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21 June 2022
Gerard M. Karam Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gerard M. Karam was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The oath of office was administered by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Karam was nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney by President Biden on April 22, 2022, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 13, 2022. Mr. Karam replaces John C. Gurganus, who was appointed United States Attorney by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on an interim basis on November 17, 2021.
Mr. Karam, of Dickson City, Pennsylvania, will lead the office which covers 33 Pennsylvania counties located in Central and Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Karam was a partner in the Scranton law firm of Mazzoni, Karam, Petorak and Valvano for 27 years, and served as the managing partner for 20 years. Mr. Karam’s practice focused on complex civil and criminal litigation. His experience includes corporate and individual representation on cases involving civil rights violations, corporate compliance laws, homicide, public corruption, tax evasion, drug offenses, fraud offenses, firearms offenses and personal injury claims.
Mr. Karam has a background in public service including serving as Assistant Public Defender in the County of Lackawanna from 1990-1993. In 1994, he was promoted to Chief Public Defender, a position he held for 10 years. From 2010-2022, Mr. Karam served as General Counsel to the Housing Authority of Lackawanna County, a Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Agency.
Mr. Karam is a former President of the Lackawanna Bar Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Karam earned a Bachelor of Science from Saint Joseph’s University in 1984 and received his law degree in 1987 from Loyola University School of Law.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be sworn in as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated staff of the United States Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement and community partners in pursuit of justice.”
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Georgia couple sentenced for carjacking, bank robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons crime spreeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Quantavious Cedron Arnold and Ericka Brewster have been sentenced to federal prison for carrying out a two-week crime spree during which they robbed a bank and fled in a car Arnold had stolen at gunpoint just two days earlier.
“Outstanding coordination between the FBI and local law enforcement ended Arnold’s crime spree,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This office will continue to target individuals like Arnold and Brewster who perpetrate, abet, and seek to profit from violent crime in our community.”
“Both Arnold and Brewster have extensive violent criminal histories, and once again put innocent civilians at risk during the span of their two-week crime spree,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work with our local law enforcement partners to convict these repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no opportunity for parole.”
“Keeping the citizens and visitors of the City of Atlanta is a priority for the Atlanta Police Department. The convictions of Quantavious Cedron Arnold and Ericka Brewster sends a resounding message to criminals that violent crimes will not be tolerated in our city,” said Atlanta Interim Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “The Atlanta Police Department is proud of the effort put forth by investigators to bring these criminals to justice. The sentencing of repeat offenders proves the effectiveness of our law enforcement partnerships, the dedication of the members of the various agencies, and our commitment to solving and closing cases.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 12, 2019, Arnold and two other people perpetrated a carjacking outside a convenience store in southwest Atlanta. Arnold threatened his victim with a semiautomatic pistol equipped with an extended magazine before he and his accomplices stole the man’s car.
Two days later, on November 14, 2019, Arnold used the stolen car to drive himself and his girlfriend, Brewster, to a bank branch in DeKalb County, Georgia. Arnold and Brewster entered the bank and waited in line until Arnold approached the teller counter, pulled out a gun, and threatened to kill people unless the teller surrendered thousands of dollars of cash. After pocketing the money, Arnold and Brewster fled from the bank and back into the stolen car, which they later abandoned.
A week later, an Atlanta police officer located and arrested Arnold in a wooded area down the block from the store where Arnold had committed the carjacking just ten days earlier. At the time of his arrest, Arnold had the gun used during the bank robbery, a distribution quantity of crack cocaine, and a digital scale. FBI agents arrested Brewster later.
Both Arnold and Brewster are convicted felons with extensive criminal histories. Brewster’s history includes convictions for fraud, theft, and forgery offenses. Arnold’s history includes repeated convictions for unlawful gun possession, drug trafficking, and violent crimes, such as aggravated assault, battery, and burglary. Both defendants were serving multiple terms of state probation when they committed their federal crimes. Arnold had been sentenced to two of those probation terms less than four months before he committed the carjacking and bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced the defendants as follows:
- Quantavious Cedron Arnold, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced on June 14, 2022, to 25 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $8,200.00 in restitution. Arnold was convicted at trial on January 14, 2022, of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Before the trial, he pled guilty to carjacking, armed bank robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
- Ericka Brewster, 31, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced on November 12, 2020, to four years, six months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $8,200 in restitution. Brewster pled guilty on November 6, 2020, to one count of armed bank robbery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department, DeKalb County Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Annalise K. Peters prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
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.
Georgia Man Charged with Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Demonn Chadwick Jenkins II, 27, of Georgia, appeared before United States Magistrate Ruth Miller following his arrest on June 17, 2022, in St. Thomas on the charge of fraudulent use of credit card information. He was ordered release upon the posting of a $7,500.00 cash bond.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2022, Jenkins used a Capital One Platinum Mastercard bearing another individual's name to purchase a diamond necklace for $9990.00 and a Rolex watch for $10,800.00 at a jewelry store located on Main Street, St. Thomas. On June 17, 2022, Jenkins was encountered by Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he failed to declare the jewelry and pay the required duty tax. He was later identified as the purchaser of the jewelry using footage taken from the jewelry store’s security cameras. Jenkins later admitted that he purchased the Mastercard on the Dark Web for approximately $15.00. If convicted, Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Four Men Convicted of Federal Financial Crimes Involving Money Laundering, Structuring, Wire Fraud, and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Louisville, Kentucky – On May 24, 2022, a former Louisville, Kentucky resident was convicted and sentenced for conspiring to commit money laundering by assisting in the unlawful purchase of automobiles with criminal proceeds. On May 26, 2022, a Prospect, Kentucky resident was convicted and sentenced for a financial crime involving the use of a nominee to purchase automobiles in order to conceal the source of the funds used. These convictions follow financial crime convictions of two additional men, one earlier this year, and the other last year.
“I commend the IRS, ATF, and LMPD for their investigative work in these cases,” said United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett. “As the convictions demonstrate, this office and our law enforcement partners, will leave no stone unturned when it comes to conducting investigations involving financial crimes.”
“When criminals go to great lengths to conceal the source of their proceeds, IRS CI will follow the money to unveil the true source of the funds,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS, Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office to bring those committing financial crimes to justice.”
According to court documents, between 2016 and 2017, Stephen Mudd, Jr., 40, formerly of Louisville, while working as a car salesman, helped falsify employment and bank account information in order to facilitate the purchase of automobiles with criminal proceeds—with either the proceeds providing a cash down payment, or the means of monthly payments on an automobile loan from a financial institution. Mudd knew that lenders would not extend financing without proof of a legitimate source of income. Additionally, Mudd had reason to know that the transactions involved proceeds of criminal activity. By assisting others in spending criminal proceeds, Mudd helped conceal the criminal source of the money and avoided reporting requirements that would otherwise apply to large cash transactions. On May 24, 2022, a United States District Judge sentenced Mudd to three years of probation and imposed a $4,000 fine. Mudd was also ordered to forfeit $6,188.
In addition, on May 26, 2022, Dominic Harrison, 38, of Prospect, Kentucky, was convicted and sentenced by a United States District Judge to three months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release with a condition that he serve months of home detention. Harrison previously pled guilty to violating Title 31, United States Code, Section 5324, which governs required reporting of large cash transactions. Harrison used third parties to conduct cash transactions related to the purchase of an automobile in order to evade the reporting requirements concerning the cash. Harrison was also ordered to forfeit $25,000 cash.
Previously, two other men were also convicted for financial crimes. Verrel Brice, 39, of Louisville, Kentucky, was convicted on August 23, 2021, for structuring cash transactions in violation of Title 31, United States Code, 5324. Brice received 30 months of probation and a $1,000 felony fine. Brice was also ordered to forfeit $2650 cash. O’Farrell Washington, 38, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced on February 2, 2022, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Washington was sentenced to time served followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $3,000.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Louisville Metro Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin McKenzie and Amy Sullivan prosecuted the cases.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Former Mayor of Trujillo Alto Pleads Guilty to Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The former mayor of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, José Luis Cruz Cruz, age 62, pleaded guilty today in Puerto Rico to engaging in a bribery conspiracy in which he received cash kickback payments in exchange for the award of municipal asphalt and paving contracts as well as municipal trash removal contracts.
According to court documents, in 2020 and 2021, José Luis Cruz Cruz solicited and accepted multiple kickback payments from Individual A and Individual B via Individual C. Individual A was the owner of an asphalt and paving company awarded municipal contracts in Trujillo Alto. Individual B was the owner of a trash removal company awarded municipal contracts in Trujillo Alto. José Luis Cruz Cruz, as mayor, directed municipal employees to execute these contracts. In 2020 and 2021, José Luis Cruz Cruz agreed with Individual C that Individual C would solicit and obtain cash payments from municipal contractors. During that period, José Luis Cruz Cruz received approximately $10,000 from Individual A and Individual B via Individual C in cash kickback payments.
Cruz Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a bribery scheme. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement. The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat public corruption by municipal officials in Puerto Rico. In addition to the above matters, the Public Integrity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico have recently obtained convictions against other former public officials and contractors in the District of Puerto Rico for soliciting and accepting bribes related to municipal contracts. See United States v. Pedro Marrero-Miranda, 22-251(RAM); United States v. Ramon Conde-Melendez, 22-221 (PAD); United States v. Eduardo Cintrón-Suárez, 22-151 (SCC); United States v. Luis Arroyo-Chiqués, 21-485 (SCC); United States v. Félix Delgado-Montalvo, 21-463 (RAM); United States v. Oscar Santamaria-Torres, 21-464 (RAM); and United States v. Raymond Rodríguez, 21-465 (RAM).
Additionally, the department recently obtained indictments charging several former officials and contractors with bribery related to municipal contracts, and those cases are still pending. See United States v. Mario Villegas-Vargas, 21-468 (FAB); United States v. Ángel Pérez-Otero, 21-474 (ADC); United States v. Radamés Benítez-Cardona, 21-475 (PAD); United States v. Javier García-Pérez, 22-185 (ADC); and United States v. Reinaldo Vargas-Rodríguez, 22-186 (PAD).
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Former Illinois State Senator Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Receiving Salary and Benefits from Labor UnionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Former Illinois State Sen. THOMAS E. CULLERTON was sentenced today to a year in federal prison for fraudulently receiving salary and benefits from a labor union.
Cullerton, 52, of Villa Park, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal embezzlement charge. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman imposed the year-and-a-day sentence after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu and Erika L. Csicsila.
Cullerton was hired in 2013 by Teamsters Joint Council 25 as a purported union organizer and remained on the payroll until February 2016. In addition to receiving a salary, monthly car and telephone allowances, and bonuses, Teamsters Joint Council 25 funded Cullerton’s participation in Teamsters Local Union 734’s health and pension funds, which enabled Cullerton to receive health and welfare benefits.
Cullerton admitted in a plea agreement that he did little to no work as an organizer during the time he was on the union payroll. When his supervisors requested that he perform his job duties, Cullerton routinely ignored them.
Cullerton fraudulently obtained from Joint Council 25 and its members approximately $169,488 in salary, bonuses, and other benefits, approximately $57,662 in health and pension contributions, and approximately $21,678 in reimbursed medical claims. Cullerton admitted that he used the embezzled money to pay personal expenses, such as his mortgage, utilities, and groceries.
Former Federal Inmate Sentenced to 114 Months for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – An Arizona man was sentenced on Tuesday to assaulting a federal law enforcement officer at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina (“FMC Butner”).
According to court documents, Michael Anthony Mata, 47, an inmate at FMC Butner at the time of the offense, struck the law enforcement officer in the face after the officer told him he was in an unauthorized area and asked him to return to his assigned housing unit. As a result of the contact, the officer suffered a severe fracture to his left orbital wall that required surgical repair.
“The brave men and women who put themselves on the line every day to keep the rest of us safe, have the well-deserved support of our Office,” stated Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney. “We will vigorously prosecute anyone who assaults a correctional officer, or any other law enforcement personnel, and seek a firm punishment to deter others who may be inclined to do the same.”
Citing Mata’s extensive criminal history and the severity of the assault, United States Federal District Court Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Mata to 114 months in prison. Mata previously pled guilty to the count of Assault on a Federal Officer on March 9, 2022.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00507-BR.
Former Bellevue, Washington, teacher sentenced to 20 years in prison for production and possession of images of child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former Bellevue, Washington, teacher was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Stuart MacGregor Hoffman, 31, pleaded guilty in February 2022, to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said that what happened in this case was every parent’s “worst nightmare.”
According to records filed in the case, Hoffman came to the attention of law enforcement because of an investigation in the United Kingdom. Hoffman was sending explicit child sex images to a contact in the U.K. Homeland Security Investigations initiated an investigation. Hoffman’s home was searched, and he was arrested on May 14, 2020. On his devices law enforcement found images of sexual molestation of a child between the ages of 5 and 11. Hoffman was in contact with the child outside of his duties as a teacher.
In total, Hoffman had seven videos on his devices showing sexual molestation. He had an additional 1,764 images of child sexual abuse. In 283 of the images forensic examination determined they were known child victims. Under the Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, Hoffman must pay a minimum of $3,000 to each known victim. In this case, the initial restitution figure is $108,000, and could go higher. Judge Lin is going to determine the full amount of the restitution at a later hearing.
On April 15, 2022, Hoffman was sentenced in King County Superior Court to twenty years in prison for rape of a child. The state and federal sentences will run concurrently. Hoffman will be required to register as a sex offender when released from prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bellevue Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a King County Deputy Prosecutor who is specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.
Felon ordered to prison for illegally owning rifles and shotgunsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 32-year-old Alvin resident has been sent to prison following his conviction of being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Alonzo Gonzalez III pleaded guilty March 22.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos ordered Gonzalez to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about the impact the theft of some of the guns that Gonzalez possessed had on the victim.
On March 10, 2021, authorities pulled over a vehicle for having an expired Texas temporary tag. Alonzo Gonzalez III was a passenger in the vehicle.
Law enforcement officers noticed the occupants of the vehicle were behaving suspiciously and brought a K-9 to the scene. The K-9 alerted to the rear of the vehicle. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of seven firearms concealed inside the trunk. Those included two 12-gauge shotguns, a .243 rifle, .223-5.56 rifle and three 7.62x54R rifles. Authorities later determined that two of the weapons were stolen.
At the time of his plea, Gonzalez admitted he had placed the firearms in the trunk and planned to sell them in South Texas.
Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Kleberg County Attorney Specialized Crimes & Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Gould prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Rochester Man of Drug Conspiracy and Selling Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that following a four-week trial, a federal jury has convicted Earnest Baker, 36, of Rochester, NY, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distributing cocaine and fentanyl.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everardo Rodriguez and Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the investigation into the conspiracy began in 2018, while Baker was in federal prison, serving his sentence on a prior drug conviction. Baker was released in August 2019 on federal supervised release and New York State parole, and quickly returned to drug dealing activities. During the course of the investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Baker and used various investigative techniques to surveil Baker’s drug dealing activities and his interactions with other drug dealers with whom he conspired.
Baker was arrested on April 30, 2020, along with 17 other defendants. That same day, search warrants were executed at 24 residences in Rochester, West Henrietta, Penfield, Greece, Irondequoit, and Syracuse, and on 12 cars associated with defendants. During the execution of those search warrants, investigators seized eight firearms; approximately 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl; approximately two kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine, and $928,400 in cash and over $500,000 worth of jewelry.
The trial of the remaining co-defendants is scheduled for January 2023.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rochester Resident Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito; the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Philip Povero; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Buffalo and Syracuse Resident Offices.
Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2022, by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.
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Father and Son Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A father and son were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Court Judge George Z. Singal sentenced Shane Seavey, 40, of Baileyville, to 92 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Craig Seavey, 67, of Baileyville, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Court records reveal that between August 2018 and August 26, 2019, the Seaveys conspired with others to distribute fentanyl. Agents seized approximately three kilograms of fentanyl when the Seaveys were arrested on August 26, 2019. The drugs were acquired by Shane Seavey and Craig Seavey in Lawrence, Mass. and were sold to others for distribution throughout New England.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Portsmouth Tactical Diversion Squad and the Maine State Police
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Dover Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Bald EagleRead the Press Release
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that David B. Huff, 79, of Dover, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to an Information charging him with a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
According to court documents, on October 7, 2021, Huff shot and killed a bald eagle with a rifle. Court documents state that Huff owns farmland and several fields in Tuscarawas County and routinely conducts inspections of the land for the presence of pests and rodents. During one of these inspections, Huff shot and killed a bald eagle with a rifle.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits anyone, without a permit, from, among other actions, shooting bald or golden eagles.
After shooting the eagle, Huff picked up the animal and discarded it in the tree line of a bordering field.
As part of the terms of the plea, Huff has agreed to make restitution to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in care of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $10,000 and pay an additional fine of $10,000. Huff has also agreed to a five-year prohibition from hunting and the destruction of the rifle and ammunition seized during the investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Huff is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2022.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.
Dixie County Attorney Found Guilty of Extorting Former Client and Failing to Report Cash as RequiredRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Marion Michael O’Steen (43, Cross City) guilty of interfering with commerce by extortion and failing to timely file a Form 8300 reporting the receipt of more than $10,000 in currency. O’Steen faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and may be required to forfeit at least $60,000 in proceeds received. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2022.
According to evidence presented at trial, O’Steen was a criminal defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister’s office in the Third Judicial Circuit. Siegmeister was previously charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, wire fraud, and tax fraud. Testimony at trial established that O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his client, and the delay of official actions–in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen told his client that if the client paid him an additional $60,000 fee, O’Steen would use up a “favor” with the state attorney to make “everything go away,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him. O’Steen told his client he could “go to trial and fight em’ out, which I don’t think you can win.” He further advised his client that he would not get the same results from another attorney.
O’Steen received two payments of $30,000 each from his client. Evidence at trial established that O’Steen knew the reporting requirements but failed to timely file a Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian.
Convicted Felon with Ghost Gun Pleads Guilty to Federal Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marty Eugene Days, Jr. (33, Williston) has pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Days faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Days had been indicted on May 10, 2022.
According to court documents, on or about February 23, 2022, an Ocala police officer stopped an automobile driven by Days for erratic driving. Days, the sole occupant, did not have a valid license, and also admitted that he had been drinking and displayed an alcoholic beverage to the officer. After detaining Days, the officer located a bag on the ground adjacent to the automobile that contained Days’s Florida ID card, two of his credit cards, and a 9mm handgun. Video surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store showed Days tossing the bag out of the passenger-side window. The firearm—a “ghost gun” with no manufacturer serial number—was loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Days is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Ocala Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
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.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Cambrel Jamal Smart (28, Fort Lauderdale) with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Smart faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The indictment also notifies Smart that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on January 5, 2022, Smart was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the incident, Smart had previous felony convictions for robbery with a firearm, false imprisonment, attempted murder in the second degree, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Smart is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reiching.
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.
Columbus man sentenced for meth chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrick Dorell Fleming, II, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Fleming, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Fleming admitted to having methamphetamine in October 2021 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Taking Teenage Girl on Interstate Road Trip and Had Unlawful Relationship with HerRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A previously convicted sex offender from Colorado was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for taking a 15-year-old girl on a 3½-month interstate road trip that ended in Southern California, during which time he gave her methamphetamine and had an unlawful sexual relationship with her.
Kenneth Wayne Fisher, 46, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced by United States District Judge David O. Carter, who also ordered Fisher to be placed on lifetime supervised release upon completing his prison sentence in this case.
Fisher pleaded guilty in May 2020 to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender.
In February 2000, Fisher was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of sexual abuse in the second degree, thus requiring him to register as a sex offender.
On July 27, 2015, Fisher – then 39 years old – met the victim in Colorado, and she soon told him she was 15. Fisher gave the victim methamphetamine and engaged in a sexual relationship with her. Fisher transported the girl on a trip around the United States for the next 3½ months.
Between July and November 2015, Fisher and the victim traveled together through numerous states around the country – including California – and Fisher continued the unlawful sexual relationship during the trip.
Additionally, while transporting the victim, Fisher committed bank robberies in Kansas and Arkansas in August 2015. Fisher later was convicted in federal court in those states of committing the robberies. Judge Carter ordered Fisher’s 20-year prison sentence to run consecutive to his bank robbery sentence, which he is expected to complete next year.
The trip ended on November 16, 2015, because of a traffic stop in Fountain Valley. Fisher led the police on a high-speed car chase that concluded when Fisher’s vehicle ran out of gas on the 405 freeway near Seal Beach.
Law enforcement searched Fisher’s cellphone, recovered from his vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, and discovered multiple sexually explicit images of the victim.
Fisher has been in custody since his arrest on November 16, 2015.
The FBI and the Fountain Valley Police Department investigated this matter. The Colorado Springs Police Department conducted the missing persons investigation, and the California Highway Patrol assisted the Fountain Valley Police Department during the chase that culminated with Fisher’s arrest.
Assistant United States Attorney Greg Scally of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.
Clearfield County Woman Charged with Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Andrea Decato a/k/a Andrea Roton, age 38, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about April 27, 2021, Decato possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment not less than ten (10) years, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and Sandy Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jarron Price, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Price was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on May 7, 2020, law enforcement stopped a vehicle for driving recklessly and erratically through the streets of Hammond, Indiana. Price, who was a passenger in the vehicle possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Price’s criminal history revealed he had previous felony convictions in Illinois for aggravated battery and armed violence, and as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
California man sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking, money launderingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Tuesday sentenced a man from California to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering.
Lester A. “Unc” Bull, 58, pleaded guilty in February to a drug conspiracy charge, money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted being involved in a conspiracy that brought at least 100 kilograms of marijuana to the St. Louis area.
Judge Clark on Tuesday found Bull’s claims that he was not involved in dealing other drugs “not credible,” and said in court that Bull was responsible for “massive amounts” of drugs, many of which are lethal. Judge Clark found Bull responsible for a total of 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of cocaine, 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 225 kilograms of marijuana.
The investigation began in 2016, when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service began looking into a series of money orders that were bought in the St. Louis area to transport drug proceeds back to California. Bull was arrested on Oct. 9, 2020, after investigators watched one of Bull’s co-defendants leave a house in Ferguson with 445 grams of methamphetamine. When investigators tried to approach Bull, he ran away, jumped into a creek and was eventually found hiding in a dog house several blocks away. Investigators found $9,163, a shotgun, an AR-15 rifle, 40 packages containing methamphetamine and five bags of marijuana in the house, as well as items used to prepare and package drugs for sale.
More marijuana, a rifle, a handgun and drug records were seized three days later from the home where Bull stayed in St. Louis.
Four other defendants have also pleaded guilty in the case and two remain to be sentenced. Mario C. Thomas, 60, of St. Louis County, was sentenced to five years in prison in January. Lance L. Madkins, 42, of St. Charles, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison in April of 2021.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jamar Mills, 27, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that on July 7, 2021, at approximately 10:00 p.m., law enforcement officers encountered Mills in Salamanca, NY, and executed a search warrant of his vehicle and residence. Located in a bag Mills wore around his shoulder, officers found and seized a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a digital scale, and a flip phone. After being transported to the police station, officers located a quantity of cocaine, which Mills attempted to swallow.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of under the direction of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 27, 2022, before Judge Skretny.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Girard Jackson, 28, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that in the early morning hours of June 19, 2021, law enforcement officers encountered Jackson on the 500 block of West State Street in Olean, NY, at which time they executed a search warrant of Jackson for firearms, narcotics, and U.S. currency. Located in a bag Jackson wore around his waist, officers found and seized a loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Wrapped around Jackson’s ankle, officers found quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of under the direction of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 27, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Brookline Man Indicted for Attempted Murder of a United States Postal Service EmployeeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal violent crime laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Matthew Harrison , age 43, of the City’s Brookline neighborhood, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 28, 2022, Harrison attempted to murder and assaulted an employee of the United States – an on-duty letter carrier employed by the United States Postal Service - with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
The law provides for a sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Mt. Lebanon Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the joint investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brockton Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Role in Violent Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Cape Cod.
Cody Goncalves, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 13 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In September 2021, Goncalves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana; being a felon in possession of ammunition; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
“Cody Goncalves played a major role in running a drug trafficking operation that, for years, fueled violent crime in the community – plaguing the surrounding neighborhood with murder and gunfire,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Thanks to the collaborative and dogged work between our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous drug hub has been shuttered. My office will continue to prioritize protecting our communities and cracking down on drug traffickers and violent offenders. To those who seek to make a living off peddling deadly drugs, let me be clear: you will be identified, prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of federal law.”
“Cody Goncalves was part of the violent drug crew responsible for moving vast quantities of fentanyl and other deadly drugs throughout southeastern Massachusetts. While they turned a profit, people and their families were tormented by the forces of drug use and addiction,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office. “HSI is committed to dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking operations to stop the flow of drugs into New England. We’re proud to join our partners to announce today’s sentence.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Goncalves who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Goncalves accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combating the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
In the fall of 2018, law enforcement began investigating a violent Brockton drug crew headed by Djuna Goncalves, Cody Goncalves’s brother. The investigation revealed that the Goncalves brothers worked with others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana throughout southeastern Massachusetts from a base of operations on Addison Avenue in Brockton. The investigation also targeted several Boston-based drug suppliers to the Goncalves brothers. Large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cash and a loaded firearm were seized from Cody Goncalves, who had previously been convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and who had distributed drugs while on pre-trial release from a state drug charge.
In all, 17 defendants, including Cody Goncalves, were indicted as part of a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy, of whom 16 have now been sentenced. Djuna Goncalves has pleaded guilty to his roles in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, HSI SAC Millhollin, DEA SAC Boyle and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea E. Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Braintree Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Braintree man pleaded guilty on June 16, 2022 to trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing ammunition.
Martin Angomas, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and to possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2022.
Angomas was charged in July 2020 along with 24 others as part of “Operation Snowfall” – a multi-year investigation into drug trafficking activities by a drug trafficking organization (DTO) comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates. According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated drug trafficking activities gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the defendants, through their drug trafficking activities, assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs. As a result, their activities caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.
The investigation also targeted large-scale drug suppliers and their associates. It is alleged that the targets continued to distribute cocaine and cocaine base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown.
The investigation identified Angomas as a drug distributor and supplier. During intercepted communications between Angomas and co-defendant Hassan Monroe, a wholesale supplier and distributor within the DTO, Angomas coordinated providing Monroe with cocaine to be given to Kenji Drayton, one of the DTO’s principal suppliers and distributors. Angomas and Monroe were later observed meeting at an agreed-upon location, getting into a vehicle and driving to meet Drayton for the deal. They then left in separate vehicles.
During a search of Angomas’ residence in June 2020, ammunition, cocaine base (crack cocaine), two loaded firearms and over $360,000 were recovered. Angomas’ residence also contained an elaborate hide. At the time of the offense, Angomas had a prior conviction punishable by a more than one year in prison.
Angomas is the 13th defendant to plead guilty in the case. Seven of the defendants have been sentenced. Of the remaining defendants, three are pending trial and one defendant remains at large.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing ammunition as a convicted felon provides for a sentence of up to 10 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 effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bismarck, ND, Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Minor Female ChildrenRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – Interim United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Dawson Rouse, Age 23 of Bismarck, ND, to 30 years in federal prison for the charges of 15 counts of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Unlawful Sexual Activity and six count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Judge Hovland also sentenced Rouse to 30 years of supervised release. Rouse was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.00 to one of the child victims.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after a concerned parent reported to the Bismarck Police Department that her adolescent-age daughter and her friend snuck out of the family residence in the middle of the night and met with an adult male, later identified as Dawson Rouse. An investigation revealed that Rouse had been communicating with hundreds of minor females he met through the social media platform, Snapchat. Rouse, after identifying as someone closer in age to them, coerced and enticed or attempted to coerce and entice 21 minor victims between the ages of twelve and sixteen years to either send Rouse sexually exploitive images and videos or to meet with him for unlawful sexual conduct. In many of the cases, Rouse harassed the minor victims to send him nude photographs or videos of themselves, after which Rouse harassed them to meet for the purpose of sexual activity. Several of the victims sent Rouse self-produced child pornography and six of the victims met with Rouse and engaged in sexual acts with him.
Following sentencing, Interim United States Attorney Jennifer K. Puhl said "this is an "every parent’s nightmare" type of case, one in which should serve as a warning about the real dangers that exist on many of the social media platforms used by children."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Bismarck Police Department.
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Birmingham Man Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced last week for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
United States District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced Darius Emale Craig Jr., 23, to 65 months in prison. Craig pleaded guilty to the charges in February.
According to the plea agreement, on July 13, 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit made two controlled purchases of drugs from Craig. On July 13, 2021, Craig sold 24.58 grams of methamphetamine for $400 near the Holiday Inn on Airport Road in Birmingham. On August 17, 2021, Craig sold 20.96 grams of methamphetamine for $450 at the Kangaroo gas station near Roebuck Parkway and Hwy 79.
“Methamphetamine is the greatest drug threat in Alabama due to its availability, risk from abuse, and contribution to violence and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Prosecution of traffickers will help to reduce that threat and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
“The FBI is committed to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those individuals or organizations that are distributing dangerous drugs, committing acts of violence, and fueling the addiction that destroys communities and families.” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
FBI investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristy Peoples and Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Berkeley County man admits to fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Keith Rowland, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a fentanyl charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Rowland, 22, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Fentanyl.” Rowland admitted to selling fentanyl in January 2021 in Berkeley County.
Rowland faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Visits Ukraine, Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Help Identify, Apprehend, and Prosecute Individuals Involved in War Crimes and AtrocitiesRead the Press Release
“There is no hiding place for war criminals. The U.S. Justice Department will pursue every avenue of accountability for those who commit war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine.”
In a meeting with Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commended the efforts of the Ukrainian people to defend democracy and uphold the rule of law, and announced additional U.S. actions to help Ukraine identify, apprehend, and prosecute those individuals involved in war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine.
“The United States stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continued aggression and assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Attorney General Garland. “America – and the world – has seen the many horrific images and read the heart-wrenching accounts of brutality and death that have resulted from Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine.”
Specifically, Attorney General Garland announced the launch of a War Crimes Accountability Team to centralize and strengthen the Justice Department’s ongoing work to hold accountable those who have committed war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine. This initiative will bring together the Department’s leading experts in investigations involving human rights abuses and war crimes and other atrocities; and provide wide-ranging technical assistance, including operational assistance and advice regarding criminal prosecutions, evidence collection, forensics, and relevant legal analysis. The team will also play an integral role in the Department’s ongoing investigation of potential war crimes over which the U.S. possesses jurisdiction, such as the killing and wounding of U.S. journalists covering the unprovoked Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“There is no hiding place for war criminals. The U.S. Justice Department will pursue every avenue of accountability for those who commit war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine,” said Attorney General Garland. “Working alongside our domestic and international partners, the Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable every person complicit in the commission of war crimes, torture, and other grave violations during the unprovoked conflict in Ukraine.”
To lead this effort, the Attorney General has tapped Eli Rosenbaum to serve as Counselor for War Crimes Accountability. Rosenbaum is a 36-year veteran of the Justice Department who previously served as Director of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which was primarily responsible for identifying, denaturalizing, and deporting Nazi war criminals. In his role as Counselor for War Crimes Accountability, Rosenbaum will coordinate efforts across the Justice Department and the federal government to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine. Rosenbaum will be joined in his work by other prosecutors from the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), including Acting Section Chief Hope Olds and prosecutors Christian Levesque, Christina Giffin, and Courtney Urschel.
In addition, the Justice Department will provide additional personnel to expand its work with Ukraine and other partners to counter Russian illicit finance and sanctions evasion. Among other things, the Department will provide Ukraine an expert Justice Department prosecutor to advise on fighting kleptocracy, corruption, and money laundering. In addition, it plans to deploy two expert attorneys from the Office of International Affairs (OIA) – one to a U.S. Embassy in Europe, and another to a U.S. Embassy in the Middle East – in support of the Department’s KleptoCapture Task Force. These senior attorneys will work closely with their counterparts in EU member states and Middle Eastern countries to facilitate mutual legal assistance and extraditions relating to Russian illicit finance and sanctions evasion, including with respect to designated Russian oligarchs who have supported the Russian regime and its efforts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.
Attorney General Garland announced the KleptoCapture Task Force in March to further leverage the Department’s tools and authorities against efforts to evade or undermine the economic actions taken by the U.S. Government in response to Russian military aggression. Since then, the task force has facilitated the seizure of superyachts of two sanctioned individuals with close ties to the Russian regime; dismantled Russian criminal networks; and enforced sanctions violations, among other actions.
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter to Participate in OECD Competition Committee Meetings in Paris, FranceRead the Press Release
This week, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division is in Paris, France, to participate in meetings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Competition Committee and its working parties.
Today, Assistant Attorney General Kanter chaired the working party on enforcement and cooperation with sessions devoted to interim measures, expanding cooperation, and revising an OECD Council Recommendation on Bid Rigging and Procurement. Later in the week, Assistant Attorney General Kanter will participate in the Competition Committee roundtable focused on Market Power in the Digital Economy.
The OECD Competition Committee includes 38 member countries and the European Union, as well as non-member participants, experts, and other invitees. The Committee brings together leaders of the world’s major competition authorities for a dialogue on competition policy issues, including best practices and standards, and promotes market-oriented reforms. Other roundtables scheduled for the meeting include:
- Competition and Regulation in the Provision of Local Transportation Services
- Purchasing Power and Buyers Cartels
- Disentangling Consummated Mergers – Experiences and Challenges
- Integrating Consumer Behavior Insights in Competition Enforcement
The United States and other OECD member submissions on these topics are available on the OECD Competition Committee’s website.
On June 20, Assistant Attorney General Kanter met with French Competition Authority Chair Benoit Coeuré in a public forum at the Authority’s headquarters. The two leaders discussed the Antitrust Division’s and French Competition Authority’s mutual interest in promoting competition in a fair, global marketplace, their current priorities, and building stronger transatlantic cooperation on antitrust enforcement. The video of the meeting is available at https://www.autoritedelaconcurrence.fr/en/article/watch-replay-our-echelle-event-us-french-perspectives-competition-policy.
Army veteran admits to sending death threatsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Brazoria County man has pleaded guilty to threatening employees at the Lake Jackson Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Mark Williams Jr. was a U.S. Army veteran receiving treatment at VA facilities. Today, he admitted to making a series of threatening statements via interstate communications.
Beginning in June 2021, Williams began sending threats towards the staff at various VA facilities. These included calls to the Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic, White House VA Hotline and Veterans Crisis Line.
As part of his plea, he admitted that during a call on Oct. 25, 2021, he made repeated threats to kill employees at the Lake Jackson VA clinic.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will impose sentencing Sept. 6. At that time, Williams faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pearson is prosecuting the case.
23-Year-Old Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Austin Martin, 23 has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on May 4, 2019, a Memphis Police officer saw a vehicle doing donuts at the intersection of Knight Arnold and South Mendenhall. The driver then drove towards the officer’s vehicle and crashed into a fire hydrant. Five males bailed out of the vehicle, Martin got out of the driver’s door wearing a bright yellow vest and pointed a handgun at the uniformed Memphis Police Officer. The officer drew his weapon but did not fire because there was a bystander in the background. Martin fled and was apprehended minutes later with the gun still in his pocket.
On May 2, 2019, Martin robbed and shot two men in Midtown. Later that same day, Memphis
Police Investigators later matched Martin's gun to those two shootings. Both victims survived and identified Martin as their shooter.Martin also pled guilty in state court to especially aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and an unrelated aggravated arson. As a result of his prior convictions, Martin is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On June 17, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Martin to 10 years’ incarceration to be followed by three years’ supervised release.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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20 June 2022
Rochester, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Six Counts of Mortgage-Related Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –A Rochester, Illinois, man, Christopher Schaller, 48, of the 1500 block of Appalachian Trial was sentenced on June 9, 2022, to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for six counts of wire fraud resulting from a mortgage fraud scheme.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Schaller used his extensive knowledge of the mortgage industry and the trust placed in him by his employer, Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation (Diamond), as the manager of its Springfield, Illinois, office, to defraud others and to benefit himself.
Also at the hearing, United States District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found Schaller was in a position of trust, was acting in a supervisory position, and utilized sophisticated means to conduct the wire fraud. Schaller was ordered to pay $61,369.36 in restitution and was prohibited from working in a mortgage-related employment position while on supervised release unless given express permission by the Court. Judge Myerscough ordered that $32,811 in restitution be made payable to the Veterans Administration, with the rest owed to Diamond. Previously, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) had revoked Schaller’s mortgage loan originator license and fined him $128,000. In a related matter, IDFPR and Diamond entered into a consent order where Diamond agreed to pay $1,275,000 to settle all allegations.
Schaller was indicted in September 2019 and plead guilty in August 2020. After initially being placed on bond, Schaller’s bond was revoked, and he has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshal since June 10, 2021.
The statutory penalties for wire fraud are not more than 20 years in prison, not more than five years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.
“The significant prison sentence imposed by Judge Myerscough shows that white-collar defendants who harm customers and steal from their employers and entities like the Veterans Administration will pay a stiff penalty for their actions,” said Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Quivey.
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation prioritizes investigating sophisticated white collar crime schemes like the one used by Schaller,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “We are committed to dedicating our investigative resources to target fraud in its many forms to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanner Jacobs and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution.
Illinois Jury Convicts Colorado Woman of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on June 16, 2022, against Monica Renee Wright, 38, of the 1600 block of Auburn Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine and at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Sentencing for Wright has been scheduled for October 10, 2022, at the U.S. Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa.
During three days of trial, beginning on June 13, the government presented evidence establishing that beginning in June 2016, Wright conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Illinois. The case began when the Drug Enforcement Administration seized approximately 58 grams of 90+% pure methamphetamine from Wright's coconspirator's residence in Illinois. Agents worked up the chain of distribution to identify the source of the methamphetamine as Wright.
After the guilty verdict, Wright was taken into the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service. At sentencing, she faces statutory penalties of ten years to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group (QCMEG); Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department; Scott County Sheriff’s Department; and Colorado Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alyssa Raya and Jennifer Mathew represented the government at trial.
Erie Felon Sentenced to Four Years for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Erie, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws in two separate cases, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Charles L. McIntosh, 28.
According to information presented to the court, in April 2019, McIntosh possessed two firearms while being a convicted felon. In addition, on or about April 22, 2021, McIntosh possessed three firearms while being a convicted felon and while on federal pretrial release in the 2019 case. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reductions 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 prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McIntosh.
18 June 2022
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Selected as Chair of the Attorney General's Subcommittee on Native American IssuesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States Attorney Dena J. King has been selected to serve as Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) of U.S. Attorneys.
U.S. Attorney King will also serve on three additional AGAC Subcommittees: Civil Rights, Violent and Organized Crime, and LECC/Victim/Community Issues.
Since 1973, the AGAC has been advising the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and represents the views of federal prosecutors across the country.
The Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) is the longest standing subcommittee on the AGAC. The NAIS consists of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States serving in districts that include Indian Country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian Country matters, and it is tasked with helping to develop, shape, and implement recommendations on public safety and legal issues affecting Tribal communities. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is the largest federally recognized Indian Tribe east of the Mississippi River and it is located within Western North Carolina.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Native American Issues, the oldest subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” said U.S. Attorney King. “I am looking forward to collaborating with my U.S. Attorney colleagues from across the country to provide vital guidance to the Department on important issues impacting Indian Country and how we can best serve Tribal communities."
Two Additional Defendants Indicted in Case Involving El Hipopótamo RestaurantRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On June 16, 2022, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a four-count, second superseding indictment against six defendants for conspiracy to rob El Hipopótamo restaurant on October 31, 2021, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Four of the defendants had been previously indicted for armed carjacking and kidnapping, which resulted in the death of J.F.P. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
The second superseding indictment charges Basilio Matías-Fajardo, an employee of the El Hipopótamo restaurant, and Edwin Peña-Valdez with conspiring to rob El Hipopótamo restaurant, together with Geofley Jomar-Pérez, Luis Aulet-Maldonado, Luis Cabán-Nieves, and José Jomar Santos-Mercado.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Linet Suárez of the Violent Crime Division is in charge of the prosecution of the case. For the additional count in the second superseding indictment, the defendants face a possible sentence of 20 years in prison. The remaining counts have a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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17 June 2022
Zachary Hood Sentenced to 18 Months' Imprisonment for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On June 16, 2022, the Honorable Charles E. Atchley, Jr., United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, sentenced Zachary Hood, 36, currently of Alpharetta, Georgia, to 18 months’ imprisonment for cyberstalking, and Hood was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
As part of a plea agreement filed with the court, Hood waived indictment by a Federal Grand Jury and pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging him with one count of cyberstalking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2261A. Following his imprisonment, Hood will be on supervised release for three years.
According to the filed plea agreement, in October 2017, Hood created a Facebook account using the name and likeness of a female victim whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons. Hood then distributed intimate photographs of the victim to the victim’s friends and family. For example, while claiming to be the victim, Hood sent photos featuring the victim’s breasts and buttocks to a friend of the victim’s husband, asking if the friend liked those photos. Hood also contacted the victim’s husband directly, sending the husband nude photographs of the victim and making lewd and sexually suggestive comments about the victim’s appearance. Hood also contacted eight other women, sending each woman intimate photographs of herself, sometimes accompanied by Hood’s own commentary.
This prosecution is the result of a joint effort between the United States Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation offices in the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of Tennessee.
“Cyberstalking is a serious crime that can inflict lasting harm on its victims,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to combat the growing trend of digital harassment. As this sentence demonstrates, those who go online to threaten, intimidate, or harass others face real-world consequences, including federal prison time. Cyberstalking simply has no place in today’s society.”
“This kind of behavior is not a prank, it's disruptive to the victims and their families, and those who think they can hide behind the anonymity of the Internet should think again,” said Joseph E. Carrico, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Knoxville Office. “The FBI along with our local, state, and federal partners stand steadfast in our resolve to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who commit these horrendous personal acts.”
“The internet can seem like a modern day Wild West, where criminals roam free and are not held accountable for committing crimes,” said Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll for the FBI New York Office. “Setting up a fake Facebook account and sending intimate photos of someone to their friends without their consent is illegal, and now Mr. Hood has to answer for his actions. Many people don’t report these types of crimes because they don’t think anything will be done to the perpetrator. We hope this case proves when people break federal laws they will face federal justice.”
Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Wilson, the District’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Crimes Coordinator, represented the United States in court.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pled guilty today.
Marsha C. Dismukes, age 54, from Ford Heights, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
In a plea agreement, Dismukes admitted to engaging in a drug-related conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids. In 2020, Dismukes set up a transaction involving heroin and fentanyl. Dismukes later distributed heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dismukes was taken into custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Dismukes faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $2 million, and a minimum of six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-00068-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Williamsport Man Sentenced to 192 Months’ Imprisonment on Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joel Kiessling, age 55, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 192 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann, for child exploitation offenses.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Kiessling previously entered a guilty plea in November 2018, to attempting to entice a minor to travel for sexual purposes and possession of child pornography. Kiessling was in contact with multiple underage females and was attempting to have them travel to Pennsylvania from out of state to have sex with him.
Based on Kiessling’s prior offenses, Chief Judge Brann found that Kiessling was fully aware of the potential consequences of his actions yet remained undeterred.
The case was investigated by the Williamsport Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the 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."
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Whitehall man sentenced to more than seven years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Whitehall man who admitted to downloading child pornography for approximately six years was sentenced on June 16 to seven years and two months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Tyler D. Pinnt, 35, pleaded guilty in February to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered a total of $6,000 restitution to two victims. Chief Judge Morris ordered Pinnt to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.
The government alleged in court documents that Pinnt received child pornography from about March 2015 to July 2021. The Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was investigating Pinnt for online crimes against children and on July 13, 2021, served a search warrant on his residence near Whitehall. Agents seized several computers and cellular phones and conducted a forensic examination of the devices. At the time of the search, Pinnt admitted in an interview that he found child pornography online and that agents would locate child pornography on his laptop and desktop computers. Investigators located child pornography images and videos on Pinnt’s two phones and his computers and determined that Pinnt had downloaded the material between March 2015 and July 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department and Seattle (Washington) Police Department Human Trafficking Unit.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Westmoreland County Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 5 years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release.
Senior U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Matthew T. Buchinsky, age 36, of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court during the guilty plea hearing, from May 1, 2016, through May 11, 2016, Buchinsky distributed videos and sill images which depicted the sexual exploitation of a minors to other individuals using the Kik instant messaging software application. Additionally, on November 10, 2016, pursuant to a search warrant executed on his home, Buchinsky was found to be in possession of more than 8,000 videos and images which depicted the sexual exploitation minors, including those depicting infants and toddlers.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the dangerous nature of Buchinsky’s conduct and stated that she hoped that he would take advantage of sex offender treatment while incarcerated. Judge Conti further ordered Buchinsky to pay restitution to victims requesting payment of such, in amounts to be determined by the court within 90 days of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security/homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Buchinsky.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
West Barnstable Woman Sentenced for Stealing Opioids from Veterinary OfficeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Barnstable woman was sentenced on June 15, 2022 in federal court in Boston in connection with stealing hydrocodone, an opioid and Schedule II controlled substance, from the veterinary office where she worked.
Melissa Paradise, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (approximately one day in prison) and one year of supervised release. On Feb. 10, 2022, Paradise pleaded guilty to six counts of acquiring a controlled substance using a registration number assigned to another person and eight counts of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge.
In late 2018 and 2019, federal investigators noted that an unusually large amount of hydrocodone had been ordered by the veterinary office. In June 2019, the investigators conducted an audit at the animal hospital during which Paradise was identified as the office manager responsible for record keeping regarding prescriptions.
Upon her arrival at the office on the day of the audit, Paradise admitted to investigators that she used the DEA registration number assigned to a veterinarian in the practice without the veterinarian’s knowledge or consent to order controlled substances which she then stole for her personal use. Paradise also admitted that she forged the signature of a second veterinarian on other prescription documents and diverted those drugs for her own use. The second veterinarian later confirmed that the signature on the documents was forged.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Barnstable Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Warren County Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Role in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Warren County has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Cody Tobias Greeley, 25, of Tidioute, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Greeley conspired with his co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Greeley.
U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins Selected as Vice-Chair of the Attorney General’s National Advisory Subcommittee on Civil RightsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts has been selected to serve as Vice-Chair of the Civil Rights Subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).
“I am honored to have been asked to serve as Vice-Chair of the Civil Rights Subcommittee. It is my sincere hope that we seize this moment in history to facilitate meaningful dialogue and action to combat the uptick in hate-based violence. Civil rights are at the forefront of so many of the issues dividing our nation today. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Brown, we will provide guidance to the Department of Justice. Our goal is to fulfill the promise of equality for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins.
United States Attorney Nick Brown for the Western District of Washington has been selected to serve as Chair the Civil Rights Subcommittee. The Subcommittee will play an important role in advising the AGAC on civil rights matters of importance to the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices across the country.
“I am gratified that my colleagues and Attorney General Garland selected me for this important role,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “The Department of Justice came into being to protect civil rights, and I look forward to helping shape our focus. There are a number of important issues for the Department to address, including the rise in hate crimes, ensuring voting rights, and developing strategies to ensure accountability and trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee was established nearly 50 years ago by Attorney General Elliott Richardson. The Committee’s purpose is to give United States Attorneys a voice in Department policies and to advise the Attorney General of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Parker affirms commitment to uphold civil rights of Ohioans in Southern DistrictRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today the creation of a civil rights referral initiative for the Southern District of Ohio.
Members of the public may now report potential civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A referral form is now available at the office’s main website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh.
“My office – in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice – is charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws throughout the Southern District of Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “We are strongly committed to upholding the civil rights of the residents of our District. We welcome any information from the public that brings to our attention possible violations of our Nation’s civil rights laws.”
Potential civil rights violations may involve topics such as access to reproductive health, disability rights, hate crimes, housing discrimination (including sexual harassment by landlords, property managers or other housing providers), voting rights, law enforcement misconduct, and religious liberties.
“Hate and discrimination have never had a place in our society. They have no place today,” added U.S. Attorney Parker. “People should be able to practice their faith and worship, go grocery shopping, vote, find housing, and celebrate their heritage without any worry of instances of hate or discrimination being committed toward them.”
Mr. Parker noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is primarily a litigating office and not an investigative agency. Information provided on the civil rights referrals may be forwarded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to the appropriate law enforcement or administrative agency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ebunoluwa Taiwo (Criminal Division) and Michael Downey (Civil Division) will serve as the points of contact for this initiative. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
To view the referral form, visit: /media/1227446/dl?inline.
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U.S. Attorney Nick Brown to lead Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil RightsRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown for the Western District of Washington has been selected to lead the Civil Rights Subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the Civil Rights Subcommittee, U.S. Attorney Brown will play a key role in advising the AGAC on civil rights matters of importance to the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country.
“I am gratified that my colleagues and Attorney General Garland selected me for this important role,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “The Department of Justice came into being to protect civil rights, and I look forward to helping shape our focus. There are a number of important issues for the Department to address, including the rise in hate crimes, ensuring voting rights, and developing strategies to ensure accountability and trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins of the District of Massachusetts will serve as Vice-Chair of the Civil Rights Subcommittee.
“I am honored to have been asked to serve as Vice-Chair of the Civil Right Subcommittee. It is my sincere hope that we seize this moment in history to facilitate meaningful dialogue and action to combat the uptick in hate-based violence. Civil rights are at the forefront of so many of the issues dividing our nation today. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Brown, we will provide guidance to the Department of Justice. Our goal is to fulfill the promise of equality for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee was established nearly 50 years ago by Attorney General Elliott Richardson. The Committee's purpose is to give United States Attorneys a voice in Department policies and to advise the Attorney General of the United States.
Two Predators Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Four Children They met on Social Media PlatformsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Thomas James Israel, 46, of Ft. Wayne, and Max Schafer, 31, of Brownsburg, were each sentenced to federal prison for their role in exploiting four children between October 2019 and August 2020. One of the victims was exploited by both Israel and Schafer during separate incidents. Israel previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child sexual abuse material. On November 15, 2021, Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt sentenced Israel to twenty-five years in federal prison. Late yesterday, Schafer pleaded guilty to receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material. District Judge James R. Sweeney II sentenced Schafer to over fourteen years (175 months) in federal prison.
According to court documents, between April 2020 and June 2020, Israel met his first minor victim, who was 14, using online applications such as Omegle and Meetme. Using Snapchat and Kik, Israel persuaded this victim to meet with him in person, then forced the victim into sadomasochistic sexual abuse, including forceful oral sex and assault. Israel recorded the sexual abuse on his mobile phone and later sent the video to the victim.
Israel met a second minor victim using Snapchat and persuaded the victim to send him explicit videos and photos of herself. When this victim was between 14 and 16 years old, she sent her minor boyfriend sexually explicit images and videos of herself. Without her consent, the boyfriend disseminated the images and videos over the internet. Israel downloaded those images and videos onto his online storage account and viewed them for a sexual purpose.
Israel met his third minor victim, who was between 14 and 16 years’ old, over Omegle. Knowing that the victim suffered from mental health issues, Israel induced her to produce child sex abuse material, and to sell the images and videos to others online. Israel took a percentage of the fees and paid the victim by sending her gift cards from Victoria’s Secret.
According to court documents, Schafer also met Israel’s first minor victim using Omegle. Knowing that the minor victim was only fourteen years old, Schafer met and engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victim. Schafer also persuaded the victim to send him the video that Israel produced, depicting Israel’s violent sexual abuse of the child.
Schafer also met his second minor victim, who was 16, using Omegle and Snapchat. Schafer persuaded this girl to send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself for his sexual purpose.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department also provided valuable assistance. As part of Israel’s sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that he be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from prison and pay $16,000 in restitution to the victims. As part of Schafer’s sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that he be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 40 years following his release from prison and pay $6,000 in restitution to the victims. Both Israel and Schafer must also register as sex offenders wherever they live, work, or go to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston who prosecuted this case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Two Plead Guilty in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Worcester residents have pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and heroin. The defendants pleaded guilty on the morning of June 13, 2022, upon commencing jury selection for their previously scheduled trial.
Cintia Franco, 34, and Amauris Antonio Rosario Garcia, a/k/a “Animal,” 39, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl; conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin; and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Garcia also pleaded guilty to distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2022. Franco and Garcia were charged in October 2019 along with co-conspirators John Robles and Jector Torres.
“The defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute deadly drugs, many of which disguised as pharmaceutical-grade prescription pills, into the Worcester community and profit off of people’s pain and suffering,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The opioid epidemic is still raging. Every day, fentanyl takes countless lives and causes irreversible destruction and harm in our communities across the Commonwealth and the country. Drug traffickers will be prosecuted and removed from our communities. This is a priority in my administration.”
In early 2019, Robles was identified by investigators selling purported oxycodone pills, which were later determined to be counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, at Albino’s Market in Worcester. Intercepted communications from Robles’ phone identified that Garcia was the supply source and that Garcia was distributing pills through Robles and Torres. The investigation also revealed that Garcia and Franco were distributing heroin, fentanyl pills and powdered fentanyl directly to users in Worcester.
Robles and Torres previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 27, 2022 and Oct. 17, 2022, respectively.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. All other charges each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Worcester Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and Connecticut State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen M. Noto and Danial E. Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two Florida Men Charged with Federal Hate Crime for Violently Attacking a Black Man While Shouting Racial SlursRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Ocala, Florida, has charged two Florida men with committing a hate crime. The indictment charging Roy Lashley, 55, and Robert Lashley, 52, was unsealed today following the arrest of Robert Lashley.
The indictment alleges that on or about Nov. 17, 2021, the defendants, aiding and abetting one another, willfully caused bodily injury to the victim, a Black man, because of his actual and perceived race. According to the indictment, the defendants repeatedly called the victim racial slurs and repeatedly struck the victim with closed fists and an axe handle.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment, three years of mandatory supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. The FBI and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter. Trial Attorneys Maura White and Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Bodnar Jr. for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.