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Wednesday 6 April 2022
Coosa County Man Sentenced to 280 Months in Prison Following FederalRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On April 5, 2022, Kilpatrick Cornelius McKinney, 38, from Kellyton, Alabama, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. McKinney was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence is completed. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented at McKinney’s October 2021 trial, on November 16, 2018, law enforcement was executing a search warrant at McKinney’s residence following his arrest and found two guns. In addition to the guns, investigators found approximately 452 grams of marijuana, 15 grams of powder cocaine, 27 tablets containing methamphetamine, and approximately $3,870.00 in cash. Because McKinney has multiple felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
After hearing the evidence during his trial, the jury found McKinney guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. McKinney received a lengthy sentence largely due to his extensive criminal history.
This case was prosecuted pursuant to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a program in which U.S. Attorneys’ offices work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN as part of its renewed focus on targeting armed violent criminals and gang members.
The United States Marshals Service, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, with assistance from the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Handgun in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Wilmington man was sentenced yesterday to 11 years in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark pronounced the sentence. This was Jackson’s third firearms conviction.
According to court documents, on September 17, 2020, Javon Jackson, 26, was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department (“WPD”). At the time, Jackson was wanted for cutting off his ankle bracelet and absconding from Delaware Probation and Parole’s supervision for a prior assault conviction. Jackson was sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car when WPD officers found him. Jackson got out of the car and ran from the police. Inside the car, WPD officers found a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol and 455 baggies of heroin.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Illegally possessing a firearm while dealing dangerous drugs perpetuates both violent crime and drug addiction, each of which threatens the health, safety, and vitality of our neighborhoods. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work diligently to keep our communities safe.”
“It is a threat to the community any time someone prohibited from possession a firearm finds a way to obtain one, but this defendant’s actions put the community at even greater risk. Not only was he wanted for violating parole for a previous violent conviction, he was caught by police selling drugs while possessing a loaded firearm,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “Law-abiding citizens deserve to the chance to thrive in stable communities. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue work relentlessly to identify those individuals who threaten the safety of those communities.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-38.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Handgun in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Wilmington man was sentenced yesterday to 11 years in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark pronounced the sentence. This was Jackson’s third firearms conviction.
According to court documents, on September 17, 2020, Javon Jackson, 26, was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department (“WPD”). At the time, Jackson was wanted for cutting off his ankle bracelet and absconding from Delaware Probation and Parole’s supervision for a prior assault conviction. Jackson was sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car when WPD officers found him. Jackson got out of the car and ran from the police. Inside the car, WPD officers found a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol and 455 baggies of heroin.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Illegally possessing a firearm while dealing dangerous drugs perpetuates both violent crime and drug addiction, each of which threatens the health, safety, and vitality of our neighborhoods. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work diligently to keep our communities safe.”
“It is a threat to the community any time someone prohibited from possession a firearm finds a way to obtain one, but this defendant’s actions put the community at even greater risk. Not only was he wanted for violating parole for a previous violent conviction, he was caught by police selling drugs while possessing a loaded firearm,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “Law-abiding citizens deserve to the chance to thrive in stable communities. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue work relentlessly to identify those individuals who threaten the safety of those communities.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-38.
Colombian National Apprehended at the St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Sentenced to Federal Prison After Falsely Representing to be a Citizen of the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Andres Bejarano, age 34, a Colombian national, appeared before District Court Judge Wilma A Lewis and was sentenced today on the charge of Falsely Representing to be a Citizen of the United States.
Judge Lewis sentenced Bejarano to 6 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on December 8, 2021, at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, Bejarano presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for inspection to board a flight from St. Croix to Florida with a Florida driver's license. It was later determined that this license belonged to his brother, Daniel Bejarano. When questioned, Bejarano falsely claimed to be a U.S. Citizen. He subsequently admitted that he was using his brother's ID because he was aware that he had an active warrant for his arrest. In fact, Bejarano had four (4) active outstanding warrants for failure to appear on various drug offenses in Florida.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Claremore Man Pleads Guilty to Assault of a Dating Partner by StranglingRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Jessy Pearson, 26, of Claremore, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and suffocating in Indian Country.
“Jessy Pearson violently attacked his girlfriend and has now been held accountable thanks to federal prosecutor Steven Briden and the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to uphold our federal trust responsibility within Indian Country and work closely with federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to ensure perpetrators of domestic violence are brought to justice.”
On May 4, 2021, after a verbal altercation, Pearson grabbed his dating partner by the throat and started strangling her. He then took her phone when she tried to text a friend for help. As she attempted to leave, Pearson again grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against the wall. The victim was eventually able to retrieve her phone and call her friend. She reported the crime to authorities and requested an emergency protective order.
The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
“The FBI is committed to bringing individuals to justice who demonstrate flagrant apathy for the well-being of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Ed Gray, FBI Oklahoma City Division. “Our strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies like the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office help us investigate these types of cases and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”
The victim in the case is an enrolled tribal citizen. According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people face disproportionate levels of violence.
- 1 in every 2 AI/AN women and 1 in 3 AI/AN men have experienced physical violence by intimate partners in their lifetime.
- 56.1% of AI/AN women and 27.5% of AI/AN men report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime, with many of these assaults at the hands of non-Indian perpetrators.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual and/or family violence, you are not alone, and there are services available to help. The following agencies provide 24/7 phone lines for victims in northeastern Oklahoma:
-Muscogee Nation Family Violence Prevention Program, located in Okmulgee and other satellite offices: 918-732-7979
- Cherokee Nation One Fire, located in Tahlequah: 918-772-4260.
-The Delaware Tribe of Indians Family and Children Services, located in Bartlesville: 918-331-7349
All three of the above agencies assist Indian and non-Indian victims.
-Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) located in Tulsa: 918.7HELP.ME (918-743-5763).
-Tulsa’s Family Safety Center also provides assistance and resources to domestic violence victims Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm: (918) 742-7480. (this is NOT a 24 hour number).
Victims may also seek information and assistance at the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-SAFE (7233); National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, you can find a resources page on the Office on Violence Against Women’s website. The page includes contact information for state domestic violence coalitions that can direct you to resources and services in your area.
For emergency services, call 911.
Chicopee Superintendent of Schools Arrested for False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Chicopee Superintendent of Schools was arrested today for making false statements in connection with sending threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee Chief of Police.
Lynn Clark, 51, of Belchertown, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of making false statements. Clark will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield later today.
According to the complaint, in December 2021, the City of Chicopee was in the process of hiring a new Chief of Police. On Dec. 3, 2021, law enforcement received a report that a candidate for the position was receiving threats intended to force the victim to withdraw their application for Chicopee Chief of Police. Specifically, in November 2021, after submitting their application for Chief of Police, the victim received numerous text messages from unknown numbers containing threats to expose information that would cause the victim reputational harm. As a result, the victim withdrew their application, and the City delayed the selection process.
It is alleged that a total of approximately 99 threatening messages were sent from fictitious phone numbers purchased through a mobile app. Phone and internet records revealed that these numbers were allegedly purchased by Clark and that the purchased numbers sent each of the threatening messages.
Clark allegedly denied sending the messages on numerous occasions to investigators and cast suspicion onto other individuals. Specifically, over the course of the investigation, Clark allegedly suggested that the messages could have been sent by other City employees, the victim’s colleagues and a member of Clark’s own family. Clark later admitted that she indeed sent the messages.
The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to one of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Charleston Man Sentenced for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, Richard Daniels Jr., 39, possessed a loaded Springfield Model XD 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine during a Dec. 12, 2020, traffic stop in Charleston. The handgun was later determined to have been stolen. Daniels admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of his 2003 felony conviction for third-degree sexual assault in Rock County, Wisconsin.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00183.
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Broward Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith sentenced Steven Dexter Gangoo, 20, to 15 years in federal prison followed by 25 years of supervised release for enticing and coercing young girls, as young as 13-years-old, into producing and transmitting sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves. Making good on a threat to one of his victims, Gangoo shared nude photographs of the 16-year-old girl with her Instagram friends.
According to court records, Gangoo contacted his victims on social media. Gangoo’s tactic with the young girls was to “friend” them on social media, tell them they were pretty, and have the girls send him suggestive photographs of themselves. Gangoo initially offered the victims money to perform such acts. However, once the victims sent the requested images and or videos, Gangoo would extort them by using initial images and videos as leverage to gain compliance into taking and sending additional nude photographs, in poses that he selected. If the victims refused to comply with his demands, he would threaten the victims by sharing their nude images and videos with their family and friends. As the chats progressed, the demands became more sexually explicit. When one of his victims stopped communicating with Gangoo, he did just that. He sent nude pictures of the minor to her school friends, whom he identified through the victim’s social media contacts.
One of Gangoo’s victims told her parents about Gangoo’s demands. This prompted a South Florida law enforcement investigation. Officers located Gangoo in Broward County and arrested him. On January 11, 2022, Gangoo pled guilty to producing child pornography.
It should be noted that Gangoo was actively trading Child sex abuse material with other like-minded subjects using various online social media platforms.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez commended the investigative efforts of FBI, and, in particular, FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force who worked in partnership with the Plantation Police Department and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on the matter. The U.S. Attorney also thanks the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 19-cr-60385.
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Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that REYS ALFREDO VASQUEZ, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, Bridgeport Police arrested Vasquez in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest, officers seized from Vasquez several fictious driver’s licenses from several states, each with Vasquez’s picture and a different name, and his cellphone. A court authorized search of the cellphone revealed a video, taken on August 22, 2019, of Vasquez holding a Glock handgun with a drum and laser sight, which Vasquez was offering for sale. Investigators determined that the gun had been reported stolen in Georgia in June 2019. In late 2019, the gun was recovered from an SUV outside of a Waterbury nightclub, and the investigation revealed that it had been in the possession of members of the Bridgeport-based O.N.E. street gang.
Vasquez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On December 7, 2020, investigators arrested Vasquez on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon. Shortly after Vasquez’s arrest, investigators found and seized a loaded Glock handgun, which also had been reported stolen, that Vasquez had possessed.
Vasquez has been detained since his federal arrest. On November 3, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.
Box Elder man sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for shooting man in the back of the head with intent to commit murder on the Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who admitted to assault charges for shooting a man in the back of the head with a shotgun in an attempt to kill him on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 14 years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Dakota Houle, 26, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 17, 2019 in Box Elder, located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Houle, another male individual and two females were at a residence. The group lured the victim, identified as John Doe, to the residence using social media. Shortly after Doe arrived, Houle and the male individual attacked and beat Doe, and robbed him at gun point. They forced Doe to remove his shoes and told him they were going to take him into the mountains to kill him.
Doe was forced at gun point into the front-passenger seat of his own car, while Houle sat directly behind Doe in the rear-side passenger seat with a shotgun in hand. The two females were passengers. The male individual drove the car toward the mountains as Doe pleaded for his life. When the vehicle slowed for a cattle guard, Doe reached over and jerked the steering wheel, causing the car to go into a ditch. Doe jumped out and attempted to escape. The male individual shouted at Houle that Doe was “getting away” and to “shoot” him. Houle shot Doe in the back of the head, intending to kill him. Believing Doe was dead, Houle and the others fled on foot. Doe suffered serious life-threatening injuries and has permanent damage as a result of the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Cobell and Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services.
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Bookkeeper Sentenced for Embezzling over $850,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for embezzling from her employer.
According to court documents, Cindy Ellen McCarthy, aka Cindy Wojtaszek, 48, was the bookkeeper of a Castle Hills business. Between November 2012 and July 2018 McCarthy paid her personal credit card from the company’s bank account. To conceal her fraud, McCarthy altered the company’s monthly bank statements to make it appear that payments were being made to a vendor. Through approximately 200 transactions, McCarthy defrauded the company of over $850,000.
On October 21, 2021, McCarthy pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, McCarthy was ordered to pay $855,538.56 in restitution to her former employer.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of America,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of McCarthy’s abuse of her position and the resolve of this office to pursue those who betray their employers’ trust by embezzling money.”
“The defendant in this case took advantage of her role as a bookkeeper to betray and deceive her employer for personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “The FBI is committed to investigating financial fraud and ensuring those who commit these crimes are held accountable for their actions.”
The FBI, with invaluable assistance from the Castle Hills Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted the case.
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Boat Captain Pleads Guilty in Maritime Alien Smuggling Incident Resulting in Three DeathsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys C. Seth Askins (619) 546-6692 and Lyndzie M. Carter (619) 546-8780
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 6, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Antonio Hurtado pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges stemming from a May 2, 2021, maritime smuggling incident in which three people aboard the vessel he was piloting died.
In a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo, Hurtado admitted that on the evening of May 1, 2021, and into the following morning, he piloted a vessel from Mexico into the United States. Aboard the vessel were 32 individuals who had agreed to pay between $15,000 and $18,000 each to be brought into the United States illegally, including three unaccompanied minors.
Hurtado admitted in his plea agreement that during the journey, he repeatedly used controlled substances, to the point that he lost consciousness on at least one occasion, and the vessel drove in circles for more than an hour until the other people on board were able to wake him. At approximately 6:00 a.m., the vessel suffered engine failure, and the defendant was unable to restart the engine. The weather conditions that morning were rainy with large ocean swells, and the vessel began to drift toward land until it ran aground approximately 50 yards from shore near the Point Loma tidepools.
As the boat was struck by waves and began to list on its side, the defendant jumped into the water and made his way to shore, abandoning the vessel and its 32 occupants. The vessel quickly broke apart from the pounding of the surf, sending the individuals on board – almost all of whom had been hiding below deck and in the cabin at the defendant’s direction – into the cold and rough water. Personnel with the National Park Service, along with many civilians who were in the area, immediately began trying to help, and various agencies immediately responded to conduct a massive rescue operation. Unfortunately, three of the individuals – identified as Mexican citizens Maricela Hernandez-Sanchez, Victor Perez-Degollado, and Maria Eugenia Chavez-Segovia – died as a result of this incident.
After he was identified as the pilot of the vessel, Hurtado was taken to a local hospital for treatment and then transported to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing. Hurtado admitted that while there, he assaulted a Border Patrol agent by striking the agent in the head with his knee while the agent was attempting to apply an ankle restraint.
The trial was scheduled to begin on May 3, 2021, one year and one day from the date of the incident. Instead, the defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of Attempted Bringing in Illegal Aliens Resulting in Death (each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison); three counts of Attempted Bringing in Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain (which carry a five-year mandatory minimum sentence); and one count of Assault on a Federal Officer.
“This was a horrific tragedy that never should have happened,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Because of the incomprehensible and stunning recklessness of the defendant on that terrible day, three people died and many others had to be rescued from rough seas. The defendant’s boat was packed with way too many people, and he then repeatedly used illicit drugs to the point of losing consciousness. When the boat capsized and passengers were desperately trying to survive, the defendant swam to safety, leaving them all behind. It was a shocking and callous series of events. If not for the heroism of stunned witnesses who swung into action, and that of first responders, others would have died. I have said it many times, and I will say it again: Never trust a smuggler. They care only about money. They care nothing for your safety. It’s not worth risking your life.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and all the private citizens and members of local and federal agencies who participated in life-saving efforts on that terrible day, and also those who investigated the case to achieve justice.
“Callous disregard for migrant safety is a common trait among smugglers,” said Brandon Tucker, Director of Air and Marine Operations in San Diego. “All too often, these dangerous decisions have fatal consequences. I’ve made it my mission to go after the smugglers that put migrant lives at risk.”
“That unscrupulous smugglers put lives in danger to support their criminal activity is reprehensible,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “These deaths could have been prevented were it not for this individual concerned more for his own greed rather than the safety of others. HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners, and utilizing our unique investigative authorities, to bring to justice those responsible for horrible tragedies like this.”
Hurtado is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2022, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-cr-01615
Antonio Hurtado Age: 40 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Attempted Bringing in Illegal Aliens Resulting in Death and Aiding and Abetting
Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(i), (v)(II), and (a)(1)(B)(iv)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $250,000 fine
Attempted Bringing in Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting
Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii) and Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine
Assault on a Federal Officer
Title 8, U.S.C., Section 111(a)(1) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
United States Border Patrol
Air and Marine Operations (CBP)
National Park Service
United States Coast Guard
San Diego Harbor Police Department
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
San Diego Lifeguard Services
Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Forrest J. Hardy, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. As a result of his plea, Hardy faces up to 20 years imprisonment for the robbery conviction, 10 years imprisonment for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon conviction, and a mandatory minimum consecutive term of imprisonment of not less than seven years and up to life for the brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence conviction.
According to admissions made during his plea, on or about January 7, 2020, at approximately 6:41 p.m., Hardy, while wearing a mask, entered the Boost Mobile Store, located at 8180 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, which is across the street from Baton Rouge Police Department’s Fourth Precinct police station, and pointed a firearm at an employee. After Hardy demanded money kept in the cash registers, the employee complied with Hardy’s demands, who removed and pocketed the cash. Hardy then fled from the store and ran to a 1999 Lexus SUV.
Following investigative leads, the following day, detectives identified the vehicle driven by Hardy and developed him as a suspect of this robbery. Video cameras captured images of Hardy’s car enabling detectives to identify Hardy’s vehicle as a gold-colored Lexus, bearing distinct coloring on the right front quarter panel.
On January 8, 2020, at approximately 7:20 p.m., Hardy, while wearing a green jacket and a black mask over his face, entered a Metro PCS cellular phone store, located at 1966 North Foster Dr., Baton Rouge. Hardy then pointed a loaded Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol, with an extended magazine and a weapon-mounted flashlight at an employee and demanded cash from the register. He removed the cash from the register and pocked it. While aiming his firearm at the employee, Hardy demanded the cash that the business kept in its safe in the storage room. Concerned for his safety, the victim led the robber to the storage room. From his vantage point, the victim observed Hardy rummaging through the safe. Following the robbery, Hardy fled the premises in same vehicle, the 1999 Lexus SUV, he used the night before. Notably, the day before the robbery the safe contained an Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and after the robbery the Apple iPhone Pro Max was no longer in the safe.
Later, on the evening of January 8, 2020, at approximately 8:25 p.m., law enforcement officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department stopped Hardy in the 1999 Lexus SUV, which bore the distinct coloring on one of its sides. Law enforcement officers observed, in plain view, a black handgun with an extended magazine, and a black mask on the front passenger seat. Police thereafter arrested Hardy.
A day or so later, during the execution of a search warrant on the 1999 Lexus SUV, law enforcement personnel found an assault style firearm, a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine, stolen cash, a ski mask, the gloves used by Hardy during the robberies, and ammunition.
Previously, Hardy had been convicted of armed robbery in East Baton Rouge Parish in 2007 and convicted of second-degree battery and false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon in Lafayette Parish in 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Piedrahita and Jeremy S. Johnson.
U.S. Attorney Gathe stated, “I would like to publicly thank our Assistant United States Attorneys and our partners, the Baton Rouge Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the time and effort to prepare this matter for trial. Their efforts led to the government removing a violent offender and several guns off the street.”
Auburn Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Auburn man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to child pornography offenses.
Jesse Laino, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 5, 2022. Laino was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in July 2020. He was subsequently indicted in September 2020 and later charged in a superseding indictment in June 2021.
In May 2019, Laino utilized the Kik platform to upload and distribute two images of sexually explicit images of minors. During a search of Laino’s residence in June 2020, two phones and one laptop were seized, which he admitted contained child pornography. Laino also admitted to using a cloud storage service to store and share links to images and videos of child pornography, as well as to using Chatous, a social media application, to connect with other users for the purpose of obtaining and distributing the images. Chatous records revealed that from about January 2019 to July 2020, Laino participated in hundreds of chats and distributed over 1,700 images of child pornography, including images of infants and toddlers being sexually abused.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 20 years in prison, at least five and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Auburn Police Chief Andrew J. Sluckis, Jr.; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Tuesday 5 April 2022
Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing GunRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Wilmington, Delaware man, currently facing gang participation charges in the Superior Court of State of Delaware, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews accepted the plea.
According to statements made in open court, Khalil Rodriguez-Fitzgerald, 27, possessed a Glock model 19x handgun. In conducting the investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF) determined that the firearm was straw purchased in North Carolina on February 7, 2021, transported north, and delivered to the defendant in New Jersey on February 8, 2021. Rodriguez-Fitzgerald is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his criminal history.
Rodriguez-Fitzgerald faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison when sentenced on August 10, 2022. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, ‘My office is committed to the fight against gun violence and the devastation it is causing in our communities. This case is an example of the level of coordination and resources federal, state, and local law enforcement has to help keep our communities safe. Thanks to ATF for their diligence in investigating this case.”
“Guns obtained through trafficking and straw purchasing, especially by someone who is prohibited from possessing firearms, pose a significant risk to the community,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “ATF will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest not only the trigger-pullers, but also those responsible for selling guns illegally.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh is prosecuting the case and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-11 (RGA).
Wheeling man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darius Alexander Savage, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Savage, 23, was indicted today on one count of “Stealing Firearm from a Dealer” and one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Savage is accused of stealing three pistols from a licensed firearms dealer in February 2022 in Ohio County.
Savage faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The ATF, West Virginia State Police, and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wetzel County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Holly Christine Jenkins, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 79 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Jenkins, 58, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jenkins admitted to selling methamphetamine fin April 2021 in Wetzel County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Westmoreland County Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Derry, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The nine-count Indictment, returned on March 29 and unsealed yesterday, named Michael Wilson, age 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on seven separate occasions during 2019 through May 15, 2021, Wilson attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce various minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the Indictment alleges that from September 2019 to October 2019, Wilson distributed visual depictions, namely, images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and, on May 15, 2021, Wilson knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Vermont Man Arrested on Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Vermont man was arrested last night in connection with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Jeffrey Baird, 41, of Springfield, Vt., was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson in federal court in Springfield, Baird was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for April 11, 2022.
According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 22, 2021, Baird allegedly possessed an Amadeo Rossi .357 caliber magnum revolver, five rounds of .357 caliber ammunition and three rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Baird is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior convictions. The indictment also alleges that, on the same date, Baird possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’s Springfield Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Vallejo Woman Agrees to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving Food Stamp and Unemployment Mortgage Assistance ProgramsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dorothy Natividad, of Vallejo, has paid $116,900 in damages and civil penalties to resolve allegations that she knowingly made false statements to obtain benefits from both the Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the “Keep Your Home California” Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The “Keep Your Home California” Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program (UMA) was a federally funded program to help California homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages due to financial hardships. Keep Your Home California was funded by the Hardest Hit Fund, which was established in 2010 to provide targeted aid to families in states hit hard by the economic and housing market downturn caused by the financial crisis. This settlement resolves allegations that between April 2014 and August 2016, Natividad concealed more than $100,000 of household income that would have disqualified her from receiving aid through this mortgage assistance program. The United States similarly alleged that Natividad concealed income that would have disqualified her from participation in SNAP.
“The False Claims Act is a valuable tool for assuring that public assistance program funds are expended only on eligible individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “This settlement demonstrates how the pursuit of civil remedies under the FCA and interagency cooperation can be used to recover fraudulently obtained benefits that should have gone to truly vulnerable families.”
“Natividad lied to get thousands of federal dollars for both mortgage assistance and SNAP by concealing income that would have disqualified her from receiving aid. SIGTARP, USDA and the United States Attorney’s Office have brought justice for a defendant who defrauded the Hardest Hit Fund, a federal program that helped unemployed homeowners stay in their homes,” said Melissa Bruce, Deputy Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. “She has agreed to and repaid the improperly obtained funds as well as a penalty.”
“The accurate accounting and administration of federal feeding programs is essential to ensuring those in need of assistance receive it,” said Dustin Cladis, Special Agent in Charge, USDA OIG. “This settlement is a clear message that our agency along with our federal partners will protect the integrity of USDA programs and pursue those who submit false claims.”
The civil settlement resulted from a joint investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA OIG) and the Office of the Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia P. E. Morris handled the case for the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Seiselmyer, age 50, of Utica, New York, pled guilty today before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
Seiselmyer, who remains detained pending his sentencing scheduled for August 2, 2022, faces at least 15 years in prison and up to 60 years imprisonment on the charges. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
As part of his guilty plea, Seiselmyer, admitted that from February 2020 to June 2020 he used a laptop computer to download child pornography over the internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software. A subsequent search of Seiselmyer’s apartment revealed that he was in possession of over 9,000 images and 955 video files depicting child pornography. Seiselmyer is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2007 of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree involving a victim who was less than 11 years old.
Seiselmyer’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), with assistance from the Utica Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Union County Man Admits Robbing BankRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted robbing a bank in Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Seneca Wilson, 43, of Clark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an indictment charging him with one count of bank robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 7, 2021, at approximately 4:12 p.m., Wilson entered the Kearny Bank in Rutherford. He handed the teller a note in which he demanded money with no straps on the bills. The teller then put approximately $2,300 in United States currency into a white plastic bag that Wilson had provided. Wilson then took the bag of cash and walked out of the bank.
The bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 16, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Violent Crimes/Interstate Theft Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of the U.S. Virgin Islands Commemorates April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - Every April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the U.S. Virgin Islands 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 raise awareness of the myriad forms of sexual violence, but to engage in meaningful prevention efforts, take action to hold offenders accountable, and to care for survivors in a trauma-informed manner.
U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert 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. VAWA 2022 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 Native American tribes’ jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of sexual violence and sex trafficking, among certain other offenses committed on tribal lands.
“Sexual assaults are repulsive acts of violence. They are criminal offenses, and they must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law,” said U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. “Absolutely no one should live in fear of being sexually assaulted or of being retaliated against for reporting a sexual assault.”
“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 funds resources in every jurisdiction, to include the U.S. Virgin Islands. During FY21, OVW awarded $978,810 to the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands which included $270,782 to the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (VIDVSAC). VIDVSAC is a non-profit organization specializing in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and child abuse education. “VIDVSAC provides invaluable support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault-related offenses here in the Territory,” Shappert said. “VIDVSAC also sponsors important training and outreach initiatives to educate everyone about the consequences of these serious crimes.”
The U.S. Department of Justice 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 Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Each April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices across the nation join survivors, advocates, and communities in observing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Sexual assault is far too prevalent, and it is important to not only raise awareness of the myriad forms of it takes, but to engage in meaningful prevention efforts, take action to hold offenders accountable, and care for survivors in a trauma-informed manner.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha 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.
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.
“This year, as we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we honor the victims of sexual assault and its impacts by rededicating ourselves- not just this month, but every month- to doing everything in our power to combat these crimes in our communities, to support sexual assault victims, and to raise awareness,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “It is imperative that victims know that they are not alone, and that the law enforcement community stands with them and will continue to seek justice on their behalf.”
“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.”
Recently awarded funding provides more than $2.7 million in OVW funds to agencies in Rhode Island, to include $575,000 to the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center; $179,076 to Day One; $98,706 to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence; $1,401,676 to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety; and $500,000 to Sojourner House.
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). 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.
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U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee Statement on the Retirement of the Honorable John H. Rich IIIRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Following the retirement of U.S. Magistrate Judge John H. Rich III on Friday, April 1, 2022, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee issued the following statement:
“During the fourteen years he served the federal court in Maine, Magistrate Judge Rich worked tirelessly to provide every party due process with great care. Judge Rich was most often the first face of the Court seen by criminal defendants, jurors, agents, litigants, and attorneys. He always treated every person in the courtroom with fairness and civility and considered every issue thoroughly. His extraordinary work ethic allowed justice to be dispensed swiftly. My colleagues and I at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are grateful for his remarkable service and wish him well in retirement.”
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U.s. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Wisconsin Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Every April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin 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.
This year, United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling joins the Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in applauding the 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. For example, VAWA 2022 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.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to hold individuals accountable for sexual violence – including prosecuting offenders in federal court whenever possible,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Just as importantly, everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing whatever it takes to support, assist, and help survivors of this type of violence as these cases move forward in the pursuit of justice.”
“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 funds resources in every jurisdiction, and the state of Wisconsin was awarded $8,048,252.00 in 2021. 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.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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Two New York City Correction Officers Among Six Defendants Charged with Conspiring to Accept Bribes and Smuggle Contraband into Rikers Island Facilities for Gang MembersRead the Press Release
Two criminal complaints were unsealed today in federal court in the Eastern District of New York charging six defendants with conspiring to bribe correction officers employed by the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) as part of contraband smuggling conspiracies. Correction Officers Krystle Burrell and Katrina Patterson, as well as Ashley Medina, Imani Matthews and Terrae Hinds were arrested earlier today, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom. Defendant Michael Ross is currently in New York State custody and will make his initial appearance at a later date.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrests and charges.
“The defendants, public servants on the City’s payroll, allegedly smuggled contraband, including cell phones and drugs, to incarcerated gang members at Rikers Island. The flow of contraband into our jails is a serious problem which puts inmates, fellow officers and potentially the public at risk,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We will continue to root out corruption at Rikers Island and work to protect incarcerated individuals and correction officers in our jails.”
“As alleged, Burrell and Patterson, both New York City Correctional Officers, brought shame and disgrace to New York’s Boldest by putting the safety of fellow officers and inmates at risk by conspiring to introduce contraband at Rikers Island Correctional Facilities on behalf of known Bloods Gang members,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Patel. “The details in the complaint allege that both officers brazenly betrayed their oath to act with integrity and professionalism to create a safe environment in correctional facilities - their actions tarnish the great reputation of the men and women who put on the uniform of a New York City Correction Officer and risk their lives on a daily basis. HSI New York’s Violent Gang Task Force, with our local and federal partners, will continue to conduct violent crime and gang investigations throughout the New York City area to ensure those perpetrating criminal activities in any manner are held accountable.”
DOI Commissioner Strauber said, “As alleged, these correction officers facilitated the illegal entry of drugs and cellphones into the City’s jails in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribes, enriching themselves at the expense of the safety and security of inmates as well as their fellow officers. The contraband trade fuels violence that endangers inmates and staff, and undermines the rules and regulations intended to maintain order on Rikers Island. DOI is committed to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department to expose and stop this type of corruption that destabilizes the City’s jails.”
“The charges detailed in today’s federal complaints reflect an intolerable betrayal of public trust – including by those who allegedly abandoned their sworn oath to uphold the law,” said Police Commissioner Sewell. “I commend our NYPD officers, along with our law enforcement partners and the prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, for working together to build this important case.”
HSI, DOI and the NYPD have been investigating contraband smuggling rings involving the payment of bribes to DOC officers in exchange for smuggling contraband, including unauthorized cell phones and narcotics, to Bloods gang members on Rikers Island.
As alleged in one complaint, New York City Correction Officer Katrina Patterson accepted at least $34,090 in bribes from Ashley Medina and Imani Matthews on behalf of Michael Ross in exchange for Patterson smuggling contraband into the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island for Ross. Ross, who was incarcerated on unrelated offenses, arranged for the bribes to be sent to Patterson. DOC subsequently located narcotics and cell phones in Ross’ cell. In addition to obtaining surveillance video from Rikers Island showing Patterson bringing unauthorized items to Ross, law enforcement also seized Patterson’s text messages, including messages with Matthews where Matthews told Patterson that some of the contraband would be “4 black joints in 1 paper,” and Patterson responded, “it better be wrapped so many times I don’t want to smell it.” Patterson and Matthews also discussed the need to delete their text messages.
As alleged in a separate complaint, New York City Correction Officer Krystle Burrell accepted bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for Terrae Hinds, facilitating Hinds’ contraband smuggling business and permitting Hinds and others to violate DOC regulations. Hinds, who was incarcerated on unrelated offenses, arranged for approximately $9,780 in bribe payments to be sent to Burrell. In exchange, Burrell smuggled at least two unauthorized cell phones to Hinds, and also facilitated Hinds’ sale of narcotics and other contraband items at the Anna M. Kross Center.
The charges in the complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Pilmar.
The Defendants:
KATRINA PATTERSON
Age: 31
Jamaica, NYIMANI MATTHEWS
Age: 25
Bronx, NYASHLEY MEDINA
Age: 24
Bronx, NYMICHAEL ROSS
Age: 36
Comstock, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-MJ-377
KRYSTLE BURRELL
Age: 35
Lawrence, NYTERRAE HINDS
Age: 28
Yonkers, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-MJ-378
Two Individuals Sentenced for Conspiracy and Sale of Fraudulent Identity Documents on the DarknetRead the Press Release
Two New York residents were sentenced for selling and conspiring to transfer false identification documents on the darknet marketplaces AlphaBay Market and Dream Market. According to court documents, from at least from May 2015 until October 2017, defendants Andrea Alessandrini and Evan Hayes sold New York state driver’s licenses, fraudulent identity information for individuals (including fake social security numbers and birthdates), credit card holograms, and ATM skimmers on the darknet, all in exchange for cryptocurrency.
Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California sentenced Evan Hayes, 28, of Buffalo, New York, to 18 months in prison, and on April 5, 2021, Alessandrini, 34, of Italy, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, for their roles in the charged identity fraud conspiracy. Alessandrini and Hayes pleaded guilty to the offenses on Nov. 16, 2020, and July 12, 2021, respectively.
According to court filings and statements made in connection with the defendants’ guilty pleas, Alessandrini created and operated the vendor account PlasticA on numerous darknet marketplaces, including AlphaBay Market and Dream Market. With his business partner, Hayes, Alessandrini sold over 300 fraudulent New York identity cards, four social security cards, 15 false birth certificates, 28 state identity card holograms, one ATM skimmer, and 410 “farmed” (i.e., stolen or fraudulently produced) identity packages to buyers in the Eastern District of California and elsewhere. Alessandrini operated the primary darknet accounts used to make these sales, while Hayes produced and mailed most of the fraudulent documents sold. On AlphaBay alone, Alessandrini and Hayes conducted between $250,000 and $400,000’s worth of transactions between May 2015 and October 2017.
In connection with the case, the United States seized evidence concerning the wide range of fraudulent identity documents created and sold to buyers throughout the United States, evidence which has been shared with a range of law enforcement agencies for use in additional investigations. Finally, the United States forfeited the proceeds of the offense conduct, which included approximately $134,881 in U.S. currency, 14.78 Bitcoins, 285 ounces of silver, four ounces of gold, and 22 prepaid Visa gift cards.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California made the announcement.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Senior Counsel Louisa K. Marion of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hemesath for the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.
Two Individuals Sentenced for Conspiracy Charges Involving the Sale of Fraudulent Identity Documents on the DarknetRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An Italian national and a U.S. national, both New York residents, were sentenced on charges of conspiring to transfer false identification documents on the darknet marketplaces AlphaBay Market and Dream Market. According to court documents, from at least from May 2015 until October 2017, defendants Andrea Alessandrini and Evan Hayes sold New York state driver’s licenses, fraudulent identity information for individuals (including fake social security numbers and birthdates), credit card holograms, and ATM skimmers on the darknet, all in exchange for cryptocurrency.
On April 4, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California sentenced Evan Hayes, 28, of Buffalo, New York, to 18 months in prison, and on April 5, 2021, Alessandrini, 34, of Italy, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, for their roles in the charged identity fraud conspiracy. Alessandrini and Hayes pleaded guilty to the offenses on Nov. 16, 2020, and July 12, 2021, respectively.
According to court filings and statements made in connection with the defendants’ guilty pleas, Alessandrini created and operated the vendor account PlasticA on numerous darknet marketplaces, including AlphaBay Market and Dream Market. With his business partner, Hayes, Alessandrini sold over 300 fraudulent New York identity cards, four social security cards, 15 false birth certificates, 28 state identity card holograms, one ATM skimmer, and 410 “farmed” (i.e., stolen or fraudulently produced) identity packages to buyers in the Eastern District of California and elsewhere. Alessandrini operated the primary darknet accounts used to make these sales, while Hayes produced and mailed most of the fraudulent documents sold. On AlphaBay alone, Alessandrini and Hayes conducted between $250,000 and $400,000 worth of transactions between May 2015 and October 2017.
In connection with the case, the United States seized evidence concerning the wide range of fraudulent identity documents created and sold to buyers throughout the United States, evidence which has been shared with a range of law enforcement agencies for use in additional investigations. Finally, the United States forfeited the proceeds of the offense conduct, which included approximately $134,881 in U.S. currency, 14.78 bitcoins, 285 ounces of silver, 4 ounces of gold, and 22 prepaid Visa gift cards.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Senior Counsel Louisa K. Marion of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hemesath of the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.
Three Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for CarjackingRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned a superseding indictment charging three people with carjacking and other firearms related charges.
According to court documents, Jesse Johnson, 28, Megan Mandlehr, 31, and Laken Dye, 29 of Louisville were indicted for a carjacking that occurred on August 18, 2021, in Jefferson County. Additionally, Johnson was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The defendants will be scheduled for their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colin H. Lindsay of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted of carjacking, they face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If Johnson is convicted of the additional firearms charges, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Porter is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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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.
Third rapper pleads guilty in drug schemeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A third individual has admitted his guilt in a large-scale narcotics distribution operation involving multiple properties throughout Corpus Christi, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Javon Hicks aka Drank Nitti Kasino, 40, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton to maintaining a premises to distribute illicit narcotics and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Co-conspirator Dwayne Thompson aka Muddy Kasino, 39, and Zackari Williams aka Arm and Hammer Zone, 29, both of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to the same charges March 9 and March 30, respectively. Hicks and Thompson forfeited personal items including cars, guns, jewelry and cash valued at more than $123,000 following their pleas.
The conspirators were part of a hip-hop group that produced music under the Kasino World label. They used various houses and apartments throughout Corpus Christi to record their songs and videos. However, the investigation revealed the group members also used the locations to distribute crack cocaine and meth with at least 100 sales per day.
U.S. District Judge David Morales set sentencing for Hicks and Thompson June 1 and June 30, respectively, while Williams will be sentenced June 22.
At their respective hearings, Hicks and Thompson face up to 25 years in prison, while Williams could receive up to a 20-year-term. All three also face a possible $500,000 maximum fine. Each man has been and will remain in custody pending their hearings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roland Swanson and Dennis E. Robinson prosecuted the case.
Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Aiding in the Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Abdul Aziz has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Aziz helped to prepare numerous false and fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of clients in 2016. Those tax returns contained false information about clients’ income and their tax withholding status. The false entries in those returns related to residential mortgage loan repayments that the returns falsely represented as being held on their behalf by financial institutions and were claimed as income. As a result of those false entries, Aziz’s clients were able to claim and receive substantial refunds from the IRS which his clients were not lawfully entitled to receive. Those refunds exceeded $1,500,000.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Senior Executive of Oil-Services Company Sentenced to Three Years for $886 Million Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A North Dakota man, formerly the executive vice president of U.S. operations at a publicly traded Canadian oil-services company, was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for perpetrating a scheme to fraudulently inflate the company’s reported revenue that resulted in shareholder losses in excess of $886 million.
According to court documents, Joseph A. Kostelecky, 61, of Dickinson, engaged in a scheme to defraud while serving as the highest-ranking U.S. executive of Poseidon Concepts Corporation (Poseidon) from approximately November 2011 to December 2012. Kostelecky previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2021, admitting that, in his role, he caused Poseidon to falsely report approximately $100 million in revenue from purported long-term contracts with oil and natural gas companies that were Poseidon’s customers.
Kostelecky’s misconduct included fraudulently directing Poseidon’s accounting staff at the U.S. corporate headquarters in Denver, Colorado, as well as its field office in Dickinson, to record revenue from such contracts and then assuring management that the associated revenue was collectable, when he knew that the contracts either did not exist or that the associated revenue was not collectable. After Poseidon reported a partial write-down of uncollectable accounts in its financial statements, resulting in a drop in the company’s stock price, Kostelecky fraudulently caused the issuance of a public filing falsely reporting that he had purchased a substantial number of shares of the company when, in fact, he had made no such purchase. Kostelecky admitted that when the inflated revenue came to light at the end of 2012, Poseidon’s stock price plunged and the company was forced into bankruptcy, causing over $886 million in shareholder losses. Kostelecky further admitted that he perpetrated the scheme to inflate the value of the company’s stock price in order to enrich himself through the continued receipt of compensation and appreciation of his own stock and stock options.
In addition to the prison sentence, Kostelecky was ordered to pay approximately $406.2 million in restitution.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigation Group’s DOJ Mail Fraud Team investigated the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief Anna G. Kaminska and Trial Attorney Jason M. Covert of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota provided valuable assistance.
Self-Described Member of “Boogaloo Bois” Sentenced to Prison for Riot ConvictionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Texas man was sentenced today to 52 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for rioting during the 2020 civil unrest, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Ivan Hunter, 24, admitted to traveling from San Antonio, Texas, to Minneapolis with the intent to participate in a riot. Hunter is a self-described member of the Boogaloo Bois, a loosely connected group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments. The term “Boogaloo” itself references the group’s belief in an impending second civil war in the United States that includes a violent uprising against the government.
On the night of May 28, 2020, within hours of arriving in Minneapolis, Hunter met up with other Boogaloo Bois members, obtained an AK-47 assault rifle, and blindly fired 13 rounds into the entryway of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building. At the time of the shooting there were other individuals, believed to be looters, still inside the building. Hunter’s actions were captured on surveillance video and law enforcement recovered from the scene discharged rifle casings consistent with an AK-47 style firearm. Hunter’s gunfire caused approximately $85,000 in damage to the building.
According to court documents, upon returning to Texas, Hunter made various statements on social media describing the violence in which he engaged in Minneapolis. On June 3, 2020, officers with the Austin Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a pick-up truck for numerous traffic violations. Hunter was one of three occupants in the vehicle. Hunter, the front seat passenger, had six loaded magazines for an AK-47 style assault rifle affixed to a tactical vest he was wearing. Officers found three semi-automatic rifles on the rear seat of the vehicle, one loaded pistol in plain view next to the driver’s seat, and another loaded pistol in the center console. Several days after the traffic stop, federal agents became aware of Hunter’s online affiliation with Boogaloo Bois member Steven Carrillo, who recently pleaded guilty in the Northern District of California to the murder of a Federal Protective Service Officer he committed May 29, 2020.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter, and Trial Attorney Daniel Gardner of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 42 Months’ Imprisonment for Committing Aggravated Identity Theft While Serving A Term of Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Cagle, age 57, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 4, 2022, to 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 1-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for Aggravated Identity Theft. Because Cagle engaged in this new criminal conduct while serving a prior term of federal supervised release, Judge Mariani also sentenced Cagle to a consecutive 18 months’ imprisonment for the supervised release violation, resulting in a total, aggregate sentence of 42 months’ imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on December 4, 2019, Cagle used the personal identification information of a Florida man to open a line of credit in the victim’s name in an attempt to purchase a cellular phone plan. Cagle engaged in this conduct while he was serving a term of federal supervised release that had been imposed in connection with similar identity theft and fraud offenses committed by Cagle in 2014.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St. John prosecuted the case.
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Roswell escrow manager arraigned on charges of wire fraud and illegal transactionsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner, 43, of Roswell, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court today on a 38-count indictment charging him with 34 counts of wire fraud and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Jensen-Tanner is subject to conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Jensen-Tanner on March 8. According to the indictment and other court records, Jensen-Tanner allegedly used his position and access as owner and president of Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. (RES) to fraudulently redirect customer funds for his personal benefit.
RES served both as a qualified intermediary and as a servicer for real estate contracts. As a qualified intermediary, RES held proceeds from property sales in trust for clients for a period of up to 180 days, during which time the clients could use the funds to purchase a like-in-kind property and not incur capital gains. As a real estate contract servicer, RES received monthly payments from property buyers, taking a portion of the payment to cover insurance, property taxes, and fees. Ordinarily, such funds would be segregated through numerous bank accounts based on the nature and purpose of the funds, and occasionally further delineated by individual clients.
On or before Jan. 11, 2017, Jensen-Tanner allegedly began commingling funds within the RES corporate accounts by moving funds held in trust to operating accounts and vice-versa, contrary to established best practices of the industry. From around Jan. 11, 2017, to Oct. 23, 2019, Jensen-Tanner allegedly made several personal purchases for himself directly from RES corporate accounts. During that same period, Jensen-Tanner allegedly transferred funds from RES corporate accounts at Wells Fargo bank to a holding account for Wells Fargo certified funds tied to Wells Fargo cashier's checks. Jensen-Tanner then allegedly transferred those certified funds to pay for personal expenses, either directly or via his personal checking account.
The extent of the fraud was in excess of $2 million.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Jensen-Tanner faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years in prison for each count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this case with assistance from the Securities and Financial Institutions Divisions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Richard Williams are prosecuting the case.
The FBI is seeking other potential fraud victims in this case. Anyone who was a customer of RES and believes they were the victim of fraud is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov.
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Restraining Order Entered Against Florida Operators of Technical-Support Fraud Scheme Targeting SeniorsRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has ordered Florida company, Windows Service Center LLC, and its owner and operator, Erica Herson, 41, of Miami, to stop operating a technical-support fraud scheme that is alleged to have defrauded elderly and vulnerable U.S. victims out of over $1 million.
In a complaint filed on March 30, the United States alleges that Herson operated a scheme through Windows Service Center, as well as through her prior company USEL Support LLC, in which she contacted individuals over the phone and convinced them to purchase overpriced and unnecessary technical support services and anti-virus software by falsely claiming that their computers were infected with viruses or malware or were accessed by hackers. The complaint alleges that, in reality, Herson had no specific knowledge of the security of the victims’ computers prior to making the calls.
The complaint also alleges that Herson charged victims thousands of dollars for the installation of software that is available online for free or for a low cost. In addition, the complaint alleges that once a victim had made a purchase from USEL Support, Herson and USEL Support contacted that same victim repeatedly to try to obtain further payments by falsely claiming that the victim’s computer had additional security problems. The complaint alleges that Herson is continuing the same technical support fraud scheme through her new company, Windows Service Center.
“Technical support fraud schemes often prey on America’s seniors, exploiting their fear of online threats to steal their hard-earned savings,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to using all tools available to protect seniors from telemarketing fraud, whether those fraudulent phone calls are coming from call centers abroad, or from right here in the United States.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable anyone engaging in schemes to defraud our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida. “We urge the public to avoid giving computer access to unsolicited callers claiming a computer needs repair, to use caution before clicking on links in emails or on social media and to report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.”
“Schemes of this nature target our elderly citizens under the guise of helping them,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division. “The FBI works hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to dismantle crimes and scams like these, and we will bring to justice those fraudsters who commit them. Protecting our nation’s senior and vulnerable citizens is of the utmost importance to the FBI.”
The temporary restraining order entered March 31 prohibits Herson and Windows Service Center from engaging in telemarketing activity related to computer or software technical support and from accepting consumer payments related to any computer or software technical support service.
This case is being handled by Trial Attorneys Amy Kaplan and Ann Entwistle of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Weinkle for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida.
The department’s extensive and broad-based efforts to combat elder fraud seeks to halt the widespread losses seniors suffer from fraud schemes. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
The public can report suspected fraud to law enforcement and file a complaint at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ and/or www.ic3.gov/Home/FileComplaint.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Repeat Offenders Sentenced to Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two co-defendants with criminal histories who attempted to out-run deputies during an evening high-speed motorcycle chase with nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine in their possession—resulting in injuries to three law enforcement officers—have been sentenced to federal prison for distribution.
John Terrell Johnson, 34, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 276 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine and Tosha Danielle Kidd, 31, of Conyers, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 222 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after she previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self presided over the sentencing hearings today. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The actions of both defendants in this case recklessly endangered the public and could have cost lives, including their own,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Repeat offenders who distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in our communities face the possibility of federal prosecution for their continued criminal activities.”
“We appreciate the strong relationship we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as we work together to make our community safer,” said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman.
According to court documents, on Dec. 12, 2020, at nearly 9:00 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies noticed a motorcycle speeding southbound on I-75 near Forsyth. The motorcycle was driven by Johnson, with Kidd riding as the passenger and carrying a camouflage backpack. The pair fled when officers attempted to pull them over, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph while weaving through traffic and using the emergency shoulder to pass other motorists. Eventually, with the help of a civilian motorist, law enforcement blocked Johnson’s motorcycle and brought it to a halt on the side of I-75.
Several law enforcement officers from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, focused on subduing Johnson and Kidd, were injured when a roadside collision occurred. At least two patrol cars were totaled. Kidd seized the opportunity for escape and fled on foot. As she ran, she dumped the camouflage backpack. She was eventually taken into custody near the site where Johnson’s motorcycle had been stopped, and the backpack was recovered. The backpack contained nearly three kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine. Johnson, a convicted felon, was illegally carrying a stolen handgun in his pocket and $1,075 in cash. Two deputies struck by a car in the line of duty sustained physical injuries requiring treatment at the hospital. One trooper also sustained physical injuries and was transported and treated at the hospital.
A few months prior to this incident, Johnson was arrested under similar circumstances. On Sept. 29, 2020, Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies spotted Johnson speeding on a motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop; Johnson fled from officers. Deputies were able to bring Johnson to a stop and found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol secured to his shoulder holster plus 11.944 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and two smoking devices in a bag clipped to the motorcycle’s handlebars. Johnson told officers he was a convicted felon who had been selling drugs for a long period of time and had bought numerous guns during that time. Johnson also admitted that fleeing from pursuing officers is “just what you do” when possessing drugs. Johnson has two prior felony convictions in Newton County and Butts County, Georgia. Kidd was on probation for a state offense when she was taken into custody in this case.
The case was investigated by DEA with the assistance of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Knowingly Possessing Visual Depictions of Children Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Richter, 38, of Shasta County, pleaded guilty today to knowing possession of visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Richter had been convicted of the same offense and was on federal supervised release when he committed this new crime on July 23, 2020. On June 6, 2013, Richter was sentenced to 51 months in prison in his prior case. In July of 2020, Richter was on supervised release when a law enforcement officer pulled over Richter for a traffic violation. A smart phone was discovered hidden in Richter’s driver’s seat cover. According to the terms of his supervised release, Richter was not allowed to use the internet or to possess a smart phone. Forensic analysis revealed that Richter possessed at least 51 explicit photographs of pre-pubescents on his phone, one of which depicted sexual abuse of an infant. The victims in the images came from locations outside of California, such as the Philippines, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Ecuador, Slovenia, Sweden, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Utah, and Delaware. Richter had installed programs such as Kik messenger, VLC medial player, the TOR browser, Yo Live, Telegram and Mega on his unauthorized phone, and accessed websites which likely hosted sexually explicit conduct.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case.
Richter is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on July 12, 2022. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, due to his prior conviction for this same offense. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Quincy Man Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was arrested this morning and charged with receiving child pornography.
Matthew Ormon, 50, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler, Orman was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 7, 2022.
According to the charging document, a search of Ormon’s residence resulted in the recovery of multiple electronic devices, including two custom built computers and a network drive. An on-site forensic exam allegedly revealed numerous videos depicting child pornography on at least one device. Forensic review of the devices remains ongoing.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
Prisma Health Midlands to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Alleged Controlled Substance Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Prisma Health Midlands (“Prisma”) has agreed to pay a record $1 million to resolve allegations that it committed recordkeeping and dispensing violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances.
This civil settlement includes a memorandum of agreement and is the culmination of a joint Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation that began in November of 2018 when two Prisma patients were arrested for distributing drugs, some of which, the United States alleges, they were able to receive through Prisma’s pharmacy. This marks the largest settlement involving allegations of CSA violations in the state of South Carolina.
“Pharmacists must comply with their responsibilities to issue controlled substances only for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of their professional practice,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “When pharmacists ignore or disregard red flags, their actions allow controlled substance prescriptions to be diverted for illegitimate and dangerous purposes.”
“The mission of DEA’s Division of Diversion Control is to prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “In this case, DEA Diversion Investigators did an outstanding job of uncovering recordkeeping discrepancies for the controlled substances Prisma purchased, maintained and dispensed. The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making sure healthcare providers are abiding by these important mandates.”
The United States alleges that Prisma failed to notify the DEA within one business day regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances over a three-year time period. As a DEA registrant, Prisma has certain recordkeeping and reporting obligations and one of these is to promptly notify the DEA whenever a theft or significant loss occurs.
The United States further alleges that Prisma violated the CSA by filling prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose for two patients who have now pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges.
The conduct outlined in the settlement agreement is merely alleged; the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability by Prisma.
A main objective of the CSA is controlling illegitimate traffic of controlled substances. To prevent the diversion of controlled substances, the CSA regulates persons, companies and other entities that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances. With more than 100,000 Americans dying last year from drug overdose, the Justice Department and the DEA are committed to using every resource available to prevent overdose deaths and hold accountable those responsible for the opioid crisis. The government’s rigorous investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s ongoing dedication to stem the prescription opioid crisis by ensuring that opioids are not diverted and abused.
This matter was investigated by the DEA Group Supervisor Adam Roberson, DEA Investigator Kelli Capehart, and DEA Investigator Sai Rivera along with Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Johanna Valenzuela of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
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Previously Deported Guatemalan Man Sentenced to 28 Days’ Imprisonment for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 5, 2022, Baudilio Jimenez-Canan, age 30, was sentenced to time served of 28 days of imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Jimenez-Canan pleaded guilty to having illegally reentered the United States sometime after his last removal in October 2019. He was encountered in the United States on March 4, 2022, in York County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to a York County Sheriff’s arrest on an outstanding Delaware County, PA, DUI warrant. It is expected he will be removed to Guatemala upon completion of his sentence and the resolution of unrelated criminal charges.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
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Porcupine Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Duane Cross, age 52, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cross was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. He pleaded guilty on November 5, 2021.
The conviction stems from Cross using force to engage in sexual contact with a juvenile female between 2015 and 2016 at Porcupine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Cross was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Money from Federal Program and Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization.
Darcel Pourier, age 37, was indicted on March 17, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 18, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Pourier, an agent of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, embezzling at least $5,000 in 2021 from the OST Health Administration Department.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Pourier was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 24, 2022.
Peoria Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man, Kiantre Dykeman, 24, of the 5100 block of N. Karen Court, pleaded guilty on April 4, 2022, to distribution of child pornography. Sentencing for Dykeman has been scheduled for August 4, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
In court before U.S. District Judge James Shadid, Dykeman admitted to advertising and selling images of child pornography on an internet-based application. During the hearing, the government stated that in November 2020, Dykeman advertised online that he had over 1,000 pictures of child pornography for sale, providing various prices for differing levels of access to the images. The investigation revealed that Dykeman in fact received payment via a mobile application money transfer service and, in turn, provided child pornography to a purchaser by sending images over a text messaging platform. Dykeman admitted to law enforcement that he sold the child pornography because he needed the money, indicating that he profited approximately $60 from the sales.
Dykeman was on bond in the custody of a third-party custodian and was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Dykeman faces a statutory penalty of five to 20 years in prison for the offense of distribution of child pornography. The offense also carries up to a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessment if he is determined not to be indigent, and up to a $35,000 special assessment for child pornography cases under 18 U.S.C. § 2259A. He also faces a minimum of five years and up to a life term of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Peoria Police Department, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bloomington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case against Dykeman was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Penn Hills Man Admits Robbing a Tire Store and a Convenience MarketRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Rudolph McBride 24, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 24, 2018, McBride and others robbed employees of the Swifty Tires store, located on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills, at gunpoint. On January 30, 2019, McBride and his coconspirators also robbed what used to be the CoGo’s convenience store located at 2800 Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2022, at 1:30 PM The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that McBride remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The successful prosecution of McBride is the result of a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department.
Ohio woman sentenced for embezzling from Wetzel County businessRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cheryl M. Zambori, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 27 months of incarceration for an embezzlement charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Zambori, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Wire Fraud.” Zambori was employed as a Finance Manager at Litman Excavating, Inc. in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Beginning in July 2016, Zambori began a scheme to take $317,290.53 from the Litman business account held at a bank in Wheeling, West Virginia, and transfer funds to her personal accounts held out of state.
Zambori was ordered to pay restitution to Litman Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $317,290.53.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Edward Lamp, II, of East Liverpool, Ohio, was sentenced today to 135 months of incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Lamp, also known as “Chubs,” 43, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Lamp admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from September 2020to February 2021 in Hancock County and elsewhere, including the Northern District of Ohio.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Youngtown, Ohio; the Liverpool Township Police Department-Ohio; and the East Liverpool Police Department -Ohio investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Ohio assisted.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dallas Michael Acoff, of Euclid, Ohio, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Acoff, also known as “Dal,” 33, was indicted today on one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Acoff is accused of selling cocaine, also known as “coke,” cocaine base, also known as “crack,” methamphetamine, and fentanyl in February 2022 in Ohio County.
Acoff faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 each of the remaining charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. — A Cincinnati man, Fred Carroll Randolph, 47, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to Randolph’s plea agreement, Randolph was stopped during a traffic stop where law enforcement recovered multiple bags of methamphetamine. The bags contained 81.2 grams of very pure, crystal methamphetamine. Randolph admitted that he had recently picked up three ounces of methamphetamine from a source of supply in Cincinnati, that he had distributed methamphetamine for a couple of months, and that he had distributed more than 500 grams of the drugs.
Randolph pleaded guilty to the charges in the indictment in December 2021.
Under federal law, Randolph must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Kent Kleinschmidt, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Detroit Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Bracke and Andrew Spievack.
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