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Friday 13 May 2022
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on May 10, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Aynjel Schumacher, age 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Schumacher was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020. She pleaded guilty on December 9, 2020.
Schumacher was responsible for distributing between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota. She brought methamphetamine from Nebraska and recruited others to transport the methamphetamine for her between September 2019 and April 2020. Schumacher also arranged for people to transport bulk cash as payment for the methamphetamine and to send money to the supplier via currency services such as Western Union. Schumacher possessed firearms on numerous occasions during the conspiracy and used a firearm to threaten a co-conspirator. At the time she was leading this conspiracy, Schumacher was on parole with the State of South Dakota. Others charged in the conspiracy have trial and sentencing dates pending.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Schumacher was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Purple Pistol Bandit Sentenced to 20 years for Beaumont-area Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Derrick Rashard Gloude, 24, pleaded guilty on Sep. 23, 2021, to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to a total of 240 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to court documents, from November 9, 2020 through November 16, 2020, Gloude robbed six businesses and attempted to rob another in Beaumont. The stores were all engaged in interstate commerce and employed clerks who were engaged in the commercial activities of the stores at the time of the robberies. The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce. In each of the robberies, Gloude brandished a purple pistol and pointed it at the clerks when demanding money.
After receiving a CrimeStoppers tip, investigators were able to develop Gloude as a suspect. A review of Gloude’s public Facebook page showed photos of Gloude wearing clothes matching the clothing reported by the clerks in each store. Additionally, Gloude’s Facebook showed pictures of him brandishing a purple handgun and flashing fans of cash. The pistol was recovered after Gloude’s arrest and determined to have been reported stolen in Beaumont.
“If you carry or use a gun and commit a felony crime, we will seek the highest punishment we can on you,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “Violent crime, especially those crimes where a firearm is used, is at the top of our priority list. We, and our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will work tirelessly together to protect our community by arresting and prosecuting violent offenders.”
“This is just another great example of how we can be more effective in law enforcement when we work together,” said Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary. “Our relationships with our federal partners are so valuable in larger investigations like this to put our criminals away for an extended length of time. We certainly cherish these relationships.”
“Removing the criminal element that illegally uses firearms to commit violent crime is a top priority of the ATF,” Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski said. “The ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the communities we serve to remove the criminal elements that negatively impact our communities.”
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.
This case is being investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Providence Man Admits to Possessing Nearly 2 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man, arrested in April 2021 moments after he claimed a package that was found by investigators to contain nearly two kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico, pled guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and using a communication device to facilitate the commission of a drug felony, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The cocaine was concealed inside the heavily wrapped package whose contents had been wrapped in duct tape, spray foamed, and wrapped again with birthday gift wrap.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, on April 15, 2021, moments after a Postal Service employee was unable to make a controlled delivery of the package, addressed to “Jose Azcona,” to a Providence residence, the postal worker was approached by an individual claiming to be a relative of Azcona. This person claimed the package contained medication for his relative and asked that he be allowed to take custody of it, but he was informed that the addressee would have to inquire about a redelivery and personally claim the package. Two days later, after a series of telephone calls inquiring about the package were received by the Postal Service, Robinson Padilla-Rosario, 38, claiming to be Azcona, retrieved the package. He was arrested as he left the post office, and found to be in possession of a fake Rhode Island driver’s license bearing his photograph; the name Jose A. Azcona; and the address to which the package had been mailed. Investigators also discovered evidence on a cellphone in Padilla-Rosario’s possession that he had been using an app to communicate with a person in Puerto Rico; those communications included an image of the Postal Service redelivery slip for the package containing the cocaine.
Padilla-Rosario is scheduled to be sentenced on August 16, 2022. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Rhode Island State Police.
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Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Murder and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kyle M. Leeper, age 38, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, pled guilty yesterday to committing murder during a drug conspiracy, conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The defendant entered his guilty plea yesterday shortly before a federal jury trial scheduled to begin on Monday May 16, 2022, in Utica, New York.
As part of his guilty plea, Leeper admitted the following: He was part of a conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine from Indiana and Southern California to Cortland County, New York, where Leeper distributed it. In the fall of 2018, Crystal Stephens, of Groton, New York, who was incarcerated in Indiana on burglary charges, provided Leeper by telephone with contact information for John Rice, an Indiana-based methamphetamine dealer. Leeper communicated with Rice by telephone and then travelled to and from Indiana twice in late 2018 and early 2019, where he obtained crystal methamphetamine and a .380 caliber pistol from Rice. Leeper distributed this methamphetamine in the Cortland area.
After Rice was arrested in early January 2019, Leeper arranged to travel to the Los Angeles area to purchase more methamphetamine. From jail, Stephens provided Leeper with telephone numbers for possible methamphetamine sources in East Los Angeles. In mid-January 2019, Leeper and an associate, Ramon Nieves Cotto, drove from Cortland to Los Angeles, where Leeper contacted one of these sources. The source sought assistance from Arlene Rodriguez, who introduced Leeper to a middleman. On January 17, 2019, this middleman arranged for Leeper to buy three pounds of crystal methamphetamine for $5,000. But, after the methamphetamine was delivered, Leeper realized that he had been shortchanged on the quantity delivered. Leeper abducted the middleman and Rodriguez at gunpoint. Later that day, Nieves Cotto purchased zip ties, which Leeper used to bind the middleman. On the night of January 17, 2019, outside Barstow, California, Leeper shot the middleman eight times from behind with the .380 caliber pistol, killing him. Leeper and Nieves Cotto, along with Rodriguez, then drove to Cortland, where Leeper distributed the methamphetamine he managed to obtain on this trip to California.
In early February 2019, Leeper, Nieves Cotto, and Rodriguez returned to Los Angeles, where Leeper purchased an additional six to eight pounds of methamphetamine and a 9 mm pistol. Upon his return to Cortland, Leeper, assisted by Rodriguez, began to distribute this methamphetamine. On February 19, 2019, officers with the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office stopped Leeper and Rodriguez while they were driving in Leeper’s pickup truck, which had an expired registration and cracked windshield. Inside the truck, the officers found four pounds of high-purity methamphetamine, the loaded .380 caliber pistol Leeper had used to commit the murder, and ammunition. They arrested Leeper, who previously had been convicted of state and federal felony offenses in Pennsylvania, and Rodriguez.
Kyle Leeper is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2022, and could receive a sentence of between 25 and 40 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10.5 million. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Six (6) co-defendants previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy with Kyle Leeper, and/or aiding and abetting the murder. All are awaiting sentencing.
Jose Pimentel, Jr., age 31, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Edgar Arredondo, age 35, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He also pled guilty to charges based on his possession in the Central District of California of a shotgun, ammunition, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
John Rice, age 57, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Ramon Nieves-Cotto, age 30, of DeRuyter, New York, pled guilty to aiding and abetting a murder during a drug conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Crystal J. Stephens, age 34, of Groton, New York, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Arlene N. Rodriguez, age 38, of Montebello, California, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cortland County (New York) Sheriff’s Office, the Barstow (California) Police Department, and the San Bernadino (California) County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Cortland County (New York) District Attorney’s Office, the Montgomery County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Montgomery County (Indiana) District Attorney’s Office, the Pomona (California) Police Department, and the El Monte (California) Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven D. Clymer, Richard R. Southwick, and Thomas R. Sutcliffe.
New York Man Indicted for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl.
Chanty Reynoso Vasquez, 27, of Bronx, N.Y., was indicted on possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to the indictment, on March 30, 2022, in Springfield, Reynoso Vasquez possessed 400 grams or more fentanyl intended for distribution.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Convicted of Threatening Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a New York man yesterday on three counts of mailing threatening letters to a federal law enforcement officer with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and to a federal prosecutor.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in 2021, Brock Beeman, 29, sent at least four threatening letters from prison to governmental employees associated with a separate criminal prosecution of the defendant in Norfolk. These letters included detailed threats to kill, torture, and/or maim various individuals, including a United States District Judge, United States Probation Officer, Assistant United States Attorneys, Special Agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Marshals, and other individuals associated with the defendant’s Norfolk criminal prosecution, as well as their friends and family members. These letters further included bomb threats for various locations, including federal courthouses, a military installation, and law enforcement offices.
Beeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of his three counts when sentenced on August 11. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shannon Saylor, Acting United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Mastandrea-Miller and Avi Panth are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-095.
New Orleans Man Indicted on Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVONTE SMITH, age 22, of New Orleans, was charged on May 12, 2022 in an eight-count indictment with numerous federal firearms and drug trafficking violations stemming from a March 30, 2022 shootout, on the corner of Orleans and Rocheblave Streets and the subsequent search of a residence located in the 1800 block of Touro Street. No one was killed or injured in the shootout, but several houses and automobiles were damaged. The indictment charges him as follows:
Count 1: Charge: Possession, brandishing, and discharging of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 USC § 924(c)(1)(A).
Statutory Sentence: 10 years to life. Any sentence imposed must be served consecutive to any other sentence; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 2: Charge: Possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 USC § 924(c)(1)(B)(ii).
Statutory Sentence: 30 years up to life. Any sentence imposed must be served consecutive to any other sentence; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than
5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 3: Charge: Illegal Possession of a machinegun in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(o).
Statutory Sentence: 0-10 years; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 3 years
supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 4: Charge: Possession of a firearm by a felon in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g).
Statutory Sentence: 0-10 years; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 3 years
supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 5: Charge: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of marijuana, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D).
Statutory Sentence: cocaine hyddrochloride/fentanyl: 0-20 years; not more than $1,000,000.00 in fines; at least 3 years of supervised release;
Marijuana: 0-5 years; a fine of up to $250,000; at least 2 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 6: Charge: Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).
Statutory Sentence: 0-5 years; a fine of up to $250,000; at least 2 years supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 7: Charge: Maintaining a drug involved premises, in violation of Title 21 USC § 856.
Statutory Sentence: 0-20 years; a fine of up to $500,000; up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
Count 8: Charge: Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Statutory Sentence: 0-20 years; a fine of up to $1,000,000; at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.) and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
Melbourne Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Stephen Brian Dukeman (27, Melbourne) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The court also ordered Dukeman to forfeit two firearms, which he had possessed during the offense. Dukeman had pleaded guilty on January 28, 2022.
According to court documents, on June 9, 2021, an officer with the Melbourne Police Department was working traffic enforcement when he observed a vehicle speeding. The officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle to make a traffic stop. However, the vehicle struck a curb and became disabled. The sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as Dukeman, fled on foot through a field and a pursuit began. The officer ordered Dukeman to stop several times, but he refused to comply. While running, Dukeman was grabbing at an object in his pocket. The officer was able to gain control of Dukeman, a struggle ensued, and eventually Dukeman was arrested.
A search of Dukeman’s pockets revealed $450 in cash and a ripped baggie containing 103.42 grams of fentanyl. A search of Dukeman’s vehicle revealed a loaded Glock 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat floorboard, another baggie containing fentanyl weighing 145.61 grams in the center console, and a loaded multi-caliber Premiere firearm in the backseat floorboard area. Both firearms were stolen.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Melbourne Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Stealing over $120,000 from Bank Customer AccountsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Drummond, 36, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for his role in a scheme in which Wells Fargo Bank customers lost $124,000 from their accounts. According to the government’s evidence, the participants in the scheme attempted to steal another $80,000 from the bank’s customers, but the bank detected that fraud and stopped the loss.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division.
Drummond pleaded guilty on Jan. 6, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was sentenced by the Honorable Royce C. Lamberth. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release. In addition to the prison term, he will be required to pay $124,000 in restitution. He also must pay $124,000 in a forfeiture money judgment.
In entering his plea, Drummond admitted to orchestrating a scheme that was carried out in 2017 in which Drummond recruited bank employees who would make unauthorized withdrawals from Wells Fargo customer accounts. The bank employees used the bank’s internal systems to check the account balances of customers without the customer’s knowledge. Those employees then told Drummond the customer’s name and account balance.
Drummond then sent another accomplice into the bank to pose as the customer and to withdraw the funds, unbeknownst to the actual customer. The conspirators used this scheme to steal $124,000 in cash and an $80,000 cashier’s check from two of the bank’s customers. Although Wells Fargo was able to detect the theft and stop payment of the $80,000 cashier’s check, Wells Fargo incurred losses on behalf of its customers for the $124,000 in cash that Drummond and others stole.
Another conspirator, Tiara Langston, 30, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, entered a guilty plea in November 2020 to related charges and was sentenced in March 2021 to a 15-month prison term.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Special Agent in Charge Jacobs commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also acknowledged the work of those who are handling the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert, who is prosecuting the matter.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Posing as a 16-Year-Old Boy to Persuade, Induce, and Entice at Least Three Minor Victims to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct in Order to Produce Images and Videos of Such ConductRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Derrell Lamar Hooker Orange (“Hooker Orange”) age 37, of Brandywine, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to enticement of a minor to produce child pornography and to possession of child pornography. After Hooker-Orange entered his guilty plea, U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel ordered the defendant into U.S. Marshal custody because he determined that Hooker-Orange was a danger to the community.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Selwyn Smith of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police and Sheriff Michelle Cook of the Clay County, Florida Sherriff’s Office.
According to his plea agreement, from at least July 2020 through October 2020, Hooker-Orange, posing as a 16-year-old boy name “Lamar Thompson,” communicated with Victim 1, a 12-year-old girl living in Florida. Hooker-Orange admitted that Victim 1 disclosed to him that she was in “junior high.” During their communications, Hooker-Orange, using the Thompson persona, sent text messages requesting sexually explicit videos from Victim 1, including on August 29, 2020 and October 11, 2020, which Victim 1 then sent to Hooker-Orange.
On March 16, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hooker Orange’s residence and seized his iPad and iPhone. Forensic review of Hooker Orange’s devices revealed images and videos of child pornography, including sexually explicit videos of Victim 1.
As detailed in his plea agreement, Hooker-Orange also communicated with three other minor victims, Victim 2, Victim 3, and Victim 4, through text messages and a secure communication application. As he did with Victim 1, Hooker-Orange posed as a 16-year-old boy and requested sexually explicit images and videos from Victim 2, Victim 3, and Victim 4, which the victims sent to him. Based on the forensic analysis of his devices, Hooker-Orange knew that Victims 3 and 4 were only 11 years old. In addition, on February 21, 2021, Hooker-Orange sent text messages to Victim 2, who resided in Florida, indicating that he had traveled to her residence. The text messages included a screen shot of a Lyft route to the area of Victim 2’s residence, as well as a video of the apartment complex where Victim 2 lived at that time, with a text stating, “I’m outside.” Victim 2 did not meet Hooker-Orange.
According to his plea agreement, Hooker-Orange also participated in numerous chats using a cross-platform messaging service with enhanced encryption to transmit and receive material depicting minors, including prepubescent minors, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. For example, in a chat with another user of the messaging service in March 2021, the other user asked Hooker-Orange to “Trade.” In response, Hooker-Orange sent approximately 74 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and received approximately 98 such videos.
Hooker Orange and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Hooker-Orange will be sentenced to between 151 and 262 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for August 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
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 Attorney’s 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the HSI, the Maryland State Police, and the Clay County, Florida Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked the Prince George’s County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica C. Collins and Leah Grossi, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Marietta man charged in massive PPP fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Carl Delano Torjagbo, a/k/a Karl Lucius Delano, has been arrested on federal bank fraud and money laundering charges arising from a scheme to defraud a bank by obtaining a $9.5 million Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan in the name of a fictitious company and then allegedly using the loan proceeds to upgrade his personal lifestyle. The PPP is a federal loan program intended to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic by providing them with funds to cover certain payroll costs, including benefits, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
“This defendant allegedly stole millions of dollars in taxpayer money intended to help small businesses stay afloat during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We will continue to investigate and charge anyone who fraudulently obtains these critical funds and uses them for their own personal gain.”
“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate anyone who misdirects federal emergency assistance intended for business who actually need it to stay operational," said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Torjagbo’s fraud was particularly egregious, and we will make sure he is held accountable accordingly.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the CARES Act,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On February 16, 2021, Torjagbo signed a PPP loan application on behalf of Kremkov Industries LLC and submitted it to a bank, requesting a PPP loan in the amount of $9,554,425.00. To be eligible for a PPP loan, a business had to have been in operation on February 15, 2020. Kremkov Industries was not eligible for a PPP loan because it was not in operation on February 15, 2020. In fact, it was not even created until approximately ten months after that deadline had expired.
Torjagbo swore that the information he provided in the PPP loan application and in all supporting documents and forms was “true and accurate in all material respects.” Torjagbo certified that Kremkov Industries was in operation on February 15, 2020. Torjagbo stated that Kremkov Industries had 493 employees. Torjagbo also stated that Kremkov Industries had an average monthly payroll of $3,821,770. All of these statements were allegedly false.
In support of the PPP loan application, Torjagbo allegedly submitted fraudulent documents to the bank, including false tax returns (IRS Forms 940, 941, and 1040) and fake reports that listed the names and make-believe payroll information of the 493 people who purportedly worked for Kremkov Industries.
On March 29, 2021, as a result of Torjagbo’s alleged false and fraudulent representations, the bank transferred $9,554,425.00 in PPP loan proceeds to Torjagbo’s custody and control. The PPP loan proceeds were initially deposited into a bank account titled in the name of Kremkov Industries. Immediately before that deposit, the balance in that account was only $105.
On the PPP loan application, Torjagbo certified that all loan proceeds would be used only for business-related purposes as specified in the loan application and consistent with the Paycheck Protection Program Rules. Torjagbo acknowledged that he could be prosecuted if the PPP loan proceeds were knowingly used for unauthorized purposes.
On April 8, 2021, Torjagbo caused $3 million of the PPP loan proceeds to be transferred by check from the bank to a different bank. On that check, Torjagbo wrote a note stating that it was for “payroll.” But those funds were not used to pay “payroll.” Instead, those funds were allegedly used to pay Torjagbo’s personal debts and expenses, including the following:
• $1,677,861.01 for his personal residence;
• more than $837,000 for tractor-trailers to start a new trucking business;
• approximately $300,000 to purchase other real estate;
• $118,299.79 for a 2022 BMW M850XL;
• $87,020 for a 2021 Land Rover Velar; and
• more than $15,000 for plastic surgery.
The PPP is a federal loan program intended to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic by providing them with funds to cover certain payroll costs, including benefits, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Carl Delano Torjagbo, a/k/a Karl Lucius Delano, 42, of Marietta, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker, on federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering, and was remanded to custody. Torjagbo was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2022. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Phillips is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Manuelito man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Roland Yazzie, 47, of Manuelito, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced in federal court today to 15 years and eight months in prison for abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. Yazzie pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2021.
In his plea agreement, Yazzie admitted that between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2019, he engaged in sexual contact with a child, identified in court records as Jane Doe. At time of the abuse, the victim was between seven and nine years old. The abuse occurred at the home of the victim’s mother in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Elisa Dimas prosecuted the case.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion Dollar Tax Fraud Scheme Involving Professional Athletes and PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and to conspiring with others in a scheme to prepare false tax returns seeking millions of dollars of tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to defraud the Paycheck Protection (PPP) loan program by filing over 80 PPP loan applications seeking over $100 million.
According to court documents, Quin Ngoc Rudin, 45, a convicted felon, was the Secretary, Director and Chief Financial Officer of Mana Tax Services, which purported to be a tax preparation business in the Los Angeles area. Rudin engaged in a conspiracy to commit two sets of fraud schemes using Mana Tax.
First, from May of 2019 through his arrest in December of 2021, Rudin and his co-conspirators prepared and filed with the IRS a series of false and fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of at least nine professional athletes that reported fabricated business and personal losses in order to get large refunds to which they were not entitled. Rudin and the co-conspirators represented to the professional athletes that Rudin was knowledgeable and experienced in the preparation of tax returns. Rudin represented that Mana Tax could obtain large refunds for the athletes and that he had specialized knowledge that their prior CPAs and tax professionals did not have. Not only did Rudin assist in the preparation of original tax returns for his professional athlete clients, but he also filed amended tax returns for past years to correct what he falsely characterized as “errors” made by the athletes’ previous accountants. Mana Tax then charged the athletes a fee of 30% of whatever amount of tax refunds the IRS issued. As a result of Rudin’s scheme to defraud the United States, the IRS paid refunds to the athletes totaling millions of dollars.
For his second scheme, from April of 2020 through December of 2021, Rudin and his co-conspirators assisted small businesses in applying for PPP loans, a federal loans initiative designed to help businesses pay their employees and meet their expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, in exchange for a 30% fee. Additionally, Rudin and his co-conspirators prepared fraudulent PPP loans for business entities that the co-conspirators controlled. In order to obtain the fraudulent PPP loans, Rudin and his co-conspirators grossly inflated the number of employees and monthly payroll costs claimed on the applications. Some of the businesses were not eligible for any PPP loan funds at all because they did not have any payroll expenses. Rudin and his co-conspirators obtained millions of dollars in fraudulently obtained PPP loans.
The conspirators also submitted fabricated tax returns in support of the PPP loan applications. Some of the business owners never saw their loan applications before Mana Tax filed them. To conceal the 30% fee obtained from the business owners, Rudin and his co-conspirators directed the businesses to pay the fee with cashier’s checks and to note falsely on the memo lines of the checks that the funds were related to payroll.
The total actual losses for the tax fraud and PPP loan fraud are between $25 million and $65 million.
Rudin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit wire fraud, as well as to one count of wire fraud. Rudin is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and 5 years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and to commit wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Darrell J. Waldon, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly M. Shartar and Kimberly R. Pedersen, and Assistant Chief of the Justice Department’s Tax Division David Zisserson of the prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California provided assistance with this investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-46.
Man Indicted for Sending Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man has been indicted in connection with sending threatening communications to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Drummond Neil Smithson, 30, was indicted on one count of use of interstate communications to transmit a threat to injure.
According to the indictment, on or about July 19, 2020, Smithson, an Army veteran, mailed a threatening communication from Ayer, Mass., to the Department of Veterans Affairs threatening to injure members of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots organization advocating for the end to gun violence. It is alleged that Smithson threatened, among other things, “If you take my pension there is going to be retaliation,” and, “You take my pension and the second I get out of prison I will go to a Moms Demand Action meeting […] Try me.”
The charge of use of interstate communications to transmit a threat to injure provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General; Federal Bureau of Investigations, Miami Field Office; and Federal Medical Center, Devens, Special Investigations Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office 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.
Man Charged with December 2021 Broad Daylight Murder in Bronx ParkRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that RICARDO FERGUSON, a/k/a “Mayback,” was charged with the December 5, 2021 murder of Robert Brown, Sr., in the Aqueduct Walk park in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. FERGUSON was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Richard M. Berman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ferguson allegedly murdered Robert Brown, Sr., in broad daylight in a Bronx park. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the family of Robert Brown, Sr. and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Aqueduct Walk is a tree lined stretch lined with park benches where New Yorkers can take a walk or find a moment’s peace from the bustle of Fordham Road. When gunfire broke that peace on December 5th and a man was shot dead on that tree lined stretch, NYPD detectives went to work to gather evidence and bring justice. I want to thank US Attorney Damian Williams and the Criminal Investigators of the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their efforts that resulted in this federal indictment. These federal charges should remind those willing to carry guns or commit murder associated with drug-trafficking: You may face many years or even life in prison.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
On or about December 5, 2021, in the Aqueduct Walk park, near Aqueduct Avenue and West Fordham Road in the Bronx, FERGUSON shot and killed Robert Brown, Sr. while FERGUSON and another attempted to rob Brown.
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FERGUSON, 36, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, which caries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of using violence in furtherance of a plan to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; and using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime and crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew Andrews and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Multiple Violent MurdersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Milton Portillo Rodriguez, a/k/a “Little Gangster”, a/k/a “Seco”, age 26, to life in federal prison for a racketeering conspiracy, racketeering, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit murder in aid or racketeering, as well as related violent crimes in aid of racketeering, including three murders, connected to his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise also known as MS-13.
On January 24, 2022, a federal jury convicted Portillo Rodriguez of the racketeering charges, along with co-defendants Jose Joya Parada, a/k/a “Calmado,” age 21; Oscar Armando Sorto Romero, a/k/a “Lobo,” age 23; and Juan Carlos Sandoval-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Picaro,” age 24, after a three-month trial. Portillo-Rodriguez and Sandoval-Rodriguez were also convicted of multiple counts of murder in aid of racketeering.
The sentence was 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, Baltimore Office; Chief Jason Lando of the Frederick City Police Department; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith, III; Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess; Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other central American countries. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Portillo Rodriguez, Sandoval Rodriguez, and Joya Parada were members of the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (“FLS”) clique. Co-defendant Oscar Sorto Romero was part of the Parque Vista Locos Salvatruchas (“PVLS”) clique.
The evidence at trial established that between 2015 and 2017, Portillo Rodriguez and his co-defendants engaged in a pattern of racketeering, drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and brutal acts of violence against suspected rivals of the gang in an effort to increase MS-13’s power in the Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County areas of Maryland.
At all times of this conspiracy, members of MS-13 were expected to protect the name, reputation, and status of the gang from rival gang members and other persons. To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members were expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who showed disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence. MS-13 had mottos consistent with its rules, beliefs, expectations and reputation including “mata, viola, controla,” which translates as, “kill, rape, control,” and “ver, oir y callar,” which means, “see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing.” One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, often referred to as “chavalas,” whenever possible.
MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, as well as against rival gang members. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increase the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang, and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.
As detailed during the trial, from 2015 through 2017, the Fulton clique of MS-13 sought to increase its presence in Frederick, Wheaton, and Annapolis, Maryland through numerous acts of violence, extortion, and drug sales. Trial evidence focused on the defendants’ participation in at least four grisly murders of those suspected of association with rival gang members carried out in 2017.
Trial evidence related to Portillo Rodriguez focused on his participation in several murders including the murder of a 17-year-old victim on March 31, 2017. During this murder, Portillo Rodriguez, Sandoval Rodriguez, Joya Parada, and other gang members lured Victim 1 to an Annapolis, Maryland park where they stabbed Victim 1 to death and subsequently dismembered Victim 1. After murdering Victim 1 and removing the victim’s heart, the defendants buried the body, disposed of the evidence, and smoked marijuana to celebrate the murder. As a result of their participation in the murder of Victim 1, certain gang members were promoted within MS-13.
On June 24, 2017, Portillo Rodriguez participated in the murder of Victim 2, a female victim MS-13 members believed to have been associated with a rival gang. Portillo Rodriguez aided in the planning of the murder and helped lure Victim 2 into a car with another MS-13 member and a female associate. Victim 2 believed she was meeting the female associate for a date. After Victim 2 entered the vehicle, another MS-13 member stopped the car and allowed Portillo Rodiguez and another MS-13 gang member to enter on both sides of the vehicle to trap Victim 2 in the middle. Portillo Rodriguez and others then forced Victim 2 onto the backseat floor at knifepoint. Eventually, the MS-13 members took Victim 2 to a wooded area in Crownsville, Maryland where MS-13 members caused Victim 2 to lose consciousness, removed Victim 2’s clothing, and decapitated Victim 2 with a machete. Portillo Rodriguez and Sandoval Rodriguez participated in the murder by stabbing and slashing the victim’s body with a machete, dismembering the body, and burying the body in a wooded area. As a result of their participation in the murder of Victim 2, Portillo Rodriguez, Sandoval Rodriguez, and other gang members were promoted within MS-13.
Additionally, on August 5, 2017, Portillo Rodriguez and Sorto Romero participated in the planning and murder of Victim 3 at an Annapolis, Maryland park. After Victim 3 was lured to the park, Victim 3 was hit on the head with a hammer and slashed with a machete until he died. The evidence presented at trial revealed that the victim was a low-level member of MS-13 suspected of warning one of his relatives, who was believed to be a member of a rival gang, that he was an MS-13 target.
More than 30 MS-13 gang members and associates have been convicted in this and a related case.
On April 20, 2022, Chief Judge Bredar sentenced Jose Joya Parada, a/k/a “Calmado,” age 20, to 50 years in federal prison, for a racketeering conspiracy, racketeering, and related violent crimes in aid of racketeering. Oscar Sorto Romero was sentenced to life in federal prison on May 6, 2022, for a racketeering conspiracy and for racketeering, as well as related violent crimes in aid of racketeering, including two murders. Sandoval Rodriguez faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2022, at 3:30 p.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI; HSI; the Frederick Police Department; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County Police Departments; and the Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorneys for their work in the investigation, and the Baltimore County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark, Zachary Stendig, and Anatoly Smolkin, who prosecuted this 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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MS-13 Fugitive Arrested in TexasRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An MS-13 member who was charged in federal court in Boston in 2017 was arrested on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Texas.
William Pineda Portillo, a/k/a “Humilde,” was indicted on one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, on May 15, 2017.
As alleged court documents, MS-13 is a violent transnational criminal organization whose branches, or “cliques,” operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. In furtherance of its mission, MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members; kill informants; and support and defend fellow MS-13 members in attacks. MS-13 rewards members who commit acts of violence with promotions within the gang and punishes members who break gang rules. Portillo was identified as a member of the Trece Loco Salvatrucha, or TLS MS-13 clique, which operated in and around Somerville, Mass. After an arrest warrant was issued for Portillo, agents determined that Portillo had been deported to El Salvador under a different name.
On May 9, 2022, federal agents encountered Portillo near Roma, Texas, and determined that he had previously been deported and was wanted on the outstanding arrest warrant for the RICO conspiracy charge. Portillo made an initial appearance in the Southern District of Texas and was ordered detained pending his return to U.S. District Court in Boston.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory Long; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy; Revere Police Chief David Callahan; and Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Rollins’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lackawanna County Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jaime Ryan Chorba, age 46, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography before United States District Court Judge Malachy Mannion on May 12, 2022. No date has been set for sentencing.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on February 22, 2022, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Chorba alleging that on April 1, 2016, Chorba produced child pornography and used the internet to entice a minor to participate in its production. The superseding indictment also alleged that between June 3, 2016, and November 16, 2020, Chorba received images of child pornography and he also allegedly possessed images of prepubescent minors under the age of twelve, including images depicting himself with the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts is prosecuting 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 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."
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment of 15 years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Wisconsin Rental Property OwnersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Richard and Mary Donahue, owners of rental properties in the Janesville, Wisconsin area, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, alleges that Richard Donahue, who manages the properties, sexually harassed numerous female tenants since at least 2000. According to the complaint, Donahue made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants’ bodies without their consent, requested sexual contact, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual contact and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. The lawsuit also names as a defendant Mary Donahue, Richard Donahue’s wife, who co-owns some of the properties.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, but sexual harassment in housing destroys that security,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act against landlords who engage in this kind of predatory and illegal behavior.”
“No one should have to choose between having a place to live or enduring sexual harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin. “Those few Wisconsin landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants for sex violate federal law and will be held accountable.”
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department of Justice has filed 24 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.5 million for victims of such harassment.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by the Donahues, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select a language, and select option number 2, then option number 4 to leave a message. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin at (608) 264-5158. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other forms of housing discrimination, you may contact the Justice Department by submitting a report online or contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected].
Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Janesville Rental Property OwnersRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Richard and Mary Donahue, owners of rental properties in the Janesville, Wisconsin area, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, alleges that Richard Donahue, who manages the properties, sexually harassed numerous female tenants since at least 2000. According to the complaint, Donahue made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants’ bodies without their consent, requested sexual contact, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual contact, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. The lawsuit also names as a defendant Mary Donahue, Richard Donahue’s wife, who co-owns some of the properties.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, but sexual harassment in housing destroys that security,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act against landlords who engage in this kind of predatory and illegal behavior.”
“No one should have to choose between having a place to live or enduring sexual harassment,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “Those few Wisconsin landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants for sex violate federal law and will be held accountable.”
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The Department’s Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative, the department of Justice has filed 24 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.5 million for victims of such harassment.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by the Donahues, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select a language, and select option number 2, then option number 4 to leave a message. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin at (608) 264-5158. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other forms of housing discrimination, you may contact the Justice Department by submitting a report online or contacting the United States Attorney’s Office at [email protected].
Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Jury Convicts Tulsa Man for Sexually Abusing a 7-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a 7-year-old child was convicted Friday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
A federal jury found Robert William Perry II, 31, of Tulsa, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and of abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country.
“Robert Perry exploited a young child’s trust when he repeatedly sexually abused her for over a year. I am thankful for her courageous testimony this week which helped ensure Perry’s conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am also thankful that a vigilant teacher took action to protect her young student from further abuse. Because they often build positive relationships with their students, school faculty are frequently the first to learn about and report child physical and sexual abuse. I appreciate their partnership in the fight to protect children and to bring their abusers to justice.”
“The defendant preyed on an innocent child solely for his own pleasure, without regard to the grievous and long-lasting harm his depraved conduct would cause,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “Let it be known that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate crimes against children, and as evidenced by today’s verdict, neither will the community.”
From May 6, 2017, to May 15, 2018, Perry sexually abused the minor. Prosecutors contended that Perry would coerce the young child into sex acts then “reward” her with candy, other items, and the opportunity to play video games in what the defendant termed as his “man cave,” a closet where he regularly played video games and watched pornography. Most of the abuse occurred in the closet while the child was in the defendant's care. The child eventually told a friend at school about the abuse. Another student overheard the discussion and reported it to her teacher. The teacher had a conversation with the victim, who then disclosed the abuse and wrote about it. The teacher reported the crimes to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
In a forensic interview, the young child was initially hesitant to speak about the abuse but indicated that Perry made her keep secrets. She eventually drew a picture of the abuse when she was examined by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She also testified about the abuse at a state trial and this week’s federal trial.
In closing, federal prosecutors asked the jury to focus on the victim, reminding them that her description of the abuse to authorities had remained consistent. Prosecutors further explained that children don’t just make up details and vivid descriptions of sexual abuse nor retell their story repeatedly for four years simply to gain attention. They asked the jury to follow the evidence, to believe the victim’s testimony and to find Perry guilty.
Perry was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court in 2020, but the conviction was later dismissed because the state lacked jurisdiction to prosecute the case. Perry is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the crimes occurred within the tribe’s reservation. Based on the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v Oklahoma, only the federal government or tribes have jurisdiction to prosecute cases that occur in Indian Country and that involve either Native American victims or defendants.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex M. Scott and Valeria G. Luster are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Midlothian Family Members of Conspiracy to Commit Forced LaborRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury today convicted three members of a Midlothian, Virginia household on charges pertaining to forced labor. Zahida Aman, 80, was convicted of conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and document servitude. Mohammed Rehan Chaudhri, 48, was convicted of conspiracy to commit forced labor and forced labor. Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri, 54, was convicted of conspiracy to commit forced labor.
“The defendants exploited someone who should have been a loved family member to force her to work in their home for over 14 years,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Forced labor, the modern-day equivalent of slavery, has no place in our country or district, and we will stop at nothing to prosecute those that commit these or similar crimes. Let this conviction serve as a light to survivors impacted by labor trafficking and as a deterrent to those conspiring to commit heinous labor trafficking crimes.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in 2002, the victim married Aman’s son and the brother of defendants Nauman and Rehan Chaudhri. Thereafter, she lived in the home of the defendants. Over the next 12 years, the three defendants forced her to perform domestic services. To coerce that labor, the defendants verbally assaulted and physically abused the victim over a period of 12 years. In addition, though the victim, a native of Pakistan, had temporary immigration status in the United States, defendant Aman took the victim’s immigration documents. Thereafter, defendants threatened the victim with deportation should she not obey their demands. The defendants also threatened to separate the victim from her children to coerce her labor.
“The defendants exploited the victim’s trust and inflicted cruel and inhumane physical and mental abuse on her, all so they could keep her working in their home as their domestic servant,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “Human trafficking is a disgraceful and unacceptable crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our partners to protect the civil rights of all persons, investigate and prosecute allegations of abuse, and assist the victims of these crimes throughout the process,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “The strength and perseverance of this victim and the investigative team should be commended; and we encourage any community member who knows of or suspects this type of abuse is occurring to report it to authorities immediately.”
Aman and Mohammed Rehan Chaudhri face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney accepted the verdict. Homeland Security Investigations also participated in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea Gibbons, Stephen Miller, and Heather H. Mansfield are prosecuting the case, along with Trial Attorney Leah L. Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-85.
Jury Convicts Former New Jersey Man for Role in Scheme to Defraud Elderly Oregonian of SavingsRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A federal jury in Eugene found a former New Jersey man guilty today for his role in a scheme to steal $1 million from an elderly man residing in Roseburg, Oregon.
Thomas Gerard Mautone, 43, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Mautone was one of five individuals who together perpetrated a monthslong scheme to convince an elderly man to invest $1 million in a fraudulent high-yield international investment scheme. In July 2015, one of Mautone’s co-defendants, Jared Mack, 46, of Utah, made initial contact with the victim, by email, to pitch an investment opportunity claiming to produce weekly returns of 20%. Once the victim expressed interest in the purported investment opportunity, Mack introduced him to Mautone, the supposed connection to investment “platform partner,” and later codefendant, Olabode Olukanni, 39, of New York.
For several months, Mautone and his co-defendants maintained frequent contact with the victim and repeatedly attempted to assure him, via a series of increasingly intimidating and pressure-laden communications, of the investment opportunity’s legitimacy, low risk, and promised returns. These false representations were made despite Mautone knowing that others had their money stolen by his supposed Hong Kong investment partner, “YangXin Deng.”
In December 2015, the victim wired $1 million to a bank account in Dubai, which was controlled by codefendant Rovshan Bahader Oglu Qasimov, 38, of Azerbaijan. Qasimov immediately withdrew the money and used it to purchase gold from a jewelry store in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The victim never saw his money again, nor did he receive the promised investment returns.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Mautone will be sentenced on September 8, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
Mack, Olukanni, and Qasimov have all pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gavin W. Bruce and William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 73 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on November 22, 2019, while FBI agents were conducting surveillance on Robinson Road and Ellis Avenue, law enforcement officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Akoyea Jamere Clayton, 29, of Jackson. Clayton refused to stop and fled through several residential areas. A semi-automatic styled rifle was tossed from the passenger window loaded with several live rounds of ammunition. Police units were able to bring the vehicle to stop, but the passenger fled. Clayton was apprehended on scene.
Clayton pled guilty on February 2, 2022, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Hailstorm,” which began as an operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in the Jackson, Mississippi area. “Hailstorm” is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Irvington Man Convicted at Trial for Trafficking Pure MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A federal jury convicted an Irvington man this week of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
According to court documents and evidence presented at a two-day trial, Vincent Vo Tran, 26, was arrested in May 2021 after one of his coconspirators led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase that ended at Tran’s trailer on Two Mile Court in Irvington. During a search of the trailer, deputies recovered, among other things, a cache of guns and ammunition, including a Draco AK-style pistol found sitting underneath a digital scale covered in methamphetamine residue. Deputies arrested Tran on various state charges relating to drugs and stolen property found at his trailer. The jury reviewed recorded calls and emails that Tran later sent from Mobile County Metro Jail in which he admitted, among other things, that (i) the guns seized from his trailer were his; (ii) he had hidden evidence before deputies searched his trailer; and (iii) he possessed “dope” inside the jail.
Tran was released from jail after pleading guilty to several felony charges in September 2021. Later, in November 2021, sheriff’s deputies executed another search warrant at a house that Tran shared with his girlfriend and coconspirator on Azalea Road in Mobile. While making entry into the house, deputies heard Tran running through the backyard into a wooded area but were unable to capture him. Tran’s girlfriend also attempted to run out of the back of the house, but deputies stopped her and ordered her back into the living room. Two young children were also inside the house.
Deputies then searched the house and found large amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Inside an unlocked ottoman in the living room, deputies recovered eight separate baggies containing a total of more than half a pound of 99.2% pure methamphetamine. Near the drugs, deputies found a CashApp debit card and a casino player’s card issued in Tran’s name. Deputies also seized, among other things, more than 15 pounds of vacuum sealed marijuana, 3.5 grams cocaine, bags of THC-infused gummies stuffed inside a children’s playpen, and Tran’s cell phone. The jury reviewed evidence of drug distribution extracted from Tran’s phone, including text messages, drug ledgers, and photos and videos of drugs taken with the phone.
Deputies ultimately arrested Tran a week later, after he again attempted to flee from the house on Azalea Road. This time, however, a tracking canine apprehended Tran after he refused several verbal commands to stop running. Following a brief struggle, deputies handcuffed Tran and found a baggie in his shirt pocket containing 5.7 grams of 96.8% pure methamphetamine. Tran admitted in a post-Miranda interview that he had recently been buying ounces of methamphetamine and named his supplier.
Tran’s crimes carry potential sentences of ten years to life in prison. He will be sentenced by United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose in August 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and Lawrence Bullard are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on May 10 was:
Isaiah Morsette, 31, of Box Elder, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morsette faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-09.
Crystal Lynn Jackson, aka Crystal Lynn Barber, 38, of Great Falls, and John Brendan Daily, 51, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other punishment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft count. The defendants were released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-22.
John Charles Garces, 56, of Great Falls, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Graces faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Garces was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-23.
Matthew Phillip Hamper, 42, of Clancy, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of meth, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hamper faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hamper was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-03.
Appearing in Helena before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on May 10 was:
Tyrell Andrew LaRoque, 34, of Hays, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, LaRoque faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. LaRoque was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-24.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Husband and Wife Sentenced to Almost 20 Years in Prison for Meth, Heroin, and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Purvis husband and wife were sentenced to prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroine, and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jeremy Graham, 32, and Harley Graham, 26, were both sentenced to 236 months in prison.
According to court documents, beginning in 2020, Jeremy Graham and Harley Graham conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing meth, 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin, and a mixture of fentanyl. The investigation showed the Grahams dealt large amounts of the serious drugs to numerous individuals in Lamar and Harrison counties, including individuals that overdosed. The Grahams were aware of the overdoses. The conspiracy also involved the Grahams using a gun and flashlight to beat someone associated with the conspiracy. Although the conspiracy involved several individuals, the Grahams were at the top of the pyramid.
Jeremy Graham pled guilty on February 10, 2022, and Harley Graham pled guilty on February 14, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Long Beach Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams prosecuted the case.
Harold Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Harold, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on May 10, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Richard Barela, age 31, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Barela was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. He pled guilty on December 8, 2021.
In January 2020, Barela was an inmate at the Yankton Community Work Center (YCWC), a minimum security South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Yankton, South Dakota. At the time, Barela was serving a sentence for possession of a controlled substance based on a conviction in Hughes County, South Dakota. On January 3, 2020, Barela escaped from YCWC and stole a vehicle belonging to DOC. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
On January 14, 2020, law enforcement received information that Barela was at a residence in Pierre, South Dakota. Law enforcement personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and Pierre Police Department proceeded to the residence to execute the arrest warrant. After receiving consent to search the residence, multiple law enforcement officers entered the residence to search for Barela. Barela was located in a basement bedroom, but he refused to surrender and barricaded himself in the bedroom.
Deputy U.S. Marshals engaged Barela in conversation in an attempt to convince him to surrender. Barela responded by telling the officers he would not go back to prison and that the officers would have to kill him to get him out of the basement. Barela also told the officers he had a knife, which he brandished, and he told them he would kill any law enforcement that attempted to take him into custody.
After approximately four hours, law enforcement deployed tear gas into the bedroom in an effort to end the standoff. Barela subsequently exited the bedroom and was immediately taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the Pierre Area Joint Fugitive Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pierre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Barela was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hancock County Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jason Lee Munden, 32, of Maxwell, Indiana, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2021, deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office served a warrant to arrest Munden for burglary. During the arrest, deputies found a short barrel rifle they suspected belonged to Munden. Munden was detained and placed a monitored phone call in which he admitted that the rifle belonged to him, in one instance referring to it as his “hand cannon.”
Munden was previously convicted of domestic battery after he punched the victim in the face and threatened to kill them. As a result of that domestic violence conviction, Munden was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart made the announcement.
The Hancock County Sherriff’s Department investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana Cultivation Operation in Sequoia National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Oscar Alfredo Castanaza Ortega, 37, a native of Guatemala, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to cultivate with intent to distribute 2,864 marijuana plants in the Twin Springs area of the Sequoia National Forest, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, when law enforcement officers arrived in the grow site, Castanaza fled, throwing down a loaded .38‑caliber firearm and a box of .38‑caliber ammunition, before he was apprehended. Castanaza acknowledged that he was getting paid $100 a day to water and trim the plants.
The marijuana cultivation operation caused significant damage to the land and natural resources. Native trees, brush and other vegetation were cut down and large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides were found in the area. Thousands of pounds of trash, irrigation hose, and camping equipment were found at the site that must be removed by helicopter. Castanaza agreed to pay $7,819 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the environmental damage.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from the California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), and Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Castanaza is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 28, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. He faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as a fine up to $10 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Grain Milling Company Charged with OSHA Crimes for Causing Worker DeathsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin, returned an indictment charging a corn milling company, a company vice president, two environmental coordinators and three additional supervisors with crimes related to worker safety, fraud, air pollution and obstruction of justice, the Department of Justice announced.
Two former company supervisors previously pleaded guilty to related charges in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.
According to the indictment handed down on May 11, Didion Milling Inc. (DMI) owned and operated a corn mill in Cambria, Wisconsin. Grain milling generates large amounts of grain dust, and DMI was required to regularly clean dust accumulations from inside the mill in order to prevent both food safety and quality issues and to remove accumulations that could fuel combustible dust explosions. DMI was also required to operate and maintain air pollution control devices called baghouses to reduce emissions of grain dust — a form of particulate matter pollutant — into the environment. The indictment alleges that DMI was further required to document the completion of routine cleanings inside the mill and the routine monitoring of baghouses to prevent dust emissions outside of the mill.
The indictment alleges that DMI willfully violated two federal safety standards promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) — by (1) by failing to develop and implement a written program to effectively prevent and remove combustible grain dust accumulations, and (2) by failing to install explosion venting or explosion suppression on a dust filter collector — thereby causing the deaths of five employees due to a combustible dust explosion at DMI’s corn mill on May 31, 2017.
The indictment further alleges that DMI; its vice president of operations, Derrick Clark, 48 of Waunakee, Wisconsin; its former food safety superintendent, Shawn Mesner, 44 of Readstown, Wisconsin; its former shift superintendent, Anthony Hess, 54 of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; and its former shift superintendent, Joel Niemeyer, 39 of Baraboo, Wisconsin; conspired to commit fraud by agreeing to take deceptive measures to conceal the failure to adhere to food safety procedures at the mill, including by falsifying the cleaning logbook to conceal the fact that DMI was not following its written cleaning schedule, so that DMI could maintain its food safety certification and continue to sell its products to food and beverage manufacturers.
DMI, Clark, Mesner, Hess and Niemeyer, along with DMI’s former environmental coordinators James Lenz, 65 of Deerfield, Wisconsin, and Joseph Winch, 66, of Logansport, Indiana, also were indicted for conspiracy to commit federal offenses in order to conceal violations and unsafe conditions from auditors and government agencies. The alleged conspiracy included an agreement to falsify cleaning logs and baghouse monitoring logs, submit false environmental compliance certifications, and provide false testimony on matters within the jurisdictions of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DMI and individual defendants are further charged in the indictment with related substantive offenses. Hess, Clark and DMI are charged with obstruction of justice for providing false and misleading testimony to OSHA after the May 2017 explosion concerning their knowledge of combustible dust hazards at DMI.
Former DMI shift superintendents Michael Bright, 36, of Merrill, Wisconsin, and Nicholas Booker, 42, of Cambria, Wisconsin, previously pleaded guilty to making false entries in DMI’s cleaning logbook and false entries in DMI’s baghouse log, which involved matters within the jurisdiction of OSHA and EPA, respectively.
The OSH Act makes it a misdemeanor for an employer to willfully violate a safety standard, and that violation cause death to any employee. If convicted of the OSH Act offenses, DMI may be ordered to make restitution to victims as compensation for their pecuniary losses, fined, and sentenced to corporate probation with conditions. If convicted of fraud conspiracy, a defendant may be sentenced to a maximum term of incarceration of 20 years in prison, fined not more than $1 million and ordered to forfeit assets derived from fraud. If convicted of conspiracy to commit federal offenses and other substantive offenses set forth in the indictment, a defendant may face maximum terms of incarceration ranging from five to 20 years in prison and fines up to $1 million depending on the crime of conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division made the announcement. EPA’s Criminal Investigative Division is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Numerous Armed Robberies, Home Invasions, and Shootings While Dressed as Police OfficersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Reginald Roberts a/k/a/ “Rudy” (22, Lakeland), Nathaniel Keith Carr, a/k/a “Nate” (28, Lakeland), Daniel Jackson, a/k/a “D-Jack” (29, Winter Haven), and Chrishawn De’Earl Butler, a/k/a “Baby” (22, Bartow) with conspiracy, Hobbs Act Robbery, and brandishing and discharging firearms in the commission of crimes of violence. If convicted on all counts, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Additionally, Roberts and Butler each face a minimum mandatory term of 31 years in federal prison, Jackson faces a minimum mandatory term of 24 years in federal prison, and Carr faces a minimum mandatory term of 14 years in federal prison.
Carr and Butler made their initial appearances on May 12, 2022, and were both detained pending trial. Roberts and Jackson will make their initial appearances on June 7, 2022.
According to the
indictment , between December 2020 and April 2021, Roberts, Carr, Jackson, and Butler engaged in a conspiracy to rob individuals they suspected were distributing narcotics. During that time, the conspirators engaged in at least five armed robberies in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Lee counties, three of which resulted in shootings. While committing these crimes, the conspirators impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks—often with law enforcement insignia, or vests with “Sheriff” affixed. In addition, during certain robberies, the conspirators drove a black Dodge Durango and white Chevrolet Malibu equipped with blue lights and sirens.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 FBI, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Former eBay Executive Pleads Guilty to Role in Cyberstalking CampaignRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Director of Global Resiliency for eBay, Inc. pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with his role in a cyberstalking campaign targeting the editor and publisher of a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.
David Harville, 50, of Las Vegas, Nev., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and through facilities of interstate commerce, two counts of stalking through interstate travel and two counts of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2022.
In June 2020, Harville was arrested and charged along with James Baugh, eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety & Security, who pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022. Co-conspirators and former eBay employees Philip Cooke, Brian Gilbert, Stephanie Popp, Veronica Zea and Stephanie Stockwell previously pleaded guilty. Cooke was sentenced in July 2021 to 18 months in prison. Gilbert, Popp, Zea and Stockwell are awaiting sentencing.
Between approximately Aug. 5, 2019 and Sept. 6, 2019, Harville and his co-conspirators at eBay agreed to engage in a harassment campaign targeting a husband and wife in Natick, Mass. for their roles in publishing a newsletter that reported on issues of interest to eBay sellers. Senior executives at eBay were frustrated with the newsletter’s tone and content, and with the tone and content of comments posted beneath the newsletter’s articles. The harassment campaign arose from communications between those executives and Baugh, who was eBay’s senior security employee.
Harville and his co-conspirators executed a three-part harassment campaign intended to intimidate the victims and to change the content of the newsletter’s reporting. The campaign included sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car.
The deliveries ordered to the victims’ home included a book on surviving the death of a spouse, a bloody pig mask, a fetal pig, a funeral wreath and live insects. The harassment also featured Craigslist posts inviting the public for sexual encounters at the victims’ home.
The threatening Twitter messages were written as if they had been sent by eBay sellers who were unhappy with the victims’ coverage in the newsletter. Some of these messages posted the victims’ address and threatened to visit them at their home.
On Aug. 15, 2019, Harville and co-conspirators traveled from California to Natick to surveil the victims and to install a GPS tracking device on the victims’ car. The victims spotted the surveillance team and contacted local police. Harville also purchased tools intending to break into the victims’ garage and lied to an eBay investigator who was responding to the Natick Police’s request for assistance. After learning of the police’s investigation, Harville turned in his company-issued cell phone from which evidence related to the cyberstalking campaign had been deleted.
The charges of conspiracy to commit stalking and stalking each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Natick Chief of Police James G. Hicks made the announcement. eBay provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Muncie Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting an Arrestee and Falsifying a Report to Cover up the OffenseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jeremy Gibson, 31, a former officer with the Muncie Police Department, pleaded guilty today to assaulting an arrestee in violation of his civil rights, and to an obstruction of justice offense for writing a false report to cover up the incident.
According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, on May 13, 2019, Officer Gibson initiated a traffic stop of a car because one of the car’s headlights was out. When the driver stepped out of the car, Gibson attempted to physically take him to the ground, and punched him several times with a closed fist in the process. As other officers attempted to secure the driver, Gibson used his knee to strike the driver in right side of the driver’s head, causing the driver’s head to swing to the side, at which point another officer delivered another knee strike to the opposite side of the driver’s head. Shortly afterwards, Officer Gibson authored a false report about the incident.
Gibson is one of four Muncie police officers who – along with Officer Chase Winkle, Officer Corey Posey and Sergeant Joseph Krejsa – were charged in April 2021 in a 17-count superseding indictment for their roles in using excessive force against arrestees and attempting to cover up the misconduct. The other three officers are scheduled to stand trial in August 2022. A fifth Muncie police officer, former Officer Dalton Kurtz, pleaded guilty on August 4, 2021, to misprision of felony for concealing and failing to report inappropriate use of force by Officer Winkle during a separate incident.
Gibson faces up to 30 years in prison and will be sentenced by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt at a later date. His actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge and sentences are typically less than the maximum penalties.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers and A.A.G. Clark thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett, and Trial Attorneys Katherine DeVar and Mary Hahn of the Civil Rights Division for their work prosecuting the case.
Former Marion County Detention Deputy Sent to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Restrained InmateRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jorge Alberto Mateos, 26, of Noblesville, Indiana, a former detention deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indianapolis, was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for assaulting an inmate. Mateos had previously pleaded guilty to a felony civil rights offense for his unreasonable use of force against an inmate in his care.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 9, 2021, Mateos was on duty as a Detention Deputy at the Marion County Jail. During the shift, deputies ordered an inmate at the facility to remove his jail-issued shoes. The inmate kicked off his shoes and sat in the corner of his cell. In response, Mateos entered the cell and told the inmate something to the effect of, “When a deputy tells you to do something, you need to do it.” Mateos then struck the inmate in the face multiple times, during which time the inmate did not try to resist or fight back. Mateos continued to strike the inmate after he fell to the ground. According to court documents, other detention deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, separated the inmate and Mateos, and placed the inmate in handcuffs. After the inmate was handcuffed, Mateos struck the inmate several additional times. As a result, the inmate sustained bodily injuries.
“Law enforcement officers who violate their oaths and choose to assault persons in their custody will be held accountable,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Former Deputy Mateos chose to repeatedly attack an inmate who offered no resistance, an assault that continued even after the inmate was handcuffed. These crimes dishonor our profession and erode trust in the honorable law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep the community safe. Abuses of the public trust are a special category of wrongs to be righted. The sentence imposed today demonstrates that this office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners will prioritize holding these offenders accountable.”
“Former Deputy Mateos abused his authority as a law enforcement officer and betrayed the public’s trust when he violently assaulted an inmate in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “Law enforcement officials who commit violent assaults inside our jails and prisons are not above the law, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit civil rights violations.”
“There is no acceptable level of abuse of power. The vast majority of law enforcement officers are professional, well-trained and honor the oath they took to protect and serve the community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who violate that oath and the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect.”
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal stated “deputy sheriffs and detention deputies take an oath. So have I. If you use unnecessary force against someone in your custody, you must be held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office provide valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 1 year following his release from prison. Judge Pratt also ordered that the defendant remanded to begin serving his sentence immediately. At the conclusion of the hearing, Mateos was taken into the custody of the United States Marshal.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and Kelsey L. Massa, and Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, who prosecuted the case.
Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to report violations to the Department by visiting the Civil Rights Reporting Portal located at civilrights.justice.gov.
Individuals who believe they are the victim of a criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.
Former Indiana Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offense Following Assault on Arrestee and Falsified ReportRead the Press Release
Jeremy Gibson, 31, a former officer with the Muncie Police Department, in Muncie, Indiana, pleaded guilty today to civil rights and obstruction charges. Specifically, the defendant pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense for assaulting an arrestee, and to an obstruction offense for writing a false report to cover up the incident.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, on or about May 13, 2019, Gibson initiated a traffic stop of a car because one of the car’s headlights was out. When the driver stepped out of the car, Gibson attempted to physically take him to the ground, and punched him several times with a closed fist in the process. As other officers also used force against the driver, Gibson delivered a knee strike to the right of his head, causing his head to swing to the side, at which point another officer delivered another knee strike to the opposite side of the driver’s head. Shortly after the incident, Gibson authored a false report about the incident.
Gibson is one of four Muncie police officers who – along with Officer Chase Winkle, Officer Corey Posey and Sergeant Joseph Krejsa – were indicted in April 2021 in a 17-count superseding indictment for their roles in using excessive force against arrestees and attempting to cover up the misconduct. The other three officers are scheduled to stand trial in August 2022. A fifth Muncie police officer, Dalton Kurtz, previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 4, 2021, to one count of misprision of felony for concealing and failing to report inappropriate use of force by Officer Winkle during a separate incident.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.
Former Indiana Deputy Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Assaulting Inmate Inside Marion County JailRead the Press Release
A former Detention Deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced today in federal district court for assaulting an inmate. Jorge Alberto Mateos, 26, of Noblesville, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt to 18 months in federal prison, one year of supervised release and an $1,000 fine. Mateos previously pleaded guilty to a felony civil rights offense for his unreasonable use of force against an inmate in his care.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers of the Southern District of Indiana and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made at the sentencing hearing, on the evening of Sept. 9, 2021, Mateos was on duty as a Detention Deputy at the Marion County Jail. During the shift, deputies ordered an inmate at the facility to remove his jail-issued shoes. The inmate kicked off his shoes and sat in the corner of his cell. In response, Mateos entered the cell and told the inmate something to the effect of, “When a deputy tells you to do something, you need to do it.” Mateos then struck the inmate in the face multiple times, during which time the inmate did not try to resist or fight back. Mateos continued to strike the inmate after he fell to the ground. According to court documents, other detention deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, separated the inmate and Mateos, and placed the inmate in handcuffs. After the inmate was handcuffed, Mateos struck the inmate several additional times. As a result, the inmate sustained bodily injuries.
“Former Deputy Mateos abused his authority as a law enforcement officer and betrayed the public’s trust when he violently assaulted an inmate in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “Law enforcement officials who commit violent assaults inside our jails and prisons are not above the law, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit civil rights violations.”
“Law enforcement officers who violate their oaths and choose to assault persons in their custody will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Former Deputy Mateos chose to repeatedly attack an inmate who offered no resistance, an assault that continued even after the inmate was handcuffed. These crimes dishonor our profession and erode trust in the honorable law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep the community safe. Abuses of the public trust are a special category of wrongs to be righted, and the sentence imposed today demonstrates that this office, the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will prioritize holding these offenders accountable.”
“There is no acceptable level of abuse of power,” said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The vast majority of law enforcement officers are professional, well-trained and honor the oath they took to protect and serve the community. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who violate that oath and the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and Kelsey L. Massa of the Southern District of Indiana, and Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar for the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Former Florida Police Sergeant Sentenced for Sex Crimes Against Three WomenRead the Press Release
Jesus Manuel Menocal Jr., 34, a former Hialeah Police Department sergeant, was sentenced in federal court in Miami, Florida, to three years in prison and one year of supervised release, the statutory maximum sentence.
Menocal previously pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the civil rights of women by sexually exploiting them.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate police officers who abuse their authority to prey on those they are sworn to protect,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases to secure justice for the victims of these reprehensible crimes and to ensure that perpetrators who use their unique power to take advantage of others are held accountable.”
“The police officer sentenced today violated not only his victims’ rights, but also the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida. “As this prosecution shows, we will hold accountable those in our South Florida community who abuse their positions of power and engage in such disgraceful illegal conduct.”
“Jesus Menocal now faces the consequences for using his position to sexually abuse women,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge John J. Bernardo of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Menocal was sentenced to the statutory maximum which is a testament to the courage of his victims to come forward and tell their stories as well as the dedication of FBI Miami's Civil Rights squad.”
According to court documents, Menocal kissed a woman and caused her to touch his exposed penis; had a second woman, who was in psychiatric crisis, perform oral sex on him; and coerced a third woman, who was walking alone at night, into submitting to oral and vaginal sex. While not directly related to the offenses to which he pleaded guilty, Menocal also admitted to bringing a fourth female into a Hialeah Police Department building and ordering her to remove her shorts and underwear, causing her to expose her buttocks to him. Menocal admitted that he was on-duty and in uniform during all of these acts, abusing his official authority.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Hialeah Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm, Monica K. Castro and Ilham Hosseini of the Southern District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton and Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov/
Former Florida Police Sergeant Sentenced for Sex Crimes Against Three WomenRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida — Jesus Manuel Menocal Jr., 34, a former Hialeah Police Department Sergeant, was sentenced in federal court in Miami, Florida to 36 months in prison and one year of supervised release, the statutory maximum sentence. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez of the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
Menocal previously pled guilty to three counts of violating the civil rights of women by sexually exploiting them.
“The police officer sentenced today violated not only his victims’ rights, but also the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez. “As this prosecution shows, we will hold accountable those in our South Florida community who abuse their positions of power and engage in such disgraceful illegal conduct.”
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate police officers who abuse their authority to prey on those they are sworn to protect,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen M. Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases to secure justice for the victims of these reprehensible crimes and to ensure that perpetrators who use their unique power to take advantage of others are held accountable.”
“Jesus Menocal now faces the consequences for using his position to sexually abuse women,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge John J. Bernardo of FBI Miami. “Menocal was sentenced to the statutory maximum which is a testament to the courage of his victims to come forward and tell their stories as well as the dedication of FBI Miami’s Civil Rights Squad.”
According to court documents, Menocal kissed a woman and caused her to touch his exposed penis; had a second woman, who was in psychiatric crisis, perform oral sex on him; and coerced a third woman, who was walking alone at night, into submitting to oral and vaginal sex. While not directly related to the offenses to which he pleaded guilty, Menocal also admitted to bringing a fourth female into a Hialeah Police Department building and ordering her to remove her shorts and underwear, causing her to expose her buttocks to him. Menocal admitted that he was on-duty and in uniform during all of these acts, abusing his official authority.
The Miami Division of the FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the Hialeah Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm, Monica K. Castro, and Ilham Hosseini for the Southern District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton and Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 19-cr-20822.
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Former Dubuque Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Near a Local College and ParkRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque, Iowa, plead guilty on May 12, 2022.
Nicole L. Jarvis, age 35, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and distribution of heroin and fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Jarvis admitted to engaging in a drug-related conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl on at least five occasions in Dubuque. In the fall of 2020, Jarvis utilized Facebook messenger and other communications devices to set up a transaction involving heroin and fentanyl. Jarvis later distributed heroin and fentanyl near Loras College and Madison Park.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jarvis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Jarvis faces a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $2 million, and up to six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-1033-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Accountant for College Admissions Scheme SentencedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former accountant for the Edge College & Career Network (also known as The Key) and the Key Worldwide Foundation was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in the college admissions case.
Steven Masera, 72, of Folsom, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. In June 2019, Masera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Beginning in or about 2008, Masera began working as an accountant for William “Rick” Singer. From that time until his resignation in or about December 2017, Masera was responsible for managing payments to and from Singer’s for-profit college counseling business, The Key, and sham charitable foundation, The Key Worldwide Foundation (KWF). This included parent payments made in connection with both the athletic recruitment “side-door” and test-cheating aspects of Singer’s scheme, as well as the associated back-end payments to university insiders and other facilitators. At Singer’s direction, Masera invoiced parents for Singer’s illegitimate services, made bribe payments to university coaches and athletic department administrators (and university athletic funds under their control) and to SAT/ACT administrators and proctors, and created fraudulent donation receipt letters and fake invoices to allow parents to write their payments off as purported donations or business expenses.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns and Leslie Wright of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Five Defendants Plead Guilty to Witness Tampering in the Case of a Missouri Woman Found Dead in Mayes CountyRead the Press Release
Five defendants who threatened or harmed witnesses in attempts to thwart a federal investigation into the kidnapping and killing of a Joplin woman have pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The body of Jolene Walker Campbell, an Osage Nation citizen, was discovered on July 15, 2020, in a remote field in Mayes County within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation. Federal prosecutors allege the kidnapping resulting in the death of Ms. Walker Campbell occurred in Joplin, Missouri, and happened sometime between July 4 and July 5, 2020.
On July 20, 2021, a total of 11 defendants from the Joplin, Missouri, area were charged in a third superseding indictment, for their various roles related to the kidnapping resulting in death conspiracy.
Within the last month, Morgan Lee Bowman, 26; Megan Louise Detherage, 28; Sarah Michelle Humbard, 25; David William Morris, 34; and Chloe Louise Stith, 21, each pleaded guilty to acts related to witness tampering.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable individuals who threaten or commit acts of violence against witnesses in an attempt to obstruct the federal criminal justice process,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Together, my office and our partners at the FBI will uphold our federal trust responsibility in Indian Country and work to ensure justice prevails for victim Jolene Walker Campbell and the witnesses harmed in this case.”
On May 9, 2022, Bowman, pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force (Count 7). Bowman admitted that on July 7, 2020, she and Megan Louise Detherage and Lane Ryan Bronson bound, blindfolded and kidnapped two witnesses from a Joplin home and drove them to a remote location in Seneca, Missouri, occupied by Tre Robert Allen Ackerson and Breanna Sloan. She stated that while at that location, Ackerson used a semi-automatic rifle to repeatedly shoot at one of the witnesses and told the witness to “dance.” The second witness, who was still bound and blindfolded, was forced to listen. Bowman stated that after the shooting, she, Sloan and Detherage took the witnesses personal belongings and wiped down the car used in the kidnapping with bleach with the intention of destroying DNA and fingerprint evidence. Bowman said at the time of the crime, she understood that a federal proceeding was likely to evolve in the kidnapping and killing of Ms. Walker Campbell and that they threatened the witnesses with the intent to prevent communication with law enforcement about the crimes.
Detherage pleaded guilty on May 10, 2022, to misprision of a felony. Detherage admitted that she failed to inform law enforcement about her participation in a kidnapping for the purpose of intimidating witnesses of a drug trafficking offense. On July 7, 2020, she, Bronson, Bowman, and two witnesses were present at a house in Joplin. She stated that Bronson had asked one of the witnesses to hold a quantity of methamphetamine while Bronson was away and that Bronson later accused the individual of stealing some of the drug. She stated that at Bronson’s direction, she and Bowman blindfolded the two witnesses and they drove the witnesses to a trailer in Seneca, Missouri, where Ackerson and Sloan were located. She stated that Ackerson and Bronson left with one of the witnesses, then returned and parked behind the trailer. She, Sloan and Bowman then wiped down the car used in the kidnapping with bleach at the direction of Bronson. During that time, she claimed that she heard gunshots fired in the direction of where Ackerson and one of the witnesses were located, causing the second witness to become fearful. She stated the only firearm she saw during the kidnapping was a short-barreled rifle carried by Ackerson.
Humbard and Morris each pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using the threat of physical force (Count 11). Humbard and Morris admitted that they threatened a witness by reminding the witness of the killing of Ms. Walker Campbell and that the witness was “playing with fire.” The two further admitted to luring the witness to drive to the Precious Moments Hotel in Carthage, Missouri, where they met Bronson. Bronson allegedly demanded the witness change testimony regarding codefendant Ackerson, and if not, the witness would pay for it. Humbard pleaded guilty on April 21, 2022, and Morris pleaded guilty May 13, 2022.
Stith pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force (Count 12). Stith admitted at a May 5, 2022, plea hearing that she helped another person in a separate incident in the use of force against two other witnesses with the intention of keeping them from communicating with federal law enforcement about the kidnapping and killing of Ms. Walker Campbell. She admitted to covering the two witnesses’ eyes with duct tape and driving the witnesses against their will to a remote location where one witness was physically assaulted by the other person who had accompanied Stith. The incident occurred on Aug. 13, 2020.
Bowman, Detherage, Humbard, Morris and Stith have now been convicted. All other defendants charged in the indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Joplin Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and George Jiang are prosecuting the case.
Felon Sentenced to Prison for Shooting Firearms on Public LandRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A felon who admitted to shooting two firearms on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property was sentenced today to eight years in prison.
Gustavo Arechiga, 46, of Henderson, Nevada, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Arechiga to two years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Arechiga and co-defendant Rafael Martinez went to a BLM property on April 22, 2019 to drink alcohol, smoke drugs, and shoot two firearms: (a) a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, and (b) a .223/.556 caliber rifle with a 7.5 inch barrel. Two hikers were nearby when the firearms were discharged. Arechiga and Martinez then left the area with the firearms in a vehicle driven by Arechiga. During a traffic stop, Arechiga lied to officers when asked whether he had any firearms in the vehicle. In addition to the two firearms that were discharged, law enforcement recovered 9mm, .40, and .556 ammunition in the vehicle, as well as firearm magazines.
Arechiga had been previously convicted of at least seven felonies, including convictions in Clark County for battery with use of a deadly weapon, robbery with use of a deadly weapon, and assault with a deadly weapon. Accordingly, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Martinez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served in May 2020.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Federal and State Task Forces Seize Drugs and Guns in Joint InvestigationRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington –Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that as part of ongoing joint efforts by the Spokane DEA Task Force, the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 50,000 fake pills believed to contain fentanyl, and seven guns were seized in an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. One person was arrested and booked for obstruction of justice.
The U.S. Attorney noted the seizures and commended the joint nature of the ongoing investigation. “Yesterday’s seizures took a large amount of potentially lethal narcotics off the street, along with a number of guns that appear to have been connected to the drug trade,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “One fentanyl-laced pill can kill, so this seizure likely saved dozens, if not hundreds, of lives in the Spokane area. When it comes to investigating cases like this, it is truly a force multiplier to have DEA, FBI, Spokane PD, and our task forces working together seamlessly to seize these poison pills, protect the community, and keep Eastern Washington safe and strong. I commend and thank everyone involved in yesterday’s operation.”
Federal agent admits to violating civil rights of a Honduran teenagerRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year-old former Border Patrol (BP) employee has pleaded guilty to violating the constitutional rights of a Honduran teenager, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Gregson Martinez, Brownsville, pleaded guilty to acting under color of law and utilizing unreasonable force by striking a 17-year-old unaccompanied Honduran citizen.
On July 21, 2021, authorities apprehended the teenager near Hidalgo and transported him to the Donna Processing Center. Martinez worked there as a BP processing coordinator.
While questioning him as to his age and citizenship, Martinez struck the 17-year-old male across the face.
Martinez was terminated Aug. 2, 2021.
Sentencing has been set for June 24, at which time Martinez faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia is prosecuting the case.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Assaulting Another Inmate with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Caraballo, age 37, an inmate at USP Canaan, formerly of Vermont, was sentenced yesterday, by U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serve an additional sixty-three months’ imprisonment for assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Caraballo previously pleaded guilty to assaulting another inmate at USP Canaan with a sharpened piece of metal commonly known as a “shank.” Caraballo also previously admitted to possessing the metal “shank,” which is contraband in a federal prison. The incident occurred in February 2017.
Judge Mariani ordered that the sentence run consecutive, or in addition to, a drug trafficking sentence Caraballo is presently serving from the District of Vermont.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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Family Convicted of Conspiring to Force a Pakistani Woman to Labor in Their Virginia Home for 12 YearsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in sitting in Richmond, Virginia, found defendants Zahida Aman, Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri and Mohammad Rehan Chaudhri, guilty of conspiracy to commit forced labor for compelling the domestic labor of a Pakistani women for 12 years. The jury further found defendant Aman guilty of forced labor and document servitude, and defendant Rehan Chaudhri guilty of forced labor.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Divison and U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.
“The defendants exploited the victim’s trust and inflicted cruel and inhumane physical and mental abuse on her, all so they could keep her working in their home as their domestic servant,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “Human trafficking is a disgraceful and unacceptable crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute human traffickers and help secure justice for survivors.”
“The defendants exploited someone who should have been a loved family member to force her to work in their home for over 14 years,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Forced labor, the modern-day equivalent of slavery, has no place in our country or district, and we will stop at nothing to prosecute those that commit these or similar crimes. Let this conviction serve as a light to survivors impacted by labor trafficking and as a deterrent to those conspiring to commit heinous labor trafficking crimes.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our partners to protect the civil rights of all persons, investigate and prosecute allegations of abuse, and assist the victims of these crimes throughout the process,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “The strength and perseverance of this victim and the investigative team should be commended; and we encourage any community member who knows of or suspects this type of abuse is occurring to report it to authorities immediately.”
Following a seven-day trial, the jury convicted all of the defendants of conspiracy to commit forced labor, convicted two of the defendants of forced labor, and convicted defendant Zahida Aman of document servitude. According to the evidence presented in court, defendant Zahida Aman arranged for her son’s marriage to the victim in 2002. The victim moved to the United States and lived in a house in Midlothian, Virginia, with her husband and the three defendants (the husband’s mother and his two brothers). The defendants compelled the victim to serve the family as a domestic servant, using physical and verbal abuse, restricting communication with her family in Pakistan, confiscating her immigration documentation and money and eventually threatening to separate her from her children by deporting her to Pakistan.
The defendants slapped, kicked, and pushed the victim, even beat her with wooden boards, and on one occasion hog-tied her hands and feet and dragged her down the stairs in front of her children. Even after the victim’s husband moved away, the defendants kept the victim in their Virginia home, often forcing her to perform increasingly laborious tasks, including stripping and staining a deck by hand, mowing the one-acre lawn with a push mower, hand-washing and line-drying area rugs, painting the inside and outside of their two-story home, picking out debris from car carpets with a tweezer and constructing a concrete walkway in front of the home — a task that required the victim to haul 80-pound bags of concrete before mixing and pouring cement.
The evidence further showed that the defendants required the victim to work every day, beginning early each morning. They restricted her food, forbade her from learning to drive or speaking to anyone except the defendants’ family members and prohibited her from calling her family in Pakistan.
The sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Defendants Aman and Rehan Chaudhri face a maximum sentence of 20 years for forced labor. The convictions for conspiracy to commit forced labor and for document servitude carry a maximum sentence of five years each. Restitution in this case is mandatory under the law.
The FBI investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Miller and Shea Gibbons for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Detroit man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lamarr Devaughn Charleston, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Charleston, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Charleston admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl near a public housing facility in Marion County in April 2019.
Charleston faces at least one year 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 and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-detroit-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation
Detroit Man Sentenced to 14 years’ Imprisonment on Fentanyl Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Detroit resident was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in federal prison on charges of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it in the Detroit area, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
U.S. Attorney Ison was joined in the announcement by Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Judge Robert H. Cleland sentenced Dewayne Javon Butler, 32, Detroit to fourteen years. Butler pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in December 2021.
According to court records, on July 27, 2020, and August 5, 2020, Butler flew to Las Vegas, Nevada to ship packages containing over 1 kilogram of fentanyl each to the Detroit area for further distribution. The packages were intercepted by postal inspectors, who along with special agents from the DEA, determined that Butler was responsible for shipping the illegal drugs to Detroit. USPIS and DEA provided information to the Court at sentencing that revealed 22 previous parcels had been shipped to addresses associated with Butler, between November 2019 and August 2020, and corresponded with Buter’s travel from Detroit to Las Vegas.
A kilogram of fentanyl, which sold for about $50,000 in 2020 could potentially produce 250,000 lethal doses. Michigan drug overdose deaths climbed to record levels in 2020 during the pandemic. In 2019, more than 51 percent of all drug overdose deaths were attributed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and other synthetic opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC).
"Mr. Butler’s criminal conduct is an all-too-familiar example of someone who is willing, due to his own greed, to contribute to the destruction of communities, families and individuals dealing with the current effects or aftermath of drug addiction,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “This sentence demonstrates that our office stands ready to hold individuals accountable for the harms they inflict on the community. I commend the excellent work of these federal law enforcement agents in removing dangerous drugs from the streets that were destroying lives in Southeast Michigan.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects the ongoing work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking in our communities and our dedication to ensuring justice is swiftly served upon those who seek to undermine the safety and security of the general public,” stated Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Detroit Division.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration is determined to bring individuals trafficking fentanyl in our neighborhoods to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kleinschmidt. “We see the devastating impacts of fentanyl on a daily basis and tirelessly investigate those who seek to profit at the expense of public safety.”
This case was investigated by special agents from DEA and USPIS.
Denver Man Faces Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces 46-year-old Jesus Alfredo Moreno Olivas has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, law enforcement officers seized two firearms, approximately 70,000 fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 34 pounds of heroin, and approximately $20,000 in U.S. currency from Jesus Alfredo Moreno Olivas on or about May 5, 2022.
The defendant made his initial appearance in federal court in Denver on May 9, 2022, where he was advised by a federal magistrate judge of the charge pending against him.
If convicted of the charge against him, the defendant faces 10 years to life in prison.
“Because there is an abundant supply of illicit fentanyl, costs are low and deaths are up,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our partners at the local, state and federal level are working around the clock to get these dangerous and deadly drugs off the street.”
The Front Range Taskforce, comprised of the Denver Police Department, the Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other local, state and federal law enforcement partners, investigated this case.
The charge in the criminal complaint is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 22-mj-00081-SKC
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