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10 March 2022
Five Members of Violent Criminal Enterprise Arrested in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Five members of a violent criminal enterprise were arrested and charged today in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) throughout Western Massachusetts.
“These defendants are alleged to have inundated Western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine – fueling violence and capitalizing on the devastating opioid and drug crises,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today, thanks to the exceptional work by a multitude of dedicated law enforcement agencies, this violent criminal enterprise has been brought to its knees. Our investigation demonstrates the strength of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement and the invaluable positive impact that work can have on safety in our communities. My office will continue to partner with law enforcement, medical experts and community organizations to reclaim our impacted neighborhoods.”
“Today’s arrests have dismantled a violent criminal enterprise headed by Vincente Gonzalez which we believe is responsible for flooding the streets of western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine while using firearms, force, and intimidation to protect their turf,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case is just one example of how the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force is working with our law enforcement partners to stop the senseless violence that is a blight on our neighborhoods, and to make them safer places to live and raise a family.”
“I would like to thank the brave and hardworking men and women of the Holyoke Police Department, FBI Gang task Force, ATF, DEA, US Marshals, Massachusetts State Police, and the Hampden County Sheriffs for their dedication to duty and to the citizens of Holyoke. Today's search warrants will significantly damage the narcotic sales taking place in Holyoke. The criminals that were arrested today along with their operations being grounded to a halt, will have a great impact on the quality of life for Holyoke citizens. The narcotic sales from these locations brought gun violence to our streets, endangered the children of Holyoke and increased the opiate abuse within our City,” said Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt. “I am aware there is more hard work to be done but I am confident in the success of Holyoke due to the cooperation between our citizens and law enforcement
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood stated, “I’d like to thank our federal partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI, our Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit and Warrant Apprehension Unit for their work in taking numerous illegal firearms and illicit drugs off the street in both Springfield and Holyoke Thursday morning. By sharing intelligence and having a dedicated Springfield Police Officer in the FBI Task Force we are able to work together across the region to combat senseless gun violence. The results of this Gang Task Force investigation puts a dent in the illegal drug trade across western Massachusetts and sends a clear message to the individuals possessing illegal firearms. We fully support and are thankful for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices’ efforts to address and reduce gun violence in our community.”
The following individuals were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base:
- Vicente Gonzalez, 41, of Springfield;
- Brigham Ocasio-Rosario, 44, of Springfield;
- Miguel Burgos, 45, of Holyoke;
- Khristy Guzman, 37, of Holyoke; and
- Willie Watkins, 42, of Springfield;
According to court documents, investigators identified Gonzalez to be the leader of a violent criminal enterprise operating in Hampden County. During the investigation, controlled purchases and intercepted communications between Gonzalez and his co-conspirators revealed that, beginning in or about July 2021, the defendants allegedly prepared and trafficked large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in the Holyoke and Springfield areas.
In furtherance of the trafficking activity, the investigation revealed that the enterprise used violence and threats of violence to control Gonzalez’s territory in Holyoke. For example, court documents allege that in July 2021, Gonzalez, Ocasio and other co-conspirators attempted a violent armed kidnapping at the enterprise’s drug sale location in Holyoke. During the incident, Gonzalez and Ocasio allegedly brandished and pointed firearms at the victim and, after the victim fled the building, chased and attempted to detain the victim with their firearms.
Today, investigators seized approximately 400 grams of cocaine, cocaine base, 12 firearms, ammunition, drug proceeds and drug packaging materials.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, Holyoke PD Chief Pratt and Springfield PD Superintendent Clapprood made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police’s Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office’s Strategic Action and Focused Enforcement (SAFE) Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Jury Convicts Pryor Man of Sexually Abusing Two of his ChildrenRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Pryor man was convicted Thursday in federal court for repeatedly sexually abusing two of his daughters for approximately 10 years, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. In 2020 when the two victims were adults, they came forward to report the abuse.
A federal jury found Keith Duane Parnell, 49, guilty of three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country and four counts of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
“For years, Keith Parnell violated the trust and innocence of two children,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This week, a federal jury evaluated the evidence and convicted Parnell of these grievous crimes. I am thankful for the jury’s service and for the exemplary work done in this case by the Pryor Police Department, FBI, and federal prosecutors Reagan Reininger and Chantelle Dial.”
“The details of this case are stomach-turning and serve as a prime example of how children can be victimized in the safety of their own homes,” said Edward Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Division. “We must do better as adults in protecting innocent children because even one being victimized by a predator is too many. A first step in helping someone who may be a victim: Call 1-800-CALL-FBI if you, or someone you know, has suffered sexual abuse.”
Parnell began sexually abusing the two minor victims at approximately 5 years of age. The victims described Parnell as a good dad who was trusted and was always “nice about the sexual abuse.” Over the next ten years, the abuse escalated and included Parnell repeatedly forcing the victims to perform oral sex on him and also penetrating the victims’ genitals with his penis and fingers. Neither child knew the other was also being abused. They had hoped by enduring the abuse, they were protecting their siblings. As a teenager, one of the victims tried to tell a relative about the sexual abuse. A witness for the prosecution, who was there the night the disclosure occurred, corroborated the victim’s account. At trial, the victim testified that multiple relatives told her it was too late for police to do anything and that it was a family embarrassment, eventually resulting in her recanting the allegations.
The two victims struggled to cope with the abuse they endured from Parnell, and as teenagers, each attempted suicide. Neither victim reported the abuse to authorities until they were adults.
Often in cases of child sexual abuse, victims may not come forward when they are young to disclose the abuse. Victims may not report for various reasons that may include: feelings of shame, fear of being blamed, fear of their abuser, fear of the break-up of their family, fear of others not believing them, pressure from others not to report the crimes, or they may look up to their abuser.
In August 2020, one of the victims described in detail the abuse both victims endured as children in a Facebook post. A Pryor Police detective was alerted about the post, began an investigation into the allegations, and interviewed the two victims and others.
In closing, the defense called into question the victims’ motives and surmised the claims were lies and mudslinging made up in an attempt to get back at Parnell due to a recent rift that was forming between Parnell and one of the victims. He also questioned why they did not go to authorities and why they maintained a relationship with their abuser.
Prosecutors argued in closing statements that the victims could be believed-- that their first sexual experiences, starting at the age of five, were sexual assaults committed by their own father. They stated that much of the victims’ testimony was corroborated by witnesses for both the defense and prosecution. Prosecutors further described a home in chaos where the victims did not feel safe and lived in constant fear of losing their family or being punished. They were afraid of their parents but also afraid to lose their siblings, the parents they did have, and their home. Prosecutors stated the victims’ accounts were credible and asked the jury to find Parnell guilty.
The FBI and Pryor Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan V. Reininger and Chantelle D. Dial are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Indianapolis Man of Drug Trafficking and Firearm Related OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Following a federal trial, a jury convicted Demetrius Jackson, 26, of Indianapolis, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in late January of 2021, federal agents learned that Jackson was trafficking in methamphetamine and was willing to sell a firearm to another drug dealer. Jackson has numerous prior felony convictions, including battery resulting in bodily injury, and is not legally able to possess a firearm. The jury returned its verdict late Tuesday.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and officers with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) executed a search warrant at Jacksons residence. Investigators seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately eight pounds of marijuana, and more than $10,000 in U.S. currency. Further investigation into the matter by the ATF reveled that Jackson had been distributing methamphetamine to individuals in Indianapolis since at least October 2020.
Jackson will be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton-Pratt at a later date and faces a mandatory 15 years up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division, Timothy Canon, made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle P. Brady who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
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.
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – An Arizona man pled guilty yesterday to assaulting a federal law enforcement officer at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina (“FMC Butner”).
According to court documents, Michael Anthony Mata, 47, an inmate at FMC Butner at the time of the offense, struck the law enforcement officer in the face after the officer told him he was in an unauthorized area and asked him to return to his assigned housing unit. As a result of the contact, the officer suffered a fracture to his left orbital wall and required further medical care.
Mata pled guilty to the sole count of the Superseding Indictment, 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) and (b), and faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison when sentenced in the June 2022 term of court.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Prisons is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00507-BR.
Farley Man Charged with Producing, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Farley, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court with producing and distributing child pornography.
Andrew J. McCardie, 35, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Monday, March 7, with one count of producing child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography over the internet.
Following a detention hearing today, McCardie will remain in federal custody without bond until his trial.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, an FBI online covert employee from the Atlanta, Georgia, field office was in contact with McCardie on the Kik messaging application. McCardie allegedly claimed to be sexually abusing multiple children. During the chat, the affidavit says, McCardie claimed he had been producing child pornography at others’ request for a couple of years.
On March 5, 2022, McCardie allegedly sent the FBI employee two videos that depicted child sexual abuse. McCardie claimed that one of the videos, which appear to depict him sexually abusing a child, was taken the same day. He also sent a screen shot as evidence that it was a live video taken with the Kik application and previously sent to another Kik user.
On March 6, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McCardie’s residence. The entry team attempted to take control of McCardie near the entrance of the residence but he resisted, initially holding a firearm as officers entered. McCardie was brought out into the yard, where he continued to resist before being handcuffed and placed under arrest. According to the affidavit, McCardie attempted to hide his iPhone in the bedroom closet, but officers found the phone and seized it in order to conduct a forensic investigation.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It is being investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Essex County Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Mortgage and Securities Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for conspiring to obtain mortgage loans to finance the sale of properties to unqualified buyers, securities fraud by inducing a victim into investing over $1.2 million into real estate companies under false pretenses, and violation of supervised release, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.
Maurice Bethea, 54, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of securities fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2009 through June 2012, Bethea and others recruited buyers to purchase multi-unit residential properties owned by Westinghouse Redevelopment Act Inc., a company Bethea controlled. Bethea and his conspirators used false information about the buyers’ assets and income to support fraudulent mortgage loan applications to a mortgage company. They falsified the buyers’ loan application by boosting liquid assets. Bethea and his conspirators transferred cash from Westinghouse’s and others’ accounts to the buyers’ bank accounts and falsified documents to hide the transfers. After the loans were approved, Bethea and his conspirators caused the return of the funds to Westinghouse. When it came time to close the transactions, Bethea and his conspirators defrauded the mortgage company by hiding that Westinghouse and others, not the buyers, provided the cash to close the transactions. Ultimately, the buyers were not able to repay the loans, which resulted in losses to several financial institutions.
From April 2017 through May 2018, Bethea deceived an individual into investing in Bethea’s real estate companies. Bethea told the victim that he would invest his money in companies that Bethea owned and that were in the business of buying foreclosed homes, renovating the homes, and then reselling the properties. Bethea falsely promised the victim that Bethea would pay him a 12 percent return on his investment and $10,000 each time one of Bethea’s companies sold a property. In reality, Bethea took the victim’s $1.27 million investment, spent the money for other purposes, and then lied to the victim about Bethea’s failure to make monthly interest payments and the condition of the properties under Bethea’s control.
The 108-month sentence imposed today includes a 21-month sentence for violation of supervised release; Bethea was on supervised release for an earlier conviction at the time he committed the counts he pleaded guilty to in this case. In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Bethea to five years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly of the Cybercrime Unit and Ari B. Fontecchio of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin V. Di Gregory and Charlie L. Divine of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General.
Essex County Man Arrested for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man employed as a food services worker in a high school was arrested today for distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Ezra W. Saphire, 29, of West Orange, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. He had his initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Saphire was employed as a food services contractor at a high school in East Hanover, New Jersey. From June 9, 2021, through Jan. 22, 2022, law enforcement conducted undercover online sessions using a publicly-available peer-to-peer (P2P) software application program, a method of communication available to Internet users through the use of special software that allows users to trade digital files through a worldwide network that is formed by linking computers together. Law enforcement officers used P2P software to download 1,014 video files and 659 image files containing images of child sexual abuse through the IP address associated with Saphire’s residence. These files included multiple visual depictions of pre-pubescent children being sexually abused by adults.
The count of distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offense.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked the West Orange Police Department and the East Hanover Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden M. Brockett of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
EDVA Announces Grant Funding for Project Safe Neighborhood InitiativesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced today the availability of $535,653 in grant funding for Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiatives.
“Addressing violent crime is among my top priorities, and it is where EDVA is focusing significant effort. We are collaborating closely with our local, state, and federal partners on violence prevention and working to build trust and a stronger feeling of safety in the communities we serve,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber. “We recognize that to make a dent in violent crime we need an all-hands effort from the community. Law enforcement cannot solve this problem alone. It is with this in mind that I am pleased to announce the availability of grant funding for organizations and local and state agencies.”
EDVA has focused additional resources on its PSN program in the last year. On August 31, 2021, the Acting U.S. Attorney for EDVA announced the assignment of two federal prosecutors specifically assigned to coordinate PSN efforts in each of the district’s four geographic Divisions. In addition to the efforts of over 40 experienced prosecutors throughout the district, these coordinators are focused on chronic offenders, gangs, and firearms traffickers, as well as on engaging with community partners to seek prevention and intervention opportunities.
This change is part of the reassessment and retooling of EDVA’s strategy to address the most pressing violent crime problems with three principles in mind: fostering trust and legitimacy through increased community engagement; a heightened focus and attention on prevention and intervention; and strategic enforcement through enhanced multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction, proactive investigations.
Guided by those principles, EDVA’s new PSN strategy sets a number of goals to reduce violent crime:
- Engage, collaborate, and invite community stakeholders to share responsibility in efforts to reduce violent crime.
- Build trust between law enforcement and the community through effective communication, regular interaction, and the support and protection of crime victims.
- Reduce accessibility and possession of handguns among minors.
- Reduce re-offending and break the cycle of re-victimization.
- Disrupt and dismantle the region’s most organized and violent gangs.
- Identify chronic violent offenders responsible for a disproportionate level of violent crime.
- Work with citizens in neighborhoods most impacted by violent crime on harm reduction strategies.
Last fall, in an effort to enhance EDVA’s collaboration with local, state, and community partners, the U.S. Attorney’s office formed a Grant Committee to help identify and allocate grant funds to programs and initiatives that support EDVA’s PSN violence reduction strategy. The PSN Grant Committee had its inaugural meeting on December 7, 2021, met again on January 28, 2022, and consistent with EDVA’s strategic emphasis, the Committee is currently focused on three regions—Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk—but will evaluate grant applications from across the Eastern District.
The U.S. Attorney and the PSN Grant Committee encourage organizations and local and state agencies whose programs support our PSN goals within the district to apply for grant assistance by visiting the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants/programs/fy-2022-project-safe-neighborhoods-psn-grant-solicitation. Please submit proposals and budgets by April 15, 2022.
On December 9, 2021, as part of a nationwide effort to expand PSN, the U.S. Department of Justice announced $17.5 million in additional grant funding to support PSN efforts nationwide, including $247,745 for EDVA.
“We look forward to putting this grant money to good use in the new year and remain optimistic that with the help of the community we can reduce violent crime. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their towns and cities—as Virginians and Americans, we owe that to each other,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Dover Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Dylan Greene, 40, of Dover, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 11, 2020, a Dover police officer observed Greene conduct what appeared to be a drug transaction between two buildings in Dover. Greene was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation. The officer learned Greene had a warrant for theft and he was arrested. During a search incident to the arrest, the officer located 20 grams of fentanyl in Greene’s possession.
On September 15, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Greene would be traveling from Hampton to Dover transporting drugs. After observing Greene and another male interact in Hampton and then depart in a truck, officers made a traffic stop. A later search of the truck pursuant to a search warrant yielded approximately 361 grams of fentanyl, $2,190 in cash, and various items indicative of drug trafficking, including drug ledgers.
“Despite fentanyl’s deadly impact in our state, heartless drug dealers continue to sell this dangerous drug in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Drug traffickers who choose to do business in New Hampshire should understand that there will be significant penalties for their unlawful conduct. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect public safety by holding drug dealers responsible for their crimes.”
“Dylan Greene will now spend the next six years behind bars after being caught red-handed trafficking fentanyl, furthering the scourge of opioids in our communities, for his own personal profit,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is a testament to the strength of our law enforcement partnerships in New Hampshire and illustrates how there really is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.”
This matter was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics and Use FirearmsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andre Nickens, 22, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for his role in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute narcotics and a related conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Nickens is one of more than a dozen individuals arrested as part of a joint FBI/ATF investigation which resulted in the seizure of more than 34 pounds of marijuana, 16 firearms, and more than $270,000 in cash.
Nickens, who used the street nickname “Dreco,” pleaded guilty in November 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, as well as oxycodone and codeine. As part of his plea agreement, Nickens admitted to participating in a separate conspiracy to use, carry, and possess firearms and to serving in a leadership role of both conspiracies. He was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. Following his prison term, Nickens will be placed on four years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, beginning in approximately June 2018, and continuing through April 2021, Nickens and his co-conspirators maintained drug-dealing territory on Trenton Place SE in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. – a territory they defended by carrying, and discharging, firearms at perceived rivals. As part of his role in the conspiracy, Nickens distributed narcotics in street-level transactions and served as an armed defender of the co-conspirators’ drug-dealing territory. Nickens encouraged his co-conspirators to pool their money and buy as many firearms as possible for use in defending their territory, and admitted to having participated in shootings in defense of the co-conspirators’ territory.
Nickens was arrested on April 22, 2021. He has been detained ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Special Agent in Charge Patterson commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI and ATF. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Genevieve de Guzman, Kim Hall, and Teesha Tobias. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson, who investigated and prosecuted the case, with help from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Vaillancourt and former Assistant U.S Attorney Christopher Berridge.
Departments of Justice and Labor Strengthen Partnership to Protect WorkersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Labor Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to strengthen the partnership between the two agencies to protect workers from employer collusion, ensure compliance with the labor laws and promote competitive labor markets and worker mobility. The objectives of the President’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy will be supported by this continued partnership.
“Protecting competition in labor markets is fundamental to the ability of workers to earn just rewards for their work, to live out the American dream, and to provide for their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “By cooperating more closely with our colleagues in the Department of Labor, we can share enforcement information, collaborate on new policies, and ensure that workers are protected from collusion and unlawful employer behavior. Protecting the right of workers to earn a fair wage is core to the work of both our agencies, and it will continue to receive extraordinary vigilance from the Antitrust Division.”
“Anticompetitive practices harm both workers and high road employers,” said Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda. “The Department of Labor looks forward to collaborating with the Antitrust Division to ensure there is a level playing field in the labor market and that workers receive their fair pay. Through this partnership, we will work together to tackle unlawful behavior that we are seeing across industries – including misclassification and wage fixing. This is an important moment in recognizing that protecting competition protects workers. Working with the Justice Department to root out these unscrupulous practices will help us empower workers and improve job quality.”
The Departments of Justice and Labor share an interest in promoting competitive labor markets. Both agencies are charged with protecting workers who have been harmed or may be at-risk of being harmed by anticompetitive and unlawful conduct, including through the use of business models designed to evade legal accountability and business practices, such as illegal agreements to fix wages or inappropriate use of noncompete agreements, that cause direct harm to employees.
The MOU signed today by Assistant Attorney General Kanter and Solicitor Nanda announced new steps the two agencies will take to strengthen this partnership. Through greater coordination in information sharing, enforcement activity and training, the two agencies will maximize the enforcement of federal laws, including worker protection laws under the Labor Department’s jurisdiction and the antitrust laws enforced by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. In particular, this MOU will allow the two agencies to refer cases of potentially illegal activity to each other, as appropriate, and to coordinate on policy, strategy and training.
This announcement follows the Department of Treasury releasing a report March 7 highlighting how lack of competition affects workers’ wages and opportunities. The MOU is a further step for the departments in addressing some of the challenges highlighted in the report.
The Labor Department is responsible for protecting and empowering workers through enforcing and administering standards on wage and hour, mine safety, workplace-related benefits, occupational safety and health, and whistleblower protection. The Justice Department is charged with promoting and protecting competition by enforcing the antitrust laws of the United States.
Information about possible antitrust violations or potential anticompetitive activity should be reported to the Antitrust Division Citizen Complaint Center. To learn more about how to seek whistleblower protection under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, please go to https://www.whistleblowers.gov/complaint_page.
Denton County Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography ViolationsRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Lewisville man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Aliyah George Simpson, 26, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2021, to five counts of production of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography and was sentenced to 540 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.
According to information presented in court, in the fall of 2020, members of HSI and the Flower Mound Police Department were investigating an individual using an online cloud storage service to transport files of child pornography. As part of that investigation, investigators served a search warrant at Simpson's residence, during which they seized several items of digital equipment. Through a forensic investigation, agents located a number of images and videos of a child identified as Victim 1, a minor who had not attained the age of 10-years old. Agents also located messages with other minors in a social media application, in which Simpson induced the teens to engage in sexually explicit conduct, film that conduct, and then send the recordings to him.
As part of his plea agreement, Simpson admitted to abusing Victim 1 on multiple occasions. Specifically, while Victim 1 was sleeping or unconscious, Simpson sexually abused the child and recorded the abuse on cellular telephones that he owned. Simpson has also admitted to persuading, inducing, and enticing two other minors, known as Victim 2 and Victim 3, to film themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct and to send him the recordings. Simpson was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 15, 2020.
“This office, joined by our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, will always work tirelessly and spare no expense to detect, arrest and prosecute anyone who chooses to harm a child,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “In fact, to those who commit these evil acts, you are our priority. We appreciate those dedicated men and women of law enforcement who make it their mission to protect the children of our communities.”
“HSI works relentlessly with our law enforcement partners at all levels to ensure child predators face justice for their unspeakable crimes,” said Christopher Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “This lengthy sentence reaffirms our commitment to protecting the innocence of our most vulnerable from sexual abuse and exploitation.”
This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Flower Mound Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.
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Danville Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and the Unlawful Use of FirearmsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Danville, Illinois, man, Deandre Smith, 35, was sentenced on March 8, 2022, to a combined term of 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons for convictions including distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
A grand jury in the Central District of Illinois returned an indictment charging Smith with aforementioned offenses in August 2020. Smith pled guilty to four of the counts in June 2021, but elected to go to trial on the charge that he carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
During the two-day jury trial in September 2021, the United States presented evidence of Smith’s involvement in drug trafficking. Following two drug purchases from Smith by a confidential source, law enforcement arrested Smith at Dale’s Tavern in Danville on February 3, 2020. During the arrest, officers found 23 packages of fentanyl in one of Smith’s jacket pockets, and a digital scale and a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun in the other pocket. Smith insisted at the time that he was selling heroin, but later testing showed he was selling the far more potent fentanyl. Following a short deliberation, a jury convicted Smith of carrying a firearm during and in relation to his fentanyl trafficking crime.
At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm agreed with the jury that Smith was carrying a gun to further his drug trade. Judge Mihm sentenced Smith to concurrent 60-month terms of imprisonment on the four counts involving drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon and a consecutive 60-month term of imprisonment for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Illinois State Police; Danville Police Department; and Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Freres and William Lynch represented the government in the prosecution, in coordination with Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy.
Couple Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Impede and Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Guillermo Inamagua (56, Davenport) and Mayra Velasquez (34, Apopka) have pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Inamagua and Velasquez each owned and managed a construction company which they had registered with the State of Florida. Inamagua’s company was named First Construction and Velasquez’s company was named Best Construction. These companies purported to supply construction services and a labor force to work for construction contractors. As such, each company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage in order to comply with Florida law. The providers of worker’s compensation insurance based the premiums they charged and the amount of coverage they provided on the number of employees a company had and the total annual payroll of those employees. Inamagua’s and Velasquez’s companies each had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be their company’s employees at construction sites. These workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Inamagua and Velasquez or others would regularly receive “payroll checks” from these contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay the purported “employees” of either Best or First Construction.
During the time periods charged in their respective criminal informations, Inamagua and Velasquez each falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that their company had very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees that worked on construction jobsites. They also caused the transmission of false and fraudulent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that their companies’ employees had full worker’s compensation coverage. In reality, Inamagua’s company received and cashed more than $18 million in checks from various construction contractors for his purported employees. This payroll figure far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Inamagua had reported to his worker’s compensation insurance company. Velasquez’s company received and cashed more than $7 million in checks from various construction contractors for her purported employees. This payroll figure far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Velasquez had reported to her worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were being manipulated to cover.
As a result of these misrepresentations, Best and First Construction also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and that required state and federal payroll taxes were being paid for these workers. Thus, the contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were also able to avoid responsibility for those duties as well. Over the course of this conspiracy, Inamagua’s misrepresentations caused a loss to the IRS of approximately $4,673,571 in unpaid payroll taxes. Velasquez’s misrepresentations caused a loss to the IRS in the amount of approximately $1,769,000.
These two cases are part of a series of prosecutions related to similar construction industry-related fraud in the Tampa Bay area. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services – Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Vance Campbell, 38, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced today to 15 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine with one prior serious drug felony by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon. Following his release from prison, Campbell will serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Officers observed Campbell at a gas station in Omaha and were aware that he had a warrant. Officers made contact with Campbell and arrested him. A K-9 indicated to the odor of narcotics on Campbell’s vehicle and after a subsequent search, officers found 189 grams of actual methamphetamine and $4,189 in United States currency.
Campbell had a prior serious drug felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Nebraska in 2003, which he served 168 months in federal prison. As a result of this prior conviction for a serious drug felony, he faced a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Cooperación en Procuración de Justicia entre Estados Unidos y México Lleva a Captura de Traficantes de PersonasRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – La extensa cooperación bilateral entre Estados Unidos y México llevó a la Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) a realizar un operativo de procuración de justicia significativo y desmantelar a una prolífica organización transnacional de traficantes de personas que operaba en Nogales, Sonora, y a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México.
Esta organización de traficantes de personas es presuntamente responsable del contrabando ilegal de un gran número de individuos de México, Centroamérica y Sudamérica al estado de Arizona y a otros lugares a lo largo de Estados Unidos. La operación de procuración de justicia incluyó seis órdenes de arresto en México para los coordinadores de contrabando: Arturo Tienda-Garcia conocido como “Tuercas,” Jose Guadalupe Tienda-Garcia conocido como “Pantera”, Gilberto Escalante-Osuna conocido como “Mochomo”, Uriel Cruz-Tienda conocido como “Quiqui,” Cristal Tolentino-Hernandez, y Alfonso Sotelo-Contreras conocido como “Pájaro.”
“El Procurador General estableció la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa en respuesta a la amenaza de las redes transnacionales de tráfico de personas, y esta operación es un gran ejemplo de su impacto,” aseguró el Procurador General Adjunto General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia. “La Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa utiliza los recursos procesales y de investigación del departamento, así como a sus aliados en procuracion de justicia, para detectar a traficantes de personas y mejorar la coordinación y los esfuerzos transnacionales de procuración de justicia para combatir de una mejor manera a las organizaciones criminales.”
“La seguridad fronteriza debe enfocarse en el incremento de la cooperación entre vecinos y menos en la edificación de barreras entre naciones, y más sobre el incremento de la cooperación entre vecinos,” dijo el Fiscal estadounidense Gary Restaino del Distrito de Arizona. “Esta operación es un gran ejemplo de lo que se puede lograr cuando autoridades de Estados Unidos y México trabajan juntas a lo largo de la frontera. Por años, estos individuos han violado las leyes de Estados Unidos y México con impunidad, y su aprehensión hará que los ciudadanos de ambos países se encuentren más seguros.”
“HSI-Phoenix agradece la colaboración con HSI-CDMX y su alianza con el gobierno de México,” dijo el Agente Especial al Mando Scott Brown de HSI-Phoenix. “Estos esfuerzos conjuntos demuestran el compromiso de ambas naciones de no dejar que las fronteras se conviertan en muros en lo que se refiere a la confrontación del crimen organizado transnacional que impacta de forma negativa a nuestras dos naciones.”
Autoridades de Estados Unidos proporcionaron apoyo a la Fiscalía General de la República a través de la coordinación bajo la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa, que fue establecida por el Procurador General Merrick B. Garland en junio de 2021 para utilizar los recursos de investigación y procuración del Departamento de Justicia, en alianza con el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), y mejorar los esfuerzos de procuración de justicia de Estados Unidos contra los peligrosos grupos de traficantes de personas que operan en México, Guatemala, El Salvador, y Honduras. La Fuerza de Tarea se enfoca en trastocar y desmantelar las redes de contrabando y tráfico de personas que abusan, explotan, y ponen en peligro a migrantes, representan una amenaza para la seguridad nacional, o están inmiscuidos en el crimen organizado.
La Oficina del Fiscal Federal del Distrito de Arizona también ha procesado a otros cordinadores y operadores, dentro de EE.UU., con nexos a la organización de contrabando de personas, incluyendo a Benjamín Gallegos, Amalia González-Lara, Sergio Vázquez-Flores, Macario Ulises Barragán-Cisneros, Jaziel Tienda-Ibarra, Daniel García-Salgado, César Bermeo-Díaz, Isamar Chaparro-Vizcarra, y Oswaldo Tienda-Castro. Estos nueve individuos han sido condenados por los delitos de conspiración para transportar y albergar a personas extranjeras en situación irregular para fines de lucro. Otros supuestos dirigentes de esta organización han sido imputados por un gran jurado federal por cargos de contrabando de extranjeros incluyendo Enrique Villalobos-López y Ian Esteban Serrano. Para más información sobre casos particulares, consulte los números de casos que se muestran a continuación:
CR-21-1322-TUC-SHR-BGM (Gallegos)
CR-21-0613-TUC-RCC-JR (Gonzalez-Lara/Vazquez-Flores)
CR-21-2672-TUC-SHR-MSA (Barragan-Cisneros)
CR-21-1882-TUC-JAS-MSA (Tienda-Ibarra)
CR-21-1615-TUC-JAS-MSA (Garcia-Salgado)
CR-21-1245-TUC-JCH-BGM (Bermeo-Diaz)
CR-21-0869-TUC-RCC-BGM (Chaparro-Vizcarra/Serrano)
CR-21-1038-TUC-SHR-LCK (Tienda-Castro)
CR-21-1323-TUC-RM-LCK (Villalobos-Lopez)
HSI-Nogales coordinó las investigaciones en Estados Unidos, trabajando junto a la Agencia de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza. El apoyo de HSI-CDMX, así como la ayuda de la Unidad de Investigaciones Criminales Transnacionales de HSI (TCIU)-México, fueron cruciales para la coordinación entre las agencias de procuración de justicia de Estados Unidos y México. El Departamento de Justicia, incluyendo la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Arizona en Tucson, la Sección de Derechos Humanos y Enjuiciamientos Especiales de la División Criminal, y la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales, proporcionaron apoyo significativo en esta materia.
En Ingles
Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for the Armed Robbery of a Carmel BankRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Gary Tinsley, 47, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after being found guilty following a jury trial for armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented a trial, on May 13, 2019, Tinsley and his accomplice entered the Stock Yards Bank & Trust in Carmel armed with a firearm. They provided a demand note to the teller announcing a robbery, zip tied the tellers, and stole approximately $67,000 in U.S. currency. Further investigation and evidence collected at the bank later identified Tinsley as one of the robbery suspects and the owner of a vehicle matching the description of the getaway car during the bank robbery.
On September 17, 2019, Tinsley exited his residence and left in his vehicle. Tinsley was stopped by police a short time later and was in possession of three loaded handguns, and five additional fully loaded magazines. Tinsley was also in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine at the time of the stop. Tinsley is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction for murder in Marion County, Indiana in January 1993.
A search warrant was executed at Tinsley’s residence and five additional firearms were seized, along with zip ties and clothing used in the robbery, and an additional amount of marijuana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations Indiana Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. The Carmel Police Department and the Indiana State Police also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. Tinsley was also ordered to pay $67,455.15 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lawrence D. Hilton and Lindsay E. Karwoski who prosecuted this 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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography ChargeRead 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 Jason David Willis, 47, of Gasport, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography following a prior conviction before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in 2011, Willis was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison following his conviction on a federal child pornography charge. On May 18, 2021, an acquaintance of Willis’ brought his iPhone to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and stated that contained child pornography. The following day, on May 19, 2021, a U.S. Probation Officer searched the iPhone and observed two videos in the “recently deleted” folder on the phone that were produced by Willis on October 24 and October 28, 2020. Both videos depicted explicit images of a 17-year-old minor female. Further review of the iPhone revealed internet history for at least one website containing child pornography.
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 Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Felicetti, and the U.S. Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
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Clearfield Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Materials Depicting the Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Jackson Curtis Martin III, 46, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, Three and Five of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to Sept. 1, 2019, Martin produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, from Jan. 8, 2019, to Nov. 24, 2019, Martin possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Counts One and Two, and a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both, for Counts Three and Five. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL JIMENEZ DE LA CRUZ, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jimenez was arrested on September 20, 2018, after Drug Enforcement Administration special agents executed a search warrant at his Waterbury residence. Outside of Jimenez’s bedroom window, agents found a trash bag that contained approximately 63 grams of fentanyl, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, several rounds of ammunition, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale. Investigators also found $10,185 in cash in Jimenez’s bedroom.
Jimenez, who has been detained since his arrest, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jimenez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Amanda S. Oakes.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Rodney Raphael Fluckes, age 47, formerly of Chicago, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following his imprisonment, Fluckes was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to immediately pay a $100 Special Assessment payable to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to court documents, Fluckes was identified by Davenport Police Department officers following a fight which broke out in a pub in downtown Davenport. Outside the pub, officers observed Fluckes in possession of a gun, which was identified as a loaded, nine-millimeter handgun that was previously reported stolen. At the time of the offense, Fluckes was aware he had been convicted of prior felony offenses, which prohibited his possession of the firearm. On November 15, 2021, Fluckes pleaded guilty to the charge.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Charlotte Man Convicted of Using Stolen Identities to Defraud Government-Funded COVID-19 Relief Programs Is Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Keon Taylor, 31, of Charlotte, was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for using stolen identities to defraud government-funded coronavirus aid relief programs of more than $219,000. In addition to the prison term imposed, Taylor was ordered to pay $252,849.50 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) which oversees Charlotte, and Matthew Broadhurst, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Region.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020, and it is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program, which provides low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.
According to the information to which Taylor pleaded guilty, other documents filed in this case and statements made in court, from March 2020 to February 2021, Taylor engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the North Carolina Division of Employment Security, and the States of Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Arizona by filing fraudulent claims for COVID-19 related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. As part of the scheme, Taylor obtained stolen personal identifying information, or PII, of more than 35 victims, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. Taylor used the PII to apply for and receive over $219,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits, and to submit numerous additional applications seeking fraudulent UI benefits. Court documents show that Taylor also attempted to defraud the SBA by using false information to submit applications for three loans under the EIDL program set aside for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Documents further show that in February 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Taylor’s apartment, seizing equipment used to manufacture fake identification cards. According to court records, Taylor continued to engage in fraudulent ID-making activities even after pleading guilty, which resulted in the revocation of his federal bond.
“Taylor went on a crime spree, stealing taxpayer dollars from federal and state programs intended to help those in real need as a result of the coronavirus. In the process, he victimized individuals whose stolen identities were used to carry out the fraud. Taylor’s crimes are serious and now he has to endure the consequences. My office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit from the pandemic and exploit government benefits intended to help people impacted by COVID-19.”
“Taylor took advantage of the American people whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic to try and enrich himself through fraud,” stated Inspector in Charge Coke. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to criminals exploiting the American people.”
“Taylor defrauded the unemployment system of multiple states by fraudulently collecting over $219,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. His conduct further exacerbated the distribution of unemployment benefits at a time when so many Americans are in desperate need of this assistance. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of DOL programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Broadhurst.
On July 27, 2021, Taylor pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended USPIS for their investigative efforts in this case. U.S. Attorney King also thanked DOL-OIG for their coordination and recognized the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance.
The prosecution for the government was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina need the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed by the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. Members of the public in the Western District of North Carolina are also encouraged to call 704-344-6222 to reach their local Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman was sentenced today to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 27, 2020, law enforcement officers stopped Kayla Slater, 29, walking on Beech Avenue in Charleston after a car she was sighted in took off from police. Officers seized a Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm semi-automatic pistol in plain view in Slater’s handbag and approximately 80 grams of fentanyl from her person. Slater later admitted to the officers that the gun and drugs were hers, that she had been trafficking large quantities of controlled substances, and that she was addicted to heroin. Slater is prohibited from possessing firearms due to being an habitual user of a controlled substance
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Negar M. Kordestani prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00079.
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Centre County Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alan Dorsey, 39, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Dorsey with distribution of methamphetamine on June 3, 2021, along with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol on September 11, 2021, all in Centre County. The indictment also charges Dorsey with illegally possessing ammunition and possessing a 9mm handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit opioid related offenses.
The maximum penalty for this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Misappropriating COVID-19 FundsRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty today in the Central District of California to stealing government funds designed to aid medical providers in the treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19 and using them for his own personal benefit.
According to court documents, Grigor Garibyan, 36, of North Hollywood, admitted that he owned GMA Home Health Inc. (GMA), a home health agency in Van Nuys, which closed around June 2019. GMA, which was never operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, received approximately $57,591 designated for the medical treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. Garibyan admitted he stole the funds by transferring and spending them for his own personal use, rather than using the funds in conjunction with pandemic relief efforts as required.
Garibyan pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16 and faces up to 10 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against Garibyan resulted from his intentional misuse of funds distributed from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, money specially apportioned by the CARES Act to help health care providers who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide care to patients who were suffering from COVID-19, and to compensate providers for the cost of that care. These funds were critical to delivering relief to health care providers and maintaining access to medical care during the pandemic.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison for the Central District of California; and Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. Francesca of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.
Trial Attorney Chris Wenger and Senior Litigation Counsel Jim Hayes of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Boise Woman Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise woman was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court records, Miranda Lee Stogsdill, 41, sold 108 grams of methamphetamine on April 1, 2021, and later sold 111 grams of methamphetamine on April 15, 2021. Both sales were for $1,250. On April 30, 2021, Idaho State Police troopers stopped Stogsdill as she was driving in Owyhee County, travelling back to Boise from California with four pounds of methamphetamine and one-and-a-half ounces of heroin. In addition to the controlled substances, troopers found a digital scale and several small empty zip lock baggies that are commonly used to weigh and repackage drugs for distribution. During her plea hearing, Stogsdill admitted that between April 27, 2021, and April 30, 2021, she travelled to Bridgeport, California, and purchased the controlled substances found in her vehicle, which she intended to distributed in and around Boise.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also order Stogsdill to pay a $500 fine and to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Stogsdill pleaded guilty to the charge on November 10, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and applauded the efforts of the Idaho State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss.– A Biloxi man pled guilty to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Malyk Harveston, 20, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.
Through their investigation, officers determined that Harveston was a member of the drug trafficking organization. Officers determined that he was principally a street level trafficker of marijuana and alprazolam, which he would obtain from other members of the conspiracy and then redistribute. However, he also had a source for fake oxycodone pills. The investigation also revealed messages between Harveston and other members of the conspiracy in which they discussed the acquisition of firearms. Furthermore, another member of the conspiracy advised Harveston to invest the proceeds from his drug sales in firearms.
Ultimately, in late May of 2021, local law enforcement officials arrested Harveston. Harveston subsequently admitted to purchasing an American Tactical Rifle which was found in a vehicle registered to his mother. During the investigation, officers were able to determine that Harveston had acquired at least 5 different firearms.
Harveston is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The DEA, Gulfport Police Department, and Biloxi Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Airlines Passenger Traveling from Georgia to St. Croix Sentenced to Imprisonment on Federal Charges for Marijuana in LuggageRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert of the District of the Virgin Islands announced that a Georgia man with ties to St. Croix was sentenced today in federal court by Judge Wilma Lewis to 4 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Ra’Kheel Velasquez, age 24, of Georgia traveled to St. Croix on March 10, 2021 on a Delta flight originating from Atlanta, Georgia. Velasquez traveled with luggage containing approximately 1.76 kilograms (approximately 4 pounds) of marijuana in four individually wrapped packages intended for distribution. In addition to 4 months incarceration, Velasquez must also serve 3 years of supervised released, pay a $1000 fine and $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Customs Border Protection and Homeland Securities Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Aberdeen Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jose David Recio, Jr., age 26, was indicted on March 2, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about December 1, 2021, and February 15, 2022, Recio, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime under State Law, and traveled in interstate commerce, failed to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The charge is merely an accusation and Recio is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Recio was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 20, 2022.
A Pamlico County Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm While on ProbationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Pamlico County man was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon while on supervised probation. On December 1, 2021 Demario Tyair Himbry pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Himbry, 35, was on post-release supervision in February 2020 after completing his prison sentence for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin near a school in Pamlico County. During a search of his residence, deputies and probation officers found a loaded handgun and ammunition near his bedroom. Law enforcement investigated how Himbry was able to obtain the handgun and found that Himbry had traded a gram of heroin for the firearm a few days before the search of his home.
Himbry had previously been convicted of several felonies including selling cocaine in 2005, common law robbery in 2011, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin in 2016. Himbry was also validated as a member of the Bloods street gang by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in 2017.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-CR-45-D-1.
20 Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Twenty residents of the Western District of Pennsylvania have been charged by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh in four separate but related Indictments with violations of the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
“This investigation brought together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to collaboratively address violent crime plaguing neighborhoods on Pittsburgh’s North Side and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “We will continue to pursue strategic prosecutions of those who deal drugs and use weapons to threaten the safety of our communities.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping gang violence, getting drugs and weapons off the streets, and making the community safer for our children,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Today's arrests are the culmination of a year-long investigation that surged resources and focused an investigative strategy to address the violence in Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhoods. We will continue to work closely with our local and state partners to address violent crime.”
“With this indictment, communities can be reassured that all of our local and federal law enforcement agencies are consistently committed to dismantling criminal networks and throttling drug and gun pipelines that hurt children and families. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and community members to prevent violent crime because everyone deserves to walk safe streets and live in secure neighborhoods,” said Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief, Scott Schubert.
The first Indictment names Johnny Palmer, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA; Mark Brown, 50, of Pittsburgh, PA; and David Clemons, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, Palmer, Brown, Clemons, and others conspired between September 2021 and November 2021 to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further alleges that the quantity of cocaine base attributable to Palmer is 280 grams or more, and the quantity of cocaine base attributable to Brown and Clemons is 28 grams or more. As to Palmer, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine up to 10,000,000, or both. As to Brown and Clemons, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The second Indictment names Robert Colbert, 40, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Ada Johnson, 36, also of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, Colbert and Johnson conspired between September 2021 and November 2021 to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further charges Colbert and Johnson with possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it, and with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as convicted felons on November 12, 2021. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. As to each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The third Indictment names Dominique Reed-Graves, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; Jaron Allen, 31, of McKees Rocks, PA; Marcus Clark, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 27, of McKees Rocks, PA; Lynn Gibson (aka “Menno”), 37, of Pittsburgh, PA; Calvin Gurley, 44, of Pittsburgh, PA; Kenneth Hairston, 47, of Aliquippa, PA; Natalia Hartnett, 23, of McKees Rocks, PA; Logan McMaster, 31, of Ligonier, PA; Keith Oaks, 36, of Pittsburgh, PA; James Wilkins (aka “HB”), 35, of Pittsburgh, PA; James Williams (aka “Bando”), 29, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Shawn Yancey, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired with each other to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute various types and quantities of Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, such as heroin, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine base, between September 2021 and February 2022. The Indictment further charges Reed-Graves (on December 1, 2021), Yancey (on December 14, 2021), Allen (on December 17, 2021), and Gurley (on February 17, 2022) with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Finally, the Indictment charges Yancey and Gurley with unlawfully possessing firearm(s) and ammunition as a convicted felon on December 14, 2021, and February 17, 2022, respectively. As to defendants Reed-Graves, Allen, Clark, Fisher-Egleston, Gurley, McMaster, Oaks, Wilkins, and Yancey, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
The fourth Indictment names Naqwan Parham, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA; Maurice Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Logan McMaster, 31, of Ligonier, PA. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, between September 2021, and December 2021. As to each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
12th Defendant Convicted in Dog-Fighting, Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking network.
Shelley Johnson aka Gold Mouth, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Johnson faces a maximum five years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in both cocaine distribution and organized dog fighting based out of Roberta, Georgia, which extended into North Georgia, Florida and Alabama from May 2019 until Feb. 2020. In Feb. 2020, law enforcement executed 15 residential search warrants and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for organized dog-fighting. A 136-count indictment was unsealed on Jan. 29, 2021, charging 11 individuals with various criminal activities. Three other individuals, including Johnson, were charged by criminal information.
During this time period, Johnson communicated with co-conspirator Jarvis Lockett about fighting and breeding dogs, dogs mauled and killed as a result of fighting, sharpening a dog’s teeth for fighting purposes, cash prizes for fights, and various topics detailing the business and the brutality of dog-fighting. Johnson attended a dog fight and participated as a handler inside the ring during the dog fight. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Macon residence on Feb. 26, 2020, recovering 13 pit bull terrier type dogs with scarring consistent with dog-fighting. In addition, agents found evidence of dog fighting activities including a digital scale, weighted collars, heavy chains, ground stakes and a variety of medical supplies to treat animals for injuries sustained from dog fighting activities.
The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this case:
Lekey Davis aka Kee Boo, 46, of Talbotton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Christopher Raines aka Binky, 51, of Talbotton, was sentenced to serve 135 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Jarvis Lockett aka J-Rock, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and cocaine distribution;
Derrick Owens aka Doomie, 38, of Woodland, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Jason Carter, 39, of Phoenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 97 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Vernon Vegas, 50, of Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the maximum 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Shaquille Bentley, 27, of Roberta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility;
Rodrick Walton aka Rodrie Walton, 42, of Shiloh, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Reginald Crimes, 39, of Preston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Lee Benney, 55, of Reynolds, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 21 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture; and,
Bryanna Holmes, 25, of Fort Valley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (DOJ-ENRD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and the Fort Valley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
9 March 2022
Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Hughes, age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to 132 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years on supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Hughes possessed with the intent to distribute over 200 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl on May 12, 2021, at a hotel in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Hughes possessed a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and he was a person prohibited from possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
This case was also part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of
this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Whitehall man sentenced to 20 months in prison for illegally possessing guns, ammunitionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Whitehall man, a convicted felon who was on state supervision, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing three firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Shane William Driscoll, 36, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents in the case, the government alleged that in March 2021, Driscoll, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed a semi-automatic 9mm pistol, a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, a bag with marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his truck during a traffic stop in Whitehall. Driscoll also possessed a .243-caliber rifle with ammunition, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a subsequent search of his trailer. All evidence was found during probation searches. In 2019, Driscoll was sentenced in state District Court for a felony drug conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Murder Aboard Commercial Scalloping BoatRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with a murder aboard a scalloping vessel off the coast of Massachusetts.
Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2022. Meave Vazquez was indicted in November 2018.
On Sept. 23, 2018, the scalloping vessel, The Captain Billy Haver, was sailing approximately 55 miles off the coast of Nantucket with seven crew members aboard, including Meave Vazquez and the three victims. Inside the shucking house, Meave Vazquez used a hammer to strike Victim A hard in the head into unconsciousness. Meave Vazquez then walked out onto the deck and stabbed Victim B multiple times with a long fillet knife. In response to the commotion, Victim C climbed up from the ice hold, was struck in the head by Meave Vazquez with the hammer and fell back down the ladder, bleeding from his head. Meave Vazquez then struggled with the vessel captain before climbing to the top of the rigging mast.
Victim A and Victim B were taken by rescue boat to a nearby ship for medical attention where Victim B was pronounced dead.
Meave Vazquez remained at the top of the mast until the Coast Guard arrived that evening and was immediately taken into custody. Meave Vazquez was transferred into federal custody upon his arrival at the Boston port the next day. Maeve Vazquez is in the United States illegally.
The charge of second-degree murder provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted murder provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Meave Vazquez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Noble, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S Coast Guard Investigative Services Northeast Region; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Violet, Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY ENCLARDE, a/k/a “Murda,” age 53, a resident of Violet, Louisiana plead guilty to two counts of a superseding indictment. In Count 1, ENCLARDE was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. In Count 14, ENCLARDE was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).
According to court documents, ENCLARDE conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Additionally, ENCLARDE used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence ENCLARDE on June 7, 2022. For Count 1, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 14, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, Andre Jones, and Melissa Bucher of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Eight Individuals for Outstanding Contributions to Public SafetyRead the Press Release
Scranton –United States Attorney John C. Gurganus recently honored eight individuals for their outstanding contributions to public safety. These awards are made each year to a select group of individuals who perform in an exceptional manner and who make significant contributions to our Office’s efforts to promote public safety.
United States Marshal Martin J. Pane received the United States Attorney’s Award for Exemplary Lifetime Service as Law Enforcement Officer. Marshal Pane’s remarkable career exemplifies the Marshals Service’s motto, “Justice, Integrity, Service.” He has served the United States and the citizens of Pennsylvania over a distinguished 34-year career marked by sound judgment, integrity, and unwavering dedication. The award honors his expertise and leadership, and his steadying presence in our law enforcement community.
Chief Detective Michael Dessoye, of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office received the United States Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement. This award recognizes Chief County Detective Michael Dessoye’s exceptional work in promoting cooperation among law enforcement agencies. During more than 50 years as a law enforcement officer, Chief Detective Dessoye has vigorously worked to create strong working relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute criminals who pose a danger to the citizens of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement agencies in the region have greatly benefited from his keen investigatory skills and his unique ability to forge partnerships that bring the necessary resources to investigations and thereby securing successful outcomes.
Three individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service as a Law Enforcement Officer for their exceptional work in multiple significant criminal prosecutions:
- DEA Special Agent Philip A. Klemick
This award recognizes Agent Philip Klemick’s remarkable ability to work on large scale drug trafficking cases that produce outstanding results. As a recognized expert in his field, Special Agent Klemick is often consulted by his colleagues and other agency partners and provides invaluable assistance with his unique ability to utilize the appropriate investigatory techniques to gather compelling evidence against significant large-scale drug law violators. He is a master at drafting applications for the interception of wire and electronic communications. In most instances, Special Agent Klemick has been able to trace the drugs in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to their source of supply. In his career, he has been the lead case agent in numerous Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force cases.
- Luzerne County Drug Task Force Coordinator Daniel Mimnaugh
This award recognizes Daniel Mimnaugh’s 26-year career of distinguished service as a law enforcement officer in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. His law enforcement career includes positions as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, an FBI Task Force Officer, the Laflin Chief of Police, and the Coordinator of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. In those positions, he initiated and led numerous complex drug trafficking, organized crime, and gang related investigations. His efforts resulted in the prosecution of hundreds of individuals and forfeiture of millions of dollars in illegally obtained assets. This award pays tribute to his tenacious work in the field, but also his more recent leadership of the members of the Drug Task Force.
- FDA Special Agent Michael Sullivan
This award recognizes Agent Michael Sullivan’s exceptional work in US v. Jonathon Clark Baird, 1:20-CR-00244 (MDPA), a case that involved a licensed attorney who instructed his co-conspirators on methods used to fraudulently conceal the true nature of their illegal sale of prescription drugs in the U.S. marketplace that put consumers’ health at risk. Baird, of Louisville, Kentucky marketed his law firm as focusing on steroid, nutritional supplements law and FDA regulations. He retained a nationwide client base that included individuals and companies involved in the illicit internet marketing and sale of FDA regulated drugs to the body building and enhancement community. Over about two-year period, two of Baird’s clients, Total Trading LLC of Lebanon, Pennsylvania and L&P, LLC of Schaumberg, Illinois grossed more than $5,500,000 in connection with the illegal internet sale of prescription drugs. Baird assisted these companies by reviewing their business models, websites and drafting a bogus disclaimer that the drugs sold on the website were for research purposes only and not for human use. He instructed his clients that the website check out procedure had to require that the customer acknowledge the disclaimer before he could complete the purchase of drugs. To ensure the business practices did not undermine the “research purposes only” ruse, Baird also reviewed and provided instructions about drug ordering procedures, payment procedures, drug packaging labels and advertising. Agent Sullivan’s work in bringing this case to justice was of the highest caliber.
Bureau of Prisons Attorney Erin Frymoyer received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service in Civil Litigation. This award recognizes the outstanding legal support Attorney Frymoyer provided to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in McCreary v. Federal Bureau of Prisons, et. al., a class action suit by USP Lewisburg inmates that challenged the constitutionality of mental health treatment provided to inmates in the institution’s Special Management Unit (SMU). The award also recognizes Attorney Frymoyer’s exemplary work in the production of documentary evidence for COVID-19 compassionate release litigation. Attorney Frymoyer’s rapid response to requests for documents and policies enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to effectively respond to approximately 100 compassionate release motions.
Two individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service in Civil Rights Litigation:
- Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Anne Langford
- Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Joy Welan
These two awards recognize the recipients’ exceptional assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to negotiate a settlement with Rite Aid that enabled those with visual and mobility impairments to gain access to the Rite Aid online vaccination portal. This settlement is now a model for other pharmacies and retailers offering vaccination scheduling on-line; ensuring individuals with disabilities have the ability to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination independently and privately.
“We are so pleased to recognize the achievements of our colleagues who have made significant contributions to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the safety and well-being of our communities, said United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. “The exemplary work of these eight individuals deserves this special recognition, and I thank them for their service.”
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Two sentenced for illegally obtaining nearly 50 tons of cheese and moreRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two women have been sent to prison following their convictions of conspiracy and committing $1.2 million in food stamp fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Ana Rioja, 51, Brownsville, and Maria Consuelo de Ureno, a legal permanent resident of Brownsville, 55, pleaded guilty May 12, 2021, to conspiring to commit and committing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. handed Rioja a 30-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. Ureno received 37 months followed by a three-year-term of supervised release. Ureno could also face loss of her legal status in the United States and removal proceedings following her release from prison. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Olvera ordered Rioja and Ureno to pay $975,401 and $1,284,282.15 in restitution, respectively.
Beginning in February 2016, the investigation revealed Ureno, Rioja and other co-conspirators exchanged SNAP benefits for cash by using a point of sale device at a local meat market Rioja owned. Additionally, authorities discovered Ureno and co-conspirators conducted fraudulent transactions at Sam’s Wholesale Club.
The investigation discovered 715 fraudulent transactions that were linked to 83 unique SNAP benefit recipients which conspirators redeemed for cash or food. Ureno’s fraudulent purchases totaled to approximately 49.1 tons of American cheese slices, 22.3 tons of pinto beans, 1.6 tons of Folgers coffee, 1.4 tons of instant mashed potatoes and over 5,000 gallons of mayonnaise which she would sell to a partner and transport to Mexico.
Between September 2014 and August 2019, both Rioja and Ureno conducted approximately $1.2 million in fraudulent transactions.
Ureno has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Rioja was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a date to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano and Jose A. Esquivel prosecuted the case.
Two Defendants in ‘Grandparent Scam’ Network Plead Guilty to RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two members of a network that operated and facilitated a large-scale “grandparent scam,” pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Timothy Ingram, aka Bleezy, 29, of North Hollywood, California pleaded guilty on March 2, and Jack Owuor, 25, of Paramount, California pleaded guilty on March 9.
According to court documents, Ingram and Owuor were members and associates of a network of individuals who, through extortion and fraud, induced elderly Americans across the United States to pay thousands to tens of thousands of dollars each to purportedly help their grandchild or other close family relative. Members of the network contacted elderly Americans by telephone and impersonated a grandchild, other close relative or friend of the victim. They falsely convinced the victims that their relatives were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, for medical expenses for car accident victims or to prevent additional charges from being filed. The defendants and their co-conspirators then received money from victims via various means, including in-person pickup, mail and wire transfer, and laundered the proceeds, including through cryptocurrency.
“The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute individuals who systematically target elderly Americans by preying on their concern for loved ones,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the FBI for their work to advance the department’s efforts against organized elder fraud, and to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.”
“These defendants exploited the sacred bond between grandparent and grandchild and left many victims financially and emotionally traumatized,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California. “We will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those who prey on the elderly.”
“These guilty pleas are a prime example of the collaboration and coordination among our local, state and federal partners who make up San Diego’s Elder Justice Task Force, and the great work being done to protect our elderly population,” said Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “The task force is committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations who prey on our senior citizens, and will utilize all available investigative means to bring them to justice. I would also like to thank the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office for their continued support in this case.”
Ingram and Owuor pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Ingram is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. Owuor is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Four co-defendants remain pending for trial. Two additional defendants have been charged but remain at large.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Diego Field Office, North County Resident Agency, with critical assistance from investigators of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Trial Attorneys Lauren M. Elfner and Wei Xiang with the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson of the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The department’s extensive and broad-based efforts to combat elder fraud seeks to halt the widespread losses seniors suffer from fraud schemes. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty in a Nationwide Racketeering Conspiracy Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 9, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Two defendants charged in a nationwide “grandparent scam” have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Jack Owuor, 25, of Paramount, California pleaded guilty in federal court today. Timothy Ingram, 29, of North Hollywood, California, pleaded guilty on March 2, 2022.
According to court documents, the defendants were members and associates of a criminal enterprise that engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation. At least 10 elderly San Diego County residents lost more than $300,000 to the fraud.
From approximately November 1, 2019, until October 14, 2020, the members of the criminal enterprise targeted elderly Americans, contacting them by phone and feeding them phony stories that their grandchildren were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, pay medical expenses for car accident victims, or prevent additional charges from being filed, according to court documents. Members and associates obtained money from victims through in-person cash pick-ups, by mail or commercial carriers, or via wire transfers. Conspirators laundered the proceeds by transferring the funds or converting from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
Ingram admitted in his plea agreement that he organized the criminal activity of at least five other participants, including codefendants Anajah Gifford and Jack Owuor. Ingram admitted that he recruited mules to receive transfers of money from victims, and to pick up cash from victims in California and elsewhere. As part of the guilty plea, Ingram agreed to forfeit $124,700 in proceeds from the offense. Ingram will also be subject to an order of restitution to the victims of the offense in the amount of at least $1,932,507.93.
Owuor admitted in his plea agreement that he conducted cash pick-ups from victims under Ingram’s direction, and later recruited women to pick up cash. In their phone messages, Ingram and Owuor discussed using female mules for cash pick ups to make “it more smooth.” As part of his guilty plea, Owuor agreed to forfeit $4,300 in proceeds he personally received from the offense, and pay at least $434,600 to the victims in restitution.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was established in February 2021 and is believed to be the first comprehensive law enforcement effort for this purpose anywhere in the country. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.
“These defendants exploited the sacred bond between grandparent and grandchild and left many victims financially and emotionally traumatized,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those who prey on the elderly.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and members of the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute individuals who systematically target elderly Americans by preying on their concern for loved ones,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the FBI for their work to advance the department’s efforts against organized elder fraud, and to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.”
“These guilty pleas are a prime example of the collaboration and coordination among our local, state, and federal partners who make up San Diego’s Elder Justice Task Force, and the great work being done to protect our elderly population,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “The task force is committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations who prey on our senior citizens, and will utilize all available investigative means to bring them to justice. I would also like to thank the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office for their continued support in this case.”
As of today, four of the eight defendants charged in the case are pending trial. Two defendants are fugitives and remain at large.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr2216-CAB
Tracy Adrine Knowles 30 Orlando, Florida
Fugitive
Adonis Alexis Butler Wong 30 Northbay Village, Florida
Fugitive
Timothy Ingram, AKA Bleezy 29 North Hollywood, California
In custody
Sentencing set for May 27, 2022
Anajah Gifford 23 North Hollywood, California
In custody
Lyda Harris 74 Laveen, Arizona
Released on bond
Joaquin Lopez 46 Hollywood, Florida
Released on bond
Jack Owuor 25 Paramount, California
Released on bond.
Sentencing set for June 3, 2022
Tracy Glinton 35 Orlando, Florida
Released on bond
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1962(d) – Conspiracy to Conduct or Participate in an Enterprise Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000
AGENCIES
Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which includes:
San Diego FBI
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Carlsbad Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Escondido Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
National City Police Department
Coronado Police Department
Two Arkansas Men Sentenced to over 29 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – Two Arkansas men have been sentenced to federal prison for the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
In March 2021, Agents with the FBI launched an investigation into drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. Between the months of March and June of 2021, agents conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Omar Perez and David Franks. According to court documents, the investigation of Perez and Franks was completed on June 23, 2021, when the parties were discovered to be in the process of completing a two-kilogram methamphetamine transaction in the parking lot of a shopping center in Fort Smith. Upon the arrest of both parties, approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, $17,000 in cash, a firearm and ammunition were seized.
Omar Perez, age 30, of Waldron, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine.
David Allen Franks, age 40, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The FBI and Fort Smith Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case.
Twin Brothers Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Twin brothers from Hyannis were sentenced today in federal court in Boston on gun and drug offenses.
Di’lon Smith, a/k/a Dilon Smith, and Denzel Smith, 29, were each sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Nov. 10, 2021, the defendants pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue called cyclopropyl fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a controlled substance analogue and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Between Oct. 3, 2017 and Nov. 29, 2017, the brothers conspired to sell fentanyl and cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue that has been associated with numerous fatalities. The brothers used a Hyannis apartment rented by Di’lon Smith to store the drugs for street-level resale. A search of the apartment on Nov. 29, 2017 found the brothers in possession of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of cyclopropyl fentanyl intended for sale, a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, a Heckler & Koch automatic pistol and magazines loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition, and drug-trafficking paraphernalia, including narcotic presses and a digital scale.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Robert E. Richardson of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Third Founder of Cryptocurrency Exchange Pleads Guilty to Bank Secrecy Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAMUEL REED, one of three co-founders and a high-ranking executive of purportedly “off-shore” cryptocurrency derivatives exchange the Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange or “BitMEX,” pled guilty today to violating the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) by willfully failing to establish, implement, and maintain an anti-money laundering (“AML”) program at BitMEX. Under the terms of his plea agreement, REED agreed to separately pay a $10 million criminal fine representing pecuniary gain derived from the offense. REED pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Laura T. Swain, and will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. The other two founders of BitMEX, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, previously pled guilty to the same offense in February 2022.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Samuel Reed has now joined his co-founders, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, in admitting that they caused BitMEX to commit criminal violations of the anti-money laundering laws that govern financial institutions operating in the United States. As today’s guilty plea reflects, this Office will not permit cryptocurrency exchanges to operate as a shadow financial system that enables criminal actors to move their illicit proceeds without detection, and will vigorously investigate and prosecute the operators of such exchanges who deliberately flout U.S. law.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:[1]
REED, together with Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, was one of the three co-founders and the long-time Chief Technology Officer of BitMEX. BitMEX is an online cryptocurrency derivatives exchange that, during the relevant time period, had U.S.-based operations and served thousands of U.S. customers, notwithstanding false representations to the contrary by the company. From at least September 2015, and continuing at least through the time of the Indictment in September 2020, REED willfully caused BitMEX to fail to establish and maintain an AML program, including a program for verifying the identify of BitMEX’s customers (or a “know your customer” or “KYC” program). As a result of its willful failure to implement AML and KYC programs, BitMEX was in effect a money laundering platform. For example, in about May 2018, REED was notified of allegations that BitMEX was being used to launder the proceeds of a cryptocurrency hack. Neither REED nor the company filed a suspicious activity report thereafter (indeed, BitMEX filed no suspicious activity reports at all between 2014 and September 2020), nor did BitMEX implement an AML or KYC program in response.
REED failed to institute AML or KYC programs at BitMEX despite closely following U.S. regulatory developments that made clear his legal obligation to do so if BitMEX operated in the United States, which it did. Despite repeatedly stating that BitMEX did not serve U.S. customers, including to individuals outside of BitMEX, REED knew that BitMEX’s purported withdrawal from the U.S. market in or about September 2015 was a sham, and that purported “controls” BitMEX put in place to prevent U.S. trading were an ineffective facade that did not, in fact, prevent users from accessing or trading on BitMEX from the United States. REED not only understood that U.S. customers continued to trade on BitMEX, but derived substantial profits from BitMEX as a result of U.S.-based trading.
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REED, 32, of Massachusetts, pled guilty to one count of violating the Bank Secrecy Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad, and thanked the attorneys and investigators at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whose expertise and diligence were integral to the development of this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Samuel Raymond, and Thane Rehn are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] Two of REED’s co-defendants, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, pled guilty to violating the BSA in February 2022. As to REED’s remaining co-defendant, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding National On-line RetailersRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adam George Redmon, age 38, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for mail fraud that victimized at least eleven national retailers and financial institutions.
According to court documents and facts presented in Court, over the course of a three-year period, Redmon repeatedly engaged in mail fraud by falsely telling victim-retailers that he failed to receive purchases he made online. By doing so, Redmon was able to obtain ill-gotten gains totaling over $103,000 in the form of refunds, reshipments, and store credits from the victims. Redmon’s purchases included gift cards, furniture, home goods, and clothing apparel. In order to conceal the nature of his misconduct, Redmon engaged in various efforts to conceal his true identity from the victims: He opened numerous mailboxes under corporate and assumed names; he falsified bank information; and he attempted to hide his phone number when calling customer service lines to report the non-receipt of packages. In those instances when a retailer refused to issue a refund or to resend the “missing” goods, Redmon also defrauded his financial institutions by making false claims seeking reimbursement.
“This defendant repeatedly abused the policies of national retailers that ensure on-line shoppers receive goods and services bought and paid for over the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We thank the United States Postal Investigation Service for their efforts to bring this fraudster to justice.”
“The defendant brazenly used the U.S. mail to scam businesses and to falsely cast doubt on the integrity of America’s most trusted institution, the United States Postal Service,” said Ruth Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “However, he only served to inspire our hardworking Postal Inspectors who unraveled his scheme and sought justice for the postal service and the other businesses. This sentence serves as a mark of the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bringing scammers to justice for crimes involving the mail,” said Mendonça.
United States District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer sentenced Redmon on March 4, 2022.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Former Assistant United States Attorney Hetal J. Doshi and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Weiss handled the prosecution of the case.
Case number: 21-cr-0262
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Lamar Anthony Dukes, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday, at the conclusion of a two-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence introduced during the trial revealed that Dukes distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl on June 9, 2021, and that he later distributed methamphetamine on June 17, 2021. On June 24, 2021, after executing a search warrant at Dukes’ residence, law enforcement seized distribution amounts of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia and approximately $48,558 cash.
“I am proud of our federal, state, and local partners for their tireless efforts to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to remove addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We will continue to support the efforts our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals bringing drugs into North Florida.”
Dukes’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Dukes faces a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and five years to life of supervised release.
“With over 100,000 drug overdoses last year and in the midst of a crippling opioid epidemic, the defendant made the decision to distribute these substances in his own community. This verdict demonstrates that our communities will hold drug dealers responsible for their actions,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This case is also strong reminder that DEA and its law enforcement partners will be relentless in pursuing those who seek to harm our communities.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Capital Area Drug Response and Evaluation Group. Assistant United States Attorney Lazaro P. Fields prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Syracuse Woman Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chantal Jaquez, age 20, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to robbing a Syracuse convenience store and brandishing a rifle in furtherance of the robbery, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department, and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of her guilty plea, Jaquez admitted that on December 21, 2020, at about 10:45 am, she and Akiem Howard robbed a convenience store in Syracuse, NY. During the robbery, Howard carried a handgun and Jaquez carried a high-powered rifle. Jaquez went behind the counter where the clerk was standing and pointed the rifle at the clerk. While fleeing the store, Howard fired several rounds from his handgun at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck Jaquez in the leg. Howard pleaded guilty to related charges on March 1, 2022.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2022, before the Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Jaquez faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (Intel), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Syracuse Man Sentenced for Possessing and Intending to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Antwan Jones, age 37, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 57 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Kenton Buckner, Syracuse Police Department.
In pleading guilty, Jones admitted to possessing and intending to distribute 132 grams of fentanyl, on January 20, 2020. Jones was found to be in possession of the fentanyl during a search of his vehicle following a traffic stop in Syracuse New York. Jones intended to distribute the fentanyl to others.
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also sentenced Jones to serve 3 years of post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Beaty and Geoffrey Brown.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Conducting Illegal Sports Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for conducting an illegal sports gambling business and laundering the proceeds.
VINCENT DELGIUDICE, also known as “Uncle Mick,” 58, of Orland Park, Ill., directed an illegal bookmaking business in the Chicago area from 2016 to 2019. Delgiudice retained a company in Costa Rica to operate a website, Unclemicksports.com, that gamblers used to place wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events. Delgiudice worked with more than 20 agents and sub-agents who recruited gamblers and shared in the profits from the gamblers’ losses. The agents and sub-agents managed more than 1,000 gamblers, meeting them as necessary to settle up and collect losses from them. Delgiudice laundered the profits in a variety of ways, including making cash investments in businesses and having gamblers directly pay his personal expenses.
Delgiudice pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and gambling charges. In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall ordered Delgiudice to forfeit $3.6 million in criminally derived proceeds.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The FBI’s Integrity in Sport and Gaming Initiative (ISG) is designed to tackle illegal sports gambling and combat threats of influence from criminal enterprises.
“While cloaked with a professional veneer and flashy website, this was a sordid operation,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry M. Kinney argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He preyed upon individuals’ addictions to line his pockets.”
St. Louis man enters guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –On March 9, 2022, Steven Huffman, age 52, pleaded guilty in front of District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on December 2, 2020, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) detective designated as a federal task force officer and others were conducting surveillance operations in the 7200 block of Pennsylvania. Detectives had been informed that Huffman, a previously convicted felon that was prohibited from possessing firearms, was in the area armed with a gun.
Detectives observed Huffman in the area as he was rummaging around in a backpack. As they approached, he fled on foot, discarding the backpack. Huffman was eventually taken into custody. Discovered in the discarded backpack was a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Huffman faces a maximum term of incarceration of not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both such imprisonment and fine. The Court also may impose a period of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentencing is set for June 14, 2022.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
St. Louis County man sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Scott Reinhardt II, age 36, to 25 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime on supervised release for the production of child pornography. Reinhardt previously pleaded guilty in December 2021.
According to the plea agreement, between the dates of February 1, 2020, and December 13, 2020, in Jefferson County, Missouri, Reinhardt sexually abused the victim, who was under the age of ten at the time. Reinhardt used his cellular telephone to video record and produce images of his sexual abuse of the victim. Reinhardt also used the same cellular telephone to secretly record a second minor female victim while nude in the bathroom of the residence he shared with the victims’ mother.
Reinhardt had been previously convicted on November 12, 2014, of one count of statutory rape second degree and two counts of statutory sodomy second degree for sexual contact perpetrated against a minor, who was fourteen years of age at the time. The defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Missouri.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.