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Tuesday 22 March 2022
North Hills Man Indicted for Attempted Coercion of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Vikash Mishra, 40, of Ross Township, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about October 30, 2021, until on or about February 25, 2022, Vikash is alleged to have attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The law provides for a minimum total sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a term of life, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Newaygo Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Social Security and Veterans Programs of over $650,000Read the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan -- A Newaygo woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for engaging in a fraudulent scheme that targeted children’s benefits programs administered by the Social Security Administration and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
On October 27, 2021, Terrie Lynn Christian, 58, pled guilty to defrauding the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) of over $550,000 by obtaining benefits for two fictitious children. The fraud began in 2002 and was not discovered until 2019. She also admitted to perpetrating the same fraud against the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). This scheme netted her over $109,000 between 2003 and 2019.
Christian appeared before U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou today for sentencing. The judge imposed a sentence of 30 months in prison, supervised release for three years after release, and an order of restitution. Judge Jarbou stated that Christian deserved this sentence because she had stolen benefits from money earmarked to help the children of military benefits and the poor.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge stated, “This was a brazen long-term fraud that succeeded as long as it did only because Christian knew how to exploit the safeguards built into these two child-welfare programs for years. Fortunately, law enforcement caught up with her and now she must face the consequences.”
Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the SSA, said: “Ms. Christian created fictitious identities and falsified documents to obtain Social Security benefits for non-existent people for nearly 17 years. Her egregious acts resulted in a fraud loss of over $540,000. My office will continue to uphold the integrity of SSA and investigate those who defraud and misuse its programs. I thank the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General for their assistance in this investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding her accountable for her criminal actions.”
“The VA OIG will continue to vigorously pursue those who would steal from VA benefits programs and taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Billingsley of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this joint investigation.”
The Inspector General offices of the SSA and VA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey prosecuted it.
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Navy Deserter Sentenced to 25 Months in Prison for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn.– On March 21, 2022, Jerry Leon Blankenship, 65, currently of Newport, Tennessee, was sentenced to 25 months in prison by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Blankenship agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of fraud involving a Social Security number, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Following his release from prison, Blankenship will be on supervised release for three years.
According to filed court documents, in 1976, Blankenship enlisted in the United States Navy. The following year, after he completed basic training, he deserted, with a goal of avoiding future military service. Blankenship then assumed the name and identity of another individual. By doing so, Blankenship established a new life under the stolen name in Newport, Tennessee. According to court records, Blankenship had “been dishonest about his name with almost everyone, including his girlfriend of thirty years” and the mother of his three children. Since 2005, Blankenship had obtained three fraudulent Tennessee driver’s licenses in the victim’s name. Blankenship also used the victim’s name in a business that he and his girlfriend ran in Newport, Tennessee.
Authorities discovered Blankenship’s true identity after he obtained a COVID-19 vaccination at a Newport pharmacy. The real victim was notified of the vaccination that the real victim had not received. Store surveillance video showed Blankenship was the person who had obtained the vaccination under the victim’s name.
It is anticipated that Blankenship will face a military tribunal for his desertion.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation led by the Criminal Investigative Division of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sergeant James Knipper.
Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III represented the United States.
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Nampa Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failure to Account for and Pay over Employment TaxRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa woman was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for failure to account for and pay over employment tax.
According to court records, from approximately 1999 to 2019, Nicole Beth Howerzyl, 69, was a corporate officer for Dave’s Motorcycle, Inc. (DMI) in Nampa. DMI was in the business of selling and servicing motorcycles. During that time, Howerzyl handled the bookkeeping for DMI, and exercised control over DMI’s financial affairs, including approving all payments by DMI and controlling all of DMI’s bank accounts.
For the calendar years 2013 to 2019, DMI employed approximately 15 to 25 people per year. During that period, DMI withheld taxes from its employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare, and social security taxes, often referred to as "payroll taxes." Howerzyl directly issued payroll checks twice per month and withheld payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks. Howerzyl also issued annual Forms W-2 to the employees of DMI, which reflected their gross wages, as well as their payroll taxes.
As a corporate officer of DMI, Howerzyl was aware that she had the corporate responsibility to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over DMI’s payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Income Tax Return (Form 941) following the end of each calendar quarter.
DMI, however, made no payments to the IRS for the calendar years 2013 to 2019. DMI further failed to file quarterly employment tax returns (Forms 941) with the IRS. Specifically, for the tax years 2013 to 2019, Howerzyl failed to account for $4,874,572.73 in wages at DMI and pay over $1,161,135.25 to the IRS in payroll taxes.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Howerzyl to pay $373,552.21 in outstanding restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, pay a separate $10,000 fine, and to serve one year of supervised release following her prison sentence. Howerzyl pleaded guilty to the charge on December 13, 2021.
“Collecting payroll taxes from workers then failing to pay over those amounts to the federal government is a severe breach of trust and an assault on dutiful taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. “It is stealing not only from the workers, but from the public at large. Those who flaunt federal tax laws, must know that they will be investigated and prosecuted," he said.
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating individuals who defraud the government for personal gain by failing to submit payroll taxes to the IRS,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge. “Ms. Howerzyl’s misconduct is a crime against all honest tax payers and we will continue to identify and bring to justice those who evade their tax responsibilities.”
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. commended the efforts of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, which led to charges.
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Mother and son indicted for dealing counterfeit goodsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A South Korean woman and a local Texan have been indicted for trafficking counterfeit goods, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Bok Nyo Kim, 72, a legal permanent residing in Laredo, and Henry Yuseok Kim, 45, Laredo. Both were originally charged by criminal complaint. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga for their initial appearance on the indictment in the near future.
The investigation began Feb. 3. At that time, Henry Kim, part-owner of Fashion Outlet, allegedly sold a counterfeit t-shirt purporting to be Louis Vuitton. Authorities then seized approximately 346 items of counterfeit merchandise from the store, according to the charges. The indictment alleges that during the seizure, Bok Kim identified herself as part-operator of Fashion Outlet.
According to the complaint, both admitted to selling counterfeit clothing at Fashion Outlet for financial gain and shared control over the business. Bok Kim allegedly admitted to purchasing counterfeit merchandise from wholesalers in California. The indictment further alleges both individuals had knowledge of a prior seizure notice authorities had sent.
If convicted, both face up to 10 years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Moorhead Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession of a Loaded Firearm in his HomeRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Moorhead man was sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm in his residence after a minor was shot and killed with his gun, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats.
According to court documents, on March 21, 2021, Phillip Neal Jones, Jr., 34, possessed a Walther .40 caliber pistol in his Moorhead residence. While Jones was away from the residence, a visiting child found the loaded gun under a large snack chip box in the kitchen. The gun went off, hitting and killing a second child.
Jones has multiple prior felony convictions in Hennepin and Anoka Counties and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Jones was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson.
This case is the result of investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moorhead Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Brennan prosecuted the case.
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Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, on June 29, 2021, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department approached a man who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Cody Lennell Taylor, 29, was standing next to the man and fled on foot as officers approached. As he ran, Taylor threw a red bag he had been wearing. Officers recovered the bag, and inside found a Kimber model Micro 9 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Officers later apprehended Taylor who admitted that the red bag was his, and that he threw it because the police approached him.
Because Taylor has prior felony convictions in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On November 19, 2021, Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minneapolis Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
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Metro-Atlanta Meth Supplier and Courier Plead Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two metro-Atlanta residents admitted guilt to their roles in distributing a large amount of methamphetamine in Middle Georgia.
Christian Jesus Pineda, 27, of Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 21. Co-defendant Victor Penaloza Sanchez, 26, of Cartersville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Pineda’s distribution of methamphetamine on March 15. Both defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson presided over Pineda’s hearing and U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III presided over Sanchez’s hearing. The defendants will be sentenced on June 7.
According to court documents, a confidential informant (CI) told law enforcement that Sanchez was selling large amounts of methamphetamine. The informant and Sanchez, via multiple text messages and phone calls, agreed to the CI purchasing approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine from Sanchez and that a courier would meet the CI at a gas station in Byron, Georgia, on April 28, 2021, to conduct the transaction. Agents with DEA, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Byron Police Department and K-9, working with the CI, observed a vehicle driven by Pineda pull into the gas station at the appointed time. The CI approached Pineda, who showed him a clear bag containing a half kilogram of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by DEA and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Byron Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case.
McDowell County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A McDowell County man pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge relating to an arson and insurance fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Douglas Vineyard, 52, of Welch, admitted that on July 1, 2019, he bought a house on Princeton Street in Bluefield, West Virginia for $5,000. On July 31, 2019, Vineyard bought an insurance policy on the house. The coverage included for $285,500 for the dwelling, $142,750 for the contents and $14,275 for other structures. On the insurance application, Vineyard stated that the purchase price for the house was $50,000. In early August, Vineyard made an agreement with other individuals to burn the house down and collect the insurance proceeds. On August 6, 2019, the individuals set the house on fire. The house was a total loss. On August 16, 2019, Vineyard faxed a Sworn Statement of Proof of Loss seeking $285,500 in insurance proceeds for the house. The insurance company spent over $13,000 investigating Vineyard’s false claim, ultimately denying it.
Vineyard pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 18, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Gregory McVey is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-00131.
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Maryland Man Sentenced for Lying to Buy FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Hanover, Maryland, man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for making false statements in an attempt to acquire 11 firearms.
According to court documents, between December 2018 and July 2021, Rakeim T. Richardson, 27, knowingly made false statements with respect to the purchase of 11 firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees. On each Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form, Richardson falsely stated that he resided in Virginia when, in fact, he resided in Maryland and had done so since at least August 2018. Several firearms purchased by Richardson were recovered by law enforcement in connection with other crimes, including a robbery resulting in homicide.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Smalky and Cristina Stam prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-284.
Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis Lee Boyce, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Boyce, 50, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Boyce, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having four rifles and two shotguns in January 2020 in Marion County.
Boyce faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Man Indicted in Fraud Scheme Involving the Theft of Vehicles Using Stolen Identities from Car Dealerships in Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An individual has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The seven-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named Serge Ahmed Zeba, age 31, who has resided at multiple addresses in several states, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from November 2020 to January 2022, Zeba schemed with others known and unknown to use victim’s stolen PII to complete online applications to obtain lines of credit in victims’ names from automobile financing companies, without those victims’ permission or knowledge. Zeba then traveled to automobile dealerships throughout the country, including dealerships located in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and presented to employees fraudulent identification in the names of victims whose PII had been stolen, as well as fraudulent money orders, purportedly to cover the down payments for the vehicles. The grand jury further alleges that from August 24, 2021 to November 29, 2021, Zeba transported a stolen motor vehicle, namely, a 2021 Lexus RX350, in interstate commerce. The grand jury further alleges that on August 19, 2021 through August 24, 2021 and on August 29, 2021 through September 2, 2021, in relation to the felony wire fraud, Zeba used a means of identification of another person.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of State (Buffalo Field Office) and the Pennsylvania State Police 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.
Man Charged Along with his Sons for 2019 Delaware County MurderRead the Press Release
A Grove man has now been charged in a second superseding indictment with a 2019 Delaware County murder, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
A federal grand jury indicted James William Buzzard, 49, and his sons, Cody Dwayne Buzzard, 28, and Dakota Chase Buzzard, 20, all of Grove, with the first degree murder of Jerry Tapp.
The three men were charged with first degree murder in Indian Country; assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country; and carrying, using, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Cody and Dakota Buzzard were previously indicted in September 2021.
On Aug. 1, 2019, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting near Jay. Deputies discovered Jerry Tapp deceased in his front yard. It appeared that Tapp sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and that a second victim had sustained a gunshot wound to her arm. According to court documents, the victim told investigators that she heard a noise outside the home early that morning and thought Tapp had forgotten his keys to the house. When she turned on the light and opened the door, she heard gunfire and felt a sudden pain in her right wrist. She then shut and locked the front door, crawled to another room, and called 911. While investigating the crime, OSBI agents located and seized approximately 12, .22 caliber spent casings in the yard, driveway and roadway.
During an interview with authorities, Dakota Buzzard stated that he, James, and Cody Buzzard drove toward Tapp’s residence, parked up the road from the home, and waited for him to return from work. James Buzzard allegedly told his sons to retrieve a loaded .22 caliber rifle from the trunk of the car. Dakota stated that once Tapp drove by, the three men followed him to his home. After Tapp stepped out of his vehicle, prosecutors allege the Buzzards aided and abetted one another to shoot and kill Tapp and then shoot his girlfriend.
James Buzzard was initially charged by criminal complaint in February 2022 and was detained pending further criminal proceedings.
The crimes occurred within the Cherokee Nation reservation.
The FBI, Okalhoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Victor A.S. Régal are 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.
Maine Resident Charged with Fraud and Tax Offenses Stemming from $1 Million EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 27-count indictment charging EDWARD F. ZIEGLER II, 63, of Bridgton, Maine, with fraud and tax offenses related to an embezzlement scheme.
The indictment was returned on March 15, 2022, and Ziegler was arrested in Maine on March 16. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty, and was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, for approximately 25 years, Ziegler was employed as the office manager for a small business, identified in the indictment as “Company A,” based in Berlin, Connecticut. As part of a scheme to defraud, Zeigler opened a bank account in his name and with the qualifying language “Doing Business As [Company A].” Over the course of several years, Ziegler sent invoices to the business’s customers through both the U.S. Mail and e-mail, received checks from the customers for services provided, and deposited checks into the secret bank account he had established. Ziegler also made fraudulent entries in Company A’s books and record keeping system to cover up the fact that he had diverted the checks and used the funds for his own benefit.
It is alleged that, through this scheme, Ziegler caused more than 400 checks totaling more than $1 million to be deposited into his secret account. In addition, Ziegler failed to pay $173,643 in federal income taxes on his embezzled income for the 2015 through 2019 tax years.
The indictment charges Ziegler with 22 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count, and five counts of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Bridgton (Maine) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
MS-13 Clique Leader Pleads Guilty to RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON –The leader of a local MS-13 clique pleaded guilty on Friday, March 18, 2022 in federal court in Boston to RICO conspiracy.
Manuel Adan Yanez Cruz, a/k/a “Rocky,” a/k/a “Flaco,” age 22, a El Salvadoran national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. The Court accepted Yanez Cruz’s guilty plea but deferred acceptance of the proposed plea agreement until sentencing, which U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled for July 13, 2022.
MS-13 is a transnational street gang operating in Massachusetts and numerous other states, as well as countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. MS-13 gang members often commit acts of extreme violence against suspected rivals, those suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and others whom the gang views as a threat. In recent years, dozens of MS-13 members have been convicted of RICO conspiracy and other serious felonies in the District of Massachusetts.
MS-13 is organized in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the form of so-called “cliques” or smaller groups that operate under the larger mantle of MS-13. Yanez Cruz was a member and local leader of the Huntington Locos Salvatrucha (HLS) clique of MS-13, which operated in the cities of Boston, Lynn, Everett, Chelsea, Somerville and other parts of Massachusetts.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Yanez Cruz will also be subject to deportation upon the completion of his sentence. 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.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory Long; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy made the announcement.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lead Defendant in OCDETF Operation Hustle City Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Shamariay Duntae Locke, 36, of Haughton, Louisiana, has been sentenced on drug conspiracy and drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Chief United States District Court S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Locke today to 48 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Locke was the lead defendant in a case which was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2020 in connection with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation: “Hustle City.” On September 20, 2021, Locke pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, and two counts of distribution of marijuana. The charges stemmed from a long-term investigation by law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal and local agencies into the distribution and selling of marijuana and methamphetamine in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.
Through their investigation, DEA agents received information that Locke and other co-defendants were possessing and distributing large quantities of marijuana to individuals in the north part of Shreveport. On two occasions in September 2017, agents observed Locke meet an individual in the parking lot of a local business parking lot and instruct him to get into another vehicle. On both occasions, they then drove to another location and the individual obtained from Locke approximately 3,915 grams of marijuana the first time, and 5,155 grams of marijuana the second time. However, at the sentencing hearing, the court found that these two instances were not the extent of Locke’s involvement in illegal drug distribution during the charged conspiracy which ran at least from January 2016 to August 2020.
Ladarrell Cortrell Washington and Schyler Algernon Smith were also charged in connection with this case and have each pleaded guilty. Sentencing for Smith has been set for April 5, 2022 at 2:00. Washington’s sentencing will be April 6, 2022 at 2:00.
Other defendants who were previously convicted and sentenced in connection with this case are as follows:
- Jeremy Richard Francis;
- Robert Lynn Baulkman;
- Danny Glen Roy Welch;
- Frank Gilford Joshua;
- Michael Shane Haynes;
- Henry A. Wright; and
- Arnelius Danta Terrell.
Rico DeAngelo Lawrence is the only remaining defendant charged in this case and is currently a fugitive. Lawrence is aware that he is wanted and should be considered as armed and dangerous and should not be approached by non-law enforcement. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Lawrence, please contact Shreveport DEA Office at 318-676-4080 or the U.S. Marshal’s Service Violent Offender Task Force by contacting their office at 318-934-4300 or by using their online tip portal at: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Federal agencies including DEA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, all worked jointly with the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conducting this investigation. The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
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Latvian Citizen Extradited from Norway Made Appearance in Federal Court for Role in Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that a Latvian woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for her role in a money laundering conspiracy. She was recently extradited from Norway to face the federal charge and forfeiture allegations in South Dakota.
Lubova Burkute, age 40, was indicted on June 17, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 21, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution and forfeiture may also be ordered.
According to the indictment, in approximately 2015 and continuing until 2021, Burkute conspired and agreed with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Specifically, Burkute and her co-conspirators engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing U.S. Currency, foreign currency, and funds at financial institutions, which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity – wire fraud. Burkute and her co-conspirators knew that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds of the fraud scheme. While conducting and attempting to conduct such financial transactions, it is alleged that Burkute knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Burkute resided in and operated from Norway, among other places, she is a citizen of Latvia.
The charge is merely an accusation and Burkute is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the following agencies:
- Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation;
- Federal Bureau of Investigation;
- ØKOKRIM, the Norwegian National Authority for Prosecution and Investigation of Economic and Environmental Crime, Oslo, Norway;
- Oslo, Norway, Police Department;
- Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; and
- South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Ann M. Hoffman are prosecuting the case.
Burkute was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings and trial. A trial date of May 31, 2022, has been set.
LaBelle Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of A PawnshopRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Raynaldo Ray Quiroga (37, LaBelle) to 40 years in federal prison for robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possessing stolen firearms, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury had found Quiroga guilty on December 16, 2021.
According to evidence presented at trial, Quiroga, a seven-time convicted felon, entered Capital Pawn in LaBelle on the morning of May 19, 2021, falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer by wearing a green sheriff’s deputy uniform, a black tactical vest, a badge, and a duty belt equipped with a firearm. While in the shop, Quiroga brandished his firearm and zip-tied the store’s two employees before stealing six firearms and fleeing the scene. Law enforcement agents quickly identified Quiroga as a suspect and later found multiple pieces of evidence at his residence and in his car connecting him to the robbery.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Simon R. Eth and Jesus M. Casas.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Key West Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Laundering Victim Funds to NigeriaRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A Key West man was sentenced yesterday to 180 months’ imprisonment for laundering approximately $1 million of victim funds that were illegally obtained from romance and investment fraud scams that targeted elderly victims.
After a three-day trial before the Honorable United States District Court Judge K. Michael Moore, a jury found Sean Kerwin Bindranauth, 45, guilty of one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, six counts of substantive money laundering, and one count of conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business. According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, Bindranauth’s conspirators contacted the victims (who were generally lonely older women) via social media, developed on-line relationships with the victims, and convinced them to send money to Bindranauth via wire transfer, personal checks, or cash.
The trial evidence showed that, once Bindranauth received the money, he sent it from the United States to Nigeria by using international money transfer companies, initiating direct bank transfers, purchasing gift cards and relaying the gift card information, and other means. Over a dozen seniors and other victims were tricked into sending Bindranauth and his co-conspirators approximately $1 million. Evidence at trial demonstrated that other victims sent Bindranauth cash via USPS. A forensic analyst testified that the total loss to victims was impossible to ascertain because of untraceable funds.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman and Yisel Valdes prosecuted the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniele Croke handling asset forfeiture.
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-10016-KMM.
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Kayenta Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Joshua John Todecheene, 30, of Kayenta, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 17.5 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Todecheene previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
In February 2020, after an argument with the victim, Todecheene left the scene of the argument, returned with a rifle, and shot the victim in the chest, killing him. Todecheene and the victim are members of the Navajo Nation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiyoko Patterson, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-20-8038-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-030_Todecheene# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Jury finds Greek citizen guilty of stealing Social Security benefitsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 68-year-old legal permanent resident of Houston has been convicted of theft of public money, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Greek citizen Panagiota Tsigelis following a two-day trial on all 34 counts as charged.
The jury heard that Tsigelis collected benefits intended for a Social Security retiree. However, that individual had passed away in September 2008.
At trial, a Social Security claims representative explained that once a beneficiary passes away, their retirement benefits are supposed to cease. A records review in 2017 showed that the deceased individual was still receiving Social Security retirement benefits directly deposited into his checking account.
The jury also heard from a federal agent who led the investigation and from a local manager from J.P. Morgan Chase bank. According to testimony, Tsigelis claimed she was married to the individual in Greece before he passed away. She said she thought she was still eligible for the benefits as his surviving spouse.
However, she untimely admitted she was never married to him and fabricated relationship because she was scared.
At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury Tsigelis simply did not understand the rules due to a language barrier and genuinely believed she was entitled to the money. The jury ultimately convicted her as charged.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 7. At that time, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison. She could also face loss of her legal status in the United States.
Tsigelis was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas H. Carter prosecuted the case.
Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Travis CARTER, a/k/a “Tree,” age 42, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 17, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on January 7, 2021, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search of CARTER’s residence in Metairie. During the search, they discovered a digital scale with white powder residue, approximately one gram of suspected crack cocaine, a box of clear plastic bags, and $2,398.00 in U.S. currency. Detectives then transported CARTER to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. Correctional officers conducted a search of CARTER’s person, which resulted in the discovery of six clear plastic bags containing approximately 165.27 grams of cocaine located in CARTER’s shoes.
CARTER faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Donte White, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
White was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 2, 2021, White was found by law enforcement to be in possession of a firearm and marijuana in Hammond, Indiana. At that time, White had a prior felony conviction for robbery.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Entering the United States After a Prior RemovalRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Guatemalan national was sentenced today in federal court for entering the United States after a prior removal, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Nelson Obed Mendez-Gomez, 31, to a time-served sentence of three and half months. Mendez-Gomez pleaded guilty on February 9, 2022.
According to court records, in December 2021, Mendez-Gomez was a passenger in a truck driving in Rangeley. The vehicle refused to yield despite being followed by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent who was driving in a law enforcement vehicle with emergency lights and sirens. Once the truck stopped, Mendez-Gomez was removed along with the other vehicle occupants. A subsequent records check revealed that he had previously been deported from the United States on January 1, 2013, and July 12, 2017.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
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Gang Leader Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Keon Moore (30, Tampa) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. Moore had been indicted on June 4, 2020. A jury found him guilty on October 21, 2021.
According to testimony and evidence presented during sentencing and the four-day trial, Moore is a convicted felon and a high-ranking member of Money Power Respect (MPR)—a violent and rapidly growing prison and street gang that operates throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. Prior to being apprehended and convicted in this case, Moore stored guns and drugs for use by himself and others, sold guns and drugs, and threatened violence to collect drug debts. In one of Moore’s private Facebook communications, a person to whom Moore had provided drugs on consignment, but who failed to pay on time, begged Moore not to kill him via drive-by shooting over the $90 he owed Moore.
The charges brought in this case revolved around a Public Storage unit rented by Moore. After a law enforcement drug-detecting dog alerted to Moore’s unit, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of the unit. Inside the otherwise empty 50 square-foot unit, officers located seven guns, including two rifles; ammunition; approximately 45 grams of pure methamphetamine; 34 grams of cocaine; 53 grams of Eutylone; and 1.6 kilograms of marijuana, among other drugs; and a clothing item containing Moore’s DNA. Ballistics analysis linked one of the guns to five unsolved shootings.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon. This case is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt and dismantle the MPR gang.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Former attorney sentenced for detainee list bribery schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A 32-year-old McAllen attorney has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery of a public official, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Roel Alaniz pleaded guilty April 27, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez ordered Alanis to serve a total of 30 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted how the serious violation of his conduct and the series of continuing bribes in return for the alien rosters he received merited some incarceration time.
At the time of his plea, Alaniz admitted he paid immigration detention employees for alien detainee roster lists. Benito Barrientez, 43, Lyford, and Damian Ortiz, 31, Weslaco, were two employees of the Willacy County Regional Detention Center who sold the lists to Roel Alaniz or his sister - Cynthia Alanis, 28, Los Fresnos - who was also an attorney in the Rio Grande Valley.
The detainee lists were from the El Valle Detention Center-Raymondville and the Port Isabel Detention Center-Los Fresnos. They contained names, dates of birth, country of origin and A-numbers of alien detainees. The attorneys would then visit them, or instruct others to do so, in order to solicit them to hire his law firm for representation in immigration proceedings.
Barrientos, Ortiz and Exy Adelaida Gomez, 45, Los Fresnos, were also convicted and are pending sentencing. Each faces up to 15 years in federal prison and possible $250,000 maximum fine. Cynthia Alanis was previously sentenced.
Roel Alaniz was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement–Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case.
Former UVM ER Doctor Sentenced to 100 Months of Imprisonment for Federal Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on March 22, 2022, Eike Blohm, 39, of South Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 100 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Blohm to serve a 12-year term of supervised release, to pay restitution to identified victims, and to pay a special assessment of $100. Blohm’s federal sentence of 100 months will run concurrently with the 80-to-82-month sentence of imprisonment Blohm received in Vermont state court as a result of his guilty pleas to lewd and lascivious conduct and voyeurism.
According to court records and proceedings, an employee at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM MC) discovered a camera hidden in a unisex employee bathroom in the Emergency Department. Investigators with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) recovered the camera and discovered approximately 1,300 videos on the camera. Approximately 900 videos depicted hospital employees in at least two bathrooms at UVM MC. Thereafter, CUSI investigators obtained a warrant to search Blohm’s residence in South Burlington, Vermont. Investigators seized numerous digital devices during that residential search. A search of the digital devices revealed the presence of child pornography, some of which depicted children under the age of twelve years old and sadistic and masochistic abuse against children.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest commended the investigative efforts of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution. Lisa B. Shelkrot of Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP, represented Blohm.
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 Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former St. Louis police officer sentenced to one year and one day in fraud caseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Brad Stephens to one year and one day in federal prison for 3 counts of Mail Fraud by obtaining taxpayer moneys from the Tower Grove South Concerned Citizen Special Business District (“Tower Grove South”) by means of material false representations. Stephens pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021.
According to court documents, Stephens was employed as a police officer by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (“SLMPD”) in St. Louis, Missouri, and had been employed by the SLMPD since October 6, 2014.
Tower Grove South was established to provide special police and/or security for the protection and enjoyment of the property owners and the public within the district. The administration and operations of the business district are taxpayer funded. City Wide Security (“CWS”) is a private company that contracts with businesses and organizations to provide private security patrols. CWS contracted to provide security patrols in the Tower Grove South Neighborhood beginning during 2010.
Stephens was employed by CWS beginning in approximately 2015 to work during some of his off-duty hours to patrol the Tower Grove South Neighborhood. Stephens falsely represented to CWS 169 day and night patrol shifts he agreed to work as part of the CWS security patrol in the Tower Grove South Neighborhood when, in fact, Stephens did not actually work those assigned shifts. During 2018, Stephens falsely represented that he worked 93 days, and during 2019, Stephens falsely represented that he worked 76 days. CWS was paid approximately $50,000 by the Tower Grove South organization based upon Stephens’ false representations, all taxpayer funds.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Former IRS Employee Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former IRS employee pleaded guilty today to tax evasion for filing false tax returns and providing fabricated records to the IRS in an attempt to obstruct an audit of those returns.
According to court documents, Wayne M. Garvin, 57, currently of Columbia, South Carolina, was a long-time IRS employee who most recently worked as a Supervisory Associate Advocate with the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For the years 2012 through 2016, Garvin prepared and filed with the IRS individual income tax returns on which he claimed false deductions and expenses associated with rental properties he owned, fictitious real estate taxes on his personal residence and made-up charitable contributions. On his 2013 tax return, Garvin also deducted nearly $16,000 in false expenses associated with his employment with the U.S. Army Reserves. Although Garvin was formerly a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, he did not perform any reservist duty in 2013 and was not entitled to deduct any expenses related to that employment. In total, Garvin admitted to causing a loss to the IRS of more than $74,000.
Court documents also show that after the IRS began an audit of Garvin’s 2013 and 2014 tax returns, Garvin attempted to obstruct the audit by submitting fictitious documents to the IRS. For example, to justify the false deductions and expenses on his tax returns, Garvin created and submitted receipts from a church, invoices from a contractor and a letter from the Department of the Army. After learning he was under criminal investigation, Garvin later submitted some of the same fraudulent documents to IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Garvin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Melissa S. Siskind of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Is Sentenced to Prison for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. sentenced Jalon Carlos Torres, 43, of Boynton Beach, Florida, to 27 months in prison for cyberstalking and making interstate threats, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed documents and today’s court proceedings, from July 2020 to February 2021, Torres used various means of communication to cyberstalk a bank employee and her husband. The cyberstalking began after the bank employee, identified in documents as Jane Doe, informed Torres that his bank account would be closed due to unauthorized activity. Over the next eight months after the initial communication with Torres, the victim and her family endured a campaign of constant harassment and intimidation by the defendant, through dozens of telephone calls, voice mails, and text messages. These communications contained explicit and implicit threats to harm Jane Doe, her husband and her children, racial slurs, racist imagery including Nazi symbols, and pornographic imagery.
On October 1, 2021, Torres pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and two counts of making interstate threats. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI for their investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Fitchburg Woman Sentenced for Role in Fentanyl, Heroin, Crack and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for her role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Amanda Ford, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Dec. 3, 2021, Ford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base.
According to court documents, following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area led by co-conspirators Pedro Baez and Anthony Baez. Beginning in July 2019, intercepted electronic communications between Pedro and Anthony Baez, and other members of the DTO, revealed that Ford worked with Pedro and Anthony Baez to distribute a fentanyl and heroin mixture and crack cocaine on a regular basis to individuals in the Fitchburg area who then redistributed that mixture to others.
Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000 was seized. Ford was responsible for distributing over 150 grams of fentanyl.
Ford was charged along with 17 others in July 2020. Ford is the eighth defendant to be sentenced in the case. In December 2020, Anthony Baez was sentenced by Judge Hillman to 13 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Three of the remaining defendants, Pedro Baez, Branny Taveras and Hector Matos have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Lunenburg Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to over 20 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Antonio Nunez III (34, Palmetto) to 20 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Nunez had pleaded guilty on October 31, 2019.
According to court documents, beginning no later than March 2016 and continuing through May 2019, Nunez and his co-defendant, Antoine Waiters, conspired to possess heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances and sell the drugs from a trap house located in Palmetto, Florida. Over the course of the conspiracy, Nunez and Waiters distributed at least one kilogram of heroin and at least 400 grams of fentanyl and sold fentanyl to confidential sources on multiple occasions. More than $30,000 in U.S. currency, assorted jewelry, and two vehicles were forfeited as proceeds of the conspiracy.
This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Hot Batch.” OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
Felon guilty of illegally owning rifles and shotgunsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year-old Huntsville resident has admitted to being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On March 10, 2021, authorities pulled over a vehicle for having an expired Texas temporary tag. Alonzo Gonzalez III was a passenger in the vehicle.
Law enforcement officers noticed the occupants of the vehicle were behaving suspiciously and brought a K9 to the scene. The K9 alerted to the rear of the vehicle. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of seven firearms concealed inside the trunk. Those included two 12-gauge shotguns, a .243 rifle, .223-5.56 rifle and three 7.62x54R rifles. Authorities later determined that two of the weapons were stolen.
Gonzalez admitted he had placed the firearms in the trunk and planned to sell them in South Texas.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos will impose sentence on June 22. If found to be an armed career criminal, Gonzalez will face a minimum of 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Kleberg County Attorney Specialized Crimes & Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Gould is prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Baton Rouge Man of Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Relating to Financial Aid FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced the conviction of Elliot Sterling, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sterling was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2020, and charged with wire fraud, financial aid fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from specified unlawful activity.
After an eight-day trial before District Judge Brian A. Jackson, the jury unanimously convicted Sterling of five counts of wire fraud involving a scheme to defraud the Department of Education federal student aid program, two counts of financial aid fraud, and two counts of wire fraud involving the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which was designed to aid businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Sterling was also convicted of six counts of money laundering involving the proceeds of his two wire fraud schemes. The jury further ordered the forfeiture of $422,632.38 in fraud proceeds that the FBI had seized in the case.
As the evidence at trial demonstrated, with respect to the Department of Education wire fraud and financial aid fraud counts, Mr. Sterling received $1,468,239 in federal student aid loans and grants that were associated with 180 Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) students into his personal bank account and the business bank account of his company, Sterling Educational Consulting, LLC. The evidence presented at trial showed that Mr. Sterling used the personal identifying information of his purported students to electronically fill out and submit their Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs), sign master promissory notes on their behalf, enroll them into classes at BRCC, and create and manage the student BankMobile accounts that received federal student loans. Through Mr. Sterling’s control of the students’ accounts, he directed Department of Education monies to be paid directly into his own bank accounts.
In order to circumvent Department of Education controls designed to inform students about the financial obligations of student loans, Mr. Sterling concealed his role as the preparer of the FAFSAs and pretended to be the students when he logged on with their credentials, clicked through the loan counseling in less than three minutes, and signed promissory notes in their names. Typically, the students did not have access to the email addresses or login information that Mr. Sterling created on their behalf and did not have access to their own FAFSA, BRCC, or BankMobile accounts.
In addition, Mr. Sterling falsified the academic qualifications for 168 students to the Department of Education, and 145 of these students lacked even a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. a GED). A witness at trial also testified that Mr. Sterling had paid him $5,000 to produce 42 diplomas with fictional grades. These diplomas were then provided to BRCC after BRCC requested verification of the students’ academic credentials. None of the 180 students for whom Mr. Sterling received money progressed academically at BRCC, and 172 failed or withdrew from every class they were enrolled in. Some students were incarcerated when their FAFSAs were submitted, promissory notes signed, or federal student aid disbursed into Mr. Sterling’s bank accounts.
Instead of directing the funds he received to the students, Mr. Sterling kept over 60% for himself, and for 25 students, Mr. Sterling kept 100% of the loan proceeds. Among the students who received money from Mr. Sterling’s scheme, most were unaware they had signed up for student loans and that Mr. Sterling had signed master promissory notes in their names obligating them to repay the full amount. The students were also unaware of the true amount of refunds awarded in their names, and the true amount Mr. Sterling retained as his portion.
With respect to the SBA wire fraud, Mr. Sterling submitted a loan application on behalf of his business, Sterling Educational Consulting, LLC, that falsified the business’s revenues and costs and concealed his prior guilty plea to felony theft. As a result of these false statements, the SBA loaned Mr. Sterling $90,000 in order for him to pay the operating costs of his business during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Sterling promptly withdrew $75,000 in cash. During the course of his schemes, Mr. Sterling also spent more than $253,000 at casinos in Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
As a result of his convictions, Mr. Sterling now faces a maximum sentence in federal prison of twenty years per wire fraud count, ten years per money laundering count, and five years per financial aid fraud count, as well as significant fines, restitution, and supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Elizabeth E. White, Assistant U.S. Attorney René I. Salomon, and Asset Forfeiture Chief Brad Casey.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Three Years for Smuggling Contraband into Prison Through Hole in Cell WindowRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Anthony Robinson, a/k/a Slick, 34, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for conspiring with others to smuggle contraband into the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia.
In October 2021, the defendant was convicted by a jury on charges of conspiracy and possession of contraband in prison, stemming from a 2020 incident caught on security recordings. In April 2020, staff at the FDC observed a man outside the prison, attaching items to a line. Security camera footage showed a rope being pulled up the side of the building facing Arch Street. Upon searching the cell from which the rope emanated, officers found two cellmates along with quantities of Suboxone, cocaine, tobacco, methamphetamine tablets, marijuana, a SIM card, and an inoperable cell phone. Both men were charged and convicted for possessing contraband in prison. Meanwhile, further investigation revealed that they did not act alone. Specifically, investigators discovered that another FDC inmate, defendant Robinson, had aided them in their smuggling operation from his own cell by arranging, via a contraband cell phone, for the drugs to be brought to the FDC.
“Maintaining the secure environment of federal correctional facilities is paramount to the safety of staff and inmates and the pursuit of justice in an effort to deter future criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “In this case, instead of learning from previous mistakes, the defendant couldn’t help himself and committed another crime by smuggling contraband into the facility. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate this kind of lawless behavior.”
“Talk about a brazen smuggling scheme, using a line lowered right down to Arch Street,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Introducing contraband into prisons can put corrections staff, inmates, and even the community at risk. Robinson was a key partner in this conspiracy and is being held appropriately accountable. It’s imperative to keep our correctional facilities safe and secure.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Damiani.
Federal Court Rules in Favor of the Justice Department in Lawsuit Against City of Troy, Michigan for Restrictions on Places of Worship and Treatment of Muslim Religious GroupRead the Press Release
Detroit, MI – Late Friday, March 18, 2022, a federal judge ruled in favor of the Justice Department, finding that the City of Troy, Michigan violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). The judge found that Troy’s zoning practices treat places of worship worse than equivalent nonreligious assemblies. The judge also found that Troy’s zoning denial substantially burdened the religious exercise of a Muslim group seeking to establish the only permanent place of Islamic worship in the City of Troy. Accordingly, the judge entered an order enjoining Troy from enforcement of the discriminatory provisions of its zoning ordinance.
“I am very pleased that the Court recognized Troy’s unequal treatment of places of worship and the impact on Troy’s Muslim community,” said Dawn Ison, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “My office always seeks to work cooperatively with local governments to resolve civil rights disputes. However, when that is not possible, we will not hesitate to prosecute those cases.”
The Justice Department originally filed suit in 2019, after Troy denied zoning approval to Adam Community Center (Adam), an organization of Muslims who live and work in Troy, to operate a place of worship. In 2018, after a nine-year search for a permanent location in Troy, Adam acquired a building in one of Troy’s commercial districts to use as a community center and place of worship. Troy’s zoning ordinance would allow a nonreligious place of assembly, such as a theater or banquet hall, to use the same building without further approval. But because of Troy’s zoning restrictions unique to places of worship, Adam had to seek Troy’s approval to operate in the building. On June 19, 2018, Troy’s zoning board denied Adam’s application. The Justice Department investigated and subsequently filed suit.
The judge’s opinion quoted from RLUIPA’s legislative history, noting that, “RLUIPA was enacted to protect assemblies like Adam from discrimination in zoning laws that ‘lurks behind such vague and universally applicable reasons as traffic, aesthetics, or ‘not consistent with the city’s land use plan.’’” The opinion also noted that, “Adam has searched for a suitable property for many years and purchased the Property at issue here at great cost ...”, and that Troy had “…no compelling governmental interest in prohibiting Adam, a religious place of assembly, from operating from the Property.”
This case was litigated by Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon Ackenhausen and Susan DeClercq of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan as well as trial attorneys from the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. In June 2018, the Justice Department announced its Place to Worship Initiative, which focuses on RLUIPA’s provisions that protect the rights of houses of worship and other
religious institutions to worship on their land. More information is available at
www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the court’s opinion and order, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation can submit a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at [email protected] or by phone at (313) 226-9151. Complaints can also be submitted to the Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal.Ex-Roommate and Co-Conspirator of Former Philadelphia Eagle Sentenced to 2 Months for Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Mark Wayne Ramsey, 32, of San Francisco, CA, was sentenced to 60 days in prison, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine by United States District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for his participation in an insider trading scheme.
In September 2021, a jury found the defendant guilty of four counts of securities fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ramsey traded on inside information provided by Damilare Sonoiki, at the time a junior analyst at Goldman Sachs, regarding upcoming mergers involving four Goldman Sachs clients: Compuware Corporation; Move, Inc;, Sapient Corporation; and Oplink Communications. LLC. Sonoiki provided this information to Ramsey and his roommate Mychal Kendricks, then a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. Ramsey and Kendricks purchased call options in the target companies between July and November 2014. During the football season, when Kendricks was busiest, Ramsey became the primary contact with Sonoiki, and Ramsey made the trades in Kendricks’s account based on the insider information Sonoiki provided. When the proposed merger was announced in each case, the value of the options purchased by Ramsey and Kendricks increased significantly. During the period of the conspiracy, the trading conducted by Ramsey and Kendricks from Kendricks’s account resulted in profits of nearly $1.2 million on the four securities.
Defendants Sonoiki and Kendricks both pleaded guilty in September 2018 to insider trading and conspiracy charges based on this same conspiracy. In July 2021, Kendricks was sentenced to one day in prison and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. In the same month, Sonoki was sentenced to one month in prison and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
“This case was about three individuals who thought they could cheat the system to make a quick buck,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “When individuals engage in insider trading, it undermines the integrity of our financial markets and harms ordinary investors who abide by the rules. Our Office will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals who engage in this type of illegal activity.”
“Mark Ramsey knowingly traded on material, non-public information, to score a handsome profit,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “To maintain their integrity, our financial markets must be a level playing field for all investors, not just those with friends in the know. That’s exactly why the FBI works hard to hold accountable anyone engaged in insider trading.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Ignall and Eileen Zelek.
Elkton Man Admits to Possessing over 2,000 Depictions of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Jacob Mathias Rubinstein, age 42, of Elkton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his guilty plea, on September 4, 2020, the Maryland State Police received a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a referral from a social media platform. The report involved an account user who was suspected to have possessed and distributed child pornography on the social media platform. The account user associated with the explicit images was linked to the email address “[email protected]” and an IP address located at Rubinstein’s Elkton, Maryland residence.
On February 4, 2021, the NCMEC received a second tip from an instant messaging application regarding an account user registered under the email “[email protected]” and an IP address linked to Rubinstein’s residence.
As a result of executed search warrants on Rubinstein’s various online accounts, investigators discovered that Rubinstein, at times, posed as a minor during his online communications with minors and distributed child pornography to other internet users.
For example, on September 20, 2020, Rubinstein used a social media account to communicate with a 10-year-old victim (Minor Victim 1). During communication with Minor Victim 1, Rubinstein posed as a minor himself and convinced Minor Victim 1 that he went to her local school. Rubinstein sent two sexually explicit videos to Minor Victim 1 that depicted two minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Minor Victim 1 then recorded videos of herself in a nude state and sent the video to Rubinstein.
On January 12, 2021, Rubinstein used the same email address to distribute a video to a user on an instant messenger application that depicted a lewd display of a prepubescent female’s naked genitals.
As stated in his plea agreement, on February 16, 2021, MSP and HSI executed a search warrant at Rubinstein’s residence where one cell phone, a 64 GB SD card, and two laptops were seized. A forensic review of these devices revealed that Rubinstein possessed over 1,160 pictures and 970 videos of child pornography, including a two-hour video compilation depicting the sexual abuse of minor victims ranging from prepubescent toddlers to teenagers.
Rubinstein faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the HSI and MSP for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine L. Duey and Zachary B. Stendig, who are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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EMS employee indicted for smuggling two in ambulanceRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old man has been indicted on alien smuggling charges, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment against Hugo Daniel Torres. He was originally charged by criminal complaint. He is expected to appear for his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos on the indictment in the near future.
On March 2, Torres allegedly attempted to drive an ambulance through the Interstate Highway 35 Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located in Laredo. The charges further allege authorities became suspicious after the passenger of the vehicle appeared nervous and did not provide proof of citizenship.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement determined the passenger and one other woman posing as a patient were non-U.S. citizens and were in the United States illegally, according to the charges.
If convicted, Torres faces up to 10 years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Dixon Woman Charged with Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Dixon, Missouri, woman was charged in federal court today with possessing methamphetamine to distribute.
Connie M. Gonzales, 51, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., with one count of possessing methamphetamine to distribute.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s federal criminal complaint, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Gonzalez’s residence on Monday, March 21. Investigators found a safe in the master bedroom that contained a large bag of approximately 400 grams of crystal methamphetamine and three small baggies of crystal methamphetamine. Investigators also found a cellophane-wrapped package on the bed, under the sheet, that contained approximately 440 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Pulaski County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the South Central Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
De Motte Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Ricky Shultz, 51, of De Motte, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Shultz was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on September 5, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shultz’s residence in De Motte, Indiana. During the search, law enforcement recovered over 200 grams of methamphetamine and 48 firearms, two of which were fully automatic. At the time of the search, Shultz had a prior felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Indiana State Police, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the Newton County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Cottage Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Minneapolis – A Cottage Grove man has pleaded guilty today to bank robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats.
According to court documents, in November 2021, Michael Thomas Prall, 43, used force, violence, and intimidation to steal thousands of dollars from three separate banks. On November 5, 2021, Prall stole approximately $2,558 from a U.S. Bank in Bloomington. On November 19, 2021, Prall stole approximately $4,589 from a Bremer Bank in Woodbury. On November 30, 2021, Prall stole approximately $775 from a Wells Fargo bank in Cottage Grove.
Prall pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. A sentencing date will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Cottage Grove Police Department, the Woodbury Police Department, the Bloomington Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Washington County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing several firearms.
Fredrick Lee Mixon, Jr., 47, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
By pleading guilty today, Mixon admitted that he was in possession of a Smith & Wesson revolver, a Winchester .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, and a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun on Dec. 4, 2019. Columbia police officers found those firearms in his bedroom while executing a search warrant at Mixon’s residence.
Officers also found an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle and a STEN 9mm sub-machine gun hidden inside a barbecue grill on the rear patio of the residence. The firearms were inside a rifle bag, which also contained a partially loaded 60-round drum magazine, three partially loaded 30-round magazines, and a box of ammunition. Officers also found a loaded Romarm Drako 7.62x39mm semi-automatic pistol with a 30-round magazine in Mixon’s car.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Mixon has prior felony convictions for robbery and illegally possessing a firearm.
Under federal statutes, Mixon is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Boulder, Colorado, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on March 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
James Ruttledge, age 50, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Ruttledge was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 11, 2020. He pled guilty on December 30, 2021.
The convictions stem from a conspiracy which began in March, 2020, in which Ruttledge conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine in and around central South Dakota. Rutledge brought large amounts of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to the Winner, South Dakota, area to be distributed. As part of the conspiracy, Ruttledge was involved in a traffic stop on August 28, 2020, in Tripp County, South Dakota, wherein 200 grams of pure methamphetamine and a firearm were found in Ruttledge’s possession. Ruttledge is felon and an unlawful user of a controlled substance making him a prohibited person.
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
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Ruttledge was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Catawba Co. Man Faces COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury sitting in Charlotte has returned a criminal indictment against Spenc’r Denard Rickerson, 35, of Claremont, N.C., charging him with wire fraud and bank robbery offenses, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The indictment was returned on March 15, 2022, and was unsealed today following Rickerson’s arrest on Monday.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division.
According to allegations in the indictment, between June 30, 2020, and March 20, 2021, Rickerson used false information to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and multiple Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
To obtain the PPP loan, the indictment alleges that Rickerson submitted a fraudulent application for a non-existent company that contained a number of falsehoods, including the purpose of the loan and the company’s payroll costs. The indictment also alleges that Rickerson submitted fraudulent applications for several loans under the EIDL program, in which he provided fake information about the number of company employees and gross revenues. As a result of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications, Rickerson allegedly received over $74,200 in fraudulent funds intended to assist businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to the fraudulent loan scheme, according to allegations in the indictment, on March 18, 2021, Rickerson committed an armed robbery of a BB&T Bank located at 12 North Main Avenue, in Newton, N.C. Rickerson allegedly used the stolen funds from the fraudulent loan scheme and the bank robbery to pay bills and to buy cryptocurrency.
Rickerson remains in federal custody. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for the bank robbery offense is 25 years and a $250,000 fine.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI in Charlotte investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lambert Guinn and Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are in charge of the prosecution.
To report suspected COVID-19 fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed by the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. Members of the public in the Western District of North Carolina are also encouraged to call 704-344-6222 to reach their local Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
Canton Doctor Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton orthopedic surgeon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for his role in a health care fraud scheme.
Dr. Olarewaju James Oladipo, 57, of Canton, was indicted on 11 counts of health care fraud. Oladipo was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler today at 2 p.m. in federal court in Boston.
According to the indictment, from approximately January 2016 through December 2019, Oladipo devised and executed a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs by falsely billing for patient visits. Specifically, it is alleged that Oladipo used billing codes for more complex—and thus more expensive—services that were not provided (a practice that is sometimes referred to as “upcoding”). Oladipo allegedly falsified medical records of patient visits to reflect examinations and services that were not performed. During the four-year period, it is alleged that Oladipo frequently billed for more than 60 patients per day and sometimes more than 90 patients per day. The result was that many, if not most, of Oladipo’s patient visits on such days could have only lasted five minutes or less. However, Oladipo allegedly used billing codes that typically corresponded to visits of 15, 25, 30, or even 45 minutes. It is further alleged that Oladipo ensured this high flow of patients to his practice by prescribing powerful, highly addictive opioids at a rate that made him one of the top prescribers of such drugs in Massachusetts.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this crime should contact [email protected].
The charge of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the National Insurance Crime Bureau; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan D. Panich and William B. Brady are 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.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Caldwell man was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others.
According to court records, on June 9, 2021, Idaho State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Jesus Enrique Morales, 30, because Morales failed to maintain his lane. During the stop, the trooper discovered that Morales had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The trooper asked Morales to step out of the vehicle so he could place him under arrest. Morales stepped out of his vehicle and immediately began to argue about his pending arrest. When Morales resisted arrest, it resulted in a physical altercation with the trooper attempting to place Morales into handcuffs. After a prolonged fight, Morales ran towards the freeway in the direction of oncoming traffic. The trooper tased Morales, dragged him off the road to ensure that he would not be struck by any oncoming traffic, and placed him under arrest. As the trooper and other law enforcement officers waited for an ambulance to arrive to check on Morales, a police dog, which was trained and certified to detect the odor of controlled substances, positively alerted to the odor of a controlled substance in Morales’ vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 345.4 grams of methamphetamine. Morales has admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others.
Morales has prior convictions for battery, possession of a controlled substance, and providing false information to law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Morales to pay a $500 fine and to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Morales pleaded guilty to the charge on October 13, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigation by the Idaho State Police, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Conartist Who Impersonated Various Government Officials Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Yamini Potter, age 36, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his convictions of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses and Obstruction of Justice.
According to court documents, from about May 2019 through October 23, 2020, the Defendant, acting as himself and others including federal Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller, former Virgin Islands Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George, and retired federal Judge Curtis Gomez, contacted elderly victims requesting that they pay him large sums of money, which ultimately totaled over $100,000, to purportedly pay for lawyers and legal fees associated with various fictitious lawsuits. After the Defendant was arrested for his criminal conduct, he continued to use the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections telephone to contact victims of his fraudulent schemes on a recorded line. He also told the victims not to cooperate with the federal authorities in their investigation of the matter. He instructed the victims to delete text messages between himself and the victims.
The Defendant was sentenced to 33 months in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $ 120,650 to the victims and a special assessment of $ 200.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Burlington Man Appears in Federal Court on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on March 21, 2022, Malik Pratt, 24, of Burlington, Vermont was arrested and appeared in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont for his initial appearance following the filing of a complaint which alleges that he robbed People’s United Bank in Burlington, Vermont on March 1, 2022.
According to the complaint, Burlington Police Department officers were dispatched to the People’s United Bank on North Avenue in Burlington, Vermont on March 1, 2022 at 10:06 a.m. following reports of a bank robber. Also, according to the complaint, bank employees stated that the robber threatened to shoot them and demanded cash. After acquiring cash, the robber fled the bank on foot, jumping over a fence near Ethan Allan Parkway to escape. The bank reported a total of $1,316 in U.S. currency stolen.
The criminal complaint lodged against Pratt contains accusations only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The defendant is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Burlington for a detention hearing on March 23, 2022. The charged offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. Any actual sentence will be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The Burlington Police Department and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are jointly investigating the crime. Pratt is represented by Richard R. Goldsborough, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Paul Van de Graaf.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department in their collaborative investigation of Pratt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. https://www.justice.gov/psn
Boise Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise man was sentenced to federal prison this week for distributing methamphetamine in Boise and Nampa.
According to court records, Nicholas Leroy Strong, 44, distributed 55 grams of methamphetamine in Nampa on March 10, 2021, and 84 grams of methamphetamine in Boise on March 31, 2021. On April 21, 2021, law enforcement served a search warrant at a residence in Boise where Strong was staying. Investigators located approximately 450 grams of methamphetamine, $2,729 in cash, and a firearm in the bedroom where Strong was staying. Strong admitted to occasionally staying at the residence but resided full-time at a halfway house while on parole for two state convictions relating to distributing methamphetamine. He further admitted to receiving and possessing methamphetamine at the residence.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, sentenced Strong to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Skavdahl also ordered $2,729 in cash and the firearm be forfeited. Strong pleaded guilty to the crime on December 27, 2021. Strong has two prior felony drug convictions and was on parole at the time he committed the offense.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, which led to charges.
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