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27 April 2022
Texarkana Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Texarkana man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Texarkana.
According to court records, Officers with the Texarkana Police Department began investigating, 33 year old, Terron Jerome Pearse, after receiving information that a felony warrant had been issued for his arrest. On October 12, 2020, officers located and attempted to make contact with Pearse, while he sat in a parked vehicle at his residence. As officers approached Pearse, he ran inside his residence and locked the door. Knowing that Pearse was on state parole, and had an active search wavier on file, officers searched Pearse’s vehicle. Inside Pearse’s vehicle, officers located a backpack that contained approximately 611 grams (or about 1.34 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine. While officers were making attempts to get Pearse to come out of the residence, he fell through the ceiling and was taken into custody.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Texarkana Police Department, the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case.
Tax Tiger preparer pleads guilty to tax fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A local woman has admitted to aiding and assisting in preparation of at least 50 false income tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Krystle Robinson prepared income tax returns for clients under her own tax service business.
As part of her plea, Robinson admitted that between 2013-2017, she helped prepare income tax returns under the business name Tax Tigers. After January 2017, Robinson’s business name was changed to Tax Lions.
In the fraudulent tax returns, Robinson made false claims of business losses from sole proprietorships and inflated Schedule A deductions and education credits. Robinson also admitted that she assisted in preparing a false income tax return for an undercover IRS agent.
The fraudulent tax returns resulted in a total loss of $245,995. Robinson agreed to pay restitution to the IRS.
U.S. Circuit Judge Gregg Costa accepted the plea and set sentencing for May 18. At that time, Robinson faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.
South Texas woman ordered to prison for smuggling $1.5M in methRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old La Joya woman has been sent to prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 19 kilograms of highly pure meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Karla Jessica Perez pleaded guilty Dec. 21, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos sentenced her to a total of 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that Perez purchased the vehicle in which the drugs were found, drove the vehicle into Mexico and back across the border into the United States. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Perez’s role in the planning and organizing of the offense rose above that of a minor participant.
On June 18, Perez drove a white Jeep Patriot into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. A thorough search of the SUV revealed hidden compartments in the exhaust system and body panels that concealed 16 large bundles of narcotics.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was meth with a total weight of 19.87 kilograms. The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $1.5 million.
Perez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck prosecuted the case.
South Bay Resident Charged with Federal Firearm Violation in the Wake of January 2020 Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – The Office of the United States Attorney has filed a federal criminal complaint charging Marcus Pardo with a firearm-related crime in connection with a January 2020 shooting death near the corner of Squeri Drive and Clayton Road in San Jose, announced U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan.
The complaint, filed April 11, 2022, and unsealed earlier today, alleges that Pardo, of Gilroy, Calif., shot and killed the victim with a .50 caliber firearm on January 15, 2020, during a drug transaction. According to the complaint, the shooting victim was involved in coordinating a drug deal between Pardo and another individual (the Intended Buyer) earlier the same day. The victim’s recovered text messages and other evidence show that the victim and the Intended Buyer met with Pardo, who had agreed to sell prescription Oxycodone pills to the Intended Buyer. The text messages also indicate Pardo and the Intended Buyer were bringing firearms to the drug deal and that the Intended Buyer contemplated robbing Pardo during the deal. The complaint details text messages by the victim acknowledging the danger inherent in this situation, and, specifically, one message in which the victim wrote to his friends: “Y’all if I die tonight just know I love y’all.”
According to the complaint, during the resulting meeting, Pardo fired the .50 caliber handgun in his possession, striking and killing the victim.
Pardo is charged with one count of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Pardo faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. In addition, as part of any sentence, the court may order restitution, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Pardo made his initial federal court appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and, as with all defendants, Pardo is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Backhus is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Elise Etter. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Jose Police Department and the FBI.
Somerset County Man Admits Conspiring to Distribute over 18 Kilograms of HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a drug trafficking network that was responsible for the importation of large quantities of heroin into New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
William T. Bouza, 45, of Watchung, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In February 2019, Bouza arranged for a vehicle that was equipped with a secret compartment, or “trap,” containing 15 kilograms of heroin, to be shipped from California to a location in Union County. Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle, seized the narcotics, and identified Bouza as the intended recipient. In the following months, law enforcement determined that Bouza was storing and processing narcotics for street-level distribution at multiple locations in Essex County. In October 2019, Bouza was apprehended. Law enforcement subsequently discovered more than 1,000 packages, or “bricks” of heroin, each containing approximately 50 individual doses, in one of Bouza’s stash-houses. In total, law enforcement seized over 18 kilograms of heroin belonging to Bouza.
The controlled substances offenses carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2022.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited law enforcement officers with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, the New Jersey State Police, and other law enforcement agencies within the Opioids Task Force with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Sioux City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute over 42 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City woman who distributed over 42 pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced April 19, 2022, to 7 years in federal prison. Heather Sorgdrager, age 41, from Sioux City, received the prison term after an October 18, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At a plea hearing, Sorgdrager admitted to conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Sioux City. Sorgdrager admitted to possessing methamphetamine in New Mexico that she intended to bring to Sioux City. In April 2021, law enforcement in New Mexico found Sorgdrager and another individual with over 42 pounds of methamphetamine.
Sorgdrager was sentenced in Sioux City by United States Chief District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 84 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Sorgdrager is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4031.
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Sioux City Man with History of Violence Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to 8 years in federal prison.
Arrion Price, age 26, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed that on June 8, 2021, Price was a passenger in a car when he and others were subject to a traffic stop. The stopping officer smelled marijuana, ordered everyone out of the car, and began a search. Price ran from the officer. A search of the car subsequently revealed a 9mm pistol and ammunition in the storage sleeve of the car seat directly in front of where Price had been seated. The gun was loaded with one round in the chamber and 15 more rounds in the magazine. Price was eventually captured, and search of his person revealed marijuana. A search of Price’s phone revealed movies and pictures of Price with a gun that appeared identical to the gun discovered in the car.
Price has a lengthy history of violent behavior including incidents where he assaulted, robbed, and shot other persons. Price has recent criminal convictions for Robbery, Burglary and Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.
Price was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Price was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Price is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4052.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Third Federal Drug Conviction.Read the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on April 25, 2022, to 15 years in federal prison.
Kory Mammen, 52, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on January 4, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2000 and 2011, Mammen was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on March 26, 2021, Mammen was stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation in Sioux City, Iowa. Due to suspicious behavior, law enforcement deployed a K-9 on the exterior of the car which indicated to the presence of controlled substances. A search of the car revealed a black bag under the driver’s seat which contained two syringes and 17 smaller bags containing a total of 42 grams of methamphetamine. On November 15, 2021, during Mammen’s arrest on the charges in this case, he was found with several baggies which contained approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine. Mammen admitted to law enforcement he planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mammen was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and must serve an eight-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Mammen remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4091. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Second Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses and Admits to Participating in Fatal October 2019 RobberyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence—namely, the May 17, 2019 shooting of a rival gang member near Sheridan Avenue and Marcy Place in the Bronx. CASADO was the fourteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case and the second to admit his participation in an October 5, 2019 robbery near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan, during which CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez, who tried to intervene in the robbery. On February 9, 2022, ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder in a gang-related incident on July 18, 2019, and two counts of discharging a firearm during gang-related incidents on July 20, 2019 and October 5, 2019. ROSARIO also admitted his role in causing Rodriguez’s death. All of the defendants pled guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
According to allegations in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments filed in this case, as well as statements by the Government and defense at plea proceedings in this case:
Between 2017 and 2019, DARRELL LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Capo,” and DAVON MCCULLOUGH, a/k/a “Yung,” a/k/a “Dayday,” were leaders and suppliers of a narcotics conspiracy that operated principally on and around East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue in the Bronx, as well as in Maine and Virginia. Many members of the conspiracy—including CASADO and ROSARIO—were also members of the Mac Ballers gang. Members of the conspiracy trafficked in significant quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs; and they routinely used, carried, and possessed firearms to protect their drug operations and advance their gang interests. For example, on May 17, 2019, CASADO traveled from the area of East 175th Street to Sheridan Avenue near East 169th Street and shot at a member of a rival gang who had insulted CASADO’s gang set on social media. On July 18, 2019, ROSARIO attempted to shoot at other rival gang members in the vicinity of East 178th Street and Anthony Avenue; and two days later, on July 20, 2019, ROSARIO fired shots into the courtyard of an apartment complex at 2000 Valentine Avenue. Then, on September 13, 2019, MCCULLOUGH drove two co-conspirators to commit a robbery of marijuana at a store near 2163 Second Avenue in Manhattan, knowing that at least one of the robbers would use a gun to commit the robbery. During the ensuing robbery, both co-conspirators brandished guns and stole marijuana and proceeds of marijuana sales, among other things. On October 5, 2019, CASADO, ROSARIO, and a third co-conspirator approached and robbed personal property from two individuals near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan while ROSARIO brandished a firearm and assaulted one of the victims with the firearm. Jonathan Rodriguez attempted to intervene, and as he approached ROSARIO from behind, ROSARIO turned and fired a shot, causing Rodriguez’s death.
CASADO pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, and possessing firearms in connection with a crime of violence, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder, and two counts of using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during gang related incidents, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Among the other defendants to plead guilty in this case, LAWRENCE pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and on February 14, 2022, MCCULLOUGH pled guilty to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; using, carrying, and possessing a firearm that was brandished in connection with a robbery on September 13, 2019, and conspiring to retaliate against a cooperating witness, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twelve years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
ROSARIO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. on May 26, 2022. MCCULLOUGH is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on June 30, 2022. LAWRENCE is scheduled to be sentenced at 12:00 p.m. on July 12, 2022. CASADO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on October 27, 2022. Each of the defendants will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Balsamello, Jamie Bagliebter, and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day; West Virginians Encouraged to ParticipateRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginians can rid their homes of unneeded medications, a simple yet effective step in the fight against substance use disorders, during the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes this national event, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is a ready partner. More than 70 sites across the Mountain State will offer a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications that are susceptible to misuse.
“This is an easy measure to prevent the abuse of medication and cut off a potential gateway to addiction, “ said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “We know that a majority of opioid use disorders in West Virginia and nationwide start with prescription pills found at home.”
U.S. drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.
A nationwide surge in fake prescription pills, made and marketed by criminal drug networks, is driving harm, violence, and overdoses. Fake pills, marketed as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public, are easy to purchase and widely available. Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids. Fentanyl is commonly found in counterfeit pills, and is the primary driver in the alarming increase in overdose deaths.
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, DEA and its law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at http://www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year.
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,600 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.
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.
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San Francisco Man Charged in Alleged Cryptocurrency Investor Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Japheth Dillman was arrested today in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud victims into investing in a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency trading fund, announced U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson.
Dillman, 44, of San Francisco, was charged in a complaint filed April 26, 2022, and unsealed earlier today. According to the complaint, from June 2017 through July 2018, Dillman was a general partner of Block Bits Fund I, LP (Block Bits Fund), a limited partnership incorporated in Delaware with a principal place of business in San Francisco. Dillman is alleged to have represented to potential investors that Block Fits Fund was developing a novel autotrader that would automatically complete cryptocurrency arbitrage trades on different exchanges. Dillman told potential investors that Block Fits Fund would profit from exploiting the price differences between different cryptocurrencies being sold on various exchanges. According to Dillman, investor funds would be used to develop and operate the autotrader, which he told investors was functioning and already returning profits. The complaint further alleges that, together with another general partner, David Mata, 42, of Spokane Wash., Dillman raised approximately $960,000 from investors by misrepresenting the status and functionality of the technology underlying the autotrader and by making false representations regarding the manner investor funds were being used.
The misrepresentations Dillman allegedly made are described in the complaint. For example, Dillman represented to multiple investors in June and July 2017 that the autotrader was already functioning and returning a substantial profit to Block Bits Fund. In fact, according to the complaint, there was no functioning autotrader at the time, and any claims regarding the autotrader’s ability to generate profits were false. According to the complaint, Block Bits Fund was never able to develop a functioning autotrader at any point in its existence. Further, in August 2017, Dillman represented to investors in an email that the arbitrage autotrader was being tested and that it would be deployed for automated trades within a week. The complaint alleges that these representations were false. According to the complaint, there was no prospect that the autotrader could be developed and deployed within one week of the date of the email, as development of the autotrader had not yet begun.
In addition, the complaint describes how Dillman allegedly misrepresented how investor funds were being used by representing that funds were being placed in “cold storage” where they would return high rates of profit for investors. “Cold storage” refers to a way of storing cryptocurrency that is supposedly safe and not exposed to risky investments. Dillman informed investors on multiple occasions that Block Bits Fund had reached “cold storage” deals with third parties whereby investor funds would be placed in “cold storage” for a period of time and receive a significant profit at the end of the storage period. However, rather than place the investor funds in “cold storage” for safe keeping, Dillman and Mata instead diverted the funds and used them to invest in risky, cryptocurrency-related ventures, none of which involved “cold storage” or were related to the stated purpose of Block Bits Fund. Moreover, the complaint alleges Dillman and Mata sent misleading updates and profit reports to investors representing that their funds were being stored securely when, in fact, they were invested in risky ventures. According to the complaint, all of the investments failed and investors lost a substantial portion of their funds.
In sum, the complaint alleges Block Bits investors lost approximately $508,000 due to Dillman’s scheme. Dillman is charged with one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Mata also is charged with one count of wire fraud in a separate document, an information filed earlier today. If convicted, Dillman and Mata face a maximum statutory prison sentence of 20 years. In addition, the charge carries a maximum $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
A criminal complaint and an information contain mere allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dillman’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 28, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson. Mata’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, before Magistrate Judge Hixson.
The cases against Dillman and Mata are brought as a result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
San Antonio Woman Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday a San Antonio woman was sentenced to 45 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,443.64 in restitution for her role in a bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents, from July 2017 through June 2018, Audrey Lynne Avila, 32, carried out a scheme to defraud banks by filling out change of address forms with the U.S. Postal Service and having other people’s mail delivered to mailing addresses she controlled. She then used stolen credit cards and checks to buy items and deposit funds into her bank accounts.
On January 25, 2022, Avila pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Avila has been in federal custody since her arrest on June 4, 2021.
“This sentencing demonstrates that identity theft and fraud have serious consequences in the Western District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “This office will aggressively prosecute those who commit such crimes.”
“The sentencing of Audrey Lynne Avila to almost four years in federal prison, in addition to forfeiture of assets, brings some closure to the anxiety and frustration that was inflicted upon her victims,” said Scott Fix, Inspector in Charge, Houston Division, United States Postal Inspection Service. “A scheme that started with stealing residential mail and grew into bank fraud now begins a long, drawn-out phase of payback: a stern reminder that postal inspectors are in the background watchfully helping to protect U.S. Mail, this time working alongside the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with valuable help from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted the case.
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Richland Physician Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Medically Unnecessary Fentanyl Patches, Opioid Pills and Other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Senior U.S. District Judge Edward F. Shea has sentenced Dr. Janet Sue Arnold, age 63, of Benton City, Washington, to 48 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute opioid pain medications and other controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Senior Judge Shea also imposed a period of 3-years’ federal supervised release.
In announcing the sentence, Senior Judge Shea emphasized the risks created by Defendant’s offense, stating, that this “particular crime created the risk of so many others.”
According to court documents, Arnold abused her position of trust as a medical doctor by participating in a prescription drug conspiracy with Danielle Corine Mata, David Barnes Nay, Lisa Marie Cooper and Jennifer Cheri Prichard. As part of their conspiracy, Dr. Arnold and her conspirators pushed thousands of pills on the street to be abused by addicts, and potentially caused others to become addicted to controlled substances. Mata and Prichard, who were both addicts, started out as patients but eventually started working at Dr. Arnold’s Richland, Washington clinic – Desert Wind Family Practice. In approximately March 2016, Mata became the practice’s office manager and one of Arnold’s most trusted associates. During the conspiracy, Nay and Cooper also provided Mata with the names of fictitious patients for her to use on several of the blank, pre-signed prescriptions to obtain opioids.
The conspiracy operated primarily out of Dr. Arnold’s clinic in Richland, Washington. On regular basis, the conspirators distributed highly addictive and dangerous controlled substances, including fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, hydromorphone, methylphenidate, an amphetamine mixture, as well as carisoprodol and alprazolam. Dr. Arnold had a pattern and practice of providing office staff and patients with hundreds of blank, pre-signed prescriptions that, after logging into the clinic computer, allowed the conspirators to complete and print prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Text messages recovered by investigators from Arnold’s and Mata’s phones demonstrated that Dr. Arnold had texted Mata asking if she needed more “signed paper.” A conspirator acknowledged how important Dr. Arnold’s signature was to the illegal prescription drug distribution conspiracy when she commented to another conspirator, “It’s just a scribble, but it’s important.” Dr. Arnold also prescribed oxycodone pills to a DEA confidential informant without a legitimate medical reason and outside the usual course of medical practice. The confidential informant, posing as a patient, sought treatment from Dr. Arnold for a headache. The confidential informant’s interactions with Arnold were covertly audio- and video-recorded.
Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, emphasized the seriousness of Dr. Arnold’s breach of trust to the community: “The severity of the conduct cannot be overstated. Dr. Arnold had the prescription pad, the pen, and all the power to prescribe highly addictive Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances. She abused that power by pre-signing numerous blank prescriptions and giving them to her office manager. Dr. Arnold contributed to an epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction in Washington. The human cost of this epidemic is staggering and stoked by the criminally poor decisions of doctors like Janet Arnold. She was aware of the red flags of opioid drug diversion, ignored them in her practice, and continued to prescribe drugs in direct violation of her duty as a licensed doctor in Washington. With the stroke of a pen, Dr. Arnold fueled the addiction of people to opioids. I commend the excellent investigative work conducted by DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. We all depend on doctors and medical professionals to deliver quality and medically-appropriate care, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold health care practitioners accountable. By doing so, we help make communities in Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”
“Dr. Arnold contributed to the current opioid epidemic with her illegal and irresponsible prescribing habits,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “She broke the trust of the community and violated her oath to the public by using her prescription pad and signature to drive a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl patches, opioids and other controlled substances. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who participate in the illegal distribution/diversion of narcotics, will be held accountable. We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
“Health care professionals have a duty to prescribe controlled substances responsibly. Dr. Arnold’s inappropriate prescribing habits violated federal law and presented a clear danger to patients’ health and safety,” stated Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable medical professionals who recklessly prescribe opioids at the expense of their community’s well-being.”
Arnold is the third of five defendants to be sentenced in this case. David Barnes Nay, age 43, of Kennewick, Washington, and Lisa Marie Cooper, age 55, of Prosser, Washington, were sentenced to 78-month and 24-month terms of imprisonment, respectively. Danielle Corine Mata, age 44, of Richland, Washington, and Jennifer Cheri Prichard, age 46, of Prosser, Washington, are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2022.
The case was investigated by DEA’s Seattle Field Office, Tactical Diversion Squad (“TDS”), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III and Dominique J. Park, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Real Estate Developer Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bribery Related to $45 Million Government Lease and Other Preferential ContractsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A real estate developer has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal charge for offering to buy a million-dollar home for a Los Angeles County public official in exchange for the official’s assistance securing a $45 million county lease for the developer, the Justice Department announced today.
Arman Gabaee, 61, a.k.a. “Arman Gabay,” of Beverly Hills, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of bribery, a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Gabaee is scheduled to enter his guilty plea on May 2 before United States District Judge George H. Wu, and also has agreed to pay a fine of at least $1,149,000 and any restitution ordered.
According to his plea agreement, Gabaee was a co-founder and co-managing partner of the Charles Company, a Hollywood-based commercial and residential real estate development firm. The then-county official whom Gabaee bribed was Thomas M. Shepos, 72, of Palmdale, who worked in Los Angeles County’s Real Estate Division and was involved in awarding contracts to real estate developers and contractors.
Beginning no later than 2011 and continuing until April 2017, Gabaee paid Shepos bribes and kickbacks of approximately $1,000 per month in exchange for county leases, preferential contract terms, non-public information and other benefits. From December 2016 when Shepos began cooperating to April 2017, Gabaee paid Shepos $6,000 in cash bribes during meetings Shepos secretly recorded at the direction of the FBI.
Further, in 2017, Gabaee offered to buy Shepos a Northern California residence – then worth more than $1 million – in exchange for Shepos’ assistance securing a county lease in the Hawthorne Mall, which Gabaee owned and was redeveloping. Gabaee wanted the county to enter into a 10-year, $45 million lease for county departments to rent office space in the Hawthorne Mall.
During other secretly recorded meetings with Shepos, Gabaee first offered to purchase him a home listed at $1,199,000 in Sonoma County. Upon learning that this property was already in escrow, Gabaee offered to buy Shepos a different house, listed at $1,095,000, and also located in Sonoma County. Gabaee placed two offers on this property, first for $1,035,000 and later for $1,065,000. Gabaee admitted in his plea agreement that he rescinded the second offer hours after he made it because FBI agents had approached and informed him that they were aware of his bribes to Shepos.
Shepos pleaded guilty in November 2018 to one count of making false statements to federal investigators who were investigating his financial relationship with Gabaee and one count of subscribing to a false tax return related to payments he received from Gabaee. Shepos is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth C. Pinkel, Lindsey Greer Dotson and Thomas F. Rybarczyk of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Reading Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for Trafficking Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Gilbert Concepcion, age 44, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to 70 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani. Concepcion previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic crystal methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Concepcion admitted to distributing approximately 2.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine with his coconspirators, between December 2014 and August 2015. The crystal methamphetamine was determined by laboratory analysis to qualify as high purity “Ice,” or actual methamphetamine.
In addition to Concepcion, Donald Fritz, Jr., formerly of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, was previously convicted of crystal methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses during the course of this investigation. Fritz was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Providence Resident Admits to Role in Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to his role in a conspiracy to defraud banks of up to $550,000, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Richard Koboi, aka Sunnyboy Taylor, 26, admitted to the court that he and others obtained stolen checks and stolen banking information of businesses and individuals that they used to create counterfeit checks. Some of the banking information used to create fraudulent checks was provided surreptitiously by two bank employees.
Koboi admitted that he and others recruited individuals through Facebook and by other means and paid them to allow the counterfeit checks to be deposited into their bank accounts. Once the counterfeit checks were deposited, Koboi and others made or attempted to make rapid withdrawals of cash from ATMs or teller withdrawals. The deposits and attempts to withdraw cash from the affected accounts resulted in an intended loss to banking institutions of between $250,000 and $550,000.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered a Facebook “for sale” posting accompanied by a photograph of a firearm posted by Koboi; communications between Koboi and another individual arranging for the purchase and delivery of the firearm displayed in the posting; and additional photographs of the firearm stored on Koboi’s cellphone.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Koboi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, ten counts of bank fraud, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Koboi is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2022. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the FBI, United States Secret Service, ATF, Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, and Delaware State Police.
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Phoenix Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Gabriel Quinn Enos, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona, an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Enos previously pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter.
On August 23, 2017, Enos shot the victim in the face, killing him. At the time of sentencing, Enos was on supervised release for a separate case and received an additional 6 months in prison for violating the terms of that release.
The Gila River Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynette Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00834-02-PHX-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-053_Enos# # #
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.Orlando Man Sentenced to over 24 Years for Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and CoercionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Henry Lee White, III (27, Orlando) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered White to pay $87,121.98 in restitution to Victim 1 and to forfeit the electronic devices used in the commission of the offense. White had pleaded guilty on December 29, 2021.
According to court documents, from June 2020 through January 2021, White forced and coerced Victim 1 to engage in commercial sex throughout the Middle District of Florida and Georgia. White used threats of violence and physical violence to control 20-year-old Victim 1. For example, in September 2020, White transported Victim 1 to an “outcall” at an unknown apartment complex. White became upset because he thought Victim 1 was being deceptive about where she was going. White used his revolver to beat Victim 1. He then removed four of the five bullets from the revolver and played Russian Roulette with Victim 1 while holding the gun to her head and pulling the trigger. Victim 1 stated White did this about six or seven times. He then threw Victim 1’s phone at her face, causing a laceration on the center of her forehead in between her eyebrows.
During the relevant time, Victim 1 reached out to law enforcement and a local non-governmental organization for assistance. Law enforcement officers recovered Victim 1 during a joint undercover operation on January 7, 2021. At the time Victim 1 was recovered by law enforcement officers, she had an injury on her left knee that she sustained after White had thrown her to the ground in a hotel.
At the time of his arrest, White was found in possession of a chrome and burgundy semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine. The firearm had one round in the chamber and several live rounds in the magazine. White had previously been convicted of several felonies and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. During the course of his arrest, law enforcement officers located and seized several cellphones that had been used to communicate with commercial sex buyers and post advertisements of Victim 1 on the internet.
“This predator used intimidation, humiliation, and violence to barbarically force his victim into submission,” said acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Silliman. “Thanks to the quick action of Homeland Security Investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and Selah Freedom, Henry White III became the first federal arrest for human trafficking under the auspices of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force which was created in 2020.”
“Human trafficking is a crime that is nothing less than modern-day slavery, and escaping the wrath of a human trafficker takes courage. I commend the survivor who spoke up, allowing the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and our law enforcement partners to bring her trafficker to justice,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Through every undercover operation, I believe we are making a difference, one arrest at a time, and moving closer to our goal of ultimately eradicating human trafficking across Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Omak Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Intimate Partner on the Colville Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Senior U.S. District Judge William Fremming Nielsen has sentenced Justin Thomas Gentemann, age 31, of Omak, Washington, to 37 months in federal prison for a March 4, 2021 assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a domestic partner in Indian county. Senior Judge Nielsen also imposed a period of 3 years’ federal supervised release.
In announcing the sentence, Senior Judge Nielsen emphasized the need to protect victims of domestic abuse, especially when such abuse occurs as a result of alcohol and controlled substance use. “This case was very serious and involved repeated conduct,” Senior Judge Nielsen stated. “Serious conduct means serious consequences.” Ultimately, Senior Judge Nielsen agreed with the United States’ sentencing recommendations and imposed a sentence at the high end of the sentencing range agreed upon by the parties.
According to court documents, on March 4, 2021, Gentemann and his girlfriend at the time were at Owhi Lake, which is located on the Colville Indian Reservation. Gentemann had been drinking and accused his girlfriend of being unfaithful to him. As Gentemann continued to drink, he became more aggressive. Eventually, Gentemann punched the girlfriend in the chest and threw her to the ground. Gentemann then drove away in the girlfriend’s truck. Gentemann returned shortly thereafter and chased down the girlfriend. At this point, Gentemann headbutted his victim and punched her, breaking her nose. The girlfriend was able to escape the scene by getting a ride from an eyewitness. After the assault, the girlfriend had blood on her sweatshirt from the injuries to her nose.
When Gentemann was placed under arrest for the assault, he became belligerent with Colville Tribal Police Officer Mackenzie Shaffer, threatening to “beat the fuck out” of the officer. Gentemann later attempted to kick Officer Shaffer, who had to step back to avoid being struck in his leg. Gentemann, however, did hit Officer Shaffer’s hand, causing a contusion, which required medical treatment.
As Senior Judge Nielsen noted at the sentencing hearing, Gentemann has a “track record” of behavior involving alcohol or domestic violence. Court papers indicate Gentemann has a 2014 conviction for driving under the influence, a 2015 conviction for malicious mischief, and convictions in 2017 and 2018 for domestic violence.
“My office is committed to prosecuting those who commit domestic abuse,” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated. “Too often, domestic violence victims struggle to access the justice system to get the protection and resources they need. I am grateful for the tremendous law enforcement agents, victim advocates, and prosecutors who handle these challenging cases. By working together, we make our communities safer and stronger, and we can ensure Native American women and families are protected not only from domestic violence, but also from retaliation when they disclose what they experienced.”
“I also want to commend the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene of the domestic assault,” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued. “Our first-line responders put themselves in harm’s way to protect members of our community. I’m grateful for Officer Schaffer’s service and thankful he was not seriously injured when Mr. Gentemann attacked him.”
“Violence against Native American women is starting to receive the much needed attention it warrants,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “I know this office and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to move quickly and hold perpetrators of violence on our state’s reservations accountable for their crimes.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Oklahoma Woman Sentenced for Transporting Undocumented NoncitizensRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Yesterday an Oklahoma woman was sentenced to 46 months in prison for her role in transporting undocumented noncitizens.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Francesca Jo Ryan, 24, and co-defendant, David Alvarado-Rios, 32, of Mexico, were both charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of transportation of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
On January 26, 2022, a federal jury found Ryan guilty on both counts. During trial, Ryan elected to testify and attempted to convince the jury she had no knowledge or involvement in the crime.
On December 15, 2021, Ryan’s co-defendant David Alvarado-Rios pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of an illegal alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. On March 28, 2022, he was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
“Our office remains fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat human smuggling,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Anyone considering involvement in this dangerous criminal activity should know that serious consequences await.”
“Individuals involved in human smuggling jeopardize the lives of the people on whom they prey for nothing else than profit and greed,” said Frank B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. “HSI special agents strive to identify, arrest and bring to justice those who seek to circumvent our country’s immigration laws, threatening national security.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott V. Greenbaum prosecuted the case.
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Oklahoma City Man to Serve a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Synthetic Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY –Yesterday, TYRUS OATES, 49, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 22, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Oates with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security Number, and conspiracy in connection with a synthetic identity theft scheme. Synthetic identity theft occurs when individuals use a combination of real and fake personal information to create a new identity.
According to the superseding indictment, Oates provided and sold credit profile numbers (CPNs), also known as credit privacy numbers or credit protection numbers. CPNs are usually stolen Social Security Numbers, often belonging to children, which are marketed to individuals with poor credit history as a way to obtain credit cards, loans, and other lines of credit for which they would not otherwise qualify. The superseding indictment alleges that individuals used a CPN obtained from Oates, rather than their true social security number, on credit applications submitted to banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, retailers, and other lenders, to establish clean credit profiles separate from their true credit profiles. By doing so, the individuals concealed their true credit history from lenders.
The superseding indictment alleges that Oates not only provided and sold CPNs to others, but he facilitated the use of CPNs by adding the individuals, using their CPNs, as authorized users on his personal credit card, which helped the synthetic identities to establish credit history and appear creditworthy.
On September 17, 2021, Oates pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution. Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Oates to serve 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He must also pay $185,896.87 in restitution to Conn’s Home Plus, a retailer defrauded by the scheme. The government agreed to dismiss the other charges against him pursuant to a plea agreement. Oates must report to federal prison on June 1, 2022.
This case arises from an investigation by Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Danielle London prosecuted this case.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last Wednesday, MARKUS LANOR BRYANT, 56, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 8, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a five-count Indictment against Bryant. Count 1 charged Bryant with drug conspiracy, Count 2 charged him with possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, Count 3 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and Counts 4 and 5 charged him with being a felon in possession of firearms. On July 1, 2021, a Superseding Information charged Bryant with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On July 2, 2021, Bryant pleaded guilty to both counts of the Superseding Information.
Public records reflect that Bryant was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his lengthy criminal history. These include convictions in Oklahoma County District Court case CF-1990-473 for conspiracy to distribute a controlled and dangerous substance (CDS) (cocaine), trafficking in illegal drugs (cocaine), and possession of marijuana; Oklahoma County District Court case CF-1990-742 for distribution of CDS (cocaine), trafficking in illegal drugs (cocaine), and maintaining a vehicle where CDS is kept; and Oklahoma County District Court case CF-2001-4668 for possession of drug proceeds and distribution of CDS (cocaine). Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At the sentencing hearing last Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge David Russell sentenced Bryant to serve 180 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Russell cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and Bryant’s criminal history. Judge Russell ordered Bryant to serve ten years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment. Bryant has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 20, 2021. The remaining counts of the Indictment were dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement.
This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley and Danielle Connolly prosecuted the case.
Okeechobee County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Today, a federal district judge in West Palm Beach sentenced a 31-year-old man from Okeechobee County, Florida, to 130 months in prison for drug trafficking.
Juan Manuel Nieves previously pled guilty to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine. (Case No. 21-cr-14039).
According to the court record, Nieves sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions in 2021. Specifically, on June 15, 2021, Nieves sold 3.5 grams of methamphetamine to a buyer in Okeechobee, Florida, on July 2, 2021, Nieves sold 27.86 grams of methamphetamine to a buyer in Okeechobee, and on July 14, 2021, Nieves sold 26.12 grams of methamphetamine to a buyer in Okeechobee.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture.
This prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-14039.
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Ohio County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cordale Antonio Williams, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 94 months of incarceration for a drug charge, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Williams, 41, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Williams admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in June 2020 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ocean County Man Admits Illegally Possessing Short-Barreled Rifle, Silencer, and Fake Federal Identification BadgesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted unlawfully possessing a privately manufactured short barrel rifle, a silencer, and five imitation badges of various federal agencies, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jeffrey Backlund, 57, of Waretown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with unlawfully possessing firearms that were not registered in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record, and unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 6, 2020, after investigating a domestic disturbance, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Backlund’s residence and located a number of firearms and imitation federal identification badges. They found one short-barreled, AR-style, .223 caliber rifle bearing no serial number and no branding. Attached to the rifle, they found a tan metal cylindrical device that law enforcement determined to be a silencer. Given the physical characteristics of the rifle and silencer, Backlund was required to, but did not, registered these items in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record pursuant to the National Firearms Act.
Law enforcement officers also located two bi-fold wallets containing FBI Special Agent identification credentials bearing Backlund’s picture and personal information, a United States Marshals Service badge, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent badge, and a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent badge. All badges and identifications were imitation and Backlund did not have the authority to possess any of them.
The charge of possessing firearms not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000; the charge of unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card carries a maximum prison sentence of six months and a maximum fine of $5,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Messenger in Newark; special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; members of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; detectives with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and officers of the Ocean Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michal J. Rogalski, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
North Canton Radiology Business Owner Convicted at Trial of $2 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts today against Defendant Thomas G. O’Lear, 57, of North Canton, following a five-day trial before Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland. O’Lear was convicted of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid out of approximately $2 million by billing for x-ray related services that his company, Portable Radiology Services, did not provide, for making false statements to cover up the fraud and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, O’Lear was President of Portable Radiology Services (PRS), a company that provided portable x-ray-related services to individuals residing in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities.
Beginning in January 2013 through December 2017, O’Lear submitted false claims for reimbursement to Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for services that he and his business did not provide, including for approximately 151 x-ray services purportedly provided to patients on dates after the patients had died.
Evidence also proved that O’Lear billed Medicare and Medicaid for purportedly having provided x-ray-related services to beneficiaries at nursing facilities on dates when the beneficiaries were hospitalized and not at the facilities; billed falsely claiming that x-ray services were performed on various dates, requiring separate reimbursement for transportation on each date; and billed one x-ray image as multiple images thereby requiring a greater reimbursement.
The jury also found that when O’Lear was audited by a Medicaid MCO, he covered up the scheme and committed aggravated identity theft by creating false medical records and forging the signatures of others, including a doctor.
As a result of the scheme, court documents state that O’Lear fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid MCOs approximately $3.7 million in claims, and received approximately $2 million in payments.
O’Lear is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2022. Each of the health care fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. The false statements relating to a health care matter counts carries a 5-year maximum sentence, and the aggravated identity theft counts carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed by the Court on the other charges.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, the FBI and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan O’Shea and Elliot Morrison.
North Attleboro Resident Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Leading Steroid Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Attleboro, MA, resident convicted of leading a conspiracy to import significant quantities of steroids and distribute them across the United States was sentenced Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Providence to six years in federal prison.
David M. Esser, 48, arranged for the importation of raw steroids from international suppliers, primarily based in Hong Kong. The steroids were, at Esser’s direction, shipped directly to various locations in the United States where individuals “cooked” the raw steroid product into liquid form; packaged the final product into pills and vials; and shipped the products to a stash house in North Attleboro. From there, Esser and others shipped the products to customers throughout the United States.
First arrested in February 2020, Esser was arrested for a second time ten months later when, while awaiting trial, he resumed the sale, packaging, and distribution of anabolic steroids with co-conspirators in Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere in the United States.
“David Esser oversaw every aspect of a sprawling drug operation in which he and his confederates prepared and shipped massive quantities of illegal anabolic steroids throughout the nation, and funneled his profits into real estate, cryptocurrency, and a luxury lifestyle, persisting in his crimes even after his initial arrest and pretrial release,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Not only did his actions put thousands of his customers at risk, but they also reflect a breathtaking disregard for the law, both of which are appropriately answered by the significant sentence meted out by the Court.”
“Esser pursued his criminal enterprise and quest for profit— even after his first arrest in early 2020—trafficking illegal steroids manufactured by the network he oversaw. Complex cases like this require collaboration and HSI is grateful to our partners for their assistance on this case,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Office.
Esser pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids while on (pre-trial) release, and money laundering. He was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of federal supervised release and a fine of $10,000.
In addition to the fine, Esser will forfeit $414,600 in proceeds realized from his criminal conduct as well as all interest in cryptocurrency that he owns or in which he has an interest.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine D. Lowell.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Homeland Security Investigations Agents in the Providence, Boston, Houston, and Winston-Salem Offices; United States Postal Inspection Service; Alamance County North Carolina Narcotics Enforcement Team; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; DEA Agents in Norfolk, Virginia; Rhode Island State Police; and the North Attleboro and Mansfield Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation of this matter and arrest of defendants charged in this matter.
Mr. Cunha also acknowledges and thanks the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia for their valuable assistance in the preparation for the prosecution of this case.
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Nigerian National Extradited for Defrauding Elderly Victims and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Nigerian national, Adedunmola Gbadegesin, has been extradited to the United States, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering, stemming from the financial exploitation of elderly victims in the United States.
According to a recently unsealed Court documents, a federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment charging Adedunmola Gbadegesin, 33, of Lagos, Nigeria, alongside two others, Olatunbosun Oluwakayode Ajayi, 34, of Atlanta Georgia, and Otunuya Ineh Eqwem Livingstone, 45, of Houston Texas, with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges that Gbadegesin and his co-conspirators collaborated to create fake online dating profiles, to post to online dating websites. As part of the alleged conspiracy, the co-conspirators would engage in online chats, emails, and telephone calls with unwitting victims, who were located in the United States, including one in Lexington. The indictment alleges that as part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators would convince the victims to send money to the nonexistent romantic partners or give them access to their financial accounts, so the co-conspirators could initiate money transfers themselves.
The indictment also alleges that Gbadegesin hired others in the U.S. to receive funds from victims and to launder those funds, so the funds could be returned back to Gbadegesin in Nigeria. Those United States-based money launderers included Ineh Eqwem, Ajayi, and Ismaila Fafunmi.
Fafunmi pleaded guilty to his role in the money laundering scheme; and in August 2021, he received 51 months in prison. Ineh Eqwem and Ajayi have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the money laundering scheme; they were sentenced to 24 months and 12 months, respectively.
Gbadgesin was arrested by Nigerian authorities on Sept. 22, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria at the request of the United States. At the time of his arrest, Gbadgesein had been residing in Lagos, Nigeria. Nigeria approved his extradition on March 21, 2021, and he was transferred into U.S. custody on April 26, 2022.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria, the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office, the Central Authority Unity, and the FBI Louisville Field Office assisted with the extradition of Gbadgesein.
Gbadegesin has his first appearance in Court on May 2, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify and prosecute those persons who facilitate elder financial exploitation.
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Mission, being carried out through the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, is to seek justice for victims of elder financial exploitation. Anyone that knows someone, who may be a victim of an elder financial exploitation, is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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New Britain Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AARON CLAYTON, also known as “Ace,” 54, of New Britain was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing powder and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments into a narcotics distribution network that stretched from southeastern Connecticut to the Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury areas. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, search warrants, and seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine, revealed that Clayton purchased large quantities of cocaine from an associate, converted some of the cocaine to crack, and then sold both cocaine and crack to drug distributors and users.
On March 17, 2020, law enforcement conducted court-authorized searches of Clayton’s residence and two other residences connected to this drug trafficking organization and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine and nearly $100,000 in cash.
On June 30, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Clayton and eight other individuals with offenses related to their involvement in this drug ring. Clayton was arrested on July 1, 2020.
On September 2, 2021, Clayton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan, with assistance from Law Student Intern Erin Collins, through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
More than 700 Arrested in Joint Law Enforcement Operation in North MississippiRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A month long joint federal, state and local law enforcement initiative organized in response to an increase in violent crime in the area has resulted in the arrests of more than 700 individuals in North Mississippi on a variety of charges including homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated domestic assault, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution, unlawful gun crime, DUI, and failure to register as a sex offender. “Operation MPACT” (Mississippi Partnering Agencies Coming Together), a U.S. Marshals led initiative, brought together federal, state and local law enforcement partners from four areas of North Mississippi including Panola, Lee, Lowndes and Grenada Counties to target known offenders, deter crime and improve community and safety relations.
In addition to the 700 arrests for felony and misdemeanor offenses, Operation MPACT resulted in the seizure of $134,180 worth of narcotics, $50,720 worth of cash, and 38 firearms. Of the total arrests made during the operation, 350 were for felony offenses and 56 were gang-related. The announcements concerning the MPACT results were made on Wednesday in Oxford by Danny McKittrick, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi and Clay Joyner, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District along with state and local law enforcement partners.
Operation MPACT was organized in response to an increase in crime in the participating areas in recent months after several organized criminal groups operating out of Memphis and Chicago migrated to Mississippi via Interstate 55. The operation commenced on March 1 in Panola County led by the U.S. Marshal Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Task Force with assistance from Sheriff Shane Phelps and members of his Department before moving to Grenada County on March 7 where Sheriff Rolando Fair and his Department assisted federal and state partners. On March 14, the Operation moved to Lee County, where Sheriff Jim Johnson and Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka and their departments played key roles in the operation. Operation MPACT finished at the end of March in Lowndes County with assistance from Sheriff Eddie Hawkins and his Department.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Offices and U.S Marshals, other key partners in Operation MPACT included ATF, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the U.S. Probation Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In announcing the results of Operation MPACT, U.S. Marshal Danny McKittrick commended the participating law enforcement agencies for their combined efforts to reduce crime in the District. “I would like to personally thank all of our partners for their relentless support in making this operation a success,” stated McKittrick. “I believe the historical results of this operation combined with the community policing efforts of our local partners will have a lasting effect on these communities here in the Northern District of Mississippi.”
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner praised the efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service along with those of state, federal and local law enforcement partners. “The success of this operation and the resulting arrests and seizures of criminal contraband directly result from the outstanding leadership demonstrated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the hard work of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners who saw a need to combat rising crime rates and took action to strategically address the problem. Arresting those who would commit violent crimes, drug crime and gun crimes in our District and those who are wanted for such crimes is key in making the Northern District of Mississippi safer for the citizens who live here.” Joyner remarked.
This operation was one of the many efforts linked to 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.
Money Launderer for International Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Eunice Nkongho, a/k/a “Eunice Bisong,” age 40 of California, late today to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain goods using what appeared to be a military e-mail address, but was actually a registered Yahoo e-mail address. Judge Hazel also ordered Nkongho to pay restitution of $399,780. A federal jury convicted Nkongho of the money laundering charges on October 15, 2021, after a seven-day trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Selwyn Smith of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Special Agent in Charge Nasir Khan of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement's Washington Field Office.
According to testimony at the seven-day trial and to court documents, a co-conspirator of Nkongho’s established and used what was purported to be a U.S. Navy e-mail address, authentic forms, titles, addresses and other indicia to pose as a U.S. government contracting agent and fraudulently obtain merchandise, including large-screen televisions, specialized communications equipment, iPhones and iPads. Much of the fraud scheme was conducted from outside the United States, including from Nigeria. Three victim companies—one that provided wireless voice and data services that was headquartered in Washington State, one that was a wholesale audio-video distributor and manufacturer’s representative located in Virginia, and a defense contractor that designed, manufactured, and marketed communications equipment that was headquartered in Maryland—shipped merchandise, without prior payment, to co-conspirators on the East Coast. Those individuals then shipped the stolen items to other co-conspirators on the West Coast, where they were sold.
Specifically, the evidence at trial proved that Nkongho twice received bags of cash from a co-conspirator in a gas station parking lot in Los Angeles, which was proceeds from the sale of the fraudulently obtained Apple products. Nkongho then laundered the money through two separate series of complex transactions involving at least five bank accounts and, in doing so, both promoted the ongoing criminal activity and concealed the illegal source of the funds. After multiple transactions, Nkongho wired some of this money to a co-conspirator in Nigeria in a way that would avoid transaction reporting requirements.
Similarly, the evidence at trial proved that Nkongho engaged in other transactions to conceal the nature and ownership of proceeds from the sale of the fraudulently obtained televisions. In one of the conspiracy’s final acts, Nkongho provided a bag filled with more than $110,000 in cash to another co-conspirator so he could compensate other conspiracy members for their role in the television scheme.
Eight of the nine defendants charged in this case, including Nkongho, have been convicted for their roles in the fraud scheme. The final defendant, Eunice Nkongho’s husband, Peter Unakalu, is a fugitive.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement for their work in the investigation and thanked the FBI Washington Field Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Adam K. Ake, who are prosecuting the case.
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Monahans Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Yesterday a Monahans man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm announced United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.
According to court documents, on December 13, 2021, Jacob Lyon, 29, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lyon was previously convicted for prior felonies including armed robbery, theft of a firearm and burglary of a habitation. On May 28, 2020, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a consensual search of Lyon’s Monahans residence, which he shared with his co-defendant Rita Ornelas. Agents found two handguns and a rifle.
“Mr. Lyon has long been victimizing the citizens of Texas and the United States of America. Thanks to the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of ATF and our Project Safe Neighborhood partners, Mr. Lyon’s days of criminal activity and delinquent behavior are now over,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
On September 16, 2021, co-defendant Rita Ornelas, 28, of Monahans pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. She was sentenced on December 16, 2021, to 46 months in prison.
The ATF, Texas Rangers and Monahans Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Michigan Man Charged with Hate Crimes for Attempting to Intimidate Protestors from Supporting Black Lives MatterRead the Press Release
FLINT – The Justice Department announced that Kenneth Pilon, 61, has been charged by information in federal district court with willfully intimidating and attempting to intimidate citizens from engaging in lawful speech and protests in support of Black Lives Matter.
According to the filed information, Pilon called nine Starbucks stores in Michigan and told the employees answering his calls to tell Starbucks employees wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts that “the only good n***er is a dead n***er.” Pilon told one employee, “I’m gonna go out and lynch me a n***er.” Over the course of the next month, Pilon left four nooses in parking lots and a fifth noose inside of a 7-Eleven store. Pilon attached each noose to a handwritten note, reading: “An accessory to be worn with your ‘BLM’ t-shirt. Happy protesting!”
This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Turkelson for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The charges in the information are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Michigan Man Charged with Hate Crimes for Attempting to Intimidate Protesters from Supporting Black Lives MatterRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that Kenneth Pilon, 61, has been charged by information in federal district court with willfully intimidating and attempting to intimidate citizens from engaging in lawful speech and protests in support of Black Lives Matter.
According to the filed information, Pilon called nine Starbucks stores in Michigan and told the employees answering his calls to tell Starbucks employees wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts that “the only good n***er is a dead n***er.” Pilon told one employee, “I’m gonna go out and lynch me a n***er.” Over the course of the next month, Pilon left four nooses in parking lots and a fifth noose inside of a 7-Eleven store. Pilon attached each noose to a handwritten note, reading: “An accessory to be worn with your ‘BLM’ t-shirt. Happy protesting!”
This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Turkelson for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
The charges in the information are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Mexican National Sentenced for Transporting Undocumented Noncitizens Near Van HornRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Yesterday a Mexican national, Pedro Ramirez-Urbina, 40, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for transporting illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. Ramirez was identified as the foot guide in charge of leading a group of undocumented noncitizens (UNCs) from Mexico into the United States.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Van Horn Border Patrol Station responded to a call from a concerned citizen about a deceased male found on the side of the road. Agents located the decedent along with another male waiting beside the body. Both undocumented noncitizens (UNCs) came from Mexico. About an hour later, another concerned citizen alerted U.S. Border Patrol agents to seven males walking north on Chispa Road near Needle Peak. They were arrested and transported to Van Horn Border Patrol Station for processing where agents determined all UNCs, including the decedent, were part of a group being smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico.
On December 14, 2021, Ramirez was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of transportation of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. Ramirez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on June 27, 2021.
“Those engaged in the business of human smuggling will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “I thank our brave law enforcement partners for their continued vigilance in investigating and apprehending those who violate our laws and smuggle human cargo into the United States with little regard for human life.”
“Danger and risk go hand in hand with human smuggling, and too often it ends in tragedy, as it did in this case,” said Frank B. Burrola, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. “HSI will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations that prey on the vulnerable with no regard for the sanctity of life.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy prosecuted the case.
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Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Becky Angeles (39, Tampa) to eight years and four months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Angeles had pleaded guilty on April 27, 2021.
According to court documents, between September and November 2020, Angeles and her co-conspirator distributed methamphetamine to an undercover police officer on several occasions. At the time they distributed the narcotics, Angeles and her co-conspirator were both armed with loaded firearms. Both had previously been convicted of felonies and, therefore, are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Marshall County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mitchell R. Arbogast, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Arbogast, 60, pleaded guilty in February 2022 on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Arbogast, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a double-barrel 20-gauge Chinese shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 6-shot .22 caliber revolver, and a .380 semi-automatic pistol in March 2021 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kermit Ceasar, 45, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to six counts of distribution of cocaine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in mid-April 2021, Ceasar’s cocaine base dealing was brought to the attention of the Manchester Police Department. Working with law enforcement officers, a cooperating individual (CI) arranged for controlled purchases from Ceasar between April 22, 2021, and August 13, 2021. During a total of six hand-to-hand drug transactions, Ceasar sold over 86 grams of cocaine base and over 341 grams of cocaine.
Ceasar is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2022.
“Drug traffickers in New Hampshire are seeking to profit from the sale of dangerous substances in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As part of our ongoing effort to improve public safety, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are damaging our communities. By working together, we are holding drug dealers like Kermit Ceasar accountable for their dangerous and unlawful conduct.”
“On at least six occasions, we caught Kermit Ceasar dealing cocaine or crack cocaine out of his vehicle in the city of Manchester, in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash, and today, he finally admitted to committing these crimes,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Targeting illegal drug traffickers like him who degrade the quality of life in our communities and bring with them unacceptable levels of violence will continue to be a collective focus of the FBI and our law enforcement partners because no one should have to live in fear of this activity in their neighborhoods.”
“Individuals like this defendant are a danger to society. I am grateful for the detectives who dedicated a great deal of time and effort to this lengthy investigation,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “This case is an excellent example of the partnership that we have with the FBI. We will continue to collaborate with them as we target the drug trade within Manchester and also work to reduce the associated violence.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe and Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of a firearm and marijuana as law enforcement investigated allegations of domestic abuse, was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to more than 1 year in federal prison.
Alex Torrez, age 21, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty January 18, 2022, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Evidence at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings showed, that Torrez possessed a firearm while being a user of marijuana. A victim contacted police and claimed Torrez had assaulted her by punching her in the face after kicking in her front door. This led law enforcement to discover Torrez a few blocks away from the victim’s residence under the influence, asleep in his car, with a loaded revolver on his person, and additional ammunition and marijuana found elsewhere in the car.
Torrez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Torrez was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Torrez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4064. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Man Convicted for Defrauding American ExpressRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted a California man today for defrauding American Express of more than $4.7 million and money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jasminder Singh, 45, of Fremont, used four business entities that he created and controlled and 10 American Express credit cards in those entities’ names to purchase thousands of Apple iPhones he then sold overseas for millions of dollars. Between November 2017 and December 2019, the defendant misrepresented to American Express his inability to repay more than $4.7 million in charges incurred from the purchase of iPhones and initiated phony payments in order to secure additional credit. The defendant used the proceeds of the scheme to pay for personal expenses and buy luxury items, including a $1.3 million home and a luxury vehicle.
Singh was convicted of bank fraud and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 2, and faces up to 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gibaldi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms Conspiracy Involving Machine GunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he possessed over 150 grams of cocaine base and other controlled substances and conspired to possess firearms.
Phillips Charles, a/k/a “PHON C,” 22, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2022. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 78 months in prison.
While Charles was on pretrial release from Malden District Court and Middlesex Superior Court, and later serving a probation sentence, he continued to conspire with others involved in the conspiracy to distribute large quantities of controlled substances. Members of the conspiracy also possessed firearms, including multiple firearms with “selector switches” that convert firearms into machine guns, to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival gang members. Charles remained on pretrial release until he was arrested and charged in state court with possessing a firearm in December 2020.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a maximum penalty of life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. 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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police; and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorneys’ Offices; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriffs’ Departments; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Revere, Bolton (Maine), Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
Lodge Grass meth dealer sentenced to five years in prison for drug trafficking from his Crow Indian Reservation homeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man who admitted to dealing methamphetamine from his home on the Crow Indian Reservation after individuals confirmed to Drug Enforcement Administration agents that he had been trafficking meth for a number of years was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Robert Roswald Redfield, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters also ordered the forfeiture of approximately 146 firearms and about $30,000 in cash seized from Redfield’s residence.
In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2020, law enforcement with Big Horn County, with assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, had information that a state escapee from the Three Rivers detention facility in Hardin was hiding out in the home of Redfield and co-defendant Krystal Firebear. Officers did not find the fugitive, but saw in plain view drugs, money and guns. After obtaining a tribal search warrant, officers seized more than 90 firearms, eight grams of meth and more than $30,000 in cash. DEA agents interviewed a number of individuals who confirmed that Redfield was a meth distributor and had been for a number of years. While executing another search warrant at Redfield’s residence about a year later, agents seized about 15 grams of meth and 56 guns. Previously, Firebear was sentenced to probation for conviction in the case of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Local man indicted for trafficking multiple narcoticsRead the Press Release
Corpus Christi, Texas – A Corpus Christi man is facing up to 40 years in prison for his alleged role in several narcotics offenses, being a felon in possession firearms and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against Christopher Ruiz, 38. Originally charged by criminal complaint, he is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the near future.
The charges allege that on March 23, law enforcement executed an arrest warrant on Ruiz. Within his residence, authorities allegedly found various amounts of meth, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as several firearms.
If convicted, Ruiz faces up a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison as well as a possible $5 million fine.
The FBI’s Corpus Christi Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, including members of the Corpus Christi Police Department, conducted the investigation with assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis E. Robinson 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.
Leader of local fentanyl conspiracy sentenced to 14 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – The lead of eight defendants convicted in a narcotics conspiracy was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 168 months in prison. The drug trafficking organization’s operations stretched from the Mexican border and the western United States to the Southern District of Ohio.
Clemente Quezada, 39, of Fairborn, Ohio, was one of eight individuals indicted in June 2021 in a narcotics conspiracy involving at least 14 kilograms of fentanyl destined for resale in Clark, Greene, Hamilton and Montgomery counties.
According to court documents, between December 2020 until June 2021, the defendants used a network of sellers in southern Ohio to distribute kilogram quantities of opioids from supply sources in Mexico and the western United States. The co-conspirators used a series of properties throughout southern Ohio to process, store, and distribute controlled substances and their resulting cash proceeds.
As part of the conspiracy, one defendant, under the guise of her profession as a truck driver, transported thousands of dollars in cash to sources of drug supply in Mexico and the western United States.
Co-defendant Edson Cruz-Medina was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison.
Kenneth L, Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kent Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Richard S. Fambro; and Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith are representing the United States in this case.
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Jessup Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Tommie Miller, age 36, of Jessup, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on March 2, 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Miller’s apartment. Miller and his girlfriend were the only occupants of the apartment at the time of the search. From a backpack found the main bedroom, agents seized a pistol loaded with 34 rounds of ammunition; an AR-style pistol with an obliterated serial number and three magazines containing 93 rounds of ammunition; 14 additional rounds of ammunition; one bag of cocaine; 25 gel capsules; and four bags of heroin. Also from the bedroom, agents recovered $3,000 from a box on the floor; a lower receiver for a handgun from the attached bathroom; and a bag containing empty gel capsules from a closet near the main bedroom. A search of the kitchen revealed an AR-style magazine with 25 rounds; a digital scale; a bag of cocaine; and drug paraphernalia.
Miller admitted that the drugs, the manner in which they were packaged, the presence of drug paraphernalia, and the amount of cash indicate his intent to distribute the drugs and that the firearms were possessed in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has scheduled sentencing for July 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Oldham, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Use A 9-Year-Old Child to Produce Photos of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tadd Andrew Melton (33, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to attempted production of child sex abuse images. Melton faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Melton was arrested on July 23, 2021, and has been detained since his arrest.
According to the plea agreement, on February 2, 2021, a federal agent working in an undercover capacity entered a chat group in an online social media app that featured users with a sexual interest in children. While using a particular chat application, the federal agent assumed the persona of the mother of a 9-year-old female child. Melton contacted the undercover agent and expressed interest in receiving underwear from the “child,” molesting the “child,” and receiving child sex abuse images of the “child.” Melton detailed what type of child sex abuse images he wanted of the “child.” In addition, he also distributed a child sex abuse image to the undercover agent. Law enforcement was able to identify Melton as the user of the account chatting with the undercover agent based on his account information and investigation into his background.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington. The forfeiture of assets is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Hollygrove Man Sentenced for Drug, Carjacking, and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN JONES (JONES), a/k/a “Turk,” age 26, was sentenced in federal court today to 30 years imprisonment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act ,Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, carjacking, Title 21 United States Code, Section 2119, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, Title 21 United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)JONES previously pled guilty to a three count second superseding indictment. on October 19, 2021
According to court documents, in 2017 and 2018, JONES and his co-conspirators sold drugs in the Hollygrove area of New Orleans in and around a neighborhood corner-store.
In October 2017, JONES pistol-whipped and shot a victim multiple times from point blank range, and then ran the victim over with a car. The victim survived.
This case was brought as 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.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Myles Ranier.
Hertford County Methamphetamine Cook ConvictedRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted Craig Wayne Simpson, 53, of Como, North Carolina, yesterday on multiple drug charges. Simpson will be sentenced on July 11, 2022, and is facing a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison.
“This conviction was a result of a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement officers to put those responsible for producing and peddling dangerous drugs behind bars and keep our communities safe,” said Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District.
Simpson was convicted of the following charges:
- Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a Detectable mount of Methamphetamine;
- Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine;
- Possession of Equipment, Chemicals, Products and Material with the intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance; and
- Using and Maintaining a place for the purpose of Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Simpson, conspired with others to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine from 2013 to 2019. In 2016, Simpson was stopped at a Hertford County checkpoint and law enforcement discovered a bag containing materials for making methamphetamine along with 170 grams of liquid methamphetamine. In 2019, Simpson’s property was searched, and powder methamphetamine and more liquid methamphetamine were seized. Law enforcement also recovered all the chemicals, materials, and tools for manufacturing methamphetamine. These were stashed throughout the residence and vehicles present on the property. Records presented to the jury showed an extensive pseudoephedrine purchase history by Simpson at local pharmacies from 2013 to 2019. Pseudoephedrine is a required ingredient for manufacturing methamphetamine the way Simpson did.
This investigation is part of operation “Speed Bump” which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. Operation Speed Bump targeted individuals engaged in the dangerous and hazardous production of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories throughout Eastern North Carolina. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ahoskie Police Department are investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Duffy are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.2:20-cr-00018-BO-1.
Harvey Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Stage Automobile Collision to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DONISESHA LEE, a/k/a DONISHA LEE (“DONISHA LEE”), age 32, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, by United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance, arising out of a staged automobile collision with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans.
According to documents filed in federal court, DONISHA LEE, along with her co-defendants, Dewayne Coleman (“Coleman”), Erica Lee Thompson (“Erica Lee”), Aisha Thompson (“Thompson”), Passenger A, and another individual, conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged collision with their former co-defendant, occurring on September 6, 2017. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-seven (37).
DONISHA LEE admitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, she was a passenger in Erica Lee’s 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashed into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express. After the staged accident, the driver exited the RAV4 and told Erica Lee to get behind the wheel of the RAV4 to make it appear that Erica Lee was driving the vehicle at the time of the staged accident. The defendants contacted the NOPD and falsely claimed that Erica Lee was the driver at the time of the collision. Passenger A falsely claimed to the NOPD that she was Thompson.
Approximately one or two days after the staged accident, Coleman, DONISHA LEE, Erica Lee, Thompson, and another individual went to an attorney’s office for the purpose of collecting money from the insurance and trucking company. Coleman, DONISHA LEE, Erica Lee, Thompson, and another individual sought medical treatment from doctors and healthcare providers. Thompson was treated despite not being in the RAV4 at the time of the staged accident. DONISHA LEE retained counsel and made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.
On March 26, 2019, DONISHA LEE, and two of her co-defendants, provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit. On April 9, 2019, Thompson provided false testimony in a deposition taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit. In these depositions, DONISHA LEE, and her co-defendants, lied about the September 6, 2017 accident including, but not limited to, who was driving the RAV4 and the extent of their injuries.
United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced DONISHA LEE to 10 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, 100 hours community service, restitution in the amount of $121,076.75, and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that JAVIER ACEVEDO, 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a cocaine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force has been investigating the shipment of parcels containing controlled substances from Puerto Rico to Connecticut. In May 2021, investigators identified a suspicious package that was destined for an address on Giddings Street in Hartford. On May 15, 2021, investigators made a controlled delivery of the package. Approximately one hour after it was delivered, Acevedo picked up the package and then drove it to his residence on South Street, where he was encountered by law enforcement. A subsequent court-authorized search of the package revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine.
Acevedo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 7, 2021. He is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.