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Thursday 10 March 2022
Clearfield Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Materials Depicting the Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Jackson Curtis Martin III, 46, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, Three and Five of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to Sept. 1, 2019, Martin produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, from Jan. 8, 2019, to Nov. 24, 2019, Martin possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Counts One and Two, and a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both, for Counts Three and Five. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL JIMENEZ DE LA CRUZ, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jimenez was arrested on September 20, 2018, after Drug Enforcement Administration special agents executed a search warrant at his Waterbury residence. Outside of Jimenez’s bedroom window, agents found a trash bag that contained approximately 63 grams of fentanyl, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, several rounds of ammunition, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale. Investigators also found $10,185 in cash in Jimenez’s bedroom.
Jimenez, who has been detained since his arrest, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jimenez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Amanda S. Oakes.
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.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Rodney Raphael Fluckes, age 47, formerly of Chicago, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following his imprisonment, Fluckes was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to immediately pay a $100 Special Assessment payable to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to court documents, Fluckes was identified by Davenport Police Department officers following a fight which broke out in a pub in downtown Davenport. Outside the pub, officers observed Fluckes in possession of a gun, which was identified as a loaded, nine-millimeter handgun that was previously reported stolen. At the time of the offense, Fluckes was aware he had been convicted of prior felony offenses, which prohibited his possession of the firearm. On November 15, 2021, Fluckes pleaded guilty to the charge.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Charlotte Man Convicted of Using Stolen Identities to Defraud Government-Funded COVID-19 Relief Programs Is Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Keon Taylor, 31, of Charlotte, was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for using stolen identities to defraud government-funded coronavirus aid relief programs of more than $219,000. In addition to the prison term imposed, Taylor was ordered to pay $252,849.50 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) which oversees Charlotte, and Matthew Broadhurst, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Region.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020, and it is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program, which provides low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.
According to the information to which Taylor pleaded guilty, other documents filed in this case and statements made in court, from March 2020 to February 2021, Taylor engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the North Carolina Division of Employment Security, and the States of Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Arizona by filing fraudulent claims for COVID-19 related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. As part of the scheme, Taylor obtained stolen personal identifying information, or PII, of more than 35 victims, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. Taylor used the PII to apply for and receive over $219,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits, and to submit numerous additional applications seeking fraudulent UI benefits. Court documents show that Taylor also attempted to defraud the SBA by using false information to submit applications for three loans under the EIDL program set aside for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Documents further show that in February 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Taylor’s apartment, seizing equipment used to manufacture fake identification cards. According to court records, Taylor continued to engage in fraudulent ID-making activities even after pleading guilty, which resulted in the revocation of his federal bond.
“Taylor went on a crime spree, stealing taxpayer dollars from federal and state programs intended to help those in real need as a result of the coronavirus. In the process, he victimized individuals whose stolen identities were used to carry out the fraud. Taylor’s crimes are serious and now he has to endure the consequences. My office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit from the pandemic and exploit government benefits intended to help people impacted by COVID-19.”
“Taylor took advantage of the American people whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic to try and enrich himself through fraud,” stated Inspector in Charge Coke. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to criminals exploiting the American people.”
“Taylor defrauded the unemployment system of multiple states by fraudulently collecting over $219,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. His conduct further exacerbated the distribution of unemployment benefits at a time when so many Americans are in desperate need of this assistance. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of DOL programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Broadhurst.
On July 27, 2021, Taylor pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended USPIS for their investigative efforts in this case. U.S. Attorney King also thanked DOL-OIG for their coordination and recognized the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance.
The prosecution for the government was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina need the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed by the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. Members of the public in the Western District of North Carolina are also encouraged to call 704-344-6222 to reach their local Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman was sentenced today to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 27, 2020, law enforcement officers stopped Kayla Slater, 29, walking on Beech Avenue in Charleston after a car she was sighted in took off from police. Officers seized a Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm semi-automatic pistol in plain view in Slater’s handbag and approximately 80 grams of fentanyl from her person. Slater later admitted to the officers that the gun and drugs were hers, that she had been trafficking large quantities of controlled substances, and that she was addicted to heroin. Slater is prohibited from possessing firearms due to being an habitual user of a controlled substance
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Negar M. Kordestani 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00079.
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Centre County Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alan Dorsey, 39, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Dorsey with distribution of methamphetamine on June 3, 2021, along with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol on September 11, 2021, all in Centre County. The indictment also charges Dorsey with illegally possessing ammunition and possessing a 9mm handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit opioid related offenses.
The maximum penalty for this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Misappropriating COVID-19 FundsRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty today in the Central District of California to stealing government funds designed to aid medical providers in the treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19 and using them for his own personal benefit.
According to court documents, Grigor Garibyan, 36, of North Hollywood, admitted that he owned GMA Home Health Inc. (GMA), a home health agency in Van Nuys, which closed around June 2019. GMA, which was never operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, received approximately $57,591 designated for the medical treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. Garibyan admitted he stole the funds by transferring and spending them for his own personal use, rather than using the funds in conjunction with pandemic relief efforts as required.
Garibyan pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16 and faces up to 10 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against Garibyan resulted from his intentional misuse of funds distributed from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, money specially apportioned by the CARES Act to help health care providers who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide care to patients who were suffering from COVID-19, and to compensate providers for the cost of that care. These funds were critical to delivering relief to health care providers and maintaining access to medical care during the pandemic.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison for the Central District of California; and Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. Francesca of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.
Trial Attorney Chris Wenger and Senior Litigation Counsel Jim Hayes of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are 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, 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.
Boise Woman Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise woman was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court records, Miranda Lee Stogsdill, 41, sold 108 grams of methamphetamine on April 1, 2021, and later sold 111 grams of methamphetamine on April 15, 2021. Both sales were for $1,250. On April 30, 2021, Idaho State Police troopers stopped Stogsdill as she was driving in Owyhee County, travelling back to Boise from California with four pounds of methamphetamine and one-and-a-half ounces of heroin. In addition to the controlled substances, troopers found a digital scale and several small empty zip lock baggies that are commonly used to weigh and repackage drugs for distribution. During her plea hearing, Stogsdill admitted that between April 27, 2021, and April 30, 2021, she travelled to Bridgeport, California, and purchased the controlled substances found in her vehicle, which she intended to distributed in and around Boise.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also order Stogsdill to pay a $500 fine and to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Stogsdill pleaded guilty to the charge on November 10, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and applauded the efforts of the Idaho State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss.– A Biloxi man pled guilty to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Malyk Harveston, 20, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.
Through their investigation, officers determined that Harveston was a member of the drug trafficking organization. Officers determined that he was principally a street level trafficker of marijuana and alprazolam, which he would obtain from other members of the conspiracy and then redistribute. However, he also had a source for fake oxycodone pills. The investigation also revealed messages between Harveston and other members of the conspiracy in which they discussed the acquisition of firearms. Furthermore, another member of the conspiracy advised Harveston to invest the proceeds from his drug sales in firearms.
Ultimately, in late May of 2021, local law enforcement officials arrested Harveston. Harveston subsequently admitted to purchasing an American Tactical Rifle which was found in a vehicle registered to his mother. During the investigation, officers were able to determine that Harveston had acquired at least 5 different firearms.
Harveston is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The DEA, Gulfport Police Department, and Biloxi Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Airlines Passenger Traveling from Georgia to St. Croix Sentenced to Imprisonment on Federal Charges for Marijuana in LuggageRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert of the District of the Virgin Islands announced that a Georgia man with ties to St. Croix was sentenced today in federal court by Judge Wilma Lewis to 4 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Ra’Kheel Velasquez, age 24, of Georgia traveled to St. Croix on March 10, 2021 on a Delta flight originating from Atlanta, Georgia. Velasquez traveled with luggage containing approximately 1.76 kilograms (approximately 4 pounds) of marijuana in four individually wrapped packages intended for distribution. In addition to 4 months incarceration, Velasquez must also serve 3 years of supervised released, pay a $1000 fine and $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Customs Border Protection and Homeland Securities Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz 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.
Aberdeen Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jose David Recio, Jr., age 26, was indicted on March 2, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about December 1, 2021, and February 15, 2022, Recio, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime under State Law, and traveled in interstate commerce, failed to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The charge is merely an accusation and Recio is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Recio was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 20, 2022.
A Pamlico County Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm While on ProbationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Pamlico County man was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon while on supervised probation. On December 1, 2021 Demario Tyair Himbry pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Himbry, 35, was on post-release supervision in February 2020 after completing his prison sentence for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin near a school in Pamlico County. During a search of his residence, deputies and probation officers found a loaded handgun and ammunition near his bedroom. Law enforcement investigated how Himbry was able to obtain the handgun and found that Himbry had traded a gram of heroin for the firearm a few days before the search of his home.
Himbry had previously been convicted of several felonies including selling cocaine in 2005, common law robbery in 2011, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin in 2016. Himbry was also validated as a member of the Bloods street gang by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in 2017.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-CR-45-D-1.
20 Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Twenty residents of the Western District of Pennsylvania have been charged by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh in four separate but related Indictments with violations of the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
“This investigation brought together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to collaboratively address violent crime plaguing neighborhoods on Pittsburgh’s North Side and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “We will continue to pursue strategic prosecutions of those who deal drugs and use weapons to threaten the safety of our communities.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping gang violence, getting drugs and weapons off the streets, and making the community safer for our children,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Today's arrests are the culmination of a year-long investigation that surged resources and focused an investigative strategy to address the violence in Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhoods. We will continue to work closely with our local and state partners to address violent crime.”
“With this indictment, communities can be reassured that all of our local and federal law enforcement agencies are consistently committed to dismantling criminal networks and throttling drug and gun pipelines that hurt children and families. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and community members to prevent violent crime because everyone deserves to walk safe streets and live in secure neighborhoods,” said Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief, Scott Schubert.
The first Indictment names Johnny Palmer, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA; Mark Brown, 50, of Pittsburgh, PA; and David Clemons, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, Palmer, Brown, Clemons, and others conspired between September 2021 and November 2021 to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further alleges that the quantity of cocaine base attributable to Palmer is 280 grams or more, and the quantity of cocaine base attributable to Brown and Clemons is 28 grams or more. As to Palmer, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine up to 10,000,000, or both. As to Brown and Clemons, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The second Indictment names Robert Colbert, 40, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Ada Johnson, 36, also of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, Colbert and Johnson conspired between September 2021 and November 2021 to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further charges Colbert and Johnson with possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it, and with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as convicted felons on November 12, 2021. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. As to each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The third Indictment names Dominique Reed-Graves, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; Jaron Allen, 31, of McKees Rocks, PA; Marcus Clark, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 27, of McKees Rocks, PA; Lynn Gibson (aka “Menno”), 37, of Pittsburgh, PA; Calvin Gurley, 44, of Pittsburgh, PA; Kenneth Hairston, 47, of Aliquippa, PA; Natalia Hartnett, 23, of McKees Rocks, PA; Logan McMaster, 31, of Ligonier, PA; Keith Oaks, 36, of Pittsburgh, PA; James Wilkins (aka “HB”), 35, of Pittsburgh, PA; James Williams (aka “Bando”), 29, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Shawn Yancey, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired with each other to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute various types and quantities of Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, such as heroin, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine base, between September 2021 and February 2022. The Indictment further charges Reed-Graves (on December 1, 2021), Yancey (on December 14, 2021), Allen (on December 17, 2021), and Gurley (on February 17, 2022) with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Finally, the Indictment charges Yancey and Gurley with unlawfully possessing firearm(s) and ammunition as a convicted felon on December 14, 2021, and February 17, 2022, respectively. As to defendants Reed-Graves, Allen, Clark, Fisher-Egleston, Gurley, McMaster, Oaks, Wilkins, and Yancey, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The fourth Indictment names Naqwan Parham, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA; Maurice Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Logan McMaster, 31, of Ligonier, PA. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, between September 2021, and December 2021. As to each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
12th Defendant Convicted in Dog-Fighting, Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking network.
Shelley Johnson aka Gold Mouth, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Johnson faces a maximum five years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in both cocaine distribution and organized dog fighting based out of Roberta, Georgia, which extended into North Georgia, Florida and Alabama from May 2019 until Feb. 2020. In Feb. 2020, law enforcement executed 15 residential search warrants and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for organized dog-fighting. A 136-count indictment was unsealed on Jan. 29, 2021, charging 11 individuals with various criminal activities. Three other individuals, including Johnson, were charged by criminal information.
During this time period, Johnson communicated with co-conspirator Jarvis Lockett about fighting and breeding dogs, dogs mauled and killed as a result of fighting, sharpening a dog’s teeth for fighting purposes, cash prizes for fights, and various topics detailing the business and the brutality of dog-fighting. Johnson attended a dog fight and participated as a handler inside the ring during the dog fight. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Macon residence on Feb. 26, 2020, recovering 13 pit bull terrier type dogs with scarring consistent with dog-fighting. In addition, agents found evidence of dog fighting activities including a digital scale, weighted collars, heavy chains, ground stakes and a variety of medical supplies to treat animals for injuries sustained from dog fighting activities.
The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this case:
Lekey Davis aka Kee Boo, 46, of Talbotton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Christopher Raines aka Binky, 51, of Talbotton, was sentenced to serve 135 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Jarvis Lockett aka J-Rock, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and cocaine distribution;
Derrick Owens aka Doomie, 38, of Woodland, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Jason Carter, 39, of Phoenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 97 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Vernon Vegas, 50, of Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the maximum 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Shaquille Bentley, 27, of Roberta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility;
Rodrick Walton aka Rodrie Walton, 42, of Shiloh, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Reginald Crimes, 39, of Preston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Lee Benney, 55, of Reynolds, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 21 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture; and,
Bryanna Holmes, 25, of Fort Valley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (DOJ-ENRD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and the Fort Valley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
Wednesday 9 March 2022
Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Hughes, age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to 132 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years on supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Hughes possessed with the intent to distribute over 200 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl on May 12, 2021, at a hotel in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Hughes possessed a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and he was a person prohibited from possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
This case was also 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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Whitehall man sentenced to 20 months in prison for illegally possessing guns, ammunitionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Whitehall man, a convicted felon who was on state supervision, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing three firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Shane William Driscoll, 36, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents in the case, the government alleged that in March 2021, Driscoll, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed a semi-automatic 9mm pistol, a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, a bag with marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his truck during a traffic stop in Whitehall. Driscoll also possessed a .243-caliber rifle with ammunition, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a subsequent search of his trailer. All evidence was found during probation searches. In 2019, Driscoll was sentenced in state District Court for a felony drug conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Murder Aboard Commercial Scalloping BoatRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with a murder aboard a scalloping vessel off the coast of Massachusetts.
Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2022. Meave Vazquez was indicted in November 2018.
On Sept. 23, 2018, the scalloping vessel, The Captain Billy Haver, was sailing approximately 55 miles off the coast of Nantucket with seven crew members aboard, including Meave Vazquez and the three victims. Inside the shucking house, Meave Vazquez used a hammer to strike Victim A hard in the head into unconsciousness. Meave Vazquez then walked out onto the deck and stabbed Victim B multiple times with a long fillet knife. In response to the commotion, Victim C climbed up from the ice hold, was struck in the head by Meave Vazquez with the hammer and fell back down the ladder, bleeding from his head. Meave Vazquez then struggled with the vessel captain before climbing to the top of the rigging mast.
Victim A and Victim B were taken by rescue boat to a nearby ship for medical attention where Victim B was pronounced dead.
Meave Vazquez remained at the top of the mast until the Coast Guard arrived that evening and was immediately taken into custody. Meave Vazquez was transferred into federal custody upon his arrival at the Boston port the next day. Maeve Vazquez is in the United States illegally.
The charge of second-degree murder provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted murder provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Meave Vazquez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Noble, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S Coast Guard Investigative Services Northeast Region; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Violet, Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY ENCLARDE, a/k/a “Murda,” age 53, a resident of Violet, Louisiana plead guilty to two counts of a superseding indictment. In Count 1, ENCLARDE was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity 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)(C), and 846. In Count 14, ENCLARDE 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, ENCLARDE conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Additionally, ENCLARDE used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence ENCLARDE on June 7, 2022. For Count 1, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 14, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, Andre Jones, and Melissa Bucher of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Eight Individuals for Outstanding Contributions to Public SafetyRead the Press Release
Scranton –United States Attorney John C. Gurganus recently honored eight individuals for their outstanding contributions to public safety. These awards are made each year to a select group of individuals who perform in an exceptional manner and who make significant contributions to our Office’s efforts to promote public safety.
United States Marshal Martin J. Pane received the United States Attorney’s Award for Exemplary Lifetime Service as Law Enforcement Officer. Marshal Pane’s remarkable career exemplifies the Marshals Service’s motto, “Justice, Integrity, Service.” He has served the United States and the citizens of Pennsylvania over a distinguished 34-year career marked by sound judgment, integrity, and unwavering dedication. The award honors his expertise and leadership, and his steadying presence in our law enforcement community.
Chief Detective Michael Dessoye, of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office received the United States Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement. This award recognizes Chief County Detective Michael Dessoye’s exceptional work in promoting cooperation among law enforcement agencies. During more than 50 years as a law enforcement officer, Chief Detective Dessoye has vigorously worked to create strong working relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute criminals who pose a danger to the citizens of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement agencies in the region have greatly benefited from his keen investigatory skills and his unique ability to forge partnerships that bring the necessary resources to investigations and thereby securing successful outcomes.
Three individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service as a Law Enforcement Officer for their exceptional work in multiple significant criminal prosecutions:
- DEA Special Agent Philip A. Klemick
This award recognizes Agent Philip Klemick’s remarkable ability to work on large scale drug trafficking cases that produce outstanding results. As a recognized expert in his field, Special Agent Klemick is often consulted by his colleagues and other agency partners and provides invaluable assistance with his unique ability to utilize the appropriate investigatory techniques to gather compelling evidence against significant large-scale drug law violators. He is a master at drafting applications for the interception of wire and electronic communications. In most instances, Special Agent Klemick has been able to trace the drugs in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to their source of supply. In his career, he has been the lead case agent in numerous Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force cases.
- Luzerne County Drug Task Force Coordinator Daniel Mimnaugh
This award recognizes Daniel Mimnaugh’s 26-year career of distinguished service as a law enforcement officer in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. His law enforcement career includes positions as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, an FBI Task Force Officer, the Laflin Chief of Police, and the Coordinator of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. In those positions, he initiated and led numerous complex drug trafficking, organized crime, and gang related investigations. His efforts resulted in the prosecution of hundreds of individuals and forfeiture of millions of dollars in illegally obtained assets. This award pays tribute to his tenacious work in the field, but also his more recent leadership of the members of the Drug Task Force.
- FDA Special Agent Michael Sullivan
This award recognizes Agent Michael Sullivan’s exceptional work in US v. Jonathon Clark Baird, 1:20-CR-00244 (MDPA), a case that involved a licensed attorney who instructed his co-conspirators on methods used to fraudulently conceal the true nature of their illegal sale of prescription drugs in the U.S. marketplace that put consumers’ health at risk. Baird, of Louisville, Kentucky marketed his law firm as focusing on steroid, nutritional supplements law and FDA regulations. He retained a nationwide client base that included individuals and companies involved in the illicit internet marketing and sale of FDA regulated drugs to the body building and enhancement community. Over about two-year period, two of Baird’s clients, Total Trading LLC of Lebanon, Pennsylvania and L&P, LLC of Schaumberg, Illinois grossed more than $5,500,000 in connection with the illegal internet sale of prescription drugs. Baird assisted these companies by reviewing their business models, websites and drafting a bogus disclaimer that the drugs sold on the website were for research purposes only and not for human use. He instructed his clients that the website check out procedure had to require that the customer acknowledge the disclaimer before he could complete the purchase of drugs. To ensure the business practices did not undermine the “research purposes only” ruse, Baird also reviewed and provided instructions about drug ordering procedures, payment procedures, drug packaging labels and advertising. Agent Sullivan’s work in bringing this case to justice was of the highest caliber.
Bureau of Prisons Attorney Erin Frymoyer received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service in Civil Litigation. This award recognizes the outstanding legal support Attorney Frymoyer provided to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in McCreary v. Federal Bureau of Prisons, et. al., a class action suit by USP Lewisburg inmates that challenged the constitutionality of mental health treatment provided to inmates in the institution’s Special Management Unit (SMU). The award also recognizes Attorney Frymoyer’s exemplary work in the production of documentary evidence for COVID-19 compassionate release litigation. Attorney Frymoyer’s rapid response to requests for documents and policies enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to effectively respond to approximately 100 compassionate release motions.
Two individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service in Civil Rights Litigation:
- Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Anne Langford
- Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Joy Welan
These two awards recognize the recipients’ exceptional assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to negotiate a settlement with Rite Aid that enabled those with visual and mobility impairments to gain access to the Rite Aid online vaccination portal. This settlement is now a model for other pharmacies and retailers offering vaccination scheduling on-line; ensuring individuals with disabilities have the ability to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination independently and privately.
“We are so pleased to recognize the achievements of our colleagues who have made significant contributions to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the safety and well-being of our communities, said United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. “The exemplary work of these eight individuals deserves this special recognition, and I thank them for their service.”
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Two sentenced for illegally obtaining nearly 50 tons of cheese and moreRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two women have been sent to prison following their convictions of conspiracy and committing $1.2 million in food stamp fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Ana Rioja, 51, Brownsville, and Maria Consuelo de Ureno, a legal permanent resident of Brownsville, 55, pleaded guilty May 12, 2021, to conspiring to commit and committing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. handed Rioja a 30-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. Ureno received 37 months followed by a three-year-term of supervised release. Ureno could also face loss of her legal status in the United States and removal proceedings following her release from prison. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Olvera ordered Rioja and Ureno to pay $975,401 and $1,284,282.15 in restitution, respectively.
Beginning in February 2016, the investigation revealed Ureno, Rioja and other co-conspirators exchanged SNAP benefits for cash by using a point of sale device at a local meat market Rioja owned. Additionally, authorities discovered Ureno and co-conspirators conducted fraudulent transactions at Sam’s Wholesale Club.
The investigation discovered 715 fraudulent transactions that were linked to 83 unique SNAP benefit recipients which conspirators redeemed for cash or food. Ureno’s fraudulent purchases totaled to approximately 49.1 tons of American cheese slices, 22.3 tons of pinto beans, 1.6 tons of Folgers coffee, 1.4 tons of instant mashed potatoes and over 5,000 gallons of mayonnaise which she would sell to a partner and transport to Mexico.
Between September 2014 and August 2019, both Rioja and Ureno conducted approximately $1.2 million in fraudulent transactions.
Ureno has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Rioja was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a date to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano and Jose A. Esquivel prosecuted the case.
Two Defendants in ‘Grandparent Scam’ Network Plead Guilty to RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two members of a network that operated and facilitated a large-scale “grandparent scam,” pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Timothy Ingram, aka Bleezy, 29, of North Hollywood, California pleaded guilty on March 2, and Jack Owuor, 25, of Paramount, California pleaded guilty on March 9.
According to court documents, Ingram and Owuor were members and associates of a network of individuals who, through extortion and fraud, induced elderly Americans across the United States to pay thousands to tens of thousands of dollars each to purportedly help their grandchild or other close family relative. Members of the network contacted elderly Americans by telephone and impersonated a grandchild, other close relative or friend of the victim. They falsely convinced the victims that their relatives were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, for medical expenses for car accident victims or to prevent additional charges from being filed. The defendants and their co-conspirators then received money from victims via various means, including in-person pickup, mail and wire transfer, and laundered the proceeds, including through cryptocurrency.
“The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute individuals who systematically target elderly Americans by preying on their concern for loved ones,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the FBI for their work to advance the department’s efforts against organized elder fraud, and to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.”
“These defendants exploited the sacred bond between grandparent and grandchild and left many victims financially and emotionally traumatized,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California. “We will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those who prey on the elderly.”
“These guilty pleas are a prime example of the collaboration and coordination among our local, state and federal partners who make up San Diego’s Elder Justice Task Force, and the great work being done to protect our elderly population,” said Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “The task force is committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations who prey on our senior citizens, and will utilize all available investigative means to bring them to justice. I would also like to thank the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office for their continued support in this case.”
Ingram and Owuor pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Ingram is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. Owuor is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Four co-defendants remain pending for trial. Two additional defendants have been charged but remain at large.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Diego Field Office, North County Resident Agency, with critical assistance from investigators of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Trial Attorneys Lauren M. Elfner and Wei Xiang with the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson of the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The department’s extensive and broad-based efforts to combat elder fraud seeks to halt the widespread losses seniors suffer from fraud schemes. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty in a Nationwide Racketeering Conspiracy Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 9, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Two defendants charged in a nationwide “grandparent scam” have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Jack Owuor, 25, of Paramount, California pleaded guilty in federal court today. Timothy Ingram, 29, of North Hollywood, California, pleaded guilty on March 2, 2022.
According to court documents, the defendants were members and associates of a criminal enterprise that engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation. At least 10 elderly San Diego County residents lost more than $300,000 to the fraud.
From approximately November 1, 2019, until October 14, 2020, the members of the criminal enterprise targeted elderly Americans, contacting them by phone and feeding them phony stories that their grandchildren were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, pay medical expenses for car accident victims, or prevent additional charges from being filed, according to court documents. Members and associates obtained money from victims through in-person cash pick-ups, by mail or commercial carriers, or via wire transfers. Conspirators laundered the proceeds by transferring the funds or converting from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
Ingram admitted in his plea agreement that he organized the criminal activity of at least five other participants, including codefendants Anajah Gifford and Jack Owuor. Ingram admitted that he recruited mules to receive transfers of money from victims, and to pick up cash from victims in California and elsewhere. As part of the guilty plea, Ingram agreed to forfeit $124,700 in proceeds from the offense. Ingram will also be subject to an order of restitution to the victims of the offense in the amount of at least $1,932,507.93.
Owuor admitted in his plea agreement that he conducted cash pick-ups from victims under Ingram’s direction, and later recruited women to pick up cash. In their phone messages, Ingram and Owuor discussed using female mules for cash pick ups to make “it more smooth.” As part of his guilty plea, Owuor agreed to forfeit $4,300 in proceeds he personally received from the offense, and pay at least $434,600 to the victims in restitution.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was established in February 2021 and is believed to be the first comprehensive law enforcement effort for this purpose anywhere in the country. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.
“These defendants exploited the sacred bond between grandparent and grandchild and left many victims financially and emotionally traumatized,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those who prey on the elderly.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and members of the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute individuals who systematically target elderly Americans by preying on their concern for loved ones,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the FBI for their work to advance the department’s efforts against organized elder fraud, and to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.”
“These guilty pleas are a prime example of the collaboration and coordination among our local, state, and federal partners who make up San Diego’s Elder Justice Task Force, and the great work being done to protect our elderly population,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “The task force is committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations who prey on our senior citizens, and will utilize all available investigative means to bring them to justice. I would also like to thank the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office for their continued support in this case.”
As of today, four of the eight defendants charged in the case are pending trial. Two defendants are fugitives and remain at large.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr2216-CAB
Tracy Adrine Knowles 30 Orlando, Florida
Fugitive
Adonis Alexis Butler Wong 30 Northbay Village, Florida
Fugitive
Timothy Ingram, AKA Bleezy 29 North Hollywood, California
In custody
Sentencing set for May 27, 2022
Anajah Gifford 23 North Hollywood, California
In custody
Lyda Harris 74 Laveen, Arizona
Released on bond
Joaquin Lopez 46 Hollywood, Florida
Released on bond
Jack Owuor 25 Paramount, California
Released on bond.
Sentencing set for June 3, 2022
Tracy Glinton 35 Orlando, Florida
Released on bond
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1962(d) – Conspiracy to Conduct or Participate in an Enterprise Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000
AGENCIES
Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which includes:
San Diego FBI
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Carlsbad Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Escondido Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
National City Police Department
Coronado Police Department
Two Arkansas Men Sentenced to over 29 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – Two Arkansas men have been sentenced to federal prison for the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
In March 2021, Agents with the FBI launched an investigation into drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. Between the months of March and June of 2021, agents conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Omar Perez and David Franks. According to court documents, the investigation of Perez and Franks was completed on June 23, 2021, when the parties were discovered to be in the process of completing a two-kilogram methamphetamine transaction in the parking lot of a shopping center in Fort Smith. Upon the arrest of both parties, approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, $17,000 in cash, a firearm and ammunition were seized.
Omar Perez, age 30, of Waldron, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine.
David Allen Franks, age 40, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The FBI and Fort Smith Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case.
Twin Brothers Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Twin brothers from Hyannis were sentenced today in federal court in Boston on gun and drug offenses.
Di’lon Smith, a/k/a Dilon Smith, and Denzel Smith, 29, were each sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Nov. 10, 2021, the defendants pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue called cyclopropyl fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a controlled substance analogue and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Between Oct. 3, 2017 and Nov. 29, 2017, the brothers conspired to sell fentanyl and cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue that has been associated with numerous fatalities. The brothers used a Hyannis apartment rented by Di’lon Smith to store the drugs for street-level resale. A search of the apartment on Nov. 29, 2017 found the brothers in possession of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of cyclopropyl fentanyl intended for sale, a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, a Heckler & Koch automatic pistol and magazines loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition, and drug-trafficking paraphernalia, including narcotic presses and a digital scale.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Robert E. Richardson of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Third Founder of Cryptocurrency Exchange Pleads Guilty to Bank Secrecy Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAMUEL REED, one of three co-founders and a high-ranking executive of purportedly “off-shore” cryptocurrency derivatives exchange the Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange or “BitMEX,” pled guilty today to violating the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) by willfully failing to establish, implement, and maintain an anti-money laundering (“AML”) program at BitMEX. Under the terms of his plea agreement, REED agreed to separately pay a $10 million criminal fine representing pecuniary gain derived from the offense. REED pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Laura T. Swain, and will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. The other two founders of BitMEX, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, previously pled guilty to the same offense in February 2022.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Samuel Reed has now joined his co-founders, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, in admitting that they caused BitMEX to commit criminal violations of the anti-money laundering laws that govern financial institutions operating in the United States. As today’s guilty plea reflects, this Office will not permit cryptocurrency exchanges to operate as a shadow financial system that enables criminal actors to move their illicit proceeds without detection, and will vigorously investigate and prosecute the operators of such exchanges who deliberately flout U.S. law.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:[1]
REED, together with Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, was one of the three co-founders and the long-time Chief Technology Officer of BitMEX. BitMEX is an online cryptocurrency derivatives exchange that, during the relevant time period, had U.S.-based operations and served thousands of U.S. customers, notwithstanding false representations to the contrary by the company. From at least September 2015, and continuing at least through the time of the Indictment in September 2020, REED willfully caused BitMEX to fail to establish and maintain an AML program, including a program for verifying the identify of BitMEX’s customers (or a “know your customer” or “KYC” program). As a result of its willful failure to implement AML and KYC programs, BitMEX was in effect a money laundering platform. For example, in about May 2018, REED was notified of allegations that BitMEX was being used to launder the proceeds of a cryptocurrency hack. Neither REED nor the company filed a suspicious activity report thereafter (indeed, BitMEX filed no suspicious activity reports at all between 2014 and September 2020), nor did BitMEX implement an AML or KYC program in response.
REED failed to institute AML or KYC programs at BitMEX despite closely following U.S. regulatory developments that made clear his legal obligation to do so if BitMEX operated in the United States, which it did. Despite repeatedly stating that BitMEX did not serve U.S. customers, including to individuals outside of BitMEX, REED knew that BitMEX’s purported withdrawal from the U.S. market in or about September 2015 was a sham, and that purported “controls” BitMEX put in place to prevent U.S. trading were an ineffective facade that did not, in fact, prevent users from accessing or trading on BitMEX from the United States. REED not only understood that U.S. customers continued to trade on BitMEX, but derived substantial profits from BitMEX as a result of U.S.-based trading.
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REED, 32, of Massachusetts, pled guilty to one count of violating the Bank Secrecy Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad, and thanked the attorneys and investigators at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whose expertise and diligence were integral to the development of this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Samuel Raymond, and Thane Rehn are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] Two of REED’s co-defendants, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, pled guilty to violating the BSA in February 2022. As to REED’s remaining co-defendant, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding National On-line RetailersRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adam George Redmon, age 38, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for mail fraud that victimized at least eleven national retailers and financial institutions.
According to court documents and facts presented in Court, over the course of a three-year period, Redmon repeatedly engaged in mail fraud by falsely telling victim-retailers that he failed to receive purchases he made online. By doing so, Redmon was able to obtain ill-gotten gains totaling over $103,000 in the form of refunds, reshipments, and store credits from the victims. Redmon’s purchases included gift cards, furniture, home goods, and clothing apparel. In order to conceal the nature of his misconduct, Redmon engaged in various efforts to conceal his true identity from the victims: He opened numerous mailboxes under corporate and assumed names; he falsified bank information; and he attempted to hide his phone number when calling customer service lines to report the non-receipt of packages. In those instances when a retailer refused to issue a refund or to resend the “missing” goods, Redmon also defrauded his financial institutions by making false claims seeking reimbursement.
“This defendant repeatedly abused the policies of national retailers that ensure on-line shoppers receive goods and services bought and paid for over the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We thank the United States Postal Investigation Service for their efforts to bring this fraudster to justice.”
“The defendant brazenly used the U.S. mail to scam businesses and to falsely cast doubt on the integrity of America’s most trusted institution, the United States Postal Service,” said Ruth Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “However, he only served to inspire our hardworking Postal Inspectors who unraveled his scheme and sought justice for the postal service and the other businesses. This sentence serves as a mark of the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bringing scammers to justice for crimes involving the mail,” said Mendonça.
United States District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer sentenced Redmon on March 4, 2022.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Former Assistant United States Attorney Hetal J. Doshi and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Weiss handled the prosecution of the case.
Case number: 21-cr-0262
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Lamar Anthony Dukes, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday, at the conclusion of a two-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence introduced during the trial revealed that Dukes distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl on June 9, 2021, and that he later distributed methamphetamine on June 17, 2021. On June 24, 2021, after executing a search warrant at Dukes’ residence, law enforcement seized distribution amounts of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia and approximately $48,558 cash.
“I am proud of our federal, state, and local partners for their tireless efforts to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to remove addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We will continue to support the efforts our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals bringing drugs into North Florida.”
Dukes’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Dukes faces a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and five years to life of supervised release.
“With over 100,000 drug overdoses last year and in the midst of a crippling opioid epidemic, the defendant made the decision to distribute these substances in his own community. This verdict demonstrates that our communities will hold drug dealers responsible for their actions,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This case is also strong reminder that DEA and its law enforcement partners will be relentless in pursuing those who seek to harm our communities.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Capital Area Drug Response and Evaluation Group. Assistant United States Attorney Lazaro P. Fields prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Syracuse Woman Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chantal Jaquez, age 20, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to robbing a Syracuse convenience store and brandishing a rifle in furtherance of the robbery, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department, and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of her guilty plea, Jaquez admitted that on December 21, 2020, at about 10:45 am, she and Akiem Howard robbed a convenience store in Syracuse, NY. During the robbery, Howard carried a handgun and Jaquez carried a high-powered rifle. Jaquez went behind the counter where the clerk was standing and pointed the rifle at the clerk. While fleeing the store, Howard fired several rounds from his handgun at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck Jaquez in the leg. Howard pleaded guilty to related charges on March 1, 2022.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2022, before the Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Jaquez faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (Intel), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Syracuse Man Sentenced for Possessing and Intending to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Antwan Jones, age 37, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 57 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Kenton Buckner, Syracuse Police Department.
In pleading guilty, Jones admitted to possessing and intending to distribute 132 grams of fentanyl, on January 20, 2020. Jones was found to be in possession of the fentanyl during a search of his vehicle following a traffic stop in Syracuse New York. Jones intended to distribute the fentanyl to others.
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also sentenced Jones to serve 3 years of post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Beaty and Geoffrey Brown.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Conducting Illegal Sports Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for conducting an illegal sports gambling business and laundering the proceeds.
VINCENT DELGIUDICE, also known as “Uncle Mick,” 58, of Orland Park, Ill., directed an illegal bookmaking business in the Chicago area from 2016 to 2019. Delgiudice retained a company in Costa Rica to operate a website, Unclemicksports.com, that gamblers used to place wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events. Delgiudice worked with more than 20 agents and sub-agents who recruited gamblers and shared in the profits from the gamblers’ losses. The agents and sub-agents managed more than 1,000 gamblers, meeting them as necessary to settle up and collect losses from them. Delgiudice laundered the profits in a variety of ways, including making cash investments in businesses and having gamblers directly pay his personal expenses.
Delgiudice pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and gambling charges. In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall ordered Delgiudice to forfeit $3.6 million in criminally derived proceeds.
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 office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The FBI’s Integrity in Sport and Gaming Initiative (ISG) is designed to tackle illegal sports gambling and combat threats of influence from criminal enterprises.
“While cloaked with a professional veneer and flashy website, this was a sordid operation,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry M. Kinney argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He preyed upon individuals’ addictions to line his pockets.”
St. Louis man enters guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –On March 9, 2022, Steven Huffman, age 52, pleaded guilty in front of District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on December 2, 2020, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) detective designated as a federal task force officer and others were conducting surveillance operations in the 7200 block of Pennsylvania. Detectives had been informed that Huffman, a previously convicted felon that was prohibited from possessing firearms, was in the area armed with a gun.
Detectives observed Huffman in the area as he was rummaging around in a backpack. As they approached, he fled on foot, discarding the backpack. Huffman was eventually taken into custody. Discovered in the discarded backpack was a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Huffman faces a maximum term of incarceration of not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both such imprisonment and fine. The Court also may impose a period of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentencing is set for June 14, 2022.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
St. Louis County man sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Scott Reinhardt II, age 36, to 25 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime on supervised release for the production of child pornography. Reinhardt previously pleaded guilty in December 2021.
According to the plea agreement, between the dates of February 1, 2020, and December 13, 2020, in Jefferson County, Missouri, Reinhardt sexually abused the victim, who was under the age of ten at the time. Reinhardt used his cellular telephone to video record and produce images of his sexual abuse of the victim. Reinhardt also used the same cellular telephone to secretly record a second minor female victim while nude in the bathroom of the residence he shared with the victims’ mother.
Reinhardt had been previously convicted on November 12, 2014, of one count of statutory rape second degree and two counts of statutory sodomy second degree for sexual contact perpetrated against a minor, who was fourteen years of age at the time. The defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Missouri.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
South Charleston Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man was sentenced today to five years in prison for a federal drug crime.
According to statements previously made in court, Marquise Culbreath-Claytor, 26, possessed 134 grams of methamphetamine when a vehicle in which he was a passenger was stopped by a West Virginia State Police Trooper in Boone County on April 1, 2021. Culbreath-Claytor previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and admitted that he intended to sell the drug.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nowles Heinrich prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00190.
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Sodinokibi/REvil Ransomware Defendant Extradited to United States and Arraigned in TexasRead the Press Release
A man charged with conducting ransomware attacks against multiple victims, including the July 2021 attack against Kaseya, made his initial appearance and was arraigned today in the Northern District of Texas.
According to an August 2021 indictment, Yaroslav Vasinskyi, 22, accessed the internal computer networks of several victim companies and deployed Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware to encrypt the data on the computers of victim companies.
“When last year I announced charges against members of the Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware group, I made clear that the Justice Department will spare no resource in identifying and bringing to justice transnational cybercriminals who target the American people,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is exactly what we have done. The United States, alongside our international partners, will continue to swiftly identify, locate, and apprehend alleged cybercriminals, capture their illicit profits, and bring them to justice.”
“Just eight months after committing his alleged ransomware attack on Kaseya from overseas, this defendant has arrived in a Dallas courtroom to face justice,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we are attacked, we will work with our partners here and abroad to go after cybercriminals, wherever they may be.”
According to the indictment, Vasinskyi was allegedly responsible for the July 2, 2021, ransomware attack against Kaseya. In the alleged attack against Kaseya, Vasinskyi caused the deployment of malicious Sodinokibi/REvil code throughout a Kaseya product that caused the Kaseya production functionality to deploy REvil ransomware to “endpoints” on Kaseya customer networks. After the remote access to Kaseya endpoints was established, the ransomware was executed on those computers, which resulted in the encryption of data on computers of organizations around the world that used Kaseya software.
Through the deployment of Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware, the defendant allegedly left electronic notes in the form of a text file on the victims’ computers. The notes included a web address leading to an open-source privacy network known as Tor, as well as the link to a publicly accessible website address the victims could visit to recover their files. Upon visiting either website, victims were given a ransom demand and provided a virtual currency address to use to pay the ransom. If a victim paid the ransom, the defendant provided the decryption key and the victim then was able to access their files. If a victim did not pay the ransom, the defendant typically posted the victim’s stolen data or claimed they sold the stolen data to third parties, and victims remained unable to access their files.
Vasinskyi is charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers, damage to protected computers, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of all counts, he faces a total penalty of 115 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Vasinskyi, a Ukrainian national with ties to a ransomware group linked to Russia-based actors, was taken into custody in Poland where he remained held by authorities pending proceedings in connection with his requested extradition to the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Poland. Vasinskyi was transported to Dallas by U.S. law enforcement authorities where he arrived on March 3. He made his initial court appearance and was arraigned today in the Northern District of Texas.
The FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices are leading the investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers for the Northern District of Texas and Senior Counsel Byron M. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section conducted the operation in close cooperation with Europol and Eurojust, which were an integral part of coordination. Investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions, including Romania's National Police and the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; France’s Court of Paris and BL2C (anti-cybercrime unit police); the Dutch National Police; Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office, Border Guard, Internal Security Agency, and Ministry of Justice; and the governments of Norway and Australia provided valuable assistance.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); Germany’s Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart and State Office of Criminal Investigation of Baden-Wuerttemberg; Switzerland’s Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zürich and Cantonal Police Zürich; the National Police of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine; the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency; the U.S. Secret Service; the Texas Department of Information Resources; BitDefender; McAfee; and Microsoft also provided significant assistance.
For more resources on ransomware prevention and response, visit www.StopRansomware.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Siblings sentenced for selling drugs near elementary schoolRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Corpus Christi residents have been ordered to prison for their involvement in a drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jesus Sustaita III, 26, pleaded guilty Nov. 23, 2021, while his sister - Anna Sustaita, 24, entered her plea Oct. 20, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced each to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony about multiple shootings in which the siblings had previously been involved. The court also heard about other investigations in which they were believed to be selling narcotics over the past several years.
The investigation began back in July 2021 when authorities learned that Alec Garcia, a known felon, was in possession of firearms based on multiple social media posts. Further investigation revealed he and the Sustaitas were selling narcotics out of their residence.
Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Corpus Christi in August 2021. The home was located across the street from a local elementary school. At that time, law enforcement found over 50 grams of meth; nearly two kilograms of pills that had the appearance of candy and contained fentanyl, alprazolam and meth; LSD; approximately two kilograms of marijuana as well as numerous THC products, nine firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor and U.S. currency. All of the firearms were unsecured, eight of which were loaded.
At the time of the search, an 8-year-old was living in the home.
Garcia, 30, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the conspiracy last month and is set to be sentenced later this year.
Jesus and Anna Sustaita will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Gang Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.
Serial Robbers Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Related to a Series of at Least Nine Armed Commercial Robberies in the Baltimore AreaRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Co-defendants Marquis Moore, age 35, and Milek Rankin, age 29, both of Baltimore, each pleaded guilty to committing a series of armed commercial robberies and to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Moore entered his guilty plea on March 7, 2022 and Rankin pleaded guilty today.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
According to the statements of fact filed as part of Moore’s and Rankin’s guilty pleas, from at least November 2018 through March 1, 2019, Moore and Rankin, along with co-defendant Dontrell Glover, conspired to commit robberies of commercial businesses, including fast-food restaurants, video game stores, cell phone stores, and discount stores in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County. During each robbery, Moore brandished a firearm, to use fear to obtain money and/or other items from the businesses.
For example, on January 4, 2019, Moore and Rankin robbed a cell phone store in Essex, Maryland. Moore carried a loaded handgun. When the store employee resisted giving the robbers money from the business, Moore took the magazine out of the handgun, showed it to the employee, and said, “You can see it’s loaded. We’re not playing games. Give us the d**n money.” The handgun was loaded with hollow point bullets. During the robbery, Moore struck the employee with the handgun. Moore and Rankin fled using a get-away vehicle driven by Glover. The robbers stole $739 from the store.
Moore and Rankin admitted that they committed at least eight additional robberies, with Moore brandishing a gun during each robbery, often pointing the gun at employees. Moore and Rankin fled each robbery using the same get-away vehicle driven by Glover. The conspirators stole a total of at least $15,500 in cash, as well as merchandise, including game systems and food.
Moore, Rankin, and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreements, Moore and Rankin will each be sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled Moore’s sentencing for June 7, 2022 and Rankin’s sentencing for June 23, 2022, each at 11:00 a.m. Dontrell Glover, age 30, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2022.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey N. McCulley and John W. Sippel, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Serial Fraudster Extradited to the United States from Mexico to Face Investment Fraud Scheme Charges in North Carolina and TexasRead the Press Release
A California man made his initial appearance in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges related to his involvement in two high-yield investment fraud schemes.
According to court documents, Daniel Thomas Broyles Sr., aka Dan Thomas, 64, of Malibu, is charged in an indictment returned in the Western District of North Carolina for a high-yield investment fraud scheme involving a sham company named Niyato Industries Inc. Broyles allegedly conspired with Niyato’s CEO, Robert Leslie Stencil, 65, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and others to fraudulently sell stock in Niyato. Together, Broyles, Stencil and others falsely portrayed Niyato as a leader in its field, manufacturing electric vehicles and converting gasoline vehicles to run on compressed natural gas. Broyles, Stencil and their co-conspirators allegedly told victims that Niyato was run by a team of high-profile executives, and that Niyato had patented technology, state-of-the-art facilities and valuable contracts. Further, they allegedly told victims that Niyato would use 97% of the money it raised selling stock to grow its business, expand its operations and prepare for an imminent initial public offering (IPO). In reality, as alleged in the indictment, Niyato had no patents, facilities, products or plans to commence an IPO, and Niyato’s true business was the sale of worthless stock. Broyles, Stencil and their co-conspirators allegedly used nearly all of the money raised by selling Niyato stock for their own personal benefit, with Stencil paying salespeople – like Broyles – half or nearly half of the money they solicited from each investor on behalf of Niyato.
Broyles is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, 14 counts of mail fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering. The defendant made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. If convicted, Broyles faces up to 30 years in prison on the conspiracy charge, up to 20 years in prison on each count of mail fraud, up to 20 years in prison on each count of wire fraud, and up to 10 years in prison on each count of money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Stencil was convicted following a jury trial and sentenced to 135 months in prison.
Broyles is also charged in an indictment returned in the Northern District of Texas for his role in a second high-yield investment fraud scheme involving a company named EarthWater. According to the indictment, Broyles allegedly conspired with EarthWater’s CEO, Cengiz Jan Comu, 61, of Dallas, Texas, and others to sell EarthWater stock by making numerous false and misleading representations, including that victim investors only had a brief opportunity to purchase EarthWater stock in an unregistered offering before EarthWater’s stock price increased by 10- to 50-fold following an IPO or acquisition by a large well-known company. In reality, as alleged in the indictment, EarthWater never initiated an IPO nor a merger or acquisition. Moreover, Broyles, Comu and others falsely represented to victim investors that EarthWater would use 90% of invested funds to grow its business and expand operations, and that any fees paid to broker-dealers with respect to the sale of EarthWater stock would not exceed 10% of the purchase price of the shares. In reality, as alleged in the indictment, Comu agreed to split victim investors’ funds 50-50 with Broyles and others who sold EarthWater stock. As a result, nearly half of all of the money victims invested in EarthWater went directly into the pockets of the individuals who sold them the stock.
Under the Northern District of Texas indictment, Broyles is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. If convicted, Broyles faces up to 30 years in prison. Comu pleaded guilty in 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina; U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas; Inspector in Charge Tommy Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Atlanta Division; and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
The Government of Mexico, including the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), provided significant assistance in the extradition of Broyles to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Broyles.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating this case. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Broyles from Mexico to the United States.
Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting both cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas is also prosecuting the case involving EarthWater.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Scranton Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Taxpayers of More Than $250,000Read the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 7, 2022, Donald Royce, age 45, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to a mail fraud charge and a tax fraud offense.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Royce, a tax preparer working in Scranton, defrauded a number of local taxpayers in 2014. After providing the victim taxpayers with a “client copy” of their tax return that showed the correct refund amount, Royce submitted fraudulent tax returns to the IRS that inflated the refund due. After the IRS sent the refund to Royce, the defendant kept the difference between the legitimate refund amount and the higher fraudulent amount for his own personal use. In one case, Royce instructed the victim clients to provide him with their tax payment and instead forwarding the payment to the IRS, Royce kept the payment for himself. Due to Royce’s actions, his victims suffered more than $250,000 in losses.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 23 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $500,000. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Sapulpa Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
A Sapulpa man, who was arrested after a young child ran away from him and reported his sex abuse crimes to a federal agent in a restaurant parking lot, was sentenced Wednesday for sexually abusing two young victims, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Andrew Lee Gibbs, 64, to 30 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“A young victim ran from her abuser Andrew Gibbs unknowingly into the hands of a Homeland Security Investigations agent with 10 years of experience working crimes against children,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Every day, I am reminded of the strength exhibited by victims of crime and of the dedication exhibited by agents and officers sworn to protect communities across Oklahoma. Both are critical to the successful prosecution of dangerous criminals.”
In October 2021, a federal jury found Gibbs guilty of abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country and aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
The jury found that on March 7, 2021, Gibbs knowingly touched the first victim in a sexual manner. They further found that on the same day, the defendant sexually abused a second child, who was also under the age of 12. After the sexual assaults, one of the children broke away from Gibbs, and eventually ran up to a man in a restaurant parking lot, told him that the defendant did an “unsafe touch,” and begged the man for help. The man, who happened to be a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, then called 911. Gibbs soon arrived, but the child accused him of abuse. He left then returned a few minutes later with the child’s mother. When she heard of the abuse, she removed her remaining children from his vehicle.
A Child Abuse Forensic Interviewer later spoke with both victims who stated that Gibbs, an adult they had trusted, sexually abused them in his vehicle during an outing to a park. Following the visit to the park, Gibbs took the children to a nearby store where one ran away and sought help.
"These young victims should have been enjoying time with friends and going to school, not worrying about being abused for Mr. Gibbs' own sexual gratification" said Edward Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Division. "The potential damage done to the children by his depravity will likely outlast his punishment. Help us protect our community's children by reporting other violent predators to your local law enforcement agency or the FBI."
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Chantelle D. Dial prosecuted the case.
Rogersville Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation, Illegal Firearms, Nearly $1 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Rogersville, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for three separate cases in which he was convicted of child sexual exploitation, a nearly $1 million investment fraud scheme, and illegally possessing 19 firearms.
Roy G. Harris, Jr., 57, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Harris was sentenced to 20 years on the child exploitation offenses, five years on the wire fraud offense, and five years on the firearms offenses, for a total of 30 years.
The court also ordered Harris to pay $809,260 in restitution to the victims of his wire fraud scheme and $5,000 to the victim of his child sexual exploitation and child pornography crimes.
On Feb. 27, 2019, Harris pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with wire fraud. He was indicted in a second case on Aug. 23, 2019, and on a third case on March 23, 2021. On Aug. 3, 2021, Harris pleaded guilty to all three counts of the second case – one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing an illegal firearm, and one count of unlawfully possessing an unregistered firearm. On Aug. 19, 2021, Harris pleaded guilty to both counts of the third case – one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.
Regarding his wire fraud conviction, Harris admitted that he engaged in an investment fraud scheme from June 2014 to May 2017. The total loss to victims of his fraud was at least $921,250. Harris has paid back some of the money to various investors.
Harris was the owner of two limited liability companies, Orthogistic, LLC, and Amniogistic, LLC. He was also the owner of a corporation, Orthogistic Labs, Inc. He solicited investments from individuals, including a victim identified in court documents as “P.K.,” a resident of New Jersey who invested $60,000 in Orthogistic Labs, Inc. Harris made representations to these individuals that he knew were false, and used some of the money obtained from his victims for other purposes and for his personal benefit. Harris failed to tell investors that he had been convicted in 2002 of the felony crimes of fraud in the sale of a security, deceptive business practice, and stealing. In some cases, he told potential investors, including P.K., that he did not have any prior criminal charges or convictions for theft or related offenses.
After pleading guilty to wire fraud, Harris was in possession of 19 firearms, including 12 rifles and seven pistols, which were at his residence. One of the rifles, which was not registered, had a short barrel length and did not have a stock designed to be fired from the shoulder. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
While investigating the firearms offenses, law enforcement officers searched two iPhones that belonged to Harris. The phones contained images and videos of child pornography. Among them was an image of a victim under the age of 15 whom Harris met online and solicited to engage in sexual activity.
While awaiting trial on his firearms and sexual exploitation charges, Harris solicited at least one individual to murder several witnesses related to the firearms charges. Harris made video calls from the Greene County Jail to another person, whom he asked for assistance with murdering several people so that he would not have to serve a lengthy prison sentence. Harris offered to pay him with property, including a motorcycle.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. They were investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Missouri Securities Division.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Rochester Drug Dealer Going to PrisonRead 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 Dkeidron Dublin, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGrath, who handled the case, stated that Dublin was arrested on May 19, 2021, as part of a long-term investigation into a Rochester drug trafficking organization led by co-defendant Jason Siplin. On that date, investigators intercepted a phone call between Dublin, and another co-defendant Timothy Granison, during which they discussed, in coded language, Granison resupplying Dublin with drugs. Later that day, Granison’s vehicle arrived at Dublin’s Birch Crescent residence. Dublin got into Granison’s vehicle at which time both were taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle and Dublin’s residence, investigators recovered 31 grams of cocaine, $1,241.00 in United States currency, drug packaging materials, and a semiautomatic pistol, which was found in Dublin’s residence.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Property Manager Pleads Guilty for His Role in the Failure to Properly Notify Tenants About Lead HazardsRead 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 Paul Richard Heil, 52, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aiding and abetting the failure to provide lead paint hazard warning notice before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that Heil was a property manager acting on behalf of Williamsville Property Holdings LLC, a.k.a. Williamsville Properties. Between December 2015, and May 2018, Heil and the company were aware of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards at a Wick Street residence in Buffalo, a two-family house that was built in 1905. In April 2018, and again in June 2020, Heil and Williamsville Properties rented the residence to lessees. Heil provided a lead disclosure statement to those tenants, which falsely affirmed that the landlord “has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing,” and “has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Tyler Amon and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Christina D. Scaringi. Additional assistance was provided by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 8, 2022, before Magistrate Judge McCarthy.
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Presque Isle Woman Sentenced for Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle woman was sentenced today in federal court for passing counterfeit money, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Jessica Jones, 31, to two months in prison and two years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty on August 25, 2021.
According to court records, on July 23, 2018, Jones used counterfeit $20 bills at a Domino’s Pizza and a McDonald’s in Presque Isle. Jones later stated that she had received the counterfeit money from an individual who was trading counterfeit bills for drugs.
The Presque Isle Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
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Presque Isle Woman Sentenced for Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle woman was sentenced today in federal court for passing counterfeit money, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Jessica Jones, 31, to two months in prison and two years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty on August 25, 2021.
According to court records, on July 23, 2018, Jones used counterfeit $20 bills at a Domino’s Pizza and a McDonald’s in Presque Isle. Jones later stated that she had received the counterfeit money from an individual who was trading counterfeit bills for drugs.
The Presque Isle Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
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Postal Employee on Disability Pleads Guilty for False StatementsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Randy Goodwin, 56, of Belleville, Illinois, pled guilty today to a two-
count information charging him with making false statements to obtain federal disability
compensation under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.According to court documents, Goodwin began receiving federal disability payments after he was
injured working for the United States Postal Service in 2013. After his injury, Goodwin began
working at his family’s restaurant, Good Heavens BBQ, in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Annual disability forms require recipients to disclose additional earned income and
employment. However, to avoid a reduction of his benefits, Goodwin falsely reported that he had not
worked for any employers or had any involvement in any businesses for several years. This caused
the United States Postal Service to pay him more in disability than he truly deserved.As a result of his plea, Goodwin will lose all disability benefits going forward. He also paid over
$20,000 in restitution on the day of his plea hearing.Special Agent-in-Charge Andre Martin, Central Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of
Inspector General said, “The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.3 billion in workers’ compensation costs
in fiscal year 2021. The majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have
legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries and are truly unable to perform any
postal jobs. However, a small percent abuse the system and cost the Postal Service
millions of dollars in fraudulent claims and enforcement costs. This guilty plea sends a clear
message that workers’ compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences.
The USPS OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to safeguarding the integrity
of the workers’ compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of
U.S. Postal Service employees.”Sentencing will be held at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, on June 13, 2022. In
addition to losing his disability benefits and paying restitution, Goodwin could also receive up to
a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Postal Service –
Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke J. Weissler.Port Saint Lucie Man Charged with Forging a U.S. Coast Guard LicenseRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A 69-year-old Florida man made his first appearance in federal court in Fort Pierce today to face charges that he forged a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s License and provided it to a yacht insurance company.
A criminal complaint charges Ralph Casler with one count of misuse of a federal certificate, license, or document, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2197. Casler, who has never held a Coast Guard merchant mariner license or credential, faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Zinnia James, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (USCGIS), Southeast Region made the announcement.
USCGIS Southeast Region investigated the case, with assistance from United States Coast Guard Sector, Miami Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Diana Acosta is prosecuting the matter.
A complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-mj-00016-SMM.
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Poplar Bluff man sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for carjackingRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU - The United States Attorney's Office announced that CARLOS WALLACE, age 33, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for the offenses of carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Wallace appeared for his plea and sentencing hearing today before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2019, Carlos Wallace committed a carjacking in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The victim was stopped at an intersection when Wallace opened the rear door of the vehicle and climbed into the back seat. Wallace ordered the victim to drive and directed him down several city streets and onto a gravel road where Wallace told the victim to exit the vehicle. The victim initially refused to do so. Wallace then pointed a firearm at the victim and shot him in the leg. After the victim exited the vehicle, Wallace entered the driver seat and drove off in the vehicle.
On December 23, 2019, an officer with the Poplar Bluff Police Department attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle being operated by Carlos Wallace. Wallace refused to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed. A police pursuit ensued, until ultimately the vehicle became stuck in an alleyway. Wallace was ordered from the car and was taken into custody. As Wallace was being arrested, he volunteered to law enforcement officers that there were two firearms in the vehicle. A search warrant was obtained and Wallace’s vehicle was searched. Two fully loaded firearms were located.
Wallace has a prior conviction for felony domestic assault and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case was investigated by the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hunter handled the prosecution for the government.
Palm Beach County Armed Career Criminal and Fentanyl Peddler Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A federal district judge in West Palm Beach, Florida has sentenced 33-year-old Eric Leon Nelms to 180 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and distributing fentanyl as an armed career criminal.
Nelms was prosecuted under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), which provides for an enhanced sentence for persons with at least three prior felony convictions for violent felonies or serious drug trafficking crimes.
On February 21, 2020, Nelms sold a stolen firearm, identified as a Smith & Wesson, Model Bodyguard, .380 Caliber pistol, and a second firearm, a Kel-Tec, Model P3AT, .380 Caliber pistol. On May 26, 2020, Nelms sold a third firearm, a Taurus, Model G2C 9 mm pistol. He also trafficked twenty-five (25) capsules of fentanyl. Prior to his commission of the offenses, Nelms had two prior separate felony convictions for robbery, and one prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Nelms was therefore subject to the enhanced sentencing provisions of the ACCA.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Christopher Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; and Chief Frank Adderley, West Palm Beach Police Department, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon O’Shea Darsch prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-80118.
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Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation Results in Sentences Totaling 100+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation dubbed “Operation Kutt Off” has resulted in the conviction of nine individuals, either by a plea of guilty or conviction at trial, for their involvement in drug trafficking in the Western District of Louisiana. Eight of the defendants have been sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty. Those defendants and their sentences are as follows:
DeLewis Johnson, IV, 46, of West Covina, California, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 405 months (33 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Roy Lee Jones, Jr., 46, of Grambling, Louisiana, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months (16 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Willie Todd Harris, Jr., 47, of Ruston, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 228 months (19 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Justin Randall Goss, 31, of Quitman, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Curavious Omarion Deshun Harrell, 30, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 104 months (8 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Rodney Ceasar, 53, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Adriene Denise Ceasar, 57, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.
Meshach Demontez Conley, 31, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 38 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
These defendants conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Winn Parish and Jackson Parish, Louisiana. In April 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating the illegal drug trafficking activities in this area and were able to obtain approval to wiretap the phones of Harris and Jones. Through their investigation, agents learned that Johnson, who lived in California, would obtain bulk quantities of methamphetamine from Mexican suppliers and would then send those drugs to Jones and Harris. Harris would then distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals to sell and distribute, including Goss and Harrell. Law enforcement officers conducted undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Johnson, Harris, Goss, and Harrell. The purchased narcotics were sent to the crime lab and analyzed and determined to in fact be methamphetamine. Agents were also able to intercept phone calls between Johnson, Jones and other co-conspirators wherein they communicated about the selling and purchasing of methamphetamine.
Rodney Ceasar and his wife, Adriene, stored distribution quantities of the methamphetamine for Harris at their home in Jonesboro. Agents were able to intercept phone calls wherein Harris and both Ceasars discussed distributing or selling the narcotics.
In addition, on December 17, 2019, agents intercepted phone calls wherein Johnson discussed shipping a package containing one pound of methamphetamine via overnight mail. Johnson instructed the individual to wire money to him in exchange for the drugs but in another person’s name. Undercover agents sent the money via Western Union as instructed. After receiving payment, Johnson sent a text message containing the shipping information. On December 19, 2019, agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service located the package at a facility in Shreveport and executed a search warrant on the package. Inside was approximately one pound of methamphetamine.
Chadreck Carter, 34, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and will be sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell at a later date.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jackson Parish Sheriff's Office, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, and LPNet. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
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.
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One Individual Charged as Law Enforcement Targets Fentanyl Shipped from Las Vegas to UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Colin Andrew Shapard, 21, of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been charged in federal court by the United States Attorney’s Office in Utah with six counts related to the distribution of fentanyl in Utah. The complaint charges Shapard with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and five counts of distribution of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez, Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jay Tinkler, United States Postal Inspection Service Team Leader Jared Bingham, Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter, and Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez announced the charges today.
The complaint filed against Shapard alleges that, in November of 2021, DEA task force officers employed by the Park City Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office learned that illegal narcotic shipments containing opioids were being shipped from Las Vegas to Park City. The DEA officers learned that the alleged source of supply for the narcotics was Colin Shapard, and that he utilized delivery services, including the U.S. Mail, to ship opioids from Las Vegas to Utah. Officers also learned that each blue pill, stamped as fake 30 mg. oxycodone “M30,” costs between $30.00 and $45.00 per pill, and that Shapard had promised kickbacks to an individual in Park City for distributing the narcotics on his behalf.
By November of 2021, it is alleged that Shapard had shipped between 10 and 30 of the blue M30 pills every two weeks over the previous two to three months to an individual in Park City. The DEA officers learned that Shapard was allegedly using encrypted cellular applications to arrange the shipment of the fake oxycodone pills to Park City.
On December 8, 2021, U.S. Postal Inspectors took possession of a parcel which was shipped from Las Vegas to Park City. Postal Inspectors were able to obtain photographs of an individual who had allegedly shipped the parcel from the University Post Office in Las Vegas. Using these photographs, officers identified Shapard as the person who had allegedly sent the parcel. A search warrant was executed on this parcel and 35 blue M30 fake oxycodone pills were discovered with "M" imprinted on one side and "30" on the other side. The pills tested positive for fentanyl.
On December 20, 2021, Postal Inspectors took possession of a priority mail package shipped from Las Vegas to Tooele. The envelope allegedly listed the sender as Colin Shapard and the recipient was an associate of Shapard’s. Using information obtained from the package, Postal Inspectors learned that the package was sent on December 17, 2021, from the University Post Office in Las Vegas. Postal Inspectors were able to obtain photographs which allegedly showed Shapard shipping the parcel from Las Vegas. A search warrant was executed on this parcel, and DEA officers discovered a single blister pack labeled as Tapentadol 100 MG which contained ten orange pills, and a pill bottle containing a variety of pills. The pill bottle contained 25 blue pills with "M" imprinted on one side and "30" imprinted on the other side. The blue pills tested positive for fentanyl. The bottle also held 100 unknown green pills with markings similar to Xanax pills and two unknown orange and white pills which were booked into evidence.
In December of 2021, a DEA undercover agent contacted Shapard and attempted to purchase blue oxycodone 30mg tablets from him. Shapard allegedly indicated that he charged a premium for these pills but that they were legitimate pharmaceutical pills from Canada and did not contain fentanyl. Shapard also allegedly warned the undercover agent to be “careful” because “30 mg of oxycodone is still the very strong/the strongest they make….”
On January 31, 2022, post office cameras in Las Vegas allegedly showed Shapard mailing the DEA undercover agent a parcel containing the requested pills. On February 4, 2022, a package addressed to the DEA undercover agent was intercepted by a Postal Inspector in Utah. Inside the package, DEA officers discovered 15 blue M30 pills with "M" imprinted on one side and "30" imprinted on the other side. The pills tested positive for fentanyl. An additional nine yellow pills were discovered in the package which were booked into evidence.
On February 10, 2022, Park City paramedics and Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call regarding an 18-year-old male who was found unresponsive. Emergency workers resuscitated the victim using CPR and Narcan and the victim was transported to the hospital. The following day, DEA officers discovered that the victim had overdosed on blue M30 pills which were allegedly purchased from Shapard. The victim’s urinalysis report showed the presence of fentanyl and a fentanyl metabolite. The victim’s phone was searched, and it contained text messages allegedly facilitating illegal narcotics transactions between the victim and Shapard. Using shipping information Shapard had allegedly sent to the victim via text message, Postal Inspectors were able to obtain photos of Shapard allegedly shipping the parcel from the University Post Office on February 1, 2022.
The DEA undercover agent placed another order for blue 30 mg oxycodone pills from Shapard after this incident. On February 14, 2022, Shapard allegedly shipped the pills ordered by the undercover agent. Photos from the University Post Office in Las Vegas allegedly show Shapard shipping the parcel to Utah. This parcel was intercepted by postal inspectors in Utah, on February 22, 2022. DEA officers discovered 15 blue M30 pills inside of the package along with fifteen white gel capsules. The blue M30 pills tested positive for fentanyl. Shapard allegedly sent a message to the undercover agent to confirm if the undercover agent had received the package. The undercover agent’s response to the message was delayed by a weekend. After this delay, and after hearing the undercover agent received the package, Shapard allegedly wrote, “Sorry about being so worried…Just wanted to check in and make sure you weren’t dead, as [it’s] never a good sign when someone goes MIA after getting a [expletive] ton of opiates.”
In February of 2022, Shapard allegedly shipped another package containing fake blue M30 oxycodone pills to an associate in Tooele which was intercepted by postal inspectors. On February 18, 2022, a search warrant was executed on the package and 20 blue M30 pills were discovered inside which tested positive for fentanyl. Postal Inspectors again obtained photographs of Shapard allegedly shipping the parcel from the University Post Office in Las Vegas.
Assistant United States Attorneys, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys from the Utah Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case against Shapard. Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the DEA, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Park City Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.Allegations in charging documents are not findings of guilt. Defendants charged in complaints or indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.