Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
9 June 2022
Henderson Man Sentenced to Six Years After Search Warrant Uncovers Multiple Firearms, Heroin, and CocaineRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jamey Owens, 51, of Henderson, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Patterson pled guilty to the charges on October 21, 2021.
According to court records and statements made during hearings, on January 13, 2019, Henderson Police Department, through a confidential informant, conducted a controlled buy of cocaine from Owens at his residence on State Street in Henderson. Based on the controlled buy, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence, which they executed on January 15, 2019.
Mr. Owens was present with his girlfriend. Near a couch where Owens had been sleeping, officers found two handguns. In his bedroom, they found a third pistol, and in a second bedroom they recovered a shotgun. Officers found drugs stashed throughout the house, including cocaine, heroin, suspected ecstasy tablets, and marijuana. They also found four digital scales; ink stamps labeled with “BLACK CEASAR” and green glassine bags, both commonly used to package heroin; two glass Pyrex dishes with a white powdery substance; and over $3000 in cash.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Henderson Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-0026-M.
Henderson Drug Dealer Sentenced as Career Offender in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Henderson man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. On March 16, 2022, Joseph Jones, Jr., also known as “Woo,” pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in May 2020, Jones, 24, was identified as a heroin dealer in Henderson. The Henderson Police Department (HPD) utilized a confidential informant to make controlled purchases of heroin from Jones. On August 26, 2020, HPD responded to a call for service regarding a heroin overdose victim, who was stabilized with medical assistance. The victim reportedly purchased the heroin from Jones. The same day, HPD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Jones and found him to be in possession of heroin. A search warrant was executed at his residence where more than 1000 doses of heroin and more than 11 grams of marijuana were found, along with two loaded firearms including a Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol and a Diamondback AM2 9mm pistol. Some of the heroin was bound into “bricks” comprising 50 dosage units and carried stamps such as “Devil’s Reject,” Maestro,” “Shell,” “Uranas,” “Takeback,” and “Natural Flavor.”
Jones has a lengthy criminal history, including possession with intent manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and conspiracy to sell or deliver heroin.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Henderson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-00307-BO.
###
Hartford Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, Steven Anthony Jackson, a 21-year-old from Hartford, Alabama, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. Following his 30-year prison sentence, Jackson will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life and will be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other federal court documents, Jackson specifically admitted that, in 2019, he enticed a 12-year-old girl to send nude photos to him via computer or smartphone. Jackson pleaded guilty to the charge on April 18, 2022.
This case was investigated by FBI offices in Mobile, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Columbus, Ohio, along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Geneva County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; and the Knox County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case.
Great Falls Businesswoman Sentenced to Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to embezzling over $600,000 from a local construction company was sentenced today to two and a half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay $611,665.22 in restitution. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the sentencing.
Nicole Ann Lopez, 37, previously pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2013, M&D Construction hired Lopez as a bookkeeper/accountant for the business. As part of her duties, Lopez was given access to M&D’s bank account and was given administrator permission over M&D’s Quick Books account.
Between January 2017 and January 2020, defendant Lopez charged over $600,000 on her personal credit card accounts. Her expenses focused mostly on consumer shopping and travel, and included over $80,000 on purchases from Amazon, over $115,000 on general retail purchases, over $46,000 on clothing, over $57,000 on travel, over $34,000 on restaurants, over $24,000 on beauty products, over $12,000 on furniture, and over $7,000 on plastic surgery. None of these purchases was related to M&D’s business operations.
To pay for her personal credit card expenses, Lopez embarked on a scheme to embezzle money from M&D by using her access to M&D’s bank account to direct payments from the M&D business account to her personal credit accounts without the knowledge of or authorization from M&D’s owners. Between January 2017 and January 2020, Lopez directed 72 payments from M&D to her personal credit accounts and embezzled approximately $632,362.65.
Lopez’s embezzlement scheme was discovered when she purchased a small boutique clothing store in downtown Great Falls called Sora & Co., and resigned her position at M&D. To replace her, M&D hired a new accounting firm and a review of M&D’s books determined that over $600,000 was missing. M&D’s accounting firm contacted their bank and learned that the missing funds were paid directly to Lopez’s credit card accounts
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Goulding Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Taking Eagles without a Permit and Possessing a Firearm after being Convicted of a FelonyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Michael Earl Yellow, 56, of Goulding, Utah was sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison by a U.S. District Court Judge for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense. Yellow was also ordered to forfeit a .22 caliber rifle and rifle scope, ammunition, four golden eagle carcasses, and other golden and bald eagle remains and feathers, which were found on the property where he lived. The court noted that Yellow killed approximately 80 eagles and hawks, and did so for pecuniary gain.
According to court documents, Yellow pleaded guilty to the unauthorized taking of bald or golden eagles and to one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Yellow admitted that between August of 2014 and August of 2015, he killed approximately 10 bald or golden eagles knowing that taking or possessing bald or golden eagles or their parts without a permit was unlawful, and that he did not have a valid permit to take or posses bald or golden eagles as required by law.
Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, at 16 U.S.C. § 668(a), it is illegal to take or possess bald or golden eagles, or their parts, dead or alive, without a permit. In addition, under 18 U.S.C.§ 922(g)(1), it is illegal to possess a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
Assistant United States Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case and officers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.
Garrian King Charged with Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Garrian King was arrested yesterday in Chattanooga by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and officers with the Chattanooga Police Department for being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). This arrest is in connection with the shootings that occurred on June 5, 2022, in Chattanooga.
An initial appearance was held yesterday, in the United States District Court in Chattanooga, before the Honorable Christopher H. Steger, United States Magistrate Judge. Mr. King was detained without bond.
The details of the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by King on June 6, 2022, are outlined in the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit, which are filed as public records in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with all of its law enforcement partners to protect our community through the vigorous enforcement of federal criminal gun laws,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “Yesterday’s charge is the result of the tireless, around-the-clock work by, and collaboration among, the Chattanooga Police Department, the ATF, and the FBI, which continues unabated.”
“Immediate deployment of all resources typically yields the best results. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in order to bring those responsible to justice and secure the safety and freedom of all Chattanoogans,” said Chattanooga Police Department Chief Celeste Murphy.
“The ATF takes pride in working with our local, state, and federal partners to bring justice to individuals who illegally possess firearms and willingly cause harm in the communities that we live in. These individuals put the lives of everyday citizens at risk, and we will work diligently to mitigate these senseless acts of terror,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
“The FBI values the partnership we have with the Chattanooga Police Department, ATF, and the United States Attorney's Office to target offenders who illegally possess firearms in Chattanooga. Through this ongoing collaboration with local, state and federal law enforcement, we will continue to focus our resources on the most violent and egregious offenders endangering our communities, “said FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico.
This prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department, the ATF, and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the Chattanooga Mayor’s Office for its support of collaboration among local and federal law enforcement to achieve the mutual goal of addressing violent crime in the City of Chattanooga.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Poole will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that King has only been charged and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Four Former Prison Officials Sentenced for Smuggling Contraband to Federal InmatesRead the Press Release
Four former prison officials have been sentenced to prison for smuggling drugs and other contraband into Leavenworth Detention Center (Leavenworth), a privately run, maximum-security federal prison in Kansas.
Janna Grier, 36, of Horton, Kansas, was sentenced to two years in prison today for conspiracy to solicit bribes and provide contraband to inmates of a federal prison. According to court documents, Grier used her position as a correctional officer at Leavenworth to smuggle contraband into the prison and also solicited other prison officials to use their positions to smuggle contraband into Leavenworth.
Jeane Arnette, 61, of Leavenworth, was sentenced to six months in prison today for conspiracy to provide contraband to inmates of a federal prison. According to court documents, Arnette used her position as a nurse at Leavenworth to smuggle contraband — including cell phones — into the prison.
Jacqueline Sifuentes, 26, of Laredo, Texas, and Cheyonte Harris, 29, of Raytown, Missouri, each used their position as a correctional officer at Leavenworth to smuggle contraband — including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco — into the prison in exchange for bribes from inmates and their associates. Sifuentes was recently sentenced to 14 months in prison, and Harris was recently sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge William J. Hannah of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Chicago Field Office, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Charles A. Dayoub of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and DOJ-OIG investigated the cases.
Trial Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman, Jacob R. Steiner, and Lauren Castaldi of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the cases.
The cases are part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat prison corruption. In addition to the above matters, the Public Integrity Section recently obtained convictions against two other former Leavenworth Detention Center correctional officers for similar conduct. See United States v. Willie Golden, Case No. 2:21-cr-20061 (D. Kan.); and United States v. Angelica Grant, Case No. 2:22-cr-20010 (D. Kan.). Separately, the Public Integrity Section has obtained convictions against four former North Carolina prison officials who smuggled contraband, including narcotics, into a state facility in exchange for bribes. See United States v. Ollie Rose, III, Case No. 4:20-CR-96 (E.D.N.C.); United States v. Kenneth Farr, Case No. 4:21-CR-9 (E.D.N.C.); United States v. Warren Reed, Case No. 4:21-CR-36 (E.D.N.C.); and United States v. Jeremy Chambers, Case No. 4:21-CR-38 (E.D.N.C.).
Fort Thompson Man Indicted for Assault, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
Roland Hawk, Jr., age 20, was indicted on December 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 28, 2021, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, Hawk assaulted a victim with a pistol as the victim was sleeping. The Indictment further alleges that the serial number on the pistol had been removed.
The charges are merely accusations and Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Hawk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date been set for July 26, 2022.
Fort Pierce Rap Artist Lil Polo Da Don Sentenced to Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Ronell Bernard Bryant III, 28, of Fort Pierce, Florida was sentenced Monday to 37 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, after having been convicted at trial for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the court record, including evidence presented at trial, on July 9, 2020, law enforcement officers located a model FN Five-seveN pistol in the trunk of a car being driven by Bryant. The pistol was surrounded by other property belonging to Bryant. Agents located the gun case and ammunition for the pistol in the bedroom of the house where Bryant had parked. Agents also later located images depicting Bryant in possession of the same FN Five-seveN pistol. Bryant is a South Florida rap artist who goes by the stage name Lil Polo Da Don.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, announced the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Funk and Christopher Hudock prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-14017.
###
Former Tungsten Heavy Powder & Parts CEO Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export United States Defense Articles including to the People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kareem A. Salem (619) 546-8904 and John Parmley (619) 546-7957
SAN DIEGO – Joe Sery, former owner and chief executive officer of Tungsten Heavy Powder & Parts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo to conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, including the unlawful exportation of defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List from the United States to the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, and elsewhere, without first obtaining a valid license or approval for such export from the U.S. Department of State, in violation of federal export laws pursuant to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
According to his plea agreement, Sery admitted that, while the CEO of Tungsten Heavy Parts and Powder, he was educated and trained on the requirements of U.S. export control laws, which prohibit the unlicensed export of items and data contained on the U.S. Munitions List. Sery entered into contracts with various defense contractors related to munitions and obtained ITAR-controlled technical data from them. Thereafter, knowing it was unlawful, he provided this information to a foreign national, his brother, who took the technical data to the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, and elsewhere at Sery’s direction. Sery also permitted his brother full access to THPP’s file system while overseas, knowing that it contained export-controlled technical data.
“As CEO of a company with multiple defense contracts, Sery was entrusted with controlled information that he knew he had to protect, yet he completely disregarded security regulations and allowed sensitive data to be sent to China, India and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He is now being held accountable.” Grossman commended the prosecutors and Homeland Security Investigations and Defense Criminal Investigative Service agents who diligently pursued this case.
“This individual willfully violated the law that prevents controlled technical data from falling into the hands of Americas’ adversaries,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “This guilty plea should serve as a reminder that HSI and our law enforcement partners will diligently investigate and bring to justice anyone attempting to disregard our federal export laws.”
“Mr. Sery’s guilty plea is an acknowledgement of his role in a scheme to illegally export critical defense information and technology,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “As exemplified in this case, DCIS and our law enforcement partners will ensure all appropriate actions are taken to investigate and successfully prosecute those who engage in illicit activities that threaten our nation’s defense.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21CR2898-GPC
Joe Sery Age: 77 San Diego, CA
CHARGE
Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Against the United States (to wit: Exportation of Defense Articles Without a License- Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371; Title 22 U.S.C., 2778(b)(2), (c); Title 22 CFR Sections, 120, 121.1 , 123.1, 127.l(a)(4)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Services
U.S. Army, Criminal Investigation Division
National Security Division, Department of Justice
Former Minneapolis Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Civil Rights Violations and Stealing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A former Minneapolis police officer was sentenced to 38 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for stealing controlled substances in the course of his duties and violating citizens’ civil rights through unconstitutional searches and seizures, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
From September 2017 through October 2019, Ty Raymond Jindra, 29, a former police officer with the Minneapolis Police Department (“MPD”), abused his position in order to obtain controlled substances including tramadol, methamphetamine, and fentanyl marked as oxycodone by deceiving his partners and others present at scenes, as well as the MPD.
As part of his scheme, Jindra diverted controlled substances he lawfully recovered for his own purposes using various means. Jindra diverted controlled substances by failing to inform his partner or others on scene that he confiscated controlled substances, failing to place the controlled substances into evidence at the MPD, and failing to report the recovery or diversion of the controlled substances. On some occasions, Jindra would contrive opportunities to interact with or search an individual, vehicle, or residence so that he could surreptitiously recover controlled substances and divert them to his own use. At times, Jindra conducted searches beyond the scope warranted under the circumstances in an attempt to recover controlled substances for himself.
On November 2, 2021, following a 10-day trial, Jindra was convicted of three counts of acquiring a controlled substance by deception and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Jindra was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, with substantial assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department.
This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle E. Jones and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Brennan.
###
Florida Man Known as “the Monkey Whisperer” Sentenced for Trafficking Protected PrimatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, aka “the Monkey Whisperer” (58, Parrish), to five years’ probation, to include eight months home confinement, for one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and three counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered Hammonds to pay a $90,000 fine to the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service Lacey Act Reward Fund. Hammonds had pleaded guilty on March 2, 2022.
According to court records, Hammonds owned and operated The Monkey Whisperer, LLC, a business engaged in the breeding and selling of wildlife. From September 2017 until February 2018, Hammonds conspired to sell a capuchin monkey to a celebrity client in California, even though that buyer could not lawfully possess a capuchin monkey in California. Hammonds facilitated the transportation of the capuchin monkey from Florida to California through individuals who were not permitted to possess a capuchin monkey in either state. The client paid over $12,000 for the animal. Law enforcement later seized that capuchin monkey from the client’s California residence.
In addition, Hammonds illegally sold cotton-top tamarins, which are primates listed as an endangered species, to buyers in Alabama, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. To conceal his unlawful wildlife trafficking, Hammonds submitted false records to a law enforcement officer and attempted to persuade a witness to lie to a law enforcement officer by saying that they had purchased the cotton-top tamarins at a flea market. Hammonds had been previously convicted in Florida state court for similar conduct in 2012.
“In a number of states, it is illegal to buy, sell and own exotic pets,” said Edward Grace, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement. “The illegal wildlife trade jeopardizes the future for many species, and we thank the U.S. Department of Justice, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their work on this case.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Robbery and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Denver – A federal jury convicted David Houston Vargas, age 30, for his role in robbing two stores using a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to facts presented at trial, on November 14, 2020, the defendant committed two armed robberies, one at a Foot Locker store in Lakewood, Colorado, and another at a DSW store in Westminster, Colorado. In both robberies, he brandished a revolver in order for him and his co-defendant to grab merchandise from the stores. The defendant told one store employee something to the effect of, “This is my first time…don’t do anything stupid.” Later that evening, the defendant got into a car chase with an Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy, while his co-defendant in the car he was driving repeatedly fired shots at the deputy using the defendant’s revolver. Vargas was identified and arrested several days later.
The Honorable Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the four-day trial. The jury returned its verdict on June 3, 2022. Vargas faces over 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 16, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lakewood Police Department, the Westminster Police Department, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celeste Rangel, Melissa Hindman and Elizabeth Young.
Case number: 21-cr-00024-RBJ.
Federal Jury Convicts Atlanta Man for His Role in Supplying Eutylone to Charlotte Area Drug TraffickersRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte has convicted Kenneth Jerome Watkins, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute Eutylone, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the three-day trial, which ended yesterday.
According to filed court documents and evidence presented at trial, Watkins along with his co-defendant, Steven Lamar Cloud, and others, was involved in a conspiracy to traffic Eutylone. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Eutylone is a schedule I synthetic cathinone, marketed by drug dealers as MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) and it is frequently abused by youths and young adults. In August and October 2020, Watkins arranged to supply Cloud with pills containing Eutylone. As trial evidence established, Cloud arranged for drug couriers to travel to Atlanta to pick up the pills from Watkins. On October 24, 2020, a trooper with the Georgia State Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle driven by one of Cloud’s couriers who was returning to Charlotte. Over the course of the traffic stop, the trooper seized over five pounds of pills and more than $4,000 in cash.
Watkins is currently in federal custody. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute Eutylone carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date for Watkins has not been set. Cloud has also pleaded guilty to federal drug offenses and he is awaiting sentencing.
This case is the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol for the investigation and coordination in this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- June 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Joseph Scott Bennett. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12 Years of Age. Bennett, 36, of Ramona, was charged with being a felon in possession of an AJ Stevens Arms Company .410 shotgun and 65 rounds of ammunition. Bennett was previously convicted of lewd molestation in Washington County in 2006. Bennett is further charged with sexually abusing a child younger than 12 years old from Jan. 1, 2016, to July 15, 2019. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-174
James Arthur Berry. Assault of a Spouse by Strangling in Indian Country. Berry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting the victim by strangling her on April 22, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-159
Tye Dean Lewis Ross Cody. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country (second superseding). Cody, 21, of Nowata, was allegedly speeding and unlawfully passed another vehicle. Cody’s vehicle struck one motorist’s vehicle as he attempted to pass it and then collided head-on with a second vehicle, killing Leonard Logan Ladd. The incident occurred on May 28, 2020, in Nowata County. The FBI and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-63
Colton John Durr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Durr, 23, of Claremore, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 9mm caliber pistol and eight rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-171
Keith Charles Eisenberger. Cyberstalking; Threatening to Kidnap and Assault a Member of Congress; Threatening to Kidnap and Assault the Spouse of a Member of Congress. Eisenberger 39, of Bartlesville, is charged with cyberstalking U.S. Representative Kevin Hern from Nov. 27, 2018, to May 11, 2022. He is further charged with threatening to kidnap and assault Hern and his wife on May 11, 2022. Eisenberger was initially charged by criminal complaint in May. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-175
Bradley Wayne Gillum. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Gillum, 27, of Locust Grove, is charged with stabbing the victim in the abdomen with a knife on May 5, 2022. The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Locust Grove Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-160
Elga Eugene Harper. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. On May 4, 2022, Harper, 40, of Tulsa, is alleged to have held an elderly woman against her will and physically and sexually assaulted her. The victim had previously hired Harper to help around her house. The victim suffered extensive injuries to her face, head, neck, arms, hands, legs and continues to receive treatment. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-170
Kovon Daylan Hemphill. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. On Nov. 11, 2021, Hemphill, 30, of Tulsa, attempted to stab the victim, a Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office deputy, with a knife. The defendant allegedly resisted arrest, pulling out a pocket knife and attempting to stab the deputy. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-176
Aubrey Tyrone Elliot Lewis. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Lewis is charged with being a felon in possession of an Intratec 9 mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol and 29 rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-161
Stephen Boyd Mosby. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On May 17, 2022, Mosby, 52, of Claremore, allegedly assaulted the victim when he brandished and discharged his firearm in the victim’s presence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-176
Forrest Sensei Mullin. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Mullin, 27, of Afton, is charged with strangling his intimate/dating partner on July 2, 2019. The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-162
Shannon Don Onthehill. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Onthehill, 47, of Claremore, allegedly strangled a dating partner, causing her to lose consciousness, on Jan. 18, 2020. The FBI and Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-159
Soledad Perezchica, Christian Perezchica. Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Soledad Perezchica, 46, and Christian Perezchica, 26, both of Tulsa, allegedly aided and abetted each other to attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. They are further charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine and with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Finally, they are charged with using and maintaining a residence for the purpose of possessing with intent to distribute the two drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-179
Christopher Scott Royce. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Royce, 42, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin, 30/30 caliber lever-action rifle; a Mauser bolt-action rifle; a Iver Johnson .22 caliber bolt-action rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Taurus .22 caliber pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Lastly, he is charged with maintaining a place in Broken Arrow for the purpose of distributing the drug. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-163
Bryant Danilo Sosa. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Sosa, 23, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner by stabbing her with a knife on May 22, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A Childress is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-154
Misty Dawn Sparkman. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Sparkman, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with stabbing the male victim in the neck and chest with a knife on Feb. 16, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-168
Johnny Lee Summers. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country; Witness Tampering by Threatening Physical Force. Summers allegedly sexually assaulted an intimate partner between February 2021 and January 2022. During that time, he also strangled the victim. He is further alleged to have enticed and sexually abused a female minor between the ages of 12 and 16. Finally, in January 2022, Summers threatened to use physical force against his intimate partner in an effort to stop her from speaking with law enforcement about the child enticement allegation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-155
Garrin Michael Thompson. Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity; Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (superseding). From March 4, 2022, to March 7, 2022, Thompson, 48, of Catoosa, is alleged to have taken a child from Oklahoma to Texas, where he sexually abused the child. He is also alleged to have sexually abused a second minor younger than 12 years of age from 2007 to 2009. Finally, he is charged with enticing a third minor victim to engage in sexual activity from 2000 to 2001. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cheryl Baber and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case. 22-cr-118
Devan Miguel Velasco. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Velasco, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting two victims by brandishing and pointing a firearm at them on May 13, 2022. He also allegedly endangered a young child by failing to provide appropriate supervision and failing to protect the child from exposure to his illegal acts. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-155
James Dean Wright. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Wright, 59, of Tulsa, allegedly discharged a firearm at the victim, a Tulsa Police Officer. Wright is also charged with being a felon in possession of 62 rounds of ammunition. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-167
Federal Agent Charged with Making False Statements in Connection with a Personal Relationship with a Victim WitnessRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury in San Francisco returned a three-count indictment today against Melissa Saurwein, 43, of Martinez, charging her with making false statements, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Saurwein, who is a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, made false statements to the Office of the U.S. Attorney and to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to conceal a personal romantic relationship she had with a witness in a case that was previously prosecuted in the Northern District of California, United States v. Job Torres Hernandez, 4:17-cr-462-JSW. The judgement in that case was vacated on the motion of the government due to the conduct of Saurwein. The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District was recused from this case, which is proceeding in the United States District Court in San Francisco.
This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility. The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District was recused from this case, which is proceeding in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey B. Hemesath is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Saurwein faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Essex County Man Convicted of Knifepoint RobberyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal jury convicted an Essex County, New Jersey, man for his role in the knifepoint robbery of a Harrison, New Jersey, taxi company, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alfuquan Turner, 46, of Newark was convicted on June 7, 2022, of Hobbs Act robbery following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On Sept. 23, 2019, Turner walked into the Harrison Cab Company armed with a knife and covering his face with a plastic bag. He demanded money from the cab company’s dispatcher. After the victim informed Turner that there was no money in her office, Turner continued his threats and demands. Ultimately, after Turner attempted to stab the victim and the victim fought back, Turner took the victim’s cell phone and attempted to leave. When the victim tried to get her phone back, Turner hit her in the face, pushed her to the ground, and asked her if she wanted to die. Turner then choked the victim until she lost consciousness, after which he stole her jewelry, cell phone, and other items.
The count of Hobbs Act robbery is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesse Levine in Newark; investigators of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under the direction of Superintendent Edward Cetnar; officers of the Harrison Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Strumolo; and investigators of the N.J. Transit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Trucillo, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie E. Reiter.
Elyria Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin, Crack Cocaine and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson in Youngstown on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Demarcus P.A. Boone, 26, was arrested and charged by law enforcement authorities with the Elyria Police Department (EPD) following an investigation into Boone’s drug trafficking activities in the Elyria area. In April 2021, authorities with the EPD began an investigation into Boone after receiving information from a confidential source that Boone was trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
On May 7, 2021, authorities executed a search warrant at a known residence of Boone and obtained quantities of fentanyl and cocaine hidden inside the insulation of a basement wall. Authorities later located Boone at another residence, and he was arrested. Law enforcement officers again searched Boone and the other residence where he was staying and obtained quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. Additionally, inside the residence, officers discovered a firearm belonging to Boone.
Boone is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of illegal conveyance of drugs and possession of heroin.
The Elyria Police Department and the FBI investigated this case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Kolansky.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.)., an initiative that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers in Lorain County.
East Helena Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud in Covid-19 Relief SchemeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who admitted lying in a scheme to receive more than $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for coronavirus relief aid and using the money instead for personal benefit was sentenced on June 7 to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Trevor Gene Lanius-McLeod, 48, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to bank fraud and to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $1,000,043.00 restitution, $125,000 of which will be paid jointly with co-defendant Kasey Wilson who was sentenced in March 2022.
“During a trying time in our country’s history, Lanius-McLeod stole money from a government program designed to keep businesses afloat and lined his own pockets to the detriment of truly needy businesses. Today, we send a strong message that such fraud will not go unpunished in the District of Montana. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich, IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“The sentence handed down today is a direct reflection of the seriousness of Mr. Lanius-McLeod’s crimes,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Not only is Lanius-McLeod guilty of crimes against the federal government, but he also victimized individuals and businesses the Paycheck Protection Program was designed to protect. These actions will not be tolerated, and the judge’s ruling sends a clear message to others who try to defraud CARES Act programs that these crimes will not go unpunished.”
“Trevor Lanius-McLeod greedily robbed small businesses that depended on PPP funds to survive,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “His sentence should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our federal partners are vigilantly working to make sure federal assistance funds are used as intended, and that those who defraud such programs will be held accountable.”
The PPP program, which is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provided emergency assistance to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses.
In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in April 2020, Lanius-McLeod devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Lanius-McLeod applied for four PPP loans through Valley Bank of Helena. In the applications, Lanius-McLeod made numerous false and material statements to obtain approximately $1,043,000 in fraudulent funds from the four loans. Additionally, Lanius-McLeod applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $349,000 on behalf of Renovated Montana Properties LLP, an entity Lanius-McLeod controlled.
Lanius-McLeod made numerous false statements on the PPP loan application. Without the false statements, Lanius-McLeod would not have qualified for a PPP loan. The defendant falsely stated that Renovated Montana Properties LLP had paid payroll taxes and had 25 employees. The company never paid payroll taxes and had no employees besides Lanius-McLeod.
The government further alleged that in a promissory note, the defendant agreed to use the funds for business-related expenses. None of the loan money was used for these purposes. Instead, the proceeds were spent on various personal expenses, including the mortgage on Lanius-McLeod’s personal residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and U.S. Secret Service.
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.
Detroit Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in False Return SchemeRead the Press Release
A Michigan return preparer pleaded guilty today to preparing a false tax return for a client.
According to court documents, Daneilla Allen co-owned All Star Tax Services, a return preparation business with locations in Michigan and Ohio. As part of her plea, Allen admitted that from 2014 through 2018 she prepared and filed false tax returns with the IRS for clients. The false tax returns contained fictitious business income and expenses, and false itemized deductions and education credits, in an effort to generate larger refunds than her clients were entitled to receive. Even after IRS special agents informed Allen she was the subject of a criminal investigation, she continued to prepare false returns for clients in 2020 and 2021. Allen admitted to causing a total tax loss to the IRS of more than $815,000.
Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 7. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for assisting the filing of a false tax return. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jeffrey A. McLellan and Sam Bean of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Cumberland County Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements Concerning Her Daughter’s Medical CareRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shelley Noreika, age 48, of Newville, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for false statements relating to health care matters.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Noreika admitted that on or about February 4, 2020, she made false statements concerning her 5-year-old daughter to medical providers. Noreika told her daughter to pretend having a seizure while Noreika videotaped her. Noreika then emailed the video clip of the fake seizure to her daughter’s pediatric neurologist, along with false statements concerning the minor child’s medical condition. On multiple other occasions, Noreika also falsely reported to medical providers that her daughter experienced seizures, when in fact no such seizures occurred. Noreika never witnessed her daughter have an actual seizure on February 4, 2020, or on any other date. Noreika misled medical providers concerning the health and condition of her daughter knowing they would rely on her false statements in their diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Pursuant to the terms of a written plea agreement, the parties agreed the offense involved a loss amount exceeding $95,000 but less than $150,000, which includes costs borne by insurers and the government for the daughter’s unnecessary medical treatment and visits.
Noreika no longer cares for the minor child, and she also faces related state charges which are pending.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harrisburg Field Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense charged is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
# # #
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Prison After Getting Caught with a Gun During a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who was caught with marijuana and a gun during a traffic stop was sentenced June 8, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Cameron Hatcher, age 29, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2021, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence from the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on May 2, 2021, Hatcher was stopped by an officer from the Dubuque Police Department because Hatcher was barred from driving. A police K9 alerted to the odor of drugs coming from Hatcher’s car. Officers searched the car and found marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun. Hatcher was prohibited from possessing guns because he was convicted of the felony offense of possessing marijuana with the intent to sell it in 2016.
After catching Hatcher with the gun in his car, law enforcement officers reviewed Hatcher’s social media posts. In two videos, Hatcher could be seen with guns. In one of the videos, Hatcher is seen with a Smith and Wesson, M&P 15, 5.56x45mm rifle and a black handgun that was different from the handgun found in his car during the traffic stop.
Hatcher was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hatcher was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hatcher is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-cr-1022.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Devin Clark, 34, has been sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 22, 2021, at 09:40 a.m., officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to two 911 calls regarding a shooting at the Valero gas station on Raleigh Millington Road.
After receiving several threatening messages on his cell phone, the victim, agreed to meet Clark and another gentleman at the Valero gas station for a fist fight. After the victim arrived, the three men began arguing when Clark suddenly pulled out a pistol and began firing shots in the air.
Clark also fired several shots at the victim, hitting him in his right arm. Several shots also hit the victim's car. The two men fled the scene but were apprehended by officers a short time later. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released. Detectives recovered nine .22 caliber shell casings from the scene.Clark, a convicted felon, has a prior felony conviction from 2018 for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver for which he received an eight-year sentence of incarceration. In 2017, Clark was previously convicted in federal court for being an unlawful user of methamphetamine in possession of a firearm and received a sentence of 33 months incarceration. As a result of his felony convictions, Clark is prohibited by federal law from possessing ammunition and firearms.
On June 2, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, sentenced Clark to 92 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. Because Clark was on supervised released at the time he committed this offense, Judge Lipman also sentenced him to an additional
15-months incarceration to be served consecutive to the
92 months. There is no parole in the federal system.This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Regina Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
Company, owners admit bringing more than 100 unauthorized migrant workers to MissouriRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A father and son from Florida and their labor contracting company have pleaded guilty to federal charges and admitted bringing more than 100 unauthorized migrant workers to Missouri in 2018.
Jorge Marin-Gomez, 37, and his father, Jorge Marin-Perez, 67, each pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful employment of aliens. The Marin J. Corporation pleaded guilty April 28 to a felony wire fraud charge.
Marin-Gomez owned the Marin J. Corporation and was in charge of applying for visas for workers from Mexico. Marin-Perez was involved in the oversight and final decision making of the application process.
Marin J. Corp., with the direct knowledge and approval of Marin-Perez and Marin-Gomez, applied for H2A visas stating that the workers would be employed in Florida harvesting watermelons and blueberries, but relocated many of the workers to a farm in Kennett, in southeast Missouri, in violation of the terms outlined on the visa applications. The workers harvested watermelons and cotton there.
Marin-Perez and Marin-Gomez knew that the location of the work was pertinent to approval of the applications, the plea agreements say. They admitted engaging in a “pattern and practice” of using immigrant workers in unauthorized locations from Nov. 17, 2017 through Oct. 20, 2018 and of illegally hiring approximately 104 workers.
The corporation is scheduled to be sentenced August 2 and the individuals September 7.
In a settlement agreement with the Labor Department signed in February, the company agreed to pay $165,805 in back wages to 85 workers once housed in a former county jail in Missouri. The company also agreed to pay a penalty of $75,000 for failing to provide meals, pay the required wage rate and for charging workers to obtain employment.
“Marin J. Corporation and its owners misused the H-2A visa program in order to enrich themselves at the expense of foreign workers and other American employers,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to vigorously pursue those who commit fraud involving foreign labor certification programs.”
“These agricultural workers, who were likely looking to simply better their lives through hard work and an honest wage, were instead met with deceit from their employers,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Sean Fitzgerald. “I commend the agents and officers whose hard work brought these guilty pleas to fruition.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector general and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case.
Commercial Flooring Contractor and Its Former President Plead Guilty to Antitrust ChargesRead the Press Release
Commercial Carpet Consultants Inc., a Chicago-based commercial flooring contractor, and its former president, Jerry P. Watson, have been charged for a long-running conspiracy to rig bids and fix prices for commercial flooring products and services.
Commercial Carpet Consultants Inc. pleaded guilty to a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and agreed to pay a $1.2 million criminal fine. It is the fourth corporation charged in the ongoing investigation. Jerry P. Watson also pleaded guilty and is the sixth individual to plead guilty in the investigation.
“The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners are committed to safeguarding competition in the American marketplace,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “These latest guilty pleas in the government’s investigation demonstrate our commitment to prosecuting anticompetitive conduct and holding companies and executives accountable.”
“There is no place for illegal price-fixing in the American marketplace,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Division. “Anyone looking to profit by market manipulation should know that we won’t stop investigating unlawful collusion until justice is done.”
According to the one-count felony charge and plea agreements filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Illinois, from at least as early as 2009 until at least June 22, 2017, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition in the commercial flooring market by agreeing with other companies and individuals to submit complementary bids so that the designated company would win the contract.
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of a $100 million criminal fine for corporations. For individuals, violations of the Sherman Act carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges are the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging, price fixing and other anticompetitive conduct in the commercial flooring industry, conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the FBI’s Chicago Field Division.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Columbus man convicted for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Sergio Ruiz, 57, of Columbus, New Mexico, on June 8. The jury convicted Ruiz on one count each of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and importation of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine into the United States. Ruiz will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Ruiz on March 23. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 28, 2021, Ruiz attempted to cross into the United States at the Columbus Port of Entry, coming from Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ruiz, a regular crosser at Columbus, was carrying a large amount of cinder blocks and two 55-gallon drums, and was directed to the secondary inspection area. A scan revealed an anomaly in the spare tire, prompting inspection by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine unit that resulted in a positive alert.
CBP officers removed and inspected the spare tire. Inside the tire, inspectors found five packages containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the five packages was 20.8 kilograms (45.76 pounds).
Ruiz faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CBP investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Randy M. Castellano are prosecuting the case.
# # #
Cleveland Man Convicted of Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
Wydell S. Dixon, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio, was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, of being a felon in possession of a firearm during an arrest on July 22, 2020, on Fullerton Avenue in Cleveland.
According to court documents, while on patrol for drug trafficking activity, members of the Cleveland Police Department’s Gang Impact Unit observed an individual standing near a car holding a bag of marijuana. As authorities went to investigate what they had just witnessed, the individual fled the scene on foot.
While in pursuit of the man, they observed another individual, later identified as Dixon, discard an object and raise his hands in the air. Officers then searched the area and found a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine that Dixon had discarded.
Dixon is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of aggravated robbery with a firearm, felonious assault, having weapons under disability, carrying concealed weapons and drug trafficking offenses, all in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
A sentencing date has not yet been set. Dixon faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cleveland Division of Police, Gang Impact Unit investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryson N. Gillard and Yasmine T. Makridis.
Cell Phone Threats to Kill His Family with an Ar-15 Results in a 16-Month Prison Sentence for Former Cushing ManRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, BARRY CHRISTOPHER HUTTON, 51, formerly of Cushing, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 16 months in federal prison for illegal interstate transmission of threatening communications, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Public records reflect that, on June 14, 2021, Hutton made multiple calls from out of state by cell phone to his estranged wife, her employer, her daughter, and the Cushing Police Department threatening to get an AR-15 and kill her, her family, and himself. Hutton sent a screenshot of a flight itinerary showing a flight landing in Tulsa that day. Hutton was arrested on June 24, 2021, in Idaho.
On July 6, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment that alleged Hutton violated federal law with the interstate transmission of threatening communications and interstate stalking. Federal law prohibits a person from transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person as well as to travel in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate another person. On January 27, 2022, Hutton plead guilty to count one of the Indictment.
On June 9, 2022, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Hutton to serve 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release when his prison term ends. In support of this sentence, Judge Wyrick cited the seriousness of making threats to get an AR-15 and kill people and the dangerousness of domestic violence. Hutton has remained in custody since his arrest on June 24, 2021.
This case is the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cushing Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of the national Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Canadian Citizen Sentenced to 46 Months for Pump and Dump Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U. S. Attorney Aaron P. Arnzen (619) 546-8384
SAN DIEGO – Andrew Hackett, from Toronto Canada, was sentenced to 46 months in prison today for participating in a pump and dump securities fraud scheme involving the stock of a small, publicly-traded cannabis/gaming company.
In August 2021, the jury found Hackett guilty of securities fraud and conspiracy. According to evidence presented at trial, Hackett and his co-conspirators manipulated the market for Arias Intel Corp stock. Hackett, who led the scheme, made consistent efforts to artificially inflate the price of Arias Intel’s stock by controlling the majority of the company’s free-trading shares through concealed offshore and other nominee accounts, coordinating the company’s press releases with the issuance of penny stock newsletters, and using high-pressure call rooms targeting innocent investors. Hackett and his co-conspirators also engaged in manipulative trading to create the appearance that Arias Intel stock traded at higher prices and with greater volume than was actually the case.
In handing down the sentence, U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson noted that Hackett played a central role in organizing the conspirators’ pump and dump efforts. The Court also scheduled a hearing on August 12, 2022 to determine the amount of restitution Hackett should pay to victims of his crime.
“The U.S. securities markets should operate on a level playing field,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “We will continue to hold those who would illegally manipulate the markets, and try to tip the scales unfairly in their favor, to account.”
“The FBI is committed to preserving the integrity of our financial markets and utilizing all available investigative techniques to root out those who attempt to manipulate it through fraudulent means,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The FBI is proud to work with our partners at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. - Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, to hold Mr. Hackett and his co-conspirators accountable for their criminal actions.”
Three other defendants were charged alongside Hackett and who pleaded guilty - including Kuldeep Sidhu of Vancouver, British Columbia; Annetta Budhu of New York, New York; and Kevin Gillespie of Tampa, Florida - were previously sentenced.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18cr3072-TWR
Andrew Hackett Age: 33 Toronto, Canada
Kuldeep Sidhu Age: 51 British Columbia, Canada
Annetta Budhu Age: 57 New York, NY
Kevin Gillespie Age: 53 Tampa, Florida
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Securities Fraud – Title 15 U.S.C., Sections 78j(b), 78ff; and 17 C.F.R., Section 240.10b-5
AGENCY
FBI (lead agency)
Securities and Exchange Commission
Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
California Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Laundering $5.1 MillionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sinval De Oliveira, 49, Torrance, California was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy. De Oliveira pleaded guilty to the offense on March 4, 2022. Money laundering is a crime that involves using financial transactions that are designed to conceal the true source, location, or ownership of proceeds derived from other crimes.
In November and December 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, together with local law enforcement, investigated a series of thefts by fraud involving individuals who used false pretenses to convince employees of businesses to collect and deliver the businesses’ cash-on-hand to individuals who were supposedly legitimate money couriers. Businesses large and small were targeted in the scheme and the loss to date is approximately $300,000.
On December 2, 2020, De Oliveira flew to Milwaukee where he picked up $242,980 in fraud proceeds from co-defendants Moises Amezcua-Cardenas and Mario Amezcua-Cardenas. After he picked up the money, De Oliveira used a series of smaller ATM transactions at various Milwaukee area banks to deposit the cash into a funnel bank account. He used ATM transactions to avoid having to go into a bank and show identification. The bank account where De Oliveira deposited the money was held in the name of a Florida business but had no legitimate business purpose other than to collect cash from illicit activities. Once deposited, the fraud proceeds from Wisconsin were transferred to another funnel bank account and then eventually sent overseas. De Oliveira received a commission for the money he laundered.
Judge Conley found that the Wisconsin financial transactions were part of a much larger pattern of nation-wide money laundering activity undertaken by De Oliveira, concluding that the defendant laundered more than $5.1 million in illicit proceeds from various unlawful activities in just the five months surrounding the Wisconsin transactions. Judge Conley also found that De Oliveira knew he was conducting financial transactions using proceeds from criminal activities. Judge Conley took into consideration many factors in arriving at an appropriate sentence, including the fact that De Oliveira was already on probation for another criminal offense in California at the time of this offense, that his conduct was more serious than his co-defendants, and that he would likely be deported back to his home country of Brazil following his imprisonment.
Co-defendant Mario Amezcua-Cardenas was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on May 18, 2022, and co-defendant Moises Amezcua-Cardenas is scheduled for sentencing on June 17, 2022. Mario Amezcua-Cardenas and Moises Amezcua-Cardenas are brothers.
The charges against the defendants were the result of investigations conducted by U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Merrill Police Department, Wausau Police Department, Everest Police Department, West Allis Police Department, Stevens Point Police Department, and Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, with special assistance from the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin prosecuted this case.
Burlington County Businessman Admits Defrauding over 75 Victims of More Than $2.7 Million in Scheme to Sell Pesticides He Claimed Would Kill CoronavirusRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man today admitted selling $2.7 million worth of pesticides he claimed were registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as being effective against coronavirus, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, announced.
Paul Andrecola, 63, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of knowingly distributing or selling an unregistered pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), one count of wire fraud, and one count of presenting false claims to the United States.
“Paul Andrecola’s scheme profited on the fears of the American people during the height of concerns about transmission of COVID-19,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “Our office is dedicated to protecting public health and prosecuting to the full extent of the law those who commit such egregious criminal acts.”
“Andrecola not only cheated dozens of people out of millions of dollars, but also endangered the health of those who relied on his fraudulent virucidal products,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting such crimes to the fullest extent possible.”
“This announcement represents the largest pandemic fraud case related to the sale of unregistered pesticides charged nationwide,” Special Agent in Charge Tyler Amon of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New Jersey said. “This case underscores EPA’s commitment with our law enforcement partners to hold violators accountable when they undercut the level playing field used by law abiding companies to ensure the integrity and safety of their products.”
"The EPA Office of Inspector General is pleased to have contributed to this investigation by focusing on falsified records purporting to have been produced by the EPA," Special Agent in Charge Nic Evans of EPA's Office of Inspector General said.
According to documents filed in this case, and statements made in court:
FIFRA regulates the distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to ensure that pesticides sold in the United States are safe, effective, and bear labeling containing true and accurate information. The EPA is responsible for regulating the manufacture, labeling, and distribution of all pesticides shipped or received in interstate commerce.
Under FIFRA, all pesticides must be registered with the EPA before the pesticide can be sold or distributed, and no person may distribute or sell a pesticide that has not been registered with the EPA. Before pesticide products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen, such as SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus), the claim must be authorized by EPA based on a review of data. In March 2020, at the beginning of the global pandemic, the EPA created a list of EPA-registered products that it deemed to be effective against coronavirus, titled “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.” The EPA has continued to update this list since its creation.
Andrecola, who controls two companies and is employed by a third company, all based in in Mount Laurel, manufactured various disinfectant products, including liquids and wipes, under the brand name “GCLEAN.” GCLEAN products were unregistered pesticides under FIFRA and none of the products were on EPA’s List N. Andrecola placed another company’s EPA registration numbers on his company’s products and falsely marketed that his products were EPA-approved to kill coronavirus by creating numerous false documents to support his claims. Andrecola, or others at his behest, would provide this falsified documentation to potential customers representing that various sanitizer and wipe products in the names GCLEAN or GC200 were EPA-registered products List N to persuade them to purchase the unregistered pesticide products.
From March 2020 through May 2021, Andrecola used these fraudulent representations to make more than 150 sales of unregistered pesticides for a profit of more than $2.7 million. The purchasers of these unregistered pesticides included a police department in Delaware, a fire department in Virginia, a medical clinic in Georgia, a janitorial supply company in New York, a school district in Wisconsin, and numerous U.S. Government agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Moody Air Force Base, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Forest Service.
The count of illegal sale of an unregistered pesticide carries a statutory maximum prison sentence of one year, and a fine of up to $25,000. The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and the count of false claims against the United States is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. Both the charges of wire fraud and false claims against the United States are each also subject to fines of $250,000, twice the gross profits to Andrecola, or twice the gross loss suffered by the victims, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2022.
As part of the plea agreement, Andrecola agreed to forfeit $2.74 million – the proceeds from the sale of the illegal product, and to make full restitution for all losses resulting from his commission of the charged crimes.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amon with the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanks the U.S. EPA Office of the Inspector General Eastern Region under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Nicolas Evans; Homeland Security Investigations Newark Field Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick Hegarty; Naval Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Wiest; and the Mount Laurel Police Department under the direction of Chief Stephen Riedener, for their assistance in this investigation.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason P. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys Adam C. Cullman and Matthew D. Evans of the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bronx Man Charged with 2018 Murder During Which He Shot the Victim’s Five-Year-Old SonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” was charged with the October 23, 2018 murder of Jaquan Millien in connection with a drug trafficking crime. As alleged, RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Millien in the Webster Houses apartments in the Bronx, New York. During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son, who was with his father at the time. Thankfully, his son survived. RODRIGUEZ was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Rodriguez allegedly murdered Jaquan Millien with his five-year-old son at his side. His callous actions not only took Millien’s life, but also put Millien’s son’s life in jeopardy too when he shot him during the murder. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the family of Jaquan Millien and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “Allegedly murdering a man, and nearly murdering his five-year-old child, didn't solve the rivalry between Rodriguez and his victim. Now multiple lives are shattered, and Rodriguez faces life in federal prison for his alleged criminal actions. This type of senseless violence puts everyone in the community at risk, and it will not be tolerated.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Joshua Rodriguez, by his alleged actions, was willing to shoot and kill a rival drug trafficker and to do so without regard for the victim’s innocent five-year-old son, who was wounded by the gunfire. This kind of criminality, and the violence it breeds, remains a focus of the NYPD. We commend our detectives, our F.B.I. partners, and the federal prosecutors of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for working together to achieve a measure of justice with today’s arrest.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
On or about October 23, 2018, JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” shot and killed Jaquan Millien in the vicinity of the Webster Houses in the Bronx, New York. During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son. The murder was in connection with a marijuana trafficking rivalry between RODRIGUEZ and Millien.
* * *
RODRIGUEZ, 30, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Mathew Andrews is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Boise Man Sentenced to over 19 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Judd Evans Ballard, 47, of Boise was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye.
According to court records, the investigation began after Yahoo reported that child pornography had been uploaded to two Yahoo accounts. The report was assigned to the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Task Force for investigation. ICAC determined that the accounts belonged to Evans. ICAC obtained search warrants for the accounts and located several files of child pornography.
A federal magistrate judge subsequently issued a search warrant for Ballard’s residence in Boise. During the execution of the search warrant, ICAC located a cellphone belonging to Ballard. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed over 1,000 images and videos of child pornography. ICAC also located evidence that Ballard had used a social media application to trade child pornography files with another individual. Ballard has previous sexual offense convictions.
Chief Judge Nye also ordered Ballard to serve a lifetime term of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $9,000 in restitution to victims in the images he possessed. Judge Nye also ordered Ballard to forfeit the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. As a result of the conviction, Ballard will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, and Idaho Department of Corrections Probation and Parole which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal 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.
###
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Discharging a Firearm Resulting in Death in a Murder-For-HireRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Daquante Thomas, a/k/a “Glock,” age 20, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department; and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson.
According to the plea agreement, on October 4, 2020, Howard County Police responded to a shooting in the area of Basket Ring Road in Columbia. Victim Juan Ross was found shot and killed at the scene, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Investigation identified Daquante Thomas as one of the shooters.
As detailed in the plea agreement, a co-conspirator accused Juan Ross, age 23, of Columbia, Maryland, of cooperating with law enforcement, including on a live social media conversation on September 9, 2020, and in text message. Juan Ross was arrested on drug and weapon charges on September 5, 2020, but was released on bail after being interviewed by police.
Thomas admitted that the co-conspirator solicited him and another person to kill Juan Ross and that he accepted payment from the co-conspirator to commit the murder. As detailed in the plea agreement, the defendant used interstate commerce facilities, specifically cellular telephones and a vehicle, in the commission of the murder-for-hire.
According to the plea agreement, on October 4, 2020, after text messaging each other about the address where they could find the victim, Thomas, and two co-conspirators drove to the area of Basket Ring Road in Columbia to locate Juan Ross, then drove to a drug store nearby. A short time later, Thomas and one of the co-conspirators returned to the area of Basket Ring Court, shot and killed Juan Ross and drove away together.
Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison for use and discharge of a firearm resulting in death. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the Howard County Police Department, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution and thanked the FBI, the Maryland State Police, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Oldham and Lindsey N. McCulley, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Armed Career Criminal Indicted for Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Jerome Miller, Jr. (38, Tampa) with possession of ammunition by an Armed Career Criminal. If convicted, Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. The indictment also notifies Miller that the United States intends to forfeit the ammunition traceable to the offense.
The indictment alleges that on February 8, 2022, in Tampa, Miller was in possession of ammunition. At the time of the incident, Miller had three previous convictions for delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the City of Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Albany Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Roderick Jones, age 42, of Albany, pled guilty today to two separate instances of unlawful possession of firearms.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department.
As part of his plea, Jones admitted that he possessed a loaded .380 caliber pistol in his vehicle when he was arrested on impaired driving charges on January 17, 2019, after crashing his vehicle into a building on Rensselaer Street in Albany. Jones further admitted that on September 29, 2019, he possessed a 9mm pistol that he discharged four times at two occupied residences in the Ida Yarbrough Homes in Albany. On both occasions, prior felony convictions for robbery prevented Jones from legally possessing firearms in New York.
Jones faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on October 13, 2022 by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and ATF with the assistance of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Segovia and Emmet O’Hanlon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
40 Alleged Meth Traffickers Charged in Operation Kullvid-20Read the Press Release
Fourteen alleged methamphetamine traffickers were arrested on Wednesday in Operation Kullvid-20, to announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Led by the DEA’s North Texas Strike Force, the investigation has netted a total of 40 federal defendants plus 2,708 kilograms of methamphetamine, 29 guns, and $742,000 cash to date, including 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6 guns, and $12,000 cash seized just yesterday. Over the course of the investigation, agents have also seized six vehicles, 30 kilograms of heroin, and 719 grams – or roughly 539,500 lethal doses – of fentanyl.
The defendants – the majority of whom were arrested in the Dallas area – will begin making their initial appearances on Friday. Five defendants remain at large.
“The North Texas Strike Force’s goal is simple: dismantle the most dangerous and violent criminal drug networks in North Texas that are responsible for poisoning our neighborhoods with methamphetamine and other illicit drugs,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “Through the combined efforts of our federal, state, and local partner agencies, we will not stop until individuals such as those arrested yesterday are held accountable to justice and to the victims and families of so many that have been destroyed because of their greed.”
According to court documents, the defendants conspired to smuggle powered methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. Distributors then oversaw the conversion of powder to crystal before selling the drugs to local customers.
Over the phone, defendants allegedly spoke in code to avoid detection by law enforcement, using the Spanish word “diente,” or “tooth” to refer to 10 packages of meth and the word “ventilador,” or “fan,” to refer to 20 packages. (Both terms sound similar the words, “diez” and “vente,” or “ten” and “twenty.”)
At one point, an unidentified coconspirator warned a top distributor to abandoned his residence because he believed law enforcement was monitoring the home.
“Get the [expletive] out of there, cousin! I tossed everything out. These dudes, the cops are following me, but I’m taking off, cousin,” the coconspirator said. “All right, all right,” the distributor replied.
Those charged in a 22-count superseding indictment filed in May and unsealed this week include:
- George Anthony Cervantes: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Fernando Mancha, Jr.: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Cynthia Sanchez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Myda Marivel Garcia: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Luis Enrique Esquivel-Madrigal: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Bruno Rafael Hernandez-Rios: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Fnu Lun, aka “Paniquedo:” conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Eric Perez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Enrique Cabrera Gomez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Porfirio Pineda: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Jose Eulalio Perez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Charles McEntye Zoffuto: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Raquel Desara Martinez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces’ (OCDETF) North Texas Strike Force conducted the investigation. Agencies that participated in Wednesday’s takedown include: the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, IRS – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Dallas Coppell, and Grand Prairie Police Departments. Homeland Security Investigations, the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corsicana, Mesquite, Balch Springs, and Wills Point Police Departments assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kull is prosecuting the case.
The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to attack and reduce the supply of illegal drugs entering the United States and to diminish violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. OCDETF works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle traffickers and trafficking networks.
8 June 2022
York County Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Matthew Jeremy Acevedo, age 31, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 235 months in prison, for drug trafficking and possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Acevedo pleaded guilty to trafficking over five kilograms of methamphetamines, trafficking fentanyl, and being in possession of firearms as a convicted felon. The drugs and firearms were seized during a June 17, 2021, search warrant at Acevedo’s York home. During the search, police arrested Acevedo and seized 17 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, firearms, and other drug trafficking materials. Acevedo was a previously convicted felon and prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the York County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and fentanyl 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.
This case is also 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.
# # #
Worcester Man Convicted of Hobbs Act ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury for his role in an attempted robbery of a Rockland-based glassware dealer.
Grace Katana, a/k/a “King Grace,” 31, was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 20, 2022. Katana was indicted in July 2019 with co-defendants Junior Melendez, Shaun Walker and Keith Johnson.
According to the charging documents, in March 2019, Katana conspired with Melendez, Walker and, allegedly, Johnson to rob a high-end glassware dealer in Rockland. Intercepted communications revealed Katana and his co-conspirators planned the robbery over the course of six days. On March 25, 2019, the men traveled over 60 miles from Worcester to Rockland in two vehicles to scope out the robbery target location prior to purchasing a two-foot iron crowbar, screwdriver and razor blades from a nearby hardware store. Agents actively monitoring the defendants subsequently converged and disrupted the attempted robbery. In addition to the items purchased in Rockland, a loaded .380 firearm was seized from one of the vehicles.
Melendez and Walker previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 28, 2022, and Oct. 13, 2022, respectively. Johnson has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
The charge of Hobbs Act conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Rockland Police Chief John R. Llewellyn made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and Kristen M. Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Woods Cross Man Charged with Torturing Animals and Distributing Videos OnlineRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Samuel J. Webster, 18, of Woods Cross, was charged by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City with 23 felony counts related to the alleged torture of four guinea pigs obtained from pet supply stores across the Wasatch Front. Webster was charged with 18 felony counts of distributing animal crush videos on YouTube, one felony count of creating an animal crush video, and four felony counts of animal crushing.
The term “animal crush video” as defined under federal law, makes it illegal to depict, via photograph, motion-picture film, video, digital recording or electronic image, actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury, and is obscene.
According to allegations in the Indictment, Webster obtained the four guinea pigs from pet supply stores in Farmington, Salt Lake City, and West Jordan, in October of 2021. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Webster posted 23 videos of himself torturing the guinea pigs and posted the videos to multiple YouTube accounts. It is alleged that Webster posted the videos with graphic titles including “Guinea Pig Torture” and “Torture is Fun.” After posting the videos on YouTube, Webster allegedly posted comments to his own videos reinforcing his desires about killing and torturing guinea pigs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. FBI Special Agents are conducting the investigation.
An Indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
West Virginia Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Travelling to PA to Have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Moundsville, West Virginia, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jason W. Lynn, age 44.
According to information presented to the court, from April 4, 2019, until May 3, 2019, Lynn communicated online and through text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer who Lynn believed to be a real minor. In the beginning of May 2019, Lynn made arrangements with the purported minor to meet at a hotel in Pittsburgh for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct. Lynn was arrested on May 3, 2019 by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation after Lynn traveled from West Virginia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to meet the purported minor.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the FBI for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lynn.
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.
Violent recidivist sentenced to 10 years in prison for using a stolen identity to buy gunsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Dawuan Na’jee Williams, a multi-convicted felon, has been sentenced to federal prison for using another person’s name and date of birth to purchase more than two dozen firearms, some of which were later used in a shooting and other crimes.
“Because he’s a felon several times over, Williams could not lawfully possess or purchase firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He then skirted federal law by utilizing stolen identification information to purchase firearms and will spend the next decade in federal prison.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Special Agent in Charge, Jeffrey L. Matthews, of the Newark Field Division said, “This is a reminder that all would-be firearms traffickers and those that contribute to violent crime in our communities are on our radar and there is no safe haven. ATF is deliberate and calculated in our approach to stem violent gun crimes from devastating our neighborhoods, while exploiting investigative leads derived from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), connecting crime guns to crime scenes, and leveraging our expertise to support investigations across multiple jurisdictions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Williams purchased more than two dozen firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines from federally licensed firearms dealers in North Georgia and the Atlanta metro area between May 2020 and June 2021. Some of these guns were used in crimes just days after Williams obtained them.
For example, in May 2021, police officers in Newark, New Jersey, recovered a loaded semiautomatic pistol from a crime scene just eight days after Williams bought that firearm. In early July 2021, police officers in Tallahassee, Fla. responded to the location of a shooting and recovered a pistol that Williams purchased approximately four weeks earlier. In late July 2021, ATF agents seized several guns from Williams’s residence. Those guns included a pistol Williams purchased two months before ATF recovered it. NIBIN analysis linked that pistol to a shell casing recovered from the scene of the Tallahassee shooting. In connection with that incident, authorities in Florida charged Williams with various offenses, including attempted murder and aggravated assault. Those charges remain pending.
During the entirety of his buying spree, Williams was strictly prohibited from purchasing firearms because he had been convicted previously of numerous felonies, including home invasion robbery, robbery, terroristic threats, kidnapping, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification information. During each sale, Williams used identification information belonging to a victim who was unaware of Williams’s identity theft.
Dawuan Na’jee Williams, 40, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to ten years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty on February 9, 2022, to one count of presenting false identification to a federally licensed firearms dealer.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Firearms Trafficking Coordinator for the Northern District of Georgia, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
United States Sues the Town/Village of Harrison, New York and Its Fire Department for Discrimination and Sexual HarassmentRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed a lawsuit against the TOWN/VILLAGE OF HARRISON (“HARRISON”), the FIRE DISTRICT TWO OF HARRISON, and the HARRISON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT NO. 1 OF HARRISON, N.Y. d/b/a HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT (“HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT”), alleging discrimination on the basis of sex and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT are alleged to have unlawfully discriminated against a female firefighter by creating a hostile work environment and terminating her employment after she reported that a male senior firefighter had harassed and stalked her.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Sexual harassment in the workplace is abhorrent. All employers, including government agencies, must ensure that sexual harassment is prohibited—not ignored or followed by illegal employment actions against victims, as we allege occurred at the Town of Harrison. This suit seeks to remedy the civil rights violations committed by the Harrison Fire Department and the Town of Harrison, and ensure that Harrison protects its employees’ rights in the future.”
As alleged in the complaint filed in the White Plains federal court:
In 2015, Angela Bommarito (“Bommarito”) joined the HARRISON Fire Department. In her first month on the job, a senior firefighter, Henry Mohr (“Mohr”), pressured Bommarito with unwanted sexual advances. Mohr later also harassed and stalked Bommarito, including by repeatedly following her and calling her on numerous occasions. Further, Mohr used sexually demeaning expletives to describe Bommarito in front of other firefighters. HARRISON and HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT leaders learned of Mohr’s harassment, including through reports by Bommarito. After those officials failed to take any employment action against Mohr and the harassment persisted, Bommarito filed a report with HARRISON’s Police Department. In response, HARRISON’s then-Police Chief told Mohr, in a recorded interaction, that Bommarito’s presence at the firehouse was a “temptation,” which was “hard to resist sometimes,” and that the Police Chief “want[ed] to broker a deal with the Town to make sure this whole thing dies” so that he could get Mohr “out of this situation.” Bommarito subsequently signed a resignation letter prepared by the Police Chief after he threatened to arrest her and report her other relationships to HARRISON’s Fire Commissioners. Soon after, Bommarito attempted to withdraw the resignation, but the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT proceeded with the termination of her employment.
Following Bommarito’s departure from the Harrison Fire Department, Mohr continued to harass and stalk her. Mohr was eventually arrested for his harassment of Bommarito and pled guilty to harassment in the second degree. A family court judge also entered an order of protection against Mohr.
Title VII authorizes the Department of Justice to commence an action in the United States District Court against HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT to remedy discrimination on the basis of sex and retaliation in violation of Title VII. The United States’ complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as compensatory damages on behalf of Bommarito.
* * *
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles S. Jacob and Natasha W. Teleanu are in charge of the case.
Tylertown Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – A Tylertown man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to court documents, Jahadd Allen, 24, was arrested on October 18, 2020, after McComb, Police officers responded to a complaint of individuals violating the city noise ordinance. Upon arrival, an officer observed Allen jumping on another person’s car, with a handgun protruding from his pocket. Allen refused to obey the officer’s instruction to get off the car and was taken into custody. A Taurus handgun was removed from Allen’s pocket. Allen was convicted of armed robbery in 2018 and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Allen was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty on January 18, 2022.
The McComb Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
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 works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Two Minneapolis Men Charged in a Violent Carjacking Conspiracy Targeting Uber and Lyft DriversRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two Minneapolis men have been charged in a 20-count indictment for their roles in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“Last month, along with federal and local law enforcement partners, I announced a new strategy to address the rising violent crime in our communities. Today’s indictment represents an important step forward in that strategy. As alleged, these two defendants led a carjacking ring that engaged in a series of violent, premeditated acts against Uber and Lyft drivers,” said U.S. Attorney Luger.
According to court documents, between September and October 2021, Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, 18, and William Charles Saffold, 20, along with others, engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, targeting Uber and Lyft drivers. As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy lured victim-drivers to particular locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the victim-drivers arrived, members of the conspiracy brandished firearms and demanded the cell phones and wallets of the victim-drivers. Members of the conspiracy forced the victim-drivers at gunpoint to unlock their cell phones and provide passcodes. The conspiracy members then transferred money, via Cash App or other applications, from the accounts of the victim-drivers to the accounts of members of the conspiracy. Members of the conspiracy then carjacked the victim-drivers at gunpoint. To intimidate and force compliance, members of the conspiracy struck, pistol whipped, and threatened to kill the victim-drivers.
Childs-Young and Saffold are charged with conspiracy, brandishing firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, aiding and abetting carjacking, and aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act).
Saffold made his initial appearances earlier today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John Docherty. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. Childs-Young is in state custody and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court at a later date.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minneapolis Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Federal Inmates Charged with Possessing Weapons and Drugs in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two federal inmates were indicted separately yesterday by a federal grand jury for possessing contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, two Federal Correctional Institution, Allenwood (FCI Allenwood) inmates were indicted for:
- Jeffery Wood, age 26, possession of a sharpened plastic shank on April 19, 2020; and
- Jeffrey Lamarche, age 43, possession of a sharpened metal shank, and several strips of paper soaked in a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid on May 18, 2020.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel are prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, Wood and Lamarche face a maximum of five years of incarceration and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #
Two Federal Inmates Charged with Possessing Phones in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two federal inmates were charged separately by criminal informations yesterday for possessing contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, two federal inmates were charged with possessing phones in prison:
- Christopher Edwards, age 51, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, possessed an iPhone on October 22, 2021;
- Angel Anchondo, age 20, an inmate at the Low Security Correctional Institution, Allenwood, possessed an LG cellphone on December 15, 2021.
Federal law prohibits inmates from possessing cellphones to ensure institutional security.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel are prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, Edwards and Anchondo face a maximum of one year of incarceration and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal indictments and informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #
Troy City Council Member Pleads Guilty to Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kimberly McPherson, age 61, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to identity theft in connection with her casting of absentee ballots in two other people’s names in elections held in 2021.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
McPherson successfully ran for re-election to the Troy City Council in 2021, first in the primary and then in the general election. In pleading guilty to the unlawful possession and use of a means of identification of another person, she admitted that in the primary election, she unlawfully cast an absentee ballot in the name of another person, and that in the general election, she unlawfully cast absentee ballots in the names of two people other than herself.
As part of her plea agreement, McPherson has agreed to resign from the Troy City Council.
McPherson faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 3 years, when she is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Tenderloin Drug Dealer Sentenced to 46 Months for Fentanyl SalesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Emil Arriola Melendez was sentenced in federal court today to 46 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon. Senior United States District Judge Maxine M. Chesney handed down the sentence.
Melendez, 33, of South San Francisco, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2022, to distributing fentanyl. In his plea agreement, Melendez admitted that in September and November 2021 he exchanged numerous text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a drug buyer. Melendez arranged through the messages to sell fentanyl and heroin to the undercover officer. On September 22, 2021, near Geary and Hyde Streets in San Francisco’s Tenderloin area, Melendez met and sold the undercover officer 110 grams of fentanyl for $3,000. Melendez further admitted that on October 27, 2021, he again met with the undercover officer near Geary and Hyde Streets and sold the officer 227 grams (approximately eight ounces) of fentanyl and 56 grams (approximately two ounces) of heroin. Melendez charged the officer $7,800.
In its sentencing memo, the government described that the investigation of Melendez began when three individuals in Trinity County in the rural north of California (population: 12,541) died from fentanyl overdoses in a single weekend in August 2021. The dealer who sold fentanyl to the decedents before their overdoses was arrested. That dealer identified Melendez as a source of fentanyl supply and said that he would drive to meet and buy fentanyl from Melendez in the San Francisco Bay Area and then return with the fentanyl to Trinity and Shasta Counties. This information led to the undercover officer being introduced to Melendez and Melendez’s sales to the officer.
During the search of Melendez’s home at the time of his arrest, law enforcement located a privately made firearm (a PMF, or “ghost gun”). As part of the sentence, the firearm was forfeited.
In addition to the 46 month federal prison term, Senior U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney ordered Melendez to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison. Melendez was in custody at his sentencing hearing and begins serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tartakovsky prosecuted the case with the assistance of Mark DiCenzo. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, the Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force, and the North State Major Investigation Team.
Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opioid that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of Oxycodone and can typically be obtained at a lower cost than genuine Oxycodone. Counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills are commonly shaped and colored to resemble Oxycodone pills sold legitimately in the marketplace. Counterfeit pills known as M30s are round tablets that are often light blue, but can vary in color, and have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl can have significant effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills, drastically raising the danger of overdoses. Fentanyl recently became the leading cause of drug overdose deaths throughout the United States.
Taylorsville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Taylorsville man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to court documents, in April of 2020, DEA agents intercepted communications among Harold Keyes, Jr., 29, and his co-defendants conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Specifically, on April 24, 2020, agents intercepted methamphetamine related communications occurring in and around a residence in Hattiesburg. Keyes was stopped by Hattiesburg Police Department for a traffic violation and officers discovered over a kilogram of methamphetamine wrapped in 3 bundles hidden in the front of Keyes’s pants.
In addition to the prison sentence, Keyes was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Don’t Tell on Me Bro,” which began as an operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area. “Don’t Tell on Me Bro” is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hattiesburg Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s, and Columbia Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.