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Thursday 10 February 2022
District of Columbia Fire/EMS Employees Arrested on Charges Alleging Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Two District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) employees were arrested today on conspiracy and bribery charges for allegedly accepting payments from a District of Columbia contractor in exchange for directing purchase agreements and orders to the contractor and then falsely certifying that goods that FEMS had paid for had been delivered.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Louis “Joey” Mitchell, 50, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and Charity Keys, 43, of Bowie, Maryland, are charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with bribery and conspiracy. They are to make an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia before Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather.
According to court documents, Mitchell, a FEMS warehouse supply technician, and Keys, a FEMS contract administrator, accepted bribes over the course of several years—including a bribe of $20,000 each—from the owner of a Maryland limited liability company contractually obligated to provide various goods to FEMS and other District of Columbia agencies. In exchange, Mitchell and Keys allegedly directed purchase agreements and purchase orders to the company and confirmed delivery of and payment for goods that the company did not deliver.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and D.C. Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to April 2020 MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Andres Bello pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to the April 18, 2020 murder of Jorge Miguel Cabrera. U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “In the early morning of April 18, 2020, Andres Bello was involved in a shooting that ultimately killed Miguel Cabrera in connection with a failed drug transaction. This case is yet another tragic reminder of the violence that often accompanies narcotics trafficking. We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe by vigorously investigating and prosecuting acts of violence and drug trafficking.”
According to the allegations in the Second Superseding Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
On or about April 18, 2020, BELLO and other members of a Bronx-based narcotics trafficking organization, including Humberto Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Bori,” and Jason Tavarez, a/k/a “RATATAA,” attempted to purchase one kilogram of cocaine on East 175th Street in the Bronx. After obtaining the buyers’ money, the sellers attempted to flee the scene. At that point, BELLO passed a firearm to Humberto Rodriguez who fired the gun at the sellers’ vehicles, striking Cabrera in the spine. Cabrera ultimately died from the gunshot wound.
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BELLO, 32, pled guilty to one count of murder through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j) and 2, which carries a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment.
On February 9, 2022, co-defendant Jason Tavarez, a/k/a “RATATAA,” 38, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
On November 22, 2021, co-defendant Humberto Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Bori,” pled guilty to one count of murder through the use of a firearm. On July 27, 2021, co-defendant, Alex Melendez, pled guilty to narcotics and firearms offenses. On November 11, 2021, co-defendant, Sharone Lewis pled guilty to a narcotics offense.
The maximum and minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter J. Davis, Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo, and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.
Customs Broker Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Tax Evasion and Scheme to Defraud Japanese Retail Chain Out of $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A customs broker was arrested today on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with evading the payment of $1.5 million in taxes and engaging in a $3.4 million wire fraud scheme that overcharged a Japanese variety store client on customs duties.
Frank Seung Noah, 59, of Corona, self-surrendered to law enforcement and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana. He is charged with one count of tax evasion and three counts of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Noah owned and operated Comis International Inc., a logistics and supply-chain company based out of Cerritos, which offered customs import brokerage services on behalf of businesses. From 2007 to 2019, Comis was a customs import broker for Daiso, a Japan-based variety and value store with stores in the United States, including Southern California.
From March 2016 until February 2019, Noah – acting through Comis – paid customs import duty fees to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Daiso’s behalf. Noah then allegedly submitted invoices to Daiso that fraudulently inflated the customs import duty fees that Noah had paid to CBP. As a result of Noah’s scheme, Daiso paid the inflated invoices, causing Noah to fraudulently obtain a total of at least approximately $3,379,774, the indictment alleges.
For example, on September 15, 2017, Daiso wired $192,486 to a Noah-controlled bank account, of which approximately $74,840 was a result of inflated invoices, according to the indictment.
Noah also allegedly willfully attempted to evade the payment of approximately $1,562,684 in federal taxes which the IRS assessed against him for the calendar years 2008, 2009 and 2010. He allegedly did so by making small payments to the IRS, all while making much larger payments on mortgages for properties he controlled – even though they were bought in his girlfriend’s name – including his Corona residence purchased in 2016 and a vacation property in Rancho Mirage that was purchased the following year.
Noah allegedly used funds transferred to his girlfriend’s bank account to pay the mortgage on the Corona property and to a country club. In September 2017, after Noah received approximately $147,148 from the sale of a property he owned in Carson, he wrote a $120,000 check to his girlfriend. He also allegedly made false statements to the IRS during this time by underreporting his income.
From 2014 to 2017, Noah allegedly cashed more than $7 million in checks instead of depositing the funds into his personal or business bank accounts to conceal his control over such funds.
Including penalties and interest, as of February 2022, Noah owes approximately $2,012,618 to the IRS, according to the indictment.
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.
If convicted of all charges, Noah would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the tax evasion count and 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count.
IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Ahn and Daniel Lim of the Santa Ana Branch Office are prosecuting this case.
Convicted Knoxville Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug and Money Laundering CrimesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On February 9, 2022, Ronald Turner, 25, of Knoxville, was sentenced to life in prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The sentencing follows Turner’s federal trial last July in which a jury convicted him and six other gang members of conspiring to distribute various controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, oxycodone, alprazolam, and buprenorphine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), (C), (D), and (E). Witnesses testified at trial that Turner, while serving a state prison sentence in the Tennessee Department of Corrections in Middle Tennessee for attempted second-degree murder, used contraband cell phones in the prison to organize multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine to other members of a violent street gang known as the Unknown Ghost Vice Lords in East Tennessee. The jury also convicted Turner and other defendants of conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1956(h). According to court documents, seven other charged members of the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.
In determining the sentence, Judge Varlan considered several aggravating factors, including Turner’s role as a leader and organizer of the crimes, his distribution of drugs within the Tennessee state prison, and his direction that other gang members recruit minors to help commit the crimes. Judge Varlan further ruled that the sentence be served consecutively to Turner’s undischarged term of imprisonment in his state case. The remaining defendants who were convicted in July will be sentenced in the coming months.
“Turner was part of a gang that trafficked in lethal drugs, resulting in devastation and death within our community. This sentence sends a powerful message that incarcerated individuals who continue to engage in drug trafficking and who use minors to flood the community with drugs will face justice,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “This case is an example of the Department of Justice’s comprehensive strategy to target and prosecute the most serious offenders who pose the greatest threats to safety and peace within the community.”
“Illegal drug trafficking continues to have a devastating and horrific impact on communities throughout our nation. This life sentence sends a very strong message to those who engage in these unlawful activities. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and apprehending those who terrorize our communities with their reckless and illegal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico.
“Contraband cellphones are a significant security threat that makes criminal conspiracies possible between people inside our correctional environment and those on the outside,” said TDOC Interim Commissioner Lisa Helton. “Illegal cellphones have been used to orchestrate drug operations and other criminal activities that cause devastating consequences for public safety. The Tennessee Department of Correction is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to put an end to this type of activity that threatens our facilities and our communities.”
"Without question, the conviction and sentencing of this defendant will have a profound effect on public safety and quality of life, most significantly in the inner-city where Turner committed numerous acts of violence as an influential gang member. I am extremely proud of the work that KPD investigators Brandon Stryker and Brandon Glover did over an extensive period of time to dismantle a violent inner-city gang, of which Turner was a member. In their capacity as KPD investigators assigned as task force officers to the FBI, they worked collaboratively with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's office, and their colleagues in KPD's Organized Crime Unit to end this defendant's contributions to creating fear in the lives of citizens who seek only to raise their families in a safe community," said Captain Tony Willis, KDP Organized Crimes Unit. "We are likewise grateful for the support and collaboration of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting this violent inner-city gang."
This conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation conducted by the Knoxville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cleveland Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also assisted in this investigation by conducting drug and firearms analysis on seized evidence in the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Lewen, Jr. and Brent N. Jones represented the United States.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“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 against criminal networks.
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Clearfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing Materials Depicting the Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Amanda Nichelle Downs, 30, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to Sept. 1, 2019, Downs produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Downs.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Cedar Park Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Unregistered Destructive Device During Austin ProtestRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A Cedar Park man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for possessing parts of a destructive device, a Molotov cocktail, with the intent to construct such a device during an evening protest in Austin on May 30, 2020.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cyril Lartigue, 27, was caught on videotape manufacturing a destructive device while in a parking lot directly adjacent to the Austin Municipal Court entrance. While making the device, Lartigue was interrupted by the oncoming presence of Austin Police Department officers heading in his direction. Lartigue fled the area, leaving the device behind, but returned within minutes to retrieve it. Police officers later arrested Lartigue inside a nearby portable toilet where he had changed clothes. Inside his backpack officers recovered materials used to manufacture a destructive device, including beer bottles, a bottle with lighter fluid, cloth rags, and a butane lighter along with the clothes he was previously wearing.
Lartigue was convicted following a jury trial in October 2021.
“The sentence imposed today demonstrates our office’s commitment to the prosecution of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Peaceful protest cannot and must not be conflated with violence and the construction of dangerous weapons like Molotov cocktails. The prosecution and sentence in this case should serve as a deterrent to those considering similar acts in the future.”
“Our constitutional right to peacefully protest is sacrosanct and must be protected,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski. “People like the defendant who bring illegal and dangerous weapons to a protest should be prosecuted to protect and preserve that right for us all. I want to thank the jury for listening to all the evidence and sending the message that taking dangerous and destructive devices to protests will not be tolerated.”
The ATF, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke and Gabriel Cohen are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Cayuga County Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Workman, age 33, of Conquest, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Darren Miller, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of the Office of Special Investigation for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS); and Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
As part of his guilty plea, Workman, who has prior felony convictions for arson and burglary offenses, admitted that he possessed a .30-06 caliber rifle and ammunition. and discharged the rifle at his residence in Conquest on October 6, 2020.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start after Workman is released from prison. Workman was also sentenced to 15 months in prison for violating his parole in New York State based on the same conduct; those 15 months in state prison will not be credited toward his federal term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DOCCS, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download
California CEO Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for employment tax crimes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Todd Lucas controlled TradeMotion Inc. (TradeMotion), a company that sold software to automotive dealerships. Lucas controlled TradeMotion’s business and financial affairs, and therefore had a legal duty to withhold employment taxes on behalf of the company’s employees and pay those funds to the IRS. From the fourth quarter of 2011 through the third quarter of 2015, Lucas collected more than $2.1 million in withholdings from TradeMotion employees and issued them W-2 forms. However, he paid only $760,017 of these funds to the IRS. Lucas also did not pay to the IRS employment taxes withheld on behalf of the employees of other companies he controlled, causing an additional tax loss of more than $3.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battalia ordered Lucas to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $4.9 million in restitution.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman of the Southern District of California made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles A. O’Reilly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Butte meth trafficker sentenced to seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Anthony Wayne Lamere, 33, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement became aware that Lamere was involved in drug trafficking from numerous witnesses who identified him as dealing drugs. When arrested in April 2021, Lamere admitted to agents that he was dealing drugs and had been selling a quarter pound of meth a week for several months.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte Silver Bow law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Bronx, New York, Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 Worth of iPhonesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx woman was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $200,000 worth of Apple iPhones, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Rosanna Lucrecia Cruel Blanco, 39, of Bronx, New York, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Clair C. Cecchi to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From December 2017 to January 2020, Blanco and her conspirators devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain replacement cellular phones from an insurance company – Company 1 – by assuming the identities of wireless customers and filing false claims under Company 1’s handset insurance program. The handsets were predominantly Apple iPhones with a value of approximately $700 to $1,000 per handset.
Blanco and her conspirators contacted Company 1, posed as legitimate customers, and submitted false claims to Company 1 for damage, theft, or loss on hundreds of handsets owned by the customers. Blanco and her conspirators provided Company 1 with false identification – typically a fake New York or New Jersey driver’s license falsified to reflect the name of the legitimate customer. They also provided Company 1 with new shipping contact names and addresses that were different from the actual customer names and addresses. The new shipping addresses included locations in the Bronx, Yonkers, White Plains, Manhattan, and various locations in New Jersey.
Based on the false claims and the fake identifications, Company 1 shipped the replacement cellular telephones via UPS or FedEx to the new contact names and addresses provided by Blanco and her conspirators. The shipped Apple iPhones were then picked up by Blanco and her conspirators. More than 100 replacement cellular telephones were shipped to Blanco and her conspirators and total losses exceeded $200,000.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Blanco to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution and forfeiture of $246,025.
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 sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Brockton man sentenced to more than seven years in prison for assault on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Brockton man who admitted beating and seriously injuring another person at his home on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years and four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
James Michael Garcia, 29, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 26, 2018, Garcia beat the victim, identified as Jane Doe, after an argument over the phone with a relative of the victim. The victim suffered serious bodily injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.
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Bowling Green Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, KY returned an indictment on yesterday charging a Bowling Green, KY man with possessing multiple firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and with possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on or about January 24, 2022, Jimmy Norris, 45, of Bowling Green, KY possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. On or about January 24, 2022, Norris, a convicted felon, possessed a Sig Sauer P320 semiautomatic pistol, a Colt Government MKIV/Series 70 semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger LCR revolver, a Superior Arms Inc. S15 semiautomatic rifle with bump stock, a Savage 110 rifle, a weapon made from a New England Firearms Pardner SB1 .20-gauge shotgun, with a barrel length of less than eighteen (18) inches, and ammunition. Norris was previously convicted of the following felonies: First-Degree Promoting Contraband, First-Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, First-Degree Wanton Endangerment, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On or about January 24, 2022, Norris also possessed a Sig Sauer P320 semiautomatic pistol, in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. Finally, on or about January 24, 2022, Norris possessed a weapon made from a New England Firearms Pardner SB1, .20-gauge shotgun, having a barrel length of less than eighteen (18) inches, that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Norris is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The defendant is scheduled for his arraignment on February 23, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Brent Brennenstuhl of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Bon Secour Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Armed Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Bon Secour, Alabama, man was sentenced to 241 months in prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of those crimes.
Jacob Steven Miller, 26, pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of carrying a firearm in furtherance of those drug crimes in May of 2020. Court documents showed that Miller had two run-ins with law enforcement and each time he had methamphetamine and a gun with him. In May of 2019, Miller wrecked a stolen motorcycle while attempting to flee from law enforcement. He attempted to run from the scene with a backpack but due to a knee injury he was unable to leave the scene on foot. The backpack contained about a ounce of methamphetamine and a gun. In February of 2020, Miller was a passenger in a vehicle that an Alabama state trooper attempted to stop for Miller’s failure to wear a seat belt. The driver of the vehicle accelerated, and the trooper pursued until other officers joined the chase and forced the vehicle to stop. Miller threw a black bag out of the vehicle that was recovered by troopers. It contained 730 grams of methamphetamine, other drug-related evidence, approximately $3,500 in cash and a gun. Miller had been implicated by other defendants convicted in federal court as a methamphetamine distributor in Baldwin County.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Illegal Firearm SalesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 2 years in prison for trafficking firearms in a Virginia Beach apartment complex.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2021, Tyereis Smith, 19, along with Jhaimeek Carter, 19, also of Virginia Beach, illegally sold an Honor Guard 9-millimeter pistol, a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle, and a Bay State 12-gauge sawed off shotgun in exchange for money. In the two weeks that followed, Smith was involved in the sale of two additional firearms, one of which was sold to a convicted felon.
On March 28, 2021, Virginia Beach Police executed search warrants on Smith’s and Carter’s residences. In Smith’s apartment, they found marijuana, digital scales, and ammunition. In Carter’s apartment, they recovered crack cocaine, ammunition, and a firearm.
Smith is a law enforcement-confirmed member of Bounty Hunter Watts, a set of the Bloods gang. Carter is also gang-affiliated and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on January 25.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Bird prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. 2:21-cr-92.
Birmingham Man Charged in Carjacking Appears in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man charged last month for carjacking and possessing a firearm was arraigned today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Staci G. Cornelius arraigned Clearance Speed, Jr., aka Bo Peep, 24, on charges of carjacking and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime in March 2021. Speed was ordered detained pending trial.
The maximum penalty for carjacking is 15 years in prison. The minimum penalty for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime is a mandatory seven years in prison.
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.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthan Carroll, age 36, of Albany, pled guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine, making fake government identification documents, using others’ identification information to open a U.S. Post Office Box, and aggravated identity theft.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Carroll admitted to selling a total of 277.41 grams of methamphetamine and sending a portion of that methamphetamine through the U.S. mail. Carroll also admitted to opening a Clifton Park P.O. Box—using other people’s personally identifying information without their permission—in order to receive mailed shipments of methamphetamine. He also admitted to making two fake government identification documents, one of which used another person’s personally identifying information without that person’s permission, bearing Carroll’s photograph.
Carroll faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life, and a fine of up to $10 million. The aggravated identity theft conviction carries a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment to be imposed consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The defendant also faces a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Sentencing is set for June 9, 2022, in Albany, before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
This case was investigated by HSI and USPIS, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C. Powers.
Wednesday 9 February 2022
York Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Joel Nieves Ortega, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 3, 2022, to 10 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, in March and September 2019, Ortega received and attempted to receive, parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail to York. Ortega also sent money back to Puerto Rico paying for the cocaine.
Ortega’s co-defendants Luis Manuel Quesada Rodriguez, Alex Rivera Ramos, Jose Colon Declet, and Pedro Diaz have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dalke is prosecuting the case.
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.
This case was also part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Woman Indicted for Serial Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
A Dallas woman has been indicted for committing a string of bank robberies, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Patricia Maldonado, 34, was indicted last week on three counts of bank robbery. At a detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver ordered her detained pending her trial, which is set for April 11.
The indictment alleges Ms. Maldonado robbed at least three Dallas banks in the fall of 2019: Comerica Bank on Fort Worth Avenue, Chase Bank on Mockingbird Lane, and Chase Bank on Coit Road.
She was eventually identified by a concerned citizen who recognized her face in surveillance images included in a news release, according to a criminal complaint filed in January.
Per the complaint, Ms. Maldonado, who always wore a baseball cap of some sort, generally entered the banks, handed the tellers a note demanding money and stating she had a gun, and fled on foot with the cash. On at least one occasion, she was caught on camera hopping into a silver Jeep Patriot parked at a nearby gas station.
Following the concerned citizen’s identification of Ms. Maldonado, law enforcement conducted an analysis of her social media presence, noting the resemblance between her and the suspect. On her Facebook page, they found a photo of her wearing a sweatshirt identical to one worn by the suspect in the Comerica robbery. On her sister’s Facebook page, they found multiple photos of her posing beside her sister’s silver Jeep Patriot.
On Jan. 29, officers arrested Ms. Maldonado at her place of employment. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Ms. Maldonado positively identified herself in surveillance photos from all the robberies.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Ms. Maldonado is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin is prosecuting the case.
Winnemucca Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Stealing Multiple Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. — A Winnemucca man who admitted to organizing a robbery and stealing more than two dozen firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) was sentenced today to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
George Wyatt Elms (34) pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of theft of firearms from the premises of a Federal Firearms Licensee. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du ordered Elms to pay $17,187.96 in restitution.
According to court documents, on February 19, 2020, Elms and two other individuals broke into a hardware store in Winnemucca by removing a panel in the roof, dropping down approximately ten feet onto a nearby staircase, and then breaking through the store’s door. Once inside, they broke into a gun case and stole 25 firearms. Before carrying out the robbery, they had intentionally set a fire in a nearby field to divert law enforcement away from the store.
Co-defendant Travis Klyn pleaded guilty in September 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Winnemucca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as 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. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Wilmington Man Sentenced to over 8 Years for Federal Drug Distribution and Weapon OffensesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Robert Rodriguez, age 58, was sentenced today to 105 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, on August 10, 2020, FBI conducted a search of the defendant’s apartment in the 1300 block of W. 4th Street, Wilmington, Delaware, and a nearby garage where law enforcement recovered over 100 bundles of fentanyl, a loaded black Glock handgun 9mm, and $18,268 in cash.
“Illegal drug dealing fuels an epidemic of addiction and violence, which challenges our communities and law enforcement officers on a daily basis. Fentanyl is a particularly lethal drug, causing most of Delaware’s overdose deaths in 2021. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who choose to distribute drugs while illegally possessing firearms, and I wish to thank our law enforcement partners for investigating this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss.
“Today’s sentencing exemplifies the commitment FBI Baltimore has to work with our local, state and federal partners to target and dismantle drug dealers that threaten the safety of our communities,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski. “The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will continue to use every resource available to investigate and prosecute dealers like Robert Rodriquez and remove dangerous criminals from the neighborhoods of Wilmington.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce in the Wilmington Resident Agency.
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 by searching for Case No. 20-062-MN.
The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. While COVID-19 has made access to drug addiction treatment more difficult for many, it need not remain a barrier. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.
Willcox Resident Sentenced to 210 Months for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Joshua William Scheu, 37, of Willcox, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 210 months in prison. Scheu previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
In November 2004, Scheu pulled his vehicle over to the side of the road where the victim was waiting for some friends on the Gila River Indian Nation. Scheu then got out of his vehicle, chased the child, pushed her into a cornfield, and forcibly raped her. The case remained “cold” until 2019 when DNA led to the identification of Scheu as the perpetrator. The victim was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Nation.
Upon release from prison, Scheu will be placed on lifetime supervised release with stringent sex offender conditions. He also will be required to register as a sex offender and to complete a sex offender treatment program.
“This case is another great example of the meaningful role that DNA testing has had in solving cold cases,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We are grateful for the tenacity of our law enforcement partners in continuing to pursue cases until the offenders are brought to justice.”
"This sentencing should send a clear message to those who sexually harm innocent children in our community," said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. "The FBI is committed to preventing violent crimes against children and to bring those who harm them to justice, no matter how long it takes. Thanks to the dedicated work from our agents and our law enforcement partners who aggressively pursue these heinous criminals, this individual will finally be held accountable for his actions."
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carin C. Duryee and Julie A. Sottosanti, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 19-2615-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-010_Scheu# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.West Monroe Man Convicted of Murder-for-Hire Plot Sentenced to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Steven Marcus Kelley, 48, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot. The sentence handed down today was the maximum possible penalty under the law that Kelley could have received.
Kelley was convicted by a federal jury in October 2021, following a trial in United States District Court. He was found guilty of use of a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. The charge stemmed from a letter that Kelley wrote while incarcerated at Ouachita Correctional Center (OCC) and awaiting trial for charges of rape and molestation. In the letter, Kelley tried to hire someone to kill his ex-wife, who is the mother of the victims in the sex crimes case.
Evidence introduced at the federal trial revealed that Kelley obtained the address of an individual in Monroe from another inmate at OCC and mailed the letter to that individual. Believing the individual who lived at that address would carry out the murder, Kelley offered “$10k for the job” for the individual to put “2 in the chest, 2 in the head” and to “make sure it counts.” Kelley drew a map in both blue and black ink of the area where his ex-wife worked. In an effort to avoid the letter and crime being traced back to him, Kelley used another inmate’s name for the return address. He caused the letter to be mailed from OCC via the United States Postal Service.
On the night of December 10, 2019, the individual who lived at the address to where Kelley mailed the letter received and read the contents of the letter. The letter provided a physical description of the victim, the vehicle she drove, where she worked and her normal schedule to arrive at work. The letter stated that it “HAS to look like a robbery.” Realizing that the letter was soliciting someone to commit a murder, the individual took the letter to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office the next morning. Law enforcement officers obtained surveillance video from OCC and the video revealed that on December 5, 2019, Kelley was sitting on his bed writing a letter. Kelley can be seen in the video alternating between two different pens, which was consistent with the two ink colors used to draw the map. Later that same day, Kelley can be seen taking an envelope into the cell of the inmate who provided the address of the hopeful hitman. Kelley sat on the fellow inmate’s bed and addressed the letter. Moments later, the inmate whose name Kelley used on the return address of the letter entered the cell and engaged in a conversation with Kelley and the other inmate. That evening, Kelley can be seen giving the letter to another inmate who in turns gives it to a correctional officer for mailing.
On December 30, 2019, law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the Pods at the OCC where Kelley was housed at the time of the incident. Deputies found in Kelley’s belongings a blue and black in pen. They found in the other inmate’s bunk the address of the individual to whom Kelley mailed the letter.
The case was investigated by the FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Leon H. Whitten.
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Webster Woman Charged with Theft, Embezzlement, and Misapplication by Bank EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Webster, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft, Embezzlement, and Misapplication by Bank Employee.
Angelica Jean Gebur, age 43, was indicted on February 1, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 8, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about March 22, 2018, and continuing through June 18, 2021, Gebur, who was an employee of CorTrust Bank, a financial institution whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, embezzled, abstracted, purloined, and willfully misapplied more than $1,000 of moneys, funds, assets, and securities intrusted to the custody and care of CorTrust Bank.
The charge is merely an accusation and Gebur is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Gebur was released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty in Paycheck Protection Program Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A Virginia man who laundered over $900,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds pled guilty on February 8, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. Benjamin Sakyi, age 31, from Dumfries, Virginia, formerly of Ghana, was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provided emergency financial assistance, including Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) funds, to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence at the plea hearing, and a prior detention hearing in Virginia, showed that Sakyi received over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds at three different financial institutions in the names of two Virginia corporations, Blue Flight Logistics LLC and NKB Enterprise LLC. Sakyi then transferred the funds elsewhere. Sakyi received the CARES Act funds from a Minnesota man, Donald Franklin Trosin, formerly of Armonstrong, Iowa. Trosin had submitted over 20 fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications to the Small Business Administration in the name of Trosin and another individual at Minnesota and Iowa financial institutions. Trosin falsely represented he had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sakyi remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sakyi faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. In July 2021, the district court sentenced Trosin to 40 months in federal prison for his role in the money laundering conspiracy.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department's response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4013. The case file number for Donald Trosin’s case is 20-CR-4066.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina Commemorates National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAPM), a time to raise awareness about this all-too-common issue, focus efforts on ending the violence, and share resources for teens experiencing violence, survivors, and their communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina is proud to stand with survivors and share a new resource funded by the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), the Teens and Technology Resource Series. There is a significant intersection of technology and teen dating violence, and misuse of technology is an increasingly common tactic on the part of harmful partners. The Teens and Technology resources aim to help adults who teach, work with, and care for teenagers understand technology from their perspective to empower teenagers to safely navigate relationships and technology use. These resources include examples of technology abuse, uses and misuses of social media applications, and five ways to engage with young people.
“The pandemic has made everything more challenging – for children and youth, advocates across the country have reported an uptick in online abuse as younger folks spend more time online,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall. “The Teens and Tech Resource Series can help adults meaningfully engage with young people, empowering them to recognize abuse and unhealthy relationships, prevent future violence, and use technology safely. Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month gives us the opportunity to put a spotlight on these projects, as well as OVW’s year-round commitment to ending dating violence.”
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Safety Net Project developed the Teens and Tech Resource Series in partnership with eleven24, a teen violence prevention program dedicated to reducing the prevalence of relationship abuse and sexual violence through media literacy and identity affirmation.
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking, there are many services available to help, including:
- Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, 1-866-331-9474, text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, or visit loveisrespect.org;
- State, territory and tribal sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions, which can direct you to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved; and
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline, which offers online chat on their website and a hotline – at 1-844-7NATIVE (or 1-844-762-8483) and provides culturally-appropriate services and advocacy to American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against Dansville Rental Property OwnersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a settlement agreement has been reached with the current and former owners of Midtown Motel, LLC, a residential rental property in Dansville, NY, who were named as defendants in a Fair Housing Act complaint. The Government alleged that the owners of Midtown Motel discriminated against Cheryl Martinez based on her disability by refusing to rent to Martinez because of her assistance animal.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Smith, who is handling the case, stated that Ms. Martinez’s emotional support dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier, was prescribed by her primary care physician as part of a therapeutic plan to treat her psychiatric conditions. In November 2016, Ms. Martinez was homeless and seeking affordable housing. She agreed to rent a unit at the Midtown Motel, but, upon learning of her emotional support animal, the property manager refused to rent to her and asked that she vacate the unit.
“Individuals with disabilities should not face discrimination in housing,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “The settlement of this lawsuit is an opportunity to educate tenants and landlords alike that denying someone housing because of a disability is illegal under the Fair Housing Act.”
The Consent Decree, agreed to by the Government and Midtown Motel past and present owners, and signed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, requires the current owner of Midtown Motel to maintain non-discriminatory policies, provide Fair Housing Act training to employees, and submit to compliance and reporting requirements for two years. In addition, the former owners of Midtown Motel paid Ms. Martinez $30,000 in damages.
The Complaint was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Martinez was represented by Lisa Pantuso, Esq. and Laurie Lambrix, Esq. of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status (having one or more children under 18), national origin and disability. Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination should contact the Department of Justice toll-free at 1-833-591-0291, by email at [email protected], or submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov. Such individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
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Thirteen Individuals Charged in Drug and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Thirteen Individuals Charged In Drug and Money Laundering Conspiracies
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced that an indictment was unsealed today charging 13 individuals with drug and money laundering crimes. The drug crime is for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely Fentanyl including counterfeit Fentanyl pills, cocaine and cocaine base, methamphetamine and marijuana. The money laundering crime is for money laundering conspiracy, namely engaging in monetary transactions to launder drug proceeds.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.
Named in the federal indictment were:
- CESAR MATIA GARCIA, a.k.a. “Cee,” - 27 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- KYLE ALLAN KENNARD, a.k.a. “Whopp Dogg,” a.k.a. “Dogg,” a.k.a., “Whopp,” – 36 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- LEO BRADLEY TODD, a.k.a. “LWay,” a.k.a. “Sway,” – 32 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- CORDERALLA PIERA CAMPBELL, a.k.a. “Chi,” a.k.a. “Teezy,” – 33 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- PERISE JAAMAR SMITH, a.k.a. “P,” - 32 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- JALIN DEANDRE GARDNER, a.k.a. “Styles,” a.k.a. “Stizie,” 28 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- MARCOS ANTONIO MONARREZ, - 22 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- ISMAEL RODRIGUEZ, - 19 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- KAPRI FATIMA OLDHAM, - 24 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- RAMIKA SHANEE BOAZE, - 29 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy
- BRIANNA TESHARRI BLAKE, - 24 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy,
- DARRION LANAE WASHINGTON, a.k.a. “Hannah,” - 27 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy,
- CATEASHA LATREASE WELLS-IVY, of Detroit, Michigan – 35 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy.
Of the thirteen defendants, 9 have been arrested in Detroit and will be appearing in federal court this afternoon for their arraignment. Two defendants have been arrested in Arizona and will be appearing in federal court for their removal proceedings this afternoon.
"With these arrests, a major fentanyl distribution organization has been dismantled,” stated US Attorney Ison. “I’d like to thank the entire law enforcement team that worked so hard on this case. This case demonstrates cooperation and teamwork at its best.”
“Today’s arrests are the result of an aggressive strategy to target those who allegedly profit off the distribution of counterfeit pills laced with deadly amounts of fentanyl. DEA will continue to investigate those responsible for distributing illegal drugs throughout our communities in an effort to save lives,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt
The indictment alleges that since at least February of 2019, the majority of defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, Fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana. The indictment alleges that over 500 grams of cocaine, Fentanyl and methamphetamine were involved in the conspiracy. In addition, several defendants have been charged with money laundering, which in this case is engaging in monetary transactions to launder drug proceeds.
In conjunction with the unsealing of the indictment, DEA special agents, along with agents and officers from other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, executed numerous search warrants at various locations throughout Michigan and Phoenix, Arizona.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation was conducted by special agents of the DEA, Detroit Division, Phoenix Division, Louisville Division (Lexington Office), and law enforcement officials from Michigan State Police, Kentucky State Police, Wayne County Airport Police Department, US Marshals Service, US Border Patrol, White Lake Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Portelli and Alyse Wu.
Third Individual Convicted for 2017 and 2018 Armed Robberies in Selma and Wilson, NCRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Johnston County man Monday on two counts of aiding and abetting robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during those robberies.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on December 20, 2017, the defendant, James “Silky” Hall, rode with his girlfriend, Teresa McDougald, and his friend, Frenchie Hooks to the Short Stop in Selma, NC. About 9:10 p.m. that night, Hall and McDougald went into the store to scope it out. McDougald bought a few small items, and they left.
After leaving, they told Hooks that now is a good time for the robbery. Frenchie, wearing a gray and black hooded sweatshirt, a mask, and latex gloves took the gun provided by Hall and headed into the store. He pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded the money. He got the money out of the cash register and “pulled a bunch” of unsold scratch off lottery tickets.
Hooks fled the store and met back up with Hall and McDougald. They went to Hall’s father’s apartment, and Hall divvyed up their loot. Hall and McDougald then went to three different stores and cashed the winning scratch offs.
On January 15, 2018, the trio decided to rob Sweet Dreams in Wilson, NC. McDougald again drove Hall and Hooks to the robbery. Hooks, wearing a brown jacket, a mask, and latex gloves, went inside. He pulled out the gun provided by Hall, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. After taking the money, the trio fled. Hall again divided the money.
The jury found Hall guilty of all four counts as well as an enhancement for brandishing the firearm.
Hall faces a mandatory fourteen-year imprisonment term with the possibility of up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for the May 9 term of court.
Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The case was investigated by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Selma Police Department with support from the Benson Police Department and Johnston County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:19-CR-00423-FL.
Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss.- A Dallas, Texas man was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, from November 2014 through March 2018, Brandon Deshanta Miller, 35, conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Texas into central Mississippi. This case is the result of an extensive investigation dubbed “Operation Highlife,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Attorney Erin Chalk and Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Statement from Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women ActRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco issued the following statement today after the introduction of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in Congress:
“The Department of Justice applauds the introduction of legislation by a bipartisan group of Senators to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Last fall, I had the honor of testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the enormous impact that VAWA has had in combating domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. As I told the Senate Judiciary Committee then, I know from my personal experience helping to research the original VAWA legislation in the 1990s that the new tools and resources from this reauthorization are critical to modernizing our efforts to prevent and end these crimes. The department urges Congress to swiftly pass this essential legislation.”
St. Louis City corrections officer pleads guilty to violating the civil rights of a prisonerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Matthew T. Schelp accepted a plea of guilty from Demeria Thomas, age 38, on today’s date for deprivation of rights under color of law related to her knowingly allowing inmates to assault another inmate while in his cell at the St. Louis City Justice Center. A grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri previously indicted Thomas in July 2021. Judge Schelp set sentencing for May 10, 2022.
According to the indictment, on March 22, 2021, Demeria Thomas was employed by the City of St. Louis as a Corrections Officer at the City Justice Center. Thomas was on duty at the City Justice Center on March 22, 2021, and acted, at all times relevant hereto, under color of law.
Thomas was operating a control panel which locked and unlocked cells in her area of responsibility. After engaging in conversation with two inmates, Thomas unlocked a specific cell door. This allowed the two inmates to enter and physically assault another inmate.
In addition, Thomas directed other inmates to stay away, prohibiting them from coming to the aid of the victim. Several minutes after the assault began, Thomas walked to the open door of the cell as the suspects continued the assault. Thomas calmly instructed the suspects to leave the cell. After they had left, Thomas closed the door to the cell, making no effort to render aid to the bleeding and incapacitated victim. Thomas also failed to disclose the assault and filed no report of the incident.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 40 Years on Distribution of Methamphetamine, International Money Laundering, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Greenville, South Carolina man was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, international money laundering, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiring to obstruct justice.
Joshua Joseph Desorcy, 37 of Greenville, SC, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering with the intent to promote the carrying on of a specified unlawful activity, one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of conspiring to obstruct justice.
According to court documents, beginning in 2020, Desorcy was responsible for coordinating the importation of methamphetamine shipments by directing his co-conspirators to make numerous trips to Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas, to pick up large quantities of methamphetamine from accomplices in those cities who acted as conduit from various sources in Mexico. Desorcy coordinated these pickups by directing the wiring of funds to various recipients in Mexico as identified by indicted co-conspirator, Amy Deanna Cobb, 35 of Seneca, SC.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia, Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Murphy is prosecuting the case.
Smuggler who Assaulted Border Patrol Agents with his Car Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Loren G. Rene (619) 546-8783
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 9, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Juan Francisco Sanchez-Campos of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in prison for speeding through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on State Route 94 near Jamul, intentionally sideswiping and ramming multiple vehicles, injuring several Border Patrol agents and jeopardizing the lives of 10 undocumented passengers he was smuggling into the U.S. from Mexico.
Sanchez-Campos, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of transportation of certain aliens, one count of highspeed flight from an immigration checkpoint, and one count of assault on a federal agent.
During the sentencing hearing last week, Border Patrol Agent Andrew Carlson who was injured during the February 23, 2021, assault described how Sanchez-Campos slowed down as he approached the checkpoint and then suddenly took off, narrowly missing several Border Patrol agents, and then proceeded to weave in and out of civilian traffic at speeds up to 100 mph for approximately 10 minutes. The agent told the court Sanchez-Campos rammed four agents’ vehicles in an attempt to flee, and the agents eventually disabled his vehicle using a box-in maneuver. Although the migrants were uninjured, four Border Patrol agents sustained serious injuries, including, but not limited to, shoulder, back, hip, and neck injuries necessitating ongoing medical treatment.
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo noted that the defendant showed a callous disregard for human life.
“This defendant risked many lives during his reckless attempt to blow through a checkpoint,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He cared nothing about other motorists, Border Patrol agents or even the people in his vehicle. All he wanted was his payday – a day that will never come, thanks to the brave Border Patrol agents who made sure this defendant was stopped.” Grossman thanked the Border Patrol agents who were injured trying to keep the driver from hurting anyone, and he praised the prosecution team as well as Border Patrol and FBI agents who investigated this case.
“Our current success is the result of the strong resolve and determination of the many men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Collaboratively, our efforts resulted in the arrest, conviction, and just sentencing of this callous smuggler.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-cr-00879-CAB
Juan Francisco Sanchez-Campos Age: 24 Phoenix, Arizona
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Transportation of Certain Aliens, in violation 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(B)(ii)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
High Speed Flight from Immigration Checkpoint, in violation 18 U.S.C. § 758
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Assault on a Federal Agent, in violation 18 U.S.C. 111 (a)(b)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Border Patrol
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On February 8, 2022, Melroy Johnson Sr., 66, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison.
Johnson Sr. was found guilty by a jury on July 9, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at trial and sentencing, showed that Johnson Sr., in 2017 and 2018, had two co-conspirators travel to California, obtain large quantities of methamphetamine, and deliver the meth to Johnson Sr. in Sioux City for further distribution. The co-conspirators delivered between one and five pounds of methamphetamine to Johnson Sr. Evidence at trial also showed that in 2018 and 2019, Johnson Sr. arranged for meth to be mailed from California to various coconspirators in Sioux City. The packages contained from 2-5 pounds of methamphetamine as well as cocaine and marijuana, and were primarily provided to Johnson Sr. for further distribution.
Sentencing was held before United States Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Johnson, Sr. was sentenced to 264 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Johnson, Sr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the United States Postal Service, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4065. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sex Trafficker Leader Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping in Relation to a Sex Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Joshua Lankford, a/k/a “20-20”, a/k/a “Light Bright”, a/k/a “Yellow”, age 33, of Manchester, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to kidnapping in relation to a sex trafficking conspiracy.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Michael McDermott of the Federalsburg Police Department; and Colonel Melissa Zebley of the Delaware State Police Department.
“This case is a prime example of the horrendous realities surrounding human trafficking and why our office works fiercely to combat it,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “Lankford took advantage of an at-risk woman’s drug addiction and her desire to be reunited with her son to lure her into a dehumanizing sex trafficking trap. He then intended to kill her to undermine the federal prosecution of his crimes at trial. Our office remains dedicated to the prosecution of sex traffickers, and most importantly, to the protection of sex trafficking survivors within our cases.”
“Sex trafficking is a horrific crime that deprives some of the most vulnerable people in our society of their freedom and dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s the Civil Rights Division. “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman and cruelly exploited her for his profit. The Civil Rights Division will continue its vigorous enforcement of our human trafficking laws to hold perpetrators accountable and to seek justice for their victims.”
“Joshua Lankford’s crimes are nothing short of horrific; he kidnapped and victimized a vulnerable woman then plotted to kill her in order to save himself,” said Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore. “Fortunately, he will now face the consequences of his actions. HSI Baltimore is proud to have partnered with the Maryland State Police, the Delaware State Police and the Federalsburg Police Department to bring Lankford to justice. HSI remains committed to investigating human trafficking organizations as they prey upon the most vulnerable populations in our communities.”
According to his guilty plea, from Oct. 25, 2018, to Oct. 30, 2018, Lankford led and organized a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and to commit kidnapping. The evidence indicated that Lankford recruited the victim, a young adult woman, to engage in prostitution under fraudulent pretenses. Lanford knew that the victim was addicted to heroin and withheld drugs from her when she did make enough money for him engaging in commercial sex. When the victim attempted to escape, Lankford and his three co-defendants drove the victim to a rural road on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where they beat, whipped, and choked her with a belt, and then drove her to a hotel in Delaware to engage in prostitution. All of Lankford’s co-defendants have already pleaded guilty for their participation in this crime.
Lankford was arrested two days later and informed officers that he deleted the contents of his cell phone in anticipation of his apprehension. While incarcerated, Lankford told a co-conspirator that he intended to kill the victim to prevent her from testifying against them at trial.
Lankford and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Lankford will be sentenced to 17 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
Report suspected instances of human trafficking and sex trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke commended the HSI Baltimore and Philadelphia offices, the Maryland State Police Department, the Federalsburg Police Department, and the Delaware State Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary W. Setzer and Leah Branch of the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution unit, 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/human-trafficking and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Sex Trafficker Leader Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping in Relation to Sex Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
Joshua Lankford, aka “20-20,” aka “Light Bright,” aka “Yellow,” 33, of Manchester, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to kidnapping in relation to a sex trafficking conspiracy.
According to his guilty plea, from Oct. 25, 2018, to Oct. 30, 2018, Lankford led and organized a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and to commit kidnapping. The evidence indicated that Lankford recruited the victim, a young adult woman, to engage in prostitution under fraudulent pretenses. Lanford knew that the victim was addicted to heroin and withheld drugs from her when she did make enough money for him engaging in commercial sex. When the victim attempted to escape, Lankford and his three co-defendants drove the victim to a rural road on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where they beat, whipped and choked her with a belt, and then drove her to a hotel in Delaware to engage in prostitution. All of Lankford’s co-defendants have already pleaded guilty for their participation in this crime.
“Sex trafficking is a horrific crime that deprives some of the most vulnerable people in our society of their freedom and dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s the Civil Rights Division. “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman and cruelly exploited her for his profit. The Civil Rights Division will continue its vigorous enforcement of our human trafficking laws to hold perpetrators accountable and to seek justice for their victims.”
“This case is a prime example of the horrendous realities surrounding human trafficking and why our office works fiercely to combat it,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “Lankford took advantage of an at-risk woman’s drug addiction and her desire to be reunited with her son to lure her into a dehumanizing sex trafficking trap. He then intended to kill her to undermine the federal prosecution of his crimes at trial. Our office remains dedicated to the prosecution of sex traffickers, and most importantly, to the protection of sex trafficking survivors within our cases.”
“Joshua Lankford’s crimes are nothing short of horrific; he kidnapped and victimized a vulnerable woman then plotted to kill her in order to save himself,” said Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore. “Fortunately, he will now face the consequences of his actions. HSI Baltimore is proud to have partnered with the Maryland State Police, the Delaware State Police and the Federalsburg Police Department to bring Lankford to justice. HSI remains committed to investigating human trafficking organizations as they prey upon the most vulnerable populations in our communities.”
Lankford was arrested two days later and informed officers that he deleted the contents of his cell phone in anticipation of his apprehension. While incarcerated, Lankford told a co-conspirator that he intended to kill the victim to prevent her from testifying against them at trial.
Lankford and the government have agreed that, if the court accepts the plea agreement, Lankford will be sentenced to 17 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for April 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Report suspected instances of human trafficking and sex trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General Clarke; U.S. Attorney Barron; Special Agent in Charge Mancuso of HSI Baltimore; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Michael McDermott of the Federalsburg Police Department; and Colonel Melissa Zebley of the Delaware State Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Setzer of the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Leah L. Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Seven More Charged in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans recently unsealed the indictment of FLORENCE RANDLE (“RANDLE”), age 70, of Gibson; STACIE WHEATEN (“WHEATEN”), age 50, of Atlanta; JOSEPH BREWTON (“BREWTON”), age 56, of Houma; DAVID BROWN (“BROWN”), age 50, of Morgan City; GILDA HENDERSON (“HENDERSON”), age 69, of Morgan City; LATRELL JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 30, of New Orleans; and LARRY PICOU (“PICOU”), age 56, of Gibson. The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2022 and unsealed after the arrests of BROWN and PICOU. This indictment brings the total number of defendants charged in the federal probe into the staging of accidents with tractor-trailers to 47.
All seven defendants were charged in a 10-count federal indictment. All of the defendants were charged in Count 1 with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. BREWTON was charged in Counts 2-7 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU were charged in Counts 5 and 6 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. RANDLE and WHEATEN were charged in Counts 7 through 10, which charge Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to each of the Mail Fraud counts. Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count is also applicable.
According to court documents, BREWTON, RANDLE, and WHEATEN served as intermediaries who directed passengers to participate in staged automobile accidents. BREWTON helped to arrange collisions that took place on March 27, 2017 and May 11, 2017. RANDLE and WHEATEN helped to coordinate collisions on May 17, 2017 and June 5, 2017.
The indictment alleges that BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU falsely claimed that they were passengers in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, the defendants conspired with BREWTON, Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. After the intentional collision, BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
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Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment in Brooklyn Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Gerod Woodberry was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 10 years’ imprisonment for a series of bank robberies in December 2019 and January 2020 in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Woodberry pleaded guilty in July 2021.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“The defendant has been held accountable in federal court for a 16-day crime spree in which he robbed or attempted to rob six banks,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I commend the members of law enforcement who apprehended the defendant and ended his string of robberies.”
Woodberry robbed or attempted to rob six New York City banks over a 16 day-period. After committing or attempting to commit robberies on December 30, 2019, January 3, 2020, January 6, 2020, and January 8, 2020, in Manhattan, Woodberry was arrested and charged in state court in New York County with the December 30, 2019 bank robbery. On January 10, 2020, Woodberry was released pending trial on the state charges. Several hours after Woodberry’s release from state custody, he entered a Chase Bank branch located at 20 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, presented a demand note to the teller that read, “THIS IS A ROBBERY BIG BILLS ONLY NO DYE PACKS.” Woodberry received $1,000 in cash and fled the bank. On January 14, 2020, Woodberry attempted a sixth robbery at a Citibank branch in Manhattan, where he received no money and fled the bank. In total, Woodberry stole $3,100 from the three banks that he robbed.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jack Dennehy, Devon Lash and Anna Karamigios are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
GEROD WOODBERRY
Age: 44
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-31 (DLI)
Scranton Man Sentenced to Two Years’ Imprisonment for Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edwin Smith, age 27, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for aiding and abetting another to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in order to acquire a Smith & Wesson Shield .45 caliber handgun.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Smith paid another individual to purchase ten firearms from several Scranton-area firearms dealers and make false statements as to the identity of the actual buyer of the firearms. Upon the execution of a search warrant at Smith’s residence, one of the falsely purchased firearms was recovered.
In addition to the two-year imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani order Smith to serve two years of supervised release upon his release from custody. Judge Mariani also ordered that the sentence run consecutive to an unrelated sentence imposed in Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas for a 2020 robbery offense.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher 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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Rhode Island Man Sentenced in COVID-19 Related Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Warwick man charged with executing a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an element of the CARES Act passed by Congress on March 29, 2020, in response to the national crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, was sentenced in federal court in Providence today to three years of supervised release, the first six months of which are to be served in home confinement with electronic monitoring, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
David Andrew Butziger, 53, previously admitted to the court that he, along with co-conspirator David Adler Staveley, 54, of Andover, MA, sought to defraud the PPP by seeking $543,959 in forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA, claiming to have dozens of employees earning wages at four business, when, in fact, there were no employees working at any of them.
Staveley pleaded guilty on May 17, 2021, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and failure to appear in court as required. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy on October 7, 2021, to fifty-six months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
Three weeks after appearing in U.S. District Court in May 2020, and released to home detention with electronic monitoring, Staveley removed his electronic monitoring device, staged his own suicide, and fled. Staveley left suicide notes with associates and left his wallet in his unlocked car that he parked along the ocean in Massachusetts. Further investigation determined that between May 26 and July 23, 2020, Staveley, who was to have appeared in federal court on June 2, 2020, traveled to various states using false identities and stolen license plates. He was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service in Alpharetta, GA., on July 23, 2020.
Staveley’s co-conspirator, Butziger, pleaded guilty on October 18, 2020, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, admitting to the court that he himself sought a bank loan for $105,381.50 to pay seven employees at an unincorporated entity he called Dock Wireless. According to the government’s evidence, Dock Wireless had no employees, and no wages were ever paid by the company.
Butziger also admitted that he conspired with Staveley to submit three fraudulent bank loan applications for SBA loans under the PPP totaling $438,577. The loans were to be used to pay employees at three restaurants Staveley claimed to own, Top of the Bay and Remington House in Warwick and On The Trax in Berlin, MA. According to government’s evidence, Staveley had no ownership interest in any of the business; none of them were open at the time; and there we no employees at time the loan applications were filed.
Today, Butziger was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge McElroy to three years of supervised release, the first six months to be served in home confinement with electronic monitoring, and ordered to pay a fine of $5,000.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
The Justice Department acknowledges and thanks the SBA Office of Inspector General and the FDIC, Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, Gene Paul Schave, 50, is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2010 in Minnesota state court for possessing child pornography. On October 3, 2019, while on supervised release for his previous conviction, Schave was found to be in possession of an Asus tablet that contained more than 3,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors.
On August 12, 2021, following a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Schave on one count of possession of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily A. Polachek and Miranda E. Dugi.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads to Bank Robbery and Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to charges of Bank Robbery and Attempted Bank Robbery, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Timothy Sowinski, age 53, of Pittsburgh, pled guilty to the charges before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
According to information presented to the Court at the time of the plea, Sowinski entered the Northwest Bank on Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh on March 12, 2018, and handed a demand note to the teller, stating that he had a gun and wanted cash. The teller complied with the demand and gave cash to Sowinski, who then fled the bank. Two days later, Sowinski entered the PNC Bank on Walnut Street in Pittsburgh and presented a similar note, but the teller did not immediately understand what Sowinski wanted. Another teller saw what was happening and activated the bank’s alarm. Sowinski then fled the scene. The Pittsburgh Police received information that Sowinski was likely the robber in both instances, and on the following day they located him and interviewed him. Sowinski then confessed and admitted that he had been the perpetrator at both banks.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Sowinski for June 1, 2022. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $50, 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Pine Ridge Man Charged with Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder.
Julian Hard Heart, age 19, was indicted on January 20, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 26, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about November 28, 2021, Hard Heart murdered Devon Elk Boy. The charges are merely an accusation and Hard Heart is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Hard Heart was detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 5, 2022.
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Passaic County Man Charged with Attempted Robbery of Two U.S. Postal Service EmployeesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was indicted today for assaulting and attempting to rob two U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers in January 2021, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Yeniser Cruz Perez, 20, of Paterson, New Jersey, was charged by indictment with two counts of assault and attempted robbery of persons having control over mail matter and government property. He will be arraigned at a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 20, 2021, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Cruz Perez approached Victim 1, a USPS mail carrier and demanded that the victim give him a USPS key that is used to access mail collection boxes and apartment panels. Cruz Perez displayed what appeared to be a firearm. Cruz Perez fled after learning that Victim 1 did not possess such a key.
Later that day, in Woodland Park, New Jersey, Cruz Perez approached Victim 2, another USPS mail carrier, and again demanded a USPS key. Cruz Perez again pulled what appeared to be a firearm from his clothing. Cruz Perez again fled after learning that Victim 2 did not have the key.
Each count of assault and attempted robbery charged in the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero; the Wyckoff Police Department, under the direction of Chief David V. Murphy; and the Woodland Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Uzzalino with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the Health Care Fraud Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Passaic County Doctor Charged with 34 Counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, doctor was charged today with multiple counts of illegally prescribing medicines to his patients, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Evangelos Megariotis, 68, of Clifton, New Jersey, an orthopedic surgeon who owned and operated Clifton Orthopedic Associates, is charged by indictment with 34 counts of illegally prescribing controlled substances to his patients.
According to the documents filed in this case:
From November 2016 to February 2018, Megariotis prescribed controlled substances, including oxycodone, alprazolam (or “Xanax”), cough syrup with codeine, and stimulants, outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
The counts charging illegal prescribing of Schedule II opioids and stimulants are punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The counts charging illegal prescribing of alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance, are punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The counts charging illegal prescribing of cough syrup with codeine, a Schedule V controlled substance, are punishable by a maximum of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents, diversion investigators and task force officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Spiro of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal firearm charge.
According to statements made in court, on or about January 26, 2021, Shawn Mackenzie Tant, 43, was in possession of a Harrington and Richardson .38 caliber revolver. Tant was sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in front of a retail establishment on the south side of Parkersburg when he had contact with officers from the Parkersburg Police Department. The firearm was located by officers on the dash of the vehicle near the windshield. Tant admitted that he knew he was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to three prior felony convictions in Wood County Circuit Court for delivery of a controlled substance. Tant has a long criminal history to include three domestic battery convictions as well as convictions for domestic assault, battery, and battery of a police officer.
Tant pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on May 12, 2022.
United States Attorney William S. Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00232.
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Parent Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former senior gaming and hospitality executive was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his participation in a conspiracy to facilitate his daughter’s admission to the University of Southern California (USC) as a purported basketball recruit through bribery and fraud.
Gamal Abdelaziz, 65, of Las Vegas, Nev., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to one year and one day in prison, two years of supervised release, 400 hours of community service and a fine of $250,000. On Oct. 8, 2021, Abdelaziz was convicted following a four-week jury trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and honest services mail fraud and wire fraud; and one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery.
In 2017, Abdelaziz agreed to pay a co-conspirator, William “Rick” Singer, $300,000 to facilitate the admission of Abdelaziz’s daughter to USC as a purported basketball recruit. At the time, Abdelaziz’s daughter had not played basketball in well over a year and she had never been a member of her high school’s varsity basketball team.
As part of the scheme, a co-conspirator created a basketball profile for Abdelaziz’s daughter which included a photo of a different athlete and listed falsified awards and athletic honors. Another co-conspirator who was employed in the USC athletic department, then used that fake profile to secure the admission of Abdelaziz’s daughter to USC as a purported basketball recruit. Abdelaziz later wired $300,000 to Singer’s sham charity, the Key Worldwide Foundation, in exchange for the fraudulent admission.
Singer previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney and Ian Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
UPDATE: In May 2023, The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the defendant’s jury conviction. In June 2023, the government moved to dismiss all criminal charges against defendant Gamal Abdelaziz.
Monroe Area Men Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegally Possessing Firearms and DrugsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Two men from the Monroe, Louisiana area were sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty in separate cases on charges of illegal possession of firearms and drugs, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
Brent Thomas Chavers, 36, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Chavers pleaded guilty on October 18, 2021, to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charges stem from two separate incidents involving Chavers. The first incident occurred on October 3, 2019, when a deputy with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office stopped the vehicle Chavers was driving for a traffic violation. When the deputy approached the vehicle, he observed a shotgun in the backseat in plain view. Chavers admitted to the deputy that he was a previously convicted felon, and he was arrested. After a search of the vehicle, the deputy found a bag in the front seat which contained methamphetamine. Chavers admitted to possessing the gun and drugs.
The second incident occurred on January 5, 2021, when deputies stopped Chavers for operating a four wheeler in the wrong lane of traffic. Deputies conducted a pat search and found methamphetamine in a clear plastic baggie in his waistband. He admitted to deputies that he had been driving around attempting to sell narcotics and was returning home. Deputies transported Chavers to his residence and after he consented, they searched the residence and found a safe inside his bedroom with more plastic bags containing methamphetamine, as well as other narcotics packaged for sale. Chavers admitted to possession of the methamphetamine to law enforcement officers.
In a separate and unrelated case, Dondurius Oshay Scott, 29, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 102 months (8 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On July 11, 2018, deputies with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle being driven by Scott for a traffic violation. Deputies observed a loaded pistol magazine on the front passenger seat, then saw a pistol on the ground near the front driver’s side tire. Scott admitted to being in possession of the firearm knowing that as a convicted felon he was prohibited from doing so. Scott has a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit second degree murder in 2015.
These cases were investigated by the ATF and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Shannon and Leon H. Whitten.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Mid-State Man Charged in Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal indictment unsealed today, charges Gregory Michael Vogel, aka Gregory Michael Schneider, 49, formerly of Hendersonville, Tenn. and Gallatin, Tenn., with eight counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in relation to an investment scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Vogel was arrested this morning by federal agents and will make an appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge later today.
According to the indictment, between April 2015 and May 2019, Vogel devised a scheme to defraud investors by soliciting individuals to make investments with his company in foreign currency exchange (forex) websites and software. Vogel claimed that these forex websites would generate substantial revenue, providing investors with thousands of dollars in monthly profits, before eventually being sold to a third party, so that Vogel and the investor could both realize an even greater return on the investment.
The indictment also alleges that Vogel induced investors to make investments in the forex websites by omitting and concealing material information about Vogel’s background and investment history, his management of the forex websites, his breaches of promises and contractual provisions, and the actual ownership structure of the forex websites.
Some of the omitted material information included that Vogel, under his prior name of Gregory Michael Schneider, had been sued by investors for a previous investment offering and was found liable for committing fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and conversion, among other acts. As a result, Vogel was permanently enjoined from soliciting or providing any business investments or investment advice in the future. Vogel had also been sued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and entered into a consent order in which he was permanently enjoined from trading or participating in certain transactions supervised by the CFTC.
As a result of this scheme, Vogel and his business received more than $1 million from more than a dozen investors, much of which he converted to his own personal use.
If convicted, Vogel faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count, and up to 10 years in prison for money laundering. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation in which the government seeks to forfeit any property derived from the proceeds of the crimes, including a money judgement in the amount of at least $1,177,540.00.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Suedekum is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Marine Based at Camp Pendleton Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Cyberstalking of Young Women in Sextortion CampaignRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton was arrested Tuesday on charges that he cyberstalked multiple young women with ties to his former hometown of Torrance in a “sextortion” campaign.
Johao Miguel Chavarri, 25, of Oceanside, is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed following his arrest, from 2019 through 2021, Chavarri, using the online alias “Michael Frito,” created and used numerous online accounts to repeatedly stalk, harass, and threaten women who would not give in to his demands that, among other things, they send him nude, sexually explicit or otherwise compromising photos and videos of themselves. This type of conduct is commonly referred to as sextortion. According to the complaint, in some cases, his cyberstalking, threats and sextortion demands continued for over a year.
Chavarri’s harassing and extortionate threats and demands of the victims generally followed a pattern outlined in complaint affidavit. In some instances, he allegedly demanded that the victims provide him with sexual photos or videos of themselves, or photos or videos of their feet. In other instances, he demanded that they respond to him and communicate online with him.
According to the complaint, in multiple instances, Chavarri threatened that, if his victims refused to comply with his demands, he would publish sexually explicit photos and videos of the victims online or on well-known pornography websites. He also allegedly threatened to distribute the photos or videos to the victims’ boyfriends, friends, families or employers, whom he would often identify by name.
According to the complaint, one message sent by Chavarri to multiple victims via Instagram stated that he would spend his “whole life ruining” their lives. Chavarri allegedly also created fake social media accounts mimicking some of the victims’ names and sent harassing messages to some of the victims’ friends and family members.
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.
Chavarri is charged with stalking. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Anyone who believes they are a victim in this case or is aware of a victim in this case is urged to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, which can be reached 24 hours a day at (310) 477-6565.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Justice Department Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.