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Wednesday 16 March 2022
Auburn Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Auburn man was sentenced today in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced John Edwards, 50, to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Edwards’ criminal history includes a 2015 Ohio conviction for felony domestic violence; it is against federal law for a felon to possess a firearm.
According to court records, on November 14, 2020, an Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the area of Sullivan Road in Greene for a report of a male walking outside a residence shooting a firearm. Upon arrival in the area, the deputy observed Edwards holding a shotgun and firing it. After multiple commands, Edwards dropped the weapon and put his hands above his head. The deputy also observed that Edwards was intoxicated.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
The prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories. PSN is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources. Across all districts, PSN follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability.
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Tuesday 15 March 2022
York Man Sentenced to 165 Months’ Imprisonment for Smuggling Cocaine Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Elmer Rodriguez, age 51, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 14, 2022, to 165 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for his role in a conspiracy to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. In July 2018, Rodriguez attempted to receive five parcels he knew each contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine. The parcels had been shipped from Puerto Rico and were destined for five different addresses in York County. United States Postal Inspectors intercepted the parcels and discovered the cocaine. Law enforcement authorities continued the investigation by conducting a controlled delivery of one of the parcels. When Rodriguez’s wife, Marangely Olivencia, took custody of the parcel, she was arrested. Olivencia, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment for her role in the offense.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.
This case was 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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Wetzel County woman admits to mail fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rhonda Kay Spencer, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to mail fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Spencer, 52, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Mail Fraud.” At the time of the offense, Spencer was employed as the Recorder for the Town of Pine Grove, West Virginia. Spencer submitted an application to WorkForce West Virginia, requesting CARES Act unemployment distributed by the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program in April 2020. Spencer then submitted weekly certifications to WorkForce, falsely stating that she was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spencer obtained approximately $14,308 during this scheme.
Spencer faces up 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Auditor’s Office Public Integrity Fraud Unit and WorkForce West Virginia Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Waianae Man Receives 25 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Brandan Grilho, 37, of Waianae, was sentenced today in federal court by United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 20 years imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and a consecutive five years imprisonment for possession of a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking, plus five years on supervised release. Grilho has been detained since his arrest on August 12, 2020.
According to court records, Grilho led a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Waianae from December 2019 to April 2020. During the conspiracy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) used a confidential informant and an undercover officer to make five controlled purchases of methamphetamine in amounts ranging from one to three ounces from the conspirators. On April 29, 2020, DEA and HPD executed search warrants at two Waianae residences used by conspirators, seizing methamphetamine, two firearms, more than 300 rounds of ammunition, approximately $6,500 cash, and items that subsequently led to the seizure of approximately $10,000 cash from a safety deposit box. Based on the evidence presented by the government, the Court determined that Grilho distributed at least 120 pounds of methamphetamine during the two years prior to the execution of the search warrants.
Codefendants Kanio Aipolanikaaihue and Jaime Wallace were sentenced by Judge Watson to 57 months imprisonment plus three years supervised release on October 21, 2021, and December 7, 2021, respectively. Codefendant Leslie Reyes-Grilho is scheduled for sentencing on April 19, 2022.
This case was the result of an investigation by DEA and HPD with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan is prosecuting the case.
Violent robbery spree leads to nearly two decades in prison for Savannah felonRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison after admitting his role in a series of convenience store armed robberies.
Garnell Dewitt Quarterman, 32, of Savannah, was sentenced to 235 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. also ordered Quarterman to pay restitution of $19,201.49 and to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Garnell Quarterman and his co-defendant terrorized store employees and customers during a three-month period until the diligent work of our law enforcement partners halted their crime spree and brought them to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our office will be relentless in targeting violet criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Quarterman had multiple prior felony convictions for drugs, theft, and violence. Months after being released from custody in Maryland for armed robbery, Quarterman came to Savannah and robbed or attempted to rob 12 Chatham County convenience stores at gunpoint from Nov. 9, 2019, through Jan. 6, 2020. During one of the robberies, an accomplice fired a bullet near a store clerk to facilitate Quarterman’s escape. Quarterman chose to rob some of the same stores on multiple occasions, and as a result, some victims had to endure being robbed twice by Quarterman at gunpoint days or weeks apart.
Quarterman’s co-defendant, Malic Stephens, 28, of Savannah, previously pled guilty to his role in the robbery conspiracy and is serving a 150-month federal sentence.
“Carrying weapons into peaceful places of business and terrorizing hard-working citizens is something the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make every effort to prosecute and punish,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully the lengthy sentence received by Quarterman will bring some sense of comfort to the victims he terrorized.”
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, Garden City Police Department, and Chatham County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Announces the Successful Forfeiture and Return of Stolen Cryptocurrency to Elderly Man Victimized by Government Imposter ScamRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today the civil forfeiture and return of cryptocurrency worth hundreds of thousands of dollars that was stolen from an older adult victimized by a government imposter scam. This is the latest public legal action by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in its ongoing efforts to combat fraudsters seeking to financially exploit the elderly.
According to allegations contained in the civil complaint, in August 2021, fraudsters likely operating from overseas contacted by telephone the victim, who is an elderly Asheville resident, claiming to be with the “Office of the Inspector General.” The fraudsters deceived the victim into believing his personal information had been used to facilitate a drug trafficking and money laundering scheme, and as a result all of the victim’s assets would be frozen. One of the imposters, who identified himself as Agent James Hoffman, told the victim that he was required to deposit funds into a secure government account until the government verified that the victim was not involved in criminal activity. The imposters further demanded all of the victim’s personal identifying information (PII) and details regarding his financial accounts.
According to the filed complaint, the imposters directed the victim to use hundreds of thousands of dollars of his retirement funds to purchase Bitcoin through Coinbase Global, Inc. (Coinbase). On August 31, 2021, 12.164699 Bitcoin, worth approximately $574,766, was transferred from the victim’s Coinbase account to the account controlled by the imposters. Coinbase and the FBI ultimately identified the transfer as possible elder financial fraud. Following an investigation and successful civil forfeiture proceedings, the seized cryptocurrency was forfeited to the United States and will be returned to the victim.
“Government imposter scams are pervasive and can be financially and psychologically devastating for those who fall prey. Thankfully, in this instance, the fraud was detected quickly and the stolen funds will be returned to the victim. Unfortunately, the majority of these cases do not share a similar ending,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Law enforcement and federal prosecutors will continue to use all tools at our disposal to make sure that thieves do not get to keep criminal proceeds, but public awareness and education remain key, especially when it comes to protecting older adults from becoming victims. I urge everyone to learn how to spot imposter scams and help warn others.”
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI for its work in this case and thanked cryptocurrency exchanges and entities and financial institutions operating in the Western District of North Carolina for their cooperation and ongoing efforts to detect and report financial fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bain-Creed, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, handled the civil forfeiture proceedings and Trial Attorney Jane Lee of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section assisted with remitting the assets to the victim.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, through its Elder Justice Initiative, continues to combat financial fraud against older Americans by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors, educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud, and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.
Some examples of financial scams targeting seniors are:
• Lottery phone scams – Scammers persuade seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
• Grandparent scams – Scammers convince seniors that their grandchildren are in trouble and need money to pay rent, repair a car, or make bail.
• Romance scams – Scammers lull victims into believing that they are in a romantic relationship and that the scammers need money to travel to the U.S. or for some other purpose.
• IRS or government imposter scams – Scammers pose as IRS or other government officials claiming that the victims owe the government money.
• Sham business opportunities – Scammers convince victims to invest in lucrative business opportunities or investments.
Many of these schemes involve not only scammers stealing money from seniors but also using seniors as unwitting financial “money mules” to transfer criminal proceeds stolen from other fraud victims.
To avoid falling victim to a financial scam:
• Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
• Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.
• Don’t click on pop-up ads or messages.
• Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls or texts.
• Don’t send gift cards, checks or money orders, wire money, make cryptocurrency payments or give your bank account information to a stranger.
• Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or a lucrative business deal.
• If a scammer approaches you, take the time to talk to a friend or family member.
• Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.
• Remember, it’s not rude to say, “NO.”
• A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
If you have been contacted by a scammer or believe you have fallen victim to a scam please file a report with:
- The Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-Fraud-11 (1-833-372-8311).
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357).
- The FBI, for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
The National Elder Fraud hotline was created for the public to report fraud against individuals who are age 60 or older. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
Two Springfield Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Five Grams or More of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A woman and a man from Springfield, Illinois, Brandy Friday, 36, and Brent Garner, 42, both of the 1200 block of South Livingston, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
Friday pleaded guilty to the offense on March 2, 2022, and her sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Springfield. Garner entered a plea of guilty on March 14, 2022, and his sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2022, also at the federal courthouse in Springfield.
Both Friday and Garner remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.
Friday faces statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. Garner faces statutory penalties of up to life imprisonment, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the West Central Illinois Task Force; the Quincy Police Department; and the Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir is representing the government in the prosecution.
Two Mexican Nationals Extradited to U.S. on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
EL PASO – Two Mexican nationals were extradited to the United States to face firearm charges.
According to court documents, Maria Crisol Zuniga Alvarado, 40, and Carlos Antonio Torres Sandoval, aka Pichi, 42, were extradited by Mexican authorities for their roles in firearms violations. An investigation by law enforcement authorities identified a group of individuals in El Paso that were responsible for unlawfully exporting large numbers of firearms from the United States to Mexico between June 2017 and March 2018. The investigation identified Sandoval as the leader of the organization.
The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs (OIA) worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas to prepare a formal extradition request that was presented to Mexican authorities on November 9, 2020. Sandoval and Alvarado were arrested pursuant to that extradition request.
Alvarado and Sandoval are charged with one count of Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods from the United States and one count of Smuggling Goods from the United States and Aiding and Abetting the Same. Sandoval also is charged with one count of False Statement During a Firearm Acquisition and Aiding and Abetting the Same. On March 8, 2022, Alvarado was detained without bond. Sandoval is scheduled for an arraignment and detention hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to smuggle charge and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the smuggling charge. Sandoval also faces an additional maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the false statement charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek, II; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola made the announcement.
The ATF and HSI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Rasmussen is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Men Admit Roles in Burlington County Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Two members of an extensive drug-trafficking organization, including the leader of the organization, today admitted distributing large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine throughout Burlington County, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said.
Herbert Mays, 65, of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to Counts One and Two of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine.
Julius Thigpen, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, another member of the same organization, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
Ten other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy – Andre Perkins, Brandon Watts, Craig Moore, John Petrovich, Mecca Grant, Nathaniel McCoy, Ronnie Dawson, Samantha Bolhert, Teron Huggins, and Tracy Williams – previously pleaded guilty. The charges against eight other defendants remain pending.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between July 2019 and September 2019, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated primarily in municipalities throughout Burlington County – including Willingboro, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Bordentown Township, and Edgewater Park – and which sought to profit from the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. Law enforcement officials learned that defendants obtained regular supplies of cocaine from co-conspirators in the Philadelphia area and elsewhere and then redistributed that cocaine, portions of which defendants converted into crack cocaine, for profit, to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users throughout Burlington County and elsewhere. Law enforcement officials intercepted numerous communications by and between the conspirators regarding such issues as cocaine and crack cocaine quality and availability, pricing, packaging, quantity, and customer satisfaction.
The counts to which Mays pleaded guilty each carry a mandatory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of a life in prison, and up to a $10 million fine. The count to which Thipgen pleaded guilty carries a mandatory penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and up to a $5 million fine. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for July 20, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Field Office, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott Coffina; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Bruce Painter; officers of the Willingboro Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Ian Bucs; officers of the Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Fine; officers of the Florence Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Boldizar; officers of the Bordentown Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Pesce; officers of the Edgewater Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Hess; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes; officers of the Westampton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stephen Ent; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Director Steve Wilson with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martha K. Nye of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton and Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints against the eight remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Charged in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy that Distributed over 1,100 Pounds of Cocaine in the Cleveland AreaRead the Press Release
Federal law enforcement officials today announced the arrest of three men charged in a 30-count indictment for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that is alleged to have brought over 500 kilograms, or approximately 1,100 pounds, of cocaine from Mexico to be redistributed in the Cleveland area.
“Drug trafficking organizations target communities like Cleveland because they mistakenly assume nobody is paying attention,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “To those drug traffickers, both foreign and domestic, who think that our communities and neighborhoods here in Northern Ohio are open for your businesses – know that we are watching, we are paying attention, we will act and we will not stand for it.”
“Thanks to the professionalism and diligence of the agents and officers working this case, we have disrupted an organization that coordinated not only the delivery of significant amounts of cocaine into Cleveland, but the delivery of drug proceeds into the hands of their Mexican source of supply,” said Kent R. Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division. “These arrests are a testament to the coordinated efforts between state, local and federal law enforcement. We will continue to maximize all of our combined resources to bring those who traffic drugs into our communities to justice.”
Arrested today and charged in the indictment are Christopher Ficklin, 49, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Robert Atkinson, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally charged in the indictment as part of the drug trafficking organization is David Gomez-Orrantia, 41, of Mexico. Gomez-Orrantia was arrested on March 11, 2022. Other members of the organization remain at large.
Each member of the drug trafficking organization is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Members of the drug trafficking organization are also charged with various additional counts of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, international money laundering and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense. Defendant Ficklin is also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, around June of 2020, Gomez-Orrantia and others shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico to a warehouse controlled by defendant Ficklin on Carnegie Avenue in the city of Cleveland. The indictment states that Ficklin then redistributed the drugs to Atkinson and others to be further redistributed throughout the area.
It is alleged that the conspirators used trucks and vehicles fitted with traps and hidden compartments to store the cocaine when it was transported to the city. After the drugs were delivered, it is alleged that members of the conspiracy then transported drug trafficking proceeds back to Mexico using the same vehicles and hidden compartments and documented the transactions in a hand-written ledger.
Furthermore, the indictment charges members of the conspiracy with using multiple cell phones and coded terminology in an attempt to conceal their activity.
In total, it is alleged that the drug trafficking organization shipped over 1,100 pounds of cocaine from Mexico to be distributed in the Cleveland area and sent approximately 13 million in drug trafficking proceeds back to Mexico.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sherriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA – El Paso, Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Sandusky Bay Border Patrol Intelligence, CBP – El Paso and the Lorain County Drug Taskforce.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Kolansky.
Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Conspiracy Causing More Than $5 Million in False Tax Refund FilingsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida–United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Eurich Z. Griffin III has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States by promoting a tax fraud scheme and helping others prepare and file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Griffin faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between 2013 and 2018, Griffin offered tax-preparation and consulting services to clients for a fee and recruited clients by convincing them that their mortgage debt payments entitled them to tax refunds, and helped to prepare and present false tax returns on their behalf. These tax returns falsely claimed that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax from the clients, thereby entitling them to refunds. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to or withheld any taxes from these individuals. To make the refund claims appear legitimate, however, Griffin and the conspirators filed tax documents with the IRS that matched the withholding information listed on the tax returns. These tax returns collectively sought $5,231,749.15 from the IRS. As part of the conspiracy, Griffin also independently submitted six fictitious instruments totaling $1,354,809.21 to the IRS.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. The IRS-CI investigates those who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty of filing and paying their fair share of taxes. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
Strongsville Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling $375k from Employer and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Angelo Kanaris, 42, of Strongsville, Ohio, was sentenced on Monday, March 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to six months in prison, six months of home confinement and ordered to pay $87,068 in restitution to the IRS after Kanaris pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of bank fraud and four counts of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, beginning in 2013, Kanaris worked as an accountant for a Cleveland-area company, where he was responsible for writing checks to the company vendors and preparing sales tax returns. During this time, Kanaris began writing checks ostensibly on behalf of the company to third-party vendors; however, Kanaris used a mobile deposit feature to deposit these checks into his bank account for personal use.
From in or around 2013 through 2017, Kanaris embezzled approximately $375,656.55 from the company while working as an accountant. Additionally, Kanaris failed to report this income change as taxable income on his personal tax returns for the years 2013 through 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro A. Abreu.
St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shane Kelly Fulkerson, 44, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 2021 until September 2021, Fulkerson participated in a drug trafficking ring operating in and around St. Albans. Fulkerson admitted he obtained large quantities of methamphetamine from out-of-state and distributed it in and around St. Albans. Fulkerson admitted selling more than 100 grams of methamphetamine to an informant on three occasions in July and August 2021. On August 11, 2021, Fulkerson fled on a motorcycle from Putnam County Deputies in Poca. He was arrested after dropping the motorcycle in a private yard near Winfield and fleeing on foot. Police recovered 95 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol, and more than $70,000 from Fulkerson’s backpack. The next morning, FBI and drug task force personnel executed a search warrant at Fulkerson’s St. Albans residence where they seized more than eight pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 22 firearms, and several vehicles which were used to facilitate drug trafficking or were purchased with drug proceeds.
Fulkerson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 16, 2022.
This case is part of a long-term investigation of a methamphetamine distribution network that resulted in 17 individuals being charged with various drug and firearms offenses in three separate indictments.
James Edward Bennett, III, Denise Marie Cottrill, Angie Lane Harbour, Michael Antonio Smith, and Jason Robert Oxley have already pleaded guilty. Timothy Wayne Dodd is scheduled for trial on March 22, 2022. The remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on May 3, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution.
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00172, 2:21-cr-00171, and 2:21-cr-00211.
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Serial Fraudster Pleads Guilty in U.S. District Court in Maryland to Two New Fraud Schemes and to Violating His Supervised Release for a Previous Federal Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Jason Evans, age 47, formerly of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of bank fraud, in connection with two separate fraud schemes, to aggravated identity theft, and to violating his supervised release on a previous federal bank fraud conviction.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Bo Keane of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Russell E. Hamill III of the Laurel Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, in 2015, Evans was sentenced to four years in federal prison, and began five years of supervised release on January 17, 2018. Evans admitted that from June 29, 2019 through August 30, 2019, he fraudulently obtained and used a credit card in the name and identity of “JM” using JM’s name, date of birth and social security number. The bank approving the credit card application also opened a business account connected to that credit card. Evans then obtained a counterfeit Pennsylvania driver’s license bearing the name of JM and a photograph of Evans, with the date of birth altered to be consistent with Evans’ age.
On July 30, 2019, Evans presented the credit card and the counterfeit driver’s license at a bank in the 7900 block of Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and requested a cash advance of $14,400, which the bank approved. The next day, Evan used the credit card and counterfeit Pennsylvania driver’s license at a store in Annapolis, Maryland, to purchase Apple merchandise totaling $12,114.74, including nine iPhone XS Max cell phones. On August 6, 2019, Evans presented the credit card and counterfeit Pennsylvania driver’s license in JM’s name at a bank in the 1000 block of Washington Boulevard in Laurel, Maryland, and requested a cash advance of $14,400. The cash advance was not immediately approved due to a problem with the bank’s computer system, but before the system could be rebooted and the transaction identified as fraudulent, Evans left the bank, leaving the fraudulently obtained credit card and counterfeit license in JM’s name behind.
Evans obtained or attempted to obtain at least $65,000 using accounts opened in the identities of JM and other victims.
On December 11, 2019, Evans was charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court in Maryland, as well as with violating his supervised release. Evans was placed on 24/7 home detention with electronic monitoring. On October 19, 2020, Evans was allowed out on a curfew, but still had electronic monitoring. On April 21, 2021, Evans was released from electronic monitoring.
After he was taken off 24/7 lockdown, Evans resumed his criminal conduct with an entirely new fraud scheme. From on or about January 12, 2021, through on or about August 2, 2021, Evans used counterfeit credit cards bearing real numbers of accounts from two separate, federally insured, banks to purchase gift cards and other items from food stores in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, ultimately obtaining at least $59,837.79 in gift cards. The counterfeit credit cards were embossed with the number to be used, but were not properly encoded, so that they did not “swipe” and had to be hand entered by the clerks.
Evans used two separate counterfeit credit cards to purchase a $450 Visa gift card, plus a $5.59 fee, at a food store in Lusby, Maryland on June 21, 2021, and to purchase a $480 Visa gift card, plus a $5.59 fee and a $1.00 donation to charity, at a food store located at Bel Air, Maryland on July 9, 2021.
On July 25, 2021, Evans was arrested in Delaware as a result of attempting a fraudulent transaction and was found to have counterfeit credit cards and identifications, an embosser, and drugs in his possession.
As part of his plea agreement, Evan will be required to forfeit and pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, which is at least $124,837.79.
Evans and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Evans will be sentenced to between 57 and 66 months in federal prison, not including the anticipated penalty of between eight and 14 months in prison for the violation of supervised release, which U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett advised Evans he would impose consecutively to the sentence for the new fraud offenses. Judge Bennett has scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2022, at 11 a.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Secret Service and the Laurel Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Probation Office and the Delaware Department of Justice for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamera L. Fine and Paul A. Riley, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Seneca County Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the U.S. Coast GuardRead the Press Release
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Dennis Daniels, 72, of Romulus, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to mail fraud and willful failure to file an income tax return. The charges carry a maximum of penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that Daniels owned and operated Sea Tech Marine Training, which offered U.S. Coast Guard approved training courses to include operator uninspected passenger vessel (OUPV), one-hundred-ton masters license (Masters), assistance towing endorsement and auxiliary sail endorsement. Daniels also owned and operated Sea Test, a business that offered drug testing programs for United States Coast Guard license holders. Between 2014 and 2017, Daniels received gross income totaling approximately $665,327 but failed to file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for those years. The tax owed on the unreported income was approximately $115,757.
In addition, in January and February 2019, Daniels taught 24 students the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved OUPV course with a Masters upgrade. The course should have included 80 hours of classroom instruction time, however, Daniels only provided 51 hours of classroom instruction. In addition, Daniels provided the students with the answers to certain examination questions and instructed students to provide false information regarding prior sea service.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Neal Marzloff, Special Agent-in-Charge, Central Region; the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the Boston Division; and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 7, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.
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San Fernando Valley Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegal Gun SalesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A North Hollywood man has agreed to plead guilty to acting as an unlicensed gun broker by selling 16 rifles and handguns – many without serial numbers – as well as various firearms accessories over a seven-week period.
In a plea agreement filed today in United States District Court, Arthur Muradyan, 32, of North Hollywood, agreed to plead guilty to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
Muradyan also agreed to plead guilty to distributing methamphetamine for selling nearly a pound of the drug to an undercover operative.
Muradyan “willfully offered to, and did, sell firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition, including: machineguns; semiautomatic firearms with large capacity magazines; firearms bearing no legitimate manufacturer’s mark or serial number (commonly referred to as “ghost guns”); and unregistered and unserialized short-barreled rifles,” he admitted in the plea agreement. Many of the guns had been trafficked from Las Vegas.
The firearm sales were made to an informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives between August 11 and September 29, 2021.
Muradyan sold 423.7 grams of methamphetamine to the informant on September 8, 2021, the same day he also sold a semi-automatic 9mm handgun and a machinegun conversion device commonly called a “Glock switch.”
After the last gun sale on September 29, 2021 – in which Muradyan sold a short-barreled AR-15-type rifle with no serial number that also had a 3D printed machinegun conversion device attached to it, another AR-15-type rifle with an obliterated serial number, a semi-automatic 9mm handgun, and another 9mm pistol with no serial number – authorities search his residence and recovered 23 firearms, assorted magazines and ammunition of various calibers, and firearms component parts and accessories. Muradyan illegally possessed those seized firearms and ammunition because he previously had been convicted of felony burglary offenses in two cases.
The court has not yet scheduled a date for Muradyan to formally enter his guilty pleas.
Once he pleads guilty, Muradyan will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the narcotics distribution offense, as well as a maximum statutory penalty of five years for the firearms-related offense.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Los Angeles Firearms Trafficking Strike Force, which is spearheaded by the ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office. The Los Angeles Police Department provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregg E. Marmaro of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this matter.
Sales Representative Charged in Federal Indictment Alleging Procurement Fraud at Chicago Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An ongoing federal investigation into an alleged procurement fraud scheme at a Chicago elementary school has resulted in charges against a sales representative for a Chicago Public Schools vendor.
An indictment returned Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that DEBRA M. BANNACK schemed with the Principal and Business Manager of Brennemann Elementary School on the North Side of Chicago to submit false purchase orders to CPS for school materials that Bannack’s company would purportedly supply. In reality, Bannack’s company provided iPhones, iPads, and pre-paid gift cards to the Principal, Business Manager, and others at the school, for their personal use, the indictment alleges. As a result of the scheme, Bannack and the CPS employees fraudulently misappropriated approximately $75,000 in CPS funds to which they were not entitled, the indictment states.
Bannack, 62, of Schaumburg, Ill., is charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Each of the counts is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The Principal – SARAH JACKSON ABEDELAL, of Chicago – and the Business Manager – WILLIAM JACKSON, of Chicago – were previously charged with participating in the fraud scheme. Abedelal and Jackson have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
The Bannack indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Will Fletcher, Inspector General of the Chicago Board of Education, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terry M. Kinney and Patrick Mott.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Roger Roberts, 50, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between May 5 and October 19, 2020, Roberts engaged in Snapchat communications with a 13-year-old girl living in England. Roberts persuaded the girl to send sexually explicit photos and videos involving herself and a five-year-old girl.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Providence Man Admits Accessing Child Pornography via Anonymous Internet NetworkRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man today admitted in federal court in Rhode Island that he accessed child pornography via an Internet network designed to facilitate anonymous communications and hide the identity of individuals seeking to view, upload, or download child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
John A. Amaral, 29, pled guilty to possessing and accessing child pornography.
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, Amaral was among individuals whose IP address was identified by the FBI as being used to access the online network. Administrators of the network had established protocols that made it difficult for law enforcement to identify individual IP users. They did so by utilizing software that caused users to move through several online networks around the world before finally accessing the website’s content, thus making it difficult to identify the IP address.
With the authorization of a federal court judge in the Eastern District of Virginia, the FBI employed a Network Investigative Technique that allowed them to log in to the network and, through investigative techniques, identify IP users who were accessing the network. The FBI determined that an IP address used by Amaral at his residence accessed the network on several occasions to view sexually explicit videos and images depicting prepubescent children and prepubescent children being sexually abused.
As a result of the FBI investigation, the Department of Justice seized the website.
Amaral is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2022.
This Project Safe Childhood case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
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Prior Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jerry Stearns, 50, of Clifton Springs, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction. The charge carries carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in February 2005, Stearns was convicted in on a federal charge of possession of child pornography and sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 10 years supervised release. On May 13, 2019, while still on supervised release, Stearns possessed images of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent minors.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the U.S. Probation Department, under the director of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2022, before Judge Wolford.
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Pennsylvania man indicted for bank robberiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William J. Birdsall, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was indicted today in connection to two bank robberies, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Birdsall, 50, was indicted today on two counts of “Bank Robbery.” Birdsall is accused of robbing the Bank of Romney in Hampshire County on September 22, 2021, taking $13,420 in cash. He is also charged with robbing the M&T Bank in Mineral County on February 3, 2022, taking $1,200 in cash.
Birdsall is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
PPEI and President Kory Willis Plead Guilty and Agree to Pay $3.1 Million in Criminal Fines and Civil Penalties for the Manufacture and Sale of Illegal Delete Devices and Tunes for Diesel TrucksRead the Press Release
Louisiana-based company Power Performance Enterprises Inc. (PPEI) and its President and owner, Kory B. Willis, pleaded guilty to criminal charges today in federal court in Sacramento, California. Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and to violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with the monitoring devices of emissions control systems of diesel trucks.
In addition to the criminal charges, the United States also filed a civil complaint against PPEI and Willis today in federal court in the Western District of Louisiana, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act’s prohibition against the sale or manufacture of devices that bypass, defeat, or render inoperative emissions controls. Under the criminal plea agreements and a proposed civil consent decree, PPEI and Willis agreed to pay a total of $3.1 million in criminal fines and civil penalties. Under the civil settlement, both Willis and the company agree not to manufacture, sell or install any device that defeats emissions controls.
“The manufacture and sale of illegal delete devices and tunes such as the ones targeted by today’s actions put at risk decades of progress in controlling harmful pollution from motor vehicles in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “As the plea agreements and civil settlement show, we will vigorously enforce the prohibitions on delete devices and tunes, using all appropriate enforcement tools.”
“The defendants sold products nationwide that allowed drivers to illegally tamper with emissions controls in a manner that caused dramatic increases in emissions,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Environmental laws that control diesel pollution protect the environment and the health of the general public and are especially important to protect sensitive populations such as the young, the elderly, and people who suffer from respiratory conditions. Thanks to the work of the EPA, these guilty pleas will send a message to the delete device industry that disregarding federal environmental laws will result in federal charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who place profit above the public’s health and the environment.”
“The actions of Power Performance Enterprises Inc. and its President and owner, Kory B. Willis, that advanced them to the top of the delete tuning market have caused and will continue to cause the emissions of dangerous compounds into the environment which could contribute to serious health issues,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “This proposed civil settlement sends a clear message that these types of violations will not be tolerated and those who violate these environmental laws will be held accountable.”
“EPA estimates that the defeat devices illegally sold by the defendants are expected to cause the release of over 100 million pounds of excess air pollutants over the life of the diesel trucks in which they were installed,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case clearly demonstrates the negative environmental impact of defeat devices and EPA’s commitment to vigorously enforcing laws designed to protect public health and the environment.”
According to court documents, from PPEI’s incorporation in 2009 until 2019, PPEI and Willis were among the nation’s most prominent developers of custom software known as “tunes,” and in particular, “delete tunes.” Generally, tunes can alter a diesel truck’s fuel delivery, power parameters and emissions. PPEI and Willis were well known for their custom delete tunes, software which allows a “deleted” truck to appear to run normally. A deleted vehicle is one that has had emissions controls removed or disabled, resulting in vastly increased emissions of air pollution.
Willis and PPEI reached the top of the illegal delete tuning market, tuning over 175,000 vehicles according to Willis. Willis also stated that PPEI was the biggest custom tuning company in the world, had over 100,000 customers, and tuned more than 500 vehicles a week. According to internal PPEI records, PPEI typically sold well over $1 million dollars of product a month. According to EPA calculations of the estimated emissions impact, PPEI’s sales of delete tunes between 2013 and 2018 alone are anticipated to cause over 100 million excess pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions over the life of the diesel trucks equipped with those products.
Deleting a diesel truck causes its emissions to increase dramatically. For example, for a fully deleted truck, which has had all emissions equipment removed or disabled, EPA testing quantified the increased emissions as follows: NOx increased 310 times, non-methane hydrocarbons increased 1,400 times, carbon monoxide increased 120 times, and particulate matter increased 40 times. EPA’s Air Enforcement Division released a report in November 2020 finding that more than half a million diesel pickup trucks in the United States — approximately 15% of U.S. diesel trucks that were originally certified with emissions controls — have been illegally deleted.
Diesel emissions include multiple hazardous compounds and harm human health and the environment. Diesel emissions have been found to cause and worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. One study indicated that 21,000 American deaths annually are attributable to diesel particulate matter. Exposure to polluted air in utero also has been associated with a host of problems with lifelong ramifications including low birth weight, preterm birth, autism, brain/memory disorders and asthma.
Under the proposed civil settlement, defendants PPEI and Willis will pay $1,550,000 in civil penalties and agree not to manufacture, sell, or install any device that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative motor vehicle emissions controls. The defendants will not sell or transfer the intellectual property associated with these products, and will destroy illegal products still in inventory, cease warranty support for previously sold products, revise marketing materials, notify customers and dealers of the law and the settlement, and train employees and contractors. According to civil court documents, Willis and PPEI halted sales of specified delete devices in the fall of 2019 following enforcement activity by EPA.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in the criminal case by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Aug. 23. Willis faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years of incarceration on the conspiracy count, two years of incarceration on the tampering count, and for each count a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense. PPEI faces for each count a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense. Under the plea agreements, the defendants agree to jointly and severally pay a $1,550,000 criminal fine. The sentences will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of all applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The criminal case was the product of an investigation by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon of the Eastern District of California and Senior Counsel Krishna S. Dighe and Trial Attorney Stephen J. Foster of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) are prosecuting the criminal case. The federal civil case is being handled by Senior Counsel Nicole Veilleux of the Environmental Enforcement Section of ENRD and Attorney-Advisor Ed Kulschinsky of the Air Enforcement Division of the EPA.
Stopping the manufacture, sale and installation of illegal delete devices is a priority for EPA. To learn more, visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines.
The consent decree for this settlement was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. A copy of the decree, and information on submitting comments will be available on the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
PPEI and President Kory Willis Plead Guilty and Agree to Pay $3.1 Million in Criminal Fines and Civil Penalties for the Manufacture and Sale of Illegal Delete Devices and Tunes for Diesel TrucksRead the Press Release
Louisiana-based company Power Performance Enterprises Inc. (PPEI) and its President and owner, Kory B. Willis, pleaded guilty to criminal charges today in federal court in Sacramento, California. Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and to violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with the monitoring devices of emissions control systems of diesel trucks.
In addition to the criminal charges, the United States also filed a civil complaint against PPEI and Willis today in federal court in the Western District of Louisiana, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act’s prohibition against the sale or manufacture of devices that bypass, defeat, or render inoperative emissions controls. Under the criminal plea agreements and a proposed civil consent decree, PPEI and Willis agreed to pay a total of $3.1 million in criminal fines and civil penalties. Under the civil settlement, both Willis and the company agree not to manufacture, sell or install any device that defeats emissions controls.
“The manufacture and sale of illegal delete devices and tunes such as the ones targeted by today’s actions put at risk decades of progress in controlling harmful pollution from motor vehicles in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “As the plea agreements and civil settlement show, we will vigorously enforce the prohibitions on delete devices and tunes, using all appropriate enforcement tools.”
“The defendants sold products nationwide that allowed drivers to illegally tamper with emissions controls in a manner that caused dramatic increases in emissions,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Environmental laws that control diesel pollution protect the environment and the health of the general public and are especially important to protect sensitive populations such as the young, the elderly, and people who suffer from respiratory conditions. Thanks to the work of the EPA, these guilty pleas will send a message to the delete device industry that disregarding federal environmental laws will result in federal charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who place profit above the public’s health and the environment.”
“The actions of Power Performance Enterprises Inc. and its President and owner, Kory B. Willis, that advanced them to the top of the delete tuning market have caused and will continue to cause the emissions of dangerous compounds into the environment which could contribute to serious health issues,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “This proposed civil settlement sends a clear message that these types of violations will not be tolerated and those who violate these environmental laws will be held accountable.”
“EPA estimates that the defeat devices illegally sold by the defendants are expected to cause the release of over 100 million pounds of excess air pollutants over the life of the diesel trucks in which they were installed,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case clearly demonstrates the negative environmental impact of defeat devices and EPA’s commitment to vigorously enforcing laws designed to protect public health and the environment.”
According to court documents, from PPEI’s incorporation in 2009 until 2019, PPEI and Willis were among the nation’s most prominent developers of custom software known as “tunes,” and in particular, “delete tunes.” Generally, tunes can alter a diesel truck’s fuel delivery, power parameters and emissions. PPEI and Willis were well known for their custom delete tunes, software which allows a “deleted” truck to appear to run normally. A deleted vehicle is one that has had emissions controls removed or disabled, resulting in vastly increased emissions of air pollution.
Willis and PPEI reached the top of the illegal delete tuning market, tuning over 175,000 vehicles according to Willis. Willis also stated that PPEI was the biggest custom tuning company in the world, had over 100,000 customers, and tuned more than 500 vehicles a week. According to internal PPEI records, PPEI typically sold well over $1 million dollars of product a month. According to EPA calculations of the estimated emissions impact, PPEI’s sales of delete tunes between 2013 and 2018 alone are anticipated to cause over 100 million excess pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions over the life of the diesel trucks equipped with those products.
Deleting a diesel truck causes its emissions to increase dramatically. For example, for a fully deleted truck, which has had all emissions equipment removed or disabled, EPA testing quantified the increased emissions as follows: NOx increased 310 times, non-methane hydrocarbons increased 1,400 times, carbon monoxide increased 120 times, and particulate matter increased 40 times. EPA’s Air Enforcement Division released a report in November 2020 finding that more than half a million diesel pickup trucks in the United States — approximately 15% of U.S. diesel trucks that were originally certified with emissions controls — have been illegally deleted.
Diesel emissions include multiple hazardous compounds and harm human health and the environment. Diesel emissions have been found to cause and worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. One study indicated that 21,000 American deaths annually are attributable to diesel particulate matter. Exposure to polluted air in utero also has been associated with a host of problems with lifelong ramifications including low birth weight, preterm birth, autism, brain/memory disorders and asthma.
Under the proposed civil settlement, defendants PPEI and Willis will pay $1,550,000 in civil penalties and agree not to manufacture, sell, or install any device that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative motor vehicle emissions controls. The defendants will not sell or transfer the intellectual property associated with these products, and will destroy illegal products still in inventory, cease warranty support for previously sold products, revise marketing materials, notify customers and dealers of the law and the settlement, and train employees and contractors. According to civil court documents, Willis and PPEI halted sales of specified delete devices in the fall of 2019 following enforcement activity by EPA.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in the criminal case by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Aug. 23. Willis faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years of incarceration on the conspiracy count, two years of incarceration on the tampering count, and for each count a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense. PPEI faces for each count a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense. Under the plea agreements, the defendants agree to jointly and severally pay a $1,550,000 criminal fine. The sentences will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of all applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The criminal case was the product of an investigation by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon of the Eastern District of California and Senior Counsel Krishna S. Dighe and Trial Attorney Stephen J. Foster of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) are prosecuting the criminal case. The federal civil case is being handled by Senior Counsel Nicole Veilleux of the Environmental Enforcement Section of ENRD and Attorney-Advisor Ed Kulschinsky of the Air Enforcement Division of the EPA.
Stopping the manufacture, sale and installation of illegal delete devices is a priority for EPA. To learn more, visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines.
The consent decree for this settlement was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. A copy of the decree, and information on submitting comments will be available on the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Orlando, Florida Woman Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Interstate Domestic Violence Involving a MinorRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell sentenced Deriyan Woodson, age 27, of Orlando, Florida yesterday to 16 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for interstate domestic violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Gregory J. Der of the Howard County Police Department.
According to her plea agreement, in May 2017, Woodson met a 17-year-old female (Victim 1) on a social media platform and began communicating with Victim 1 via facetime, messaging applications, and other social media platforms. Victim 1 resided in Florida with her father at the time. Eventually, Victim 1 met Woodson in person and left her Florida home to be with and date Woodson as a romantic partner.
According to police reports, Victim 1’s parents reported Victim 1 as a missing child in July 2017. From July 15, 2017, to July 21, 2017, Victim 1 stayed with Woodson in a Florida hotel. Woodson knew she was on probation for assault stemming from a prior romantic relationship. Woodson also was aware that Victim 1 was 17 years old at the time.
On July 21, 2017, Victim 1 left Florida and traveled unaccompanied to her mother’s Halethorpe, Maryland home on a greyhound bus. Initially, Victim 1 planned to finish high school in Maryland then return to Florida to reside with Woodson. While traveling to Victim 1’s mother’s house, Victim 1 remained in communication with Woodson on social media and other free texting applications.
Once Victim 1 arrived in Maryland, Woodson became controlling of Victim 1 and demanded that Victim 1 remain at home and not interact with any of Victim 1’s friends. As a result, Victim 1 stopped communicating with Woodson. In response, Woodson demanded that Victim 1 return to Florida and excessively called Victim 1’s mother’s Halethorpe, Maryland residence where Victim 1, Victim 1’s mother, and grandmother resided. Victim 1’s mother instructed Woodson to cease communication.
As stated in her plea agreement, Victim 1’s mother reported Woodson’s excessive communications to Florida police. As a result, an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department Unit wrote Woodson a letter demanding that Woodson cease all communication attempts with Victim 1 and warned Woodson that felony charges may follow suit based on Woodson’s “history”. In response, Woodson posted a redacted version of the letter on one of her social media accounts with a caption that included the phrase “How are you trying to put me in jail when my probation is 3 days away”.
On July 30, 2017, Woodson traveled from Orlando, Florida to Maryland where Woodson entered Victim 1’s residence and duct taped Victim 1’s grandmother’s hands together. When Woodson heard Victim 1 and a friend (Victim 2) enter the residence, Woodson confronted Victim 1 and Victim 2 with a handgun and kitchen knife.
Woodson pointed the handgun at Victim 2 and ordered Victim 2 to go down to the basement. Woodson then held the gun at Victim 1’s head and ordered Victim 1 into Woodson’s car. Woodson then stabbed Victim 1 and assaulted Victim 1 with the gun. At some point during the night, Woodson forced Victim 1 out of her car at a residential area in Howard County where they ran on foot until they located a hotel in Elkridge, Maryland. Police later recovered Woodson’s gun and shoes in the area.
As detailed in her plea agreement, after a hotel clerk observed Victim 1’s wounds, the clerk contacted the police. Howard County Police Department officers (HCPD) arrived at the hotel and identified Victim 1 as a minor that had been recently reported as missing. HCPD officers then arrested Woodson and transported Victim 1 to a hospital where she was treated for an orbital fracture and multiple stab wounds to the head, hands, and one eyelid.
After Baltimore County Police Department officers read Woodson her Miranda rights, Woodson informed officers that she drove from Orlando, Florida to Maryland to take Victim 1 back to Florida. Woodson also claimed that Victim 1 willingly left the Halethorpe residence, and that Victim 1 wanted to return to Florida. Woodson also informed BCPD officers that she duct taped Victim 1’s grandmother’s hands together, had a gun and knife and that the weapons were already located at Victim 1’s residence.
Victim 1 later informed investigators that Woodson had at least two cell phones that she would contact her on. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant on one of Woodson’s cell phones and discovered a series of text messages between Woodson and Victim 1. The text messages directly contradicted Woodson’s claim that Victim 1 asked Woodson to pick her up in Maryland and that Victim 1 wished to return to Florida with Woodson.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the BCPD, HCPD, and the Kissimmee Police Department (Florida) for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and LaRai N. Everett, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and domestic violence resources, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/victim-witness-assistance.
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Nurse Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jennifer Hansen has pleaded guilty to three counts of filing false tax returns. Hansen faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison for each count.
According to the plea agreement, Hansen, a registered nurse, was employed by a medical examination company to evaluate individuals who were seeking life insurance policies. In that role, Hansen earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in income during the years 2016, 2017, and 2018, all of which she intentionally omitted from her federal income tax returns. Through her false returns, Hansen caused a tax loss to the United States of $257,830.44. As part of her plea agreement, Hansen will make full restitution to the United States in that amount.
During the investigation into Hansen’s tax crimes, investigators also learned that a substantial portion of Hansen’s unreported income was illegitimately earned. In that regard, Hansen generated the illegitimate income by submitting false records to her employer claiming that she had examined a real patient, when, in fact, she had not. As part of her plea agreement, Hansen will make full restitution to her previous employer in the amount of more than $1,000,000.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The IRS-CI investigates those who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty of filing and paying their fair share of taxes. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
North Shore Drug Trafficking Leader Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Pressed Fentanyl Pills and Machine GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was pleaded guilty today to operating a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that used multiple high-volume pill press machines to produce tens of thousands of fentanyl pills per hour to sell to street gangs for local distribution.
Vincent Caruso, 27, a/k/a “Fatz,” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery); and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2022. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Caruso will be sentenced to at least 15 years.
Caruso was initially arrested and charged by complaint on June 30, 2021 along with co-conspirators Ernest Johnson, Laurie Caruso and Nicole Benton as part of Operation Street Sweepah: Guns and Butter, an investigation that began in 2020 in direct response to an increasing number of shootings in communities north of Boston committed by street gangs whose violence is fueled by drug distribution. Caruso was later indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 19, 2022. Benton and Laurie Caruso have each pleaded guilty to their roles in the DTO and are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8, 2022, and June 29, 2022, respectively. Ernest Johnson has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
According to the charging documents, Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, operated a large and sophisticated DTO with multiple subordinates that sold counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl to street gangs for further distribution on the North Shore. During the investigation, Caruso’s DTO was identified as a common supply source of counterfeit, pressed fentanyl pills and other controlled substances for several street gangs responsible for the uptick in violence. During today’s plea hearing, Caruso admitted that his DTO distributed over 30 kilograms of fentanyl, largely in the form of pressed fentanyl pills. At times during the conspiracy, Caruso manufactured his own fentanyl pills, and later, the DTO received multiple large deliveries of at least 50,000 pills.
In furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, Caruso possessed and used firearms and orchestrated violent offenses such as an armed robbery. Specifically, in March 2020, while on pretrial release for state fentanyl and firearm charges, Caruso orchestrated an armed robbery and home invasion in which two individuals robbed the occupants of an apartment of approximately $18,000 and jewelry. In addition, while on state pretrial release Caruso sent photos and videos using social media that depicted him in possession of firearms and machine guns, large quantities of fentanyl that would be distributed by his organization, large amounts of cash and high-end jewelry. Caruso also conspired with others to conduct hundreds of thousands of dollars in transactions in order to launder illegal proceeds of the drug trafficking operation. Over a kilogram of pressed fentanyl and over a dozen firearms were recovered through various search warrants executed in this and related investigations.
The charge of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy involving a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved. 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; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for $1.7 Million COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents, Tristan Bishop Pan, 40, of Garner, submitted numerous fraudulent PPP loan applications to federally insured banks, including on behalf of entities named Pan Insurance Agency, White Walker, Khaleesi, and The Night’s Watch. In support of the fraudulent PPP loan applications, Pan made false statements about the companies’ employees and payroll expenses. The PPP loan applications were supported by fake documents, including falsified tax filings. According to court documents, Pan submitted at least 14 PPP loan applications seeking over $6.1 million and received more than $1.7 million in benefits. Pan pleaded guilty to wire fraud in August 2021.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Special Agent in Charge Mark Morini of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) – Southeast Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) – Atlanta Region; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.
The TIGTA, FDIC-OIG, and the FBI, with the assistance of the SBA Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan A. Ontjes and John Harris for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Nine Defendants Indicted for Drug and Firearms ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Nine people were arraigned today on illegal drug and firearms charges contained in a 17-count indictment, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Gilbert Bermudez, aka “Troub,” 29; Brian Elijah Mitchell, aka “Slash,” 32; Jaahan Mitchell, 32; Keith Rogers, aka “Dog,” aka “Z,” 45; Isaiah Bullock, 26; Jennifer Rivera, 41; and Shamika Richardson, 25, all of Newark; Mark Washington, 58, of Irvington, New Jersey; and Torell Brown, 46, of Orangeburg, South Carolina were indicted on various drug and weapons charges last month.
According to documents filed in these case and statements made in court:
On May 14, 2021, in the vicinity of the Pennington Court housing complex in Newark, Bermudez, Brian Mitchell, and Jaahan Mitchell were involved in a shooting. On May 20, 2021, the firearm that Bermudez used in that shooting was recovered from his Essex County residence, loaded with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.
From April 2021 through May 18, 2021, Brown, a convicted felon, conspired to unlawfully sell firearms. He trafficked six firearms and a large quantity of ammunition from South Carolina to New Jersey, with the intent to sell these weapons to at least one New Jersey resident. On May 18, 2021, Washington attempted to thwart law enforcement from recovering certain of these firearms.
From March 2021 through May 18, 2021, Brown also conspired with Brian Mitchell and Rogers to traffic firearms and ammunition into New Jersey from at least one other state and to use those firearms and ammunition in connection with at least one other felony offense.
From October 2020 through July 23, 2021, Rogers, Bullock, Rivera, and Richardson conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base. Rogers and Bullock, both convicted felons, possessed firearms. The four defendants maintained two Pennington Court residences for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing, and using a controlled substance, and possessed with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
Each firearms trafficking conspiracy carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The drug conspiracy count, and the count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, each carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million. Each count of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. The counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime each carry a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation 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.
It is also part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Board of Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; and special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, with the investigations leading to the charges. He also thanked the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director Brian O’Hara, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, for their significant assistance with these cases.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Fasanello of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment and all related complaints are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Newport Woman Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Newport woman who solicited and received a video depicting the sexual exploitation of a toddler and an image depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Karissa A. Cave, 25, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2020, to receipt of child pornography.
At the time of her guilty plea, Kave admitted to the court that, in December 2016, while communicating on Facebook messenger with a person known to her, she requested that the person send her a video that she knew the person possessed. The video depicted an adult engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a female toddler. After receiving the video, she asked, “Is there anymore?” In return, the person sent her an image of prepubescent girls and boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The government’s evidence showed that after receiving the video, Kave and the person who sent it to her engaged in graphic sexual chats about the video and the depicted toddler.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Cave to sixty months in federal prison to be followed by eight years of federal supervised release.
This Project Safe Childhood case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Woonsocket Police Department.
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Newark City Council Member Admits Scheming to Obtain Bribes and Kickbacks and Subscribing to False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Newark Municipal Council and Board of Directors of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) today admitted scheming to obtain bribes and kickbacks and subscribing to a false personal tax return for 2018, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Joseph A. McCallum Jr., 66, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud for devising a scheme, using interstate wire communications, to defraud Newark and the NCEDC of the right to McCallum’s honest services and one count of subscribing to a false personal tax return for calendar year 2018.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
As a member of the Newark City Council, representing the West Ward, and of the NCEDC (now known as Invest Newark!), from 2017 through February 2020, McCallum schemed to receive concealed bribes and kickbacks from an associate, funded by developers, contracting companies, and other businesses seeking contracts and approvals principally related to development, construction, and real estate projects and deals in Newark. These developers and others were solicited by the associate to hire his consulting company for “access,” and were introduced to McCallum as the councilman behind the particular project or deal of interest to them. McCallum then received and planned to receive concealed bribes and kickbacks derived from the fees that the associate obtained from those who retained his company.
In exchange, McCallum used his official positions to assist those who retained the associate’s company. For those who refused or hesitated to pay, McCallum and the associate intended to prevent them from obtaining contracts and work from the NCEDC and the City of Newark. McCallum and the associate used interstate emails and phone calls to further this scheme and took significant steps to conceal these bribes and kickbacks.
The bribes and kickbacks received and sought by McCallum through the associate included the following:
- A $16,000 bribe funded by a payment from a contracting company;
- a $25,000 bribe and kickback funded by a payment from a developer’s company; and
- $500 in cash to cover travel expenses for an out-of-country trip and an attempt to receive part of a $50,000 payment from a second developer.
The honest services wire fraud charge in Count 1 of the information to which McCallum pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest. The false tax return charge in Count 3 of the information to which McCallum pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for is scheduled for July 21, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge in Newark George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea by McCallum.
The government is represented by Deputy Chief Jihee G. Suh and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York Man pleaded guilty today to charges arising from a scheme to fraudulently obtain business loans and unemployment pandemic relief funds made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Ronald Buie, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock who scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2022. Buie was charged on Jan. 25, 2022.
Buie engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting fraudulent applications for loans offered in connection with the CARES Act. As part of this scheme, Buie used various false identities to apply for and obtain fraudulent SBA loans in amounts exceeding $219,000. Buie also submitted fraudulent documentation to apply for and obtain a fraudulent SBA loan for $60,000 for his company, Platinum Car Service LLC. Specifically, in support of his loan application, Buie provided what he purported to be a monthly bank statement for his business checking account showing an ending balance of more than $198,000, whereas bank records for that particular month show that the actual balance was less than $3,000. In addition, Buie’s scheme also involved the utilization of various false identities to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in Massachusetts and Ohio.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office; Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance; and the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely, Chief of Rollins’ Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for His Role in a Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAURUS RUSSELL, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on March 10, 2022 to a three-count superseding bill of information. In Count 1, RUSSELL was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846. In Count 2, RUSSELL was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). In Count 3, HARRIS was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).
According to court documents, RUSSELL conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Additionally, RUSSELL used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced RUSSELL on March 10, 2022. For Count 1, RUSSELL received a term of imprisonment of 120 months, a period of supervised release of 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Counts 2 and 3, RUSSELL was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 48 months, a period of supervised release of 1 year per count, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count. All terms of imprisonment and supervised release are to run concurrently.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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New Bedford Man Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking activities involving cocaine.
Jamareh Allen, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 6, 2021, Allen pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In September 2020, Allen sold cocaine to a cooperating witness in New Bedford. Additionally, between August and September 2020, Allen sold the cooperating witness fentanyl and offered to sell a firearm for $1,000. However, when it came time for the firearm deal, Allen stole the $1,000 from the cooperating witness during the attempted controlled purchase.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fall River Acting Police Chief Paul Gauvin; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of Rollins’ Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Nevada Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – Last week, a federal jury convicted Robert J. Bondonno of Henderson, NV, a suburb of Las Vegas, for defrauding victims of investments money that was to be used for drug rehabilitation centers.
On March 9, 2020, a jury returned a verdict of guilty after a seven-day trial. Bondonno was convicted of five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to launder money, and 27 counts of promoting money laundering. The jury found Bondonno not guilty on four counts of money laundering concealment.
According to records admitted into evidence and other court documents, Robert J. Bondonno, age 66, created and distributed investment materials to potential investors containing materially false statements and omissions regarding investment opportunities in the Wichita Project LLC and BHD International, Inc., also referred to as the Phoenix Project. He and co-defendants contacted would-be investors and made false representations about returns on investment and how the investment funds would be used. The materials purported to fund the rehabilitation for drug and alcohol in Wichita, Kansas and Phoenix, Arizona. Between 2017 to 2019, Bondonno, John Ainsworth, Gregory Dawkins, and Courtland Van Oden, contacted investors to solicit investment funds, and they split the proceeds between themselves and Bondonno, with no money going toward the stated purpose of the investment. Oden, Dawkins, and Ainsworth all previously pleaded guilty to felony offenses associated with the fraud.
Court records showed that Bondonno controlled the incoming investment funds through bank accounts he created and controlled. Bondonno and co-conspirators used false names, fraudulent and misleading investment materials, and made false oral representations to investors in Kentucky, Maryland, and California. Bondonno brought in more than $519,000 in connection with the investment and spent seventy percent of the funds on himself, with the remaining funds being used to pay co-conspirators through nominee entities and false names. Bondonno used information associated with actual rehab centers operating in Kansas and Arizona to defraud investors. No money was ever provided to those facilities or paid back to investors.
One of the investor victims was over 95 years old and resided in Kentucky. Bondonno and co-conspirators convinced the investor and another investor to transfer their individual retirement accounts to his control to invest in the Wichita Project LLC. Court records show that Bondonno and co-defendants split proceeds and used the remaining funds for personal use with, no money going to an investment.
Bondonno is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EDT before United States District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings. Each count of conviction carries up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. In total, Bondonno faces up to 680 years in prison, a fine of $8,500,000, and up to three years supervised release. Judge Jennings will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisville Metro Police Department—Crimes Against Seniors Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Nicole Elver prosecuted the case and were assisted by Criminal Division Paralegal Adela Alec.
This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. In response the growing need and targeting areas of greatest concern, the Department of Justice stood up 10 task forces made up of 11 federal districts to combat a variety of elder abuse, including elder financial exploitation. Kentucky’s federal districts make up two of the 11 districts under the Initiative. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective. According to the National Council for Aging, older adults lose as much as $36.5 billion each year to financial abuse and scams. Many of these scams go unreported due to embarrassment or fear of retaliation.
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Morrisville Man Sentenced to over 7 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Cole Hess, 34, of Morrisville, Vermont, was sentenced today to serve 87 months in prison for distribution of a modified depiction of child pornography. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Hess to serve a 15-year term of supervised release after his incarceration.
According to court records and proceedings, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from a social media company that a user “IncestKyle” had uploaded child pornography to their platform. The images included children under the age of five engaged in sex acts with adults. NCMEC referred the report to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) because the IP addresses associated with the activity indicated the user “IncestKyle” was likely in Lamoille County, Vermont.
ICAC investigators determined the IP address information was associated with various businesses, including a laundromat and a fast-food restaurant in Lamoille County, and that the cell phone utilized to access an email account linked with the social media profile “IncestKyle” had been purchased with defendant Hess’ debit card. Bank records from Hess’ debit card showed purchases by Hess at the laundromat and fast-food restaurant around the times of the uploads of child pornography. ICAC investigators also linked photographs from the social media platform to Hess’ former residence in Johnson, Vermont. Hess subsequently admitted to using the social media account and having altered at least one of the images he distributed. At the time of the criminal conduct for which Hess was sentenced today, Hess was subject to probationary supervision for a prior conviction for Possession of Child Pornography in Vermont Superior Court and faces additional proceedings involving his violations of probation.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of the Vermont Attorney General in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt handled the prosecution. Hess was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth, Esq.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mission Man Sentenced for Larceny of Police VehicleRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny was sentenced on March 14, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Derrick One Star, a/k/a Derek One Star, age 34, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $12,775 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 10, 2021. He pled guilty on October 7, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 28, 2021, near Mission. On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers responded to a report that One Star was causing a disturbance at a residence in the South Antelope Housing Community. Officers made contact with One Star outside the residence and attempted to place him under arrest. One Star pulled away from the officers and fled the scene on foot, with the officers pursuing him. He then returned to the residence and stole a police patrol vehicle. One Star was arrested following a short vehicle pursuit, during which he damaged the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
One Star was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer, and Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.
Anthony Kitteaux, Sr., age 29, was indicted on March 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 14, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 24, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Kitteaux did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and that such conduct involved physical contact. The Indictment further alleges that, at the same place and date, Kitteaux unlawfully committed a domestic assault against a spouse or intimate partner and that, at the time of the domestic assault, Kitteaux had at least two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse or intimate partner.
The charges are merely accusations and Kitteaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Kitteaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Talon Bettelyoun, Sr., age 30, was indicted on March 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 14, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 22, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Bettelyoun unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bettelyoun is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Bettelyoun was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mercer County Man Admits Participating in Armed Robbery Spree Spanning Multiple Counties in New Jersey and PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Omar Feliciano-Estremera, 44, of Trenton, today admitted participating in a string of armed robberies of businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in May and June of 2019, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Feliciano pleaded guilty court before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to a five-count information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three substantive counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm which was discharged during a crime of violence.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Feliciano and his conspirator Gabriel Lopez, [deceased], formerly of Trenton, committed a string of armed robberies in May and June of 2019 of businesses located in Mercer County, New Jersey, Union County, New Jersey, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Lopez entered the businesses, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the store clerks working the register. After stealing the money, Lopez fled the scene with the assistance of Feliciano, who acted as the getaway driver. While fleeing the scene of one of the robberies, in Union County, New Jersey, Lopez fired a handgun at passing witnesses, shortly before being picked up by Feliciano. Feliciano admitted to conspiring with Lopez to commit eight robberies and aiding and abetting three robberies, including the Union County robbery at which a firearm was discharged.
Each of the Hobbs Act charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm that was discharged during a crime of violence carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Each count also carries a maximum fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the Hamilton Township, Trenton, Rahway, Morrisville, Bristol Township, and Lawrence Township Police Departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Members of the Mount Vernon Goonies Street Gang Sentenced for the Murder of 13-Year-Old Innocent BystanderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that SINCERE SAVOY was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his participation in the 2016 murder of Shamoya McKenzie and the affairs of the Goonies street gang. In September 2021, co-defendant DAVID HARDY was sentenced to 31 years in prison for the murder of McKenzie and his participation in a 2012 shooting. In July 2021 and November 2021, co-defendants MARQUIS COLLIER and JERMAINE HUGHLEY, respectively, were each sentenced to 27 years in prison for their participation in the McKenzie murder and the affairs of the Goonies gang.
According to allegations in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
Between 2007 and 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, HARDY, COLLIER, HUGHLEY, and SAVOY were members of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Goonies.” In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Goonies committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder and robbery; they conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute narcotics; and they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and firing them.
The Goonies were engaged in a long-standing and violent feud with several rival Mount Vernon street gangs, including, among others, the “Boss Playa Family,” the “Get Money Gangstas,” the “Gunnas,” and the “Much Better Gang”. On December 31, 2016, HARDY, COLLIER, HUGHLEY and SAVOY attempted to murder a rival gang member in broad daylight by firing multiple shots at him in the vicinity of Tecumseh Avenue and Third Street in Mount Vernon, New York. The rival gang member suffered gunshot wounds but survived. One of the bullets, however, missed the intended target and struck the head of 13-year old Shamoya McKenzie, who was in the front passenger seat of a passing car, which was being driven by her mother. Shamoya McKenzie died as a result.
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HARDY, 27, pled guilty to one count of using a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering and one count of using a firearm in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering for committing a separate shooting in 2012 in furtherance of the Goonies. He was sentenced to 372 months’ in prison.
COLLIER, 30, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to 324 months’ in prison.
HUGHLEY, 28, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to 324 months’ in prison.
SAVOY, 25, pled guilty to one count of using a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to 264 months’ in prison.
Mr. Williams thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their extraordinary cooperation and assistance with this case, and praised the outstanding investigative work of the Mount Vernon Police Department and the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force which includes Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, U.S. Probation, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County PD, Westchester County DA's Office, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Rockland County DA's Office, the NYPD and the Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Greenburgh, New Rochelle, White Plains, Clarkstown and Ramapo Police Departments.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Anden Chow is in charge of the prosecution.
Melvin Hill Charged with Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Melvin Hill, 42, of the state of Georgia, appeared yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle ordered that Hill be detained without bail pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, in January 2022, a confidential source told law enforcement that it could buy narcotics from Hill. In February and March, this source made two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hill in transactions that were recorded. Officers learned that Hill was staying at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington. They obtained a state court warrant to search Hill’s hotel room and the car he had been driving. Officers arrested Hill on March 10 and recovered a loaded pistol and crack cocaine from his person. In his car and hotel room, officers seized hundreds of folds of heroin, hundreds of pills containing fentanyl, powder cocaine, and methamphetamine. They also found around $13,000 in cash.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
If convicted, Hill faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department.
Hill is represented by the office of the Federal Public Defender. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Martinsburg man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jackson Latta, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Latta, 34, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Latta, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a felony conviction, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in May 2020 in Berkeley County.
Latta is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Sentenced to Nine-Year Prison Term for Robbery and Attempted Robbery of StoresRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raydrian Scott, 25, who had no fixed address, was sentenced today to nine years in prison for attempting to rob one store in Northeast Washington and robbing another store in Southeast Washington over a two-day period last fall, announced U.S Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Scott pleaded guilty in January 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of armed robbery and attempted robbery. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a nine-year prison term. The Honorable J. Michael Ryan accepted the plea today and sentenced Scott accordingly. Following his prison term, Scott will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Oct. 8, 2021, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Scott walked into a store in the 900 block of H Street NE. Scott appeared to browse the store’s merchandise when a clerk offered to assist. When greeted by the clerk, Scott, with his right hand in his jacket’s front pocket, stated, “Give me all the money in the register. I have a gun in my pocket.” The clerk was able to go away and head to the back of the store and Scott left out of the front entrance.
The following day at about 5:55 p.m., Scott walked into another store, this time in the 400 block of Eighth Street SE. He walked around the store before ordering an employee, “Open the register now. I have a gun. Open it, or I will shoot you.” Scott kept his left hand in his jacket’s front pocket, imitating a firearm. The employee gave Scott approximately $500 to $600, and Scott left the store. Scott was arrested a short time later in Northeast Washington and has been detained ever since.
At the time of the crimes, Scott was on supervision for previous convictions in Colorado.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Allison Daniels. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney LaVater Massie-Banks, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing More Than a Dozen Chicago Stores at GunpointRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for violently robbing more than a dozen Chicago liquor and convenience stores.
In the summer and fall of 2016, ANGELO STANTON robbed 15 stores and attempted to rob two others. Stanton carried out takeover-style heists in which he pointed a handgun at employees and demanded cash from the register or safe. Stanton fired shots in five of the incidents, wounding two store employees.
The robberies and attempted robberies occurred in various Chicago neighborhoods:
- Aug. 23, 2016: Castillo’s Super Market, 2732 W. 59th St.
- Aug. 26, 2016: Danny’s Liquors, 2222 N. Western Ave.
- Aug. 30, 2016: One Stop Western Market, 3456 S. Western Ave.
- Sept. 3, 2016: Granados Liquors, 1859 W. 47th St.
- Sept. 8, 2016: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1834 W. 47th St.
- Sept. 13, 2016: El Yunque Liquor Store, 1900 N. California Ave.
- Sept. 20, 2016: West Town Wine and Spirits, 2501 W. North Ave.
- Sept. 21, 2016: Park Dollar and Food Store, 1101 N. California Ave.
- Sept. 22, 2016: Albany Food & Liquors, 3048 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Sept. 23, 2016: Value Most Liquors, 3236 N. Pulaski Rd.
- Sept. 25, 2016: Manha grocery store, 3751 W. Armitage Ave.
- Sept. 28, 2016: Evelyn Food Market, 2926 W. Pulaski Rd.
- Sept. 30, 2016: Don’s Grill, 1837 S. Western Ave.
- Oct. 2, 2016: One Stop Market, 3456 S. Western Ave.
- Oct. 4, 2016: Humboldt Haus, 2958 W. North Ave.
- Oct. 9, 2016: Bucktown Food & Liquors, 2422 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Oct. 11, 2016: Lucky One Food, 1854 N. Pulaski Rd.
Stanton, 32, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to robbery and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., imposed the prison sentence Monday. A hearing to determine the amount of restitution that Stanton must pay to the victims is scheduled for May 3, 2022.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung represented the government.
Man Sentenced for Role in Attempted Robbery of New Haven Restaurant Where Employee Was ShotRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYTHRONE FORD, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the attempted robbery of a New Haven restaurant, during which an employee was shot, in April 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015, Ford, Treizy Lopez and another man entered the Smokin’ Wings restaurant, located on Congress Avenue in New Haven, and demanded money at gunpoint. Lopez subsequently discharged a firearm and shot a female employee in the stomach. Ford, Lopez and their associate then fled the restaurant. Responding New Haven Police officers subsequently located a .22 caliber revolver in a nearby trash can.
Approximately eight hours before to the Smokin’ Wings robbery, Ford, Lopez, and another man traveled together to Bridgeport. Lopez and the other individual, armed with handguns, entered Sapiaos Market, located on Lexington Avenue in Bridgeport, and demanded money. During the attempted robbery, the owner of the market, Jose Salgado, was shot and killed. Ford waited in a car outside of the market during the attempted robbery. After the murder, the three men traveled back to New Haven together. Hours later, Ford and Lopez participated in the gunpoint robbery at Smokin’ Wings.
Forensic analysis of the revolver found in the trash can in New Haven, and projectiles collected from the scene of both attempted robberies, revealed that the gun was used in both shootings. DNA collected from the gun revealed that both Lopez and Ford possessed the gun.
Ford has been detained since his arrest on December 10, 2019. On September 21, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery.
Lopez pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 23, 2021, and awaits sentencing.
This matter stems from a cold case investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, 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.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Armed Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo.
Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.
Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City, Mo.
The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.
Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.
At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.
Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.
As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees. When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms. After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh A. Ragner and D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Justice Department and FTC Extend Deadline for Public Comment on Ways to Strengthen Enforcement Against Illegal MergersRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are extending by one month the deadline to submit comments as part of the enforcement agencies’ process to modernize the merger guidelines to better detect and prevent anticompetitive deals. The new deadline is April 21.
In January, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the FTC launched a joint public inquiry aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal mergers. Recent evidence indicates that many industries across the economy are becoming more concentrated and less competitive – imperiling choice and economic gains for consumers, workers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. These problems are likely to persist, or worsen, due to an ongoing merger surge that has more than doubled merger filings from 2020 to 2021. To address mounting concerns, the agencies announced in January that they were soliciting public input on ways to modernize federal merger guidelines to better detect and prevent illegal, anticompetitive deals in today’s modern markets.
Judge sentences remaining former St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer regarding undercover officer’s assault from 2017Read the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Christopher Myers, 30, of St. Louis, Missouri appeared before United States District Court Judge John A. Ross on today’s date. Myers pleaded guilty to willfully depriving another of their civil rights by damaging the property of former undercover police officer Luther Hall, while acting under color of law. Judge Ross then sentenced Myers to a year of probation.
As a result of the 2017 acquittal of a former police officer on a state murder charge, protests were taking place in downtown St. Louis. In an effort by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to keep peace and order, the victim undercover officer was assigned to the protest detail. During the protest, SLMPD officers, to include Myers, encountered Hall amongst others.
According to the plea agreement, Myers damaged Hall's cell phone by throwing the cell phone, and, in doing so, did willfully deprive Hall of rights and privileges secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that is, the right to be secure against unreasonable seizures of property.
Dustin Boone was previously found guilty during trial of aiding and abetting the deprivation of civil rights under color of law and sentenced to 12 months and a day. Bailey Colletta previously pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal grand jury and was sentenced to probation. Randy Hays, who had earlier pleaded guilty to his role in the matter, was sentenced to a 52-month term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jefferson County man indicted on failure to register chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jordan Paul Plotner, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was indicted today on a failure to register charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Plotner is charged with one count of “Failure to Register.” Plotner, a person required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction, is accused of traveling across state lines without updating his information in the sex offender registry from April to November 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
Plotner is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jamestown Felon Going to Prison on Gun Charge After Traffic StopRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Walter S. Duprey a/k/a Spoons a/k/a Waldo, 38, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that Duprey was convicted in 2005, 2006, and 2012, of felony charges in Chautauqua County and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On April 30, 2020, Duprey was a passenger in a car that was stopped by Jamestown Police Officers. After stating that he had a “bud on me,” Duprey was asked to step out of the car. During a search of Duprey, an officer found a shotgun shell in his pocket. While searching the car, officers recovered a loaded shotgun.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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