell phones, and approximately several thousand dollars cash. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on the vehicle that Cunningham operated and recovered several items including drug packaging materials, labeling materials, digital scales, approximately 68 grams of fentanyl, approximately 41 grams of a heroin/tramadol mixture, and approximately 383 grams of marijuana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, DEA, and FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked the Montgomery County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Rigali, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced for Selling Illegal Guiding ServicesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for illegally selling big game guiding services in 2018.
According to court documents, Stephen Jeremy Hicks, 45, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one felony violation of the Lacey Act for illegally selling guiding services to a paying client near Max Lake, Alaska. Hicks sold the hunt on Bureau of Land Management lands where he was not permitted to operate and violated Alaska State laws governing guide/client supervision requirements while in the field.
Hicks was also ordered to forfeit his interest in a Piper Super Cub (N8126C) and to pay $13,460 in restitution for the illegally sold Dall sheep hunt. At sentencing the court found that Hicks had committed other wildlife hunting crimes with non-resident clients in violation of state and federal laws, including the Lacey Act. These include: guiding same day airborne hunts, guiding clients on other state and federally managed lands without permits, wanton waste of game, making false statements and records, taking big game without paying for required tags and guiding while his license was permanently revoked. While on supervision Hicks cannot fly private aircraft or engage in any commercial hunting activity in any capacity.
In determining the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, focused on the lack of investigative resources for wildlife protection, the fact that Hicks profited from his crimes and the trust placed in big game guides by the State of Alaska, stating: “the need for prison is to make clear that blatant disregard for state and federal fish and wildlife rules will not be tolerated.”
“Alaska’s wildlife is the envy of the world. Unwavering wildlife law enforcement is critical to the health and well-being of the state’s wildlife populations, which are an irreplaceable part of Alaska’s natural heritage,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Wildlife is also critical to Alaska Natives for subsistence hunting and fishing as well as sport hunting and tourism. In coordination with our federal and state partners, our office will pursue and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who violate wildlife laws.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Skrocki and Ron Dupuis of the State of Alaska Attorney General’s Office jointly prosecuted the case.
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After Serving Federal Prison Sentence, Miami Bank Robber Returns to Old WaysRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Yesterday, a federal district judge in Miami, Florida sentenced Leonard Williams to 81 months’ imprisonment for bank robbery (57 months) and for violating his supervised release on a 2010 bank robbery case (24 months).
On November 30, 2021, Williams began a three-year term of supervised release following a 151-month sentence for robbing banks. He left his residential reentry center to check in with his Probation Officer, but he never returned to the reentry center. Instead, two days later, Williams robbed two more banks. He entered Ocean Bank in downtown Miami and handed a bank teller a note demanding money, which read, “This is a bank robbery give me all cash 100 50 20 10 list don’t make it a [illegible writing.]” The teller told Williams she did not have any money, and when she did not comply with his demand note, Williams pointed at the note, climbed over the bank teller’s counter into the teller area, and yelled that he wanted cash. Williams then took a small, Ocean Bank zippered deposit bag containing blank checks, parking validations tickets, and a USB thumb drive before climbing back over the counter and exiting the bank with the Ocean Bank zippered bag. About an hour later, Williams entered a Citibank—the same one he robbed in 2010—and used a demand note to rob $7,113 from two Citibank tellers.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John J. Bernardo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami, announced the sentence that U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. imposed.
FBI Miami investigated the case, with assistance of City of Miami Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Michele Klco is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 10-cr-20843 and 22-cr-20015.
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91 Arrested in Crime Reduction Operation in North Carolina and South CarolinaRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A crime reduction operation in North Carolina and South Carolina has resulted in the apprehension of more than 91 individuals on charges of homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution and gun crimes.
The enforcement operation announced today took place between July 5, 2022, and July 15, 2022, in Gaston County in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina, with special emphasis placed on communities within Gastonia, N.C. and Rock Hill, S.C.
Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, “Operation Washout” is a violent crime reduction initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement, and focuses on improving safety in local communities by identifying and removing fugitives, violent criminals, self-identified gang members, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and parole violators.
“Criminal activity impacts the well-being of our communities,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that took part in this crime reduction initiative. As we work together to build stronger relationships with our communities, we must hold accountable those who continue to spread violence and pose a threat to our citizens’ safety.”
“Our commitment to strengthen, protect and safeguard our communities is showcased by the collaborative effort of all the agencies involved in this operation,” said Chris Edge, Acting U.S. Marshal of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of North Carolina. “It also serves as a somber reminder that if you commit a crime and think by fleeing the county or state the United States Marshals Service will find you, wherever you hide.”
Partnering agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service in North Carolina and South Carolina and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Gaston County Police Department, the City of Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the York County Solicitor’s Office.
19 July 2022
iCore Global LLC Executives Plead Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two executives of iCore Global LLC (iCore) have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Samantha L. Mueting, 57, of San Antonio and Josephus De Laat, aka Jos De Laat, 61, of Spicewood defrauded investors through iCore, a company Mueting owned and operated and touted as being a multi-national commercial real estate provider. De Laat served as iCore’s chief financial officer.
Together they conspired to perpetrate a series of frauds upon couples nearing retirement. The defendants promised to allocate the victim couples’ funds into a commercial real estate hedge fund, but instead used the funds for their own personal gain. According to the indictment, they made fraudulent misrepresentations that iCore was a full service, conflict-free, commercial real estate provider worldwide.
Mueting claimed that iCore operated in at least 64 countries, with 156 offices, managed anywhere from tens to hundreds of billions of dollars in a commercial real estate investment fund and employed anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 employees. In reality, iCore’s incorporation address was a shipping company store P.O. Box in Helotes and never employed more than half-dozen employees at any given time. In sum, the defendants defrauded investors of more than $2.1 million.
On July 1, 2022, Mueting pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
De Laat pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
A third codefendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and is scheduled for trial on August 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Special Agent in Charge Paul Duran made the announcement.
The USSS is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Gregory Surovic are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Windsor Resident Admits Defrauding Employer and its Lender of More Than $700KRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MARGARET BOISTURE, 50, of Windsor, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a charge stemming from her fraud against her former employer and one of its lenders.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Boisture functioned as the chief financial employee of ZoneFlow Reactor Technologies, a pre-revenue company in the business of developing and commercializing a new technology that improves the efficiency of the production of hydrogen. PayPal marketed and serviced commercial loans from WebBank, a third-party lender. Between approximately October 2016 and February 2020, Boisture defrauded ZoneFlow, PayPal and WebBank by diverting ZoneFlow money to herself; taking unauthorized loans that caused ZoneFlow to pay additional interest expense; and making misrepresentations to PayPal and WebBank to induce them to make unauthorized loans to ZoneFlow that expanded the pool of money from which Boisture could take.
In total, Boisture’s criminal conduct caused losses of $632,159.78 to ZoneFlow and $78,066.76 to PayPal and WebBank.
Boisture pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Boisture is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
United States Attorney Announces Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the second quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the past three months, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 64 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses. Those prosecutions have removed more than 200 firearms from our streets. During 2022, in total, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 115 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses, involving 287 firearms and 1,813 auto sears. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also committed to violent crime prevention. PSN community outreach efforts in the second quarter involved more than 900 people.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce violent crime in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to help make that happen, and we look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and our community stakeholders in this effort.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
The cases identified in the linked chart have been investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Police Department, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Cambrel Smart (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Terry Flournoy (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Najour Grimes (25)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
James Edward Bess, III (27)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 25 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Manuel Copland (28)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Trent Reichling, and Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Raymond Reeves (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Cornelius Moore (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephan Marshall (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Sterling Johnson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Brian Sarro (47)
Possession of a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Skeith (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Shawntae Clark (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
2
Johnny White (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
James Little (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Thomas Morrison (62)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Darrell Paschal (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Assault on a federal employee
Maximum Prison Term: 8 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dustin Eward (44)
Conspiracy; Violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
105
Gregory Eward (24)
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Michael Langston (37)
Possession of a machinegun and silencer violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of firearms by an adjudicated mental defective and unlawful user of controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
11
Dylan Jarvis (30)
Possession of a short barreled shotgun, violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
David Geathers (25)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
4
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Julie Hackenberry, Arnold Cormeier, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot, Cyrus Zomorodian, Rodney Brown, Michael Coolican, Kevin Frein, and Kirwinn Mike
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Ricky D. Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute heroin
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Kidanny Rivera-Rolon (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Mandel Lamont Stewart (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ivan Hollingsworth (34)
Unlawful dealing in firearms –
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
NFT violation for transfer of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3 plus 238 auto sears
James King (53)
Possession of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Sale of firearm to felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2 plus 12 auto sears
Brian A. Blake (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition (two counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
2
Daniel Ira Johnson (34)
Transfer of firearm to non-resident
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Javier Lopez Rivera (36)
Pedro Tapia Matos (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
3
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Jason Aaron Beaty (43)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a drug user
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry Livanos, Dana Hill, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Betty Gonzalez, and Michael Felicetta
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Jerome Miller (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Niko Wimbley (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Deandre Lopez (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Hankerson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Raequan Nelson (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Raequin Smith (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Jackie Chapman, III (20)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Ataire Carl Ray (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marquvius T. Dixon (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Marquis Player (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
William Shumaker (38)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cleate Wilson (40)
Forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with federal officers
Maximum Prison Term: 1 year
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Roy Nobles (41)
Malachi Deloch (23)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Reginal Roberts (22)
Nathaniel Carr (28)
Daniel Jackson (29)
Chrishawn Butler (22)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 24 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
O’Marie Hudson (25)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Elijah Bell (19)
Hobbs Act
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thomas Bellere (29)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Magdiel Carmona (27)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
6
Derrek Wallace (45)
Troy Dollman (45)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Rafael Gonzalez Alomar (38)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Mike Sinacore, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Maria Guzman, David Sullivan, David Chee, Michael Kenneth, and Christopher Murray
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Re’Shod Larry (27)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Romeo Lenell Battle (24)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Simon Eth
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Edrick Jackson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ramone Astin
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Andrew Harp (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Adam Taylor (32)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Charles Mobley (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, Arnold Corsmeier, Frank Talbot, David Mesrobian, and John Cannizzaro
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marty Eugene Days, Jr. (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Forcibly assaulting federal officer with injury
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marques Leroy Young (22)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Samuel A. Glover (30)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an Unregistered NFA Weapon
Maximum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, Mike Felicetta, Will S. Hamilton, and Hannah Nowalk
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Kevin Deane Jones (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Jen Harrington
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Kermon Williams (44)
Jhaphre Higgs (42)
James Higgs (37)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Attempt to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Mike Sinacore, David Chee, Craig Gestring, and Charlie Connelly
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
John Olvera Salinas (19)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence—18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
15
Joshua Wade McGinnis (27)
*Salinas codefendant
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
Distribution of cocaine (3 Counts)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
This PSN case from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Steven McWhorter (49)
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine over 500 Grams
Sentence Imposed: 136 months in federal prison
2
Charles DeYoung (45)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
1
Brittany Cooper (32)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Ashley Washington, Betty Gonzalez, David Mesrobian, and Laura Taylor
*Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marrin Maurice Baker (48)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 28 months in federal prison
1
Ashley Nicole Kirkland (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 34 months in federal prison
1
Lonnie Lorenzo Hollingsworth, Jr. (37)
Possession of ammunition affecting interstate commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 36 months in federal prison.
0
Christopher Graves (28)
Possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 53 months in federal prison.
1
Deveon Demon Jenkins (27)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 15 years in federal prison.
1
Darrell Pierre Hopkins (54)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
0
Jeffrey Walt Boston (44)
Felon in possession of firearm
Unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence Imposed: 8 years, 8 months in federal prison
1
Christopher L. Leslie (25)
Felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting commerce
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 4 months in federal prison
3
Kenyari D. Brewton (26)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: Time Served
0
Mark Charles Weatherly (21)
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (actual meth – 5 grams or more)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Larry Burrows (26)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Carjacking
Sentence Imposed: 27 years in federal prison
0
This PSN case from the Orlando Division was handled by Chauncey Bratt.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Dnerius McCullough (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 77 months in federal prison
1
Samuel Storey (43)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 17 years in federal prison
1
Antonio Phillips (33)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 8 years in federal prison
1
Victor Grant (40)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 21 years, 10 months in federal prison
0
Michael Cottone (35)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 3 months in federal prison
2
Christian Agosto (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
1
Deuntay Robertson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 6 years in federal prison
1
Robert Russel Hinote (75)
Dealing firearms without a license
Sentence Imposed: Probation
75
Travis Riley (39)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Sentence Imposed: 9 years, 7 months in federal prison
3
Ralph Malpeso (44)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed:3 years, 1 month in federal prison
6
Clay Morris (29)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Francis Zuilkoski (64)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Calfus W. Drummond (35)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 11 years, 6 months in federal prison
6
Ronald White (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
2nd Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
April 4, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
April 7, 2022
AMI Youth Program (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
29
Tampa
April 12, 2022
Girls With Pearls
17
Orlando
April 19, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
20
Orlando
April 21, 2022
Central Florida Reentry Network Program
56
Orlando
April 22, 2022
FBI Protecting Places of Worship Program
55
Tampa
April 22, 2022
Baker Correctional Reentry Program
75
Jacksonville
April 26, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
14
Orlando
April 28, 2022
Tampa Bay Reentry Month Program
163
Tampa
May 2, 2022
Rising Stars Program at Westbrooke Elementary (Gun Pledge)
18
Orlando
May 9, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
27
Tampa
May 12-13, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
21
Jacksonville
May 17, 2022
Pace Center for Girls
15
Orlando
May 20, 2022
Lockhart Elementary Lunch Buddies Mentor Appreciation
50
Tampa
May 21, 2022
NOBLE Law In Your Community Program
35
Fort Myers
May 23, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
May 26, 2022
Lee County Public Schools Assembly (Assistant Principals)
93
Fort Myers
June 2-3, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
15
Ocala
June 14, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
42
Tampa
June 15, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Shields Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
77
Tampa
May 2, 2022
May 31, 2022
June 14, 2022
June 28, 2022
PSN Violent Crime Initiative – Orlando PD
25
10
25
40
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 2nd Quarter: 24
Total Number of Attendees for 2nd Quarter: 97
Ukraine Resident Pleads Guilty for Role in Sophisticated International Scheme to Steal Money from U.S. Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen who previously resided in Ukraine pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Harold Sobel, 69, was a member of an international criminal enterprise that unlawfully debited money from the bank accounts of unknowing U.S. victims. Members of the criminal enterprise created shell companies for the purpose of receiving victim funds and created fake websites for the shell companies that claimed to offer products or services, such as cloud storage. Members of the criminal enterprise executed unauthorized debits against victims’ bank accounts, while falsely representing to banks that the debits were authorized by the victims as payment for the non-existent products and services.
“The department will prosecute members of international criminal enterprises who defraud Americans and deceive U.S. banks,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Regardless of where they are located, the department will pursue the perpetrators of these fraud schemes.”
“A sophisticated transnational criminal enterprise executed false debits against unsuspecting victims and deceived banks– victimizing American consumers and financial institutions in the process,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “The guilty plea demonstrates the tenacity and resolve of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable for their unscrupulous actions.”
Unauthorized debits against victim accounts, caused by conspirators, resulted in returned transactions and high return rates that often generated scrutiny from the banks. To both conceal and continue making these unauthorized debits, members of the criminal enterprise made misrepresentations to the financial institutions about the transactions, claiming that they were authorized. In some cases, members of the criminal enterprise caused the accounts used by the criminal enterprise to also make “micro debits” against other bank accounts controlled and funded by or for the criminal enterprise. The “micro debits” were used to artificially lower the return rates to levels that conspirators believed would reduce bank scrutiny and thereby lessen the likelihood of closure of the accounts used by the criminal enterprise. The criminal enterprise also operated a call center that fielded complaints from victims of the unauthorized debits. The call center sought to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and to government agencies.
As part of the enterprise, Sobel opened bank accounts in the United States at the direction of a co-conspirator who organized and conducted the affairs of the enterprise from outside the United States. For example, on or about Oct. 16, 2019, Sobel opened four business deposit accounts at a bank branch in Las Vegas. Sobel opened the accounts for a shell company called “Silver Safe Box” and listed himself as the sole member and authorized signer in the account opening documentation. The criminal enterprise then funded “micro debits,” designed to lower return rates, through the Silver Safe Box accounts. Between approximately December 2019 and January 2021, the Silver Safe Box accounts funded over 800,000 “micro debits” in amounts ranging from $0.99 to $1.85. Sobel also recruited at least two associates in the United States to help the foreign co-conspirator, among other things, open additional bank accounts and register shell companies.
Sobel’s participation also involved providing support for the activities of the criminal enterprise’s call center in Ukraine. Sobel devised a script to be used in response to complaints from victims by the call center’s personnel to retain as much of the criminal enterprise’s proceeds as possible, and – only on those occasions where those efforts failed – to then issue full refunds, in order to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and government agencies. Sobel also devised a metric by which he and the foreign co-conspirator could evaluate the effectiveness of the call center’s personnel. As part of his guilty plea, Sobel admitted that more than $1.5 million in victim debits were reasonably foreseeable to him.
Sobel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 12 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Meredith Healy and Wei Xiang of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Joined by State and Local Agencies, to Host One-Stop Reentry Resource Fair at the War Memorial in Baltimore Tomorrow, July 20, 2022Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Tomorrow, July 20th, 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), will sponsor a one-stop reentry resource fair that will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the War Memorial, 101 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD. More than 40 organizations, including at least 20 employers, will be on-site offering assistance and resources to returning citizens and justice-involved persons, including in the areas of employment, job training, educational opportunities, health services, transitional housing, and legal assistance, among other areas of support and assistance.
This reentry resource and job fair is a component of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s violent crime reduction strategy. In addition to the office’s enforcement efforts to remove violent criminals with guns from our communities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has initiated a number of outreach, intervention and prevention efforts to support and invest in communities plagued by violence, such as this reentry resource fair.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves Investigation into Allegations of Race Discrimination by Hartland Community School DistrictRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has resolved its investigation into allegations of race discrimination by the Hartland Consolidated School District, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. The United States Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act based on a complaint filed by a then-student in the district and her guardian, which alleged that the District failed to address pervasive race-based harassment of the student and other Black students in the district. Title IV authorizes the Department of Justice, of which the United States Attorney’s Office is a component, to address complaints that a school is depriving students of equal protection based on race, color, and other protected characteristics.
The District cooperated fully with the investigation and voluntarily took a number of steps to address concerns that were raised during the investigation, including creating a School Board-level Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, instituting training for staff and students, revising internal policies and practices regarding the investigation process for allegations of harassment, and adding counseling and social work staff. The District agreed to take additional steps during the 2022-23 school year, such as conducting a district-wide climate survey to assess the presence and effect of harassment based on race, developing a plan to address the concerns identified by the survey, and increasing measures to learn of, investigate, and respond to complaints of racial harassment.
“Students deserve a safe school environment where they can learn and grow without facing racial harassment. In districts like Hartland, where students of color are only a small percentage of the student body, schools must make an extra effort to ensure that all students are comfortable reporting harassment and other forms of discrimination and be confident that the adults in the building will keep them safe,” said Ison. “We commend the Hartland Consolidated School District for acknowledging their obligations to remove barriers to ensure that all students can fully engage in the educational process.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will review the District’s compliance with the terms of the resolution during and at the end of the 2022-23 school year, and if the terms are found to have been satisfied, it will close its investigation. The case was handled by AUSAs Susan K. DeClercq and Luttrell Levingston.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the Letter of Resolution with the Hartland Consolidated School District, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights. Civil rights complaints may be emailed to [email protected] or by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office’s civil rights hotline at (313) 226-9151.
Two Senior SEPTA Maintenance Managers and Additional Co-Defendant Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud Scheme Against the AuthorityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that David Abell, 73, of Chincoteague Island, VA, and Rodney Martinez, 51, of Blackwood, NJ, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones for bribery and fraud offenses in connection with a scheme to defraud SEPTA of approximately $900,000. Abell was sentenced to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay over $213,000 restitution and to forfeit nearly $96,300. Martinez was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $292,000 restitution and to forfeit nearly $144,300. Both defendants had pleaded guilty to charges of federal program bribery and federal program theft -- Abell in November 2021 and Martinez in December 2021.
From about 2013 through 2019, management-level employees working in SEPTA’s Bridges and Buildings Department (“BBD”) including Abell, Martinez and Peter Brauner, 59, of Kintersville, PA, engaged in bribery and theft schemes with two SEPTA vendors. The BBD is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and renovating SEPTA facilities throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania region. To facilitate this work, SEPTA issued “procurement cards” (also known as P-Cards) to management-level employees working in the BBD. The P-Cards, which operate as SEPTA credit cards, are to be used for purchasing items needed for the legitimate work of the BBD.
In about 2013, Abell, who was the Senior Director of Maintenance at SEPTA, agreed with two codefendants who were SEPTA vendors, to exploit the P-Card system for their mutual benefit. Abell solicited the vendors to provide him with regular cash payments of approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per month. In exchange for those payments, the vendors falsely billed SEPTA through the P-Card system for items that the vendor was not providing to SEPTA. The false charges to SEPTA covered the cash payments to Abell, plus a substantial additional amount to generate fraud proceeds for the vendor. As part of the corrupt deals with the vendors, Abell encouraged other BBD managers to use and continue to use the vendors for SEPTA purchases, growing the vendors’ business with SEPTA.
At various times, beginning around 2014, several other SEPTA BBD managers began engaging in similar fraud activity with the vendors. Those managers included defendant Martinez, who in 2016 replaced Abell as Senior Director of Maintenance and took over Abell’s legitimate role in SEPTA’s BBD, as well as his role in the fraud and bribery scheme. Martinez regularly solicited cash payments from the vendors under the same arrangement that the vendors had with Abell. The cash payments to Martinez totaled over $144,000. The cash payments to Abell totaled approximately $100,000.
Other BBD managers, including defendant Brauner, individually solicited the vendors for cash and personal items. The vendors agreed to provide the cash and personal items to the managers, and then fraudulently billed SEPTA to cover the cost of those payments and products and to generate additional fraud proceeds for themselves. The personal items provided to the managers included valuable gold coins, electronic devices and appliances, designer clothing, and expensive tools and equipment. Together, the two vendors defrauded SEPTA of roughly $900,000. Brauner, a lower-level participant in the scheme, was sentenced today to two years of probation, and was ordered to pay over $33,000 restitution, also by Judge Jones.
One of the corrupt vendors, Mark Irvello, was sentenced by Judge Jones in May 2022, to two years and six months in prison. The government charged a total of nine individuals who participated in this bribery and fraud scheme. All defendants have pleaded guilty and have been or will be sentenced by Judge Jones.
“Philadelphians deserve public employees who do their jobs honestly, without gaming the system to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “At a time when SEPTA is facing significant challenges to continue serving and protecting its riders, the defendants’ actions – and those of their co-conspirators – are the definition of selfish greed.”
“Stealing money from SEPTA, which so many folks depend on day to day, is both shameful and shortsighted,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “This is not the way to increase your take-home pay. The FBI takes federal program theft seriously and, as in this case, we’ll work to ensure justice is done and fraudsters are held appropriately accountable.”
“The auditors and investigators in the SEPTA Office of Inspector General worked diligently to uncover this difficult-to-detect fraud,” said SEPTA Inspector General Denise S. Wolf. “Our ridership deserves that these wrongdoers be held accountable for their illegal activity. We express appreciation for the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office for bringing these defendants to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the SEPTA Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. SEPTA’s Internal Audit Division launched an investigation after receiving tips from employees, and the Authority’s Inspector General shared the findings with the FBI.
Two Men from Wounded Knee Charged with First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that two Wounded Knee, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk, age 59, and Spencer High Hawk, age 25, were indicted on July 6, 2022. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk beating a male to death near Wounded Knee in June 2022. Eugene Acorn High Hawk is also accused of beating a juvenile male with a baseball bat during the same incident. The charges are merely an accusation, and both men are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk were detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 20, 2022.
Two Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Two Chesapeake men pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing firearms as convicted felons.
According to court documents, from October 2021 through January 2022, Brian Ellis, 28, and Raymond Wyche, 30, were buying and selling firearms as convicted felons. Wyche was serving a federal term of supervised release from a previous federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
A search of Wyche’s phone revealed numerous text messages between Wyche, Ellis, and others about buying and selling various firearm. The text messages often included pictures and even videos of the firearms. In one text message, Ellis informed Wyche that he bought a Glock pistol. Shortly thereafter a search warrant was executed at Ellis’ residence and a Glock pistol was recovered amongst his other personal effects. In another text message Wyche was attempting to sell a Glock pistol to another individual, the text message included a picture of the gun with the serial number being visible. The Norfolk Police Department recovered this same gun after conducting a high-speed of chase of several juveniles. The gun was found in their automobile.
Wyche is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16. He also faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Muhr is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-55.
Tijuana Man Charged with Possessing 249 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jessica Schulberg (619) 546-9664
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Alexis Benito Nuno of Tijuana was charged in federal court today in connection with the alleged smuggling of approximately 249 pounds of fentanyl into the U.S.
Nuno was driving a 2015 Black GMC Sierra truck on eastbound Interstate 8, about 300 yards east of the Crestwood on-ramp near the Golden Acorn Casino when he was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents around 3 a.m. During the traffic stop, a Border Patrol dog, named “Huno,” alerted to the vehicle, indicating the presence of drugs.
Agents stopped Nuno’s vehicle, in part, because he had previously been encountered at a nearby checkpoint a week earlier, on July 11, 2022, and agents noticed that he appeared nervous and his vehicle’s gas tank showed signs of tampering. According to a federal complaint, during a traffic stop on July 18, 2022, agents found 108 packages of suspected M30 Fentanyl pills hidden in the gas tank and spare tire with a total weight of 113.20 kilograms (249.04 pounds). The packages from the spare tire were wrapped in clear plastic bags with no markings or labels. The packages from the gas tank were wrapped in clear vacuum sealed bags with no markings or labels. The contents tested positive at the scene for fentanyl.
Nuno was arrested. He made his first appearance in federal court this afternoon.
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. is among our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This deadly drug is fueling a public health crisis that is destroying families. It’s always a good result when fentanyl is intercepted, particularly this massive amount.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and vigilant Border Patrol and DEA agents for working hard to keep fentanyl off the streets.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22mj2400
Alexis Benito Nuno Age: 24 Tijuana, MX
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(l)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
United States Border Patrol
Drug Enforcement Administration
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Men Charged in Ecuadorian Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment last week, which was unsealed today, charging a Florida man and two Ecuadorian citizens, who reside in Costa Rica, for their alleged roles in a bribery and money laundering scheme to obtain business from Ecuadorian state-owned insurance companies.
According to court documents, Esteban Eduardo Merlo Hidalgo, 50, of Miami, Christian Patricio Pintado Garcia, 49, of Costa Rica, and Luis Lenin Maldonado Matute, 52, of Costa Rica, allegedly conspired to pay bribes to officials of Ecuador’s state-owned insurance companies Seguros Sucre S.A. and Seguros Rocafuerte S.A. to obtain and retain business for themselves, an intermediary company, and reinsurance clients. The intermediary company also allegedly received a portion of the brokerage commission obtained from Seguros Sucre and Seguros Rocafuerte and used those funds, in part, to make the bribe payments. As further alleged in the indictment, the co-conspirators laundered funds related to the bribery scheme to and from bank accounts in Florida and used the proceeds for their personal benefit.
Merlo, Pintado, and Maldonado are each charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years; one substantive violation of the FCPA, which carries a maximum penalty of five years; conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years; and four counts of engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count. Merlo made his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Pintado and Maldonado remain at large. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum total penalty of 60 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. office; and Special Agent in Charge John J. Bernardo of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI and FBI, jointly under the auspices of the Global Illicit Financial Team.
Trial Attorneys Alexander Kramer, Katherine Raut, Drew Bradylyons, and James Mandolfo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.