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13 July 2022
Federal indictment names 14 defendants in drug-distribution conspiracy coordinated from inside a Georgia prisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A newly unsealed federal indictment charges 14 defendants in a south Georgia drug trafficking conspiracy alleged to have been directed from inside a Georgia state prison.
The indictment in Operation Pope’s G.O.A.L., an Organized Crime Drug Trafficking Task Force investigation, alleges the drug trafficking conspiracy distributed methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl since as early as 2018 in at least seven south Georgia counties, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
All 14 defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl, a charge that carries a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, up to life, along with substantial fines and at least five years of supervised release following completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“The use of contraband cell phones and other devices inside prisons for coordination of criminal activity outside prison walls is an increasing danger to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our law enforcement partners, including the Georgia Department of Corrections, did outstanding work in identifying and infiltrating this network to bring an end to this illegal conspiracy.”
As described in U.S.A. v. Pope et. al, Operation Pope’s G.O.A.L. alleges the drug trafficking operation began as early as April 2018 and operated in Glynn, Brantley, Bacon, Pierce, Coffee, Camden, and Ware counties, and beyond. Those charged in the indictment include:
- Jonathan Alvin Pope, 38, an inmate at Calhoun State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Christy Renee Pope, a/k/a Christy Renee Dowling, 42, an inmate at Pulaski State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Ashlee Pope, 32, of Waycross, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Lena Leigh Davis, 45, of Homeland, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl; and, Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms;
- Jode Lee Weaver, 41, of Waycross, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Jason Wildes, 40, an inmate at the Ware County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl; and, Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms;
- Richard Reginald Perkins Jr., a/k/a “Reggie,” 46, of Nahunta, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Joshua Lance Lee, 45, of Nahunta, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Clark Bennett, 50, an inmate at Floyd County Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl; Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Sara Elizabeth Laroche, 37, of Nahunta, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Kristina Ashley Montgomery, a/k/a Kristina Ashley Crews, 37, an inmate at the Brantley County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Tony Marvin Johns, 63, an inmate at the Brantley County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl;
- Michael Mancil, 45, an inmate at the Brantley County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl; and,
- James Edward Lane, 55, an inmate at the Dooley County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
The investigation is being conducted by the Savannah Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Georgia Department of Corrections Investigative Unit; the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office; the Ware County Sheriff’s Office; the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office; the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office; the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah J. Abrams and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Estill County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— An Irvine, Ky., man, Brian Keith Crim, 38, was sentenced to 360 months (or 30 years) in federal prison on Wednesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography.
Brandy Laraye Crim, 36, Brian Crim’s wife and co-defendant, was originally scheduled to also be sentenced on Wednesday, but her sentencing was continued to a later date.
According to the Crims’ guilty plea agreements, on September 17, 2020, law enforcement received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a report of child pornography being uploaded to Google on various dates. Law enforcement investigated the report and both defendants were arrested. Both defendants’ phones and two gmail accounts were examined. These examinations revealed explicit videos of the defendants sexually exploiting a minor victim.
The Crims pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2022.
Under federal law, Crim must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr., Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Drug Trafficker from Colfax, LA Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Methamphetamine and a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - DaMarcus Lionell Williams, 29, of Colfax, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court on drug trafficking and firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Williams was sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph to 192 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Williams pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on May 2, 2022. These charges are the result of an arrest of Williams on June 9, 2021 by law enforcement officers with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Task Force. Officers made contact with Williams in Grant Parish, Louisiana, when he arrived on the scene of a traffic stop that was in progress. They recognized Williams and knew that he had an active arrest warrant, and he was arrested pursuant to the warrant.
During the encounter, officers lawfully searched Williams' vehicle and recovered suspected cocaine in the center console, as well as methamphetamine, marijuana, hydrocodone and buprenorphine hydrochloride pills, a loaded .880 Diamondback pistol, and digital scales, which were all found in different shoe boxes in the vehicle. Williams also had three cell phones in the vehicle. When asked about the drugs and gun that were found, Williams admitted they were his. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers conducted a lawful search of Williams’ bedroom at his mother’s residence. During their search, officers found approximately 2.3 grams of suspected marijuana, ammunition, and cash. The methamphetamine was tested by a lab and confirmed to be 416.56 grams of methamphetamine. The suspected cocaine was also tested by a lab and confirmed to be 42.309 grams of cocaine (powder).
Williams has prior felony convictions for possession of a legend drug in 2012, possession with intent to distribute cocaine in 2016, and distribution of methamphetamine in 2017. Williams knew that as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF and Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Earl M. Campbell.
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Drug Dealing Pilot from Southern Oregon who Attempted to Hire a Hitman to Kill Associate Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Josephine County, Oregon man who distributed marijuana throughout the U.S. using his private airplane and who hired a hitman to kill a drug trafficking associate was sentenced to federal prison today.
John Tobe Larson, 71, was sentenced to time served in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Larson has been in custody for approximately 35 months since his arrest in August 2019.
According to court documents, in May 2019, law enforcement received reports that Larson was distributing marijuana from South Oregon throughout the U.S. via his private airplane and smuggling bulk cash proceeds back into the state. Investigators further learned that Larson had expressed interested in hiring someone to murder an associate he believed threatened his drug trafficking enterprise. Following these revelations, investigators staged a series of undercover meetings with Larson wherein a federal law enforcement officer posed as someone willing to carry out Larson’s murder-for-hire scheme.
In meetings with the undercover officer, Larson disclosed the identity of his targeted associate, discussed his reasoning for wanting the associate killed, and offered to pay the officer $20,000 to carry out the scheme. At their third and final meeting, federal agents arrested Larson and executed a search warrant on his residence and airplane hangar. Agents seized various items associated with Larson’s trafficking scheme including his airplane, approximately $100,000 in cash, and marijuana distillate.
On July 22, 2019, Larson was charged by criminal complaint with using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire. Later, on October 15, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Larson on the same charge and added a second charge of possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance. On April 20, 2022, Larson pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charge.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Oregon State Police Southwest Region Drug Enforcement Section team. It was prosecuted by Marco Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Detroit man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Leroy Raymund Charleston, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Charleston, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Charleston admitted to distributing methamphetamine near Fairmont State University in February 2020.
Charleston faces at least one and up 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Deming man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that James Dooly Pollock, 37, of Deming, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. Pollock will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
On Dec 30, 2021, the father of a 14-year-old victim submitted his daughter’s cell phone to the Truth or Consequences Police Department (TCPD) and reported that the cell phone contained video of an adult male having sex with the victim. After obtaining the father’s permission and a search warrant, TCPD transferred the cell phone to New Mexico State Police (NMSP) for extraction of the phone’s contents.
In his plea agreement, Pollock admitted that on Dec. 7, 2021, he used WhatsApp to send a video of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victim.
Pollock faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), NMSP and TCPD investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.
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Dark Web Vendor of Illegal Narcotics Indicted for Distributing Heroin and Cocaine in Exchange for BitcoinRead the Press Release
A three-count indictment was unsealed today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charging Edison Hernandez, also known as “dragoncove,” “originaldragoncove,” “theoriginaldragoncove” and “Nino,” with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, as well as delivery and distribution of heroin and cocaine by means of the internet. These first two counts relate to Hernandez’s alleged activities on the dark web starting in January 2013.
The third count of the indictment separately charges Hernandez, Michael Caruso, and Raymer Ynoa with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) through a door-to-door drug delivery service. A separate criminal complaint was also unsealed today, charging Irvin Hernandez with being a member of the same door-to-door drug delivery conspiracy.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector-in-Charge, New York Division, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), announced the charges.
“As alleged, Edison Hernandez went to great lengths to conceal his identity so he could send thousands of packages containing dangerous drugs throughout the country and team up with his co-conspirators to deliver them door-to-door in New York City,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Hiding behind the dark web, encryption services, or BitCoin will not stop this Office from rooting out those who flood our communities with illegal and hazardous narcotics.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation for the significant contributions provided by the New York City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department & Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.
“Hernandez is alleged to have used complex technology such as the dark web, cryptocurrency, and encrypted messaging applications to conceal his actions. Today’s enforcement actions are examples to high-tech criminals that no matter how well-hidden you believe you are, you are not beyond the reach of the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Patel. “HSI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to keep deadly narcotics out of our communities, no matter where they are sold - on the street corner or from the virtual corners of the dark web.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Division Brubaker said: “The defendants thought the dark web marketplace would hide their illicit activities, but Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners brought their criminal enterprise to light. We are committed to the fight against the illegal sale of dangerous narcotics and will work in coordination with our partner agencies to expose anyone who tries to hide behind the veil of the dark web. We will use every resource available to us to investigate and prosecute anyone who uses the mail for illegal purposes. Today, the defendants learned the hard way that once their crimes left the dark web and entered the real world, Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners were there waiting to take them down.”
Background on Dark Web Marketplaces
The internet contains online marketplaces for narcotics and other illegal items that exist on the dark web, a part of the internet located beyond the reach of traditional internet browsers and accessible only through the use of networks designed to conceal user identities. Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market were some of these marketplaces that have since been taken down. All of these sites were large global dark web marketplaces that functioned like conventional e-commerce websites but were geared towards the trafficking of contraband. Vendors advertised the sale of illegal narcotics and other contraband; buyers purchased the illegal narcotics and contraband; buyers paid for the purchased goods using digital currency; and vendors shipped the goods through the United States mail and other means of delivery. These dark web marketplaces required users to trade in digital currencies, primarily Bitcoin, and the marketplaces did not allow for transactions in official, government-backed fiat currency.
Vendors and buyers on dark web marketplaces typically operated under anonymous monikers. However, vendors received ratings from buyers of narcotics based on, among other things, the quality of contraband, reliability of delivery and volume of traffic. In addition, vendors received rankings from the marketplace administrators based on user input.
Edison Hernandez’s Dark Web Vendor Operation
As alleged, defendant Edison Hernandez was a highly rated vendor of illegal narcotics on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market. From January 2013 until April 2019, Hernandez advertised and sold heroin and cocaine to customers in the United States through these dark web marketplaces.
Hernandez concealed his criminal activity by accepting payment only in the form of Bitcoin and operating under the online monikers “dragoncove,” “originaldragoncove” and “theoriginaldragoncove”. Hernandez shipped packages under fictitious names and directed customers to contact him through encrypted messaging services.
The defendant completed thousands of transactions on SilkRoad, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market and regularly received high ratings and positive reviews from buyers.
The Defendants’ Operation of a Door-to-Door Drug Delivery Service
As charged in the indictment and the complaint, between February 2019 and January 2022, defendants Edison Hernandez, Michael Caruso, Raymer Ynoa and Irvin Hernandez separately operated a door-to-door drug delivery service in the New York City area. The defendants advertised their service with the name “Nino & Viktor’s Pastry Shoppe.” The service offered customers an array of different drugs for sale, including cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA. After customers ordered drugs over an encrypted messaging app, a deliveryman would arrive later the same day to distribute the drugs.
The charges in the indictment and complaint are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Wang is in charge of the prosecution and Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor and Brendan King of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section are handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
EDISON HERNANDEZ also known as “dragoncove,” “originaldragoncove,” “theoriginaldragoncove” and “Nino”
Age: 46
Brooklyn, New YorkMICHAEL CARUSO
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New YorkRAYMER YNOA
Age: 32
Brooklyn, New YorkIRVIN HERNANDEZ
Age: 44
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 22-CR-245 (CBA) and 22-MJ-717
Court Orders North Carolina Pharmacy and Pharmacists to Pay $300,000 Penalty in Case Alleging Unlawful Opioid DistributionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal court entered a consent decree enjoining an Asheboro, North Carolina pharmacy and its two pharmacists from dispensing controlled substances, including opioids, without taking specific steps to help ensure the drugs will not be abused or diverted and ordering them to pay $300,000 in civil penalties, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina announced today.
The consent decree resolves a complaint filed by the United States on July 7, alleging that Asheboro Drug Company, and its pharmacists Isaac F. Brady III and Isaac F. Brady IV, a father and son, filled prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The complaint alleges that the defendants dispensed prescription opioids while disregarding numerous “red flags” – that is, obvious indications of drug abuse, drug diversion and drug-seeking behavior. For example, according to the complaint, the defendants filled prescriptions for dangerous combinations of drugs known to be sought by drug abusers and which significantly increase the risk of overdose; filled high-dose opioid prescriptions on a long-term basis; and filled prescriptions for patients who appeared to have “shopped” for doctors willing to prescribe controlled substances. The complaint alleged that the defendants also dispensed, at times, the same or similar prescriptions for multiple members of the same family, refilled prescriptions early without justification, and turned a blind eye to prescriptions from doctors who repeatedly wrote suspect prescriptions.
“The Department of Justice will not hesitate to act when a pharmacy disregards its responsibilities and puts patients at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Pharmacists have a duty to ensure that opioids and other controlled substances are distributed lawfully.”
“Opioid addiction and abuse continue to devastate North Carolina communities,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Pharmacists play a key role in preventing diversion of controlled substances, and they have a legal responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are legitimate. Our office will continue to pursue dispensers and prescribers who fail to live up to their obligations under the Controlled Substances Act.”
“The law requires pharmacists to ensure that the prescriptions they dispense are for a legitimate medical purposes and are issued by prescribers acting in the usual course of their professional practice,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Pharmacists are not simply pill-counters. The penalty and injunction in this case serves notice that DEA will not turn a blind eye when pharmacists shirk their duty by ignoring red flags of abuse and diversion.”
Asheboro Drug and its pharmacists cooperated with the government’s investigation and agreed to pay the $300,000 civil monetary penalty and be bound by the consent decree of injunction. The injunction entered by U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles of the Middle District of North Carolina prohibits the defendants from filling certain “red flag” prescriptions and requires the defendants to fill other orders only after receiving documentation justifying the prescriptions.
The government was represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Donald R. Lorenzen of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Crawford for the Middle District of North Carolina, with substantial assistance from Diversion Investigator Heidi Crater of the DEA Greensboro Resident Office’s Diversion Group.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
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Court Orders North Carolina Pharmacy and Pharmacists to Pay $300,000 Penalty in Case Alleging Unlawful Opioid DistributionRead the Press Release
A federal court entered a consent decree enjoining an Asheboro, North Carolina, pharmacy and its two pharmacists from dispensing controlled substances, including opioids, without taking specific steps to help ensure the drugs will not be abused or diverted and ordering them to pay $300,000 in civil penalties, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina announced today.
The consent decree resolves a complaint filed by the United States on July 7, alleging that Asheboro Drug Company, and its pharmacists Isaac F. Brady III and Isaac F. Brady IV, a father and son, filled prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The complaint alleges that the defendants dispensed prescription opioids while disregarding numerous “red flags” – that is, obvious indications of drug abuse, drug diversion and drug-seeking behavior. For example, according to the complaint, the defendants filled prescriptions for dangerous combinations of drugs known to be sought by drug abusers and which significantly increase the risk of overdose; filled high-dose opioid prescriptions on a long-term basis; and filled prescriptions for patients who appeared to have “shopped” for doctors willing to prescribe controlled substances. The complaint alleged that the defendants also dispensed, at times, the same or similar prescriptions for multiple members of the same family, refilled prescriptions early without justification, and turned a blind eye to prescriptions from doctors who repeatedly wrote suspect prescriptions.
“The Department of Justice will not hesitate to act when a pharmacy disregards its responsibilities and puts patients at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Pharmacists have a duty to ensure that opioids and other controlled substances are distributed lawfully.”
“Opioid addiction and abuse continue to devastate North Carolina communities,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Pharmacists play a key role in preventing diversion of controlled substances, and they have a legal responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are legitimate. Our office will continue to pursue dispensers and prescribers who fail to live up to their obligations under the Controlled Substances Act.”
“The law requires pharmacists to ensure that the prescriptions they dispense are for a legitimate medical purposes and are issued by prescribers acting in the usual course of their professional practice,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Pharmacists are not simply pill-counters. The penalty and injunction in this case serves notice that DEA will not turn a blind eye when pharmacists shirk their duty by ignoring red flags of abuse and diversion.”
Asheboro Drug and its pharmacists cooperated with the government’s investigation and agreed to pay the $300,000 civil monetary penalty and be bound by the consent decree of injunction. The injunction entered by U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles of the Middle District of North Carolina prohibits the defendants from filling certain “red flag” prescriptions and requires the defendants to fill other orders only after receiving documentation justifying the prescriptions.
The government was represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Donald R. Lorenzen of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Crawford for the Middle District of North Carolina, with substantial assistance from Diversion Investigator Heidi Crater of the DEA Greensboro Resident Office’s Diversion Group.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Connecticut Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Cyberstalking and Threatening Massachusetts WomanRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man has agreed to plead guilty to threatening, harassing and intimidating a Massachusetts woman through social media and email.
Marshall Nicholas Fain, 31, of New Haven, Conn., has agreed to plead guilty to one count of cyberstalking and one count of transmitting threats through interstate commerce. Fain was arrested and charged on Feb. 2, 2022. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
“The language used by this individual made his intent clear. Threats of violence, whether spoken, written, or transmitted over the internet, will not be tolerated. Domestic violence takes many forms. Verbal abuse and threats are one of them and can be precursors to escalated behaviors – like the stalking involved in this case – and, in some cases, physical abuse. Mr. Fain’s violent words landed him in this situation, and we will continue to prosecute threats of violence of any form,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
According to the charging documents, Fain was in a relationship with the victim for approximately two years, until the relationship ended in August 2021. Soon after, in September 2021 and continuing through December 2021, Fain sent the victim multiple private messages through email and social media threatening to kill the victim and members of her family.
According to the charging documents, Fain created multiple social media and email accounts which he used to harass and threaten the victim anonymously. Specifically, Fain used anonymous Instagram and Facebook accounts to send the victim messages that said, among other things, “I’ll kill you” and “You gonna get yours if it’s the last thing I do.” Fain also used anonymous email addresses to send the victim threatening messages that said, among other things, “I’m gonna find you and kill you if it’s the last thing I do,” “By now you know I don’t give a f*** about my own life so I really don’t mind taking yours,” and “When the time is right you gonna be one of the girls going missing. Ima torture the f*** out of you when I catch you.”
The charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of transmitting threats through interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Division, provided valuable assistance in the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Rollins Major Crimes Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Daniel Smith, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to using and carrying a firearm during a robbery and for brandishing a firearm during a second robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Smith was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $14,402.84 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, on January 24, 2020, Smith robbed a cellular store located in Hammond, Indiana, while armed with a firearm. During the robbery, Smith held employees at gunpoint, and ordered them to fill up a duffel bag with cellular phones which he took. Seven days later, on January 31, 2020, Smith robbed another cellular store, this one located in Merrillville, Indiana, while armed with a firearm. During this robbery, Smith brandished a firearm and demanded cash and cellular phones from the employees before exiting the store.
Smith’ criminal history revealed that he has prior felony convictions for aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon, armed robbery, and auto theft.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Team and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Merrillville, Indiana and Hazel Crest, Illinois Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was 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.
Charlotte Tax Preparer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Octave, 49, of Charlotte, was the leader of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar tax fraud scheme involving hundreds of fraudulent tax returns. Octave was the owner and operator of Kapital Financial Services, a tax preparation business with two offices in Charlotte. From 2014 through 2019, Octave used his tax business to orchestrate a criminal conspiracy in which he directed his employees to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns.
Octave instructed his employees to use several methods to falsify clients’ tax returns, including claiming false deductions, business losses, American Opportunity credits, education credits and earned income tax credits. Octave also trained his employees on how to create the fraudulent returns to avoid IRS detection and provided them with scripts and cheat sheets. To further conceal the fraud, Octave instructed his employees not to give clients copies of their own tax returns and not to share with the clients any details beyond the total refund amount.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, the falsified tax returns and false deductions resulted in reduced tax liabilities and inflated tax refunds for Octave’s clients. Furthermore, because the majority of the time the tax preparation fees were taken directly from the clients’ fraudulently inflated tax refunds, in many instances the clients were unaware of how much they were being charged. As a result of the tax scheme, Kapital Financial Services earned at least $700,000 in fees for preparing the fraudulent tax returns, and, as the owner, Octave received the largest share of this income. The conspiracy caused a total tax loss of more than $2.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Octave to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $2.5 million in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Tax Preparer Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Octave, 49, of Charlotte, was the leader of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar tax fraud scheme involving hundreds of fraudulent tax returns. Octave was the owner and operator of Kapital Financial Services, a tax preparation business with two offices in Charlotte. From 2014 through 2019, Octave used his tax business to orchestrate a criminal conspiracy in which he directed his employees to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns.
Octave instructed his employees to use several methods to falsify clients’ tax returns, including claiming false deductions, business losses, American Opportunity credits, education credits and earned income tax credits. Octave also trained his employees on how to create the fraudulent returns to avoid IRS detection and provided them with scripts and cheat sheets. To further conceal the fraud, Octave instructed his employees not to give clients copies of their own tax returns and not to share with the clients any details beyond the total refund amount.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, the falsified tax returns and false deductions resulted in reduced tax liabilities and inflated tax refunds for Octave’s clients. Furthermore, because the majority of the time the tax preparation fees were taken directly from the clients’ fraudulently inflated tax refunds, in many instances the clients were unaware of how much they were being charged. As a result of the tax scheme, Kapital Financial Services earned at least $700,000 in fees for preparing the fraudulent tax returns, and, as the owner, Octave received the largest share of this income. The conspiracy caused a total tax loss of more than $2.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Octave to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $2.5 million in restitution to the United States.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and prosecuted the case.
Centralia Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Ian N. Merideth, 38, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court to 20 years in prison for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and being a Felon in Possession of a
Firearm. Merideth received a $500 fine and was ordered to pay $200 in special assessment fees.
Following his release, he will spend three years on supervised release.
According to court documents, Merideth was sentenced following a series of criminal acts that occurred on July 9, 2021. Merideth admitted that on July 9, 2021, he burglarized a home in Hoffman, Illinois, taking seven firearms including a Weihrauch .357 revolver. Later that same day, Wamac Officer Muechenheim stopped Merideth and attempted to arrest him for an outstanding arrest warrant. Merideth, a convicted felon, retrieved the stolen Weihrauch
.357 revolver and fired four rounds at Officer Muechenheim.Attempted Murder charges against Merideth remain pending in Clinton County Circuit Court.
This case was investigated by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Wamac Police Department, the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson.Career Offender Is Sentenced to 20 Years on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Larry Elwood Steptoe, 41, of Hickory, N.C., to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for distributing narcotics, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
In December 2020, law enforcement learned that Steptoe was trafficking narcotics in Catawba and Alexander Counties. Over the course of a five-month investigation, law enforcement determined that Steptoe was selling substantial amounts of methamphetamine and crack cocaine and conducted the majority of the drug sales from his auto detailing business in Taylorsville, N.C. On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Steptoe’s home in Catawba County, seizing $2,700 in U.S. currency, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 284 grams of methamphetamine. Court records show that Steptoe engaged in drug trafficking while he was on probation for state drug charges. As a result of Steptoe’s previous federal drug conviction and state felony drug conviction, the Court sentenced Steptoe as a career offender.
Steptoe is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of the case, and thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the Taylorsville Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Canyon Lake Man Found Guilty of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a Canyon Lake man today for distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Seth Elred Perricone, 47, shared more than 115,000 files of child pornography over the Internet. The jury found Perricone guilty of six counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Perricone is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, 2022. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the seven counts. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 26, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., San Antonio Division, made the announcement.
The FBI and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Thompson and William Calve 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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Canton Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Juan R. Grogan, 30, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, to more than fifteen years in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent. Judge Nugent pronounced the sentence after Grogan was found guilty at trial of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 7, 2020, law enforcement officials sought to arrest Grogan on outstanding warrants that had been issued by the Canton Municipal Court. While seeking to apprehend Grogan, an investigator observed Grogan flee the area. Investigators also located Grogan’s vehicle parked on the street where investigators were searching for Grogan. Law enforcement officials were not able to apprehend Grogan that day.
Officials then searched Grogan’s vehicle and located a loaded Glock, model 30 handgun with an extended magazine, a digital scale and a clear plastic bag containing brown powder. The brown substance was later tested and found to contain 75.6 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
Grogan was later arrested on December 10, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI, United States Marshal Service, Canton Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz.
Butler Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Amy Lynn Snow, age 54, pleaded guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak
According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 7, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2017, Snow falsely reported to the Social Security Administration that her spouse was not a member of her household knowing that his status as a member of the household and his income would affect her entitlement to Social Security Income benefits. The amount of loss suffered by the Social Security Administration by reason of Snow’s theft was $45,422.61.
Sentencing will be scheduled by the court. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Snow has been granted bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Snow.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 46, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Misha A. Coulson, and Joseph M. Tripi, who are handling the case stated that between June 2019, and September 2019, Gonzalez conspired with others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. During the conspiracy, Gonzalez sold quantities of heroin and fentanyl for profit, with the assistance of a known co-conspirator identified CC-1. CC-1 arranged drug deals and drove Gonzalez to drug deals, and Gonzalez provided CC-1 with heroin/fentanyl for CC-1’s personal use. On July 17, 2019, CC-1 made a controlled call to Gonzalez regarding CC-1’s sworn testimony related to the overdose of a person identified as L.K. CC-1 told Gonzalez that CC-1 believed that investigators did not believe CC-1’s false story accusing a source of supply named “Freddy.” Gonzelez told CC-1 to “stick to the same story that you’ve been telling them.”
On September 24, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at West Avenue residence, during which they recovered approximately 19 grams of heroin from Gonzalez’s possession. Gonzalez utilized the West Avenue residence to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.
In April 2022, Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking by coercion, and drug distribution charges. Those charges remain pending.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Anthony Wilson, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to aggravated bank robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of life and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on the morning of October 26, 2017, Wilson and co-defendants Adrian D. Applewhite and Khalil Holland, traveled to Angola, NY to rob the Lakeshore Federal Credit Union on Erie Road. Defendant Holland entered the Lakeshore Federal Credit Union wearing a mask and brandishing a semi-automatic pistol given to him by Wilson, while Wilson waited in a car nearby. Holland approached the teller and demanded money; however, the alarm was activated, and Holland left without taking any money. Holland fled on foot and was arrested shortly thereafter. During the pursuit, Holland discarded the pistol.
Defendant Applewhite was previously convicted in federal court and is awaiting sentencing. Defendant Holland was previously convicted and sentenced in New York State Court.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Douglas J. Czora; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger; and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2022, before Judge Arcara.
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Billings man sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for sex trafficking, firearms and prostitution-related crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted of multiple crimes stemming from a broad investigation into a sex trafficking network that involved nearly 20 victims, including minor girls, violence, drugs and the shooting death of a victim, was sentenced today to 26 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, William Maurice Newkirk, 41, pleaded guilty in January to sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and transportation of person with intent to engage in prostitution.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters also set a restitution hearing for Sept. 9 and ordered a total of $10,200 in special assessments.
“For years, Newkirk ruthlessly wielded abuse, threats, violence and drugs to force women and girls to work in commercial sex, all so he could make money. Far too many victims suffered, including one who tragically died as a result of Newkirk’s reprehensible actions. Today’s sentence holds Newkirk accountable for his criminal conduct. My office will continue to aggressively fight sex trafficking occurring in our communities and to seek justice for victims,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“Newkirk preyed on vulnerable women and young girls, subjecting them to horrific abuse and other crimes for years, strictly for his own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “This case should serve as an eye-opener that sex trafficking happens in our communities, but there is help and hope for victims as the FBI and our partners are committed to holding those who exploit them accountable.”
In court documents, the government alleged that Newkirk coerced, manipulated and violently trafficked multiple women, including minors, into commercial sex for nearly a decade and across multiple states. An investigation following a June 2019 fatal shooting of one of Newkirk’s victims, identified as Jane Doe 1, uncovered a network of individuals, including Newkirk, who were involved in violent and narcotic-related offenses. Newkirk used violence, threats and drugs to exploit almost 20 victims, some of whom were minor girls, into working in commercial sex for him.
The government further alleged that in early 2019, Newkirk and Jane Doe 1 became involved. Newkirk forced Jane Doe 1 to engage in commercial sex, verbally and physically abused her and took her to Wyoming, where he forced her to engage in commercial sex on her birthday.
In June 2019, the government alleged, Jane Doe 5 was a passenger along with two others in a car Newkirk was driving. Newkirk became upset with Jane Doe 5 and drove to Jane Doe 1’s residence, called Jane Doe 1 and told her to “come mop this bitch up,” referring to beating up Jane Doe 5. Upon arrival, Jane Doe 1, along with Newkirk and others, assaulted Jane Doe 5. In an effort to defend herself, Jane Doe 5 reached for a firearm. As Jane Doe 5 was being pulled out of the car, the firearm discharged and struck Jane Doe 1, who died from her injuries two days later. Law enforcement arrested Newkirk the day of the shooting. Investigators found cocaine residue on a digital scale in the car and the firearm used in the shooting near a co-defendant’s residence.
Victims told law enforcement that they observed Newkirk with a firearm and that he would provide them with cocaine.
All four co-defendants, Anthony Marcos Chadwell, Djavon Lamont King, Mario Juan Drake and Dejon Anthony Duncan pleaded guilty to charges and have been sentenced to various terms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Billings Police Department.
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Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 41 Months Imprisonment for Embezzling Funds from the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief FundRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On July 12, 2022, United States District Court Judge Greg Guidry sentenced WAYNE TRICHE, 72, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to forty-one (41) months imprisonment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Triche pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), respectively. Triche was ordered to pay $937,658.77 restitution to the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund, $329,895.00 to the Internal Revenue Service, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Upon release from imprisonment, he will serve a one (1) year term of supervised release.
According to Court documents, TRICHE was responsible for managing a portion of the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund’s (“NOFPRF”) investments. Rather than return the profits earned to the NOPRF, TRICHE embezzled approximately $937,658.77 and used those funds for personal expenses such as a civil court judgment, credit card charges, and gambling. The tax fraud charges stem from TRICHE’s failure to claim the embezzled funds on his personal income tax returns, resulting in tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $329,895.00.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals like Mr. Wayne Triche who commit financial crimes to enrich themselves will be held accountable,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for helping disrupt fraud and bringing justice to the victims.”
"Today's sentencing exemplifies the patience and long arm of the law in its pursuit of financial fraud and criminal tax violations," said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI’s Atlanta Field Office. "Mr. Wayne Triche perpetuated an elaborate scheme driven by his insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund and its members. Be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation, together with our federal partners, will hold those who engage in similar behavior fully accountable."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight.
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Baltimore Police Officer Facing Federal Charges for Drug Conspiracy and Distribution Charges and for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A criminal complaint has been filed against Steven Umberto Angelini, age 41, of Middle River, Maryland, on charges related to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxycodone in the Baltimore area. Angelini has been a member of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) since May 2006. He was assigned to the Administrative Duties Division in 2022 and was suspended without pay today.
Angelini was arrested today and had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. U.S. Magistrate Judge A. David Copperthite ordered that Angelini be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 14, 2022.
The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Selwyn Smith of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, from at least January 2022, Angelini has conspired with members of the Infamous Ryders Motorcycle Club, including Co-Conspirator 1, who is the President of the Club in Maryland, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and oxycodone. Specifically, the affidavit alleges that on January 6, 2022, Angelini reached out to Co-Conspirator 1 by text message and offered to sell him oxycodone pills. According to the affidavit, during the exchange, Angelini mentioned that he was trying to get cocaine and stated that his former supplier, a drug dealer working for Co-Conspirator 1, had been murdered. As detailed in the affidavit, the two ultimately agreed that Co-Conspirator 1 would provide Angelini with $100 and cocaine in exchange for the oxycodone.
The affidavit alleges that during the conversation, Angelini twice offered to exchange information on the supplier’s homicide for narcotics. Co-Conspirator 1 asked Angelini to obtain sensitive information pertaining to the homicide. The next day, Angelini allegedly sent Co-Conspirator 1 law enforcement information related to the investigation of the supplier’s murder. As detailed in the affidavit, over the next several days, Angelini continued to update Co-Conspirator 1 on the investigation and to purchase narcotics. According to the affidavit, Angelini told the Co-Conspirator that he had obtained the information requested by the Co-Conspirator, but despite several attempts, was not successful in transferring the additional law enforcement information.
According to the affidavit, Angelini did not communicate with Co-Conspirator 1 again until April 8, 2022, when Angelini offered to sell Co-Conspirator 1 a privately made firearm, also known as a “ghost gun,” in exchange for cash and narcotics. Angelini also offered to provide ammunition, including hollow point ammunition. As detailed in the affidavit, at Co-Conspirator 1’s direction, Angelini delivered the firearm to another conspirator later that day and received cash and drugs from that conspirator.
Later that month, Angelini allegedly provided additional oxycodone to Co-Conspirator 1. As detailed in the affidavit, on April 26, Angelini texted Co-Conspirator 1 that he was at a gun shop and stated that he wanted to purchase cocaine from Co-Conspirator 1. Angelini then offered to purchase ammunition and firearms accessories for Co-Conspirator 1 in exchange for cocaine. According to the affidavit, Angelini purchased a magazine for the privately made firearm he sold to Co-Conspirator 1, as well as ammunition, including hollow-point ammunition, which he provided to Co-Conspirator 1 later that night in exchange for cocaine.
The affidavit further alleges that on May 4, 2022, after visiting a Rosedale, Maryland pain clinic and filling a prescription for oxycodone pills, Angelini called Co-Conspirator 1 and notified him that he had the pills available for sale. They negotiated that Co-Conspirator 1 would give Angelini cash and cocaine in exchange for the oxycodone.
If convicted, Angelini faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and for distribution of oxycodone; and a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, HSI and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Goo and Leo J. Wise, who are 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland Honors Department of Justice Employees for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s AwardsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Yesterday, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners nationwide for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. This year, 298 Justice Department employees received awards, while 54 non-department individuals are also being honored for their work.
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline C. Romero was proud to note that one of the 2022 Attorney General’s Award recipients was EDPA Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Office’s Appeals Unit, Robert A. Zauzmer. Mr. Zauzmer received the Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award, which recognizes employees who have served at least 20 years in the Department and who have demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication throughout their careers. This award is presented only in exceptional circumstances to individuals of special merit and is not awarded to express general appreciation for tenure alone. Only two Mary C. Lawton Awards were presented this year.
“This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation.”
“Our Office is incredibly fortunate to be able to call Bob Zauzmer a colleague and friend,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “His unparalleled contributions to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice as an institution are certainly deserving of this recognition, but the Award alone does not go far enough in expressing how grateful we all are for his wisdom, integrity and masterful advocacy in the courtroom.”
During Mr. Zauzmer’s accomplished tenure with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which he joined in March 1990, he has prosecuted an array of federal crimes focusing on corruption and fraud matters, including several noteworthy public corruption matters in Philadelphia: the 2005 Philadelphia City Hall corruption case in which the City Treasurer and others were convicted of corrupt conduct in city government affairs; the 2009 corruption case against former State Senator Vincent J. Fumo; and the 2017 prosecution of former District Attorney R. Seth Williams who pleaded guilty during trial to bribery and fraud offenses.
In addition, since 1998, Mr. Zauzmer has served as Chief of the Office’s Appeals Unit, supervising all federal criminal appeals in the District, and appears frequently before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in that capacity. He has also served in a variety of leadership positions with the Department of Justice, including as the national chair of the committee of appellate chiefs from 2012 to 2014 during which he advised the Attorney General on appellate matters, and as the Pardon Attorney in the Department of Justice from 2016 to 2017 to assist President Obama’s initiative to extend executive clemency to nonviolent drug offenders serving exceptionally long sentences.
This year’s Attorney General’s Award is not the first time Mr. Zauzmer has been recognized for his service to the Department. He has twice received the John Marshall Award, the DOJ’s highest award for litigation activities: in 1992 for the prosecution of a drug organization that terrorized a Philadelphia neighborhood, and again in 2008 for his participation on the team of DOJ attorneys which oversaw the response to amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines for certain drug offenses which required the resentencing for thousands of defendants nationally.
A complete list of the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards and recipients can be found here.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Honors Western District of Oklahoma Employees with AwardsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. This year, Attorney General Garland specifically recognized Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Fagan and Ron Gallegos, and Paralegal Jessica Rogers, of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma with the John Marshal Award. This Award, one of the Departments highest, recognizes contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance. AUSAs Fagan and Gallegos and Paralegal Rogers received this Award for their dedicated work in obtaining a $1.25 million settlement in United States vs. Pelfrey to compensate victims of sexual harassment.
"This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation."
"AUSA Ron Gallegos, AUSA Emily Fagan, and Paralegal Jessica Rogers worked closely with the Department’s Civil Rights Division to vindicate the rights of more than 40 female tenants and prospective tenants who, for nearly 20 years, endured abhorrent sexual harassment from their landlord when all they wanted was a safe place to call home," said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. "I am incredibly proud that Attorney General Merrick Garland has recognized their work with a John Marshall Award. They are representative of every dedicated prosecutor and support staff member who serve the Western District of Oklahoma in the pursuit of justice every day."
For a full list of this year’s award recipients, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-honors-department-justice-employees-and-others-69th-annual.
More detailed information about the Pelfrey case can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/justice-department-obtains-125-million-settlement-oklahoma-city-landlords-resolve.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Honors Two Northern District of California Department of Justice Employees as Part of 69th Annual Attorney General’s AwardsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO –Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. This year, 298 Justice Department employees received awards, while 54 non-department individuals are also being honored for their work.
“This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation.”
Recipients of the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards include Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben S. Kingsley and Paralegal Specialist Jonathan Birch, both of whom are employed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Kingsley and Birch received the Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention, an award to recognize exceptional dedication and effort to prevent, investigate, and prosecute fraud, white-collar crimes, and official corruption.
The Attorney General awarded two Fraud Prevention Awards this year. Along with Kingsley and Birch, recipients of the first Award for Fraud Prevention included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham C. Meltzer, Alexander B. Schwab, and Carolyn S. Small; Paralegal Specialist Yeni Gomez for the Central District of California; Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan for the Western District of North Carolina; Trial Attorney Alexander T. Pogozelski, Civil Frauds Section, Civil Division; Postal Inspector Megan Bradley, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Postal Service; Special Agent Paul Richard, Office Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency; Special Agent Ryan Wat Office of Inspector General, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Special Agents Armando Delgado-Campos and Albert Fontana, FBI; and Special Agent Kelvin Zwiefelhofer, Office of Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The second Award for Fraud Prevention was presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis D. Murray for the Middle District of Florida; Special Agents Kristy L. Anderson, Alvis A. Lockhart, and Yenixa Perez, Tampa Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Task Force Officer Ryan P. Doherty, Tampa Field Office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds said, “It is always special to see the great work of the employees of this district recognized by the Attorney General of the United States. I am gratified to see the talent and hard-work of these employees acknowledged.”
Attorney General Garland honors team that investigated Dayton mass shootingRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland honored the team of individuals who successfully investigated and prosecuted the person who illegally possessed and supplied the firearm used by the mass shooter in Dayton’s Oregon District on August 4, 2019.
In the hours and weeks after the shooting, people in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a team of federal and local law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to determine whether the shooter had acted alone, how he had acquired the weapons and what his motive was. Through hundreds of warrants, subpoenas, and interviews, the team gathered and analyzed mounds of forensic, electronic, and physical evidence to provide answers to the community. While the investigation ultimately concluded that the shooter had acted alone, it resulted in the successful prosecution of Ethan Kollie, an associate of the shooter’s, who had lied on ATF forms to obtain firearms from a licensed gun dealer. Kollie received 32 months of federal imprisonment.
“This award recognizes that the substantial information the team gathered concerning the shooter’s motivations and methods gives us a key tool in preventing similar domestic attacks in the future,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “The team worked hard to provide answers to the community and that resulted in a participant being held accountable for his role in the attack.”
Attorney General Garland presented an Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Work in the Investigation and Response to a Domestic Terrorist Attack in Dayton, Ohio at a ceremony in Washington on July 12.
The prosecution team included:
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace,
Former First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vipal J. Patel,
Paralegal Catherine Robillard,
Victim Witness Specialist Acquanette Lindsey,
Justin Sher, Trial Attorney with the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division;
Christina Conrad and Linda James, FBI Victim-Witness Specialists in Cincinnati Field Division;
Michael Herwig and Morgan Spurlock, FBI Supervisory Special Agents;
Patrick Gragan and T.A. Staderman, FBI Special Agents; and Charles Balaj (Oakwood Public Safety), Brad Meeker (Dayton Police Department), Kyle Metz (Greene County Sheriff’s Office) and A.J. Schweier (recently retired from West Chester Police), FBI Task Force Officers, Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Here is a link to the Attorney General’s complete awards announcement.
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Assumption Parish Man Sentenced for Theft of More Than $213,000 from New Orleans CompanyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RODNEY ROUSSELL (“ROUSSELL”), age 40, of Belle Rose, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 12, 2022 for Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).
The case against ROUSSELL began as a result of a complaint from a New Orleans company (“Company A”) to the FBI. According to documents filed in federal court, in August, 2017, ROUSSELL began working for Company A through a work re-entry program for persons with criminal records. Company A’s operational headquarters was in New Orleans, Louisiana, and they maintained a business account with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”).
As Company A’s employee, ROUSSELL did not have access to Company A’s Chase Bank account, and was not authorized to make payments of any kind using funds in the account. Beginning in or about April 2018, and continuing until in or about June 2018, ROUSSELL utilized Chase Bank’s web portal and mobile banking app to transfer money from Company A’s account to accounts held by ROUSSELL, including MC & Associates Management, Inc. In total, ROUSSELL illegally obtained $213,372.05 from Company A’s Chase Bank account.
U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced ROUSSELL to seventy (70) months imprisonment, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, and ordered ROUSSELL to pay restitution in the amount of $213,372.05 to Company A.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Army Sergeant Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Two MinorsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An active duty U.S. Army staff sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the sexual exploitation of two minor victims and for receiving child pornography.
Robert Chad Walkup, 38, of Saint Robert, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, July 12.
The federal indictment alleges that Walkup used a minor, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe 1,” to produce child pornography from May 23, 2020, to May 23, 2021. The indictment alleges that Walkup used a second minor, identified in court documents as “John Doe 1,” to produce child pornography from May 23 to Dec. 15, 2020.
The indictment also charges Walkup with one count of receiving child pornography from May 23, 2020, to May 23, 2021.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Pulaski County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fort Leonard Wood Office.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Akron Man Charged with Dog Fighting, Drug Trafficking, and Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
AKRON – First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Ronald Smith, 39, of Akron, was charged in a 22-count indictment with dog fighting, drug trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm.
The indictment charges Smith with 15 counts of possession and training of dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; distribution of a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Smith owned and maintained two residential properties on Fultz Street and Herman Avenue in Akron, Ohio.
In April and May of 2022, the indictment states that Smith possessed items used to train and prepare dogs for participation in dog fighting, including two treadmills designed for dogs; a caged rabbit placed in front of a treadmill; performance-enhancing and first-aid-related dog medication; numerous "break sticks" spattered with blood and bearing teeth marks and a walled pit spattered with blood at the Fultz Street and Herman Avenue residence.
In addition, the indictment states that authorities recovered eight pit bull-type dogs from the Fultz Street residence and seven pit bull-type dogs from the Herman Avenue residence.
Smith was also charged with illegal possession of three firearms and participating in a conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of aggravated assault, burglary, possession of cocaine, trafficking heroin, having weapons under disability and disrupting public services in the Summit and Medina County Courts of Common Pleas.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff's Office. Assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Humane Society of Summit County (HSSC).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad J. Beeson and Marc D. Bullard.
Additional Defendants Charged in Violent Rockland County Assault and Robbery; Two SentencedRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the return of a superseding indictment charging WAYNE HICKS, a/k/a “Weez,” BRIAN THOMAS, a/k/a “BT,” and JORDAN WOODBINE, a/k/a “Jay Woods,” for their participation in a brutal beating and robbery of a victim in New City, New York in February 2021. THOMAS and WOODBINE were arrested yesterday and were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. WAYNE HICKS had previously been arrested in the case, and will be arraigned on the superseding indictment before Judge Seibel at a later date.
DWAYNE HICKS and TNAIYA WILLIAMS, who both participated in the attack and robbery, were sentenced to 12 years and 44 months, respectively, for participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. United States District Judge Cathy Seibel sentenced DWAYNE HICKS on April 18, 2022, and sentenced WILLIAMS on June 24, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, this was a brazen and brutal robbery, as Judge Seibel recognized in imposing substantial prison sentences on Dwayne Hicks and Tniaya Williams. Our unsealing of charges against the other participants shows our Office’s continued commitment to identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of violent crime in this District. Thanks to the tenacious work of the FBI and the other agencies involved in the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, the participants in this attack are in custody and facing justice in federal court.”
At the sentencing hearing for DWAYNE HICKS, Judge Seibel remarked that the February 28, 2021 attack was “sickening,” “vicious,” “stomach turning, and the sort of thing that you really can’t imagine how any human being could partake in.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed in White Plains federal court, and various other indictments and complaints in the case[1]:
On February 28, 2021, after a marijuana dealer who worked for WAYNE HICKS, was robbed, WAYNE HICKS contacted his brother DWAYNE HICKS to arrange retribution. Thereafter, DWAYNE HICKS lured a victim, who the conspirators believed had participated in the earlier robbery, to a residence in New City, New York. Once the victim arrived there, DWAYNE HICKS and multiple other assailants, including WILLIAMS, THOMAS, and WOODBINE, viciously attacked the victim. At times, WAYNE HICKS monitored the attack via a video-chat application. The assailants forced the victim to strip naked, stole his belongings, including a quantity of marijuana the assailants believed the victim had stolen, then beat the victim with a baseball bat, belts, and their hands and feet, and repeatedly slashed and stabbed the victim with a large knife. The victim ultimately fled, after being left, naked and covered in blood, in a pile of snow.
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DWAYNE HICKS, 28, of Spring Valley, New York and TNAIYA WILLIAMS, 27, of New City, New York each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. WAYNE HICKS, 32, of Hawthorne, New York, THOMAS, 20, of Haverstraw, New York, and WOODBINE, 22, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of Travel Act Assault, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
The statutory maximum and minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of special agents and task force officers from the FBI, U.S. Probation, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Westchester County DAs Office, Rockland County DAs Office, NYPD, Westchester County PD, and the Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, White Plains, Peekskill, Ramapo, and Clarkstown Police Department. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Derek Wikstrom and Josiah Pertz are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the description of the Superseding Indictment and the other charging documents set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
12 July 2022
Wounded Knee Woman Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Wounded Knee, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Ashlee Randall, age 34, was indicted on June 23, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 8, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges stem from Randall shooting a man near Wounded Knee in May 2022. The charges are merely an accusation and Randall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Randall was released pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 13, 2022.
Woolwich Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Woolwich man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for possessing child sexual abuse materials, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced Clifton Given, 33, to nine years in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 as well as $11,000 in restitution. Given pleaded guilty on September 9, 2021.
According to court records, on June 18, 2020, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Given’s residence. In an interview with investigators, Given admitted using his cell phone to view images of children engaged in sex. Investigators later found several images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his cell phone.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: “Child pornography” captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: 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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Woman Sentenced for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
A Port Clinton, Ohio, woman was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in 2020, Ashley Kolhoff, 22, produced sexually explicit images of the minor victim and posted them to a website dedicated to facilitating child exploitation. Over the course of multiple days, Kolhoff distributed the images of the victim to nine other members of the website while she engaged in a series of graphic conversations discussing the users’ desire to sexually abuse the victim.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Special Agent in Charge Raymond Villanueva of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Trial Attorney Whitney Kramer of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Schlessinger for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Wife of Former West Haven City Employee Admits Role in Scheme to Steal COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAUREN DiMASSA, formerly known as LAUREN KNOX, 38, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a conspiracy charge stemming from her role in a scheme to steal COVID relief funds from the City of West Haven.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DiMassa conspired with her husband, who at the time was a West Haven city employee, to steal money that was provided to West Haven to alleviate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between approximately July 2020 and October 2021, DiMassa’s husband submitted fraudulent invoices to West Haven for services related to a Youth Violence Prevention Program and for Youth Violence COVID-19 Associated Expenses. These invoices listed charges for in-home counseling, cleaning supplies, special needs hourly service, wi-fi assistance for low/moderate income families, counseling services, license fees, a fall youth clinic, meals, support group supplies, equipment rental, and youth clinic support group. The payment vouchers requested that checks be made out to directly to DiMassa.
West Haven made 16 payments totaling approximately $147,776.10 to DiMassa, who never provided any services to the City of West Haven. DiMassa and her husband used the proceeds for their own benefit.
DiMassa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
DiMassa was arrested on February 18, 2022. She is released on a $50,000 pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
As to DiMassa’s husband, who has been charged with related offenses, U.S. Attorney Avery stressed charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Victorville Man and Alleged Accomplice Face Federal Charges of Transporting 15-Year-Old Girl to Mexico for Illicit Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man who posed online as a teenage boy and enticed a 15-year-old girl to have a sexual relationship before bringing her to Mexico is scheduled to make his first court appearance tomorrow to face federal charges of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Daniel Navarro, who sometimes posed online as “Angel,” 38, of Victorville, was named Monday night in a federal criminal complaint that also charges a woman who allegedly helped Navarro contact minors and who apparently drove Navarro and the 15-year-old girl to Tijuana on July 1, the night before the girl’s scheduled quinceañera.
Navarro and his alleged accomplice – Julie Le, 20, of Garden Grove – were arrested Sunday night pursuant to state court warrants as they entered the United States from Mexico – 10 days after allegedly bringing the victim to Mexico. Both defendants are expected to appear tomorrow in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
The victim in this case – an Arizona girl identified in court documents as “A.T.” who was spending the summer in the Central Coast town of Nipomo – was rescued Monday morning from a residence in Tijuana by Mexican authorities.
According to an affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Navarro had an online relationship with the victim for the past year. “A review of one of Navarro’s Instagram accounts, ‘dn.2021.01,’ revealed conversations between Navarro and A.T. on A.T.’s Instagram account in which Navarro professed his love for A.T. and discussed having sex with A.T. in order to impregnate her,” according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states that Navarro used social media in attempt to convince one of A.T.’s relatives to run away with him, and that Navarro tried to entice other teenage girls to send him sexual images.
On July 1, Navarro and Le entered Mexico with A.T. hidden in the backseat, according to the affidavit.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charge of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a potential sentence of life without parole.
The FBI and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this matter. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office provided substantial assistance. The FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City and Mexican law enforcement authorities provided assistance during this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Reidy of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
Utah Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Provo, Utah man was sentenced to federal prison today for receiving child pornography.
Jeremy David Croskey, 48, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in April 2019, special agents from FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) began working with detectives from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office to investigate sexually explicit messages Croskey sent to a minor victim. FBI traced Croskey’s messages to his home in Provo where they executed a search warrant and seized digital devices containing child pornography.
In May 2020, Croskey was also charged in Utah County, Utah, with illegally possessing a firearm, controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia. In September 2020, Croskey was indicted in Yamhill County Circuit Court on six counts of first-degree sexual abuse.
On March 29, 2022, Croskey pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt of child pornography. Croskey’s plea was jointly negotiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office, and the Utah County Attorney’s Office, resolving all three of his criminal cases.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the Provo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Natalie K. Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
FBI Portland’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ukrainian Nationals Plead Guilty to Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
Two Ukrainian nationals who provided cash-out and money laundering services to cyber actors pleaded guilty to federal crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Viktor Vorontsov, 40, and Zlata Hanska Muzhuk, 41, were indicted February 2020 and extradited from the Czech Republic to Dallas in March 2021. They pleaded guilty today to three counts each: conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and bank fraud.
“These defendants enabled cyber criminals by recruiting and directing a cadre of money mules to transfer proceeds of illicit online activity out of the country – then pocketed a cut of that money for themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “The Justice Department will strive to combat money laundering and fraud wherever we find it.”
“The defendants established a sophisticated money laundering network for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining funds for profit and other illicit activities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “Cyber criminals are not constrained by geographic borders and the FBI will use the strength of our international operations and global partnerships to protect American interests.”
According to plea papers, the pair admitted they recruited money mules to create sham companies, open drop bank accounts, and receive and transfer stolen funds.
They advertised their cash-out services to cyber actors in online forums and communicated with these actors on various messaging applications.
After negotiating a portion of the cyber actors’ stolen funds as fee for their services, Mr. Vorontsov and Ms. Muzhuk directed their money mules to transfer funds from victim accounts in the U.S. to drop accounts domestically and abroad.
The defendants now face up to 37 months each in federal prison. Sentencing has been set for Nov. 15.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with substantial assistance from the Government of the Czech Republic, including the Czech National Organized Crime Agency (NCOZ), as well as the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Czech Ministry of Justice provided substantial assistance in securing the defendants’ extradition from the Czech Republic. Trial Attorney C.S. Heath of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana of the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
US Attorney Announces 27 Indictments as Part of Federal Violent Crime StrategyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, along with federal and local law enforcement, announced ongoing and coordinated efforts to address violent crime in Raleigh and surrounding areas. The Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) is a collaboration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service (USMS). A primary objective of the VCAP is to identify and systematically investigate and prosecute individuals contributing to crime in the city of Raleigh and surrounding areas.
In late June, 27 individuals were indicted by grand juries for federal and state charges and 26 are currently in custody. As part of the initiative, six kilograms of cocaine, 600 bindles of heroin, more than 296 grams of crack, and 15 grams of fentanyl have been seized. In addition, more than $41,000, 26 firearms and more than 200 rounds of ammunition were seized. The gun seizures include a polymer 80 ghost gun.
“Last week, we saw five shooting deaths in Raleigh. Today, we want to put gun-carrying criminals on notice. We are working with law enforcement at every level to get dangerous, illegal guns and drugs off the street and put gun and drug traffickers behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We will use every tool available to keep our communities safe.”
“The Raleigh Police Department is proud to work alongside our federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to harm our community,” stated Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. “The indictments in these cases are extremely impactful and will allow Raleigh residents to sleep better knowing guns, drugs, and violence are being removed from their neighborhoods. Making Raleigh the safest city in the nation remains the top priority of the Raleigh Police Department. We can only do so through collaboration with the community, local and state law enforcement, and our federal partners.”
“These indictments and seizures demonstrate the FBI's overall strategy and relentless determination to eradicate the drug-fueled violence plaguing our community. We are proud to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to hold these individuals accountable,” said Robert R. Wells, FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
“The United States Marshals Service is committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer,” said U.S. Marshal Mike East. “This our second targeted operation to address gun violence in our neighborhoods, and we will conduct similar operations throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina in the future.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims said, “ATF is proud to be a part of a focused, collaborative effort to remove these individuals from our streets and prevent them from harming our communities again.”
There are a wide range of charges on these subjects including felons in possession of firearms, possession with intent to possess/distribute narcotics, as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The following individuals, all from Raleigh and surrounding areas, face federal prosecution for:
- Braxton Deangleo Benton, 38 (Unlicensed dealing of firearms; Possession of ammunition by felon)
- Elijah Jontay Cooper, 21 (Possession of a firearm by felon)
- Ahmad Rashad Davis, 41 (Possession of a firearm by felon)
- Kala Gail Durham, 28 (Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin/fentanyl mixture; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- William Foye, 38 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl mixture; and Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Aurel Hysa, 27 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Shawn Jabbar Jiles, 50 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Donald Craig Melvin, 51 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin/fentanyl mixture; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Bareatta Lamarr Milhouse, 22 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack); Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Steven Antonio Peterson, 31 (Possession of a firearm by felon; Possession of ammunition by felon)
- Jerome Watkins, Jr., 30 (Possession of a firearm by felon)
- Takara Ane Wilson, 24 (False statement during the purchase of a firearm (two counts); Transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person; Unlicensed dealing of firearms)
The defendants below were part of a parallel, months-long Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Raleigh Safe Streets Task Force. An OCDETF investigation is a coordinated federal, state, and local strategy to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, and it is the nation’s primary tool to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.
- Akeem Netron Holder Evans, a/k/a “King,” 32 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), and a quantity of fentanyl; Possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Distribution of a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl; Possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and storing any controlled substance; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Possession of a firearm by a felon)
- Tray De’Vonta Evans a/k/a “Scrap,” 30 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), and a quantity of fentanyl; Possession of a firearm by a felon; Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base (crack); Possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and marijuana; Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and storing any controlled substance; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- William Henry Johnson, Jr., a/k/a “Coach,” 69 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine)
- Kara Shontya Jones, 29 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl)
- Charles Jermaine Muldrow, 45 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine)
- Larry Marnecus Stanford, Jr., 40 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and storing any controlled substance; Possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime)
- Anthony Edward Walton, 49 (Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and storing any controlled substance)
- Rasaun Iran Robinson Wright, a/k/a “Ran,” 39 (Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine)
In separate, unrelated cases, the following individuals, all from Raleigh and surrounding areas, also face state prosecution for:
- Timothy Autry, 44 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Alter/remove gun serial number; Interfere with emergency communication)
- Jamien Baptist, 22 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Assault by pointing a gun; Carrying concealed gun)
- Marcus Hopkins, 40 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Carrying a concealed gun; Possession of marijuana up to ½ oz; Resisting public officer)
- D’Mani Jeter, 22 (Possession of firearm by a felon, Trafficking fentanyl by possession (two counts); Possession with intent to sell or deliver schedule II-controlled substance)
- Donzell Jones, 23 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Carrying a concealed gun; Habitual felon)
- Sean Neal, 52 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Habitual felon)
- Antonio Townes, 29 (Possession of firearm by a felon; Possession of a stolen firearm; Possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana; Possession with intent to sell or deliver schedule II-controlled substance; Possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine; Possession of drug paraphernalia)
VCAP is an approach that draws on close partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the community, to combat violence. The initiative brings state and federal prosecutors together to prioritize the review of gun crime cases and identify and prosecute repeat offenders and criminal organizations as well as identifying and stopping the sources of guns. Law enforcement partners use inter-agency coordination and intelligence-led policing, analyzing crime data to deploy resources where they are most needed and leveraging federal Task Force officers to bring federal technology to address local gun violence.
The VCAP initiative is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is 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. 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.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. RPD, ATF, FBI, the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, and the USMS are involved in the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Boykin and Robert Dodson are the lead prosecutors for the cases, with assistance from other criminal Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the office.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers Selected as Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Cyber and Intellectual PropertyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers has been selected to chair the Cyber and Intellectual Property Subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). The Cyber Subcommittee is dedicated to addressing the complex issues arising at the intersection between law enforcement and high technology.
“Our country faces unprecedented threats from cybercriminals, including ransomware, massive breaches of sensitive data, complex transnational fraud schemes, and technology-facilitated exploitation of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “Law enforcement professionals do all we can to fight these crimes even as more technologies are used in attempts to deprive investigators of access to critical evidence. I am eager to work with my fellow United States Attorneys to advise the Department of Justice from the prosecutor’s perspective as we seek to hold cybercriminals accountable and keep our communities safe on the streets and online.”
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Myers spent over a decade as a federal prosecutor with a focus on technology-facilitated crime, including serving as Cybercrime Counsel, Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property prosecutor, and National Security Cyber Specialist.
U.S. Attorney Myers will collaborate with U.S. Attorneys from across the country to provide guidance to the AGAC on cyber and intellectual property matters impacting U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. He will also serve on the AGAC’s Subcommittees on White Collar Crime and Office Management & Budget.
Established in 1973, the AGAC and its subcommittees advise the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and represents the views of federal prosecutors across the country.
Two out-of-state men charged with transporting dozens in tractor-trailersRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two 41-year-old men have been indicted for conspiracy and illegally transporting more than 70 through a Laredo checkpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal grand jury returned two separate, unrelated but similar indictments against Menietto Lateet Crawford, Memphis, Tennessee, and Denny Fuentes, Miami, Florida, today. Both men are expected to appear for their arraignments next week.
On June 14, Crawford approached the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint north of Laredo, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the matter. A K-9 allegedly alerted to Crawford’s trailer. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered 80 undocumented aliens in the non-refrigerated trailer that Crawford was hauling, according to the allegations in the complaint.
The following day at the same checkpoint, law enforcement allegedly found another 71 undocumented aliens from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. According to the charges against Fuentes, he had tried to transport the people in a refrigerated trailer claiming he was transporting “pig meat.”
If convicted, each man faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted both investigations with the assistance of Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Two Men Charged with Shooting Taxi Driver During RobberyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two men have made their initial appearances on charges of shooting a taxi driver during a late-night robbery, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Naeem Jackson, 22, of East Orange, New Jersey, and Walter Williams-Lang, 20, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, are each charged in a four-count complaint with Hobbs Act violence in furtherance of a planned robbery; discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence; and possessing a firearm as convicted felons. Jackson had his initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte; Williams-Lang appeared on June 30, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor. Both were detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 14, 2022, at 4:37 a.m., Jackson and Williams-Lang, wearing dark clothing and masks over their faces, entered a taxi. Williams-Lang pointed a firearm at the taxi driver while demanding his money. Jackson then took the firearm from Williams-Lang and pistol-whipped the taxi driver’s head several times before shooting him in the arm. After leaving the driver in critical condition from a gunshot wound, Jackson and Williams-Lang fled the scene and were arrested.
The counts of Hobbs Act violence and conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence are punishable by 20 years in prison; the count of being convicted felons in possession of a firearm is punishable by 10 years in prison; and the count for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a consecutive sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the members of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Director Earl J. Graves and Police Chief Giacommo Sacca; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Financial Asset Managers Charged in Alleged $1.2 Billion Venezuelan Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Two financial asset managers have been charged with money laundering for their alleged role in a $1.2 billion international scheme to launder funds corruptly obtained from Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA).
According to the indictment, Ralph Steinmann (Steinmann), 48, of Switzerland, and Luis Fernando Vuteff (Vuteff), 51, of Argentina, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The court documents, which include a criminal complaint charging Steinmann and Vuteff on June 12, 2022, allege that beginning in or around December 2014 and continuing until at least August 2018, Steinmann and Vuteff conspired with others to launder the proceeds of an illegal bribery scheme using the U.S. financial system as well as various bank accounts located abroad. The conspirators laundered the illicit proceeds in connection with a corrupt foreign currency exchange scheme involving bribery of Venezuelan officials.
Steinmann, Vuteff, and others discussed and agreed to create the sophisticated financial mechanisms and relationships required to launder more than $200 million related to the scheme as well as open accounts for or on behalf of at least two Venezuelan public officials to receive their bribe payments related to the scheme.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Vuteff has been arrested and is pending extradition from Switzerland. Steinmann remains a fugitive from the United States.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) “Operation Money Flight,” a partnership between and among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt K. Lunkenheimer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Paul A. Hayden of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter and Swiss law enforcement authorities provided assistance.
An indictment contains mere allegations and defendants are innocent unless and until found guilty in a court of law.
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.
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Two Financial Asset Managers Charged in Alleged $1.2 Billion Venezuelan Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Two financial asset managers have been charged with money laundering as part of a $1.2 billion international scheme to launder funds corruptly obtained from Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA).
According to the indictment returned today in the Southern District of Florida, Ralph Steinmann, 48, of Switzerland, and Luis Fernando Vuteff, 51, of Argentina, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The court documents, which include a criminal complaint charging Steinmann and Vuteff on June 12, allege that beginning in or around December 2014 and continuing until at least August 2018, Steinmann and Vuteff conspired with others to launder the proceeds of an illegal bribery scheme using the U.S. financial system as well as various bank accounts located abroad. The conspirators laundered the illicit proceeds in connection with a corrupt foreign currency exchange scheme involving bribery of Venezuelan officials.
Steinmann, Vuteff, and others allegedly discussed and agreed to create the sophisticated financial mechanisms and relationships required to launder more than $200 million related to the scheme as well as open accounts for or on behalf of at least two Venezuelan public officials to receive their bribe payments related to the scheme.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Vuteff has been arrested and is pending extradition from Switzerland. Steinmann remains a fugitive from the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami office made the announcement.
HSI Miami is investigating the case. This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s Operation Money Flight, a partnership between and among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Trial Attorney Paul A. Hayden of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt K. Lunkenheimer for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Swiss law enforcement authorities are providing substantial assistance in this matter.
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.
Two Eastern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Former Acting U.S. Attorney, and Paralegal Specialist Receive Attorney General's AwardRead the Press Release
Two Eastern District of New York Assistant United States Attorneys, a former Acting United States Attorney, and one paralegal specialist were among the 298 department employees recognized today by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Fifty-four non-department individuals were also honored for their work. The annual ceremony recognizes Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws.
“This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation.”
“The groundbreaking work of our Eastern District honorees and law enforcement partners achieved justice for the women victimized by Nxivm’s leader Keith Raniere and his sophisticated associates who carried out their crimes for years, protected by a wall of secrecy, intimidation, and humiliation that the prosecution team ultimately demolished,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This case serves as a model for using racketeering, labor and sex trafficking statutes to combat crimes that have caused victims significant harm. Today’s occasion is also an opportunity to once again praise the bravery of the victims in this case who, having put their trust in our extraordinary team, found the strength to testify against Raniere, regain control of their lives, and begin the long process of healing.”
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service
United States v. Keith Raniere et al.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanya Hajjar and Kevin Trowel, former Acting U.S. Attorney Mark J. Lesko, and Paralegal Specialist Teri Carby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, together with the investigative team – FBI Supervisory Special Agents Anthony Bivona and Christopher Donohue; FBI Special Agents Delise Jeffrey, Michael W. Lever, Maegan O. Rees, and Michael J. Weniger; FBI Victim Specialist Laura B. Riso; Task Force Officer Charles B. Fontanelli; and Special Agents Megan Buckley and Christopher T. Munster, Homeland Security Investigations – were recognized for their efforts in dismantling a criminal enterprise led by Keith Raniere, whose members engaged in racketeering, sex trafficking, and forced labor, among other crimes.
For over a decade, Raniere and his co-conspirators led a criminal enterprise under the guise of various self-help organizations headquartered in Albany, New York, with centers operating elsewhere in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In late 2015, Raniere created a secret society called DOS, whose members were drawn from the self-help organizations. Women were recruited under the false pretense of joining a women-only mentorship group, later discovering that they had taken “vows of obedience” to women who had themselves pledged obedience to Raniere. Prospective DOS victims were required to provide “collateral” to Raniere and his co-conspirators, which included damaging confessions about themselves and their loved ones, whether true or not, rights to financial assets and sexually explicit photographs and videos. Collateral was used to coerce victims into providing labor and services, including sex acts with Raniere, for the benefit of Raniere and the criminal enterprise.
After securing the convictions of Raniere’s five co-defendants through guilty pleas, the team used a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to successfully prepare multiple victims for trial testimony. The team employed precedent-setting applications of the RICO, sex trafficking, and labor trafficking statutes to pursue justice for the victims and provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to ensure victim participation in all aspects of the prosecution.
Following a six-week trial, Raniere was held accountable for over a decade of crime and exploitation that had been concealed behind the guise of various “personal growth” programs. In June 2019, Raniere was convicted of racketeering conspiracy; racketeering involving predicate acts of sex trafficking, child exploitation, and obstruction of justice; and substantive offenses including sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. In October 2020, Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison.
Three Tampa Area Residents Indicted for Series of Convenience Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dyonnie Alvarez (22, Tampa), her brother, Christopher Alvarez (18, Gibsonton), and Enrique Marquez (26, Tampa) with four Hobbs Act robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and four counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of those robberies. Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez have also each been charged with an additional Hobbs Act robbery. If convicted, each faces up to 20 years for each robbery count, and up to 20 years for the conspiracy count. The firearm charges each carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and up to life, in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any firearm and ammunition traceable to the offenses as well as the proceeds the defendants obtained as result of their offenses.
According to the indictment, on May 5, 2022, Dyonnie Alvarez, Christopher Alvarez, and Marquez robbed two convenience stores in the Tampa area. During the robberies, they brandished a firearm. The next morning, the trio robbed two more Tampa area convenience stores in the same manner. In addition, on May 1, 2022, Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob a citizen in an attempt to obtain narcotics.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
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.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Engaging in Child Sex Tourism in ColombiaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hugo Espinosa Chavez (59, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to using a minor child to produce images depicting sexual abuse, traveling to Colombia to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a child, and possessing images of this child being sexually abused. Espinosa Chavez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, on the production charge, up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the sex tourism charge, and up to 10 years in federal prison for the possession charge. Espinosa Chavez was arrested on October 5, 2021, and will remain in custody through sentencing. He is a dual citizen of both Colombia and the United States.
According to court documents, from May through December 2020, Espinosa Chavez coerced, persuaded, and used a 15-year-old indigent child who lived in Colombia to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photos of this conduct. In return, Espinosa Chavez gave the child money and other gifts. Espinosa Chavez located the 15-year-old child victim on Facebook and began communicating with the child via Facebook Messenger. Espinosa Chavez demanded nude photos of the child, offering money in exchange for photos of the child’s buttocks and genitals.
On December 12, 2020, Espinosa Chavez traveled from the United States to the Republic of Colombia for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the child. Espinosa Chavez ultimately sexually abused the child victim, again offering money and gifts in exchange for sex. On other occasions, Espinosa Chavez took sexually explicit pictures of the child on his personal cellphone. In return, the child victim was given 60,000 Colombian pesos (about $17 in U.S. currency) for the initial pictures the victim had sent. When the pictures were taken in person, Espinosa Chavez paid the child a small amount of cash in exchange for taking pictures and enduring the sexual abuse perpetrated by Espinosa Chavez. Espinosa Chavez continued to demand more sexual acts from the child and would only pay the child if the specific requests were met. When the child victim resisted and did not fully cooperate, Espinosa Chavez said, “I feel cheated.”
On October 2, 2021, Espinosa Chavez was arrested on these federal child sex charges. During an interview with law enforcement, he admitted that he had paid the child money in exchange for sexually explicit photos, he knew the child was a minor, and he had sexually abused the child while in Colombia.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa, with substantial assistance from HSI Bogota, the Colombian National Police, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
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.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Beating Wife at MacDill Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kirk Douglas Dudley (47, Maryland) has pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by striking, beating, or wounding. Dudley faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on January 26, 2021, while living on MacDill Air Force Base with this wife, Dudley repeatedly slapped his spouse with an open hand, knocking her to the ground. He then sat on top of her and stuffed a rag into her mouth, holding his hand over her mouth and nose to prevent her breathing. On January 31, 2021, Dudley again assaulted his wife by slapping her with open palms and slamming her head on various surfaces in their bathroom. This assault was witnessed by a juvenile.
This case was investigated by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) at MacDill Air Force Base. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa Spergel and Karyna Valdes.
Suburban Chicago Doctor Charged with Health Care Fraud in Connection with Alleged False Claims to Medicare and Private InsurerRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago doctor who specialized in removing moles to screen for cancer was charged today in federal court with submitting fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicare and a private insurer.
JOHN A. GREAGER II owned and operated Cancer Therapy Associates S.C., in Lombard, Ill. From 2015 to 2021, Greager fraudulently obtained approximately $4.1 million from Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois by submitting fraudulent claims that falsely represented that certain health care services, including mole removal procedures, had been provided to patients, according to a criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Greager knew that those services were not provided as represented on the claims and, at times, were medically unnecessary, the information states. The information also alleges that Greager removed more moles from patients than was medically necessary, and then dictated notes and provided paperwork to employees to submit fraudulent claims for reimbursement for those medical procedures.
The information charges Greager, 74, of Hinsdale, Ill., with one count of health care fraud. Arraignment in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
The charge was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Amy K. Parker, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Virginia Hancock.
The public is reminded that an information is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Health care fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Stratford Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS COLON, also known as “Big Lou” and “Hitman,” 51, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and gun possession offenses. Colon must spend the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between November and December 2020, Colon was involved in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl disguised as oxycodone. Investigators seized approximately 300 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone that had been sold by Colon to a co-conspirator.
Colon was arrested on December 16, 2020, after a court-authorized search of his residence on Dover Street in Stratford revealed 11 firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, approximately 50 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, approximately 61 grams of cocaine with packaging, items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, and approximately $24,800 in cash.
Colon’s criminal history includes state convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, assault, weapons, robbery and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On March 30, 2021, Colon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Colon, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 12.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.