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Tuesday 19 April 2022
Gang Member Sentenced to 15+ Years for Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
A Dallas gang member who sold multiple firearms to an undercover ATF agent was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Vinson Lee Willis, Jr., aka “Man Man,” pleaded guilty in September 2021 to three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced Tuesday to 188 months in federal prison.
In plea papers, Mr. Willis, a convicted felon, admitted to unlawful possession of at least 17 firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number.
According to court documents, an undercover agent made contact with Mr. Willis through a drug dealer and fugitive, Derek Orban, who told a confidential informant that Mr. Willis sold firearms.
On Aug. 8, 2019, the agent accompanied the drug dealer and the confidential informant to a residence on Life Avenue, where the undercover purchased three firearms from Mr. Willis. Over the next two weeks, the agent purchased eight additional firearms from Mr. Willis.
During a transaction on Aug. 13, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter conducting aerial surveillance recorded Mr. Willis retrieving an assault rifle from a vehicle parked on Life Avenue, then delivering it to the undercover agent and confidential informant.
At Mr. Willis’ sentencing hearing, an agent testified that one of the firearms Mr. Willis sold the undercover was submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and determined to have been the murder weapon used in a homicide that occurred only months earlier.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Irving Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abe McGlothin and Cara Pierce (fmr.) prosecuted the case.
Four more defendants charged in COVID-19 fraud schemesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Four people have been charged with participating in COVID-19 relief fraud schemes, and three of them have already pled guilty.
The defendants all are charged via Informations as the result of ongoing investigations into misuse of the U.S. government’s COVID-19 financial relief programs, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty pleas subject the defendants to statutory sentences of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial amounts of restitution and fines, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Congress approved significant funding to assist small businesses during the early shutdowns and financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “With our law enforcement partners, we will identify and hold accountable those who misuse this funding to satisfy their own greed at the expense of taxpayers.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide and/or guarantee loans to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic’s financial challenges. Three defendants admitted exploiting these programs for their own financial gain, while a fourth awaits further court proceedings. All of the defendants admitted or are accused of seeking relief payments through false and fraudulent representations regarding their businesses, real or fictitious, in order to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and/or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
The defendants include:
- Shakeena Hamilton, 34, of McRae, Ga., awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit an Offense Against the U.S. Government. In pleading guilty to the COVID-19 fraud charge, Hamilton admitted helping others to fraudulently apply for PPP relief, with her actions responsible for the government disbursing more than $2.3 million to banks for other conspirators. Hamilton, who received kickbacks from the co-conspirators in return for her assistance, gained more than $300,000 from the scheme.
- Anissa Carr, 22, of Hinesville, Ga., and her husband, Montrez Burns, 24, also of Hinesville, each await sentencing after pleading guilty to Wire Fraud. Each defendant admitted fraudulently seeking and securing tens of thousands of dollars in PPP funding for fictitious businesses.
- Anatoly Rybin, 41, of Richmond Hill, Ga., has been charged via Information with False Statement on a Loan Application in relation to an application to the SBA for an EIDL loan for which received $110,300. He awaits further court proceedings.
Criminal Informations contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“The Office of Inspector General stands beside the nation’s small businesses by securing and safeguarding SBA programs that support and uplift them through difficult times,” said SBA OIG’s Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“As a partner with the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, we will not allow individuals to prey on the CARES Act programs created to assist American citizens during this national emergency,” said Resident Agent-in-Charge Todd Outlaw of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division's Major Procurement Atlanta Fraud Resident Agency. “These guilty pleas are a testament of our dedication and partnership with other federal agencies to ensure critical benefit programs are protected.”
“The U.S. Secret Service along with our Law Enforcement partners remain committed in the fight to defend the Nation’s financial security, and we stand ready to protect our economic infrastructure from those that choose to feloniously exploit it,” said Craig Reno, Resident Agent in Charge of the Savannah Resident Office. “The Secret Service and our law enforcement partners will investigate and criminally prosecute such fraud to the fullest extent of the law.”
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The cases are being investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Secret Service, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Former Tri-State Airport Official Pleads Guilty to Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio woman pleaded guilty today to theft of federal funds after embezzling nearly $49,500 from the Huntington Tri-State Airport while employed as its finance director.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Melissa Sue Hall, 46, of South Point, Ohio, was the airport’s finance director from September 2017 until January 8, 2021. As finance director, Hall was responsible for accounting, depositing and withdrawing funds from multiple revenue sources including ATMs and vending machines. Hall admitted that between May 2020 and January 8, 2021, she stopped depositing the full amounts she collected from these machines into the airport’s bank accounts and also took money from those accounts intended for deposit in the ATMs. During this time period, Tri-State Airport received at least $10,000 per year in federal funding, which was deposited in its bank accounts. Hall admitted to diverting nearly $49,500.
Hall pleaded guilty to theft from programs receiving federal funds. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Hall also agreed to pay restitution in the case.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Huntington Tri-State Airport Police and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for conducting the investigation.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-54.
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Former Small Business Administration Employee Imprisoned for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Jay David Soulliere, Jr., 28, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by the Honorable Paul L. Maloney, United States District Judge. In October, Soulliere pled guilty to conspiracy to commit identity theft and aggravated identity theft. Soulliere was also sentenced to three years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered to pay more than $18,000 in restitution. In handing down the sentence, the Court found that Soulliere abused a position of trust and had not accepted responsibility, among other findings.
According to public records filed in the case, Soulliere was a Disaster Recovery Specialist for the Small Business Administration from September 2020 until March 2021. His job responsibilities included assisting people applying for disaster-related loans. In the fall of 2020, Soulliere stole from SBA’s computer system the personal information of two victims who had applied for loans. Soulliere gave that information to a co-conspirator, Matthew Moore Vodak, Jr., who used it to commit various acts of identity theft, including buying a Land Rover with a fraudulent check and driver’s license, taking over a credit card, applying for loans and credit, and producing fake identification documents. Soulliere also listed one of the victims as a member of his household in a bid to obtain state benefits. During the offense and the prosecution, Soulliere repeatedly used methamphetamine and he absconded from a halfway house. When he was arrested by federal agents, he had another person’s identification document in his possession and lied to agents about his identity.
Vodak was earlier sentenced to 39 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and more than $18,000 in restitution for his role in the scheme.
“Government employees are routinely entrusted with the public’s personal information, and they owe a duty of care to protect that information,” said U.S. Attorney Birge. “This defendant thought his government job gave him permission to steal the identities of people already suffering the economic consequences of a pandemic. We take insider threats seriously and will hold public servants accountable for abusing the public’s trust.”
“Criminals who use their position within the government for financial gain not only threaten the stability of government agencies but undermine our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge James A. Tarasca of the FBI in Michigan. “This case is another example of the FBI’s partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat serious financial frauds. I would like to thank the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General, Michigan State Police, and the Plymouth Township, Troy, and New York City Police Departments for their collaboration during this investigation.”
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Troy Police Department, the Plymouth Township Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin M. Presant handled the prosecution.
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Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Child Enticement ChargeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Brandon Charles Saffeels, 37, a former Maui Police Department officer, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court to attempted child enticement. U.S. District Court Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi took Saffeels’ guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2022.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, on December 3, 2021, Saffeels contacted the online profile of what appeared to be a young female. The profile, however, was controlled by an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC”). Eventually during the conversation, Saffeels asked the UC, “How old are u?” and the UC responded “Plz dont judge but im 13.” Later in the conversation, the UC asked Saffeels, “U okay wit my age?” Saffeels replied, “Age is just a number.”
To entice the UC, Saffeels offered to take the UC shopping and repeatedly offered to give her money. At one point, the UC asked him what she needed to do for the money and Saffeels responded, “Sex.” Saffeels also repeatedly implored the UC to send him “sexy” pictures and specifically requested “a sexy nude” picture. For his part, Saffeels sent the UC a picture of himself in which a portion of his genitals was visible.
On December 4, 2021, Saffeels contacted the UC and requested that they meet for sex at a designated location. Shortly after midnight the following day, Saffeels arrived at the agreed-upon meeting location where he was arrested by law enforcement.
Saffeels was due to self-surrender to the federal Bureau of Prisons on January 7, 2022, to begin service of a 30-month sentence Judge Kobayashi imposed for a federal public corruption offense.
The charge of attempted enticement of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Saffeels will also have to register as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
“This defendant violated the trust of the court, which had allowed him to remain out of custody prior to serving time for his public corruption sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Because the defendant’s new crime sought to victimize a child, it requires a minimum term of 10 years. Our office remains firmly committed to prosecuting crimes that target our children.”
“The FBI takes crimes against children seriously and even more so when it involves a former law enforcement officer whom the public holds to a higher standard,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “We thank Maui Police Department and our other federal law enforcement partners for their assistance in protecting Hawaii’s keiki. We also thank the public for their continued trust and confidence in law enforcement as we investigate these types of cases.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting our keiki from predators like Mr. Saffeels,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Tobon “What makes matters worse is that he once held a position of public trust.”
This conviction is the result of a multi-agency investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Maui Police Department, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohammad Khatib is prosecuting the case.
Former Accounting Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Funds from Johnson Co. District CourtRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas woman pleaded guilty today to federal charges of wire fraud and filing a false tax return related to a scheme to embezzle money from the Johnson County District Court in Olathe, Kansas.
According to court documents, Dawna Kellogg, 61, of Williamsburg—while employed in the accounting department at the Johnson County District Court—stole at least $776,691.50 in cash from her employer between January 2010 and June 2017. Kellogg’s legal name was Dawna Brandt at the time.
As the Accounting Supervisor for the Court, Kellogg managed the accounting department, collected funds from each separate county system, recorded funds collected, processed daily reports, and deposited the collected funds into the Court’s bank account. The Court utilized a case management system named the Justice Information Management System (JIMS), which had an accounting function to maintain the Court’s financial transactions.
Kellogg stole cash that the Court received, such as bail bond payments, and either spent or deposited the embezzled proceeds into her personal accounts. Kellogg concealed the stolen cash by two primary means: (1) manipulating an unclaimed property account and (2) creating an open payable in the JIMS system and then issuing a check that was both drawn on and deposited into the Court’s bank account, which created a corresponding debit and credit and thus no increase or decrease in the amount under deposit.
Kellogg pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. As part of her plea agreement, Kellogg agreed to not contest that the total loss resulting from the scheme to defraud was $1,135,988.13, which consists of $359,296.63 from 2007 through 2009 and $776,691.50 from 2010 through June 2017.A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16 at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Holly L. Teeter.
“The defendant knowingly defrauded the public for personal financial gain over a prolonged period of time. When someone in a position of public trust redirects incoming cash payments for city bonds, fines, and court costs to their personal bank account it threatens the very core of our government institutions. Today’s agreement underscores the importance of holding those whose criminal actions degrade the public’s trust accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub, FBI Kansas City.
“Ms. Kellogg’s attempt to conceal her embezzlement by making fraudulent accounting entries and filing false tax returns was no match for IRS Criminal Investigation”, said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI will aggressively pursue those who threaten to defraud the very court system which provides justice to all.”
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and D. Christopher Oakley are prosecuting the case.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tyrone Parker, age 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville.
In pleading guilty, Parker, whose aliases include “Tyron Parker” and “Thigh,” admitted that he was involved in a fraud scheme known as “Felony Lane Gang” between July 2019 and September 2020. Parker and his co-conspirators traveled across the country breaking into cars, often targeting those parked by women at locations such as health and fitness centers, daycares, outdoor recreational parks, and dog parks. After committing these “smash-and-grab” vehicle thefts, Parker and other members of the conspiracy stole debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications, which they later used to commit bank fraud by recruiting women to impersonate the smash-and-grab victims in drive-through bank lanes and cash checks. The recruited check cashers were almost always suffering from an addiction to controlled substances and were provided payment at least partially in narcotics. Parker admitted that the loss amount from the conspiracy attributable to him is between $95,000 and $150,000, over a 15-month period.
The charges to which Parker pled guilty carry a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and a supervised release term of up to 5 years. Parker will be sentenced on August 15, 2022 by Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. 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.
Parker was one of nine men charged in a 13-count indictment for their roles in the scheme. Keyshawn Arnold, age 25, of Schenectady, New York, previously pled guilty for his role in the indictment. The remaining co-defendants are:
- TYRONE PARKER, JR. a/k/a “Ty,” a/k/a “Cheese,” a/k/a “Little Thigh,” age 22, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida;
- JOSHUA MALLORY, a/k/a “P,” a/k/a “Pudge,” age 37, of Fort Lauderdale;
- RANDALL TAYLOR, a/k/a “Gucci,” a/k/a “Guwop,” age 35, of Fort Lauderdale;
- CEDRIC LYNCH, a/k/a “City,” a/k/a “C,” age 37, of Orlando, Florida;
- TERRELL MCDONALD, a/k/a “Ruger,” a/k/a “Moon,” age 32, of Troy, New York;
- ROBERT NATSON, a/k/a “Big Rob,” age 36, of Fort Lauderdale; and
- GARY GRIER, a/k/a “G,” age 36, of Fort Lauderdale.
Each of these defendants is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants whose cases remain pending are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Westchester Resident Agency of the New York Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Albany, Miami, and Salt Lake City, and Resident Agencies in Savannah, Georgia, and Portland, Maine, and from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by numerous law enforcement agencies, including, within New York, the New York State Police; Columbia County Sheriff's Office; Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; Warren County Sheriff’s Office; and the police departments of the Town of Bethlehem; Glens Falls; Gloversville; Greenburgh; Greece; and Watervliet; and elsewhere, Connecticut State Police; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Georgia State Patrol; Illinois State Police; Massachusetts State Police; Broward County, FL Sheriff’s Office; Northern York County, PA Regional Police; Southern Chester County, PA Regional Police; Utah County, UT Sheriff's Office; and the police departments of Auburn, MA; Bath, ME; Biddeford, ME; Bozeman, MT; Brunswick, ME; Caernarvon Township, PA; Chester Township, PA; Cinnaminson, NJ; Darien, CT; East Norriton Township, PA; Easthampton, MA; Greenwich, CT; Lower Moreland Township, PA; Manheim Township, PA; Portland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Saco, ME; Salisbury, MA; Sanford, ME; Scarborough, ME; Somersworth, NH; South Portland, ME; St. George, UT; Syracuse, UT; Tinicum, PA; Towamencin, PA; Tewksbury, MA; Wakefield, MA; Yarmouth, ME; and York, ME.
The case was initiated by former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Beaty and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Michael F. Perry.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Hate-Motivated Threats Against a U.S. Member of CongressRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to threatening a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
On April 19, David Hannon, 67, of Sarasota, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher P. Tuite to an information charging him with one count of threatening a federal official.
According to information presented at the guilty plea hearing, on July 16, 2019, while in Sarasota, Hannon sent an email to U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar threatening to kill her. Hannon sent the email following a televised press conference held by Representative Omar and three other U.S. Congresswomen. In his threatening email, which had a subject line that read, “[You’re] dead, you radical Muslim,” Hannon referred to Congresswoman Omar and the other Congresswomen of color as “radical rats,” and asked Congresswoman Omar if she was prepared “to die for Islam.” The email further stated that Hannon was going to shoot the Congresswomen in the head.
“Threatening to kill our elected officials, especially because of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs, is offensive to our nation’s fundamental values,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who violate federal laws that prohibit violent, hate-motivated threats. All elected officials, regardless of their background, should be able to represent their communities and serve the public free from hate-motivated threats and violence.”
“No one should fear violence because of who they are or what they believe,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Unlawful threats against our elected officials are an assault against our democracy, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice in these cases.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police, and is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Claire Favorit for the Middle District of Florida.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Hate-Motivated Threats Against a U.S. Member of CongressRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A Florida man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to threatening a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
On April 19, David Hannon, 67, of Sarasota, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher P. Tuite to an information charging him with one count of threatening a federal official.
According to information presented at the guilty plea hearing, on July 16, 2019, while in Sarasota, Hannon sent an email to U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar threatening to kill her. Hannon sent the email following a televised press conference held by Representative Omar and three other U.S. Congresswomen. In his threatening email, which had a subject line that read, “[You’re] dead, you radical Muslim,” Hannon referred to Congresswoman Omar and the other Congresswomen of color as “radical rats,” and asked Congresswoman Omar if she was prepared “to die for Islam.” The email further stated that Hannon was going to shoot the Congresswomen in the head.
“Threatening to kill our elected officials, especially because of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs, is offensive to our nation’s fundamental values,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who violate federal laws that prohibit violent, hate-motivated threats. All elected officials, regardless of their background, should be able to represent their communities and serve the public free from hate-motivated threats and violence.”
“No one should fear violence because of who they are or what they believe,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Unlawful threats against our elected officials are an assault against our democracy, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice in these cases.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police, and is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Claire Favorit for the Middle District of Florida.
Flathead Valley construction company owner sentenced to 70 months in prison for fraud schemeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Flathead Valley construction company owner who admitted to defrauding numerous customers was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $543,859 restitution, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Craig Mark Draper, 55, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy ordered Draper remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. In addition, Judge Molloy dismissed nine other wire fraud counts and two money laundering counts under the terms of a plea agreement reached by the parties.
The government alleged in court documents that Draper took money from customers for construction materials and failed to obtain the materials and complete the projects. The case involved 25 victims, including customers, vendors and former employees, some of whom suffered significant financial hardships as a result of Draper’s actions.
The government alleged that Draper moved to the Flathead Valley in 2017 and formed a company called ADI Builders. Draper started bidding on a variety of jobs, including the construction of pole barns, shops and residential remodels.
In several instances, Draper provided invoices to customers for specific expenses associated with their projects. Draper admitted that he sent an invoice to a customer for $59,002, which included $8,000 in charges for siding. The customer wired $59,002 to Draper. The customer never received siding from Draper and eventually paid the vendor directly for the siding included in Draper’s invoice. Draper used some of the wired money for personal expenses unrelated to the customer’s project, including paying a company in Iowa for trophies for the winners of car races, paying an outfitter in Utah, making cash withdrawals and paying $9,500 to the Salish and Kootenai Tribes to lease their racetrack.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Fentanyl CaseRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three individuals with drug conspiracy and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
Martin William Thompson, 51, of Stonewall, Louisiana, Rachel Ann Hassell, 44, and Courtney Renee Cox, 38, both of Shreveport, have each been indicted and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Thompson and Hassell were also both charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and using or maintaining drug premises. In addition, Thompson was charged with two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The indictment alleges that from January 2021 and continuing until October 2021, all three defendants conspired together to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and death and serious bodily injury resulted from the use of fentanyl.
The indictment also alleges that in October 2021, Thompson and Hassell knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin. It is further alleged that Thompson and Hassell unlawfully and knowingly used and maintained a place located at 2911 Williamson Way, Shreveport, Louisiana, for the purpose of distributing and using fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The firearm charges in the indictment allege that in October 2021, Thompson possessed numerous firearms and silencers in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, these defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison, on the conspiracy charge. Thompson and Hassell face up to 20 years in prison on the drug possession and using or maintaining drug premises charges, and fines of not more than $10,000,000. The firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
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Erie Woman Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three months in jail and ordered to pay $66,789 in restitution on her conviction of violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Erika A. Grandberry, 47.
According to information presented to the court, Grandberry, while working as a free-lance tax preparer, knowingly and repeatedly reported false and fraudulent income and expenses for non-existent businesses on Individual Tax Returns from 2015 to 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grandberry.
Erie Woman Sentenced for Buying Firearms for a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year probation on her conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kathryn Nicole Shaw, 25.According to information presented to the court, from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, Shaw conspired with two co-defendants to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for a co-defendant who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Conewango Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaw.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Violence by an Habitual Offender, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Melvin Semon, age 55, was indicted on April 12, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 14, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody 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 April 30, 2019, and January 3, 2022, in Eagle Butte, Semon committed domestic assault. Semon committed the first assault with a dangerous weapon; the second assault resulted in serious bodily injury to his intimate partner. At the time of the assault, Semon had at least two prior convictions of offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, assaults against a spouse or intimate partner.
The charges are merely accusations and Semon is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Semon was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending hearing. A trial date has not been set.
Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Matthew Welcher, age 43, from Dundee, was convicted of one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Welcher admitted that, on May 24, 2021, he possessed a Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoor caliber rifle after having been convicted of two felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and while he was subject to a no contact order.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Welcher remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Welcher faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Manchester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 22-2011.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cumberland County Man Admits Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Charles Sistrunk Jr., 39, of Millville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with possession with intent to distribute 500 mg or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 13, 2020, agents of the FBI executed a court-authorized search warrant at Sistrunk’s residence and found over 3.7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice.” In his guilty plea today, Sistrunk admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to others.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of life in prison and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the New Jersey State Police; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office; the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office; the Atlantic City Police Department; the Pleasantville Police Department; and the Millville Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A man residing at a St. Albans halfway house pleaded guilty today to enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Robert Dale Eady, 55, was placed at the halfway house to finish a 15-year prison sentence for a 2009 conviction for distribution of child pornography. While residing at the halfway house, Eady befriended a 13-year-old male who lived nearby and began messaging and calling the boy. Eady admitted that during a live video call on May 4, 2021, he enticed and persuaded the young boy to show his genitals, and Eady showed his genitals to the boy.
Eady is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2022, and faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Prisons for conducting and assisting in the investigation.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:22-cr-00063 and 2:21-cr-00206.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Robbery Spree Across Orleans and Monroe CountiesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Cecchini, 28, of Albion, NY, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and four counts of Hobbs Act robbery before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2 and April 5, 2021, Cecchini committed robberies at five locations across Clarkson, Lyndonville, Albion, and Medina:
o On April 2, 2021, Cecchini robbed the Five Star Bank branch at 2 West Avenue, Clarkson, NY. He handed a bank employee a note which read, “Please do not make me hurt you. I need all of your money in your drawer and hurry up. You delay, I’ll start shooting.” Before the teller could read the note, Cecchini said, “give me all of the money in the drawer before I start shooting.” The teller complied and gave him cash, and Cecchini fled the area.
o On April 3, 2021, Cecchini robbed the Discount Groceries and More at 11 South Main Street, Lyndonville, NY. He entered the store and handed a store employee a note that read “I don’t want anyone to get hurt” and verbally demanded all of the money in the cash drawer. The employee complied with Cecchini’s demands and handed him cash, and Cecchini left the store and fled the area.
o On April 4, 2021, Cecchini robbed the Alexander’s Mobil Gas Station at 4118 Lake Road, Clarkson, NY. He told an employee that he had a taser and said “This is a stick up. Keep your hands on the counter, act normal.” The employee handed Cecchini cash from the cash register while Cecchini placed his hand in his sweatshirt pocket as if he had a gun. Cecchini took the cash, exited the store, and fled the area.
o On April 5, 2021, Cecchini robbed the Crosby’s Gas Station at 202 North Main Street, Albion, NY. He showed an employee a taser gun and demanded money, saying that the taser had probes in it and he wasn’t afraid to use it if the employee didn’t hurry up. The employee handed Cecchini cash, and Cecchini fled the area.
o Later in the day on April 5, 2021, Cecchini robbed the Family Dollar at 11322 Maple Ridge Road, Medina, NY. Cecchini asked a store employee “have you ever been robbed before?” while holding an object in his hand as if it were a weapon. The employee handed Cecchini cash, and he fled the area in a car. After a brief chase, Cecchini was apprehended.
The plea is the result of/culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Chad Kenward, the Albion Police Department, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, the Orleans County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourque, and the Orleans County District Attorney's Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph Cardone.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Capitol Heights, Maryland Narcotics Dealer Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Larry Francis Newman, Jr., age 37, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, to 76 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Cosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on September 5, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Newman’s Capitol Heights, Maryland residence. As a result of the search warrant, officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, 28.22 grams of crack cocaine divided into 547 individual baggies, 40.19 grams of cocaine, 106 vials of PCP, a bottle containing 21.71 grams of PCP, several empty vials containing PCP residue, and a digital scale from Newman’s bedroom. Newman knowingly possessed the crack cocaine, cocaine, and PCP with the intent to distribute them. Newman possessed the loaded firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
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 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 and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Michael Morgan, who prosecuted 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 and click on “Save A Life - Opioid Abuse”.
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Brookings Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Brookings, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Zachary Scott Murray, age 35, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 15, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about March 6, 2022, Murray attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.
The charge is merely an accusation and Murray is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Murray was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 9, 2022.
Baltimore Narcotics Supplier and Tester Admits to Transporting More Than Two Kilograms of Cocaine to Maryland for a Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Joseph Grigsby, age 51, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office.
According to his guilty plea, from April 2020 to November 2020, Grigsby was a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in and around the Baltimore area. Grigsby worked as a narcotics tester and transporter for the DTO by traveling to New York to obtain heroin and to Philadelphia to obtain cocaine on behalf of the DTO. Upon his return to Baltimore, Grigsby delivered narcotics to the DTO leader.
In late June 2020, federal agents assigned to the Baltimore Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force began intercepting electronic and wire communications occurring over multiple cellphones used by the DTO leader. For example, on July 25, 2020, agents intercepted several of the DTO leader’s conversations in which he discussed obtaining three kilograms of cocaine from a supplier for one of the DTO’s mid-level cocaine distributors. In the conversation with the mid-level DTO distributor, the DTO leader agreed to obtain three kilograms of cocaine and sell the cocaine to the DTO distributor for $41,000 per kilogram. Later that day the DTO leader communicated with Grigsby and told him to prepare for the drive to Philadelphia to obtain the cocaine supply and sent Grigsby the address of the supply location in Northwest Philadelphia. The DTO leader and a co-conspirator (Co-conspirator 1) subsequently drove to Grigsby’s residence to meet Grigsby, and another individual (Individual 1). In two separate vehicles, the pair drove to the agreed-upon supply location in Northwest Philadelphia, obtained at least two kilograms of cocaine, and traveled back to Maryland. Following the drug transaction, the DTO leader, Grigsby, Co-conspirator 1, and Individual 1 traveled to an Owings Mills, Maryland gas station where agents observed Grigsby transfer a box that contained two kilograms of cocaine into the car in which the DTO leader was operating.
In addition to his work as a narcotics transporter, Grigsby also tested narcotics for the DTO. For example, in an intercepted call with the DTO leader on November 12, 2020, Grigsby provided a quality assessment of a drug sample. In this conversation, Grigsby stated that the sample was a “7.5 out of 10” and that the sample was “good” in his opinion.
As stated in Grigsby’s plea agreement, on November 16, 2020, law enforcement executed a search and seizure warrant at the DTO leader’s stash apartment where investigators located digital scales, hydraulic presses, packaging materials, and approximately 218 grams of a mixture containing multiple controlled substances, including fentanyl and heroin.
Grigsby faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2022, at 2 p.m.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The specific mission of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force is to reduce violent, drug-related, and gang crime in the Baltimore area and surrounding region.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA and FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey J. Izant, who is 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/community-outreach and click on “Save A Life - Opioid Abuse”.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 8 Years on Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason Jordan, 36, Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 8 years in prison for attempted distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jordan pleaded guilty to these charges on January 25, 2022.
On January 21, 2021, an Express Mail parcel mailed from Mesa, Arizona, to an apartment in Madison, Wisconsin, was intercepted by United States Postal Inspectors. Inspectors executed a federal search warrant on the parcel and found 1,000 blue pills inside. The pills were monogrammed with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other side and appeared to be legitimate oxycodone pills. However, the pills were sent to a laboratory and tested positive for fentanyl. The subsequent investigation revealed that Jordan mailed the pills to Madison from Arizona.
On Friday, May 16, 2021, Jordan was arrested by police officers in McFarland, Wisconsin. During a search of his vehicle, officers located 700 blue pills that appeared consistent with the pills previously seized on January 21, 2021. The pills were sent to a laboratory and tested positive for fentanyl.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson noted that Jordan was on probation at the time of his arrest for a prior conviction for heroin trafficking. Judge Peterson also noted that Jordan has a substantial criminal history, including previous felony convictions for heroin trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm, and substantial battery. Judge Peterson also noted that counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are extremely dangerous and carry an acute risk of overdose.
The charges against Jordan were the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and McFarland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner handled the prosecution.
Arizona Man Found Guilty of Multiple Pound Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that William Stevenson, age 56, of Phoenix, Arizona, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 14, 2022.
The Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance charge carries a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The Obstruction of Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim or Informant charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victims Fund.
Stevenson was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 4, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date, and continuing until on or about January 2021, Stevenson, along with at least one other person reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere.
During Stevenson’s involvement, he and other co-conspirators brought multiple pounds of methamphetamine into South Dakota for redistribution.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. The sentencing date has not been scheduled. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Amtrak Employee Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Defrauding Amtrak of More Than $76,000 Worth of Chainsaws and Chainsaw PartsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining chainsaws and chainsaw parts from his employer Amtrak and then selling this equipment for personal profit, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jose Rodriguez, 49, of Brick, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of mail fraud. Judge Quraishi imposed the sentence today
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Rodriguez had been an Amtrak employee since October 2007, most recently as a senior engineer and repairman, based out of an Amtrak facility in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Between March 2012 and July 2020, Rodriguez obtained approximately 114 chainsaws, 122 chainsaw replacement bars, and 222 replacement chains from Amtrak, the total value of which was over $76,000, under the false pretense that this equipment would be used for Amtrak projects, but then sold the equipment either on an online auction service or directly to purchasers. Rodriguez used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the stolen chainsaw and chainsaw parts to purchasers throughout the United States, including purchasers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Rodriguez to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $76,379 and forfeiture of $53,381.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited detectives from Amtrak Police New York Division and Mid-Atlantic Division, under the direction of Chief Sam Dotson, and special agents from Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, Eastern Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Faye Schwartz in the Special Prosecutions Division and Cari Fais, Chief of the Criminal Division’s Opioids Unit.
Allen Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Duane Long Pumpkin, age 23, was indicted on March 17, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 15, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in a federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Long Pumpkin knowingly engaging in and attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor female at Allen in 2021.
The charge is merely an accusation and Long Pumpkin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Long Pumpkin was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for June 21, 2022.
Admitted drug trafficker sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prisonRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Liberty County drug trafficker has been sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prison.
Rae Winn-Young, 39, of Hinesville, Ga., was sentenced to 110 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Winn-Young to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat felons like Rae Winn-Young are example of the small number of criminals who commit a disproportionate number of crimes in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our office is committed to identifying these offenders and holding them accountable as we work to make our communities safer.”
As described in court documents and testimony, deputies from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 began investigating Winn-Young’s involvement in trafficking cocaine and other illegal drugs in the Hinesville area. Hinesville Police officers joined the investigation, and in a search in March 2019 of Winn-Young’s residence, investigators found large amounts of drugs, cash, and a stolen firearm. Winn-Young later was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges, and still faces state charges related to the case.
Winn-Young has multiple prior felony convictions for illegal drug possession or sale.
“This investigation and conviction would not have been possible without the hard work from our state and local partners,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This sentence guarantees that this armed, multi-convicted felon has been removed from the streets of our community for many years to come.”
The case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Hinesville Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo.
Monday 18 April 2022
Woodbury County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
A man who possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it was sentenced in federal court on April 15, 2022, to 90 months’ imprisonment. Donovan Lang, 27, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on November 19, 2021, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on August 15, 2021, in Sioux City, Iowa, while a passenger in an automobile, Lang was found to possess a knife, and about 100 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was wrapped in 2-3 purple latex gloves, found beneath where Lang was seated in the vehicle. About 5-7 matching purple latex gloves and a short knife were found in Lang’s pockets.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lang was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 4 year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Lang remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn Wehde and was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4077. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Warrenton Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children OnlineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warrenton, Oregon man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison today for sexually exploiting at least two children he met online.
Kirk Richard Cazee, 60, was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison followed by a 99-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2010, the Oregon Department of Justice received a tip that child pornography was being exchanged with an email address later determined to belong to Cazee. After obtaining a search warrant for the email account, investigators located emails wherein Cazee pretended to be a teenage boy or young adult to manipulate and deceive his minor victims. Between September 2006 and March 2010, Cazee persuaded multiple minor victims under the age of 16 to produce and send him sexually explicit content. In at least one instance, Cazee mailed a web cam and teddy bear to a minor victim and convinced her to produce sexually explicit videos for him using the web cam.
On September 27, 2018, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 10-count indictment charging Cazee with production, receipt, transportation and possession of child pornography. On April 27, 2021, he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug for the District of Oregon and Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey of the FBI’s Portland Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children task force with assistance from the FBI Salem Child Exploitation Task Force, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Astoria Police Department. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natalie K. Wight and Rachel Sowray from the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.
The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
United States Attorney Announces Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the first quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the past three months, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have prosecuted 130 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses. Those prosecutions have removed more than 300 firearms from our streets. (See chart for case details)
The prosecutions consist of:
- 51 individuals who have been charged with federal firearms and violent crime offenses, involving a total of 75 firearms and 1,563 auto sears;
- 52 defendants who were adjudicated guilty in firearm and violent crime cases in 2022, involving a total of 174 firearms; and
- 27 defendants who were sentenced in firearm and violent crime cases, involving a total of 86 firearms. (See chart for case details)
“Reducing violent crime is a top priority for our Office,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “Over the past three months, I have increased the number of prosecutors assigned to handle violent crime and firearms cases and have met with our state and local partners to better understand the issues in our communities. Through those efforts, 130 defendants have been prosecuted in federal court and more than 300 firearms have been seized from those defendants. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work to make communities throughout the Middle District of Florida safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
As part of its PSN strategy, each of the five divisions of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) have engaged in violent crime reduction strategies in 2022, including:
- Orlando – Five Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) have been assigned to exclusively prosecute violent crime, narcotics, and firearms cases. Each AUSA also serves as a liaison to a specific law enforcement agency that investigates violent crimes.
- Jacksonville – AUSAs meet weekly with fellow Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) partners (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office - Fourth Judicial Circuit, ATF, DEA and FBI) to develop investigations. Staff members also participate in local reentry programs (Baker, Lawtey, and Columbia Correctional) and school outreach presentations.
- Ocala – AUSAs have teamed up with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, ATF, DEA, FBI, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion, Lake, and Citrus County Sheriff’s Offices to locate, seize, and prosecute individuals who unlawfully possess firearms.
- Tampa – The number of dedicated violent crime prosecutors has increased to 11. In addition, as part of an ongoing partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, two defendants have recently been charged in a drug-related homicide case (United States v. Grable, et al).
- Ft. Myers – Relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have been enhanced through the USAO-MDFL Violent Crime Working Group in an effort to identify offenders and coordinate investigations and prosecutions involving firearms-related offenses.
- Districtwide – An increase in our proactive community outreach strategy has allowed staff to further engage community-based organizations, educational institutions, and service agencies in an effort to prevent and decrease future gun-related incidents. (See chart for specific events).
The cases identified in the linked chart have been investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Police Department, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Re’Shod Larry (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Samuel Robert Bruner (46)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
Otis Marchman IV (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Javonte Keyon Whitfield (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
5
Romeo Lenell Battle (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
Leonard Green (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Deatric Walker (42)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Andrew Harp (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Thelonious Kirby (51)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Edrick Jackson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
John Hemingway (52)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Frederick Sams (40)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Terry Shipman (47)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Otis Shivers (48)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Sabastian Amrine (20)
Brandon Bayne (25)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
James Lewis (53)
False statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Kristopher Ervin (42)
Matthew Hoover (38)
Conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Structuring
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1,563 auto sears
The auto sear is a combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, Cyrus Zomorodian, Kirwinn Mike, John Cannizzaro, and Laura Taylor
Ocala Division
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Forcibly assaulting federal officer with injury
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Timothy Eric Evans (40)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Wayne Allen Phillips, Jr.
(44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Hannah Nowalk, and William Hamilton
Orlando Division
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Kevin Deane Jones (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Vincent Virgil Gibson (31)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 Years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Mateo Alexander Arboleda Giraldo (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Jen Harrington, Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry Livanos
Tampa Division
Natwan Callaway (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Bruce Dunbar (60)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Victor Manuel Hernandez (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
15
Jamel Middleton (26)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
4
Roy Nobles (41)
Malachi Deloch (23)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Jhakoric Leavon Lofton (23)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Jy’Quale Samari Grable (20)
Aquavious Smith (19)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
John Anderson (38)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
(Collected out of District)
Ma’at Darius Lee (21)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Michael Staton (30)
Margaret Lynch (35)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Christian Perez Seda (36)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Victoria Guerrero (35)
Theresa Bentancourt (19)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
4
Jovante Thomas (40)
Santino Jimenez (39)
Troy Mctier (29)
Adrian Ashby (50)
Marquesha Isaac (36)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Deoin Rashaud Brown (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Elijah Howard
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Jim Preston, Mike Sinacore, Callan Albritton, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Risha Asokan, and Daniel Marcet
Total Number of
Defendants: 51
Total Number of Firearms: 75 and 1,563 auto sears
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Serdarryl English (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Alex Winters (42)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
1
Eric Maurice Brown (31)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
2
Herman Fleming (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
1
Joshua Wade McGinnis (27)
John Olvera Salinas* (19)
*Salinas pleaded guilty to the 924c charge only.
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 Years
Distribution of cocaine
(3 Counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years (per count)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance
of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
15
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Mark Morgan, Trent Reichling, and Michael Leeman
Jacksonville Division
Charles DeYoung (45)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Christopher Dozier (41)
Brittany Cooper (32)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
2
Marcus Peterson (37)
Antwan Major (25)
Kimberly Walker (45)
Neal Walker (51)
Mar’quez Mickler (21)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
5
Brett Amante (39)
Bank robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Johnny Davis (46)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, David Mesrobian, Chip Corsmeier, and Cyrus Zomorodian
Ocala Division
Darrell Pierre Hopkins (54)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Timothy Ivory (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition (2 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years (per count)
2
Jeffrey Walt Boston (44)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Benjamin Tyree Townsel (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition (3 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years (per count)
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
D’Andra Lamar Miller (21)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer
Orlando Division
Larry Burrows (26)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
0
Zachary Nichols (27)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
2
Christopher Dasilva (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Symone Stannisha Smith (32)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
0
Joseph Ellicott (43)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Jen Harrington, Ranganath Manthripragada, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Tampa Division
Christian Agosto (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronald White (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Deuntay Robertson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Antonio Phillips (33)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Woeber (35)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Michael Cottone (35)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Alan Williams (43)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Wilbur B. Simpson IV (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ryland Hicks (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Richard Devine (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
William Houston Gates (34)
George Rundell (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
Victor Grant (40)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Keon Rashawn Felton (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Russel Hinote (74)
Dealing firearms without a license
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
114
Hector Kirkland (40)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Robbery (2 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years (per count)
0
Keaujay Hornsby (26)
Kareem Spann (27)
Tywon Spann (25)
Eriaius Bentley (29)
Racketeering conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to/Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence—
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 5/7/10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Racketeering Conspiracy
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
Discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Aggravated identity theft
Access device fraud
1
Uriah Waggerby (24)
Sylvanis Brice (30)
Johan Holder (25)
Kaleb James (26)
Robbery:
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Nicholas Primo (34)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Travis Riley (39)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
3
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by Mike Sinacore, Charlie Connally, Diego Novaes, Callan Albritton, Jim Preston, and Simon Eth
Total Number of Defendants: 52
Total Number of Firearms: 174
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Jarrett Truman (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
8
Raynaldo Quiroga (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition; using a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence Imposed: 40 years in federal prison
0
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Shannon Laurie, Simon Eth, and Jesus M. Casas
Jacksonville Division
Cornelius Turner (34)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 15 years in federal prison
1
Brandy Rayburn (41)
Duane McCray (44)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison (Rayburn)
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison (McCray)
1
Luis Hernandez (33)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 2 years and 6 months in federal prison
1
Bernie Mack (45)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 15 years in federal prison
1
Andrew Fulda (44)
Possession of a firearm by individual with a domestic violence injunction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years and 1 month in federal prison
7
Fan Yang (37)
Making false written statements to federally licensed firearms dealers during the purchase of two firearms; export crimes
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
2
Jose Angel Vazquez (60)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Ashley Washington, Cyrus Zomorodian, Julie Hackenberry, David Mesrobian, Laura Taylor, and Michael Coolican
Ocala Division
Manuel Jose Toro Finol (37)
Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Sentence Imposed: 1 year probation
0
Glenn Edward Davis, Jr. (36)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine
Sentence Imposed: 17 years and 6 months in federal prison
2
Tralvaster Epps aka Pooh Bear (34)
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl
Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 2 months in federal prison
1
Megan Bateman (31)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 8 months in federal prison
2
Robert Joseph Miller (46)
Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of unregistered NFA firearms
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
42
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
Davel Theodore Spady (35)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Sentence Imposed: 6 years in federal prison
0
This PSN case from the Orlando Division was handled by AUSAs Beatriz Gonzalez.
Tampa Division
Greg Kendrick (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
3
Theodore Williams (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 4 years and 9 months in federal prison
1
James McCormick (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
1
Keon Moore (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Sentence Imposed: 17 years and 6 months in federal prison
7
Samuel Davis (49)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 4 years and 5 months in federal prison
1
Aaron Jermaine Mosley (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison
2
Tareq Iraq (28)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; Hobbs Act robbery
Sentence imposed: 10 years and 4 months in federal prison
0
Jeffrey Davis (24)
Tyee Spike (19)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 24 years in federal prison (Davis)
Sentence Imposed: 26 years and 3 months in federal prison (Spike)
1
Michael Snyder (31)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence Imposed: 9 years in federal prison
1
Pierre Marc (35)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Charlie Connally, Mike Gordon, Jim Preston, and Callan Albritton.
Total Number of Defendants: 27
Total Number of Firearms: 86
Outreach Activities
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
January 25, 2022
AMI Youth Program Tampa
38
Tampa
January 27-28, 2022
COPS “Problem Solving for Public Safety Partners” training
22
Fort Myers
January 28, 2022
AMI Kids Jacksonville
19
Jacksonville
February 11, 2022
JLERP Jones High School
60
Orlando
February 16, 2022
AMI Kids Orlando
15
Orlando
February 17-18, 2022
COPS “Problem Solving for Public Safety Partners” training
24
Clearwater
February 28, 2022
Westbrooke Elementary School - Rising Stars Group
19
Orlando
March 10, 2022
Bridge to Success Academy Middle School
44
Jacksonville
March 21, 2022
Boone High School Criminal Justice Magnet
55
Orlando
March 21, 2022
Westbrooke Elementary School - Rising Stars Group
23
Orlando
March 30-31, 2022
COPS “Problem Solving for Public Safety Partners” training
31
Orlando
Total Number of Events: 11
Total Number of Attendees: 350
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Every April, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of join survivors, advocates, and communities nationwide in observing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Sexual violence is far too prevalent, and it is important to not only to raise awareness of the myriad forms of sexual violence, but to engage in meaningful prevention efforts, take action to hold offenders accountable, and care for survivors in a trauma-informed manner. U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. joins the Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in applauding the recent passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022), which treats sexual assault as the serious violation it is and creates new programs and initiatives that provide survivors of sexual violence with increased access to services and justice. One such program is the Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) program, which cross-designates tribal prosecutors as SAUSAs to support tribes and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in investigating and prosecuting cases involving sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and certain sex trafficking offenses. VAWA 2022 also expands outreach to survivors in underserved communities, including by improving access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations for survivors in rural areas, providing community-specific services for LGBT survivors, and restoring tribes’ jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of sexual violence and sex trafficking, among certain other offenses committed on tribal lands.
“During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and every month, OVW-funded programs across the nation provide essential services to survivors of sexual assault, responding to their needs, helping them heal, and supporting them as they pursue the justice they seek,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall. “The impact of sexual violence is felt by the entire community and can devastate survivors’ lives, which is why it is critical that VAWA 2022 strengthens not just services and justice interventions but also prevention.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone and there are many services available to help, including the Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, you can find a local resources page on OVW’s website, which lists state sexual assault coalitions that can direct you to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Provides Update on Investigation into the Murder of Laquan McDonaldRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — On April 13, 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced a joint federal and state investigation into the Oct. 20, 2014, fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. On Nov. 24, 2015, the Office announced that the investigation remained active and ongoing. The Office conducted a thorough and independent investigation with the assistance of its federal, state, and local investigative partners, including the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Chicago Independent Police Review Authority and its successor, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
In November 2015, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, in consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, proceeded with murder charges against former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Experienced and independent prosecutors led the state prosecution, resulting in Mr. Van Dyke’s historic convictions of second-degree murder and sixteen counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. On Jan. 18, 2019, Mr. Van Dyke was sentenced to 81-months’ imprisonment.
Today, John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not pursue a successive prosecution of Mr. Van Dyke on federal criminal charges. The decision not to pursue a federal prosecution is consistent with Department of Justice policy and was made in consultation with Mr. McDonald’s family. U.S. Attorney Lausch has spoken with a representative of Mr. McDonald’s family on multiple occasions over the past three years, including recently, to discuss the factors the Department of Justice considers when deciding to bring a second prosecution. The family was in agreement not to pursue a second prosecution, and the Office respects their position.
While much of the evidence presented at Mr. Van Dyke’s state trial was developed through a joint federal and state investigation, a federal trial would not be a retrial of the state case. There is no general murder charge under federal law that would apply. Federal prosecutors would need to prove to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Van Dyke willfully deprived Mr. McDonald of a constitutional right. To do that, prosecutors would have to prove not only that Mr. Van Dyke acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids, but also that his actions were not the result of mistake, fear, negligence, or bad judgment. It requires federal prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt what Mr. Van Dyke was thinking when he used deadly force, and that he knew such force was excessive. The federal law presents a very high bar – more stringent than the state charges on which Mr. Van Dyke was convicted.
Even if a federal trial resulted in a conviction, the federal judge imposing sentence would be obligated to consider the 81-month state sentence previously imposed, as well as other relevant factors, including the same aggravating and mitigating factors presented at Mr. Van Dyke’s extensive state-court sentencing hearing; the fact that Mr. Van Dyke served his state prison sentence with conduct entitling him under state law to be released early; and the fact that Mr. Van Dyke no longer is and never again will be a police officer. Given these factors, there is a significant prospect that a second prosecution would diminish the important results already achieved.
In addition to the conviction and imprisonment of Mr. Van Dyke, the murder sparked an extensive Department of Justice investigation of the Chicago Police Department, the results of which were largely incorporated into a federal consent decree requiring the Chicago Police Department to implement hundreds of meaningful police reform measures.
The public should not draw conclusions regarding how the Office is likely in the future to analyze incidents of alleged crimes by law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources required to ensure that credible allegations of civil rights violations are thoroughly examined.
U.S. Attorney Dennis R. Holmes Announces RetirementRead the Press Release
After serving over 43 years as a prosecutor in South Dakota, United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that he intends to retire. Holmes, a Custer, South Dakota native, began his career as a prosecutor in 1978 as a clinical law intern in the Pennington County States Attorney’s Office while still in Law School at the University of South Dakota. The following spring Holmes was offered a position by then newly elected South Dakota Attorney General Mark Meierhenry to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in the litigation division. He spent nine years in the Attorney General’s office handling a broad variety of criminal cases ranging from homicides to drug conspiracies. He also represented the State of South Dakota in civil litigation, including jurisdictional challenges on Indian country issues. While in the Attorney General’s Office Holmes held the positions of head of the litigation division, Deputy Attorney General, and Chief Deputy Attorney General. Holmes said, “I was very fortunate to begin my legal career under the tutelage of Mark Meierhenry. Mark was a great lawyer and a mentor to so many South Dakota attorneys.”
In 1988 Holmes joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Pierre where he handled primarily Indian country criminal cases and drug prosecutions. In 1995 Holmes moved to the Sioux Falls U.S. Attorney’s office to become the lead Drug Task Force prosecutor for the District of South Dakota. During his 34 years as a federal prosecutor Holmes prosecuted a wide array of federal criminal cases, including large scale drug conspiracies, violent crimes, tax fraud, federal program fraud, and environmental crimes. He received several awards for his work in the U.S. Attorney’s office, including the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Outstanding Performance Award from the Environment Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, the Bronze Medal Award from the Environmental Protection Agency, West Central Region Organized Crime Drug Taskforce Award for Outstanding Achievement, National Department of Justice Organized Crime Drug Taskforce Award for Outstanding Achievement, and Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Prosecutor of the year Award. Holmes has served three times as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. Holmes also held the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney for four different U.S. Attorneys. He has been the Criminal Chief for the office for over 19 years.
Holmes said, “It has been an honor to work with so many dedicated law enforcement officials from state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies who toil every day to keep our communities safe. In my career I also have had the privilege of serving alongside many talented and devoted attorneys. I have always admired their professionalism and their dedication to public service.”
Holmes began serving as Acting U.S. Attorney under the Vacancies Reform Act on February 26, 2021, following the resignation of U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons. On December 23, 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Holmes U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota for 120 days under the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 546. The U.S. District Court will appoint an interim U.S. Attorney on April 22, 2022. Holmes has agreed to remain with the office for a period of time to assist with the transition.
Three Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with Unlawful Virtual Currency Sales BusinessRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Andrew Spinella, 36, of Derry, Renee Spinella, 24, of Derry, and Nobody, a/k/a Richard Paul, 53, of Keene, pleaded guilty last week in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2016 and 2021, the defendants opened and operated accounts at financial institutions as personal accounts in their names or as business accounts in the names of churches in order to allow their co-defendant, Ian Freeman, to use them to sell virtual currency.
Andrew Spinella pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022. He admitted to opening personal accounts in his name for Freeman to use to sell virtual currency. He signed blank checks and gave Freeman the login information for those accounts.
Renee Spinella pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022. She admitted that she opened a business account in the name of Crypto Church of NH, which she told the bank was an international ministry. She opened the account in person at a bank branch in New Hampshire where she was accompanied by Freeman. Although the account was purported to be for the receipt of church donations, the account was used almost exclusively to support Freeman’s virtual currency exchange business.
Nobody pleaded guilty on April 15, 2002. He admitted that he opened accounts in his name and in the name of the Church of the Invisible Hand. At the time he opened the accounts or provided Freeman with access to the accounts, he knew they would not be used as personal accounts or for a church, but instead would be used by Freeman to trade virtual currency.
Each of the defendants was aware that banks would close these accounts if the banks knew the accounts were used to operate an unlicensed virtual currency business.
Andrew and Renee Spinella are scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2022. Nobody is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2022.
A total of six individuals have been charged in this case. Freeman and two other co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial on November 1, 2022.
“By using fraudulent means to mislead banks about the true purpose of these bank accounts, the defendants assisted in the operation of an unlawful virtual currency business,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect the integrity of our financial system, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who participate in fraud schemes involving virtual currency.”
“Andrew and Renee Spinella, along with Nobody, confessed to opening and operating bank accounts, using their names or the names of religious organizations, to help their co-defendant run his virtual currency business. They knew it was wrong and they continued their conduct anyway," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Last week’s court proceedings show such criminal actions have serious consequences. The FBI is uniquely situated to investigate and dismantle these elaborate schemes, and we urge folks, whether investing in cash or virtual currency, to exercise due diligence and report suspicious activity to us.”
“This investigation and the subsequent admissions by the defendants are a clear reminder that IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to following the money trail and will not be deterred by sophisticated financial transactions,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “These federal felony convictions have effectively shut down this scheme and should serve as a stark warning to those engaged in similar criminal activities.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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Tea Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Tea, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Sky Thomas Roubideaux, age 22, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about March 7, 2022, Roubideaux attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity.
The charge is merely an accusation and Roubideaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Roubideaux was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 9, 2022.
Taylor County man sentenced for a meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Kevin Isner, of Flemington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Isner, 59, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Isner admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in July 2020 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Sugar Creek Man Sentenced to 10 Years Following Motorcycle ChaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sugar Creek, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing on his motorcycle from a police officer.
William M. Peters, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Today’s sentence is the statutory maximum penalty for this offense.
On Sept. 2, 2021, Peters pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A Sugar Creek, Mo., police officer attempted to stop Peters, who was driving a motorcycle, on Nov. 15, 2019. Peters attempted to flee by driving through yards and down embankments. Peters attempted to ram a locked gate, causing him to fall off the motorcycle. Peters then fled on foot.
The officer ordered Peters to stop running, at which point Peters stopped running and grabbed a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun with a magazine and five rounds of ammunition from inside of his coat. As the officer drew his duty weapon, Peters threw the holstered firearm and was detained. The officer noted that Peter had a very strong odor of alcohol, but officers were unable to perform standard field sobriety tests due to his combative behavior. Officers searched Peters and found a baggie that contained .42 grams of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe. Peters admitted that he used methamphetamine every day and had bought one or two ounces of methamphetamine every day over the prior two months.
According to court documents, Peters also illegally possessed a stolen firearm on Nov. 17, 2020, and illegally possessed another firearm on June 18, 2021, both in Independence, Mo.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Peters has prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance and for distributing a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest in this case, Peters had an active Sugar Creek warrant for disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia and three felony Jackson County warrants for drug possession and assault.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Brackett. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Stratford Man Involved in Car Theft Ring Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN CORDERO, 21, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an auto theft ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and local police have been investigating multiple car theft rings in Connecticut, and violent crimes that are being committed using stolen vehicles.
The investigation revealed that Cordero and others have stolen numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms. Cordero and his associates typically frequented upper middleclass neighborhoods to go “car-checking” or “jigging,” which involves an attempt to open the door of a motor vehicle and, if successful, steal the vehicle and/or valuables inside. Once the thieves take the cars, they sell, trade or pawn any items of value found in the cars and sell or “rent” the stolen cars to other criminals.
On December 1, 2020, Cordero and Christopher Mulkern stole a Porsche Panamera from a residence in Westport, Connecticut. Shortly after midnight on December 2, law enforcement in Westerly, Rhode Island, identified the stolen Porsche and attempted to stop the car. The Porsche drove recklessly, at speeds of at least 86 mph, between Rhode Island and Connecticut, and evaded police who, for safety reasons, were forced to terminate pursuit.
At approximately 4 a.m. on December 2, Cordero, Mulkern and others used the stolen Porsche to steal a Dodge Challenger from a residence in Milford, Connecticut. In the evening of December 2, Stratford Police spotted and attempted to stop the Porsche, which was being driven by Mulkern and in which Cordero was a passenger. During the pursuit, Mulkern rammed a car stopped at a red light at an intersection, drove up on the sidewalk and through the red light, and then struck a second vehicle, causing the second vehicle to flip onto its roof. Mulkern drove the damaged Porsche onto I-95 into Bridgeport, where he and Cordero were apprehended as they attempted to enter another stolen Audi A4 that was parked on Gregory Street. A search of the stolen Audi revealed approximately 13 key fobs for other vehicles, and a search of the Porsche revealed five cellphones. In addition, Cordero possessed a key fob for the stolen Dodge Challenger, which was subsequently located parked on Main Street in Bridgeport, and Mulkern possessed two stolen credit cards.
On September 8, 2021, Cordero pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a stolen vehicle.
Mulkern pleaded guilty to the same offense and, on January 3, 2022, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.
Cordero and Mulkern have agreed to pay $75,198.45 in restitution to at least seven owners of vehicles they stole and/or damaged.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, Milford, Stonington, Westport, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, Darien, Old Saybrook, and Westerly (R.I.) Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
St. Francis Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
John Burgess Bad Hand, age 37, was sentenced to time served from his arrest November 30, 2021, through April 20, 2022, equal to approximately five months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bad Hand was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2021. He pled guilty on January 26, 2022.
Bad Hand was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in August 2007 and again in December 2008. As a result of these convictions, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. On July 30, 2021, Bad Hand updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at an address in Rosebud. On October 21, it was discovered that Bad Hand was not residing at his registered address. Through investigation, it was determined that between September 15, 2021, and October 21, 2021, Bad Hand failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Bad Hand was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
South Shore Landscaper Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a residential and commercial landscaping business operating in the South Shore area has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with his failure to report approximately $1.5 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service.
Scott Herzog, 47, of Norwell, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of filing a false tax return. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Herzog owned and operated Herzog Landscape Solutions. From 2016 through 2018, Herzog allegedly directed landscaping customers to pay him personally for jobs and then cashed many of these payments or deposited them into bank accounts unaffiliated with the landscaping business. Herzog then failed to report approximately $1.5 million in these receipts in the tax returns his tax preparer filed on his behalf. As a result of this alleged conduct, Herzog underreported his personal income tax obligations, causing a loss to the Internal Revenue Service of nearly $500,000.
The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
South Florida Man Found Guilty of International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Cornelius “Neal” Singleton (60, Miramar) guilty of two counts of international money laundering. Singleton faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Singleton had been indicted on July 13, 2021.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 28, 2020, Singleton delivered more than $660,000 in cash he intended to have delivered to individuals within Colombia. In cooperation with the Colombian National Police, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa and HSI (Bogota) arranged to have the funds delivered to its intended recipients in Colombia – members of a group of suspected large-scale narcotics traffickers. After the successful delivery was made in Bogota, Colombia, in June 2020, negotiations began with Singleton for additional deliveries of cash to be delivered to Colombia. In June 2021, Singleton brought nearly $1.1 million in cash to downtown St. Petersburg to be delivered to the same individuals in Colombia. HSI agents arrested Singleton at that time.
As a result of Singleton’s arrest, HSI (Tampa) has broadened their investigation targeting multiple persons located within the United States, Colombia, and elsewhere.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa), with assistance from the Colombian National Police, the Hialeah Police Department, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs, Jr.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Eugene Leon Featherman, age 33, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Featherman was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 14, 2021. He pled guilty on January 20, 2022.
Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in October 2011. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. On February 26, 2021, Featherman updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at an address in Sioux Falls. On May 30, 2021, Featherman subsequently failed to reside at his registered address. Between June 3, 2021, and June 14, 2021, Featherman failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Featherman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Kent Mews, age 55, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about March 6, 2022, Mews attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity.
The charge is merely an accusation and Mews is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Mews was released on bond pending trial which has been set for July 19, 2022.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Jordan Matthew Hermanson, age 31, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 8, 2022, and March 9, 2022, Hermanson attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.
The charge is merely an accusation and Hermanson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Hermanson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 30, 2022.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Elliott Anderson, age 25, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 7, 2022, and March 8, 2022, Anderson attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.
The charge is merely an accusation and Anderson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Anderson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for July 12, 2022.
Siblings Sentenced for Offenses Involving the Sale of Stolen MacBooksRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Patricia Castaneda, 38, of Redwood City, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and her brother, Eric Castaneda, 37, also of Redwood City, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller for their roles in a scheme that involved the theft and interstate sale of Apple MacBooks, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
In addition, Judge Mueller ordered Patricia Castaneda to pay $4,077,832 in restitution and ordered Eric Castaneda to pay $2,283,155 in restitution.
According to court documents, Patricia Castaneda worked in the School of Humanities and Sciences at a private university in Stanford, California. In her position, Patricia Castaneda’s duties included ordering MacBooks for university faculty and staff. In 2009 or 2010, Patricia Castaneda began stealing MacBooks she ordered and selling them for cash. Initially, Patricia Castaneda sold the stolen MacBooks to an individual she met on Craigslist. In approximately February 2016, Patricia Castaneda began giving the stolen MacBooks to Eric Castaneda to sell to an individual named Philip James who, in turn, resold and shipped the MacBooks from Folsom to buyers outside California.
In total, the cost to the university of MacBooks Patricia Castaneda stole was over $4 million. That amount includes the cost to the university of approximately 800 stolen MacBooks Eric Castaneda sold to James, which was approximately $2.3 million.
This case was a product of an investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case.
In a separate case, on April 11, 2022, James pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.
Santa Clarita Man Sentenced to Nearly 3½ Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-Relief LoansRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Clarita man was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison for attempting to steal millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-relief loans for his companies by submitting fraudulent applications that included fake tax documents and information for non-existent employees.
Raymond Magana, 41, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr., who ordered him to pay $360,415 in restitution. At today’s hearing, Judge Blumenfeld called Magana’s crime “a despicable offense” and noted that Magana exploited a “national emergency” in order to “line his own pockets.”
Magana pleaded guilty in January 2021 to one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.
In May and June 2020, Magana submitted to banks PPP loan applications that contained false statements about the number of employees and the amount of payroll expenses. Specifically, on June 3, 2020, Magana submitted a PPP loan application to Customer’s Bank for $940,416 for The Building Circle LLC, a company registered in his name.
In that application, Magana falsely claimed the company’s average monthly payroll was $376,167 for 40 workers. Magana admitted to submitting fraudulent tax documents that reported $4,402,000 in annual wages paid to 40 employees in 2019 and $852,000 paid in employee wages during the first quarter of 2020.
IRS and California Employment Development Department records showed that the company never reported paying any employees, and the underwriting packet also did not include a list of employees or associates for the company, according to an affidavit filed with a criminal complaint in this case.
Investigators later determined that the Pico Rivera address given as The Building Circle’s headquarters was a 980-square-foot, single-family home that appeared to be a residence, not a business. Ultimately, the loan application was approved and $940,416 was funded to Magana’s company on June 4, 2020, the affidavit states.
Magana also applied for and received a PPP loan of $360,415 for Forward Builders LLC, another company, using fake tax documents and false employee information, and falsely claiming $1.73 million in employee wages.
When a bank manager contacted Magana after one of the business accounts receiving PPP funds had been frozen because of suspicious activity, he told the bank “We have all the documents, we got approved,” and he refused to agree to return the improperly obtained PPP funds, the affidavit states. The bank nonetheless kept the $940,416 in Magana's bank account frozen, and he could not access it.
The actual loss from the two loans that were approved and disbursed was $360,415. Prior to today’s sentencing hearing, Magana deposited with the court $360,415 as his restitution payment.
Magana’s business partner, Steven R. Goldstein, 37, of Northridge, is serving a one-year federal prison sentence for committing fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Goldstein pleaded guilty in December 2020 to a federal fraud charge and admitted in his plea agreement that he fraudulently obtained $655,000 in PPP loans for his companies by submitting false tax documents and fake employee information.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.
Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Covid-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today for perpetrating a scheme to steal funds intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benjamin Tifekchian, 48, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Tifekchian was also ordered to pay more than $910,000 in restitution, including more than $26,000 to the Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to court documents, in May 2019, Tifekchian incorporated Bencho Jewelry Inc. (Bencho) in the State of Oregon and served as the company’s sole owner and officer. Bencho never had any employees and never generated more than $500 in revenue in any calendar year.
After Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tifekchian devised and perpetrated a scheme to defraud the SBA by fraudulently applying for CARES Act-authorized Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of Bencho.
In EIDL applications submitted to SBA in April and August 2020, Tifekchian falsely claimed Bencho had generated as much as $758,000 in revenue, had been operating for 20 years, and employed 12 people. SBA denied both applications. In June 2020, Tifekchian successfully obtained more than $884,000 in PPP funding after falsely claiming Bencho employed 78 people and had an average monthly payroll of $353,698. SBA guaranteed the loan and paid Bank of America, the FDIC-insured loan issuer, more than $26,000 in fees.
Tifekchian used the PPP loan to pay for gambling, vacations, and other personal expenses. Suspecting fraud, Bank of America froze the loan funds, but only after Tifekchian had spent more than $68,000.
On July 13, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Tifekchian with bank fraud and wire fraud. On January 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the SBA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan W. Bounds is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’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.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Garrett Waters, age 40, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for each count with the time to be served concurrently. The custody time is to be followed by five years of supervised release for each count. Waters was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Waters was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021. He was found guilty of the charges following a jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 3, 2021.
The conviction stems from Waters sexually abusing a female child, who was under the age of 12, between 2018 and 2020 at Pine Ridge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Waters was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Oregon Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for coercing and persuading multiple minors to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves over the internet.
Kirk R. Cazee, 60, of Warrenton, was sentenced to 204 months in prison after pleading guilty to production of child pornography on April 28, 2021. Cazee was also sentenced to serve 99 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after completion of his prison term.
As described in court documents and testimony, in March 2010, a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), identified an email address that had been involved in the exchange of child pornography. Law enforcement traced the email address back to Cazee’s residence. Further investigation showed that beginning in 2006 and continuing to 2010, Cazee engaged in email and text communications with multiple minor victims. During the communications, Cazee posed as a teenage boy and coerced the minors to take sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and to send the content to Cazee.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug for the District of Oregon and Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey of the FBI’s Portland Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Oregon Department of Justice and the FBI.
Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight for the District of Oregon prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.
Monongalia County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond David Bates, of Morgantown West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Bates, 44, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Bates admitted to having child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in July and August of 2019 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.