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23 March 2022
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Junior Turbis, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 42 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Earlier in the hearing, Turbis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Turbis was indicted in December 2020.
From 2019 through 2020, Turbis engaged in a drug conspiracy to sell fentanyl and fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness and to an undercover law enforcement agent in Lawrence. As part of the conspiracy, Turbis delivered and collected payments for the drugs. A search of Turbis’ residence resulted in the seizure of 93 grams of fentanyl and 151 grams of fentanyl analogue. In total, Turbis distributed or conspired to distribute 292 grams of fentanyl and 151 grams of fentanyl analogue.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The DEA Cross Border Initiative led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Kistner and Jared Dolan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Jury finds local man guilty of shooting, killing former girlfriend’s ex-husband in front of victim’s childrenRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Dayton man of traveling interstate to murder the former husband of his then-girlfriend after cyberstalking the victim.
Sterling H. Roberts, 38, of Dayton, was found guilty of shooting and killing Robert Caldwell in August 2017. As a previously convicted felon, Roberts was prohibited from possessing the firearm he used in furtherance of the crime of violence.
The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on March 8 before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.
According to court documents and trial testimony, around 6pm on Aug. 15, 2017, Robert Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, Roberts shot Robert Caldwell multiple times in front of his children and died at the scene.
Roberts’ girlfriend at the time, co-defendant Tawnney Caldwell, and the murder victim had an ongoing dispute regarding the custody of their children. The two, along with four other co-defendants, collaborated to plan, execute and cover-up the murder.
Earlier in August 2017, Roberts pretended to be a customer in need of stonework and messaged Robert Caldwell to lure him into meeting in Jamestown, Ohio. Roberts, armed with a gun, ambushed Robert Caldwell, who fled and called 911. Robert Caldwell eventually escaped that encounter and reported it to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Between the time of the attempted homicide and the eventual murder of Robert Caldwell, Roberts fled to a relative’s home in Tennessee. Tawnney Caldwell traveled interstate and brought him back to Ohio, stopping in Kentucky to illegally purchase Roberts an AK-47 rifle.
Sterling Roberts’ brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts; Chandra Harmon (Tawnney’s mother); and James Harmon (Tawnney’s step-father) were each charged in March 2018 and have been convicted of crimes related to the cyberstalking and murder.
Tawnney Caldwell was sentenced in July 2021 to 35 years in prison for interstate stalking resulting in death.
Roberts faces up to life in prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson and Sugarcreek Township Police Chief Michael Brown announced today’s guilty verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith, Sheila G. Lafferty and Kevin Koller are representing the United States in this case.
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Jury Finds That Charlotte Man Previously Convicted of Federal Crimes Violated the Federal Debt Collection Procedures ActRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte has returned a verdict against Malcom Bynum, for fraudulently transferring a piece of property to a relative in violation of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act (FDCPA), to avoid paying restitution owed to victims of his criminal conduct, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney presided over the two-day civil trial.
The FDCPA prevents individuals who owe debts to the United States from improperly transferring properties and other assets in order to avoid paying their debt obligations, including court-ordered criminal restitution to victims.
On January 22, 2021, the United States filed a federal civil lawsuit against Tico Bynum, Malcolm Bynum, and Donald Bynum for violating the FDCPA. According to the civil complaint, Tico Bynum fraudulently transferred the property located at 1344 Downs Avenue to his son, Malcolm Bynum, to avoid his debt obligations, specifically, $221,818.98 in restitution payments owed to victims of his crimes. On February 22, 2022, Judge Whitney ruled that Tico Bynum’s transfer of the property to his son was indeed fraudulent.
According to information contained in the civil suit and evidence presented at Malcolm Bynum’s civil trial, Malcolm Bynum also transferred the same property to his grandfather, Donald Bynum, to avoid his own debt of $169,923.24, which included both restitution to victims of his crimes, and special assessments. Trial evidence established that Malcolm Bynum signed a quitclaim deed transferring 1344 Downs Avenue to his grandfather, shortly before Malcom Bynum was indicted for multiple violations of federal criminal statutes, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, financial institution fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The evidence at trial further demonstrated that, as part of his plea agreement with the government, Malcolm Bynum agreed to make full restitution and pay back his victims for certain losses incurred as a result of his crimes. According to trial evidence, the day before Malcolm Bynum signed the plea agreement, the quitclaim deed was recorded with the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds, effecting the transfer of the 1344 Downs Avenue to his grandfather. The deed reflected that Donald Bynum did not pay any consideration to Malcolm Bynum in exchange for the property, which, at the time of transfer, had a tax value of $207,900. As part of his sentence for the criminal case, Malcolm Bynum was ordered to pay restitution and penalties totaling $169,923.24 to his victims. On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, a federal jury found that the property transfer was a violation of the FDCPA.
Next, the Court will determine the appropriate statutory relief, which may include the avoidance or voiding of the property transfers and the issuance of a writ of execution on the property, to satisfy the restitution judgments stemming from the criminal convictions.
“Time and again, the Bynums have tried to dodge their financial obligations to crime victims and thwart the United States’ efforts to enforce court-ordered judgments. But the proverbial buck stops here,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Collection on federal debts – and particularly restitution judgments entered for the benefit of crime victims – remains a priority for my Office.”
In making toay's announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Office's Financial Litigation Unit for their investigation of the case.
The Financial Litigation Unit enforces collection of criminal restitution, fines, and other monetary penalties ordered as the result of criminal convictions, as well as civil debts owed to the United States. Funds collected for restitution are disbursed directly to the victims of the crime identified in the criminal judgment. Criminal fines go to the National Crime Victims Fund, which disburses grants to various victims’ groups across the country.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Wood and Katherine Armstrong of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the civil action.
Jury Convicts Glenpool Man for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
A federal jury found a Glenpool man guilty Tuesday for sexually exploiting a 16-year-old minor, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Thomas Anthony Pearce, 54, was convicted of coercion or enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, possession of child pornography in Indian Country, and distribution of marijuana.
The crimes occurred from Feb. 3, 2021, through Feb. 8, 2021. Pearce met the victim online, coerced her into sexual activity, provided her with marijuana, and took sexually explicit photographs of the teenager. He was also found to possess additional child pornography on various electronic devices, which included images and video depicting the sexual abuse of children younger than 12 years of age.
“There are two heroes in this case: an alert Jenks police officer whose action helped protect the victim from further exploitation by Thomas Pearce and the victim who came forward and testified,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This pedophile has been convicted thanks to the officer’s vigilance, the victim’s testimony, and the hours of work from investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Jenks Police Department. I am grateful for their dedicated service.”
In the early morning hours of Feb. 8, 2021, a Jenks police officer observed a suspicious white Dodge pick-up parked on a partially paved area just off a road and saw an adult male in the driver’s seat. As the officer turned around to investigate, the driver quickly drove away. The officer conducted a traffic stop and initiated contact with Pearce and a minor female in the passenger’s seat. Pearce claimed the minor was his niece but could not provide a phone number for the officer to contact the child’s parents.
During the stop, the minor victim told officers that she was high on marijuana that Pearce had given her and stated that nothing had occurred “this time” but that the defendant had zip tied her hands and took explicit pictures of her on another occasion. Pearce was taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle at the scene, officers located marijuana, four thumb drives, a package of zip-ties, duct tape, three cell phones and other items.
The victim was later forensically interviewed. She disclosed that she and Pearce had contact on six different occasions and that Pearce’s sexual advances and abuse escalated with each encounter, to include sexually assaulting the victim, ziptying her, and taking sexually explicit photographs of her.
She stated that Pearce provided her with marijuana. He also told her to take a pill, which she refused.
On a phone found in the vehicle, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Jenks Police Department discovered a file with the victim’s name on it, which contained explicit photographs depicting the sexual acts that the victim described in her interview.
In text messages between Pearce and the victim, Pearce made references to his sexual abuse of the victim, told the victim that she should take a pill that would make her feel good because “he said so,” and stated that he had had sexual encounters with other minors. When the victim texted that she did not want to meet him again, he threatened to harm her siblings.
Search warrants were also executed on Pearce’s residence in Glenpool and at two storage units in Tulsa. Officers seized a computer and numerous hard drives during the searches.
On a thumb drive seized, investigators found another file with a female’s name on it that contained sexually explicit images of a minor. The woman, now an adult, was contacted. She confirmed that she had met Pearce online while she was in high school and that Pearce had sex with her and took sexually explicit photographs. She stated that Pearce would pay her in cash, gifts, and marijuana.
Investigators also located child pornography on one of the hard drives seized. Video and image titles specifically referenced “raped teens” and other child sexual abuse.
“The Jenks Police Department was glad to be a part of this investigation from beginning to end. Our Officers and Investigators worked diligently with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI to bring justice for the victims of Thomas Pearce,” said Major Melissa Brown, Patrol Division Commander for the Jenks Police Department. “We pride ourselves in our Officers’ commitment to this department and to the citizens of Jenks. There is not a prouder moment when our Officers are able to take a predator off the streets and keep our children safe. We want to thank all involved for their continuing efforts in this investigation,”
“This defendant exploited a child, violating federal statutes and destroyed the innocence of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Christopher Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “I am grateful for the continued vigilance and dedication of our special agents and law enforcement partners investigating this case. This perpetrator and others will be held accountable.”
Pearce was one of 33 defendants apprehended during Operation Clean Sweep. The four-month long operation focused on identifying predators who exploit children and ultimately led to the identification of 12 child victims. The operation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and more than a dozen local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies in 10 of the 11 counties in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Jenks Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal and Richard M. Cella are prosecuting the case.
Jackson County man sentenced as an armed career criminalRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Brandon Mason has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as an armed career criminal.
“The Armed Career Criminal statute was written for defendants like Mason whose drug trafficking and violence pose a significant risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “Our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, and community stakeholders, are helping to achieve meaningful reductions in violent crime in these communities.”
“Targeting trigger pullers is a key component to ATF’s mission to take violent offenders off the street” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “The fact that Mason is an armed career criminal will guarantee he is off the streets for many years to come.”
“The Commerce Police Department was honored to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in an effort to hold Brandon Mason accountable for his actions. Brandon Mason has routinely reoffended upon returning to our community. The opportunity to prosecute this case through Project Safe Neighborhoods will aid us in our efforts to keep Commerce a safe community to thrive in. Mason has demonstrated time and again a propensity to commit violent acts that create an unsafe negative environment in the neighborhood he grew up in. The sentence imposed should stand as both accountability for Brandon Mason as well as a deterrent to others that would consider the commission of violent acts intended to disrupt the safety, tranquility, and quality of life in the City of Commerce,” said Kenneth Harmon Jr., Chief of Police, City of Commerce.
According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: On October 6, 2019, the Commerce, Georgia, Police Department responded to a 911 call of shots fired. The victim identified Brandon Mason as the shooter, and a crime scene expert determined that bullets had pierced the back windshield of the victim’s car, pierced the driver’s headrest, and exited through the front windshield of the vehicle. Officers also found .40 caliber shell casings at the scene. Investigators apprehended Mason approximately one hour after the shooting in possession of a .40 caliber pistol.
Brandon Mason, 34, of Commerce, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story to 15 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Mason pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm on December 21, 2020, in connection with this shooting.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Commerce Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Indiana Man Convicted of Multiple Sex OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Lebanon, Indiana, man was convicted today on four counts of sex offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Randal Wise, 45, was convicted of attempted online enticement of a minor, transportation of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscenity to a minor following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp.
According to documents in this case, and the evidence at trial:
On Oct. 24, 2019, Wise traveled into New Jersey, approached an individual he believed was a 14-year-old boy on an internet dating application, and started a sexual dialogue. The individual was actually an undercover officer posing as a minor. Wise sent the undercover officer multiple photographs of his genitalia and requested similar photographs from him. The following day, Wise approached another individual that he believed was a minor boy on the same application. Unbeknownst to Wise, this individual was a second undercover officer posing as a minor. Wise engaged the second undercover officer in a highly sexual dialogue over the ensuing 24-hour period, sending sexually explicit photographs, questioning the second undercover officer about his sexual preferences and interests, and inviting the individual to his hotel for sex. On Oct. 26, 2019, Wise traveled to the second undercover officer’s location to engage in sexual activity with a minor, at which time he was arrested.
Law enforcement seized Wise’s phone and subsequently discovered multiple items of child pornography embedded in a sexually graphic conversation.
The attempted online enticement of a minor charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Because of a prior conviction, the transportation of child pornography charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 40 years, and a mandatory minimum of 15 years. Because of a prior conviction the possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum of 20 years, and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. The attempted transfer of obscenity to a minor count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years. All of the counts carry a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction. He also thanked the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Thomas J. Chirichella, detectives with the Bayonne Police Department, and detectives with the Indianapolis Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Mateo and Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division in Newark.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Keith T. Jones, 28, Chicago, Illinois was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty to this charge on December 15, 2021.
On the night of August 24, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in La Crosse. Officers learned that multiple gunshots were fired from a gray minivan towards a blue sedan. Multiple residents reported bullet hole damage to their homes from the shooting, including into a bedroom that was occupied at the time.
The next day, officers conducted a traffic stop on the gray minivan involved in the shooting. Jones was one of the occupants in the minivan at the time of the stop. Officers searched the minivan and found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun in the center console, and a spent 9mm shell casing under the driver’s seat. The Taurus handgun was identified as the same firearm used in the shooting the night before, and further investigation revealed that Jones was the shooter. In addition, analysis by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab identified Jones’ DNA on the firearm. Jones was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior felony conviction.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Jones’s gun possession was connected to a shooting that occurred in a neighborhood which posed a profound risk to the community, including both the intended targets as well as bystanders. Judge Peterson said the sentence was meant to be a deterrent to Jones to prevent any future involvement with firearms, and also a message that shootings which take place in communities have to be taken seriously and will lead to steeper punishment.
Co-defendant Antwan Taylor, who was also involved in this drive-by shooting, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison by Judge Peterson on December 2, 2021.
The charge against Jones was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
Hendersonville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Metro Courthouse ArsonRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – The Hendersonville, Tennessee man, described in Court filings as “the face of the attempt to burn down City Hall,” was sentenced today to federal prison for his participation in the arson of the Metro Courthouse on May 30, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Wesley Somers, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger, to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
“On May 30, 2020, scores of local, state and federal law enforcement officers stood ready to protect the Constitutional right of every citizen to engage in peaceful protests,” said U.S. Attorney Wildasin. “Unfortunately, Somers and others interfered with a lawful assembly and resorted to violence and destructive behavior, which resulted in significant property damage and placed many at risk of harm. We will always defend the right of every individual to exercise their First Amendment liberties but will not tolerate the actions of those who choose to exploit peaceful protest by resorting to violence and intimidation.”
Somers was charged in a criminal complaint on June 3, 2020, following the May 30th protests in downtown Nashville, which resulted from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the evening, several persons gathered in front of the Nashville City Hall, also known as the Metro Courthouse, and began smashing the windows of the premises and spraying graffiti on the Courthouse facade. The interior of the Courthouse was also set on fire.
Numerous video clips and photographs of the destruction at the Courthouse were posted on social media websites, on the websites for news outlets, and on other Internet sites. One video depicted Somers lighting a sign on fire and placing it through the window of the Courthouse. Somers then sprayed an accelerant into the fire which quickly caused the fire inside the Courthouse to spread.
Somers was soon identified by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department – Specialized Investigation Division, after receiving numerous tips from citizens.
Records filed with the Court also indicate that after Somers was arrested and booked into the Davidson County Jail, he reveled in his newfound fame and related during a phone call that he was a celebrity among other inmates and had been nicknamed “Protest.”
Somers and Shelby Ligons, 23, of Nashville, Tenn., were indicted on October 20, 2020. Somers pleaded guilty on June 29, 2021. Shelby Ligons pleaded guilty on March 3, 2021. She was sentenced on August 11, 2021, to a year and a day in prison.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the FBI; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Schrader and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Department’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
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Hartford Woman Involved in Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JANICETTE REYES, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Ricardo Reyes. Court-authorized wiretaps confirmed that he was distributing narcotics to numerous customers, and identified individuals who supplied drugs to him, as well as associates who sold drugs on his behalf. Intercepted communications also revealed that Ricardo Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.
Janicette Reyes, who is Ricardo Reyes’ sister, used a Rowe Avenue residence she shared with Johnny Ortega, also known as “Clatcho,” to store, process and package fentanyl for distribution, and she delivered fentanyl to customers at Ricardo Reyes’ direction.
On April 22, 2019, Ricardo Reyes was arrested on state charges after he used a straw purchaser to purchase two handguns from a licensed gun dealer in Newington. After the purchase, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Ricardo Reyes’ vehicle in New Britain and seized the two firearms. A search of the vehicle also revealed approximately 450 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, more than one pound of marijuana, and $1,160 in cash. While Ricardo Reyes was detained in state custody, Janicette Reyes continued to service Ricardo Reyes’ drug customers.
Janicette Reyes was arrested on June 17, 2019. On that date, a court-authorized search of her Rowe Avenue revealed approximately 3,450 dose-bags of fentanyl, narcotics paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Ricardo Reyes, Janicette Reyes, Ortega and 12 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. On October 1, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Reyes, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 24, 2022.
Ricardo Reyes and Ortega pleaded guilty to related charges. On February 11, 2021, Ricardo Reyes was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment. On December 27, 2021, Ortega was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 19 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 22, 2022, Damon Todd Carey, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 228 months of imprisonment to be followed by 96 months of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo. Carey previously was convicted following a jury trial of cocaine trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, during the trial, the government presented evidence of an extensive drug trafficking operation led by Carey, which included large quantities of cocaine, over $80,000 cash, a loaded firearm, money counter, digital scales, kilogram press, five cellphones, ledger totaling $92,700 in drug debts, and duffel bags filled with drug cooking equipment, cutting ingredients, and packaging materials. At the time of his arrest and federal charges, Carey was on supervised release, and had just completed a 120-month prison sentence for drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Harrisburg Police Department, who received valuable assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.
This case was part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Greenville Woman Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Keowsha Golden, 36, of Greenville, was sentenced to more than 1o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Golden obtained prescription paper and then forged physician information to write prescriptions for 30 milligram oxycodone tablets. The prescriptions were passed at various pharmacies in the upstate of South Carolina and in western North Carolina. Golden used drug addicts and homeless persons to pass the prescriptions. She provided the prescription passers with the money to pick up the prescriptions as well as fraudulent identification documents. Golden sold the bottles of oxycodone tablets to others at the wholesale rate of $2,800 to $3,500 per bottle.
During the execution of a search warrant at Golden’s residence, law enforcement officers seized her personal telephone and laptop which revealed fraudulent prescription templates, physician information, and copies of driver’s licenses used by prescription passers at various pharmacies.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Golden to 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Laurens Police Department, and Greenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
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Gloucester Man Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possessing an Illegal Machine GunRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Gloucester, Virginia man on Monday on charges of methamphetamine trafficking and related firearms charges.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Eric Lee Smith, 40, engaged in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in Gloucester County and surrounding areas in 2019 and 2020. Smith and other conspirators obtained quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona and caused it to be transported to Virginia, where Smith stored it in various locations and distributed it for profit. Smith also possessed firearms in the course of the conspiracy. On November 25, 2020, Smith was in possession of an illegal machine gun and unregistered silencer. Smith used the machine gun to shoot another individual.
Smith was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, using and maintaining drug premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machine gun, and possession of an unregistered firearm. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment across the various convictions prison when sentenced on August 8. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the verdict.
Special thanks to Mathews County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Devon Heath are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-cr-42.
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that March 22, 2022, Adam Neftali Santana, age 37, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson. Santana previously was convicted following a jury trial of conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, attempted possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the investigation uncovered a drug trafficking operation where at least eight boxes that contained cocaine were mailed from Puerto Rico to Santana’s residence. A search warrant was then executed at Santana’s residence where authorities found a digital scale, a Glock 9mm pistol, numerous pistol magazines and ammunition in the master bedroom. Additional packaging consistent with a seized parcel was also found indicating earlier cocaine deliveries.
The case was investigated jointly by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Ford and Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Four Men Indicted for $16 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Four men were charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Arkansas for an alleged $16 million wire fraud and money laundering scheme involving fake investment offerings.
According to court documents, John C. Nock, 53, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Brian Brittsan, 65, of San Marcos, California; Kevin Griffith, 66, of Orem, Utah; and Alexander Ituma, 55, of Lehi, Utah, allegedly engaged in an investment fraud scheme between 2013 and 2021 through their firm, The Brittingham Group, by falsely representing the nature of their investment offerings and promising large returns they could not and did not produce. The indictment further alleges that Nock and Brittsan directed victims to send their funds to bank accounts controlled by Griffith, Ituma, and others, and the defendants then transferred the money through a complex web of bank accounts throughout the world.
The defendants are each charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Nock is charged with money laundering. The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today in the Western District of Arkansas. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Additionally, Nock faces up to 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Dallas Field Office; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI and the FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Philip Trout and Vasanth Sridharan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich for the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Men Indicted for $16 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – Four men were charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Arkansas for an alleged $16 million wire fraud and money laundering scheme involving fake investment offerings.
According to court documents, John C. Nock, 53, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Brian Brittsan, 65, of San Marcos, California; Kevin Griffith, 66, of Orem, Utah; and Alexander Ituma, 55, of Lehi, Utah, allegedly engaged in an investment fraud scheme between 2013 and 2021 through their firm, The Brittingham Group, by falsely representing the nature of their investment offerings and promising large returns they could not and did not produce. The indictment further alleges that Nock and Brittsan directed victims to send their funds to bank accounts controlled by Griffith, Ituma, and others, and the defendants then transferred the money through a complex web of bank accounts throughout the world.
The defendants are each charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Nock is charged with money laundering. The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today in the Western District of Arkansas. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Additionally, Nock faces up to 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Dallas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Philip Trout and Vasanth Sridharan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former HP Planning Manager Pleads Guilty to $5+ Million Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Shelbee Szeto pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, money laundering, and a relate tax charge in a scheme to defraud her former employer out of more than five million dollars, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. The guilty plea was accepted by the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam Jr., United States District Judge.
According to the plea agreement, Szeto, 30, of Fremont, was employed by HP, Inc. (HP) as an executive assistant and finance planning manager from approximately August 2017 until June of 2021. In these roles, Szeto was responsible for making payments to HP vendors and was issued multiple HP commercial credits cards to make the payments on HP’s behalf. Rather than make payments in accordance with the company’s policies, Szeto devised a fraudulent scheme whereby she sent approximately $4.8 million in unauthorized payments from her HP commercial credit cards to several Square, PayPal, and Stripe merchant accounts under her control.
The plea agreement provides several details of the scheme. For example, the agreement describes how, as part of her employment with HP, Szeto was issued multiple American Express commercial credit cards that were intended only for business expenses. Szeto then set up bogus merchant accounts with PayPal, Stripe, and Square that she maintained under her control, but represented were for legitimate vendors. Szeto then unlawfully sent payments from the credit cards to the bogus accounts. To further her plan, Szeto uploaded falsified invoices to HP’s internal system and falsely represented to HP that the payments were made to legitimate vendors. She also made false representations to Square that the payments sent from the credit cards were sent to HP’s approved vendors for legitimate business transactions and falsely represented to her bank that the money from HP was for legitimate business transactions.
According to the plea agreement, Szeto caused at least $4.8 million to be fraudulently from HP accounts to accounts she controlled and attempted to steal an additional approximately $330,000 from HP. Szeto acknowledged that the total loss and attempted loss from her scheme was at least $5.2 million.
Furthermore, the plea agreement contains a list of items for which Szeto has forfeited her interest. The list includes items such as the proceeds of a First Republic Bank account; a 2020 Tesla sedan; a 2021 Porsche sport utility vehicle; several bags and purses from Dior, Gucci, Hermes, and Chanel; and a collection of jewelry and timepieces including necklaces, rings, pendants, and watches from Rolex, Bulgari, Audemars Pignet, and Cartier. The list has 161 line items—some lines of which include multiple items such as “7 necklaces with clover-shaped design,” “6 gold necklaces with pendants,” and “26 pairs of earrings.”
On February 11, 2022, the Office of the United States Attorney filed an Information charging Szeto with two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957; and one count of filing a false tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). According to today’s plea agreement, Szeto pleaded guilty to all five counts.
The maximum statutory sentence for the wire fraud counts is a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release, per count. The maximum statutory sentence for money laundering counts is ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release per count. The maximum statutory sentence for the false tax return charge is three years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and one year of supervised release. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Judge Gilliam scheduled Szeto’s sentencing for July 20, 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedeman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Leeya Kekona. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS-CI.
Former Freight Company Executive Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former program manager of an international freight forwarding company was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his role in a scheme to embezzle over $550,000 from the company, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Morten Nielsen, 37, a Danish national residing in Maine, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today via videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
As program manager for the freight forwarding company, Nielsen was responsible for the company’s contract relating to the Egyptian Foreign Military Sales program (EFMP), a program between the government of Egypt and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that facilitated the sale and repair of military equipment from the DoD to Egypt. Nielsen was responsible for ensuring all logistics for the transportation of certain material between the United States and Egypt and for submitting all paperwork and billing invoices on behalf of the company to the Egyptian government. Once approved, those invoices were forwarded to the DoD for payment to the company.
From July 2017 through July 2019, Nielsen submitted fraudulent invoices from a sham company that he controlled to the freight forwarding company for work that the sham company never performed. Nielsen then sent the fraudulent invoices on behalf of his employer to the Egyptian government. The fraudulent invoices were approved by Egypt and, the DoD reimbursed the freight forwarding company. Nielsen caused his employer to pay the sham company he created approximately $559,000 over the course of two years, and then transferred those funds into his personal account.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Nielsen to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $559,000 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick Hegarty; and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
Former Federal Contract Employee Charged with Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court after child pornography was found on the cell phone he carried into a secure area at the U.S. Department of Energy national security campus in Kansas City, Mo.
Shaun Walker, 39, currently a resident of Springfield, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on March 14, 2022, with one count of distributing child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. The complaint has been unsealed following Walker’s arrest on Monday, March 21. Walker remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday, March 24.
Walker was employed by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technology, which is contracted by the Nuclear National Security Administration.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Walker entered an inner secure area of the U.S. Department of Energy National Security Campus in Kansas City, Mo., with his personal cell phone on Nov. 29, 2021. Walker contacted Kansas City National Security Campus Security to self-report the violation.
Walker gave his cell phone to security personnel, who reviewed the cell phone to determine if any classified material was present on the phone. During the review, the affidavit says, a security officer observed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography. Walker’s phone was seized in order to conduct a forensic examination.
Investigators found an encrypted folder on Walker’s cell phone that contained 21 images and a video of a 5-year-old girl who is known to Walker. Investigators found dozens of additional images and videos of child pornography on Walker’s cell phone. Investigators also found thousands of WhatsApp chats between Walker and females he contacted through a livestreaming pornography website. Walker requested photos and videos of nude underage females conducting sexual acts, the affidavit says. As a result of his WhatsApp chats, Walker allegedly received and distributed images and videos of child pornography.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General.
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."
Former Defense Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former managing director for a defense contractor pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2010 through 2019, James M. Robar, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, did not timely file tax returns with the IRS. Beginning in approximately February 2012 James Robar was employed by a U.S. Department of Defense contracting company, eventually serving as its managing director starting in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, Robar evaded taxes by having his employer hold his bonus payments in an offshore corporate bank account rather than have those funds transferred to his domestic bank account. In 2019, after receiving a $1 million bonus from his employer, Robar purchased two properties at a total cost of slightly more than $1 million, and he titled both properties solely in his spouse’s name. In total, Robar did not report approximately $5.5 million in compensation he earned from 2012 through 2019, causing a tax loss to the government of more than $1.5 million.
Robar is the second defendant associated with the defense contracting company to plead guilty. Charles Squires pleaded guilty to tax evasion in February 2022.
Robar is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are conducting the investigation.
Assistance was provided by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis and Trial Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Sarah Ranney of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Former Defense Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former managing director for a defense contractor pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2010 through 2019, James M. Robar, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, did not timely file tax returns with the IRS. Beginning in approximately February 2012, James Robar was employed by a U.S. Department of Defense contracting company, eventually serving as its managing director starting in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, Robar evaded taxes by having his employer hold his bonus payments in an offshore corporate bank account rather than have those funds transferred to his domestic bank account. In 2019, after receiving a $1 million bonus from his employer, Robar purchased two properties at a total cost of slightly more than $1 million, and he titled both properties solely in his spouse’s name. In total, Robar did not report approximately $5.5 million in compensation he earned from 2012 through 2019, causing a tax loss to the government of more than $1.5 million.
Robar is the second defendant associated with the defense contracting company to plead guilty. Charles Squires pleaded guilty to tax evasion in February 2022.
Robar is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are conducting the investigation.
Assistance was provided by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis and Trial Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Sarah Ranney of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Florida Return Preparer Sentenced to 97 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Florida tax return preparer was sentenced yesterday to 97 months in prison for preparing false tax returns for his clients.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Fred Pickett Jr., of Belle Glade, owned and operated a tax return business he used to prepare false individual income tax returns. From 2013 to 2016, Pickett prepared tax returns for some of his clients claiming they owned fictitious businesses that lost tens of thousands of dollars each year. Pickett included these nonexistent companies, as well as other false deductions and tax credits, on his clients’ returns to generate refunds they were not entitled to receive. In December 2021, Pickett was convicted at trial of 22 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg ordered Pickett to serve one year of supervised release and pay approximately $169,639 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Parker Tobin and Patrick Elwell of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- March 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the March 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Cody Dwayne Buzzard, Dakota Chase Buzzard, James William Buzzard. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (second superseding indictment). In this second superseding indictment, James Buzzard, 49, is now charged along with his sons Cody, 28, and Dakota, 20, all of Grove, with the first degree murder of Jerry Tapp. The three allegedly aided and abetted one another when they shot and killed the victim on Aug. 1, 2019. In count 2, the defendants are alleged to have aided and abetted one another to shoot a second victim during the same incident. Finally, the defendants are charged with brandishing and discharging a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence. The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-351
Anthony Taylor Fuller. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. On Feb. 27, 2022, Fuller, 30, of Tulsa, caused serious bodily injury when he assaulted an elderly victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Noble Nelson is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-82
Raymond Lee Goldesberry. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (superseding). Goldesberry, 42, of Tulsa, allegedly sexually abused a minor from May 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-450
Caleb Russell Klein. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Klein, 32, of Tulsa, is alleged to have assaulted the victim on Feb. 16, 2022, causing serious bodily injury. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-79
Jesse Ray Matlock. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country; Tampering with a Witness by Using and Threatening Physical Force; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Matlock, 31, of Eucha, is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim and strangled her on Feb. 24, 2022. He also threatened to harm the victim and her family if she reported the crime to authorities. He is further charged with carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during the crime. The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-83
Jeremy Dustin Papke. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country. From Sept.1, 2021, to Sept 30, 2021, Papke, 43, of Tulsa, allegedly engaged in a sexual act with a child who was between 12 and 16 years old. During that time, he further engaged in sexual contact with the victim. Finally, he is charged with coercing the minor into engaging in sexual activity. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-84
Miguel Angel Tapia-Teran. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute (superseding). Tapia-Teran, of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel-lyn A. McCormick and Leah Paisner are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-50
Fayetteville Woman Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Contract Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville woman was sentenced today to 108 months in prison. On September 30, 2021, Stephanie Dianna Elliott pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and money laundering arising out of schemes to defraud the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and businesses in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, from 2011 to 2020, Stephanie Dianna Elliott, aka “Stephanie Wilson,” aka “Stephanie Moore,” aka “Stephanie Russell,” aka “Stephanie Hanchett,” aka “Vicki Marsh,” aka “Monica Allen,” aka “Melissa Standford,” aka “Jennifer Taylor,” aka “Heidi Litchford,” aka “Sandy Morehead,” aka “Randy Morehead” aka “Katie Jones,” aka “Sharon Mitchell,” aka “Sharon Miller,” aka “Sarah James,” and aka “Janet Harrington,” 45, used aliases and more than a dozen business entities to obtain more than 1,000 federal defense contracts valued at more than $2.2 million. According to the allegations in the indictment, Elliott defrauded the Department of Defense by obtaining contract payments after falsely certifying that she had shipped supplies to the U.S. military, when, in fact, the goods were not shipped. It is alleged that Elliott and/or businesses under her control were debarred from federal contracting on four occasions. Elliott circumvented the terms of her debarments by using aliases and various business names to continue bidding on federal contracts.
Elliott also executed fraud schemes in connection with contracts with the State of North Carolina and other state governments. Elliott bid on contracts to supply food products and other goods. After winning the contracts, Elliott defrauded third party vendors by inducing them to deliver the goods to the state in satisfaction of Elliott’s contractual obligations. In so doing, Elliott obtained payment from state governments for these contracts but failed to pay the victim vendors.
“We are committed to protecting our business community and military from unscrupulous contractors. We will vigorously pursue anyone who seeks to victimize the fine men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” said United States Attorney Michael Easley, Jr.
Special Agent in Charge of the General Service Administration Office of Inspector General Floyd Martinez stated, "Individuals are expected to be honest in their dealings with the government. GSA OIG and our investigative partners are committed to holding accountable those who misrepresent themselves in order to obtain federal contracts."
“Stephanie Elliot spent over a decade defrauding the Department of Defense. She evaded safeguards designed to ensure our warfighters receive the high-quality products and services they depend on to effectively meet their global mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “This outcome demonstrates the results of strategic coordination between DCIS and our partners to investigate corruption and bring those who commit fraud against the Government to justice.”
Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General are investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is 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. 5:21-cr-00142-D.
FBI Foils Delaware Man’s Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was arrested today on charges of devising a plot to engage in interstate murder-for-hire. According to court documents, Javier A. Rodriguez, age 47, hired a hitman to murder his ex-wife. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez made a down payment of $5,000 to another individual to pay for the hitman. Rodriguez also agreed to pay an additional $5,000 once the murder was completed.
Rodriguez is charged by criminal complaint with a violation of the federal murder-for-hire statute and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rodriguez appeared in federal court this afternoon before the Honorable Mary Pat Thynge, Chief Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware. Based on the Government’s motion, Rodriguez will be detained pending an additional hearing on the matter currently scheduled for March 31, 2022.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Violent Crime Taskforce, which is a partnership of law enforcement officers from the FBI, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Probation and Parole, and New Castle County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Ibrahim and Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Ex-Port of Savannah worker admits making bomb threat on 9-11 anniversaryRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Toombs County, Ga., man has admitted phoning in a bomb threat to a Port of Savannah facility on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Elliott Sherman, a/k/a “Amir Turner,” 23, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to False Information and Hoaxes, said U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. The plea subjects Sherman of a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, along with restitution and substantial financial penalties, followed by up to three years of supervised release after completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Elliott Sherman’s phoned-in bomb hoax shut down two warehouses, sparked a protracted investigation, and caused a large number of fellow workers to be sent home early – just so he could get a quicker ride home,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “To make matters worse, his stunt took place on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He will pay the penalty for his ill-timed threat.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Sherman was an employee of a staffing agency and was assigned to the California Cartage CFS 2 building at the Port of Savannah. He had been dismissed early from his assignment on Sept. 11, 2020, and admitted calling in a bomb threat in hopes that the rest of the workers in his carpool also would be dismissed so he wouldn’t have to wait for his ride home to Vidalia.
“Hoax threats waste limited law enforcement resources, cost taxpayers’ money, and cause emotional distress to all involved,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not tolerate hoax threats and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute anyone who engages in this unlawful behavior.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, Georgia Ports Authority Police, and the Vidalia Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Joshua S. Bearden.
Essex County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for his role in a carjacking in which a firearm was brandished, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jared Walker, 24, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to a three-count indictment charging him with carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 6, 2020, the driver of a 2008 Ford E-350 van was carjacked at gunpoint in Newark. Walker approached the van, which was parked in Newark, and drove it away while the victim was still inside. Walker brandished a firearm during the carjacking. The victim ultimately escaped from the vehicle, and Walker was apprehended a short time later. When law enforcement recovered the gun, officers discovered that it was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. In 2015, Walker was convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun in New Jersey Superior Court – a felony offense – and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Walker to four years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark, and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello of the Violent Crimes Unit.
El Paso Woman Indicted for Tax and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
EL PASO – A federal grand jury in El Paso returned an indictment today charging an El Paso woman for her role in preparing false tax returns and committing bank fraud.
According to court documents, Dawn Marie Munoz, 52, allegedly underreported her income to the IRS for tax years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Also, beginning in March 2016 through April 2018, Munoz allegedly prepared income tax returns for others where she underreported income or over reported deductions causing the returns to be false. In addition, Munoz fraudulently cashed checks and pocketed money she was not entitled to.
Munoz is charged with four counts of Making and Subscribing a False Return; nine counts of Aiding and Abetting in the Preparation and Presentation of a False Return; and three counts of Bank Fraud. The defendant is tentatively scheduled for her initial court appearance next week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison on each of the Making False Returns and Preparing False Returns counts and a maximum sentenced of 30 years in prison on each of the Bank Fraud counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, Houston Field Office; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, El Paso Field Office made the announcement.
The IRS-CI and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory J. Rasmussen is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Dubuque Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Caused Non-Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed fentanyl to a man who overdosed and nearly died was sentenced March 22, 2022, to ten years in federal prison.
Emily Ann Nelson, age 29, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 14, 2021 guilty plea to one count of distribution of fentanyl.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Nelson distributed a substance that was supposedly heroin to another person in July 2020. That person used the substance, which turned out to be fentanyl, and overdosed, nearly dying. First responders were able to revive the other individual using the opioid antidote, Narcan. At the plea hearing, Nelson admitted she distributed the fentanyl to the person who overdosed. The day after the overdose incident, a confidential informant working with the Dubuque Drug Task Force contacted Nelson to purchase heroin. Nelson stole the money she was supposed to use to get the drugs. About two weeks later, the confidential informant again contacted Nelson to obtain heroin. This time, Nelson obtained the drugs as agreed, but used a portion of the drugs before she could be arrested by officers.
Nelson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Nelson was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Nelson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑01009‑CJW‑MAR.
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Dover Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparation of Fraudulent ReturnsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Wilmington returned an indictment on Tuesday charging Harvey Walker, 54, a Dover tax preparer, with preparing false and fraudulent returns.
According to the indictment, during the 2015 through 2019 tax years, Walker prepared 23 fraudulent returns for eight different individual clients. Those returns are alleged, among other things, to have falsely claimed deductions for charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses and to have falsely claimed business losses. The maximum penalty for each count is three years of incarceration and a $100,000 fine.
“Tax return preparers play an important role in helping citizens understand the complexities of the tax code and their obligations under it. When tax preparers abuse their knowledge and the trust that the system places in them by causing their clients to file false returns, it hurts everyone. My office will not hesitate to prosecute those who counsel fraud and prepare false returns.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, which serves the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Delaware County Attorney Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 22, 2022, Dory L. Sater, age 47, formerly of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani. Sater previously was convicted following a jury trial, of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the evidence presented at trial showed that in August 2017, Sater forged a mortgage satisfaction piece and filed the instrument with the Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds Office. The forged document erased a mortgage held by Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank on the Mountaintop, Pennsylvania residence of Sater’s parents. The mortgage had served as collateral for a $50,000 line of credit that Sater had withdrawn in its entirety. Evidence at trial established that Sater’s parents were considering selling their residence while the forged satisfaction piece was recorded. In the process of forging the mortgage satisfaction piece, Sater also forged the signatures of a Fidelity bank officer and of a public notary, whose notary stamp he stole to use on the forged document. Sater was a personal injury attorney in Delaware County, who ran The Sater Law Firm LLC.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mariani highlighted that Sater was arrested and charged by state authorities in Delaware County for running an unrelated fraud scheme while he was on pretrial release for his federal case. He ultimately pleaded guilty and served approximately seven months of imprisonment in his state case.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and James Buchanan prosecuted the case.
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Defendant Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder United States Government InformantRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Luis Taveras was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 17 years’ imprisonment for attempting to commit obstruction-of-justice murder. Taveras pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2020.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); Tim Foley, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA); Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the sentence.
“The defendant planned the cold-blooded execution of a witness he believed to be cooperating with U.S. law enforcement, and watched as the witness and members of his family, including a 5-year-old, were shot and wounded. By his callous disregard for human life and brazen contempt for the law, Taveras has earned the lengthy prison term imposed today,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I commend and thank the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force for their tireless efforts to bring the defendant to justice for this horrific crime.”
“Taveras tried to silence a potential witness to eliminate the chances of their cooperation with U.S. law enforcement. In a daring public attempt, Taveras tried to gun down the individual in a crowded Colombian restaurant, wounding three victims including a 5-year-old boy,” stated HSI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Patel. “This callous act of extreme violence and blatant disregard for human life resulted in today’s stiff sentence to land Taveras in federal prison for 17 years. HSI New York, working with our law enforcement partners will continue to tirelessly pursue the most dangerous offenders and prosecute those who seek to obstruct justice, both domestically and on foreign soil.”
“Luis Taveras’ actions were nothing less than cold-blooded and this sentence cements the gravity of his crimes. The relentless nature of law enforcement has resulted in bringing Taveras to justice to face the consequences of his actions. I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations for their diligent work and continued collaboration with the DEA New York Division,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Foley.
“A measure of justice was meted out today against Luis Taveras, whose admitted crimes not only victimized a family, including an innocent child, but sought to upend the sanctity of our collective law enforcement system,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “His sentencing reflects the commitment of our NYPD investigators and partners, including in the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York, to never relent in our work to eradicate drug traffickers and the harm they propel at home and abroad.”
“This is a clear-cut case in which this suspect attempted to take out a witness who had information regarding his criminal activity, while completely disregarding the safety of innocent family members, including a young child. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their continued partnership, and the US Attorney for ensuring that the defendant is held fully accountable for his actions,” stated NYSP Superintendent Bruen,
As detailed in court filings and the defendant’s statements at his guilty plea proceeding, Taveras arranged for the murder of an individual whom he knew from prior narcotics transactions and believed to be cooperating with U.S. law enforcement. On June 21, 2016, Tavares entered a restaurant in Cali, Colombia, and sat down at a table with the victim. Shortly thereafter, Taveras stood up, walked to the back of the restaurant, and watched as a co-conspirator entered the restaurant and fired eight shots – wounding the victim in the shoulder and arm, and also wounding two family members of the victim, including a five-year-old child. Taveras and his co-conspirator then fled. The three victims survived their wounds.
Taveras was arrested in February 2019 by federal law enforcement agents in Miami. During his guilty plea proceeding, Tavares admitted that he identified the intended target to his co-conspirator, and that he wanted to prevent that individual from providing information to U.S. law enforcement.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
LUIS TAVERAS
Age: 33
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-180 (S-2) (KAM)
DEA Investigation Leads New Castle Man to Plead Guilty in International Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Dondi Searcy Jr., age 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Searcy Jr. participated in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. If this case would have proceeded to trial, the government would have proven that Searcy Jr. was part of a cocaine-distribution conspiracy focused on New Castle, Pennsylvania. The conspiracy involved cocaine imported from Mexico into California, that the California conspirators mailed the cocaine to the New Castle area, and that Searcy Jr. and others then distributed. The evidence that government would have presented included intercepted communications obtained through court authorization, surveillance, controlled purchases from Searcy, Jr. and other conspirators, search warrants of locations associated with Searcy, Jr., and various other investigative techniques.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Searcy, along with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the New Castle 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.
Council Bluffs Nurse Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining NarcoticsRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Jadelyn Marie Maher, age 39, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to six months in prison for Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Deception and Subterfuge. Her term of imprisonment will be followed by one year of supervised release. Maher was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. According to court documents, Maher pleaded guilty to the charge on November 4, 2021.
Maher was employed as a registered nurse at facilities where she falsified health care records and narcotics log sheets when she checked out narcotics/opioids for patients. Maher took the Hydrocodone and Oxycodone pills for her own use. Maher’s nursing license was forfeited by the Court.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.
Correctional Officer at FCI Dublin Charged for Abusive Sexual Contact with Female InmateRead the Press Release
Enrique Chavez appeared Tuesday in federal court to face a federal indictment charging him with two counts of abusive sexual contact against a prison inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin (FCI Dublin).
“Above all else, the Bureau of Prisons is charged with providing safe and humane treatment of all who are in their custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “As this case makes clear, the Department of Justice is committed to holding BOP personnel accountable, including through criminal charges, when they fail to uphold their responsibility. Staff misconduct, at any level, will not be tolerated, and our efforts to root it out are far from over.”
“Inmates should never experience sexual abuse at the hands of the Bureau of Prisons employees, yet five BOP employee have recently been charged with such abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. “The safety, security and integrity of federal prisons are of the utmost importance, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively pursue allegations of abuse at FCI Dublin and across the BOP.”
“Correctional officers have a trusted responsibility to protect those under their authority,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California. “Sexually abusing inmates is a betrayal of that responsibility and undermines a just penal system. My office is committed to pursuing charges against anyone – including federal employees – who abuse the public’s trust in violation of federal law.”
“Holding a position of power comes with great responsibility. Chavez made a decision to abuse his authority and victimize inmates he was responsible for overseeing,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair of the FBI. “Let this send a clear message that the FBI will investigate and hold accountable any and every individual who commits an act like this, regardless of your title or authority.”
According to the indictment unsealed today, Chavez, 49, of Manteca, California, is employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin. FCI Dublin is a correctional institution that houses female prisoners and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). On the dates of the charged crimes, Chavez was assigned to the position of Cook Supervisor/Foreman. As a correctional officer, he supervised and had disciplinary authority over the female inmates incarcerated at FCI Dublin. Chavez was trained in BOP policies and procedures, which included instructions that sexual, financial and social relationships with inmates are prohibited.
The indictment charges two counts of abusive sexual contact by Chavez against a prison inmate occurring on separate occasions in October 2020. In each count, the indictment alleges that Chavez engaged in intentional sexual contact with “Victim 1.” Victim 1 is identified as a female inmate detained at FCI Dublin and thereby under the custodial, supervisory and disciplinary authority of Chavez.
Chavez was arrested in Arizona on Sunday, March 20. His initial court appearance occurred Tuesday, March 22, in U.S. District Court in Arizona, where he is being held pending transfer to the U.S. District Court in Oakland to face these charges.
Chavez is charged with abusive sexual contact with a prisoner in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). Each of the two counts carries a maximum statutory sentence of two years imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Attorney General Monaco for the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Hinds for the Northern District of California, Department of Justice Inspector General Horowitz and FBI Special Agent in Charge Fair made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohit Gourisaria, Molly K. Priedeman and Andrew Paulson are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Leeya Kekona. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.
Correctional Officer at FCI Dublin Charged for Abusive Sexual Contact with Female InmateRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Enrique Chavez appeared yesterday in federal court to face an indictment charging him with two counts of abusive sexual contact against a prison inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin (FCI Dublin).
“Above all else, the Bureau of Prisons is charged with providing safe and humane treatment of all who are in their custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “As this case makes clear, the Department of Justice is committed to holding BOP personnel accountable, including through criminal charges, when they fail to uphold their responsibility. Staff misconduct, at any level, will not be tolerated, and our efforts to root it out are far from over.”
“Correctional officers have a trusted responsibility to protect those under their authority,” said United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “Sexually abusing inmates is a betrayal of that responsibility and undermines a just penal system. My office is committed to pursuing charges against anyone – including federal employees – who abuse the public’s trust in violation of federal law.”
“Inmates should never experience sexual abuse at the hands of the Bureau of Prisons employees, yet five BOP employee have recently been charged with such abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin. The safety, security, and integrity of federal prisons are of the utmost importance, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively pursue allegations of abuse at FCI Dublin and across the BOP,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz.
“Holding a position of power comes with great responsibility. Chavez made a decision to abuse his authority and victimize inmates he was responsible for overseeing,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. “Let this send a clear message that the FBI will investigate and hold accountable any and every individual who commits an act like this, regardless of your title or authority.”
According to the indictment unsealed today, Chavez, 49, of Manteca, California, is employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin. FCI Dublin is a correctional institution that houses female prisoners and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). On the dates of the charged crimes, Chavez was assigned to the position of Cook Supervisor/Foreman. As a correctional officer, he supervised and had disciplinary authority over the female inmates incarcerated at FCI Dublin. Chavez was trained in BOP policies and procedures, which included instructions that sexual, financial, and social relationships with inmates are prohibited.
The indictment charges two counts of abusive sexual contact by Chavez against a prison inmate occurring on separate occasions in October 2020. In each count, the indictment alleges that Chavez engaged in intentional sexual contact with “Victim 1.” Victim 1 is identified as a female inmate detained at FCI Dublin and thereby under the custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority of Chavez.
Chavez was arrested in Arizona on Sunday, March 20. His initial court appearance occurred Tuesday, March 22, in United States District Court in Tucson, Arizona, where he is being held pending transfer to the United States District Court in Oakland to face these charges.
Chavez is charged with abusive sexual contact of a prisoner in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). Each of the two counts carries a maximum statutory sentence of two years imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco for the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California, Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohit Gourisaria, Molly K. Priedeman, and Andrew Paulson are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Leeya Kekona. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Colorado Pair Sentenced for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Jeremy Antonio Trujillo, age 43, of Colorado, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 192 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and 120 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The sentences will run concurrently. His term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Trujillo pleaded guilty to the charges on November 4, 2021.
Trujillo’s co-defendant, Kristen Leigh Jarrard, age 37, also of Colorado, was sentenced on November 2, 2021, to 156 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and 120 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The sentences will run concurrently. Her term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. Jarrard pleaded guilty to the charges on March 18, 2021.
On October 28, 2020, the couple was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 29 and a law enforcement dog was run around the vehicle. Following a canine alert for the odor of narcotics on the car, officers recovered a backpack containing 817 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber revolver. Surveillance video from a motel showed Trujillo and Jarrard carrying bags from the motel to the vehicle and Trujillo carrying the backpack from the motel to the car and placing it inside. Both Jarrard and Trujillo are prior convicted felons.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa State Patrol, Council Bluffs Police Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case. The United States Marshals Service made the arrests. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison After Robbery and Evidence Tampering ConvictionRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Tandre Buchanan, 24, of Cleveland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to four years in prison after Buchanan was convicted at trial of robbery and tampering with evidence during the May 30, 2020, demonstrations and civil unrest in downtown Cleveland.
“Stealing from and deliberately damaging a business is unacceptable no matter the underlying intention or purpose,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “The right to engage in peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution and must always be protected. Using that as an excuse to commit crimes against the innocent is an adulteration of that right.”
“Violent, deliberate attacks against individuals and businesses is appalling,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Tampering with evidence further adds to the criminal misconduct. The FBI will continue to investigate cases that aim to cripple commerce, whether small businesses or large corporations.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 30, 2020, Buchanan participated in a demonstration in downtown Cleveland to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Later that day, Buchanan, wearing a bright orange jacket, head covering and shoes, came to Colossal Cupcakes located at 528 Euclid Avenue.
Court documents state that Buchanan then threw an object that shattered a large window, entered the business through the broken window, and encountered the store owner and employees, who locked themselves in a bathroom to call for help.
Buchannan then removed a chair from the shop and exited through the same window. Using the chair, Buchanan repeatedly smashed a second window until it finally shattered and fell out. Court documents state that multiple individuals then entered the business through the broken window, destroyed the shop’s interior and stole several items, including store inventory and iPads, all while Buchanan was smashing the second window.
Buchanan was also convicted of evidence tampering after it was revealed that Buchanan disposed of the bright orange clothing he wore the day of the crime in an attempt to conceal his identity and participation in the crime. Buchanan was ultimately identified and arrested based on multiple identifications made from photos released to the public.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Cleveland Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
Clarksville Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A Clarksville, Tennessee, business owner pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to a single count of tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Mark Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Andrew Huy Nguyen, 54, the owner of Call it Pho restaurant and Venus Nails Spa, both located in Clarksville, Tennessee, admitted responsibility for a tax loss of more than $428,000.
Nguyen was charged on March 3, 2022, in a criminal Information, which alleged that Nyugen, as the owner of Call it Pho, willfully evaded his responsibility to pay his employer’s share of employment taxes to the IRS by underreporting the wages he paid his Call it Pho employees. He hid from the IRS the true amount of wages he paid his Call it Pho employees by failing to issue some employees W2 Forms, by paying some employees solely in cash, and by paying some employees a combination of 50% check and 50% cash. Nyugen took numerous steps to conceal from the IRS the true amount of wages he paid to his employees, including preparing and issuing 1099 Forms instead of W2 Forms to disguise the wages paid to employees as “nonemployee compensation.” He further disguised the wages by issuing 1099 Forms that falsely made it appear as though those employees worked at another business that he owned, Venus Nails Spa.
For tax years 2017, 2018, and 2019, Nyugen evaded more than $34,000 of the employer’s employment taxes related to Call it Pho.
In addition, Nguyen willfully failed to withhold and pay over to the IRS approximately $78,667 in employment taxes and federal income taxes from his employees’ paychecks at Call it Pho.
Nyugen also issued false 1099 Forms to nail technicians employed at Venus Nails Spa that did not report all the wages he paid them. Nguyen paid Venus employees at least $946,716.24 in cash, which he did not report on the 1099 Forms that he issued to them. This caused his employees to file false tax returns that did not report all their income, which resulted in an additional tax loss of approximately $315,856.
Nguyen faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on September 23, 2022. Nguyen has agreed to pay immediate restitution in the amount of $428,620.12.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn W. Booth is prosecuting the case.
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Chinese Government Employee Convicted of Participating in Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Fraudulently Obtain U.S. VisasRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a New Jersey man for his involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain U.S. visas for Chinese government employees.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Zhongsan Liu, 59, of Fort Lee, participated in a scheme to fraudulently procure J-1 research scholar visas for employees of the government of the of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to enable them to unlawfully work for the PRC government in the United States and to conceal that unlawful work from the United States and its agencies.
Liu operated an office of the China Association for the International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP), an agency of the PRC government, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Among other activities, CAIEP engages in talent-recruitment for the benefit of the PRC, including recruiting U.S. scientists, academics, engineers and other experts to work in China.
From 2017 up to and including September 2019, Liu worked with others to fraudulently procure J-1 research scholar visas for PRC government employees in order to enable those employees to unlawfully work for CAIEP in the United States and to conceal that unlawful work from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The J-1 research scholar program permits foreign nationals to come to the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research at a corporate research facility, museum, library, university, or other research institution. Liu worked with others to obtain a J-1 research scholar visa for a prospective CAIEP employee, Sun Li, based on the false representation that Sun Li would conduct research at a U.S. university, and to conceal the unlawful work of another CAIEP employee, Liang Xiao, who was present in the United States on a J-1 visa sponsored by a U.S. university.
In or about April 2018, Liang Xiao applied for and received a J-1 visa to conduct research at that U.S. university. Although Liang represented to the U.S. government that she was entering the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research at the university, Liang’s actual purpose in the United States consisted of working for CAIEP. Liu helped Liang take measures to enhance her false appearance as a research scholar by, among other things, directing Liang to report to the university upon her arrival in the United States; ensuring that Liang obtained a local driver’s license and disguising Liang’s CAIEP salary as a subsidy for a research scholar’s living expenses.
In addition, Liu sought to enable Sun Li to obtain a J-1 research scholar visa under false pretenses. In particular, Liu reached out to contacts at multiple U.S. universities in order to arrange for a university to invite Sun Li to come to the United States as a J-1 research scholar. In truth and in fact, however, Liu intended that Li’s primary purpose in the United States would consist of working for CAIEP.
Liu was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit visa fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York, Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI's New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gillian Grossman and Elinor Tarlow for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
Chinese Government Employee Convicted of Participating in Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Fraudulently Obtain U.S. VisasRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ZHONGSAN LIU was convicted yesterday of participating in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the lawful functions of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security and with committing visa fraud. LIU was convicted after a one-week trial before the Honorable Valerie E. Caproni.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: “Liu Zhongsan sought to exploit the J-1 research scholar program—which is intended to allow foreign nationals to conduct research at approved U.S. institutions—for the improper purpose of enabling his conspirators to work for the Chinese Government in the United States, against the rules of the research scholar program. Liu’s conviction reflects this Office’s commitment to holding to account those who seek to defraud this country’s visa system and the agencies responsible for its administration.”
As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial:
LIU participated in a scheme to fraudulently procure J-1 research scholar visas for employees of the government of the of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC Government”) in order to enable them to unlawfully work for the PRC Government in the United States and to conceal that unlawful work from the United States and its agencies.
LIU operated an office of the China Association for the International Exchange of Personnel (“CAIEP”), an agency of the PRC Government, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Among other activities, CAIEP engages in talent-recruitment for the benefit of the PRC, including recruiting U.S. scientists, academics, engineers, and other experts to work in China.
From 2017 up to and including September 2019, Liu worked with others to fraudulently procure J-1 research scholar visas for PRC Government employees in order to enable those employees to unlawfully work for CAIEP in the United States and to conceal that unlawful work from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The J-1 research scholar program permits foreign nationals to come to the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research at a corporate research facility, museum, library, university, or other research institution. LIU worked with others to obtain a J-1 research scholar visa for a prospective CAIEP employee, Sun Li, based on the false representation that Sun Li would conduct research at a U.S. university, and to conceal the unlawful work of another CAIEP employee, Liang Xiao, who was present in the United States on a J-1 visa sponsored by a U.S. university.
In or about April 2018, Liang Xiao applied for and received a J-1 visa to conduct research at that U.S. university. Although Liang represented to the U.S. Government that she was entering the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research at the university, Liang’s actual purpose in the United States consisted of working for CAIEP. LIU helped Liang take measures to enhance her false appearance as a research scholar by, among other things, directing Liang to report to the university upon her arrival in the United States; ensuring that Liang obtained a local driver’s license; and disguising Liang’s CAIEP salary as a subsidy for a research scholar’s living expenses.
In addition, LIU sought to enable Sun Li to obtain a J-1 research scholar visa under false pretenses. In particular, LIU reached out to contacts at multiple U.S. universities in order to arrange for a university to invite Sun Li to come to the United States as a J-1 research scholar. In truth and in fact, however, LIU intended that Sun Li’s primary purpose in the United States would consist of working for CAIEP.
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LIU, 59, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit visa fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years. 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. Sentencing before Judge Caproni is scheduled for July 11, 2022.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, and thanked the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Gillian Grossman and Elinor Tarlow are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Adam Barry and Scott Claffee of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Cedar Rapids Drug User Sent to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition as a drug user was sentenced March 22, 2022, to more than four years in federal prison.
Deanye Bowman-Owens, age 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 24, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of ammunition by a drug user.
Evidence disclosed at sentencing showed that, on August 24, 2021, officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex after receiving a report of individuals holding a handgun in the bed of a pickup truck. After officers arrived, they recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun with a twenty-seven round extended magazine in the bed of the pickup truck and located Bowman-Owens in the driver’s seat. Later, officers searched Bowman-Owens and recovered marijuana and a magazine that matched the .45 caliber handgun. Bowman-Owens’s fingerprint was located on one of the rounds of ammunition contained in the magazine recovered from his pocket. Bowman-Owens later admitted to using marijuana consistently for the four months prior to the incident. At sentencing, the court found Bowman-Owens possessed the .45 caliber handgun.
Bowman-Owens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bowman-Owens was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bowman-Owens is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-00026.
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California ringleader charged in multi-layered fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A ringleader and his brother-in-law have been indicted for their participation in a multi-state scheme involving mortgage fraud, credit repair and government loan fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Steven Tetsuya Morizono, 59, Mission Viejo, California, and Albert Lugene Lim, 53, Laguna Niguel, California, set for an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon today at 2 p.m.
Two others - Heather Ann Campos, 43, and David Lewis Best Jr., 58, both of Houston - are fugitives with warrants remain outstanding for their arrest. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 281-512-8525.
The indictment remains sealed to others charged but not as yet in custody.
The 33-count indictment, returned March 16, alleges Morizono and Lim led the conspiracy. Using the alias Jeff, Morizono was the leader and namesake for the scheme purporting to do business as Jeff Funding, according to the charges. In reality, Jeff funding allegedly operated a multi-layered scheme to defraud mortgage lending businesses, banks, Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The indictment alleges co-conspirators recruited clients for credit repair using company names of KMD Credit, KMD Capital and Jeff Funding, among others. They allegedly “cleaned” their clients’ credit histories by filing false identity theft reports with the FTC. After fraudulently inflating client credit worthiness, the co-conspirators fraudulently obtain credit cards, disaster loans and mortgages for themselves and their clients, according to the charges. They were allegedly able to accomplish this through false statements and fake documents.
Morizono and his crew maintained control of the properties purchased in their clients’ names, according to the charges. The purpose, the indictment alleges, was for the purpose of building a real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars and enriching themselves with rental income.
If convicted, Morizono and Lim face up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Housing and Urban Development – OIG and SBA – OIG conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FTC – OIG and IRS – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and Jay Hileman are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Brothers Facing Federal Charges for Alleged Bank Fraud in the Purchase and Sale of Two Baltimore PropertiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Philip Abramowitz, age 50, of Pikesville, Maryland, with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud and Calvin Abramowitz, age 48, of Lakewood, New Jersey, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and for making false statements on a loan application.
The defendants will have initial appearances on March 24, 2022, beginning at 1:30 p.m., in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before U.S. Magistrate Judge Coulson.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
According to the four-count indictment, from May 2016 to April 2017, Philip and Calvin Abramowitz conspired to defraud two financial institutions to obtain money and property under fraudulent pretenses. Allegedly, Philip, Calvin Abramowitz, as well as others submitted mortgage applications totaling $535,448 to fund the purchase of two Baltimore Properties. Allegedly, the loan applications contained false information that misrepresented the financing of the purchases and the ownership interests and intentions of the involved parties.
As alleged in the indictment, Philip Abramowitz instructed family members to apply for and receive Federal Housing Administration loans in their names in order to finance the purchase of two of his Baltimore properties. Further, the indictment alleges that Philip and Calvin Abramowitz concealed Philip Abramowitz’s involvement in the real estate transactions and submitted false bank records and company filings during the loan application process to conceal the buyers’ and sellers’ familial relation.
Further, the indictment alleges that Philip Abramowitz falsified LLC records to create the illusion that his property manager was the sole owner of the selling entity in both property transactions and instructed his property manager to sign all closing documents as the “seller” to finalize the sales and the disbursement of loan proceeds. In addition, the indictment alleges that Philip Abramowitz provided funds to Calvin Abramowitz to cover Calvin Abramowitz’s and another family members closing costs for both properties.
If convicted, Philip Abramowitz faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud and 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If convicted, Calvin Abramowitz faces a maximum sentence of 30 years for bank fraud, a maximum of 30 years for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and 30 in federal prison for making false statements on a loan application. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended HUD-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Clarke, who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Bronx Man Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man was arrested today on charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
David Patrick Williams, 36, of the Bronx, was charged by complaint, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 30, 2020, Williams and two other individuals conspired and agreed to possess with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and approximately one kilogram of cocaine, and attempted to take delivery of a shipment containing those substances.
The charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine each carry a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Nicholas Mendes, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris, who scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2022. Mendes was charged by criminal complaint in October 2020.
On the evening of May 21, 2020, police responded to a report of possible gunshots. At the scene, officers found a parked vehicle with three occupants inside and the passenger door open. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a FN Model 509, 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a partially obliterated serial number tucked under the driver seat where Mendes was sitting. The firearm was loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition – including one round in the chamber. At the time, Mendes was on state probation with electronic monitoring.
Mendes is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to three prior convictions of intimidation, possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license. Mendes also had previous arrests for firearm and narcotics offenses.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Brockton Police Acting Chief Steve Williamson, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crime Unit is prosecuting 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.
Alleged Carroll County Drug Dealer Arrested on Federal Charges, Second Defendant Remains a FugitiveRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging two defendants in connection with a drug distribution conspiracy operating in the Westminster area of Carroll County, Maryland. Approximately 300 law enforcement personnel and agents assisted in the arrest of one defendant and the execution of 14 search warrants. James Samms, age 30, of Westminster, Maryland, was arrested today. Rodney Gaines, a/k/a “Butta,” “Butter,” and “Butters,” age 33, also of Westminster, remains a fugitive. Law enforcement is continuing to search for Gaines. Anyone with information as to Gaines’s whereabouts is asked to call “1-800-CALL-FBI.”
The criminal complaint charges Gaines and Samms for conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including crack cocaine and fentanyl. The criminal complaint was filed on March 21, 2022 and unsealed today upon the arrest of Samms. Samms is expected to have an initial appearance later today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson.
This case arose from the investigative efforts of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force, the Maryland State Police, and the Carroll County Drug & Firearms Trafficking Task Force, comprised of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Westminster Police Department, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The charges 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; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Carroll County Sheriff James DeWees; Chief Thomas J. Ledwell of the Westminster Police Department; and Carroll County State’s Attorney Allan Culver.
“Keeping our neighborhoods safe from drug trafficking and violence is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron. “We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to ensure that criminals who bring drugs and violence to our communities are brought to justice.”
“Our commitment to the reduction of violent crime and fostering safe communities is at the forefront of all we do” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Working with our law enforcement partners, those who traffic drugs, carry guns, and perpetuate violence will continue to be held responsible for their criminal acts.”
“By leveraging the resources between our local, state, and federal partners, the operation conducted today will severely impede the illegal drug trade in Carroll County” said Carroll County Sheriff James DeWees. “I could not be more pleased with the cumulative effort and partnerships of these law enforcement agencies which resulted in these arrests.”
“We appreciate the results of this cooperative effort by our local Carroll County Drug and Firearms Trafficking Task Force comprised of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Westminster Police Department as well as the Maryland State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Carroll County State’s Attorney Allan J. Culver. “I also want to acknowledge the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services (GOCPYVS) which assisted in funding this project and investigation. GOCPYVS provides grant funding and strategic support to the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network Initiative (MCIN) member sites, like our site in Carroll County, to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations through inter-agency collaboration and data sharing to make Maryland safer. This is a great example of the positive results that MCIN and its partners can help provide.”
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Gaines is believed to be the primary source of supply for crack cocaine in the Carroll County area. The affidavit alleges that since April 2021, investigators have conducted a number of controlled purchases of crack cocaine and fentanyl from Gaines and members of his drug trafficking organization, including Samms. During these controlled-buy operations, Gaines has allegedly been seen in the area and is believed to be watching and managing his associates.
As detailed in the affidavit, law enforcement intercepted communications between Gaines and his associates allegedly related to drug trafficking and violence. Law enforcement also observed alleged drug transactions at locations in Westminster associated with Gaines and Samms, including at residences and stash houses. On several occasions in 2021, law enforcement overheard calls from customers allegedly arranging to purchase drugs from Gaines, who then directed the customer to an address in Westminster, where the affidavit alleges that Samms completed the transaction. As detailed in the affidavit, on January 9, 2022, after intercepting a call from a drug customer to Gaines requesting to purchase a large quantity of narcotics, investigators observed the drug customer arrive at an alleged stash house location. The drug customer entered the location and quickly left. The drug customer was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation by a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. Based on the customer’s constant movement in the vehicle and nervous behavior, the customer was asked to exit the vehicle and a K-9 was called to perform a scan of the vehicle. According to the affidavit, the K-9 alerted for the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 76.6 grams of suspected cocaine and $756 in cash, which was found in the center console of the vehicle.
As alleged in the affidavit, in January 2022, investigators also intercepted communications between Gaines and another individual, later identified as Raekwon Dorsey, discussing the purchase of firearms. Dorsey allegedly agreed to sell Gaines a .9mm handgun and an MP 40 handgun with a laser. On January 31, 2022, after Dorsey sent Gaines a text message that he was on his way to Westminster to meet Gaines, investigators saw Dorsey leave his home in Pennsylvania in a red pick-up truck. As detailed in the affidavit, a traffic stop was conducted, and the truck was searched, resulting in the recovery of one black Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun and two magazines with five rounds of ammunition, and one black and silver Smith and Wesson SD handgun, and one magazine loaded with fourteen rounds of ammunition. The handguns were found in the bed of the truck. Investigators learned that the black semi-automatic handgun had been reported stolen. As a result of previous felony convictions, Dorsey and Gaines are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Dorsey was arrested.
The investigation is continuing.
If convicted, Gaines and Samms each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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. 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.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The specific mission of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force is to reduce violent, drug-related, and gang crime in the Baltimore area and surrounding region.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Maryland State Police, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Westminster Police Department, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai Everett and Brandon Moore, 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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Akron Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Distribute Fentanyl Pills Labeled as OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Thomas Anthony Walker, Jr., 36, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson to more than five years, or 62 months, in prison after Walker pleaded guilty to attempting to possess and distribute 655 pills containing fentanyl that were labeled as oxycodone.
According to court documents, in April of 2021, a package was interdicted by a Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspector Service. The package was suspected of containing drugs after a K9 unit detected the presence of narcotics. Investigators later obtained a warrant, searched the package and retrieved 655 tablets labeled as oxycodone, which actually contained a total of 71 grams of fentanyl.
Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery and later arrested defendant Thomas Anthony Walker Jr. as he attempted to retrieve the package.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
22 March 2022
Winner Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Winner, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 22, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Clayton Spotted Calf, age 27, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Spotted Calf was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and to pay $54,000 in restitution.
Spotted Calf was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on November 22, 2021.
Between December 2020 and February 2021, Spotted Calf searched for and downloaded child pornography via the internet. He saved multiple images and videos of child pornography to his Google account and to two cellular phones. Law enforcement began investigating Spotted Calf in January 2021, based on a CyberTip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which indicated Spotted Calf was storing child pornography in his Google account. In February 2021, Spotted Calf was contacted by law enforcement agents with the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Spotted Calf admitted to intentionally searching for child pornography and storing it in his Google account and on his cellular phones, which were seized. A forensic examination of Spotted Calf’s Google account and his devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Spotted Calf will forfeit ownership of the cellular phones to the United States. He will also be required as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender and Registration and Notification Act.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Spotted Calf was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wilkinsburg Man Charged with Stealing Mail in Oakland and ShadysideRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of mail matter, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named Tyrone Mobley, age 54, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from approximately December 2020 until approximately September 2021, Mobley stole US mail and other packages shipped via the United States Postal Service from authorized depositories for mail matter located at various addresses in the Oakland and Shadyside areas of Pittsburgh.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
West Baltimore Drug Dealer Admits to Selling Fentanyl Gel Capsules as a Member of the Master P Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Albert Shields, age 52, of Baltimore, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in relation to the Master P drug trafficking organization operating around Pennsylvania and North Avenues in West Baltimore.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Secretary Robert Green of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
According to his guilty plea, in November 2019, Shields participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin as a member of the Master P drug trafficking organization (DTO).
As a result of a 2019 OCDETF Strike Force investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Shields was identified as associates of the Master P DTO. Between October 2019 and April 2020, investigators intercepted DTO communications and observed Shields and other conspirators conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions. The observations and calls, including conversations conducted on Shields’ cell phone, established that the DTO sold narcotics on a daily basis.
As stated in his plea agreement, investigators made several controlled narcotics purchases from conspirators, including Shields, who either advertised that their narcotics were from the Master P DTO or were intercepted discussing drug trafficking. For example, in December 2019, Shields sold 20 gel capsules of fentanyl to an undercover police officer.
In several instances throughout the conspiracy, Shields called co-conspirators to obtain narcotics for transactions and often met his co-conspirators at or near two homes in the 2400 block of Francis Street in Baltimore associated with other DTO members, where Shields would retrieve items. In April 2020, investigators executed search warrants on those two Francis Street residences and recovered hundreds of gel capsules containing approximately 200 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, cutting agents, and drug packaging materials.
Shields faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The specific mission of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force is to reduce violent, drug-related, and gang crime in the Baltimore area and surrounding region.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended DEA, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation and thanked the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Austin, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/priorities
and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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