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Thursday 3 February 2022
Phelps County Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that David James Burke, 32, of Funk, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 92 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. Upon his release from prison, he will serve four years of supervised release. He will also forfeit $6,480.00 in United States currency.
On October 23, 2017, the Nebraska State Patrol obtained a search warrant for Burke’s residence in Funk, Nebraska. During the execution of the search warrant at Burke's residence, law enforcement officers found a pill bottle containing 54.42 grams methamphetamine and $6,480 dollars in U.S. currency. Law enforcement also seized a Taurus 357 magnum revolver from the armrest of the couch in the living room. Burke’s sentence was enhanced for possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Parker Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Unregistered Sawed Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Tuesday, Ryan Matthew Swick, 34, of Parker, Arizona was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 28 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Swick previously pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered weapon made from a shotgun.
On May 26, 2020, Swick possessed a modified shotgun. The barrel of the shotgun had been shortened to just 13.5 inches, below the required 18-inch length. The overall length of the shotgun was also under the legally required length of 26 inches. Because the shotgun was shortened, Swick was required to register the weapon with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, which he failed to do.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-20-00775-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-008_Swick# # #
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.Oxford Felon Sentenced to 2 Years of Federal Supervision for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Stephen J. Robeson, 58, of Oxford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one day in custody with credit for time served for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also ordered to spend two years on supervised release. Robeson pleaded guilty to this charge on October 19, 2021.
On September 26, 2020, Robeson bought a .50 caliber rifle from a man he met at church. The man delivered the gun to Robeson and went shooting with him before the purchase was finalized. Several months later, Robeson sold the gun to a person he met on Facebook messenger. At the time of the purchase, Robeson knew that he was not allowed to possess the firearm because he had previously been convicted of felony insurance fraud.
In sentencing Robeson to supervised release, Judge Conley noted that while the defendant had an extensive criminal history, his last conviction was in 2005. He also found it mitigating that the defendant possessed a long gun suitable for collection and only possessed it for a short period of time.
The charge against Robeson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Chadwick Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Ohio Man Pleads to Selling Drugs in Butler, PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Marshall Grimes, age 42, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 2018 and December 2018, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Butler County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into Marshall Grimes, a known drug dealer from Columbus, OH who was operating in Butler, PA. On December 11, 2018, law enforcement received a 911 call regarding the apartment building where Grimes and his co-conspirators distributed narcotics. Thereafter, officers responded and detained Grimes. During a consensual search of the apartments used by Grimes and his associates, law enforcement recovered approximately 280 grams of cocaine, 80 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, $11,989.00, and a loaded firearm.Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2022, at 11:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The defendant remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and Butler County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Grimes.
Norwich Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT GRANT HALL, also known as “Chevy,” 41, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, crack and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a narcotics trafficking organization that was operating in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of crack, revealed that Hall and others were distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine to drug users and other street-level dealers.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Hall and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. On July 29, 2021, Hall pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Hall has been detained in federal custody since March 27, 2019.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth Marc H. Silverman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Naval Seaman Pleads Guilty to CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Naval seaman Sergio Reinaldo Williams pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he sent graphic sexual messages via social media to a civilian woman and members of her family, posted sexual videos of her on Pornhub.com without her knowledge or consent, and sent screenshots of the Pornhub.com videos to the victim’s niece.
According to the plea agreement, Williams caused substantial emotional distress to the victim and her family with his virtual attacks. He admitted that he wrote a Facebook message to the victim on October 11, 2020: “I know it all. Don't worry about it the rest of the world will too. I felt your pain, now you're going to feel mine…you will remember me no matter what.”
After Williams posted the videos on Pornhub and the victim texted him about it, Williams replied: “You did this. Like I said, I felt your sting, now you’re going to feel mine.”
Williams also repeatedly threatened the victim, texting her “I'm always around and my eyes are everywhere” and, after she blocked him on social media, “U want it to be over with and this fade away, unblock me and video me…it will only get worse if u don’t.”
“The defendant conducted a disturbing campaign of revenge, harassment and intimidation that inflicted tremendous emotional distress on the victim and her family,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are committed to seeking justice for victims of cyberstalking and holding the stalkers accountable for their malicious and devastating virtual attacks.” Grossman commended the prosecution team and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and DOJ teams that diligently pursued this matter.
Williams is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant for sentencing on May 2, 2022 at 9 a.m.
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Those who have experienced cyberstalking by an active duty service member are urged to contact the following anonymous tip lines: https://www.ncis.navy.mil/Resources/NCIS-Tips/ (Navy and Marines), https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html (Army), and https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ (Air Force), or call the Department of Defense Hotline at (800) 424-9098. Victims of cyberstalking by non-active duty members should contact local law enforcement or their FBI or HSI field office.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr2192-BAS
Sergio Reinaldo Williams Age: 36 Coronado, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Multiple India-based call centers and their directors indicted for perpetuating phone scams affecting thousands of AmericansRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A superseding indictment has been unsealed against multiple Indian-based call centers and their directors charging that each of them conspired with the previously–indicted VoIP provider E Sampark, and its Director, Guarav Gupta, to forward tens of millions of scam calls to American consumers. The call centers and their directors place the initial scam calls, and the VoIP provider forwards those calls into this country, whereupon the call centers speak to —and attempt to defraud — the American-based victims.
“Scam robocalls cause emotional and financial devastation to victims, particularly our vulnerable and elderly populations,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine. “These India-based call centers allegedly scared their victims and stole their money, including some victims’ entire life savings.”
“These developments demonstrate the commitment of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to investigate and bring to justice those that victimize the American taxpayer,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “The defendants engaged in multiple scams, often targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The success of this investigation is the result of a collaborative effort between TIGTA and the dedicated staff at the United States Attorney’s Office.”
According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges, and other information presented in court: Criminal India-based call centers defraud U.S. residents, including the elderly, by misleading victims over the telephone utilizing scams such as Social Security and IRS impersonation as well as loan fraud.
As part of their Social Security scam, India-based callers pose as federal agents in order to mislead victims into believing that their Social Security numbers were involved in crimes. As part of the IRS scam, the callers pose as IRS employees and tell victims that they owe back taxes. In both scenarios, the call centers threaten to arrest the victim if the victim does not send money. Based on misrepresentations made during the calls, the victims, including a number of Georgia residents, mailed money to a network of individuals who allegedly laundered funds on behalf of the overseas fraud network.
As part of the loan scam, India-based callers mislead American consumers into believing that the callers work for lending institutions and that the victims are eligible for fictitious loans. The India–based callers direct the victims to pay upfront fees to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan. At times, the callers direct victims to provide their bank account information and make it appear as though they had deposited funds into the victims’ accounts. The callers then tell the victims to withdraw the funds and transfer them via wire transfer and gift cards. After the victims send the funds, the deposits that the callers supposedly made bounce. The victims receive nothing in return.
The Indian-based call centers and their directors named in the superseding indictment are listed below:
- Manu Chawla and Achivers A Spirit of BPO Solutions Private Limited;
- Sushil Sachdeva, Nitin Kumar Wadwani, Swarndeep Singh, a/k/a Sawaran Deep Kohli, and Fintalk Global;
- Dinesh Manohar Sachdev and Global Enterprises;
- Gaje Singh Rathore and Shivaay Communication Private Limited;
- Sanket Modi and SM Technomine Private Limited; and
- Rajiv Solanki and Technomind Info Solutions.
The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Elizabeth McBath is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include romance scams, phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes. For further information on these scams, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert.
The public should exercise caution with any caller who claims to be a government employee. Government agencies will never threaten you with immediate arrest or other legal action if you do not send cash, retail gift cards, wire transfers, or internet currency. They will also never demand secrecy from you in resolving a debt or any other problem.
If you need to send a payment to IRS, the agency will send a letter with payment options and appeal rights. If you suspect you have received an IRS scam call, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at www.tips.tigta.gov or by calling 1-800-366-4484.
If you need to send a payment to Social Security, SSA will send a letter with payment options and appeal rights. If you suspect you have received a Social Security scam call, report it at https://oig.ssa.gov.
The public is reminded that gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. If a stranger purporting to be a legitimate business or government agency demands payment with a gift card, hang up and contact law enforcement yourself. If you have fallen victim of a scam, report it to your local law enforcement and at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Mountain Home Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Mountain Home man pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to statements made in court, on March 15, 2021, Elmore County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle for traffic violations in Mountain Home, Idaho. James Doud, 60, of Mountain Home, was the driver of the vehicle and deputies also suspected that Doud was trafficking methamphetamine. During the traffic stop, a K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1286 grams of methamphetamine, eight grams of heroin, a 12-gauge shotgun with associated ammunition, and $4,500 in cash. Doud also delivered approximately 867 grams of methamphetamine to two other individuals roughly 30 minutes prior to the traffic stop. Doud had previously been convicted of burglary and was therefore prohibited from possessing the shotgun.
Doud is scheduled to be sentenced on April 19, 2022 and faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a ten million dollar fine, and at least five years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which led to charges.
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Monroeville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Intending to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Boris Goldshtein, 55, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 26, 2020, Postal Inspectors intercepted a parcel mailed to Goldshtein’s residence that was found to contain approximately 439 grams of methamphetamine. The next day, a federal search warrant was executed on Goldshtein’s residence. Inside the residence, investigators recovered approximately 335 grams of methamphetamine, along with firearms and bulk currency.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2022. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Milbank Man Sentenced on Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Milbank, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 2, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Delvin Eagle Chasing, a/k/a Delvin Baumgarten, age 36, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Eagle Chasing was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 11, 2021. He pled guilty on November 11, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on January 12, 2021, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. An eventual search of the vehicle revealed 37 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Eagle Chasing was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Michigan man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyreese Marsh, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Marion County, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Marsh, 29, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Marsh admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the White Hall Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Michigan man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donovan Swift, of Shelby Township, Michigan, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Swift, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Swift admitted to distributing cocaine in October 2020 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Member of Butler-Based Drug Trafficking Crew SentencedRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Dwayne Smallwood was sentenced to 28 months in prison for conspiring to distribute, and distributing, fentanyl and heroin in Butler, Pennsylvania, between 2017 and 2020, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Smallwood, age 43, formerly of Butler and Philadelphia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. Judge Colville ordered that Smallwood serve six years of supervised release following his prison term.
Smallwood was previously convicted in Philadelphia on two occasions of committing crack cocaine trafficking crimes. He thereafter relocated to Butler in Butler County and trafficked fentanyl and heroin as part of a Butler-based drug trafficking crew between 2017 and 2020. He was on probation during part of that time as a result of separate convictions in Butler County for insurance fraud and crack possession.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force for leading the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
Man from Mescalero faces federal assault chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQERQUE, N.M. – Lance Cojo, 35, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, appeared in federal court on Feb.1 for a preliminary and detention hearing on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner and assault of an intimate partner by strangulation in Indian Country. Cojo will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of Dec. 31, 2021, through Jan. 1, 2022, Cojo allegedly assault the victim, identified in records as A.K., at her residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, in Otero County. Cojo allegedly accused A.K. of cheating on him and assaulted her by stomping on her foot, hitting her in the head multiple times, biting her cheek, burning her shoulder using a smoking pipe and choking her. The next morning, Cojo again allegedly accused A.K. of cheating and grabbed her from her bed, where she and her children were lying, and began to choke her and kick her.
The victim, who is also a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was taken to a medical center for her injuries where she was treated for a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, bruising to both eyes, face, neck and ribs.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Cojo faces up to ten years in prison.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case.
Man Indicted for Allegedly Straw Purchasing 27 Handguns from Stores in the Chicago SuburbsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly straw purchasing 27 handguns from stores in the Chicago suburbs.
MATTHEW JAMAAL JOHNSON purchased the handguns in 2020 and 2021 from licensed firearms dealers in Oak Forest, Ill., Mokena, Ill., Hodgkins, Ill., and Lansing, Ill., and falsely certified on federal forms that he was the actual buyer, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. In reality, Johnson purchased the guns on behalf of another individual, the charges allege.
Johnson, 34, of Dolton, Ill., is charged with 12 counts of making a false and fictitious statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Johnson was arrested Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Chicago. A detention hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Steindorf.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with ATF, the Chicago Police Department, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“Straw purchasers put guns in the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office will continue to use federal laws to prosecute straw purchasers and hold them accountable for trafficking illegally purchased firearms.”
“Straw purchasers play a grave role in enabling the unlawful possession of guns and the violence that follows,” said ATF SAC de Tineo. “Our agents are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to stop the flow of guns to individuals who cannot legally purchase them.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count in the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Man Arrested After Federal Law Enforcement Seizes Fentanyl and “Pill Press” from Suburban Chicago ResidenceRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been arrested on a federal drug charge after law enforcement seized fentanyl and a “pill press” in his suburban Chicago residence.
A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges TROY CLARK, 51, of Calumet City, Ill., with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Law enforcement this week conducted a court-authorized search of Clark’s residence in Calumet City and discovered distribution quantities of fentanyl, as well as equipment that can be used to manufacture counterfeit pills, including a pill press, funnel, metal press, and dye pieces, the complaint states.
Clark was arrested Tuesday. A detention hearing in federal court is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.
The complaint and arrest were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; William Hedrick, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Calumet City Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth E. Palmer.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Long Island MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Racketeering Offenses Including 2016 Murder and Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Carlos Argueta, also known as “Violento,” “Desorden” and “Dylan,” a former leader of the Freeport Locos Salvatruchas (Freeport) clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, a transnational criminal organization, was sentenced by United States Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco to 30 years’ imprisonment for racketeering and firearms charges in connection with his participation in the June 3, 2016 murder of Jose Pena, an MS-13 member who was suspected of violating the gang’s rules, and the January 15, 2016 attempted murder of a suspected rival gang member outside of the Brentwood public library. Argueta pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2019.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.
“Argueta, a violent leader in the MS-13, shot and wounded a so-called ‘rival’ in broad daylight outside of a public library, and then participated in the pre-planned brutal slashing and stabbing death of one of his alleged MS-13 accomplices in that shooting. Today’s lengthy sentence ensures that Argueta will no longer inflict senseless violence and bloodshed on our streets,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I commend our prosecutors and the Long Island Gang Task Force for their steadfast commitment in bringing MS-13 members to justice and eliminating their violence from our communities.”
“Like so many members of MS-13, Carlos Argueta is without any moral compass and has shown zero regard for human life,” stated SCPD Commissioner Harrison. “It is up to law enforcement to send a message to this transnational gang that their violent and homicidal actions have no place in Suffolk County. I would like to thank Eastern District of New York and the Long Island Gang Task Force for their relentless pursuit to ensure individuals like Argueta are held accountable for their crimes.”
On the afternoon of January 15, 2016, Argueta, Pena and several other MS-13 members confronted three suspected rival gang members outside of a public library in Brentwood. Argueta removed a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and shot one of the men, identified as John Doe in the superseding indictment, in the torso. Argueta and the other MS-13 members then fled. The wounded victim received medical treatment and survived.
The Suffolk County police subsequently arrested Argueta, Pena and a third MS-13 member in connection with the attempted murder of John Doe, and they were released on bail. Argueta told other members of the Freeport clique that he suspected that Pena, a member of the Normandie clique of the MS-13, had cooperated with the SCPD. Additionally, members of the MS-13 suspected that Pena was homosexual, which is unacceptable under the rules of the MS-13.
After consulting with MS-13 leaders in El Salvador, Argueta and other MS-13 members agreed to kill Pena, and Argueta assigned tasks to other MS-13 gang members, including procuring weapons and a vehicle to be used in the murder. On June 3, 2016, Argueta and other MS-13 members lured Pena into a car and drove to a secluded area in Brentwood. After walking into the woods, the group attacked Pena, taking turns stabbing and slashing him with knives, and killing him. Pena’s body was found four months later.
Today’s sentencing is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent, transnational criminal organization. The MS-13’s leadership is based in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States. With numerous branches, or “cliques,” the MS-13 is the most violent criminal organization on Long Island. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 60 murders in the Eastern District of New York, and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Hempstead Police Department, the Rockville Centre Police Department and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci and Megan E. Farrell are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
CARLOS ARGUETA (also known as “Violento,” “Desorden” and “Dylan”)
Age: 22
Brentwood, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-510 (S-2) (JFB)
Knoxville Woman Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Embezzling Approximately $725,000, Filing False Tax Returns, and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 3, 2022, Michelle Clabough, 45, of Knoxville, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 44 months by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the Court, Clabough pleaded guilty to two counts of forging private entity securities, in violations of 18 U.S.C. § 513(a), one count of filing a false statement, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1), and one count of filing a false bankruptcy record, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. She was sentenced to 44 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, she was ordered to pay restitution in full in the amount of $725,770 to her former employer and $134,421 to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to documents filed in Court, during a seven-year period while Clabough was employed as an office manager, she forged more than 250 checks and embezzled $725,770 from her employer. During this same time period, Clabough submitted fraudulent tax returns that did not include her stolen income, which resulted in a tax loss of $134,421. Additionally, Clabough submitted a false record in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding in which she failed to disclose the income she obtained through her embezzlement of funds.
The criminal indictment was a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
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Kalispell man who sexually exploited child sentenced to 18 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to taking sexually explicit photographs of a child while boating in Flathead County was sentenced today to 18 years in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Edward Timothy Cockerham, 43, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to sexual exploitation of a child.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“Cockerham victimized a child for his own sexual gratification. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his reprehensible conduct and puts other offenders on notice that they face serious consequences for harming children. Crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children will be fully investigated and prosecuted. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in June 2021, Cockerham went to Ashley Lake in Flathead County with two children. Cockerham took the victim, who was under the age of 18 and was identified as Jane Doe 1, boating. While out on the water, Cockerham touched and took sexually explicit pictures of Jane Doe 1. Jane Doe 1 reported Cockerham’s actions. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office seized Cockerham’s cell phone and searched it pursuant to a warrant. An initial review determined Cockerham had deleted all of the images. A subsequent search of the cell phone by a forensic examiner with the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation located sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 1, along with sexually explicit images of two other child victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to Forcible Resistance, Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to ramming into two law enforcement vehicles while attempting to flee while in possession of methamphetamine and firearms.
Antony M. Quinones, also known as “Droopy,” 49, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer, one count of possessing methamphetamine to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
U.S. Marshal deputies tracked Quinones, who was being sought for absconding from supervision, to a Quality Inn on Nov. 13, 2018. Quinones left the hotel with two females. As he approached his vehicle, deputies attempted a vehicle pin. Quinones hopped in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and attempted to flee from the parking lot. Quinones accelerated his vehicle into two occupied vehicles, causing significant damage. Quinones fled and eventually wrecked into a light pole. He got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. As he fled, he pulled a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol from his waistband just before he was apprehended. Quinones continued to struggle with the deputies but was successfully taken into custody.
Deputies found approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and $3,500 in Quinones’s jacket pockets. Deputies searched Quinones’s vehicle and found 10 ounces of methamphetamine hidden in a stereo box on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. Deputies interviewed the two women who left the hotel with Quinones, who told them he was up in a hotel room using methamphetamine with them. They also said Quinones left a gun in the hotel room. The gun, a Taurus 9mm pistol, was recovered by law enforcement officers.
At the time of his arrest, Quinones was on federal supervised release following his 2004 conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Under federal statutes, Quinones is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the U.S. Marshal Service, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Justice Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture Launch Online Tool Allowing Farmers, Ranchers to Report Anticompetitive PracticesRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture (USDA) launched farmerfairness.gov, a new online tool that allows farmers and ranchers to anonymously report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The launch of the new portal will advance the goals of Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, including by creating more competitive agricultural markets that are fairer to producers and consumers. As part of the agencies’ enforcement partnership, the agencies are signing an interagency memorandum of understanding to further foster cooperation and communication between the agencies and effectively process the complaints received through the portal.
“When we talk about protecting competition in the agricultural sector, we are talking about whether a farmer or a rancher will be paid a fair and competitive price for their goods and labor. When we talk about protecting consumers in this context, we are talking about whether food will be affordable for everyone in America,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s launch of farmerfairness.gov – a one-stop shop to report potential violations of our competitions laws – will allow the Justice Department and USDA to collaborate early and ensure economic opportunity and fairness for all.”
“This new online tool will help USDA and the Justice Department address anticompetitive actions and create livestock and poultry markets that are fairer to our nation’s producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I encourage producers who are aware of potential violations of competition laws to submit information to the portal so we can take appropriate action to create more competitive markets in the agricultural sector.”
Complaints or tips will go through a preliminary review by Department of Justice Antitrust Division staff and USDA Packers and Stockyards Division staff. If a complaint raises sufficient concern under the Packers and Stockyards Act or antitrust laws, it will be selected for further investigation by the appropriate agency. This action may lead to the opening of a formal investigation.
Users can submit information under their names or may submit anonymous complaints. If a complainant provides their personal information, Justice Department or USDA staff will only contact them if additional information is needed. To submit an anonymous complaint, users can provide information about the potential violation without including their names or contact information.
For any information provided, the Justice Department and USDA will follow their respective privacy and confidentiality policies found at: Justice Department Confidentiality and USDA Privacy. Packers and Stockyards regulations regarding confidentiality also apply: PSD Confidentiality. The Justice Department and USDA commit to supporting relevant whistleblower protections, including newly applicable protections for criminal antitrust complainants against unlawful retaliation.
The meatpacking industry has consolidated rapidly in recent decades. Meanwhile, farmers’ share of the value of their agricultural products has decreased, and poultry farmers, hog farmers, cattle ranchers and other agricultural workers may struggle to retain autonomy and to make sustainable incomes.
For example, ranchers received more than 60 cents of every dollar a consumer spent on beef 50 years ago, compared to approximately 39 cents today. Hog farmers fared worse over the past 50 years, as their share of the consumer dollar fell from between 40 to 60 cents 50 years ago to approximately 19 cents today.
Producers who choose not to use the farmerfairness.gov portal also can submit complaints about potentially anticompetitive practices by emailing [email protected]; calling (833) 342-5773; faxing (202) 205-9237; or mailing Stop 3601, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-3601.
Iowa “Con Artist” Returned to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Arnolds Park man who defrauded a Florida innkeeper while on supervised release on bank fraud and wire charges was sentenced on February 1, 2022, to three years in federal prison. Ronald Goldberg, age 63, from Arnold’s Park, Iowa, received the prison term after a three-day hearing in federal court in Sioux City.
Evidence at the supervised release revocation and detention hearings showed that, in January 2019, Goldberg checked into an ocean-front hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, with a credit card from a luxury automobile dealership in Dallas, Texas. When the automobile dealership called the hotel to question a charge on its credit card bill, the hotel confronted Goldberg. Goldberg then left the hotel in the middle of the night without paying his hotel bill in full.
At the time of the incident at the Palm Beach hotel, Goldberg was on supervised release for a 2016 conviction in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota for two counts of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. Goldberg has a lengthy criminal history, including prior federal convictions for wire fraud and interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, interstate transportation of stolen securities, possession of stolen securities, bank fraud, and attempted escape in the Southern District of Florida, forging a signature of a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Wire Fraud in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. After the Iowa federal court issued a warrant for Goldberg’s arrest in 2021 to answer for the 2019 incident, Goldberg did not surrender himself and ultimately was arrested in a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Goldberg was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. At the hearing, Chief Judge Strand found Goldberg committed the Florida crime of defrauding an innkeeper, a felony, but not a separate charge of unauthorized use of a credit card. In imposing sentence, Chief Judge Strand referred to Goldberg as a “con artist” with a lengthy history of defrauding victims. Goldberg, who holds himself out as a fine Italian wine importer, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Goldberg is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 16-CR-4066-LTS.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Human Smuggling Coordinator Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Benjamin Gallegos, 24, of Nogales, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court today in connection with his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization operating in the Nogales, Arizona area.
During a proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce G. Macdonald, Gallegos admitted that he conspired to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit. Specifically, Gallegos managed, organized, and coordinated other co-conspirators to drive, provide guide services, and operate stash houses for undocumented persons seeking to be smuggled into the United States. Over the course of the conspiracy, Gallegos coordinated smuggling operations for well over 100 undocumented persons entering the country from Mexico.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit carries a maximum penalty of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
Sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Scott H. Rash on April 22, 2022.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Nogales Office, with assistance from United States Border Patrol. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorney’s Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the Task Force.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-1322-TUC-SHR-BGM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-007_Gallegos# # #
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.Havre man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted to drug trafficking and firearms crimes after law enforcement found methamphetamine, fentanyl, a gun and a large amount of cash in his motel room was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, said U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
Brandon Wayne Glover, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2014, Glover was convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute meth. In November 2020, law enforcement received information that Glover was distributing meth in Havre, and an informant bought about a half-ounce of meth from Glover at a Havre casino. In December 2020, officers arrested Glover on a warrant based on supervised release violations in his prior federal meth trafficking case. Agents secured a motel room in Havre where Glover had been staying and applied for a search warrant. In the meantime, agents received recorded jail calls in which Glover asked his mother for help retrieving items from the room where he had been staying and specifically asked her to look under the bed. Glover’s mother went to the motel room and was turned away. Agents executed a search warrant for the motel room and found 420 grams, or almost a pound, of meth, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl pills. Agents also found about $12,100 in cash under the bed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Havre Police Department and the Tri-Agency Task Force.
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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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ajear Anthony Miller-Carter, age 22, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for a firearm offense.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 30, 2021, in Union County, Miller-Carter possessed a Taurus PT111G2 9MM pistol as a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Firearms Tobacco (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting 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.
If convicted, Miller-Carter faces a maximum penalty under federal law for this offense of 10-years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jesse Tillison, age 33, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Tillison possessed cocaine base for distribution in Dauphin County on January 25, 2021. The indictment further alleges that Tillison possessed a Ruger semiautomatic .380 pistol during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Gulfport Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced to 103 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
According to court records, on September 29, 2020, Gulfport Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Marcus Deshun Agee a/k/a ABK-Spurt, 31, of Gulfport. After initially fleeing in his vehicle, Agee continued to flee on foot and successfully eluded law enforcement officers. Officers secured the vehicle and recovered approximately 200 grams of marijuana packaged in 67 separate packages. They also recovered a Glock 17 pistol in the vehicle. Officers determined that Agee had multiple prior felony convictions.
DEA agents obtained a federal arrest warrant for Agee based upon the September 29, 2020, traffic stop. On November 3, 2020, law enforcement officers saw Agee driving the same vehicle and attempted to make another traffic stop. Again, Agee refused to comply and attempted to flee. When Agee eventually stopped the vehicle, he again fled on foot but was apprehended.
Agee pled guilty on June 16, 2021 to possessing the Glock 17 pistol that was located in the vehicle during the first stop. He was sentenced on January 28, 2022, in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
The DEA investigated this case with assistance from the Gulfport Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Georgia, Florida attorneys indicted for COVID-19 fraud schemeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Two attorneys and a Savannah man have been indicted on multiple felony charges in the Southern District of Georgia for a wide-ranging COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
Shaquandra Woods, 39, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Courtney Gilchrist, 36, of Savannah; and Kenneth Jackson, 43, of Savannah, are named in the eight-count indictment returned by a U.S. District Grand Jury charging them with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and other felonies, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carried statutory penalties upon conviction of up to 30 years in federal prison followed by a period of supervised release, along with substantial financial penalties and restitution to the U.S. government.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“When Congress appropriated funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the intention was to provide a safety net for small businesses struggling from the effects of a global pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who would attempt to undermine these programs for their own profit.”
As described in the indictment, Woods is an attorney licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia, and Gilchrist is an attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia. The indictment alleges that Woods, Gilchrist, and Jackson “fraudulently sought and collectively received hundreds of thousands of dollars in relief payments by making false and fraudulent representations to the Small Business Administration (SBA).”
As authorized by the CARES Act, SBA provided Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment alleges the conspirators used fraudulent documents to submit multiple EIDL applications resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in disbursements from the SBA.
All three defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Woods also is charged with two counts of False Statement on Loan Applications and two counts of False Documents. Gilchrist also is charged with two counts of False Statement on Loan Application, False Documents, and a False Statement, and Jackson also is charged with a False Statement.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 investigated by the FBI and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Porter and Patrick J. Schwedler.
Franklin County, NY, Man Going to Prison for His Role in Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Victims Out of $2,000,000Read 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 Anthony Laughing, Jr., 49, of Hogansburg, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between September 2015 and March 2020, Laughing conspired with multiple co-defendants, including ringleader Martin Hogan, to defraud elderly victims using a fraudulent telemarketing scheme. Hogan placed telephone calls from Canada to victims in the United States, telling them that they had won the Canadian lottery. However, victims were told that they had to first pay the taxes, brokerage fee, and/or custom fees due in connection with the winnings. Some victims were instructed to mail cash to addresses controlled by Laughing, who accepted over 300 packages. The cash was then smuggled over the border into Canada and given to Laughing’s Canadian co-conspirators. Laughing kept a portion of the money he accepted as part of the scheme. In total, the scheme involved over $2,000,000 in funds obtained from elderly victims.
Martin Hogan was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, Border Enforcement Security Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office, and the Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the extradition of defendant Martin Hogan from Jamaica.
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Former corrections officer arraigned on drug trafficking and contraband chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dennis Dean Garcia, Jr., 34, of Grants, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on Feb. 2 on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and attempt to provide contraband in prison. Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 25.
Garcia was employed as a corrections officer at the Cibola County Corrections Center (CCCC) from January 2019 until Feb. 22, 2021. According to the indictment and other court records, on Feb. 22, 2021, CCCC personnel monitoring surveillance video allegedly observed Garcia remove an item from his pocket and place it into a box in a storage room. The item was recovered from the storage room and taken to the warden’s office for examination. Investigators found it to contain approximately 104 grams of methamphetamine.
“Garcia allegedly smuggled drugs into the Cibola County Corrections Center, compromising the safety and security of the institution,” said Cloey C. Pierce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Dallas Field Office.
“It's an unfortunate reality that people in all professional positions can become involved in criminal activity,” said Greg Millard, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “But the men and women of the DEA will investigate those who commit such crimes and keep them accountable.”
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Garcia is currently out of custody on conditions of release. If convicted on the drug charge, Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. If convicted on the contraband charge, he would face up to 20 years in prison.
The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Albuquerque District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert I. Goldaris is prosecuting the case.
Former President of Energy Company Indicted for Commodities Insider Trading and Kickback SchemesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Houston returned an indictment today charging a Texas man for an illegal kickback scheme and a commodities insider trading scheme involving natural gas futures.
According to court documents, Matthew Clark, 54, of The Woodlands, worked as a natural gas trader and as president of an energy company based in Houston. The indictment alleges that Clark conspired with others to receive kickbacks from commission fees paid by Clark’s employer to Classic Energy LLC, a brokerage firm owned and operated by Matthew Webb. In exchange for these commission fee kickbacks, Clark agreed to direct his employer’s trades to Webb’s brokerage.
According to the indictment, Clark conspired with others to misappropriate his employer’s material, nonpublic information and to engage in prohibited commodities transactions, including illegal prearranged trades, in natural gas futures contracts for his own, and his co-conspirators’, personal gain. Clark and his co-conspirators caused prices to be reported, recorded and registered on designated commodities markets that were not true, bona fide prices. The profits from these fraudulent trades were split among Clark and his co-conspirators.
Clark is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, three counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, two counts of prohibited commodities transactions and two counts of insider trading. The defendant will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. If convicted, he faces a maximum total penalty of 130 years in prison for these charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In a related case, Peter Miller, 41, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud today. Miller, who is alleged to be one of Clark’s co-conspirators, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12.
In four other related cases, Marcus Schultz, 41, of Houston; John Ed James, 51, of Katy, Texas; Webb, 51, of Tiki Island, Texas; and Lee Tippett, 62, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty on July 20, 2020, Feb. 1, 2021, June 15, 2021, and Aug. 17, 2021, respectively. Schultz pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. James pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud. Webb pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. Tippett pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and honest services wire fraud.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery for the Southern District of Texas; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi of the FBI’s Houston Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Houston Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite and Trial Attorney Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Deputy Chief Suzanne Elmilady and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zahra Fenelon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Georgia Department of Corrections Inmate Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud VictimsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that an Atlanta, Georgia man, who was an inmate serving time in the Georgia Department of Corrections at the time of his crimes, has pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy in the Western District of Louisiana. Andre Deaveon Reese, 32, entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Donald E. Walter on January 28, 2022.
According to evidence presented to the court at the hearing, while serving time in the Autry State Prison (Autry) in Georgia in 2015, and continuing through July 2020, Reese participated in a scheme to defraud victims by telling them they had failed to appear for jury duty and a warrant had been issued for their arrest. To carry out this scheme, inmates used contraband cellular telephones from inside Autry to access internet websites to identify the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of potential fraud victims. Using the cellular telephones, inmates called the victims who name, and number had been obtained and made certain false misrepresentations to the victims. The inmates told the victims that they were law enforcement officials and that the victim had unlawfully failed to appear for jury duty. In addition, the victims were told that because they had failed to appear for jury duty, warrants had been issued for their arrest and the victim had a choice of being arrested on the warrant or pay a fine to have the arrest warrant dismissed.
To make the calls seem real, Reese, along with other inmates, created fictitious voicemail greetings on their contraband cellular telephones used by the inmates, identifying themselves as members of legitimate law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal Service. For those victims who wanted to pay a fine, the inmates instructed them to purchase pre-paid cash cards and provide the account number of the cash card or the victim could wire money directly into a pre-paid debit card account held by the inmates or one of the co-conspirators. Based on these false representations, the victims electronically transferred money to the inmates because they believe that the funds would be used to pay the fine.
After a victim provided an inmate with the account number of the pre-paid cash card, the inmates then used their contraband cellular telephones to contact co-conspirators, who were not incarcerated, to have those individuals transfer the money from the cash card purchased by the victims to a pre-paid debit card possessed by the co-conspirators. The co-conspirators would then withdraw the victim’s money via an automated teller machine or at a retail store.
In August of 2016, two individuals, ages 75 and 78, living in the Western District of Louisiana, became victims of Reese’s scheme. The victims believed the callers, who were inmates posing as legitimate law enforcement officers, and followed their instructions to pay them to have the alleged warrants for their arrest for failing to appear for jury duty dismissed. An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determined that the two victims paid $9,797.95 to Reese and his co-conspirators.
“Unfortunately, there are individuals such as this defendant who have no shame in taking advantage of people who are trusting,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “We encourage the public that when someone calls and gives you a story such as this to be cautious and contact your local law enforcement office to confirm that the story is true before you agree to pay any money to anyone. Our office will continue to investigate and pursue individuals who carry out these types of fraudulent schemes.”
Reese faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The sentencing hearing for Reese has been set for May 20, 2022.
The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Marshal Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2-3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open 7 days a week. For more information about the hotline please visit: https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
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Federal Prison Sentence for Possession of Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Nylere Stanford, 28, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark on the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2019, the U.S. Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force and Wilmington Police Department (WPD) conducted a search of Stanford’s residence while executing an arrest warrant for him. Law enforcement recovered a loaded silver and black Taurus PT 24/7 9 mm handgun from the couch where the defendant had been resting.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The prevalence of gun crimes continues to plague our community. Consequently, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms is a priority for my office. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their diligence in investigating this case.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from WPD and the U.S. Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force, conducted the investigation.
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.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Benton County Email Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a six-count federal indictment charging Ayoola Taiwo Adeoti a/k/a “Gaji,” age 41, with bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy in connection with a business email compromise (BEC) scam that is alleged to have stolen $740,216.79 from Benton County in November 2019.
The indictment alleges that Adeoti directed an individual to set up bank accounts in the Atlanta, Georgia area, in the name of a fictitious business. As alleged in the indictment, a co-conspirator of Adeoti then posed as a contractor of Benton County by using a fraudulent email sent from overseas that mimicked the name of a legitimate contractor frequently employed by the County. As a result of the fraudulent emails, the indictment alleges, Benton County employees believed that the County had received valid electronic funds transfer information to make payment, when in fact Adeoti and his co-conspirators directed payment to one of the bank accounts that Adeoti had fraudulently created. According to the indictment, neither Adeoti nor any of the co-conspirators had any connection to Benton County’s contractor, but based on the fraudulent emails, and resulting instructions to Benton County’s bank, Benton County electronically transferred $740,216.79 of its funds into the bank account in Atlanta fraudulently set up by Adeoti. That same day, as charged in the indictment, a co-conspirator of Adeoti’s withdrew $8,000 in cash from the fraudulently created bank account and handed the cash directly to Adeoti.
“Business email compromise scams, often perpetrated outside of the state, are a recurring problem which illegally siphon funds from our businesses, local governments, and residents throughout Eastern Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “In order to make Eastern Washington communities safer and stronger, we will continue to vigorously prosecute these scammers and those that manage these conspiracies.”
Fortunately, Benton County employees realized that the County had likely been defrauded and immediately contacted law enforcement. Based on court records, this led to the United States Secret Service, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, to execute a seizure warrant on the alleged fraudulent bank account and seize the remaining funds that had not immediately been withdrawn. The United States Attorney’s Office subsequently forfeited the funds through a civil forfeiture action, which resulted in returning $717,201.44 of the stolen funds to Benton County.
“I commend the Benton County Auditor’s Office for quickly realizing what happened and immediately reaching out to law enforcement. Because of their prompt response, our office and the Secret Service have already returned more than 95% of the stolen funds to the people of Benton County,” added U.S. Attorney Waldref.
If convicted, Mr. Adeoti faces the following possible maximum statutory sentences: 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and on each count of wire fraud; 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and on each count of bank fraud.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Spokane Resident Office. This case is being prosecuted by Dan Fruchter and Tyler Tornabene, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington. The civil forfeiture action was prosecuted by Brian M. Donovan, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Criminal Charges Filed Against CEO of Exit 7c, Inc.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on February 2, 2022, an information was filed in federal court in Milwaukee, charging Blessing Egbon with wire fraud.
According to documents filed in court, Egbon was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Exit 7c, Inc., a Milwaukee-headquartered company in the business of selling both bulk fuel and onsite fuel and maintenance services to transportation companies. The documents allege that by no later than August of 2018, Egbon had devised and was executing a fraud scheme in which he repeatedly made materially false and fraudulent statements and representations to actual and potential investors as to (1) his background, experience, and qualifications; (2) the performance and financial health of Exit 7c; and (3) how investor money would be used. The court documents allege that Egbon obtained a total of more than $6 million from investors and used the fraudulently obtained funds largely for personal purposes, including visits to luxury nightclubs, flights on private chartered jets, villa rentals, and payments to himself.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Wisconsin office is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad.
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Falconer Woman Arrested on Child Pornography Charges, Witness Tampering Conspiracy and Destruction of RecordsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Lily A. Brandow, 20, of Falconer, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to commit witness tampering, distribution of child pornography, and destruction of records. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn M. Carter, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2021, Brandow sold a video to a Snapchat user for $20 showing her, her “man” and a third person engaging in sexual relations. Brandow’s “man” is co-defendant Yusef Myrick who was arrested and charged by complaint in December 2021 with production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. The third individual in the video was later identified by investigators as a 16-year-old girl. The complaint further states that Brandow took steps to delete Myrick’s email and social media accounts at Myrick’s instruction. Brandow also facilitated a three-way call between herself, Myrick and a victim. During the call, Myrick threatened the victim not to speak to investigators.
Myrick is accused of engaging in both online and sexual relationships with numerous minor females. When the relationships ended, Myrick cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened the minor females and their families with both physical and psychological harm. Myrick communicated with and sexually exploited at least seven victims primarily through Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office at 716-753-4973, the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 716-464-6070, or [email protected].
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Erie Man Gets 10 Years for Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Jamie Darnell Pullium, 40.
According to information presented to the court, on or about February 20, 2020, Pullium possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute. As part of the plea, Pullium also acknowledged his responsibility for distributing cocaine as charged elsewhere in the Indictment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Erie County Drug Taskforce, Erie County Detective Bureau, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pullium.
Domestic Altercation and Shooting Result in City Man Being Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JIMMY LEE BROOKS, 36, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 235 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of ammunition as a felon and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Robert Troester.
Brooks’s sentencing followed a three-day trial that began on April 27, 2021. At trial, evidence showed that on March 18, 2020, Brooks fired eight rounds at his girlfriend’s vehicle as she fled from him following a domestic altercation that occurred at beauty supply store in northeast Oklahoma City, blocks away from the Oklahoma Capitol. Evidence also showed that during the altercation, Brooks brandished a large knife and then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle as she fled the scene in a different vehicle. Upon retrieving the firearm, Brooks fired shots at the second vehicle as it drove away, striking his girlfriend. Investigators retrieved shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Evidence also showed that following the shooting, Brooks sought to corruptly persuade his girlfriend to recant statements that she had made to investigators implicating Brooks in the shooting
Public records reflect that Brooks was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, and that he has several felony convictions in the District Court for Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, including possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and aggravated assault and battery. Brooks also has a felony conviction in the District Court for Lincoln County, Oklahoma for falsely impersonating another and a felony conviction in the District Court for Labette County, Kansas, for discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling or vehicle. Federal law prohibits prior convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
After deliberation, the jury found Brooks guilty of being a convicted felon unlawfully possessing ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and witness tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b).
On January 28, 2022, U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin sentenced Brooks to serve 120 months in prison as to his felon-in-possession-of-ammunition charge, and 235 months as to the witness tampering charge, to be served concurrently and to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. At sentencing, the United States presented additional evidence about the incriminating nature of the phone calls that Brooks placed from the Oklahoma County Jail to his girlfriend for purposes of influencing her statements to law enforcement, including references he made to his association with the Shotgun Crips. In sentencing Brooks, the district court found that the cross-reference for attempted murder under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applied, and that following the shooting, Brooks commenced a campaign to have others lie about his involvement in the shooting.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Coffey and Charles Brown prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods violent crime initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Corrupt Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that WILLIAM VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, a former member of the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 30 years in prison. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ previously pled guilty to one count of participating in a racketeering conspiracy and one count of participating in a conspiracy to commit murder for hire, in connection with his agreement to assist a drug-trafficking organization that shipped drugs to New York and distributed them from a Bronx daycare center.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “William Vazquez Baez abused his position as a police officer to help a vicious drug organization distribute massive amounts of cocaine and massacre citizens he had sworn to protect. Today Vazquez-Baez was rightly sentenced to 30 years in prison for his horrific crimes.”
According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:
From approximately 1994 until his arrest in connection with this case in May 2017, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ was an active police officer with the PRPD. From in or about 2004 until in or about 2016, members of La ONU distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine, including cocaine that was shipped from Puerto Rico to New York and then distributed out of a Bronx daycare center, and protected their territory and trade through numerous acts of violence. Members of La ONU paid VAZQUEZ-BAEZ a salary to corruptly use his position as a police officer to further the interests of La ONU. For example, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ provided narcotics and intelligence, including information obtained from the police narcotics unit. Members of La ONU would also contact VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, among others, when transporting large quantities of cocaine within the San Juan, Puerto Rico area to ensure the shipment avoided areas of police activity. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also distributed payments to other corrupt police officers who assisted La ONU.
VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also assisted La ONU in acts of violence:
In or about 2006 or 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted La ONU members that Freddy Mendez-Rivera, a local resident, had complained to police about drug dealing occurring in his neighborhood, which led to members of La ONU kidnapping and then killing Mendez-Rivera. Around the same time, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted a senior member of La ONU that the kidnapping was being reported over the police radio. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ advised that, because the fact that Mendez-Rivera had spoken with the police was known throughout the Carolina Narcotics division, it was important that the body never be discovered. When later updated about what had happened, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ laughed and remarked, in substance, that Mendez-Rivera would not be giving the police information any further.
On or about May 9, 2007, members of La ONU hired VAZQUEZ-BAEZ to participate in the murder of Anthony Castro-Carrillo in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in exchange for a cash bonus. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ and members of La ONU stormed Castro-Carrillo’s residence while dressed as police officers and shot and killed him.
In or about 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ delivered a confidential informant, who was in VAZQUEZ-BAEZ’s custody, to members of La ONU, who pretended to be other police officers. Those members of La ONU then shot and killed the informant.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, 53, of Puerto Rico, to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Police Department for their support in this ongoing investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie E. Bagliebter, Jacob R. Fiddelman, Lara Pomerantz, Justin V. Rodriguez, and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the prosecution.
Chester County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Operating Pill Mill Out of Main Line Pain ClinicRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Yutong Zhang, 63, of Berwyn, PA, a physician, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson to charges stemming from his operation of what was, in essence, a ‘pill mill’ rather than a medical practice focused on pain management located in St Davids, PA.
According to court documents, the defendant pleaded guilty to an Information charging four counts of distributing oxycodone-containing medications outside of the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. From approximately 2016 through 2020, Zhang sold medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances to about 120 so-called patients, who were actually cash-paying customers. The defendant supplied these prescriptions frequently after conducting a cursory physical examination or without any examination at all, and did not take steps, such as ordering diagnostic testing, designed to discern the root cause of the pain reportedly suffered by patients.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stopping drug-dealing doctors like Zhang,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “As a physician, he was well aware of the inherently dangerous nature of the drugs he was selling. But because of his greed, he took advantage of vulnerable people struggling with addiction, piling on to the enormous opioid epidemic ravaging the communities in our District.”
“Medical practitioners are trusted to care for our health needs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire. “When they exploit their position and betray their license to line their own pockets, they not only corrupt the system, they contribute to the very epidemic we are trying so hard to fight. This defendant’s actions were akin to those of a drug dealer; the only difference is, he peddled his poison from an office instead of a street corner.”
“Dr. Zhang abused his position of trust and authority to run a pill mill and illegally prescribe the medications that are fueling the opioid crisis here in Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We are grateful for our partners in this case, and we will continue to work together to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities which take the lives of 14 Pennsylvanians every day.”
The case was investigated by the Radnor Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
Chesapeake Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms to FelonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man pleaded guilty today in connection with the sale of a firearm to a prohibited person.
According to court documents, from April to July 2020, Ibrahim Nader Abdelhay, 27, a self-proclaimed “gun enthusiast,” purchased approximately 20 firearms in the Eastern District of Virginia. Abdelhay sold at least one of these firearms to an individual who was a convicted felon. Abdelhay told investigators that he knew the individual to whom he sold the firearm, who is now deceased, was a convicted felon and could not buy firearms for himself. During the investigation, law enforcement agents recovered six firearms originally purchased by Abdelhay at the residence of the individual.
Abdelhay is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Turner is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-134.
California Businessman Indicted for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Oakland, California, returned an indictment today charging a California businessman with failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS.
According to the indictment, Larry Kudsk, of Berkeley, operated two construction businesses, M. Gutierrez Inc. and Kudsk Construction Inc. For both companies, Kudsk allegedly was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. Kudsk allegedly did not timely file employment tax returns, and did not pay withholdings to the IRS, for the last three quarters of 2015 for M. Gutierrez Inc., and for all four quarters of 2016 for Kudsk Construction Inc. In total, Kudsk allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $250,000.
Kudsk is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Feb. 11 before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Kudsk faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of the seven counts of failing to pay over employment taxes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson of IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Corporate and Securities Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Businessman Indicted for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury in Oakland, Calif., returned an indictment today charging a California businessman with failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS.
According to the indictment, Larry Kudsk, of Berkeley, operated two construction businesses, M. Gutierrez Inc. and Kudsk Construction Inc. For both companies, Kudsk allegedly was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. Kudsk allegedly did not timely file employment tax returns, and did not pay withholdings to the IRS, for the last three quarters of 2015 for M. Gutierrez Inc., and for all four quarters of 2016 for Kudsk Construction Inc. In total, Kudsk allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $250,000.
Kudsk is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Feb. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore. If convicted, Kudsk faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of the seven counts of failing to pay over employment taxes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson of IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the Northern District of California Corporate and Securities Fraud Section is prosecuting the case with Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. O’Reilly of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for 10 Years for Selling Heroin Linked to the Death of A Hamburg Man, Also Ordered to Pay Restitution for Funeral ExpensesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brennen Bryant, Jr., 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and 10 grams or more of butyryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Bryant was also ordered to pay restitution for the funeral expenses of the overdose victim in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that on March 23, 2018, Bryant and co-defendant Tyrone Green sold fentanyl to an individual who was later found deceased in the Town of Hamburg. Through text messages on the decedent’s cellular telephone, detectives with the Hamburg Police Department and Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Bryant and Green as the decedent’s suppliers. Subsequent investigation revealed that between October 2017 and January 2018, the New York State Police made numerous controlled purchases of butyryl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin from both Bryant and Green.
Tyrone Green was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kevin Trask, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, the New York State Police, under the direction Major James Hall, and the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wehrfritz.
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Bucks County Man Charged with Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew Moss, 36, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania was charged yesterday by a federal grand jury with methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Moss possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in York County on November 22, 2021. The indictment further states that Moss had a prior conviction for drug trafficking in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer.
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.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Bronx Man Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Prison in Connection with 2018 Non-Fatal Shooting and 2020 Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PAUL THOMPSON was sentenced to 110 months in prison for his participation in a 2018 non-fatal shooting and 2020 possession of a loaded firearm. THOMPSON pled guilty on March 31, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.
According to public filings and statements made in court:
On or about September 27, 2018, approximately two weeks after THOMPSON had been placed on federal supervised release following a 180-month prison sentence for narcotics and firearms offenses, THOMPSON got into a physical altercation with another individual (“Victim-1”) in the Bronx, New York. During the altercation, THOMPSON shot Victim-1 and fled the scene. THOMPSON then became a fugitive for approximately two years.
On or about June 13, 2020, following a suspected drug deal with another individual (“Victim-2”) in the Bronx, THOMPSON threatened Victim-2 with a loaded firearm and also bit Victim-2’s face. THOMPSON then attempted to discard the firearm and was apprehended by law enforcement. While THOMPSON was being arrested, he told others on the scene to make sure Victim-2 and Victim-2’s family “get it,” because Victim-2 “snitched on me.”
THOMPSON pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with the 2018 shooting and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the 2020 assault. In connection with his guilty plea, THOMPSON further stipulated to his involvement in the 2018 shooting.
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THOMPSON, 39, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 110 months in prison for the 2018 shooting and the 2020 assault, to be followed by a consecutive sentence of 26 months in prison for his violation of the terms of supervised release in connection with the same conduct. In addition to the prison term, THOMPSON was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney David Robles is in charge of the prosecution.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Dennis Michael Aigotti (54, Bradenton) to 36 months in federal prison for possessing and passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The court also ordered Aigotti to forfeit a laptop and color printer, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Aigotti had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2021.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2021, Aigotti, attempted to pass a $10 counterfeit Federal Reserve note at Hudson’s Grocery Store located in Boca Grande. After the cashier indicated that the bill was counterfeit, Aigotti left the store in his vehicle and authorities were called. Law enforcement located Aigotti and a search of the vehicle revealed multiple counterfeit notes, a printer, laptop, resume paper, and scissors. During the investigation, the United States Secret Service recovered a total of $410 in counterfeit currency. At the time of the offense, Aigotti was on federal supervised release for passing and counterfeiting Federal Reserve notes; he was sentenced to credit for time served for the supervised release violation.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Laurie.
Bourbon County Man Sentenced to 37 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky.— A Versailles, Ky., man, Timothy Caylor, 49, was sentenced to 444 months (37 years) in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography.
According to Caylor’s plea agreement, after receiving a complaint of a couple whose daughter had received inappropriate text and voice messages from Caylor, law enforcement went to Caylor’s mother’s residence, where he was staying. Officers found him hiding in the bathroom and asked for his consent to search his phones, where they found child exploitation material, including images of unidentified minors. A search warrant from Caylor’s Instagram and Facebook revealed he induced two minors to take and send sexual images. Caylor admitted that he had contacted minors online, and he sent them sexual images, as well.
Caylor was previously convicted of first-degree Sexual Abuse in Boone Circuit Court in February 1998.
Caylor pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2021.
Under federal law, Caylor must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Filed Division; and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr., Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security-HSI, FBI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.
This case was prosecuted 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the
Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat
Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the
Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the
department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to
support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and
endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims
unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human
Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”“I am especially proud of our office’s efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking,” said
United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Over the past year, we have built a
Human Trafficking Task Force that has grown to almost 100 members. We have been particularly
effective providing training and outreach on labor trafficking, child abuse, and victims’ response
to trauma.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office also hosted an event featuring “Truckers Against
Trafficking” to raise awareness to the indicators of human trafficking.Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human
trafficking will:• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human
trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law
enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces
that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention,
resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska
Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential
human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to
share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors,
including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human
Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the
Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact
the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Human traffickers prey on society’s most vulnerable members and their crimes equate to modern-day slavery.” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “These crimes often are not detected because victims live in fear of physical abuse, threats, extortion, and other forms of intimidation. In the Eastern District of Louisiana, our office along with a group of federal, state, local law enforcement, and community partners work diligently to identify, investigate, and prosecute traffickers. Human trafficking survivors are also referred to victim-centric direct services.”
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally funded, locally led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance, and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
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