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14 March 2022
United States Attorney Sellinger Announces Diverse Leadership TeamRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today that he is naming an experienced team of women and men to lead the Office’s enforcement of criminal and civil laws. His leadership team, which will include 18 women and people of diverse backgrounds (including 13 women and seven otherwise diverse attorneys), will be among the most diverse in the history of the office.
“Since taking the oath of office almost three months ago, I have been impressed by the depth and variety of experience in the Office, which is a credit to my predecessors and in line with the long and proud history of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “I am reaching into that well of talent to staff the Office’s leadership positions with a roster of exceptional attorneys who are eminently qualified and experienced, and whose diversity reflects the people of New Jersey. Moreover, hiring, retaining, and promoting diverse personnel is a bedrock value of this Office, and my leadership team and I will continue to prioritize it moving forward.”
U.S. Attorney Sellinger announced the executive leadership of the Office:
The First Assistant U.S. Attorney is Vikas Khanna, who returns to the Office from the private sector, where he worked as a partner at an international law firm in New York. Mr. Khanna previously served in the Office as an Assistant United States Attorney for almost nine years, during which he handled some of the Office’s most significant prosecutions of individuals and corporations. During Mr. Khanna’s previous tenure, he served as a line assistant in the General Crimes Unit and the Special Prosecutions Division, before being appointed as Deputy Chief of the Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in June 2017 and then as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in June 2018. In the latter role, Mr. Khanna supervised criminal and civil AUSAs in the Health Care and Government Fraud, Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement, and Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Units. Before becoming an AUSA, he served in the private sector from 2007 to 2010 and, in 2006, clerked for the Honorable Mark Wolf, Chief Judge in the District of Massachusetts.
“I am thrilled to welcome Vikas back to the Office as First Assistant U.S. Attorney,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “Vikas is a highly respected alumnus of our Office, celebrated by AUSAs, the defense bar, and members of the judiciary for his exceptional intellect and judgment. I am confident he will be an extraordinary leader of the Office, and I look forward to working together to advance the cause of justice for the people of New Jersey.”
The Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney is Lee M. Cortes Jr., who has been with the Office for 11 years, most recently as Chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit. Caroline Sadlowski, Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, remains in that role. She has been with the office for 19 years, including nine years in the Appeals Division and six years in the Civil Division, where she also served as Chief of the Division. Andrew Carey remains as Deputy U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Trenton and Camden Vicinages. He worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for eight years and returned to the Office in 2019 after serving as the Middlesex County Prosecutor for six years.
According to U.S. Attorney Sellinger, “Lee, Caroline, and Andrew are three of the finest attorneys in the Office and have deep experience, leadership skills, and impeccable integrity. I am pleased that they agreed to join my front office.”
U.S. Attorney Sellinger also announced additional leadership positions:
- Bruce Keller has been appointed as Special Counsel to the Front Office.
- Nicholas Grippo will continue as Chief of the Criminal Division, while Daniel Shapiro, Osmar Benvenuto, and Desiree Grace will continue as Deputy Chiefs of the Criminal Division, and are joined by Jamel Semper, who also has been appointed Division Deputy Chief.
- J. Andrew Ruymann will continue as the Chief of the Civil Division, while Kristin Vassallo and Elizabeth Pascal will continue to serve as Deputy Chiefs of the Civil Division.
- Mark Coyne remains the Chief of the Appeals Division
- Ronnell Wilson has been appointed Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Jihee Suh will serve as Deputy Division Chief.
- Michael Campion has been appointed as the Chief of the newly created Civil Rights Division.
- Molly Lorber and J. Brendan Day will continue to serve as Attorneys-in-Charge of the Camden and Trenton branch offices, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger also announced the leadership of the Criminal Division Units:
- Lauren Repole and Michelle Gasparian have been appointed as Co-Unit Chiefs of the newly created General Crimes Unit.
- R. David Walk has been appointed Chief of the Government Frauds Unit, and David Dauenheimer will continue as the Unit’s Deputy Chief.
- Jason Gould has been appointed Chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit.
- Sarah Devlin will continue to serve as Chief of the Assert Recovery and Money Laundering Unit.
- Joyce Malliet has been appointed as Chief of the National Security Unit.
- Sean Farrell will continue as Chief of the Cybercrime Prevention and Enforcement Unit.
- Catherine Murphy will continue as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit.
- Cari Fais will continue as Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit.
- Francesca Liquori will continue as Chief of the Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
- James Donnelly has been appointed as Chief of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.
“The District of New Jersey is fortunate to have such an outstanding group of public servants to lead this Office,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “They have the skill, experience, judgment, and integrity needed to continue this Office’s mission: to protect the public, enforce the laws, promote fairness and equality, and do justice. I am extremely proud of this leadership team and know that they will continue this Office’s longstanding commitment to the pursuit of justice.”
Union County Investment Advisor Arrested for Stealing Client MoneyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former investment advisor from Union County, New Jersey, was arrested today for allegedly stealing more than $500,000 from multiple clients to fund his gambling and personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Mario E. Rivero Jr., 38, of Elizabeth, New Jersey was charged by complaint with two counts of wire fraud, one count of investment advisor fraud, and one count of securities fraud. Rivero was arrested at his home and is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From April 2018 through November 2020, Rivero, while serving in his capacity as an investment advisor employed by a large brokerage firm, misappropriated at least $529,870 from four clients. Rivero, who had been entrusted to manage client funds responsibly, instead perpetrated a scheme to defraud multiple clients. He obtained his clients’ money under the fraudulent pretense that he would invest the funds, but instead, Rivero unlawfully diverted the funds to enrich himself and others.
Each of the wire fraud counts carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The investment adviser fraud count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The securities fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tri City Bombers and Cartel associate sentenced for racketeering crimesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Five men have pleaded guilty and received significant sentences for their involvement in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Ramon De La Cerda, 48, McAllen; Jose Rolando Gonzalez, 43, and Juan Alberto Mendez, 49, both of Mission; Salomon Robles, 35, San Juan; and Margil Reyna, 38, Toledo, Ohio, admitted their roles in the Tri City Bombers (TCB) racketeering conspiracy and were immediately sentenced.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake sentenced each man to 30 years in federal prison.
In handing down the sentences, Judge Lake found De La Cerda and Gonzalez to be ranking members of the TCB, while Reyna and Robles were members of the criminal organization. Mendez was a drug distributor for the Gulf Cartel and associate of the criminal enterprise.
“With the pleas today, these five people have admitted their involvement in a slew of senseless violent crimes, including murders committed in furtherance of the TCB criminal enterprise,” said Lowery. “We and our federal and state law enforcement partners will continue our unrelenting efforts to eradicate gang violence in the district and hold accountable all those who threaten the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
“Members of our Rio Grande Valley community deserve to live free of threats from criminal organizations,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “The FBI thanks our partners on the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for their collective efforts to keep members of this organization off the streets.”
The court found Mendez hired De La Cerda, Gonzalez and Robles to kill on two occasions. The criminal enterprise kidnapped and murdered a man in McAllen and attempted to murder a woman in Mission. The woman was shot six times, but survived.
Gonzalez was also involved in the distribution of 27 kilograms of cocaine in October 2016 in Victoria.
In 2012, Reyna participated in an ongoing marijuana trafficking conspiracy and home invasion burglary that resulted in the death of the homeowner in Edinburg. The homeowner’s son was also shot, but survived.
The TCB is a national gang active in multiple states that was formed in the early 1980s in the Pharr, San Juan and Alamo areas of South Texas. The TCB have an organized decision-making hierarchy, including a person in charge of each city and leaders within the organization who determine whether its members violated the gang’s rule and deserved punishment. To instill loyalty, including participation in gang’s criminal activities and adherence to its strict rule structure, TCB leaders determine and order the severe beating of members and associates for acts of disobedience or non-observance of TCB rules.
The scope of the TCB’s crimes is wide-ranging and consistent in its nationwide operation. This RICO conspiracy includes murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, firearm crimes, money laundering and other crimes in furtherance of the organization’s enterprise. The TCB brought money into the gang through murders, drug trafficking, home invasion robberies and money laundering.
To date, 35 individuals have been convicted in the case.
All five men sentenced today have been in custody since their arrests and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI led the OCDETF investigation dubbed “Operation Bomb Disposal,” along with IRS-Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Weslaco and Pharr. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald prosecuted the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Brendan Woods and other members of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Toulon Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Toulon, Illinois, man, Jason R. Musselman, 34, of the 100 block of Clinton Street, appeared in federal court on March 11, 2022, in relation to a criminal complaint that charged him with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Musselman had been arrested earlier that same day.
The complaint alleges that agents with the Illinois State Police and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant on Musselman, his residence, and his electronic devices on January 19, 2022 as part of an ongoing child pornography investigation. Agents then obtained evidence that Musselman had produced numerous images of child pornography in his residence between approximately 2010 and 2013, that he had distributed images of child pornography on December 21, 2021, via the “Kik” internet messaging platform, and that he possessed material containing those and other images of child pornography on January 19, 2022.
Also on March 11, 2022, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley ordered Musselman temporarily detained pending a detention hearing on March 15, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are up to thirty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime period of supervised release.
The United States has thirty days to present the case to a grand jury, which will decide if there is probable cause. Members of the public are reminded that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Stark County State’s Attorney’s Office, Illinois State Police, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Holst Schryer is representing the government in the prosecution.
Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates with Ties to Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA — Less than twenty months after 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach-area drug traffickers were indicted based on a federal wiretap investigation into narcotics and violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court.
Evidence presented in court filings reflects that the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms. The organization was based in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, and had ties across the state line into North Carolina. Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico. This organization was identified by local law enforcement as a priority target in connection with violent crime and overdoses in the area. The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy.
Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that collectively contained 72 counts of violations of federal law ranging from drug conspiracy and firearms violations to using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. Each has now also been sentenced, with several of the organization’s leaders and suppliers receiving sentences of ten years or more in federal prison, as follows:
- Teontric Jackson, 30, of Loris – 180 months
- Darrell Jackson, 48, of Myrtle Beach – 120 months
- Lisa Garcia, 50, of Delano, CA – 120 months
- Byron Jackson, 29, of Loris – 120 months
- Angelo Jackson, 25, of Loris – 108 months
- Timothy Long, 40, of Tabor City, NC – 100 months
- Leon Green, 33, of Longs – 87 months
- Winferd Sherman, 24, of Loris – 72 months
- Antra Gore, 38, of Loris – 72 months
- Shaquan Hemingway, 23, of Loris – 70 months
- Carl Green, 45, of Loris – 63 months
- Phillip Johnson, 29, of Loris – 57 months
- Tyshon Clifton, 21, of Loris – 46 months
- Tremayne Green, 25, of Loris – 46 months
- Mark Jackson, 26, of Loris – 37 months
- Devante Squires, 27, of Loris – 36 months
- Teraine Green, 30, of Loris – 26 months
- Alfredo Gore, 43, of Tabor City, NC – 24 months
- Bradley Griffin, 36, of Longwood, NC – 22 months
- Monrail Miller, 35, of Loris – 21 months
- James Myers, 33, of Loris – 20 months
- Anthony Nealey, 48, of Longs – 18 months
- Tyruss Hemingway, 21, of Loris – 15 months
- James Riggins, 44, of Tabor City, NC – 12 months
- Lateice Griffin, 30, of Longwood, NC, Montel Hyppolite, 23, of Loris, Robert Attaway, 37, of Myrtle Beach, Mildred Mann, 44, of Little River, Billie Lee Green, 60, of Loris, and Kenneth Nobles, 31, of Loris, all received sentences under a year
“This operation dismantled a violent criminal enterprise, put its members behind bars, and made communities in South Carolina safer,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.”
The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation:
FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic
“This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure. Let this case serve as an example to those introducing drugs in Horry County that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Loris Police Department Chief Gary Buley
“With our continued support we continue to battle the drugs and make a big difference in our community. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication by all to make this difference in our communities.”
Myrtle Beach Police Department Chief Amy Prock
“As we said before, Myrtle Beach is not a safe haven for criminals. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe.”
15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Dean Bishop
“This demonstrates how the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, along with our partners, will serve our communities by focusing on violent drug traffickers.”
Coastal Carolina University Police Department Chief David Roper
“Due to the complex nature of large-scale drug operations, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies work together to combat such organizations. Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. These types of successful operations allow us to maintain a safe community. They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens. Coastal Carolina University Department of Public Safety is pleased to have been involved with this important investigation.”
Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Phillip Thompson
“We are grateful for the partnerships we share with federal law enforcement, state and local agencies in the combined efforts to fight the surge of drugs in our communities. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.”
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The case was prosecuted by OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Everett McMillian, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. The initial press releases about this matter is available here.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking A Minor from Houston to TampaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jamel Muldrew (33, Houston, TX) has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, and interstate transportation of a person for prostitution. Muldrew faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on April 9, 2021, law enforcement coordinated an operation in Tampa, Florida to identify victims of human trafficking, rescue those victims, and identify and arrest their traffickers. As part of this operation, an undercover officer observed what appeared to be a potentially underage female in an online escort advertisement and arranged for the minor victim to meet him at a hotel room for a commercial sex act, in exchange for $800. Soon thereafter, Muldrew arrived at the location driving a black Chevrolet Impala, with the minor victim in the passenger seat. The victim exited the vehicle, walked to the hotel room and entered, and was detained. As law enforcement approached Muldrew, he attempted to flee but was ultimately apprehended. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered multiple fictious identity cards Muldrew had in his possession, for both himself and the minor victim. The subsequent investigation revealed that Muldrew had been trafficking the minor victim across the country to engage in prostitution. Specifically, between February and April 2021, Muldrew had trafficked the minor victim for the purpose of commercial sex in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where he was ultimately arrested.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel and Carlton C. Gammons.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Taylor County woman sentenced to 28 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Marie Weber, of Thornton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 336 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Weber, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Weber admitted to using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and producing child pornography from that conduct in June 2020 in Taylor County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Tampa Man Sentenced for Operating A Vessel, Violating A U.S. Coast Guard Port OrderRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington has sentenced Obed Almaguer Garrido (48, Tampa) to five years’ probation, during which period he will be prohibited from operating any watercraft, and to 100 community service hours, for violating a U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order. Garrido had pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021.
According to court documents, Garrido was the owner of a state-registered recreational vessel and operated a recreational vessel in commercial passenger service on the waters of Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL) without a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant mariner credential. The USCG issues Merchant Mariner Credentials and inspects passenger vessels to ensure the safety of patrons chartering vessels. Despite being issued a Captain of the Port Order to cease operations, Garrido continued to operate in commercial passenger service. Illegal passenger vessels pose serious danger to passengers because unlicensed operators do not have the requisite knowledge to safely operate a vessel in commercial passenger service and vessels do not meet stringent Coast Guard safety requirements. Tampa Bay is a tourist destination attracting visitors from throughout the world.
“The Coast Guard will continue to aggressively pursue vessel operators who needlessly place the lives of patrons at risk by not complying with Coast Guard passenger vessel regulations," said Captain Matthew Thompson, Commander of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "We'd like to remind those who charter a boat, they should choose a vessel with a certified captain and crew. This criminal conviction demonstrates the aggressive posture the Coast Guard and our partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have taken protect the lives of those who charter passenger vessels.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (Southeast Region), with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Sector (St. Petersburg Investigations Division). It was prosecuted by U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tereza Ohley.
Swanton Woman Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Misti-Lyn Morin, 42, of Swanton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance who possessed firearms.
According to the complaint, Morin is addicted to cocaine base and, on February 1 and 2, 2022, possessed an Anderson Manufacturing rifle and a Beretta handgun at her River Street residence in violation of federal law. According to court filings, Morin has also admitted that cocaine base was being sold from her home in Swanton.
Court records indicate Morin was arrested on March 11. She had her initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon. Morin was ordered detained until a hearing on Thursday, March 17, during which the Court will consider the government’s motion for Morin to be detained pending trial.
The case is being investigated by the Vermont State Police.
Morin is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq., of Burlington. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher.
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. See https://www.justice.gov/psn
St. Johns County Teacher Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Entice and Meet A 14-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that Matthew Christopher Yates (27, Hastings) has been arrested and charged with using the internet to attempt to entice a 14-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Yates faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. At the time of his arrest on March 11, 2022, Yates was an eighth-grade teacher at Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine, Florida.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2022, an undercover FBI agent who was posing online as a 14-year-old child responded to an online notice posted by the user “English teacher” on a particular online social media application. The user was subsequently identified as Yates. During the online conversation, the “child” advised that she was 14 years old and in the eighth grade, and Yates stated that he was a teacher and suggested that they “should meet up” at the beach. The online conversation continued on another social media platform and Yates (using the name “prof0987”) and the “child” exchanged photos of each other.
Between February 22, 2022, and March 11, 2022, Yates and the “child” exchanged numerous text messages and Yates sent several photos that were either sexually suggestive or sexually explicit, including one that purportedly depicted Yates’ penis. On March 6, 2022, Yates texted the “child,” using explicit language, suggesting that they meet. On March 8, 2022, Yates asked the “child” to meet in person on Friday, March 11, 2022, to engage in sexual activity. Yates provided the undercover agent with details about the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the “child.” On March 10, 2022, Yates and the “child” confirmed plans to meet, and Yates asked the “child” if “she” wanted to record their planned sexual activity on video. On the afternoon of March 11, 2022, Yates drove his vehicle to a prearranged location in Jacksonville to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested by FBI agents. Upon searching Yates, agents found him to be in possession of several condoms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jason Robert Oxley, 38, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to federal drug and gun crimes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 2020 until June 2021, Oxley participated in a drug trafficking ring operating in and around St. Albans. Oxley admitted that he obtained methamphetamine and other drugs from two of his co-defendants which he then distributed. Oxley admitted that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on March 22, 2021 and April 12, 2021. The drug transactions took place at Oxley’s St. Albans residence. Oxley further admitted that on May 21, 2021, he bought a SWD Cobray, Model M11/9, 9mm pistol from a local gun show. Police recovered it the next day after a co-defendant hid it while trying to evade a traffic stop. Oxley is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his three prior felony convictions. He was on parole at the time he committed the charged offenses.
Oxley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces a minimum mandatory of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 6, 2022.
This case is part of a long-term investigation of a methamphetamine distribution network that resulted in 17 individuals being charged with various drug and firearms offenses in three separate indictments.
Brian Dangelo Terry is scheduled to plead guilty on April 7, 2022. Shane Kelly Fulkerson is scheduled to plead guilty on March 15, 2022. James Edward Bennett, III, Denise Marie Cottrill, Angie Lane Harbour, and Michael Antonio Smith have already pleaded guilty. Timothy Wayne Dodd is scheduled for trial on March 22, 2022. The remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on May 3, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution.
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00172, 2:21-cr-00171, and 2:21-cr-00211.
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Southwest Virginia Man Sentenced in Unemployment Benefits ScamRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Southwest Virginia man, who conspired with more than 30 others in a scheme to illegally obtain pandemic unemployment benefits, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government, and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and was sentenced last week to 30 months in federal prison.
Over the course of nine months, Jacob Hunter Hicks, 35 of Lebanon, VA, conspired with Leelynn Danielle Chytka, Gregory Marcus Tackett, Jeffery Ryan Tackett, and others to file fraudulent claims with the Virginia Employment Commission on behalf of at least 37 otherwise-ineligible individuals, with a total actual loss to the United States of at least $499,000.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia, Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.
The Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C., Field Office, the Norton Police Department, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. Murphy and Michael Baudinet prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Six Named in Two-Count Indictment Alleging Federal Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Residents from Philadelphia, New York, and Aliquippa, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on March 8 and unsealed today, named Kijana Stephaun Lowe, age 24, formerly of Aliquippa, PA, Anthony Tusweet Smith, Jr., age 23, of Aliquippa, PA, Santos Castro-Mota, age 42, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, Luis David Paredes-Sanchez, age 25, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, Guillermo Alexis Evangelista Estevez, age 33, formerly of Bow, NY, and Adelin Hernandez Amparo, age 28, formerly of Philadelphia, PA.
According to the Indictment, in and around May of 2021 and continuing thereafter to in and around November of 2021, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; and 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The Indictment further alleged that on or about November 13, 2021, Lowe, Paredes-Sanchez, Estevez, and Amparo, possessed with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing detectable amount of cocaine.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years to a maximum of life, a fine not more than $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sioux Falls Individuals Charged with Making a False Statement in Connection with a Purchase of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Making a False Statement in Connection with a Purchase of a Firearm.
Shyene Marie Clemens, age 25, Matthew Lebahn, age 23, and Jayden Guenther, age 20, were indicted on March 1, 2022. Clemens appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 2022. Lebahn and Guenther appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2022. All three defendants pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 6, 2021, Clemens knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Gary’s Gun Shop. Clemens falsely indicated that she was purchasing a firearm for herself, when, in fact, she was purchasing it for Guenther.
The Count 2 of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 27, 2021, Lebahn knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Scheels. Lebahn falsely indicated that he was purchasing a firearm for himself, when, in fact, he was purchasing it for Guenther.
The charges are merely accusations and Clemens, Lebahn, and Guenther are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
All three defendants were released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a November 2020 bank robbery.
Angel Robles, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release. Robles was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,833. On Oct. 4, 2021, Robles pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.
On Nov. 9, 2020, Robles entered a Citizen’s Bank in Concord, gave the teller a note that read, “ROBBERY, ONLY READY TO DIE ON A DEATH WISH,” stole approximately $358 and then fled the bank. Robles also admitted to committing three additional robberies. On Aug. 3, 2020, Robles robbed a Metro PCS in Lynn, holding a gun against the clerk’s back before stealing $4,000 from a safe and fleeing the store. On Oct. 17, 2020, Robles robbed a clothing store in the Northgate Shopping Plaza in Revere with another individual, stealing five North Face jackets valued at $1,500. When a clerk attempted to stop Robles he said, “If anyone comes at me I’m going to shoot s*** up.” When the clerk made an additional attempt to stop Robles, he told the clerk “Back up before I stab you.” On Oct. 28, 2020, Robles robbed a Citizen’s Bank inside a Stop & Shop in Lynn, stealing $5,000. Surveillance video from the robbery showed that Robles brandished what appeared to be a handgun.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy; Concord Police Chief Joseph F. O’Connor; and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Gotlob and Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Seattle man pleads guilty to attempting to travel to the Middle East to join a foreign terrorist organizationRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 21-year-old Seattle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to Providing Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Elvin Hunter Bgorn Williams was arrested May 28, 2021, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, to engage in violent acts of terrorism in the Middle East or the United States. Williams faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on June 14, 2022.
According to court documents, Williams was arrested following a lengthy investigation into his efforts to join ISIS.
According to the plea agreement, in November 2020, Williams began telling family members he was a member of ISIS. Williams posted a video on Facebook in which he swore an oath of loyalty to a leader of ISIS.
Using confidential sources close to Williams, the FBI monitored his activity and became aware of his efforts to travel to the Middle East and join ISIS. Williams expressed to his associates that if he could not travel overseas, he would commit an attack in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. Williams began communicating with those he believed were ISIS recruiters who could get him to an ISIS terror cell in the Middle East or other parts of the world.
The plea agreement contains statements Williams made about his intentions: that he sought martyrdom, had “no problem with killing,” and hoped to be involved in beheading others.
In May 2021, Williams obtained a passport and pawned a laptop computer to raise funds for his travel. In early May 2021, Williams booked an airline ticket from Seattle to Amsterdam and on to Egypt to join ISIS. On Friday May 28, 2021, he went to Sea-Tac Airport to catch the first leg of his international flight. Williams was arrested at the departure gate.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Seattle with assistance from the King County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Air Marshals; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; U.S Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Transportation Security Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Seattle Police Department; Bellevue Police Department; and Port of Seattle Police Department.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Brown for the Western District of Washington, and Special Agent in Charge Donald Voiret of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg of the Western District of Washington’s Terrorism and Violent Crime Unit, and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Seattle Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
A Seattle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Elvin Hunter Bgorn Williams, 21, of Seattle, was arrested May 28, 2021, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, to engage in violent acts of terrorism in the Middle East or the United States.
According to court documents, Williams was arrested following a lengthy investigation into his efforts to join ISIS. According to his plea agreement, in November 2020, Williams began telling family members he was a member of ISIS. Williams posted a video on Facebook in which he swore an oath of loyalty to a leader of ISIS.
Using confidential sources close to Williams, the FBI monitored his activity and became aware of his efforts to travel to the Middle East and join ISIS. Williams expressed to his associates that if he could not travel overseas, he would commit an attack in the United States on behalf of ISIS. Williams began communicating with those he believed were ISIS recruiters who could get him to an ISIS terror cell in the Middle East or other parts of the world.
The plea agreement contains statements Williams made about his intentions: that he sought martyrdom, had “no problem with killing,” and hoped to be involved in beheading others.
In May 2021, Williams obtained a passport and pawned a laptop computer to raise funds for his travel. In early May 2021, Williams booked an airline ticket from Seattle to Amsterdam and on to Egypt to join ISIS. On May 28, 2021, he went to Sea-Tac Airport to catch the first leg of his international flight. Williams was arrested at the departure gate.
Williams pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14 and faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Brown for the Western District of Washington, and Special Agent in Charge Donald Voiret of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Seattle with assistance from the King County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Air Marshals; the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; the U.S Marshals Service; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Transportation Security Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Seattle Police Department; the Bellevue Police Department; and the Port of Seattle Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg of the Western District of Washington’s Terrorism and Violent Crime Unit and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Southfield Resident Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Tory Anderson, 34, formerly of Southfield, Michigan, was sentenced today in federal court to 15 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Josh P. Hauxhurst, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
According to court records, during the summer of 2019, Anderson trafficked a 17-year-old minor girl for commercial sex in Michigan and elsewhere. Anderson acted as her pimp by setting up commercial sex dates and receiving the proceeds, providing supplies such as food and condoms, and monitoring when sex customers were coming and going. Anderson also had the minor girl tattoo his name on her forehead and the side of her face as a way of “branding” her. At the time, Anderson knew she was just 17-years-old. Anderson was arrested on September 3, 2019, at a Roseville, Michigan motel after Anderson provided the minor victim for commercial sex with an undercover officer.
“This defendant exploited a vulnerable young girl by arranging for her to have sex with strangers over and over again for his personal profit,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We will continue to work closely with our local law enforcement partners and SEMTEC to vindicate the rights of sex trafficking victims and to protect our most vulnerable citizens from predators like Anderson.”
“Sex traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Josh P. Hauxhurst, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division. “The FBI’s Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to recover trafficking victims and put the perpetrators behind bars.”
This case was the result of a joint investigation by the Roseville Police Department and the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force (“SEMTEC”) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frances Carlson and Erin Ramamurthy.
Sheridan Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that ADAM LEE GODWIN, age 35, of Sheridan, Wyoming was sentenced for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine at a sentencing hearing held before Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 7, 2022. He was sentenced to 79 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, to be served concurrently to a state sentence, and ordered to pay a $200 assessment.
On April 13, 2021, agents of the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence in Sheridan, Wyoming, to locate Godwin and execute an outstanding state arrest warrant. While executing the warrant officers recovered 2.1 ounces of methamphetamine and a firearm. Godwin pled guilty to the charges on December 15, 2021.
This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathon C. Coppom.
Case Number: 0:21-cr-00112-NDF
Russian Oligarch Charged with Making Illegal Political ContributionsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an indictment against ANDREY MURAVIEV, a/k/a “Andrey Muravyov,” a Russian citizen, charging him with making illegal political contributions as a foreign national, and conspiring to make illegal political contributions as a foreign national in the names of straw donors. Muraviev is charged with conspiring with Lev Parnas, Andrey Kukushkin, and Igor Fruman, and others, who were convicted at trial or have pleaded guilty to these crimes.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Andrey Muraviev, a Russian national, attempted to influence the 2018 elections by conspiring to push a million dollars of his foreign funds to candidates and campaigns. He attempted to corrupt our political system to advance his business interests. The Southern District of New York is committed to rooting out efforts by foreigners to interfere with our elections.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Muraviev, a Russian foreign national, made illegal political contributions and conspired with Parnas, Kukushkin and Fruman to obscure their true source. The money Muraviev injected into our political system, as alleged, was directed to politicians with views favorable to his business interests and those of his co-conspirators. As today’s action demonstrates, we will continue to aggressively pursue all those who seek to illegally effect our nation’s elections.”
As alleged in the indictment against MURAVIEV and as proven during the trial against his co-conspirators:
In the spring of 2018, MURAVIEV, Kukushkin, Fruman, and Parnas decided to launch a business aimed at acquiring retail cannabis and marijuana licenses in the United States. As part of that plan, MURAVIEV agreed to wire $1 million, through a series of bank accounts, to Fruman and Parnas to fund hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions they had made or promised to make before the elections in November 2018. The purpose of the donations was to curry favor with candidates that might be able to help MURAVIEV and his co-conspirators obtain cannabis and marijuana licenses. MURAVIEV’s money was used to reimburse and fund federal and state political donations in Florida, Nevada, and Texas, and MURAVIEV also agreed that the funds would pay for donations to politicians in New York and New Jersey. MURAVIEV traveled to Nevada as part of these efforts, and received regular updates from Kukushkin about the co-conspirators’ progress politically. To obscure the fact that MURAVIEV was the true donor of the money, the funds were sent to a business bank account controlled by FRUMAN’s brother, and then the donations were made in FRUMAN’s and PARNAS’s names.
* * *
MURAVIEV, 47, of Russia, is charged with (1) conspiring to make contributions and donations by a foreign national and in the name of another person, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and (2) making contributions by a foreign national, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum statutory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.
MURAVIEV is believed to be in Russia and remains at large. The case is assigned to Southern District of New York U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who presided over the trial of Parnas and Kukushkin.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Donaleski, Aline R. Flodr, Nicolas Roos, and Hagan Scotten are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man, who possessed a stolen firearm in the course of a domestic disturbance incident in 2018, pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation.
Joshua Lamont Blake, 41, pleaded guilty last week to one count of possession of a stolen firearm.
According to court documents, on September 24, 2018, law enforcement responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance at an address in northwest Roanoke, during which officers encountered Blake. After learning that Blake had outstanding warrants, law enforcement placed Blake under arrest and was found in possession of a stolen Ruger .380 pistol. Blake denied stealing the firearm but admitted he had reason to know it was reported stolen.
Blake is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2022 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division, announced the sentence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke City Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Baudinet and Matthew Miller are prosecuting the case.
Rhode Island Woman Charged with Falsifying Military Service; Fraudulently Collecting Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Charitable Contributions Earmarked for Wounded and Other VeteransRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Warwick woman who is alleged to have (1) fraudulently claimed to be a wounded United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and (2) schemed to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and charitable contributions, was arrested today by federal agents and made her initial appearance in federal court in Providence, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Sarah Jane Cavanaugh, 31, is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with using forged or counterfeited military discharge certificates, wire fraud, fraudulently holding herself out to be a medal recipient with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, and aggravated identity theft.
Charging documents allege the following:
- Cavanaugh used the personal identifying information of an actual Marine, and falsely claimed that she served in the USMC from 2009-2016; was honorably discharged; achieved the rank of Corporal; and was wounded in action in Iraq/Afghanistan.
- Cavanaugh used an official Veterans Administration (VA) email account, which was issued to her as a VA employee, to purchase and later display on a Marine uniform a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. She had not been awarded either award. In fact, a search of the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System, a database containing military-service records, provided no records or information pertaining to Cavanaugh.
It is further alleged that Cavanaugh:
- Created and submitted falsified military discharge documents, medical diagnosis, and medical bills to “HunterSeven,” an organization that provides monetary aid to veterans in need. Cavanaugh did so to request financial assistance and falsely claim that she was being treated for cancer from exposure to burn pits in Iraq/Afghanistan and inhaling particulate matter in the aftermath of an Improvised Explosive Device.
- Posing as a combat veteran, Cavanaugh contacted “Code of Support,” and collected $18,472 in financial assistance for mortgage payments, repairs to her home furnace, a gym membership, and for other unspecified bills,
- Posing as a combat veteran diagnosed with cancer related to her military service, Cavanaugh collected approximately $4,700 from an internet-based fundraising website,
- Claiming to be a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, Cavanaugh collected approximately $16,000 from a charity that provides therapy for veterans through art programs, and
- Posing as a wounded combat veteran, Cavanaugh collected $207,000 from the Wounded Warrior organization to pay for groceries and physical therapy sessions.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cavanaugh was arrested by federal agents on Monday and appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. She was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron and investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service, and the FBI, with the assistance of the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.
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Repeat offender sentenced to 2 years in prison for illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 40-year-old Puyallup, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 24 months in prison for being a felon in possession of two firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Christopher S. Hammond was arrested March 3, 2021, when a search of his apartment revealed a handgun with the serial number removed, and a rifle. Hammond is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal convictions. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle noted that Hammond blamed his offense on drug addiction. “The drug addiction doesn’t explain the offense… Drugs and firearms are a bad mix,” Judge Settle said.
According to records filed in the case, Hammond was convicted in 2013, of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 69 months in prison. Following prison, while on federal supervised release, Hammond possessed two additional firearms – even though he clearly knew he was prohibited from having guns. Probation officers searched Hammond’s home after a tipster sent them a photo of Hammond holding a firearm.
When he spoke to the court, Hammond said, “It took me a long time to realize that I am an addict. I need help.”
Judge Settle reduced Hammond’s sentence from the 30 months recommended by all parties to 24 months. “I see your addiction and your genuine desire to live a clean and productive life,” Judge Settle said.
Hammond pleaded guilty December 14, 2021. Following the 24-month prison term he will be on 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Probation Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Dillon.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months’ imprisonment for possessing multiple images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Robert Klemt, 35, of Wayne, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an Information charging him with one count of possessing child pornography. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2020, agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations approached Klemt at his residence after receiving information suggesting that Klemt had accessed a website containing images of child sexual abuse. Law enforcement subsequently discovered on Klemt’s laptop computer over 70 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Klemt was previously convicted of endangering the welfare of a child/distribution of child pornography in Essex County in 2014.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden also sentenced Klemt to 10 years of supervised release. Klemt must also register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Marcos Bear Shield, age 26, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bear Shield was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 18, 2021, and pleaded guilty on November 5, 2021. The conviction stems from Bear Shield, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Smith & Wesson, model 442 Centennial Airweight, .38 Smith & Wesson Special caliber, double-action revolver and .38 Special caliber ammunition, which was found after Bear Shield came into contact with law enforcement in May 2020 at Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Bear Shield was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on March 4, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Joshua Clark, age 34, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Clark was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 18, 2021, and pleaded guilty on October 13, 2021. The conviction stems from Clark, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing an O.F. Mossberg & Sons Incorporated, model M590A1, 12 Gauge, pump-action shotgun, and a Sturm, Ruger & Company Incorporated, model New Model Single-Six, .22 Long Rifle caliber, single-action revolver, which he had taken from a residence in New Underwood, South Dakota, in November 2020.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Clark was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Trevor Red Bird, age 33, was indicted on March 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Red Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in May 2008. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between December 7, 2021, and February 1, 2022, Red Bird a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Red Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Red Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Prior Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearms PossessionRead 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 Ray Chrostowski, 27, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated in August 2021, Chrostowski was convicted of breaking into and larceny from interstate carrier facilities and sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by Judge Sinatra. He was expected to self-surrender to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons on September 28, 2021. On September 14, 2021, Chrostowski was detained by investigators as he left his Bright Street residence. Investigators then executed a search warrant at the residence seizing an assault rifle and a semiautomatic pistol, two sets of body armor, and various rounds of assorted ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belongia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Portland Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns and Stealing Public BenefitsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon tax return preparer was sentenced to federal prison today for preparing and filing false and fraudulent tax returns for clients and for herself.
Elizabeth Munoz, 38, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Munoz was also ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution to the IRS and $82,400 to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
According to court documents, from 2015 to 2018, Munoz operated a federal and state income tax return preparation business from her home in Southeast Portland. Munoz advertised on business cards that she would obtain for her clients the “Biggest Refund Guaranteed.” Munoz prepared more than 1,300 false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for more than 600 clients, resulting in an approximately $1.8 million tax loss through fraudulent refunds.
Munoz used fraudulent tax schedules, tax credits, and filing statuses to carry out her refund fraud. Though Munoz charged her clients up to $150 per tax return, she reported no business income on her own personal income tax returns from 2014 through 2017, causing a $22,764 tax loss. Munoz additionally submitted six years’ worth of false applications to obtain more than $82,000 in public benefits designed to support poor and indigent community members.
On August 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 25-count indictment charging Munoz with filing false income tax returns and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns. On December 15, 2020, Munoz pleaded guilty to 13 counts of preparing and filing false income tax returns for clients and four counts of filing false income tax returns for herself.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (Oregon DHS). It was prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
IRS:CI reminds taxpayers to be careful when selecting a tax professional. Though most tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service, a minority of dishonest preparers operate each filing season perpetrating refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt innocent taxpayers. Well-intentioned taxpayers can be misled by preparers who deceive people into taking credits or deductions they aren’t entitled to claim.
Resources to help taxpayers, including tips on choosing a preparer, the differences in credentials and qualifications, as well as how to submit a complaint regarding an unscrupulous tax return preparer, are available at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.
Pittsfield Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for failing to register as a sex offender.
Jarrett Woodruff, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Nov. 12, 2021, Woodruff pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
In August 2018, Woodruff was convicted in Pittsfield District Court of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age and was sentenced to 251 days in prison. Because Woodruff had already served 251 days during pre-trial detention, he was placed on probation with conditions and was required to register as a Level 3 sex offender. While on probation, Woodruff fled from Massachusetts to Ohio without notifying authorities of his whereabouts and did not register as a sex offender in Ohio.
In February 2019, a Massachusetts state court issued an arrest warrant for Woodruff on a new child sexual abuse charge. Woodruff subsequently fled from Ohio to Georgia, where he again did not register as a sex offender. In October 2020, Woodruff was located at an apartment in Dunwoody, Ga., where he attempted to evade arrest by climbing into the adjoining neighbors’ apartment balconies before jumping to the ground where he was apprehended.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Douglas Bartlett, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Pike County Man Sentenced to Twenty Years’ Imprisonment for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerald Ungerer, age 34, formerly of Milford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 11, 2022, to twenty years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for the charge of production of child pornography. Upon release from prison, Ungerer will be supervised by a probation officer for a period of ten years.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Ungerer previously pleaded guilty in October 2021, and admitted to producing multiple videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In March 2020, investigators served a search warrant at Ungerer’s residence in Pike County and seized multiple computer hard drives and other electronic devices containing child pornography, much of which was produced by Ungerer.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Northeast Computer Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Out of state man admits to smuggling Iran nationalsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 62-year-old man pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle two Iranian citizens into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Gholamreza Hosseinpour, Fairfax, Virginia, pleaded guilty to two counts of transporting illegal aliens within the United States.
As part of his plea, he admitted that on Dec. 19, 2021, he flew from his home state to Texas. He rented a vehicle in San Antonio and drove to McAllen to pick up two individuals that had crossed into the United States from Mexico. Hosseinpour then drove them north to the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Sarita.
There, law enforcement conducted an initial inspection, at which time the two individuals could not answer questions about their citizenship. Authorities ultimately determined each individual was from Iran and illegally present in the United States.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing June 9. At that time, Hosseinpour faces up to five years of imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Robinson and Molly Smith are prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Admits Role in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Health Care Benefit ProgramsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to his role in a large-scale, multilevel marketing scheme to defraud private and federally funded health care benefit programs, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Kent Courtheyn, 38, of Kent, Ohio, owner and operator of two marketing companies involved in the sales and marketing of compounded medications – IntegriMed Solutions LLC (IntegriMed) and KA Compounding LLC (KA Compounding) – pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States by committing health care fraud and violating the anti-kickback statute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
TRICARE is a health care entitlement program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Military Health System that provides coverage for DoD beneficiaries worldwide, including active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, and survivors. Compounded medications are specialty medications prepared by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a medical professional determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as when a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient or when a patient cannot consume a medication by traditional means.
From July 2014 through July 2016, Courtheyn, a former medical device sales representative, ran a large-scale scheme to defraud federally funded health care benefit programs, such as TRICARE, as well as privately funded health care benefit programs. Through IntegriMed and KA Compounding, Courtheyn recruited individuals to submit fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary compounded medications, such as pain creams, scar creams, wound creams, and metabolic vitamins, without regard to medical necessity. In total, Courtheyn defrauded health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, of at least $5.8 million.
Courtheyn faces a statutory maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, with the ongoing investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Osmar J. Benvenuto, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in Newark.
North Little Rock Man Charged with Arson in Connection with Two Coffee Shop FiresRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— A North Little Rock man has been arrested and charged with arson following two fires at Little Rock coffee shops. Trent Tyrone Smith, 48, was charged in a criminal complaint on March 11, 2022. He was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge J. Thomas Ray.
On March 3, 2022, Little Rock Fire Department responded to calls from two separate locations of The Grind Coffee Bistro, one in Pleasant Ridge Town Center and one on 21st Street, both in Little Rock. Both locations had been deliberately set on fire. The coffee shop owner identified Smith as her former boyfriend. Smith was arrested on March 11, 2022.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Little Rock Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benecia Moore.
A criminal complaint only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
New Cumberland Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Pandemic Unemployment FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Marszalek, age 24, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for pandemic unemployment fraud.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Marszalek pled guilty to conspiring with five others to file false claims for unemployment assistance during the pandemic. These defendants gathered personal identification information from inmates housed within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections system and filed unemployment claims. The payments were mailed to particular addresses in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, where they were gathered and the funds accessed. The conspirators arranged for the payment of tens of thousands of dollars in benefits which they were not entitled to obtain.
Nicholas Baggio, age 32, an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He is awaiting sentencing.
Alexis Figueroa, age 31, of Philadelphia, Oscar Martinez, age 28, an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview, and Jeovanny Shultz, age 28, an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Mercer, are awaiting trial. Joshua Powles, age 33, of Philadelphia, is wanted as a fugitive.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Nevada Apartment Complex Manager Pleads Guilty to Violating Clean Air Act Asbestos Regulations at Two FacilitiesRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty to renovating two apartment complexes in violation of federal Clean Air Act regulations intended to prevent human exposure to toxic airborne asbestos fibers.
Bobby Babak Khalili, 46, of Los Angeles, entered a guilty plea to two counts of violating the Clean Air Act before U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sentencing is currently scheduled for June 15. Khalili faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count, and up to three years of supervised release.
Khalili was indicted by a grand jury sitting in the District of Nevada in September 2019, in connection with asbestos-related Clean Air Act violations at a Las Vegas apartment complex. The grand jury later returned a superseding indictment against Khalili in July 2021, in connection with new Clean Air Act asbestos violations at a second apartment complex, which Khalili now admits he committed while on pretrial release for the first set of charges.
As part of his guilty plea, Khalili acknowledged that, on behalf of his company Las Vegas Apartments LLC, he oversaw renovation activities at both apartment complexes. He further admitted that he was aware of asbestos-containing materials at both buildings, and that he hired untrained individuals to tear out those materials without following asbestos work practice standards prescribed by the Clean Air Act. Those work practice standards require that asbestos-containing materials be safely removed prior to general renovation activity taking place. Asbestos-containing materials must be kept wet at all times to prevent dust escaping, sealed in leak-proof bags and disposed of at facilities authorized to accept asbestos waste. At both apartment buildings, untrained laborers removed asbestos-containing drywall and ceiling texture without wetting or containment, releasing asbestos fibers into the surrounding atmosphere.
Khalili also admitted to taking steps to evade law enforcement at each site. At the first apartment complex, Khalili attempted to have a dumpster filled with asbestos waste removed from the site when inspectors from the Clark County Department of Air Quality discovered asbestos-related violations. At the second complex, where he oversaw illegal renovations while on pretrial release, he instructed the contractor in charge of the renovation to lie to inspectors about who owned and oversaw the project, in an attempt to blame another person for the Clean Air Act violations he knowingly committed.
Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been determined to cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, an invariably fatal disease. Congress and the EPA have determined that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
“The defendant placed workers and community members in harm’s way when he knowingly violated Clean Air Act requirements for the safe handling of asbestos, and then did it again while already under indictment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable those who defy federal law aimed at protecting the public from adverse health effects of asbestos.”
“Exposure to asbestos is associated with life-threatening illnesses and serious respiratory diseases,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “By failing to follow required standards for properly handling asbestos, the defendant put the health of our communities — including workers at two apartment renovation sites — at risk. This case reflects our office’s commitment to working with our state and federal partners to enforce environmental laws that protect Nevadans from hazardous pollutants.”
“By not removing asbestos – a known carcinogen – safely from the buildings he was working on, the defendant placed the health of his apartment residents and the surrounding community at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of the EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Nevada. “Today’s agreement demonstrates that those who violate those laws will be held responsible.”
Special agents of the EPA and employees of the Clark County Department of Air Quality investigated the case. Trial Attorney Cassandra Barnum of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jean Ripley for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
Multiple Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that six members of a drug conspiracy based out of the Martin, South Dakota, area and the Pine Ridge Reservation have been convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Four of the members have been sentenced in U.S. District Court by District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, while two more await sentencing. One additional person will stand trial in May.
Shadow Jensen, age 32, Wanblee, South Dakota, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release; Beau Imitates Dog, age 40, Martin, South Dakota, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release; Frank Milk, age 44, Wanblee, South Dakota, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release; and Paul Moore, age 38, Kyle, South Dakota, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Brett Schrum and Richard Bettelyoun have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Co-defendant Tracy Jones has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial in May 2022. She is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The seven co-defendants were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020.
During the course of the conspiracy, pounds of methamphetamine were trafficked into South Dakota, primarily from Colorado. Schrum, of Ft. Morgan, Colorado, brought the methamphetamine to various locations in South Dakota, primarily on the Pine Ridge reservation. The other six co-defendants are from South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, and the Martin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Jensen, Imitates Dog, Milk, and Moore were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mount Carmel Man Indicted for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and HeroinRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Glen Taormina, age 46, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the two-count indictment alleges that Taormina distributed 50 grams and more of methamphetamine on June 16, 2021, and then, on June 17, 2022, he possessed with the intent to distribute another 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl, and detectable amounts of heroin in Northumberland County. The indictment also seeks the criminal forfeiture of $10,754 in cash recovered on June 17, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit opioid related offenses.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of these offenses is 40 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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Morgan County Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Woodson, Illinois, man, Corey Meador, 32, of the 400 block of South Sheppard Street was sentenced today to fifteen years in prison, to be followed by fifteen years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that on or between February 11 and April 8, 2021, Meador used facilities and means of interstate commerce, the internet and a cellular telephone, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, and entice an individual who he believed had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity. Specifically, the evidence showed Meador agreed to pay money to engage in sexual activity with a person he believed was an eleven-year-old child.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found Meador had engaged in extended, disturbing conversations regarding the sexual abuse of an eleven-year-old and payment for sex with both money and candy. After months of conversations and planning, Meador drove to the meeting location to engage in the illicit relationship with the child and was arrested.
The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor are not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
Mission Man and Mellette County Woman Indicted for Burglary, Assault, and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man and a Mellette County, South Dakota, woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Stephen Fallis, age 29, and Sativa Looking Cloud, age 20, were indicted on March 8, 2022. They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 10, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on February 16, 2022, in Mellette County, Fallis and Looking Cloud unlawfully entered and remained in a residence, and assaulted two victims with handguns.
The charges are merely accusations and Fallis and Looking Cloud are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Fallis and Looking Cloud were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 26, 2022.
Mission Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 14, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Wamblee One Star, a/k/a Wamblee Kane, age 40, was sentenced to 24 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.
One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020. He pled guilty on December 2, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on November 28, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, when One Star entered a convenience store and took the keys to a car from an individual. When the victim attempted to get his keys back, One Star assaulted him with a knife causing a laceration to his hand.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
One Star was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Violent Armed Robbery of a Minneapolis BusinessRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for an armed Hobbs Act robbery that resulted in the shooting death of a store clerk. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, on April 27, 2021, Marlow Ramsey Carson, 31, robbed the Blue Sky Wireless and West Bend Furniture stores located in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. During the robbery, Carson stuck a handgun under a plexiglass barrier on the counter and demanded money from the store clerk. When Carson attempted to get behind the counter, the store clerk tried to shut the door to keep Carson out. Carson shot the store clerk in the chest from pointblank range before running out of the store into a car parked on the street and fleeing from the scene. The store clerk was transported by ambulance to the emergency room where he was later pronounced dead from the gunshot wound.
On December 10, 2021, Carson pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. Carson has prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and Samantha H. Bates prosecuted the case.
Metairie Woman Indicted for Theft of More Than $76,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RACHEL COONEY, age 37, of Metairie, Louisiana was indicted on March 11, 2022 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the indictment, beginning in November 2015 and continuing through January 2020, COONEY collected Social Security Administration benefits paid to a deceased relative. It is alleged that, in total, COONEY fraudulently received approximately $76,139 in Social Security Administration benefits to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, COONEY faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.
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McKesson Agrees to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Recordkeeping Violations under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - McKesson Corporation (McKesson) agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty to resolve alleged Controlled Substances Act (CSA) record-keeping violations, the Department of Justice announced today.
The resolution stems from allegations that McKesson's packaging subsidiary, RxPak, located in Memphis, Tennessee, engaged in a continuing pattern of recordkeeping deficiencies. The alleged recordkeeping deficiencies include failing to take an initial inventory of controlled substances received; failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances received, manufactured, sold, delivered or disposed of; and failing to maintain complete and accurate DEA-222 forms. Resolved allegations also include that McKesson-RxPak transferred tens of thousands of containers of Schedule II-V controlled substances without maintaining DEA-222 forms or invoices.
The investigation by the DEA Memphis Field Division identified more than 700 separate alleged recordkeeping violations and alleged overages, or excess quantities of drugs on hand, for eight controlled substances. The investigation also identified alleged discrepancies between McKesson RxPak's records compared with reports it made to the DEA of its sales of Scheduled II controlled substances.
Entities that engage in transactions regulated under the CSA have a duty to maintain records and report required information accurately,said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. When companies violate the CSA by failing to make accurate reports or to maintain required records, the department will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.
Enforcing recordkeeping requirements under the CSA is crucial, particularly during the current opioid epidemic, to ensure that often-misused controlled substances are transferred only through legitimate transactions, and not diverted to illegal channels,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee.
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continue to significantly contribute to the unprecedented opioid epidemic our country is currently facing,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “In order to protect the safety and health of Americans, all DEA registered entities have a basic obligation to maintain full and complete records, which is essential to preventing potentially addictive medications from being diverted from the legitimate drug supply. DEA will continue working with our partners to hold our registrants accountable when any CSA violation is detected.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eileen Kuo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee handled the matter, working with Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. Trial Attorneys Harry Matz and Anita J. Gay of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section also offered valuable assistance.###
McKesson Agrees to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Recordkeeping Violations under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
McKesson Corporation (McKesson) agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty to resolve alleged Controlled Substances Act (CSA) recordkeeping violations, the Department of Justice announced today.
The resolution stems from allegations that McKesson’s packaging subsidiary, RxPak, located in Memphis, Tennessee, engaged in a continuing pattern of recordkeeping deficiencies. The alleged recordkeeping deficiencies include failing to take an initial inventory of controlled substances received; failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances received, manufactured, sold, delivered or disposed of; and failing to maintain complete and accurate DEA-222 forms. Resolved allegations also include that McKesson-RxPak transferred tens of thousands of containers of Schedule II-V controlled substances without maintaining DEA-222 forms or invoices.
The investigation by the DEA Memphis Field Division identified more than 700 separate alleged recordkeeping violations and alleged overages, or excess quantities of drugs on hand, for eight controlled substances. The investigation also identified alleged discrepancies between McKesson RxPak’s records compared with reports it made to the DEA of its sales of Schedule II controlled substances.
“Entities that engage in transactions regulated under the CSA have a duty to maintain records and report required information accurately,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When companies violate the CSA by failing to make accurate reports or to maintain required records, the department will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.”
“Enforcing recordkeeping requirements under the CSA is crucial, particularly during the current opioid epidemic, to ensure that often-misused controlled substances are transferred only through legitimate transactions, and not diverted to illegal channels,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee.
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continue to significantly contribute to the unprecedented opioid epidemic our country is currently facing,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “In order to protect the safety and health of Americans, all DEA registered entities have a basic obligation to maintain full and complete records, which is essential to preventing potentially addictive medications from being diverted from the legitimate drug supply. DEA will continue working with our partners to hold our registrants accountable when any CSA violation is detected.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eileen Kuo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee handled the matter, working with Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. Trial Attorneys Harry Matz and Anita J. Gay of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section also offered valuable assistance.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Construction Worker in Attack at Northeast Washington HomeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – George Miller, 27, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder while armed for killing a construction worker in November 2020 in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Miller pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He is to be sentenced on June 28, 2022, by the Honorable Robert Okun.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2020, Miller rode a bicycle toward a house that was under construction in the 1600 block of Olive Street NE. He entered the building and pointed a gun at Elias Flores, who was working at the site. He held Mr. Flores at gunpoint and took some of his property. Miller then shot Mr. Flores once in the head before fleeing the scene. When first responders arrived, Mr. Flores was not conscious but was breathing and suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Mr. Flores, 48, was taken to a hospital, where he died on Nov. 23, 2020.
Miller was arrested on Dec 9, 2020. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris and Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel L. Dean, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Leading Counterfeiting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 5 years in prison for manufacturing counterfeit currency.
According to court documents, Hollis Forteau, 38, was the leader of a multi-defendant counterfeiting conspiracy. The members of the conspiracy profited by using $100 counterfeit bills to purchase items at a retail store, and then returning those items at another branch of the same store in exchange for genuine currency. Forteau made the counterfeit notes by printing images of $100 bills onto bleached $1 bills. He distributed them to the rest of the group in exchange for a substantial cut of their proceeds.
The United States Secret Service’s counterfeit tracking application revealed that since 2019, over $235,000 in $100 counterfeit bills with similar characteristics have been used across the country.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew Stohler, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Andrew Bosse prosecuted 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-28.
Man Sentenced to Four Years for Machinegun CrimeRead the Press Release
A Dallas man who sold at least nine Glock “switches” – devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machineguns – was sentenced yesterday to four years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Martin Aviña, 34, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to conspiracy to possess unregistered firearms and possession of unregistered firearms. He was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey, who noted that selling Glock switches into the community was extremely dangerous.
According to plea papers, Mr. Aviña admitted he possessed – and later delivered for sale – at least nine Glock switches, which are classified as machineguns under federal law.
Unlike semiautomatic firearms, machineguns – weapons that can fire more than one round, without manual reloading, by single function of the trigger – are generally unlawful for non-licensed civilians under the National Firearms Act. A pistol equipped with a conversion device (also called an “auto sear”) can fire up to 1200 rounds per minute, a faster rate of fire than the standard M-4 machinegun issued to U.S. military service members.
Glock switches have been linked to gun violence across the country, including the murder of a Houston police officer last fall.
According to court filings, Mr. Aviña and his coconspirators, brothers José Bermudez and Victor Bermudez, sold 20 Glock switches to an undercover agent in four separate transactions. The switches were advertised for sale on Snapchat and sold for up to $900 apiece.
José and Victor Bermudez, who each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess unregistered firearms and possession of unregistered firearms, are awaiting sentencing.
“Conversion switches pose a grave threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Quick and easy to install, these devices turn everyday pistols into highly lethal machineguns. While we respect law-abiding citizens’ right to bear firearms, we cannot allow sears to proliferate on the streets of Dallas.”
“Mr. Avina knowingly put machine guns all over the streets of our Dallas neighborhoods. By utilizing social media, these defendants were able to advance their criminal enterprise and put the lives of others at risk. ATF is relentless in its pursuit to investigate and arrest all those involved in the illegal sales of these devices,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the help of the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebekah Ricketts is prosecuting the case.
MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Kill Rival Mexican Mafia InmateRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – The last of five federal prisoners charged with conspiring to kill a fellow inmate at United States Penitentiary – Lee, a high-security federal prison for male inmates, pleaded guilty today to federal charges related to the attempted murder.
Carlos Alfredo Almonte, a.k.a. “Rabioso,” 31, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit murder, attempt to commit murder, assault of an inmate with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a weapon by an inmate.
Last week, Julio Angel Chavez, Angel Moreno Guevara, and German Arquimedez Hernandez each pleaded guilty for their roles in the attempted murder of fellow inmate and victim “A.Z.” on January 15, 2020. Moris Alex Flores pleaded guilty in June 2021.
“To guarantee the civil rights of federal prisoners, they must be able to serve their sentences in environments that are safe and humane and without the fear of violence. My Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of violent crimes that occur against those in federal custody, especially at USP-Lee.” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I am grateful to the efforts of the FBI and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their work on bringing these five, violent offenders to justice.”
“Protecting the civil rights of every citizen and investigating violations thereof is a priority for the FBI, regardless of an individual's status in the community,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today. “The victim being incarcerated did not lessen the importance of this investigation, as we worked closely with our partners to ensure those responsible for his death were brought to justice.”
According to court documents, Almonte, Flores, Chavez, Hernandez, and Guevara - all members of the international criminal gang MS-13 - attacked A.Z. – a member of the rival Mexican Mafia - on January 15, 2020, with the intent to commit murder. Flores and Guevara attacked A.Z. in his cell with metal shanks while Almonte, Chavez, and Hernandez blocked the cell door and fought off other inmates who attempted to interfere with the attack.
A.Z. sustained multiple stab wounds but ultimately survived the attack.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Giorno, Lena L. Busscher, Whit D. Pierce, and Daniel J. Murphy all collaborated on the prosecution of the case.
Lower Brule Woman Indicted for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Chassidy Crazy Bull, age 19, was indicted on March 8, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on September 21, 2021, in Lyman County, South Dakota, Crazy Bull did assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency, and that such conduct involved the use of motor vehicle as a dangerous weapon.
The charge is merely an accusation and Crazy Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Crazy Bull was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.