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Thursday 5 May 2022
McDowell County Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A McDowell County man was sentenced today to 22 and one-half years in prison, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography. Timothy Edwards, 25, of Yaeger, must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Edwards admitted that from April 2020 through February 2021 he engaged in sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. During that time frame, Edwards produced multiple videos of himself engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor child. He also directed the minor child to produce and send sexually explicit videos of herself to him. Edwards additionally caused the minor child to engage in live video chats during which she would send video of herself masturbating.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-186.
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Maryville Man Sentenced to 109 Months in Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 5, 2022, Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, sentenced Bradley Todd Dixon, age 37, to serve 109 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography. Following his imprisonment, Dixon will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for 15 years and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives, works, or attends school.
According to the filed plea agreement, Dixon admitted that he distributed child pornography to others in 2016 and in 2020, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2522A(a)(2)(B), and possessed child pornography in 2018, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B). Forensic analyses of Dixon’s computer devices pursuant to federal search warrants uncovered images and videos and other evidence linking Dixon to the distribution of child pornography.
The case was jointly investigated by the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought forward as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wilber Vigil-Benitez, 26, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for unlawfully possessing and trafficking firearms, including an assault rifle and a semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Vigil-Benitez, also known as “Solitario,” pleaded guilty in November 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to seven counts of illegal possession of firearms. He was sentenced on May 4, 2022, by the Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
The charges against Vigil-Benitez, who was affiliated with MS-13, arose from a law enforcement investigation that showed that he sold firearms illegally in Washington, D.C. In particular, from September 2017 to April 2018, he sold a total of 13 firearms to undercover officers with the Metropolitan Police Department. The transactions occurred outside a convenience store in Southwest Washington. The weapons included stolen firearms, an assault rifle, and a semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Kevin Rosenberg of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section, and Paralegal Specialist Candace Battle.
Mark A. Totten Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Mark A. TottenGRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today Mark A. Totten was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. President Biden nominated Totten on November 12, 2021, and the U.S. Senate confirmed him on April 27, 2022. Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker administered the oath of office this morning at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids.
“I am honored to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan,” Totten said. “This office has a long history of securing justice and protecting the people of Michigan with diligence and integrity. I look forward to leading this outstanding team of dedicated attorneys and support staff and working with other partners at this important moment.”
Totten was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he lives today. Most recently, he served as Chief Legal Counsel in the Executive Office of the Governor for the State of Michigan. Prior to entering government service, Totten was a law professor at Michigan State University from 2008-2018, where he taught criminal law and criminal procedure. From 2011-2013 he served part-time as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney handling criminal appeals in the office he now leads. He was a judicial law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and began his career as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Appellate Staff, in Washington, D.C. Totten received his B.A. from Cedarville College and his law degree and a Ph.D. in ethics from Yale University.
The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Michigan. The District covers 49 counties, including the western half of Michigan’s lower peninsula and the whole of the upper peninsula. The main office is in Grand Rapids, but the District also has staffed offices in Lansing and Marquette, and an unstaffed office in Kalamazoo. As U.S. Attorney, Totten will oversee a staff of 42 attorneys and 44 support staff.
A formal investiture ceremony will follow at a future date.
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Man Convicted of Mother’s Day 2021 Attack on his Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Tulsa man Wednesday for breaking into a former girlfriend’s home and strangling her, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Anthony Lamont Mason II, 28, was found guilty of one count of assault of a former intimate and dating partner by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate in Indian Country and one count of first degree burglary in Indian Country.
“Anthony Mason posed an extreme danger to his former girlfriend and those she cares about,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “A jury has found him guilty, and he will spend time in prison where he can no longer harm this victim or any other intimate partners. Federal prosecutors, law enforcement and victim specialists will continue to give a voice to domestic violence survivors and will work diligently to hold perpetrators of abuse accountable.”
“Protecting the public from violent criminals will always be a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “This verdict makes clear that the people of Oklahoma won’t tolerate violence of any kind and demonstrates our joint commitment to bringing those who terrorize our communities to justice.”
According to court documents, Mason initially confronted the victim in violation of a protection order the morning of May 9, 2021, while she was out with her child in Broken Arrow. He was upset and asked why she wouldn’t speak to him, who she was allowing into her home, and then questioned her about her phone.
Later that day, Mason broke into the victim’s home and assaulted her. The victim was home spending Mother’s Day with several friends, her child, and her child’s friend. After her last adult friend left the residence, the victim received a call from a private number and out of concern, shut the front blinds. She then looked out the window and saw Mason approach the home. The victim tried to call 911, threw her phone under the bed, hid the children in a closet, then returned to the front of the home where Mason had forced his way through the front door. The victim’s doorbell camera captured 25 seconds of the incident, first showing a hand covering the camera then the sound of the victim’s screams and terrified pleas for him to stop.
Inside, Mason grabbed the victim by the neck, demanding to know where her phone was located. He dragged her by her hair, strangled her until she nearly blacked out, poured water over her mouth and nose, continuing to obstruct her breathing, and then hit her with what appeared to be a handle of a gun. He told the victim if she told anyone, he would kill her, and then moved towards where she had hidden the children. To protect the children, the victim tried to distract the defendant by running from the home, screaming, knowing he would follow and try to stop her. Surveillance video from a nearby home captured Mason chasing the victim down the street, throwing her to the concrete, then continuing to run from the scene.
During trial, federal prosecutors introduced numerous other domestic violence acts committed by Mason against the victim prior to the May 9, 2021, attack which showed an escalating pattern of violence. The victim reported that Mason had strangled her multiple times since March 2020, broke her driver’s side car window in anger, and broke into her home when she was not present on Feb. 27, 2021. While in her home, he turned over the victim’s mattress, rifled through her bedroom, and broke several electronic items. Mason also repeatedly violated a March 2021 protective order.
Mason also had prior domestic violence charges brought against him involving other intimate partners, including a conviction in Tulsa County District Court.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and George Jiang are prosecuting the case.
Man Admits Conspiring to Distribute Drugs While on Federal Supervised Release for Conspiring to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A New Jersey man admitted to conspiring with others to obtain and distribute several kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Lavinston Lamar, 40, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine. Lamar also pleaded guilty to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
Lamar admitted that from June 2020 through July 13, 2021, he conspired with Carl Lee Holloway, Marvin Murphy, and others, to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, with the intent to facilitate the sale of cocaine by Holloway to a third party for which Lamar would receive a cash payment from the third party.
On July 13, 2021, Holloway met undercover agents in a hotel room in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Lamar and Murphy separately entered the hotel room with bags containing approximately $243,000. They briefly inspected one of the kilograms of cocaine previously brought into the room by undercover agents, after which agents entered the room and arrested Holloway, Lamar, and Murphy.
The conspiracy count to which Lamar pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 6, 2022.
Holloway and Murphy are charged by complaint with the same conspiracy. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz in San Diego, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
Líder del Violento "Clan del Golfo" Organización Narcotraficante Mutibillonaria Extraditado de Colombia para Enfrentarse a Una Acusación Formal FederalRead the Press Release
Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, conocido bajo varios aliases incluyendo "Otoniel" fue extraditado esta mañana a los Estados Unidos desde Colombia para enfrentar cargos imputados en el Distrito Este de Nueva York, de ser el líder de una empresa criminal continuada, y de participar en una conspiración internacional en la fabricación y distribución de cocaína dado su posición como jefe de una organización narcotraficante paramilitar y multibillonaria conocida como el "Clan del Golfo" (CDG). El 23 de octubre, 2021, Úsuga David fue capturado en la selva de Colombia después un operativo enorme para su captura por parte de personal de las fuerzas militares, y de orden público de Colombia. Se prevé que el acusado sea instruído formalmente de los cargos imputados en su contra esta tarde ante la Jueza Magistrada Federal Vera M. Scanlon.
“El Departamento de Justicia trabajará incansablemente junto con nuestros socios internacionales para desmantelar las organizaciones narcotraficantes más violentas y extensas y responsabilizar a quienes las dirigen,” dijo el Fiscal General Garland. “Esta extradición es un paso importante para hacer justicia a las comunidades más perjudicadas por el narcotráfico mortal y es parte de nuestros esfuerzos más amplios para proteger a nuestro país de los delitos violentos.”
Según la acusación formal, entre junio de 2003 y octubre de 2021, Úsuga David era el líder de una empresa criminal continuada responsable por exportar cargamentos de cocaína de múltiples toneladas desde Colombia a México y a Centroamérica para su importación final a los Estados Unidos. Además, Úsuga David participó en una conspiración internacional para fabricar y distribuir la cocaína, a sabiendas y con la intención de que las drogas fuesen importadas ilegalmente dentro de los Estados Unidos. Si resultase condenado por todos los cargos imputados en su contra, Úsuga David enfrenta una condena mínima obligatoria de 20 años de encarcelamiento, y un máximo estatutorio de cadena perpetua.
Breon Peace, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Este de Nueva York, Merrick B. Garland Fiscal General de los Estados Unidos, Anne Milgram, Directora, Agencia Antidrogas de los Estados Unidos, (la DEA), Ricky J. Patel, Agente Especial Encargado en Funciones, Investigaciones de Seguridad Interna del País (HSI), Michael J. Driscoll, Director Adjunto Encargado, Oficina Federal de Investigaciones, Oficina de Nueva York, (FBI), Keechant L. Sewell, Comisaria, Departamento de la Policía de la Ciudad de Nueva York, (NYPD), y Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendente, Policía Estatal de Nueva York (NYSP), anunciaron los cargos imputados en la extradición.
"El acusado era el líder del Clan del Golfo, la organización paramilitar y narcotraficante más poderosa en Colombia durante este siglo, responsable por importar cocaína valorada en múltiples billones de dólares dentro de los Estados Unidos, contribuyendo a la violencia, el consumo y abuso de drogas, y comprometiendo la calidad de vida en cada comunidad impactada por sus envíos de cocaína desde Colombia hasta aquí en el Distrito Este de Nueva York", dijo el Fiscal Federal Peace. "Nos hemos comprometido a buscar la verdad sobre los delitos de Úsuga David y los que le ayudaron, asegurando que ellos enfrenten las consecuencias, y a recuperar sus ganancias ilícitas para devolverlas a las víctimas y a sus familias. No sólo la gente en este país han sido víctimas de Úsuga David y el Clan del Golfo, el pueblo colombiano ha sufrido demasiado por su culpa, han perdido seres queridos desde civiles inocentes a personal de las fuerzas de orden público, confinados como prisioneros dentro de sus casas, y sobrecogidos por el miedo por la violencia en todos lados. Los Estados Unidos sigue comprometido a cooperar con nuestros socios internacionales para desmantelar las organizaciones criminales transnacionales como el Clan del Golfo y frenar la marea de la destrucción causada por su producto letal y sus métodos violentos para llevar a cabo sus negocios.”
El Fiscal Peace ofreció su agradecimiento a las Oficinas de las Fiscalías Federales para el Distrito Sur de Florida, el Distrito Medio de Florida, el Distrito Este de Texas y el Distrito Sur de Nueva York, y la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia y la Sección Contra Estupefacientes y Drogas Peligrosas de la División Criminal (NDDS), los Agregados Judiciales en Bogotá, Colombia, Abogados Litigantes de NDDS SOD, el Servicio de los Marshals Federales de los Estados Unidos, el Departamento de la Policía de la Autoridad Portuaria, y al Presidente de Colombia, la Oficina de la Procuraduría General de Colombia, la Policía Nacional de Colombia, el Ministerio de Defensa Nacional de Colombia, el Ministerio de Justicia de Colombia, y el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Colombia, por su ayuda en la investigación, captura y extradición del acusado.
"Este caso hoy envía un mensaje claro a los líderes de los carteles de drogas en todo el mundo - que la DEA no se detiene ante nada para investigar y desmantelar las redes criminales que amenazan la seguridad y la salud del pueblo americano" declaró la Directora de la DEA Milgram. "La DEA lleva casi 20 años investigando a Otoniel, uno de los narcotraficantes más violentos y prolíficos del mundo. Bajo su liderazgo el Clan del Golfo dejó aterrorizado al pueblo colombiano, y despachó cantidades masivas de cocaína a los Estados Unidos. Felicito a los hombres y a las mujeres de la DEA por sus muchos años de trabajo excepcional que culminó en esta extradición hoy."
“El arresto y extradición de Darío Antonio Usuga David, también conocido como ‘Otoniel’, les envía un mensaje claro a los cabecillas narcotraficantes alrededor del mundo: El orden público de Estados Unidos los rastreará y los llevará ante la justicia, independientemente de las medidas que tomen para evadir captura", dijo el agente especial encargado interino de la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional, Patel. "Se alega que Otoniel controla el Clan del Golfo (CDG, por sus siglas en inglés), un notorio cartel narcotraficante colombiano responsable de la exportación de envíos de múltiples toneladas de cocaína desde Colombia y la pérdida de un sinnúmero de vidas alrededor del mundo. HSI continúa dedicándose a la desestabilización y desarticulación de organizaciones criminales transnacionales que buscan lucrarse del tráfico ilícito de narcóticos —y la extradición de hoy es un ejemplo de la cooperación inquebrantable entre HSI y nuestros socios del orden público.”
"Úsuga David era el líder de uno de los más poderosos y se puede decir una de las más violentas organizaciones paramilitares en el mundo. Alegamos que su cocaína a menudo acababa a menudo aquí en los barrios en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, su suerte cambió el año pasado después de que fue capturado por las fuerzas colombianas militares y de orden público. Úsuga David ahora esta mañana enfrenta su nuevo destino esta vez en el sistema de justicia penal americano, donde será obligado a responder por sus delitos" dijo el Director Adjunto Encargado Driscoll.
"Los cargos imputados hoy afirman el compromiso constante del Departamento de la Policía de la Ciudad de Nueva York de erradicar las drogas ilegales de nuestra ciudad", dijo la Comisaria Sewell. "No importa dónde o cómo este veneno se venda, nosotros estamos unidos con nuestros socios locales, estatales, federales e internacionales para el cumplimiento de las leyes en la lucha contra los narcotraficantes violentos. Teniendo eso presente damos las gracias y felicitamos al Distrito Este de Nueva York, la Administración Federal Antidrogas de los Estados Unidos, las Investigaciones Sobre Seguridad Interna del País, la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones, y a todos los demás involucrados en este caso por su trabajo excepcional."
"Doy la enhorabuena y felicito a nuestros socios por la investigación que llevó a la extradición y acusación formal contra el líder de una organización narcotraficante internacional importante. Este caso subraya nuestro compromiso de perseguir a los miembros de las organizaciones violentas que se enriquecen del tráfico de drogas ilegales, peligrosas, a los Estados Unidos y a otros países por todo el mundo," dijo el NYSP Superintendente Bruen.
El Clan del Golfo
Según los expedientes en la Corte, entre 2012 y hasta su captura por las fuerzas de orden público y militares colombianos el 23 de octubre, 2021, Úsuga David era el líder supremo del CDG.
El CDG es una de las organizaciones criminales más violentas y poderosas en Colombia, y uno de los mayores distribuidores de cocaína en el mundo. Con hasta 6,000 miembros, el CDG ejerce control militar sobre cantidades enormes de territorio en la región de Urabá en Antioquia, Colombia, una de las zonas narcotraficantes que genera más ganancias dentro de Colombia dada su proximidad a la frontera entre Colombia-Panamá y las costas Caribeñas y del Pacífico. Vestidos de uniformes militares, los miembros del CDG emplean tácticas y armas militares para reforzar su poder e incitar las guerras y la violencia contra narcotraficantes rivales, organizaciones paramilitares, y las autoridades de orden público en Colombia que amenazan el control del CDG.
El CDG paga la mayoría de sus operaciones con el narcotráfico. Entre otras cosas, impone un "impuesto" a cualesquiera narcotraficantes que operan en el territorio bajo su control, cobrando tarifas por cada kilogramo de cocaína fabricada, guardada, o transportada a través de áreas controladas por la organización. El CDG también exporta cocaína directamente, y coordina la producción, compra y traslado de cargamentos semanales o quincenales de cocaína desde Colombia a Centroamérica y México para su importación final a los Estados Unidos.
El volumen de las drogas exportadas por el CDG bajo el liderazgo de Úsuga David se muestra con las múltiples incautaciones vinculadas a la organización. Por ejemplo:
- El 12 de abril, 2021, aproximadamente 1,365 kilogramos (aproximadamente 1.5 toneladas) de cocaína fueron incautados de dos barcos fuera de las costas de Panamá:
- El 14 de abril, 2021, aproximadamente 2,609 kilogramos (aproximadamente 2.9 toneladas) de cocaína fueron incautados de una lancha rápida fuera de la costa de Panamá, y
- El 18 de julio, 2021, aproximadamente 5,463 kilogramos (aproximadamente 6 toneladas) de cocaína fueron incautados de un barco dentro de la región selvática en Colombia.
Para mantener control sobre el territorio del CDG, Úsuga David y el CDG empleaba un verdadero ejército de "sicarios" o pistoleros, que llevaban a cabo actos de violencia, incluyendo homicidios, agresiones, secuestros, torturas y asesinatos contra los competidores y los declarados traidores a la organización, además de los miembros de sus familias. Con frecuencia el CDG asesinaba y agredía a oficiales de las fuerzas colombianas de orden público, personal de las fuerzas militares colombianas, narcotraficantes rivales y paramilitares, testigos potenciales, y poblaciones civiles. Úsuga David y el CDG utilizaban la violencia para promover y ampliar el prestigio, la fama y la posición del CDG con respeto a organizaciones criminales rivales: preservar, proteger y aumentar el poder y el territorio del CDG: suministrar fondos para las operaciones del CDG y enriquecer a sus líderes a través del cobro de deudas por drogas: mantener la disciplina entre sus miembros y asociados: y proteger a los miembros del CDG de la captura y procesamiento penal al silenciar a testigos potenciales y tomando represalias contra las autoridades de orden público y contra los que ayudaban a las autoridades.
La capacidad increíble del CDG para la violencia se muestra con las múltiples incautaciones de armas de fuego vinculadas a la organización. Por ejemplo:
- El 24 de enero, 2021, armas vinculadas al CDG fueron incautadas en Medellín, Colombia, incluyendo 15 granadas propulsadas por cohetes, seis fusiles Galil, dos fusiles M4, un fusil AK-47, un fusil Remington, 10 cargadores de fusiles, y más de 1.000 cartuchos de municiones de varios calibres.
- El 30 de enero, 2021, otro alijo de armas vinculadas al CDG fue incautado en Medellín, Colombia, incluyendo cinco fusiles, 10 pistolas, un revólver, un silenciador de pistola, y más de 670 cartuchos de municiones de varios calibres: y
- El 28 de julio, 2021, armas adicionales vinculadas al CDG fueron incautadas en Medellín, Colombia, incluyendo cinco lanzagranadas, 31 fusiles, 10 pistolas semi-automáticas, cinco revólveres, 30 cargadores de fusiles, y 55 cartuchos de municiones de varios calibres.
La Conducta del Acusado
Úsuga David actuó como líder de alto nivel dentro del CDG desde su inicio, y era su líder principal durante los últimos 10 años. Durante su presunto reinado, Úsuga David supervisaba todas las actividades del CDG y daba directrices a sus miembros para participar en múltiples actos criminales, incluyendo actos de violencia, "huelgas" organizadas o cierres de todas las actividades comerciales y movimientos de poblaciones civiles dentro de regiones designadas de Colombia, represalias contra las autoridades de orden público y testigos potenciales, ejercicio de control sobre las instalaciones que fabricaban las drogas, las rutas del narcotráfico, y la exportación de cocaína en cantidades de múltiples toneladas.
Úsuga David asumío el poder y el control territorial sobre territorios enormes de la costa colombiana, y personalmente daba directrices a miembros del CDG para cometer actos de violencia para reforzar ese poder. Esto incluía violencia contra la población civil. Por ejemplo, a principios de 2012, después de la muerte del hermano de Úsuga, Juan de Dios Úsuga David (también conocido como "Giovanni"), en una redada de la Policía, Úsuga David ordenó que un cierre o "huelga" se impusiera sobre los pueblos y las comunidades dentro del control del CDG. Durante la huelga, miembros del CDG dieron órdenes a todos los negocios que se mantuvieran cerrados, y que los residentes se quedasen en sus casas. Durante varios días, las calles seguían vacías, mientras Úsuga David dio órdenes a los miembros del CDG que ejecutasen a aquéllos que no acataban a sus órdenes.
Úsuga David también personalmente dió órdenes a miembros del CDG para cometer asesinatos de individuos específicos en docenas de ocasiones, incluyendo los asesinatos de narcotraficantes rivales y miembros del CDG que le traicionaron a él o a la organización. Por ejemplo, Úsuga David ordenó el asesinato de múltiples individuos que trabajaban para una organización narcotraficante rival, liderada por Daniel Barrera Barrera. Úsuga David también ordenó la tortura y asesinato de un miembro del CDG que dio información a la organización de Barrera. Ese individuo después fue torturado, enterrado vivo, desenterrado y decapitado después de muerto.
Encima de todo eso, Úsuga David solía con frecuencia ordenar a miembros del CDG a emplear la violencia, la intimidación y el asesinato para disuadir a las autoridades de orden público de cumplir con sus cometidos y para silenciar a testigos potenciales. Por ejemplo, bajo órdenes de Úsuga David el CDG llevaba a cabo campañas organizadas, conocidas como el "Plan Pistolas" para asesinar a miembros de las autoridades de orden público y personal militar utilizando armas de calidad militar, para el asesinato de Policías Colombianos y personal militar para intimidar a las autoridades de orden público y así evitar que intentasen capturarle o interferir en los negocios del CDG. La organización de Úsuga David llevó a cabo varios intentos de asesinato de individuos que se creía estaban cooperando con las autoridades. Por ejemplo, miembros del CDG intentaron envenenar a un testigo con cianuro mientras estaba encarcelado en el extranjero, e intentaron asesinar al abogado del testigo.
Úsuga David también estaba muy involucrado en las actividades de drogas que producían los fondos para el CDG y reforzaban su poder. Supuestamente él supervisaba las exportaciones del narcotráfico del CDG y manejaba una red de "cobradores de deudas" cuyo trabajo era asegurar el cumplimiento y cobro de los impuestos pagados por las organizaciones narcotraficantes que operaban en regiones controladas por el CDG. Además, Úsuga David controlaba instalaciones para la fabricación de la cocaína y utilizaba la amplia red de distribución del CDG para exportar la cocaína de manera independiente para su propia ganancia personal.
La Captura y Extradición del Acusado
Durante años, Úsuga David evadía la captura moviéndose periódicamente a través de una red de casas de seguridad rurales y evitando el uso de un teléfono celular, apoyándose en correos humanos para la comunicación. Úsuga David fue capturado el 23 de octubre, 2021, en un escondite rural en la Provincia de Antioquia, Colombia, cerca de la frontera entre Colombia y Panamá, después de un operativo por parte de personal de Colombia militar y de las fuerzas de orden público utilizando 500 soldados y 22 helicópteros.
La extradición de Úsuga David forma parte de una investigación de los Grupos de Trabajo para el Cumplimiento de la Leyes Contra el Crimen Organizado del Narcotráfico (OCDETF). OCDETF identifica, interrumpe y desmantela a los narcotraficantes de alto nivel, los lavadores de dinero, pandillas, y organizaciones criminales transnacionales que son una amenaza para los Estados Unidos, utilizando un enfoque encabezado por Fiscales, apoyado por los servicios de inteligencia, empleando múltiples agencias que aprovechan los puntos fuertes de las agencias de orden público Federales, Estatales y Locales contra las redes criminales.
Los cargos imputados en la Acusación Formal son alegaciones, y el acusado tiene la presunción de inocencia hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad. Si es condenado, el acusado enfrenta una condena máxima de cadena perpetua.
La causa del Gobierno está en manos de la Sección en la Oficina encargada de Estupefacientes y Lavado de Dinero Internacionales. Los Fiscales Federales Adjuntos Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian A. Kassner, y Tara B. McGrath están encargados del proceso con la ayuda de la Paralegal Especialista Sophia Cronin.
El Acusado:
DAÍRO ANTONIO ÚSUGA DAVID (también conocido como "Otoniel", "Mao", "Gallo", y Mauricio-Gallo")
Edad: 50
Antioquia, ColmbiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-625 (S-4)(DLI)
Lynn Man Indicted for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with stealing money from the mail.
Juan Murillo, 32, was indicted on one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Murillo was released on conditions following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 23, 2021, Murillo stole money from mail which came into his possession.
The charge of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Harvard University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lebanon County Man Sentenced to 10 Months’ Imprisonment for Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Unemployment AssistanceRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Mercado, age 44, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 10 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for fraudulently claiming pandemic unemployment assistance funds. Mercado was also ordered to pay $37,555 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mercado began claiming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in August 2020 despite being employed with the United States Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector. Mercado falsely claimed that he was unemployed due to the pandemic or a major disaster, and he received benefits based on this false claim. Mercado reaffirmed his unemployment status on a weekly basis and ultimately received $37,555 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits. Mercado pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud based on his course of conduct.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
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Leader of the Violent "Clan del Golfo" Multi-Billion Dollar Drug Trafficking Organization Extradited from Colombia to Face Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
According to the allegations contained in the superseding indictment, other court fillings, and statements made during court proceedings, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, known by various aliases including “Otoniel,” was extradited this morning to the United States from Colombia to face charges in the Eastern District of New York of leading a continuing criminal enterprise and participating in an international cocaine manufacturing and distribution conspiracy for his role as the leader of the paramilitary, multibillion dollar drug organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG). On October 23, 2021, Úsuga David was arrested in the jungles of Colombia following an extensive capture operation by Colombian military and law enforcement personnel. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
“The Justice Department will work relentlessly alongside our international partners to disrupt the most violent and extensive drug-trafficking organizations and hold accountable those who run them,” said Attorney General Garland. “This extradition is an important step in delivering justice for the communities most harmed by deadly drug trafficking and is part of our broader efforts to protect our country from violent crime.”
As alleged in court documents, between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in an international conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the extradition and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant was the leader of the Clan del Golfo, the most powerful paramilitary and drug trafficking organization in Colombia this century, responsible for importing multibillion dollars’ worth of cocaine into the United States, fueling violence, drug abuse, and compromised quality of life in every community his cocaine shipments touched, from Colombia to right here in the Eastern District of New York,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We are committed to seeking the truth about Úsuga David’s crimes and those who helped him, ensuring that they face consequences, and recovering ill-gotten gains to return to the victims and their families. Not only have the people of this country been victimized by Úsuga David and Clan del Golfo, the people of Colombia have suffered too much at his hands, they have lost loved ones from innocent civilians to law enforcement personnel, been kept prisoners inside their homes, and been gripped by fear of violence at every turn. The United States remains committed to cooperating with our international partners to dismantle transnational criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo and stem the tide of destruction wrought by their lethal product and violent methods of doing business.”
Mr. Peace extended his grateful appreciation to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Eastern District of Texas, and Southern District of New York, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia, NDDS SOD Trial Attorneys, the United States Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, and the President of Colombia, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant.
“Today’s case sends a clear message—to the leaders of drug cartels around the world—that the DEA will stop at nothing to investigate and dismantle criminal drug networks that threaten the safety and health of the American people,” stated DEA Administrator Milgram. “DEA has been investigating Otoniel—one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world—for almost 20 years. Under his leadership, Clan del Golfo terrorized the Colombian people and shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s extradition.”
“The arrest and extradition of Dairo Antonio Usuga David, also known as ‘Otoniel’ sends a clear message to narco-kingpins around the globe that United States law enforcement will track you down and bring you to justice no matter what lengths are taken to evade capture,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Otoniel is alleged to control Clan del Golfo (CDG), a notorious Colombian drug cartel responsible for the exportation of multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia and the loss of countless lives around the world. HSI remains dedicated to disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that seek to profit from trafficking illicit narcotics and today’s extradition exemplifies the unwavering cooperation between HSI and our law enforcement partners.”
“Úsuga David was the leader of one of the most powerful, and arguably one of the most violent, paramilitary organizations in the world. We allege his cocaine often ended up here in our neighborhoods in the United States. However, his fortunes changed last year after he was arrested by the Colombian military and law enforcement. Úsuga David now faces a new fate this morning, in the American criminal justice system, where he will be forced to answer for his crimes,” stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.
“Today’s charges further affirm the New York City Police Department’s unwavering commitment to ridding our city of illegal drugs,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “No matter where or how this poison is peddled, we are united with our local, state, federal, and international law-enforcement partners in the fight against violent drug traffickers. To that end, I thank and commend the Eastern District of New York, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Police, and everyone else involved in this case for their exceptional work.”
“I congratulate and commend our partners for the investigation that led to the extradition and indictment of the leader of a major international drug trafficking organization. This case underscores our commitment to pursuing the members of violent organizations who profit off the trafficking of illegal, dangerous narcotics to the United States and other countries around the world,” stated NYSP Superintendent Bruen.
The Clan Del Golfo
According to court filings, between 2012 and through his capture by Colombian military and law enforcement forces on October 23, 2021, Úsuga David was the supreme leader of the CDG.
The CDG is one of the most violent and most powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The indictment further alleges that the CDG funds its operations primarily through drug trafficking. Among other things, it imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine, and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States.
The volume of drugs exported by the CDG under the leadership of Úsuga David is illustrated by multiple drug seizures linked to the organization. For example:
- On April 12, 2021, approximately 1,365 kilograms (approximately 1.5 tons) of cocaine were seized from two boats off the coast of Panama;
- On April 14, 2021, approximately 2,609 kilograms (approximately 2.9 tons) of cocaine were seized from a go-fast boat off of the coast of Panama; and
- On July 18, 2021, approximately 5,463 kilograms (approximately 6 tons) of cocaine were seized from a boat within a jungle region in Colombia.
To maintain control over CDG territory, court filings allege that Úsuga David and the CDG employed a veritable army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG frequently murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the prestige, reputation, and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by silencing potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement.
The CDG’s staggering capacity for violence is illustrated by multiple weapons seizures linked to the organization. For example:
- On January 24, 2021, weapons linked to the CDG were seized in Medellin, Colombia, including 15 rocket propelled grenades, six Galil rifles, two M4 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, one Remington rifle, 10 rifle magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition;
- On January 30, 2021, another cache of weapons linked to the CDG was seized in Medellin, Colombia, including five rifles, 10 handguns, one revolver, one handgun silencer, and more than 670 rounds of various caliber ammunition;
- On July 28, 2021, additional weapons linked to the CDG were seized in Medellin, Colombia, including five grenade launchers, 31 rifles, 10 semiautomatic handguns, five revolvers, 30 rifle magazines, and 55 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
The Defendant’s Conduct
According to court filings, Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for the past 10 years. During his alleged reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated “strikes” or shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities.
Court documents allege Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother, Juan de Dios Úsuga David (also known as “Giovanni”), in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered that a multi-day shutdown or “strike” be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. For multiple days, the streets remained empty, as Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders.
Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals on dozens of occasions, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization run by Daniel Barrera Barrera. Úsuga David also ordered the torture and murder of a CDG member who provided information to Barrera’s organization. That individual was subsequently tortured, buried alive, exhumed, and beheaded post-mortem.
In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David also offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. For example, CDG members attempted to poison a witness with cyanide while he was imprisoned overseas and attempted to assassinate the witness’s attorney.
Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He allegedly oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit.
The Defendant’s Arrest and Extradition
According to court documents, for years, Úsuga David evaded capture by periodically moving through a network of rural safe houses and refraining from using a cell phone, instead relying on couriers for communication. Úsuga David was arrested on October 23, 2021, in a rural hideout in Antioquia province, Colombia, near the Colombia-Panama border, following an operation by Colombian military and law enforcement personnel involving 500 soldiers and 22 helicopters.
The extradition of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian A. Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Sophia Cronin.
The Defendant:
Dairo Antonio Úsuga David (also known as “Otoniel,” “Mao,” “Gallo” and “Mauricio-Gallo”)
Age: 50
Antioquia, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-625 (S-4) (DLI)
Kohl’s and Walmart Agree to Pay $5.5 Million in Combined Penalties for Alleged Deceptive Violations of the Textile Act and Rules and FTC Act Around the Use of BambooRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced that Kohl’s Inc. (Kohl’s) and Walmart Inc. (Walmart) have agreed to pay $2.5 million and $3 million in civil penalties, respectively, in as part of settlements to resolve allegations that Kohl’s and Walmart violated the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (Textile Act) and associated rules (Textile Rules) and the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) by making deceptive claims about products supposedly made of bamboo.
In complaints filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the government alleged that since 2015, Kohl’s and Walmart violated the Textile Act and Rules and the FTC Act by advertising products as made of bamboo when such products were actually made of rayon and did not contain bamboo fibers. The complaints also alleged that Walmart and Kohl’s made deceptive claims that their products supposedly made of bamboo were environmentally friendly, and that Kohl’s further claimed such products were produced free of harmful chemicals, when in fact rayon is produced using a chemical process that requires toxic chemicals and results in the emission of hazardous pollutants. Kohl’s and Walmart did so even though, in 2010, both had received letters from the FTC warning them that improperly advertising products made of rayon as bamboo violated the Textile Rules and FTC Act.
“Consumers should be able to trust retailers’ representations about the materials from which their clothes and linens are made,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Arun G. Rao, head of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate companies that generate sales by making false claims about their textile products.”
“Kohl’s and Walmart are paying millions of dollars under the FTC’s Penalty Offense Authority for mislabeling their rayon products as bamboo,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “False environmental claims harm both consumers and honest businesses, and companies that greenwash can expect to pay a price.”
The stipulated orders require Kohl’s to pay $2.5 million and Walmart to pay $3 million in civil penalties. The orders also bar Kohl’s and Walmart from making misleading or unsubstantiated claims that products are made of bamboo or provide environmental benefits because they are derived from bamboo. More generally, the orders bar Kohl’s and Walmart from advertising textiles comprised of manufactured fibers in a way that is false or deceptive as to their constituent fibers and requires them to satisfy ongoing recordkeeping, certification and compliance obligations.
This matter is being handled by Trial Attorney Rachael Doud of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Miriam Lederer of the FTC.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the FTC, visit its website at https://www.FTC.gov.
Justice Department and the Department of the Interior Take Important Step in Addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples CrisisRead the Press Release
Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will recognize National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day with a virtual event to highlight the Not Invisible Act Commission. During the event, panelists will discuss the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis and the importance of the Not Invisible Act Commission in the collaborative efforts to address the crisis.
The event will be livestreamed at 2:30 PM ET today on the Interior Department’s website.
The Departments of the Interior and Justice are working to implement the Not Invisible Act, sponsored by Secretary Haaland during her time in Congress. The law established the Not Invisible Act Commission, a cross jurisdictional advisory committee composed of law enforcement, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and most importantly — survivors. Today, the Departments announced the Not Invisible Act Commission members.
“The Justice Department is committed to addressing the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons with the urgency it demands,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That commitment is reflected in the strength of our partnerships across the federal government, including with the Department of the Interior as we take the next steps in launching the Not Invisible Act Commission. The Commissioners announced today will play a critical role in our efforts to better meet the public safety needs of Native communities. The Justice Department will continue to work alongside our Tribal partners with respect, sincerity, and a shared interest in the wellbeing of Tribal communities.”
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, but a lack of urgency, transparency and coordination have hampered our country’s efforts to combat violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “As we work with the Department of Justice to prioritize the missing and murdered Indigenous people’s crisis, the Not Invisible Act Commission will help address the underlying roots of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis by ensuring the voices of those impacted by violence against Native people are included in our quest to implement solutions.”
The Not Invisible Act Commission will make recommendations to the Departments of the Interior and Justice to improve intergovernmental coordination and establish best practices for state, Tribal, and federal law enforcement, to bolster resources for survivors and victim’s families, and to combat the epidemic of missing persons, murder, and trafficking of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people.
Among its missions, the Commission will:
- Identify, report and respond to instances of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) cases and human trafficking,
- Develop legislative and administrative changes necessary to use federal programs, properties, and resources to combat the crisis,
- Track and report data on MMIP and human trafficking cases,
- Consider issues related to the hiring and retention of law enforcement offices,
- Coordinate Tribal-state-federal resources to combat MMIP and human trafficking offices on Indian lands, and
- Increase information sharing with Tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.
The Commission has the authority to hold hearings, gather testimony, and receive additional evidence and feedback from its members to develop recommendations for the Secretary and Attorney General.
Justice Department Seeks Forfeiture of Los Angeles Mega-Mansion Purchased with Proceeds of Armenian Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
The United States is seeking the forfeiture of a more than 30,000-square-foot mega-mansion in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, pursuant to a civil forfeiture complaint filed that alleges that the mansion was purchased with bribes paid by an Armenian businessman to the family of Gagik Khachatryan, a former high-ranking Armenian public official.
Gagik Khachatryan, 66, who was known as the “Super Minister,” because of his significant responsibilities, served as Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia from 2008 to 2014 and as Minister of Finance for the Republic of Armenia from 2014 to 2016. In the complaint, which was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the United States alleges that businessman Sedrak Arustamyan paid Khachatryan and his family more than $20 million in bribes in exchange for favorable tax treatment of his businesses. The bribe payments allegedly were used to purchase the Holmby Hills property, which had been recently listed for sale for $63,500,000.
Gagik Khachatryan and his sons are charged in Armenia with receiving bribes in violation of the criminal code of the Republic of Armenia. Criminal charges are also pending in Armenia against Arustamyan for paying bribes.
This matter was investigated by the FBI's Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force (EOCTF) and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Republic of Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office and National Security Service provided critical assistance. The EOCTF is composed of multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Glendale Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Trial Attorney D. Hunter Smith of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maxwell Coll for the Central District of California are litigating the forfeiture.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office. In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] or visit https://tips.fbi.gov/.
A civil complaint is merely an allegation, and the government has the burden of establishing the assets are subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence.
Justice Department Seeks Forfeiture of Los Angeles Mega-Mansion Allegedly Purchased with Proceeds of Armenian Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States is seeking the forfeiture of a more than 30,000-square-foot mega-mansion in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, pursuant to a civil forfeiture complaint that alleges the mansion was purchased with bribes paid by an Armenian businessman to the family of Gagik Khachatryan, a former high-ranking Armenian public official.
Khachatryan, 66, who was known as the “Super Minister” because of his significant responsibilities, served as chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia from 2008 to 2014 and as minister of finance for the Republic of Armenia from 2014 to 2016. In the complaint, which was filed Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, the United States alleges that businessman Sedrak Arustamyan paid Khachatryan and his family more than $20 million in bribes in exchange for favorable tax treatment of his businesses. The bribe payments allegedly were used to purchase the Holmby Hills property, which had been recently listed for sale for $63.5 million.
Khachatryan and his sons are charged in Armenia with receiving bribes in violation of the criminal code of the Republic of Armenia. Criminal charges are also pending in Armenia against Arustamyan for paying bribes.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force (EOCTF) and the United States Marshals Service. The Republic of Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office and National Security Service provided critical assistance. The EOCTF is composed of multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Glendale Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell Coll of the Asset Forfeiture Section and Justice Department Trial Attorney D. Hunter Smith of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) are litigating the forfeiture.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in MLARS, who work in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office. In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] or visit https://tips.fbi.gov/.
A civil complaint is merely an allegation, and the government has the burden of establishing the assets are subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence.
Justice Department Launches Comprehensive Environmental Justice StrategyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland was joined by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan today in announcing a series of actions to secure environmental justice for all Americans. In addition to launching a new Office of Environmental Justice within the Justice Department, Attorney General Garland also announced a new comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy to guide the Justice Department’s work and issued an Interim Final Rule that will restore the use of supplemental environmental projects in appropriate circumstances.
“Although violations of our environmental laws can happen anywhere, communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities often bear the brunt of the harm caused by environmental crime, pollution, and climate change,” said Attorney General Garland. “For far too long, these communities have faced barriers to accessing the justice they deserve. The Office of Environmental Justice will serve as the central hub for our efforts to advance our comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy. We will prioritize the cases that will have the greatest impact on the communities most overburdened by environmental harm.”
“EPA and the Justice Department’s partnership to protect overburdened and underserved communities across America has never been stronger,” said EPA Administrator Regan. “This environmental justice enforcement strategy epitomizes the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to holding polluters accountable as a means to deliver on our environmental justice priorities. Critical to that is the return of Supplemental Environmental Projects as a tool to secure tangible public health benefits for communities harmed by environmental violations.”
Consistent with President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta issued a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy to guide the Justice Department’s litigators, investigators, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide to advance the cause of environmental justice through the enforcement of federal laws. Developed by the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in partnership with EPA, the strategy will ensure that the entire Department is using all available legal tools to promote environmental justice.
The Justice Department also launched its first-ever Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) within ENRD today. This new office will be a critical resource as the Justice Department implements the new comprehensive enforcement strategy. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim named Cynthia Ferguson, an experienced ENRD attorney with more than a decade working on environmental justice issues, as Acting Director.
Finally, the Justice Department issued an Interim Final Rule today that will restore the use of supplemental environmental projects in appropriate circumstances and subject to guidelines and limitations set forth in a separate memorandum issued by the Attorney General today. For decades before 2017, EPA and ENRD relied upon such projects to provide redress to communities most directly affected by violations of federal environmental laws. For this reason, they are particularly powerful tools for advancing environmental justice. The Justice Department’s Interim Final Rule invites public comment on the new guidelines and limitations, including to inform any future changes to the Justice Department’s approach.
Jury Finds Sarasota Man Guilty of Running $80 Million “Oasis” Forex Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that following a 13-day trial, a federal jury has found Michael J. DaCorta (57, Sarasota) guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. DaCorta faces a combined maximum penalty of 33 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. DaCorta had been charged in a superseding indictment in February 2021.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, from November 2011 through April 18, 2019, DaCorta ran an investment company named Oasis International Group, Ltd. (“OASIS”). DaCorta and his co-conspirators persuaded at least 700 victims to invest in OASIS through promissory notes and other means, causing victims’ losses exceeding $80 million. DaCorta, who had effectively been banned from conducting foreign exchange trading (“FOREX”) by agreement with the National Futures Association, induced victims to invest in OASIS by falsely representing to victim-investors that OASIS was reaping enormous profits by being a “market maker” and collecting “spread” on voluminous FOREX trades. DaCorta also pitched the opportunity as essentially risk free and OASIS as well-collateralized. In reality, OASIS was not making markets and had no true revenue. The “spread” earnings were being paid on each trade by OASIS back to OASIS to create the illusion of revenue, which was published to investors on fictious account statements and an online investor portal. The online investor portal showed the “spread” credits but concealed catastrophic underlying trading losses.
DaCorta and his conspirators used the balance of the victim-investors’ funds to make Ponzi-style payments to perpetuate the scheme and to fund lavish lifestyles. For example, DaCorta used victim-investors’ funds to purchase a Maserati and Range Rovers for his family members, a country club membership, multiple million-dollar homes in Florida, college tuition for family members, flights on private jets, and lavish trips to Europe and the Cayman Islands. DaCorta also underreported his income on his 2017 federal income tax return, claiming a negative income and receiving a tax refund.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke, Frank Murray, and David W.A. Chee.
Indianapolis Truck Driver Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Gerald Hoye, 43, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison following his guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, agents with the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that sexually explicit images of a child had been sent from a child’s Facebook account to an adult’s Facebook account. Further information received from NCMEC showed sexually explicit conversations were taking place through Facebook Messenger between the child and the adult.
Law enforcement officers determined the adult was Hoye, a then-41-year-old truck driver living in Indianapolis. The child victim lived in another state and was under 16 years old. Hoye coerced and manipulated the child by offering her money in exchange for sexually explicit photos and videos. In September of 2019, Hoye traveled to the victim’s home and transported her to another state, where he engaged in illegal sexual conduct with the child.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Andrew M. Campion, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from prison and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim. Hoye must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina M. Korobov 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
Illinois Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Nestor Ochoa, 29, of Berwyn, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Ochoa was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in the case, between January 11 and 24, 2019, Ochoa conspired with others to distribute ounce quantities of heroin within the Northern District of Indiana. As part of the conspiracy, Ochoa delivered heroin on three occasions. Ochoa also admitted that he agreed to assist others in the delivery of fentanyl in March of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – Bradley Fields, age 40, was sentenced today to a total of 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography and one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. Fields was also ordered to be placed on Supervised Release for the remainder of his life upon his release from federal prison. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in July of 2019 the Hot Springs Police Department received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in reference to suspected child pornography being uploaded to the internet. Further investigation revealed that the internet account associated with the suspected child porn was registered to Fields. The subsequent investigation determined that not only had Fields been distributing child pornography, but Fields had also been involved in the filming of at least one (1) video that constituted child pornography.
Fields was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in November of 2019 and entered a plea of guilty in June of 2020.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Home Health Company Operating in Florida Pays $2.1 Million to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – On April 29, 2022, SHC Home Health Services of Florida, LLC and its related entities (collectively “Signature HomeNow”) paid $2.1 million to the United States government to settle claims of improperly billing the Medicare Program for home health services provided to beneficiaries living in Florida.
Signature HomeNow operated home healthcare services in Florida and its corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.
According to a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Signature HomeNow and the subsequent settlement agreement, it was alleged that between 2013 and 2017 Signature HomeNow knowingly submitted false or fraudulent claims seeking payment from the Medicare Program for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries who: (i) were not homebound; (ii) did not require certain skilled care; (iii) did not have a valid or otherwise appropriate plans of care in place; and/or (iv) did not have appropriate face-to-face encounters needed in order to be appropriately certified to receive home health services.
This matter arose from a complaint to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) complaint hotline (https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/) and from a complaint for monetary damages under the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act. See United States ex rel. Barbara Mellott-Yezman and Patricia Rench v. SHC Home Health Services-Ocala, LLC et al., Case No. 15-cv-24713 (S.D. Fla.).
“Overbilling Medicare by submitting false claims increases the cost of medical care for all and undermines the integrity of the Medicare program,” said Michael A. Bennett, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. “This office will continue to vigorously pursue unscrupulous health care providers who attempt to defraud the Medicare program.”
“The fraudulent billing of Medicare will not be tolerated,” said Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “We will continue to aggressively pursue cases against those who erode the fabric of our federal health care programs by submitting false claims to Medicare.”
"When health care companies try to boost their profits by fraudulently billing federal health care programs, our agency will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable for their schemes,” said HHS-OIG Atlanta Regional Office Special Agent in Charge Miles.
HHS-OIG Atlanta Regional Office investigated the case, with assistance from HHS-OIG Miami. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Schecter, Jessica R.C. Malloy, and Matt Weyand (of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky) and James A. Weinkle and John Spaccarotella (of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida) handled the litigation.
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Heroin Dealer Goes Back to Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A federal felon has been sentenced in federal court to an additional one year and one day of incarceration in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for violating his supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamar Lorenzo Harper, age 41, of Homestead, PA 15120.
According to court documents, Harper previously served a 10-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in heroin trafficking. Information presented to the court indicated that on Dec. 7, 2021, Harper went to his former girlfriend’s house and entered without her permission. While there, he struck her in the face and head, causing swelling, bleeding, cuts and scratches before stealing her purse. The victim was treated for her injuries by local EMS and at area hospitals.
The victim did not want to pursue the assault charges filed by the Jeannette Police Department, so they were dismissed in Westmoreland County. Despite this, federal prosecutors sought Harper’s incarceration for violating his federal supervision. Facing a federal violation guideline range between 51 and 63 months, the Defendant agreed to admit his actions and requested that Judge Bissoon impose the agreed-upon sentence. The defendant told the Court that he apologized to the victim for “putting my hands” on her, indicated that he was taking anger management classes in jail, and stated that he believed the agreed-upon sentence to be appropriate for his regrettable actions.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon considered the victim’s request that the defendant not be sentenced to prison and stated that after taking a “holistic” view of the entire matter, the sentence imposed was sufficient, but not greater than necessary. Judge Bisson also ordered the United States Probation Office to supervise the Defendant for six years after he is released from the BOP and ordered Harper to pay $8,162.50 for the victim’s medical bills.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Jeannette Police Department and the United States Probation Office for their work leading to the successful prosecution of Harper.
Hartford Woman Charged with Executing Wire Fraud Scheme and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 3, 2022, a Hartford woman was charged with a multi-million-dollar wire fraud and money laundering scheme. Vicki Berka (age: 61) was charged with two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957.
According to the indictment, beginning in approximately July 2014, and continuing through at least September 26, 2017, Berka devised a scheme to defraud a Milwaukee business for which she served as Chief Financial Officer.
According to the indictment, Berka used her position and bank account login credentials to embezzle approximately $2.7 million from Bader Rutter & Associates (“Bader”) for over three years. The indictment alleges that Berka used her authority to initiate numerous ACH transfers from Bader’s corporate accounts into a bank account she controlled and then made false entries in Bader’s general ledger to disguise her embezzlement.
The indictment also alleges that after the proceeds of her fraudulent scheme went into her bank account, Berka engaged in unlawful monetary transactions by transferring and spending these proceeds.
If convicted of wire fraud, Berka would face a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for each count. If convicted of unlawful monetary transactions, Berka would face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison for each count.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
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Four Charged with Trafficking Cocaine Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging the following four individuals with cocaine trafficking offenses:
JEAN MANGUAL-CASTRO, 34, of West Haven
JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as “J ” and “Deuce,” 34, of New Haven
ENID CASTRO, 52, of West Haven
MARIA ALEJANDRA PEREZ TORRES, also known as “Alej” and “Alejandra Perez,” 21, of Villalba, Puerto RicoAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Mangual-Castro was orchestrating shipments of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. On December 20, 2021, after investigators identified that a suspicious package had been delivered to the West Haven residence of Enid Castro, who is Mangual-Castro’s mother, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, a Rolex watch, jewelry, and approximately $2,900 in cash. During the investigation, law enforcement also seized at another location approximately three kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at Mangual-Castro’s direction.
It is further alleged that Perez Torres mailed packages containing cocaine to Connecticut, and that Spearman received and distributed cocaine that he had acquired from Mangual-Castro.
The indictment, which was returned on April 19, 2022, charges Mangual-Castro, Spearman, Castro and Perez Torres with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of this offense, based on the quantity of cocaine attributable to each defendant, Mangual-Castro faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Spearman, Castro and Perez Torres each faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The indictment also charges Mangual-Castro, Castro and Perez Torres with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Mangual-Castro has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on December 20, 2021. He is scheduled to be arraigned via videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti.
Spearman has been detained since his arrest on February 4, 2022. He and seven others were subsequently charged with narcotics distribution offenses in a related case during which law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, and more than $780,000 in cash. He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
Enid Castro was arrested on April 22, 2022, and was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial.
Perez Torres was arrested in Puerto Rico on April 21, 2022, and is released on a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Hartford on May 10.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fort Wayne Man Convicted of Firearms and Drugs ChargesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Timothy Cannon, age 37, of Lima, Ohio, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, transferring a firearm to a felon, and distribution of cocaine following a 3 day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Cannon’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Auburn Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
This case was 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.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Meth DealingRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on May 4, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Demarcus Foy, 31, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on November 18, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between April 2015 and continuing to on or about June 2020, Foy and others distributed more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine primarily in Fort Dodge and Mason City, Iowa areas. Also, on four separate occasions during 2019, Foy distributed a total of four ounces methamphetamine to individuals cooperating and under the supervision of law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Foy often received from six to ten pounds of methamphetamine at a time from his source, which he further distributed.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Foy was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Foy remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3021. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Pleasanton Resident Pleads Guilty to Theft of COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Javed Wahab pleaded guilty today to theft of government property in connection with a scheme to steal funds designed to aid medical providers in the treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19, announced U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) San Francisco Regional Office Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan. The Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge, accepted the plea.
According to court documents, Wahab, 53, formerly of Pleasanton, admitted he owned Premier Home Health Care & Hospice, Inc., Carelink Hospice Services, Inc., and JW Healthcare, Inc, each providing home health and hospice care in Alameda County, and elsewhere. Together, the three businesses received approximately $285,000 designated for the medical treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. Wahab admitted he stole $186,516.72 of these funds by spending them for his personal use and by transferring them to family members, rather than using the funds in conjunction with pandemic relief efforts as required.
The charges against Wahab resulted from his intentional misuse of funds distributed from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund, money specially apportioned by the CARES Act to help health care providers who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to provide care to patients who were suffering from COVID-19, and to compensate providers for the cost of that care. These funds were critical to delivering relief to health care providers and maintaining access to medical care during the pandemic.
On September 1, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Wahab, charging him with five counts of theft of government property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. Pursuant to today’s plea agreement, Wahab pleaded guilty to one count. If Wahab complies with the plea agreement, the remaining counts will be dismissed at sentencing.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers scheduled Wahab’s sentencing for August 25, 2022. Wahab faces a maximum statutory prison term of 10 years. In addition, as part of a sentence, the court may order a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and up to three years of supervised release. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought following an investigation by HHS-OIG.
The case was brought in coordination with the Health Care Fraud Unit’s COVID-19 Interagency Working Group, which is chaired by the National Rapid Response Strike Force and organizes efforts to address illegal activity involving health care programs during the pandemic.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman and Architecture Firm Owner Convicted of BriberyRead the Press Release
UPDATE: On Sept. 27, 2024, the First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed David DeQuattro’s conviction for federal-program bribery. The case was remanded for further proceedings. On Oct. 21, 2024, the Court ordered the defendant acquitted.
UPDATE: On Sept. 27, 2024, the First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Cedric Cromwell’s convictions on the federal program bribery counts and reinstated his extortion convictions.
BOSTON – The former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the owner of an architecture-and-design firm in Providence, R.I. were convicted today by a federal jury in connection with bribery involving the Tribe’s plans to build a resort and casino in Taunton.
Cedric Cromwell, 55, of Attleboro, was convicted following a 10-day jury trial of two counts of accepting bribes as an agent of an Indian tribal government, three counts of extortion under color of official right and one count of conspiring to commit extortion. Cromwell faces four remaining charges of filing a false tax return, which will be addressed at a later date. David DeQuattro, 54, of Warwick, R.I., was convicted of one count of paying a bribe to an agent of an Indian tribal government. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduling sentencing for Sept. 9, 2022.
The jury acquitted both defendants of one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. DeQuattro was also found not guilty on one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and Cromwell was found not guilty on one count of extortion.
Cromwell was the Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and President of the Tribe’s Gaming Authority. DeQuattro’s architecture-and-design company signed a contract to serve as the Gaming Authority’s owner’s representative for the First Light Resort and Casino, which the Tribe was building in Taunton. Cromwell was found guilty of accepting three bribes from DeQuattro in exchange for an agreement to protect DeQuattro’s firm’s contract: $10,000 in November 2015, a Bowflex Revolution home gym in August 2016 and a weekend stay at an upscale Boston hotel in May 2017. DeQuattro was found guilty of bribing Cromwell with regard to the Bowflex and the hotel stay. The jury also found Cromwell guilty of extortion under color of official right in connection with the three above items and conspiracy to commit extortion.
“No one is above the law. That rings true today, loudly and clearly,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Cromwell and Mr. DeQuattro entered into a business arrangement that was fueled by bribery for their own selfish and unlawful gain. In doing so, Mr. Cromwell exploited his position and the trust placed in him by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Today’s guilty verdict makes clear that the jury saw this case for what it is – a textbook example of public corruption.”
“Today’s verdict proves that Cedric Cromwell accepted $10,000 and other valuable items in bribes, committed extortion, and abused his elected position as Chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to line his own pockets at the expense of Tribe members whose trust he grossly betrayed,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The quid pro quo scheme that he orchestrated with David DeQuattro was an affront to the Tribe that elected him to serve their best interests. This is exactly why the FBI will not hesitate to investigate elected officials who use their positions to commit illegal acts. We are committed to protecting the integrity of government at all levels from the plunder of public corruption.”
In November 2015, Cromwell received a $10,000 personal check from DeQuattro and deposited it into a bank account for a company he had formed called One Nation Development LLC. Cromwell’s website described One Nation Development as helping Native American tribes with economic development. It stated, “One Nation works with Federal and State agencies on behalf of Native American communities. We have relationships with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and provide our Native community clients with direct and active engagement with these various agencies.” The website touted experience in the areas of strategic planning, gaming, hospitality and legal services. It stated, “One Nation Development is comprised of a team of committed professionals that bring together several decades of collective wisdom and experience to the work done on behalf of client communities. Each professional is individually committed to the One Nation approach: a multi-generational approach to advance community-building solutions.” In fact, One Nation Development had no employees and Cromwell spent DeQuattro’s check on personal expenses.
In August 2016, Cromwell asked DeQuattro for a piece of exercise equipment. DeQuattro and his business partner paid $1,700 to buy a used Bowflex on Craigslist, and had it delivered to Cromwell’s home. Cromwell told DeQuattro he was disappointed it was used.
In May 2017, Cromwell texted DeQuattro: “Hello Dave. I hope all is well. My Birthday is coming up this Friday May 19th and I wanted to spend Friday through Monday at a very nice hotel in Boston for my Birthday weekend. Is it possible that you can get me a nice hotel room at the Four Seasons or a suite at the Seaport Hotel? I am going to have a special guest with me. Please let me know and Thank You.” DeQuattro forwarded the text to his business partner, writing, “U can’t think of this stuff…..what is next?” DeQuattro and his business partner paid over $1,800 for Cromwell to stay in an Executive Suite King – Harbor View at the Seaport Boston Hotel for three nights.
The charge of paying a bribe to an agent of an Indian tribal government, or being an agent of an Indian tribal government who accepts a bribe, provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of extortion under color of official right and conspiring to commit extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Attleboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Jared C. Dolan of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
With respect to the tax charges, the details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Cromwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Liberian Rebel General Charged with Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Laye Sekou Camara, a/k/a “K-1,” a/k/a “Dragon Master,” 43, of Mays Landing, NJ,was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint and subsequent Indictment on the charge of use of an immigration document obtained by fraud.
In 1997, after a civil war and years of political upheaval, Charles Taylor was elected president of the West African nation of Liberia. In 1999, Liberia’s second civil war began. Primarily, two rebel groups, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), waged war against Taylor’s government. LURD’s stated objective was to remove Taylor from the presidency of Liberia. Liberia’s second civil war, much like its first, was characterized by brutality, war crimes, and atrocities, many of which were perpetrated by LURD rebels. Furthermore, in waging its war against Taylor’s government, LURD recruited and used child soldiers. According to the Indictment, Camara was a LURD general.
The Indictment alleges that in June 2011, Camara submitted an application for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. In that application Camara falsely contended, among other things, that he: 1) was not a member of a tribe; 2) had never served in or been a member of a rebel group or insurgent organization; and 3) had never committed, ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in political killings or other acts of violence. Camara’s application was approved and he was issued a non-immigrant visa which he used to enter the United States.
The Indictment further alleges that in June 2012, United States immigration authorities reviewed an application that Camara submitted for a United States immigrant visa. In this application, Camara falsely contended, among other things, that he: 1) was not seeking and had not sought a visa, entry into the United States, or any immigration benefit by fraud or misrepresentation; and 2) had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers. Camara’s application was approved and he was issued an immigrant visa which he used to enter the United States. Upon his entering and being admitted to the United States pursuant to his immigrant visa, Camara became entitled to, and did, receive a Green Card, evidencing his authorized permanent residence in the United States.
Finally, as alleged in the Indictment, in June 2017, in seeking a Pennsylvania state identification card, Camara presented his fraudulently obtained Green Card to PennDOT officials as evidence of his immigration status, that is, his lawful permanent residence in the United States.
“As alleged in the Indictment, this defendant attempted to evade accountability for his horrific involvement in Liberia’s brutual civil wars by fraudulently obtaining U.S. immigration documents,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Due to the hard work and perseverance of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, he can no longer run and hide from justice.”
“HSI is committed to upholding the law, both within the United States and abroad,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia Field Office. “The defendant in this case, Mr. Camara, is alleged to have served as a high-ranking general for a rebel group that fought in the Second Liberian Civil War, all the while employing tactics of unimaginable brutality, including the recruitment of child soldiers. This indictment alleges Mr. Camara then attempted to shield his violent past when he came to the United States by failing to disclose his affiliation with the rebel group. Investigations like this one are a chief priority of the No Safe Haven mission, and HSI will continue to work tirelessly to investigate those who attempt to evade justice for crimes they committed overseas. We will not allow the United States to be a safe haven for those attempting to hide from their past.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr. and Kelly M. Harrell, with assistance from Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour and Historian Christopher Hayden from the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s, Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of engaging in human rights abuses or war crimes are urged to call the HSI tip line at: 1-866-DHS-2423 (1-866-347-2423). Callers may remain anonymous.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former College Dean Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $650,000 from Student OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former college dean has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for embezzling more than $650,000 from a national student organization working to improve minority representation in the pharmacy industry.
While serving as the volunteer Executive Director of the student association, CARMITA COLEMAN withdrew cash and issued checks from the group’s bank accounts for her personal benefit. Coleman used debit cards linked to the organization’s accounts to make various personal purchases, including for trips to the Caribbean. She attempted to cover up the fraud by submitting false and misleading reports that concealed the withdrawals. When a new individual was appointed to replace Coleman as Executive Director, Coleman knowingly delayed turning over access to the organization’s bank accounts so that she could continue spending the money for her personal benefit.
During the fraud scheme, which lasted from 2011 to 2016, Coleman separately worked as a dean and professor at various colleges of pharmacy.
Coleman, 50, of Frankfort, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal wire fraud charge. In addition to the year-and-a-day prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly on Wednesday ordered Coleman to pay the remaining restitution of $490,528.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
“Coleman’s offense is particularly egregious because she was supposed to be the adult in the room — the faculty member entrusted with overseeing the student organization’s accounts – but instead used the organization’s funds as her own piggy bank,” Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Heidi Manschreck argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “As a result of her scheme, the organization was deprived of funds that were supposed to support its laudable mission, and not to line Coleman’s pockets.”
Federal Jury Convicts Muskogee County Resident of Sexually Abusing A Child Under Twelve in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Bradley Wayne Morris, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 2, 2022, and concluded on Thursday, May 5, 2022, with the guilty verdicts. Based on the verdicts, the defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years up to life imprisonment.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that between January 2018 and February 2020, the defendant sexually abused a child under the age of 12.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the victim in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Morris was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys James Montoya and Hannah Jones represented the United States.
Federal Jury Convicts Broken Arrow Resident of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Martha Christine Simpson, age 45, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 2, 2022, and concluded on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, with the guilty verdict.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that during the early morning hours of July 15, 2019, Jabaica Tecumseh and Tommy Tecumseh came to Martha Simpson’s Broken Arrow home. Jabaica Tecumseh and Tommy Tecumseh beat and kicked Martha Simpson’s boyfriend, Trevor Richardson. Martha Simpson then stabbed Richardson with a knife.
Richardson’s body was wrapped in a blanket and loaded in the trunk of his own vehicle. Jabaica Tecumseh drove the vehicle from the crime scene and later burned the body at a remote location in Okmulgee County. After the killing, Simpson cleaned up the crime scene.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Broken Arrow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Simpson was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney William Cosner and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Mazur represented the United States.
FACT SHEET: Justice Department Efforts to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
“The Justice Department is committed to addressing the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons with the urgency it demands. That commitment is reflected in the strength of our partnerships across the federal government, including with the Department of the Interior as we take the next steps in launching the Not Invisible Act Commission. The Commissioners announced today will play a critical role in our efforts to better meet the public safety needs of Native communities. The Justice Department will continue to work alongside our Tribal partners with respect, sincerity, and a shared interest in the wellbeing of Tribal communities.”
--Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, May 5, 2022
The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people through American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2022 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Today and every day, the Department of Justice considers it a priority to respond to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).
Earlier today, the Departments of Justice and Interior announced the members of the joint Commission under the Not Invisible Act. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland at a virtual event announcing the members of the Commission. Read Deputy Attorney General Monaco’s remarks here.
The Director of the Justice Department’s Office of Tribal Justice, Tracy Toulou, will serve as a co-chair of the Commission. He will be joined by representatives from across the department, including from law enforcement and grantmaking components. The Commissioners announced today represent a diverse range of experiences, expertise and perspectives, and include survivors who can speak firsthand to the urgency of the Commission’s work, as well as Tribal leaders and members.
Commissioners will issue recommendations to the Attorney General and Secretary of the Interior on how to improve intergovernmental coordination, as well as how to identify best practices for federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement when responding to the violence directed at American Indians and Alaska Natives.
MMIP Steering Committee
In November 2021, the President issued a new Executive Order, which reflected a whole-of-government response to promoting public safety in Native communities. In a November 15 directive, Deputy Attorney General Monaco identified the department’s work to address missing or murdered indigenous persons as “a priority for its law enforcement components,” and launched a Steering Committee dedicated to marshalling the department’s personnel and resources to this effort. The Steering Committee has made Tribal engagement the cornerstone of its work, and through those ongoing conversations, has heard the need for better communication and coordination between federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement.
Consistent with Savanna’s Act, the department has directed each of its U.S. Attorney’s Offices with Tribal land to develop regionally appropriate guidelines for responding to MMIP cases. The Department has also issued guidance to and conducted training with each of its 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices on how to develop these guidelines. U.S. Attorney’s Offices have held consultations with federal, state, and Tribal partners in their districts to develop guidelines tailored to their specific communities and will finalize those plans this month. Once those plans are finalized, the department’s relevant law enforcement components will modify their own protocols to incorporate the guidelines. State, local and Tribal law enforcement should contact their local U.S. Attorney’s Office for more information on the department’s guidance. You can learn more about the department’s efforts to implement Savanna’s Act here.
Department Announces New National Native American Outreach Services Liaison
The department announced today a new position to spearhead its efforts better reach Native victims, survivors and families: a National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. The Liaison will work in our Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and help ensure that victims and their families have a voice within the department as they navigate all stages of the criminal justice system. You can find the posting for this new position here.
Department Launches New Dedicated MMIP Website
Last month, the Department launched a new page on our Tribal Justice and Safety website dedicated to elevating the issue of MMIP. This new website serves as a central hub of resources for families and victims and also promotes transparency about the Department’s law enforcement efforts.
VAWA Reauthorization Promotes Public Safety in Tribal Communities
Also this year, the department helped advance the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and its important provisions to promote safety in Tribal communities, including the expansion of Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction, which recognizes the authority of Tribal courts to exercise jurisdiction over crimes of family violence, including child abuse, that are often precursors to missing or murdered person cases.
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Terrence McCray, 22 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the acquisition of multiple firearms, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McCray was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in 2019, McCray conspired with three other persons to straw purchase 17 firearms on 14 occasions. In each of the transactions, a buyer falsely certified on the federal forms that he/she was the actual buyer of the firearms. However, the buyer was really making the purchase of the firearms for McCray, who had selected and provided the funds for the purchase of the firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth.
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.
District Court Appoints Sandra J. Stewart to Remain as United States Attorney for the Middle District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – The United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama has appointed Sandra J. Stewart to continue serving as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Chief United States District Judge Emily C. Marks administered the oath of office on April 22, 2022. Stewart’s appointment became effective on April 25, 2022.
“It is a privilege and honor to serve the people of the Middle District of Alabama,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “I am grateful for the confidence the Court has placed in me to lead an office filled with dedicated professionals devoted to impartially and ethically enforcing the rule of law on behalf of the United States. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our state, federal, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for all.”
As United States Attorney, Ms. Stewart is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States within the Middle District of Alabama. The Middle District consists of 23 counties and includes the cities of Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn, and Phenix City.
United States Attorney Stewart has served the Department of Justice since 2002. Initially, she worked for the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. During her time in the Northern District, Ms. Stewart served as Chief of the Appellate Division and as First Assistant United States Attorney. After completing a one-year detail as an attorney advisor with the Department’s Professional Responsibility Advisory Office, in 2007, Ms. Stewart came to the Middle District. During her time in the office, she has served multiple terms as the First Assistant United States Attorney and worked as the Criminal Division Appellate Chief.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, United States Attorney Stewart spent approximately 16 years working for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. While there, she served as the Chief Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals and Capital Litigation Divisions, and as an Assistant Attorney General with the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
United States Attorney Stewart began her legal career in 1985 serving as a law clerk for Judge Edward B. McDermott in Mobile, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama School of Law, where she received her J.D., and before that Auburn University, graduating with a B.S. in Public Administration.
Department of Justice and Department of Interior take important step in addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisisRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown today highlighted National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Washington State and both of its U.S. Attorney’s Offices are working collaboratively to build systems to ensure tribal communities can quickly report and seek help if a tribal member goes missing.
“Here in Washington, many of our tribal communities are completing their tribal community response plans to address this initiative. These plans set a framework so that the community and law enforcement can quickly respond if someone goes missing,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “Our program coordinator has seen great progress on the plans and in the months ahead will continue to expand the planning process to additional tribes.”
Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco recognized National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day with a virtual event to highlight the Not Invisible Act Commission. The commission is a cross jurisdictional advisory committee composed of law enforcement, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and most importantly — survivors. Member of the commission are listed here: https://www.doi.gov/priorities/strengthening-indian-country/not-invisible-act-commission
“The Justice Department is committed to addressing the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons with the urgency it demands,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That commitment is reflected in the strength of our partnerships across the federal government, including with the Department of the Interior as we take the next steps in launching the Not Invisible Act Commission. The Commissioners announced today will play a critical role in our efforts to better meet the public safety needs of Native communities. The Justice Department will continue to work alongside our Tribal partners with respect, sincerity, and a shared interest in the wellbeing of Tribal communities.”
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, but a lack of urgency, transparency and coordination have hampered our country’s efforts to combat violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “As we work with the Department of Justice to prioritize the missing and murdered Indigenous people’s crisis, the Not Invisible Act Commission will help address the underlying roots of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis by ensuring the voices of those impacted by violence against Native people are included in our quest to implement solutions.”
The Not Invisible Act Commission will make recommendations to the Departments of the Interior and Justice to improve intergovernmental coordination and establish best practices for state, Tribal, and federal law enforcement, to bolster resources for survivors and victim’s families, and to combat the epidemic of missing persons, murder, and trafficking of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people.
Among its missions, the Commission will:
- Identify, report and respond to instances of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) cases and human trafficking,
- Develop legislative and administrative changes necessary to use federal programs, properties, and resources to combat the crisis,
- Track and report data on MMIP and human trafficking cases,
- Consider issues related to the hiring and retention of law enforcement offices,
- Coordinate Tribal-state-federal resources to combat MMIP and human trafficking offices on Indian lands, and
- Increase information sharing with Tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.
The Commission has the authority to hold hearings, gather testimony, and receive additional evidence and feedback from its members to develop recommendations for the Secretary and Attorney General.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Attempted Armed Robbery of a Federal Officer in BrooklynRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, John Shortt pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Eric Komitee to assault of a federal police officer and possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with the attempted robbery of a federal officer outside a nightclub in Brooklyn. When sentenced, Shortt faces up to 27 years in prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“With today’s guilty plea, John Shortt is held responsible for causing a wild shoot-out on a public street that resulted in one death, seriously wounded three victims including a federal officer who was targeted by the defendant for a robbery, and endangered numerous other persons,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to reduce gun-related violence in the district and we will vigorously prosecute criminals like the defendant who use illegal firearms with complete disregard for the consequences of their actions.” Mr. Peace thanked the New York City Police Department for its assistance with the case.
According to court documents, on September 18, 2021, Shortt and an accomplice, Isiah Greenaway, attempted to rob a United States Park Police Officer and another individual at gunpoint outside a nightclub located at 1440 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The officer drew his weapon and announced himself as a police officer to protect himself and prevent a felony in-progress. The attempted robbery led to a shoot-out in which the officer and two other individuals were seriously wounded, and another man was killed. Shortt was also shot by the officer. Greenaway is charged with assault of a federal police officer and possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Greenaway’s case is pending and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nick M. Axelrod and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOHN SHORTT
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-7 (EK)
Declaración del Fiscal Federal Breon Peace sobre United States V. Úsuga DavidRead the Press Release
“Buena tarde, soy Breon Peace, el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos del Distrito Este de Nueva York. Gracias a todos por estar aquí esta tarde en persona y en línea.
Hoy me acompañan: Anne Milgram, Administrador de la Administración para el Control de Drogas, Ricky J. Patel, Agente Especial Encargado en funciones, desde la oficina del FBI en Nueva York, tenemos a Michael Driscoll, director Adjunto a cargo, de la policía de Nueva York tenemos al Capitán Thomas Kelly, comandante de la Fuerza de Tarea contra la Droga, el jefe de los Alguaciles Vincent DeMarco del Servicio de Alguaciles de los Estados Unidos, el Capitán Captain Michael Sumnick de la Policía del Estado de Nueva York; y mi equipo de la Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos, los AUSA Gillian A. Kassner y Tara B. McGrath y la asistente legal Sophia Cronin.
Estamos hoy aquí para anunciar la extradición desde Colombia de uno de los capos de la droga más peligrosos y buscados del mundo, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David (también conocido como "Otoniel"), para quien el asesinato era insignificante, y la violencia la mejor divisa.
Durante la última década, Úsuga David ha sido el principal líder del Clan del Golfo, o CDG, el cartel paramilitar y de narcotráfico más poderoso de Colombia. Es responsable del tráfico de cantidades enorme de cocaína -medidas en toneladas, no en libras o kilogramos; de obtener masivos beneficios, medidos en miles de millones, no en millones- y de supervisar un ejército de secuaces que asesinaron, secuestraron y torturaron a víctimas -incluidos agentes de la ley y militares colombianos- para mantener el control del cartel y de las regiones en las que opera.
Sus órdenes directas a sus miles de secuaces ataviados con ropa militar enviaron un efecto dominó de drogas, muerte y destrucción a todas las comunidades que tocaban sus cargamentos de cocaína, desde Colombia hasta aquí mismo, en el Distrito Este de Nueva York.
Hoy se enfrentará por fin a la justicia en un tribunal federal de Brooklyn por cargos que se basan en su papel como líder supremo del cártel.
Úsuga David está acusado en una imputación sustitutiva de tres cargos de dirigir una empresa criminal continua desde junio de 2003 hasta octubre de 2021 y de participar en una conspiración internacional para fabricar y distribuir cocaína, a sabiendas y con la intención de que los estupefacientes fueran importados ilegalmente a los Estados Unidos.
Estos son los cargos, y los detalles sobre Usuga David y su letal organización son escalofriantes. El CDG es uno de los mayores distribuidores de cocaína del mundo.
También conocidos como "Los Urabeños" o "Clan Úsuga", tienen su sede en la región del Urabá antioqueño, en Colombia, y cuentan con un ejército de miles de miembros (en su punto álgido, unos 6.000). Para ponerlo en perspectiva, tenía más empleados que los departamentos de policía de Boston y Miami juntos.
En la pantalla hay un mapa de Colombia y un corredor de países que en última instancia conducen a Estados Unidos. En rojo, se puede ver el extenso territorio bajo control del CDG, gran parte del cual consistía en costas. Dentro del territorio bajo control del CDG, se puede ver la región de Antioquia, que servía de base al CDG. Se puede ver el Golfo de Urabá y tres importantes ciudades portuarias a lo largo del Océano Pacífico a la izquierda y el Mar Caribe a la derecha. Se puede ver que el territorio del CDG está en la parte noroeste del país, más cerca de Estados Unidos, y que estas ciudades portuarias proporcionaban acceso directo a las vías navegables desde las que podían partir los barcos. Y por las líneas azules punteadas, se pueden ver algunas de las rutas de exportación de cocaína que parten de estas zonas y que el CDG utilizaba para el contrabando de drogas hacia Estados Unidos.
El cartel de Úsuga David importaba cantidades exorbitantes de cocaína a Estados Unidos. En la acusación se imputan más de 40 casos -40- en los que su cártel exportó una tonelada o más de cocaína desde Colombia. El CDG exporta y coordina la producción, la compra y el traslado de cargamentos semanales de varias toneladas de cocaína desde Colombia a Centroamérica y México para su importación final a Estados Unidos.
Las autoridades policiales han interceptado algunos de estos envíos, incluidas más de 10 toneladas de cocaína incautadas en barcos frente a la costa de Panamá y en una región selvática de Colombia.
Como líder de alto rango dentro del CDG desde su creación y su director general durante la última década, Úsuga David dirigió a su ejército para que cometiera actos brutales de violencia, terror y represalias; para ejercer el control sobre vastas regiones territoriales de Colombia y su población; y para exportar cantidades abrumadoras de cocaína con destino a Estados Unidos. Todo ello fue enormemente lucrativo y le reportó a Úsuga David y a su cártel miles de millones de dólares en concepto de ingresos procedentes de la droga.
Estas drogas ilícitas, que fueron enviados a los Estados Unidos, causaron adicción, violencia y muerte, y deterioran trágicamente la calidad de vida de los residentes de las comunidades afectadas, incluidas muchas del área metropolitana de Nueva York, y del país en general. Las actividades de tráfico de drogas del CDG financiaron y permitieron el ascenso al poder de Úsuga David. El CDG ha utilizado tácticas militares y armas para controlar la región más lucrativa del tráfico de cocaína dentro de Colombia. La organización paramilitar de Úsuga David tiene miles de soldados, incluidos los "sicarios", que asesinaban, asaltaban, secuestraban, torturaban y asesinaban bajo la dirección de Úsuga David y el CDG imponer un "impuesto" a cualquier narcotraficante que opere en su territorio, cobrando tasas por cada kilogramo de cocaína fabricado, almacenado o transportado a través de la región.
La violencia de Úsuga David incluyó demostraciones públicas de su poder y la represión de civiles inocentes. Impuso cierres obligatorios o "huelgas", una especie de ley marcial en la que ordenó que todos los negocios en el territorio controlado por el CDG permanecieran cerrados y que los ciudadanos colombianos de esas regiones se quedaran en casa. Él ordenó a los soldados del CDG que ejecutaran a cualquiera que desobedeciera las normas de los cierres.
Bajo la dirección de Úsuga David, el CDG también llevó a cabo campañas organizadas (a las que llamaron "Plan Pistola") para matar a personal de las fuerzas públicas y del ejército colombiano utilizando armas de uso militar, como granadas, explosivos y fusiles de asalto, y para asesinar a personas que se creía que cooperaban con las fuerzas del orden. En numerosas ocasiones, Úsuga David ordenó personalmente el asesinato y la tortura de personas consideradas enemigas del CDG.
Durante años, Úsuga David evadió su captura moviéndose a través de una red de casas rurales seguras en las selvas de Colombia y evitando la tecnología moderna, viviendo por fuera del entorno visible. Al mismo tiempo, con un ejército de despiadados sicarios a sus órdenes, Úsuga David pudo ampliar el territorio y el poder del CDG y creer que era esencialmente intocable. Hasta ahora.
La captura de Úsuga David fue el resultado de una amplia campaña conjunta de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana y el Ejército Nacional de Colombia que comenzó en 2016. Antes de la detención de Úsuga David, el gobierno colombiano ofreció una recompensa de 800.000 dólares por información sobre su paradero y Estados Unidos ofreció una recompensa de 5 millones de dólares por información que condujera a su arresto. Úsuga David fue finalmente capturado el 23 de octubre de 2021 en un escondite rural en una provincia de Antioquia, Colombia, cerca de la frontera entre Colombia y Panamá, tras una operación en la que participaron 500 soldados y 22 helicópteros. El presidente de Colombia, Iván Duque, describió la operación como "la mayor penetración en la selva jamás vista en la historia militar de nuestro país."
Un caso como éste requiere un ejército propio, y agradezco el trabajo de mi oficina y de nuestros socios, por poner fin a su reinado de terror, y dar esperanza al pueblo de Colombia de un futuro mejor y más seguro.
Al pueblo de Colombia: nos comprometemos a buscar la verdad sobre los crímenes de Úsuga David y de quienes le ayudaron, a garantizar que se enfrenten a las consecuencias de esos crímenes y a recuperar las ganancias mal habidas para devolvérselas a las víctimas y a sus familias.
Me gustaría dar las gracias especialmente a los agentes de la DEA, el HSI, la policía de Nueva York y el FBI en este caso, y al Servicio de Alguaciles de los Estados Unidos por haber tomado la iniciativa de garantizar que el acusado esté retenido de forma segura en el distrito mientras espera el juicio.
Quisiera expresar mi profunda gratitud al presidente de Colombia, a la Fiscalía General de la Nación, a la Policía Nacional de Colombia, al Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, al Ministerio de Justicia y al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. La República de Colombia y sus funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley han arriesgado, y con frecuencia han perdido, sus vidas en la persecución de este malhechor. Y el pueblo colombiano ha sufrido mucho a manos de Úsuga David y del CDG. Honraremos su sacrificio y honraremos el compromiso de Colombia de luchar contra el narcotráfico haciendo justicia en este caso para las víctimas y sus familias.
También me gustaría reconocer el enorme trabajo realizado por la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia y los Agregados Judiciales de la Sección de Estupefacientes y Drogas Peligrosas (NDDS) de la División Penal en Bogotá, Colombia y los Abogados Litigantes de NDDS SOD.
Por último, me gustaría agradecer a las Fiscalías del Distrito Sur de Florida, del Distrito Medio de Florida, del Distrito Este de Texas y del Distrito Sur de Nueva York, por colaborar con nosotros en este caso. Los fiscales de esas oficinas han demostrado un extraordinario profesionalismo y dedicación al ofrecer su ayuda en la promoción del caso aquí en el Distrito Este de Nueva York.”
El video de la declaración esta aquí.
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A convicted West Virginia sex offender pleaded guilty today to failing to provide information related to foreign travel as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Andrew Todd Smith, 32, of Peterstown, Monroe County, admitted that he traveled to South Africa in November 2021 without providing the required advanced notification. Smith was required to register as a sex offender under SORNA after he was convicted of three counts of third-degree sexual assault in Monroe County Circuit Court in 2013. Smith admitted that when he registered as a sex offender with the West Virginia State Police, he signed written forms acknowledging his requirement to report any international travel at least 21 days in advance.
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2022, and faces up to 10 years in prison, supervised release of five years and up to life, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police for conducting the investigation.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is prosecuting the case.
SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-50.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 92 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on September 4, 2020, a Hot Springs Police Officer observed a sports bike traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic in Hot Springs, Arkansas. When Officer’s attempted to stop the sports bike, the driver, who was later identified as, Derek Christopher Lowrey, age 35, fled via the sports bike and then on foot. Lowrey was eventually arrested and, in a search incident to his arrest, law enforcement officers located a .380 caliber pistol in his front right pants pocket.
At the time that Lowrey possessed the firearm, he was an absconder from parole and had several prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing any firearms.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
California Man Accused of Threatening Merriam-Webster with Anti-LGBTQ Violence IndictedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with making threats to commit anti-LGBTQ violence against Springfield-based Merriam-Webster, Inc. and others.
Jeremy David Hanson, 34, of Rossmoor, Calif., was indicted on one count of interstate communication of threatening communications to commit violence. The grand jury also charged Hanson with intentionally selecting Merriam-Webster, Inc., its property and its employees as the object of the threatening communications pertaining to one’s actual or perceived gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Hanson will appear in federal court in Springfield on May 13, 2022. On April 20, 2022, Hanson was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.
“We believe Mr. Hanson, motivated by hate and veiled by the assumed anonymity of the internet, made numerous threats of violence to instill fear in our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Hateful and bigoted activity, like the conduct alleged here, is destructive on so many levels and will not be tolerated. Every individual has a right to feel safe in their community. My office will continue its relentless pursuit of those who seek to threaten, intimidate and divide us and hold them accountable.”
“Jeremy Hanson is accused of repeatedly making violent threats, motivated by hate, to intimidate others – even going as far as causing Merriam-Webster to shut down its offices for five days out of fear for their employees’ safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Threatening violent action strikes at the heart of our fundamental right as Americans to live and work without fear, and this case underscores the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that everyone’s civil rights are protected, and those who try to infringe on them are brought to justice.”
According to the charging documents, between Oct. 2 and Oct. 8, 2021, Springfield-based Merriam-Webster, Inc. received various threatening messages and comments demonstrating bias against specific gender identities submitted through its website’s “Contact Us” page and in the comments section on its webpages that corresponded to the word entries for “Girl” and “Woman.” Authorities later identified the user as Hanson.
Specifically, it is alleged that on Oct. 2, 2021, Hanson used the handle “@anonYmous” to post the following comment on the dictionary’s website definition of “female”: “It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as ‘gender identity.’ The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted down and shot.”
Hanson also allegedly sent the following threatening message via the website’s “Contact Us” page: “You [sic] headquarters should be shot up and bombed. It is sickening that you have caved to the cultural Marxist, anti-science tranny [sic] agenda and altered the definition of ‘female’ as part of the Left’s efforts to corrupt and degrade the English language and deny reality. You evil Marxists should all be killed. It would be poetic justice to have someone storm your offices and shoot up the place, leaving none of you commies alive.”
It is further alleged that on Oct. 8, 2021, Hanson posted another threatening comment on the dictionary’s website and a threatening message via the “Contact Us” page that read: “I am going to shoot up and bomb your offices for lying and creating fake definitions in order to pander to the tranny mafia. Boys aren’t girls, and girls aren’t boys. The only good Marxist is a dead Marxist. I will assassinate your top editor. You sickening, vile tranny freaks.” As a result of the threats, Merriam-Webster closed its offices in Springfield and New York City for approximately five business days.
The criminal complaint identified numerous related threats, including to the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Land O’ Lakes, Hasbro, Inc., IGN Entertainment, the President of the University of North Texas, two professors at Loyola Marymount University and a New York City rabbi.
Individuals or entities who believe they may be victims of this alleged crime should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 888-221-6023.
The charge of interstate transmission of threatening communications provides for a sentence of up to five 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Couple Sentenced for Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that John Wong, 61, and Joyce Luo, 49, both of Rowland Heights, California, were sentenced on May 4, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for their role in a sex trafficking conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Wong and Luo each to 1 year and a day imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wong and Luo are released from prison, they will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher fined Wong $50,000 and Luo $5,000.
An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations determined that beginning in May 2017, Wong and Luo, assisted females to travel to Nebraska for to engage in commercial prostitution. Wong and Luo, who cohabitate, would place advertisements for “Hot Young Sexy Asian Girls” on the website, Backpage.com. The advertisements were directed at customers in numerous cities, including Omaha, Nebraska. The Backpage advertisements provided a phone number for a prospective customer to call and set up a “date.” Wong and Luo also facilitated and made travel and lodging arrangements for the females. Wong and Luo would communicate with the females using WeChat, a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment application.
There were approximately 5,451 Backpage advertisements posted in 44 cities, including Omaha, using phone numbers associated with Wong and Luo. Once a customer would contact the number associated with a Backpage advertisement listed, Luo, working out of a “call center” in California, would communicate with the prospective customer. Lou would direct that customer to a hotel where a female was staying for purposes of engaging in commercial prostitution. The females charged customers $160 for a half hour of time and $200 for an hour of time. The female would typically keep a portion of a payment for the commercial sex act. The female would also deposit a portion of the payment into a bank account associated with Wong and Luo.
Wong and Luo agreed to abandon and forfeit to the government more than $2.6 million dollars in proceeds related to the operation as well as a 2015 BMW X6.
“Defendants, like these, are far more concerned with lining their pockets through the sexual trafficking of vulnerable individuals, than the humane treatment of those they manipulated,” said acting Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City area of operations R. Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI and our law enforcement partners are committed to the eradication of these types of sex crimes and will continue to work to protect these at-risk populations from harm.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Crack and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bronx, New York man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Troy Roberts, 27, to two years in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to court records, on November 21, 2019, investigators received a tip that Roberts was coming to Bangor by bus from New York City with drugs that he intended to sell in the area. Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of the bus station and observed Roberts exit a bus carrying a backpack. Officers followed the waiting vehicle that Roberts entered and conducted a traffic stop. During the roadside investigation, officers discovered approximately one ounce of cocaine base (crack) and one ounce of heroin in the backpack Roberts had been carrying. Further investigation revealed that Roberts was a member of a group who had made multiple trips to Bangor from New York City for the purpose of selling drugs.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Maine State Police investigated the case.
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Brentwood Woman Sentenced to 81 Months in Prison for Serial Tax Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Jehoaddan Wilson was sentenced in federal court today to 81 months for filing false tax claims, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in a tax fraud scheme that caused losses of $902,040, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Jon S. Tigar.
Wilson, 41, of Brentwood, was convicted by a federal jury on September 28, 2021, of five counts of filing a false tax claim, five counts of wire fraud, and five counts of aggravated identify theft. Trial evidence demonstrated that Wilson obtained personal identifying information from scores of unsuspecting individuals through lies and misrepresentations and then filed fraudulent tax returns in their names.
Evidence presented at trial showed Wilson perpetrated her scheme by obtaining victims’ social security numbers either by manipulating them into providing the information under false pretenses or by obtaining their social security numbers without their knowledge. Wilson then filed tax returns in each victim’s name that contained false information and that fraudulently claimed a tax refund. In each return, Wilson requested the tax refund be deposited between at least two bank accounts, one or both of which were Wilson’s personal bank accounts. In sum, Wilson filed fraudulent tax returns for people without their knowledge or consent that caused the federal government to pay tax refunds not owed and to deposit those refunds into bank accounts controlled by Wilson.
At trial, one victim testified that she provided her personal identifying information to Wilson with the understanding that Wilson, who presented herself as a legitimate tax preparer, would assist in filing her tax return. Unbeknownst to the victim, Wilson made numerous false statements about the victim’s employment, expenses, and income in the tax return which fraudulently claimed a tax refund. Wilson also requested, without the victim’s knowledge or consent, that approximately half of the tax refund be deposited into Wilson’s bank account. In another instance, an elderly woman fell victim to Wilson’s scheme when Wilson or one of her associates visited the woman’s retirement community and convinced her to provide her identifying information to obtain free money from an alleged federal government “Obama Stimulus” plan. Wilson used the personal information to file a tax return on the elderly woman’s behalf and without her knowledge. The tax return, replete with false information, generated a fraudulent tax refund, and Wilson directed approximately half of the refund into her own bank account. Wilson victimized a third person, according to trial evidence, by obtaining the victim’s identifying information and filing a false tax return in his name while he was incarcerated and without his knowledge, again enriching herself. Wilson exploited a fourth and a fifth victim using a similar pattern of obtaining their identifying information, filing false tax returns in their names without their knowledge or consent, and causing portions of the tax refunds to be deposited into her bank accounts.
Evidence presented at trial also established that search warrants executed at Wilson’s home and office turned up numerous additional documents containing identifying information of victims, including copies of driver licenses and social security cards.
In its memorandum filed for sentencing, the government described that Wilson’s fraud was so pervasive that in just one tax year – 2011 – she victimized approximately 388 people. Her fraudulent tax claims caused a loss to the federal government of $902,040 in that tax year alone.
United States District Judge Jon S. Tigar also ordered, in addition to the 81 months imprisonment, that Wilson pay restitution in the amount of $902,040. The sentence included a three year period of supervision for Wilson following her release from prison. Wilson was remanded into custody at the end of the sentencing hearing and begins serving her sentence immediately.
Robert David Rees and Kristina Green are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Jasmine Sanders, Claudia Hyslop, and Leeya Kekona. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI.
Bluefield Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Pound of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Bluefield man was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Eric Lee Flack, 43, admitted that on July 28, 2020, he sold approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine for $5,600 to an undercover informant. Flack also admitted to selling quantities of hydromorphone to the same undercover informant on two separate occasions in September and November 2020. He received approximately $3,500 for each transaction, and both occurred in Bluefield, West Virginia.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Bluefield Police Department and the Princeton Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-255.
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Blawnox Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Blawnox, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Michael Marlette, 56.
According to information presented to the court, on August 19, 2018, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Marlette’s residence. Investigators seized numerous electronic devices from the residence. A subsequent search of Marlette’s electronic devices revealed approximately 9,746 images and 291 videos that depicted child pornography.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense and the number of victims in Marlette’s child pornography collection.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marlette.
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.
Bergen County Doctor Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Distributing Opioids to PatientsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County doctor was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for distributing opioids without a legitimate medical reason and falsifying medical records to cover it up, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Robert Delagente, 48, of Oakland, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, three counts of distribution of controlled dangerous substances, and one count of falsifying medical records. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in May 2014, Delagente was a doctor at a medical practice called North Jersey Family Medicine (NJFM) in Oakland, New Jersey. Delagente knowingly prescribed controlled substances, such as oxycodone, Percocet, Tylenol with codeine, and various benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, and temazepam), outside the ordinary course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. He ignored the inherent danger and medical risk of overdose, drug abuse, and death that can accompany prescriptions of highly addictive opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxers, both on their own and in combination with one another.
Delagente also was charged with altering medical records of patients who received controlled substance prescriptions from him after law enforcement officials had subpoenaed the records in late April 2019.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Delagente to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Messenger in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason S. Gould of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Sean M. Sherman of the Opioids Unit in Newark.
Armed Carjacker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Javeon Maurice Jacobs (22, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to three firearms offenses relating to his brandishing of a firearm during three armed carjackings. Jacobs had entered his guilty pleas on April 14, 2022. He faces a minimum mandatory term of 21 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, on March 31, 2021, Jacobs used a firearm and physical force to carjack a vehicle in Safety Harbor. On April 18, 2021, Jacobs kidnapped two individuals at gunpoint in Tampa and took their vehicle. After releasing those victims, Jacobs abandoned their vehicle at another location in Tampa. He then carjacked another vehicle, again by brandishing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston.
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.
Appleton Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 4, 2022, Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Robert Narvett (age: 57), of Appleton, Wisconsin to 180 months’ imprisonment for one count of Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and one count of Money Laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956. Narvett was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims, sentenced to three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 Special Assessment.
Narvett was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021 and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering on January 21, 2022. Judge Griesbach found that Narvett defrauded nearly 70 different victims, including his family, friends, and neighbors of over $2 million and that he engaged in the scheme for over a decade. More than a dozen of Narvett’s victims spoke at the sentencing hearing, describing the ways in which Narvett ruined their lives. Many described ruined credit scores, inability to afford basic life necessities, and having to re-enter the workforce after retiring. One victim told Judge Griesbach that Narvett’s fraud made her a “prisoner of my life.”
Judge Griesbach described Narvett’s crime as “horrible,” noting that it had the “earmarks of violent crime” because of the way it impacted Narvett’s victims. He described Narvett’s conduct as “astounding” and explained that the 15-year sentence he was imposing was necessary to provide just punishment, protect the public, and send a serious message to others that financial crimes that victimize people do not pay.
“The sentence imposed in this case reflects the devastating impact that white collar crime can have on individual victims and our entire community,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “To satisfy his own greed, Mr. Narvett left a wake of financial devastation and shattered lives for his family, friends, and others whose trust he had gained. I commend the team of agents, attorneys, and support staff who dedicated themselves to pursuing justice for the victims in this case.”
“The fraud committed by a trusted friend, family member, and neighbor for personal gain was devastating and negatively impacted our community members.” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “The FBI continues to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure perpetrators of financial fraud are investigated and brought to face justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Daniel R. Humble prosecuted. Narvett is also facing a pending civil action brought by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission regarding similar conduct.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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$300 Million Yacht of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Suleiman Kerimov Seized by Fiji at Request of United StatesRead the Press Release
Fijian law enforcement executed a seizure warrant freezing the Motor Yacht Amadea (the Amadea), a 348-foot luxury vessel owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. Fijian law enforcement, with the support and assistance of the FBI, acted pursuant to a mutual legal assistance request from the U.S. Department of Justice following issuance of a seizure warrant from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which found that the Amadea is subject to forfeiture based on probable cause of violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), money laundering and conspiracy.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Kerimov as part of a group of Russian oligarchs who profit from the Russian government through corruption and its malign activity around the globe, including the occupation of Crimea. In sanctioning Kerimov, the Treasury Department also cited Kerimov as an official of the Government of the Russian Federation and a member of the Russian Federation Counsel.
According to court documents, Kerimov owned the Amadea after his designation. Additionally, Kerimov and those acting on his behalf and for his benefit caused U.S. dollar transactions to be routed through U.S. financial institutions for the support and maintenance of the Amadea.
“This ruling should make clear that there is no hiding place for the assets of individuals who violate U.S. laws. And there is no hiding place for the assets of criminals who enable the Russian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable those who facilitate the death and destruction we are witnessing in Ukraine.”
“Last month, I warned that the department had its eyes on every yacht purchased with dirty money,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “This yacht seizure should tell every corrupt Russian oligarch that they cannot hide – not even in the remotest part of the world. We will use every means of enforcing the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine.”
“This seizure demonstrates the FBI's persistence in pursuing sanctioned Russian oligarchs attempting to evade accountability for their role in jeopardizing our national security,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI, along with our international partners, will continue to seek out those individuals who contribute to the advancement of Russia’s malign activities and ensure they are brought to justice, regardless of where, or how, they attempt to hide.”
“This seizure of Suleiman Kerimov’s vessel, the Amadea, nearly 8,000 miles from Washington, D.C., symbolizes the reach of the Department of Justice as we continue to work with our global partners to disrupt the sense of impunity of those who have supported corruption and the suffering of so many,” said Director Andrew Adams of Task Force KleptoCapture. “This Task Force will continue to bring to bear every resource available in this unprecedented, multinational series of enforcement actions against the Russian regime and its enablers.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to contribute our expertise in support of Task Force efforts to take possession of seized assets of Russian oligarchs during these forfeiture operations,” said Director Ronald L. Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The seizure was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2 and run out of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
Upon receipt of a mutual legal assistance request from the United States, Fijian authorities executed the request, obtaining a domestic seizure warrant from a Fijian court.
The Amadea, International Maritime Organization number 1012531, is believed to be worth approximately $300 million or more. The yacht is now in Lautoka, Fiji.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office with assistance from the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Canberra, Australia, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji.
Trial Attorney Andrew D. Beaty of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Trial Attorney Joshua L. Sohn of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are handling the seizure. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshals Service provided significant assistance. The United States thanks the Fijian authorities for their cooperation in this matter.
Wednesday 4 May 2022
York Man Sentenced to 270 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Banks, age 42, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 270 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug-trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, following a four-day trial in October 2021, a jury found Banks guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms as a previously convicted felon. The trial evidence showed that Banks distributed significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine in the York area in 2017 and 2018. In January 2018, during the execution of a search warrant at Banks’ York residence, law enforcement recovered drugs, drug-packaging materials, and three loaded handguns. Two of the handguns had been reported stolen.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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