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18 February 2022
Three Men Plead Guilty in 2020 Slaying of 11-Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three men, all from Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy on July 4, 2020, in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Daryle Bond, 20, Marcel Gordon, 26, and Christan Wingfield, 24, entered the guilty pleas in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. All three pleas are contingent upon the Court’s approval. Bond’s plea calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 7 ½-to-9½ years in prison, Gordon's calls for 10 years, and Wingfield’s calls for a 9 ½-year prison term The Honorable Rainey R. Brandt scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 3, 2022.
A fourth defendant is awaiting trial for first-degree murder while armed, with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy, and other offenses. He has pleaded not guilty to charges.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 4, 2020, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Bond, Gordon, Wingfield, and a fourth man were congregating at a barbeque near the cul-de-sac in front of an apartment building located in the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE. Cedar Street is a long road that ends in a cul-de-sac. The entrance of the 1400 block of Cedar Street intersects diagonally with a street that is known as the “alley.”
Near the entrance of the 1400 block of Cedar Street, Davon McNeal – 11 years old - was exiting a vehicle and walking towards a basement apartment in the Frederick Douglass Garden Apartment Complex. At a certain point, the fourth man, armed with a firearm, started running towards the entrance of the 1400 block of Cedar Street and fired his weapon towards the alley.
Gordon was running behind and fired his weapon in the same direction. Bond, armed with a firearm, too, ran towards the entrance of the 1400 block on a sidewalk on the side of the apartment building along with Wingfield, who was armed with a firearm and running on the road. Davon was struck by one of the bullets and was on the ground in front of the apartment complex. The group subsequently ran in the direction of the playground with guns drawn. Bond, Gordon, and the fourth man all fired their firearms as they were running away from the apartment building.
A review of video surveillance footage showed that Davon was struck by one of the fired bullets as he was running towards the basement apartment. An autopsy concluded that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
Bond was arrested on July 10, 2020. Wingfield was arrested on July 11, 2020. Gordon was arrested on Sept. 1, 2020. All have been in custody since their arrests.
In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels, former Victim/ Witness Specialist Marcia Rinker, Victim/ Witness Specialist Latrice Washington-Williams, and Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin. Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shehzad Akhtar, Stephen Rickard, and Jack Korba, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryam Adeyola, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Thomaston Man Faces Maximum 20 Years Imprisonment in Project Safe Childhood InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Thomaston, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material of infants and toddlers resulting from a Project Safe Childhood investigation.
John Wesley Mitchem, 31, of Thomaston, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 17. Mitchem faces a maximum 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Mitchem will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 3.
“Individuals who participate in the sexual exploitation of children will face significant time in federal prison for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office—working alongside federal, state and local authorities—will pursue justice for victims against any adults who sexually entice, abuse or harm a child.”
“Thankfully we were able to prevent this predator from victimizing another innocent child,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Every time one of these horrific images is viewed it forces the victims to relive the traumatic event all over again and HSI and its partners are diligently working to find and prosecute these offenders.”
According to court documents, the Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta, Child Exploitation Investigations Group (HSI-CEIG) received information from HSI Detroit that an individual employing Kik application username “bigchevyguy0” was in contact with an undercover HSI agent and had sent the undercover agent three images that contained child pornography. Mitchem was identified as “bigchevyguy0,” and agents executed a federal search warrant at his Thomaston residence on March 13, 2020. A forensic examination of Mitchem’s digital devices found six images and one video of child sexual exploitation material depicting infants and toddlers. Mitchem admitted that he shared the three images with the undercover agent using his cellular device from his residence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by HSI-CEIG Atlanta.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Indicted for Leadership Role in Multi-State Marijuana Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Houston, Texas man has been indicted for his leadership role in a conspiracy to traffic large quantities of marijuana illegally grown in Oregon for redistribution and sale in other states.
Fayao “Paul” Rong, 51, has been charged with conspiring to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court documents, beginning at an unknown time and continuing until early September 2021, Rong conspired with others to illegally manufacture and possess with intent to distribute thousands of marijuana plants. As part of the conspiracy, Rong purchased numerous residential houses in Oregon using several different identities and converted them for use as indoor marijuana grows. Rong’s organization grew, harvested, and transported the marijuana to states where the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal. Investigators believe that, in a 12-month period beginning August 2020, Rong trafficked more than $13.2 million dollars in black market marijuana.
On September 8 and 9, 2021, a coordinated law enforcement operation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Oregon State Police (OSP) Northwest Region Marijuana Team targeted Rong’s organization. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners executed search warrants on 25 Oregon residences and Rong’s Houston home. During the investigation and ensuing search warrants, investigators seized nearly 33,000 marijuana plants, 1,800 pounds of packaged marijuana, 23 firearms, nine vehicles, $20,000 in money orders, and more than $591,000 in cash. In the weeks following the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon filed an action in federal court seeking to forfeit 16 properties used for the illegal manufacturing of marijuana. Together, the properties are worth approximately $6.5 million.
The Rong organization takedown followed a 14-month investigation by OSP initiated after the agency learned of excessive electricity use at the various properties, which, in several instances, resulted in transformer explosions. Multiple citizen complaints corroborated law enforcement’s belief that Rong was leading a large black market marijuana operation. With the assistance of the Columbia and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices, OSP found associated marijuana grows in Clatsop, Columbia, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, and Polk Counties.
Rong was arrested today by DEA agents in Houston and made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Texas. He was released on conditions pending his first appearance in the District of Oregon.
If convicted, Rong faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a ten-year mandatory minimum, a $10 million fine, and five years’ supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA, OSP, and U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Oregon Department of Justice; Portland Police Bureau; the Yamhill, Clatsop, Marion, Multnomah, Columbia, and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices; Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team; and Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty on Feb. 16, 2022, in federal court in Worcester to drug and firearm offenses.
Lavon Pemberton, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2022. Pemberton was charged by criminal complaint in June 2020 and later indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2020.
On May 14, 2020, Pemberton was observed driving approximately 100 miles per hour on the Massachusetts Turnpike. During a subsequent traffic stop, law enforcement smelled an overwhelming odor of marijuana in the vehicle and marijuana paraphernalia was visible in the passenger compartment as well as the glove box. Pemberton was also found in possession of .8 grams of cocaine and .15 grams of methamphetamine contained in three individually wrapped baggies. When law enforcement approached Pemberton to arrest him, Pemberton ran and tried to climb over a guardrail at a nearby overpass but was immediately apprehended. A search of Pemberton’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded Ruger SR9 firearm containing 17 rounds of ammunition – eight 9MM hollow point rounds and eight 9MM full metal jacket rounds with one in the firing chamber – as well as 120 grams of marijuana and $5,720 in cash. At the time of the stop, Pemberton was on supervised release due to a previous federal firearms conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason of Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’s Worcester office is prosecuting the case.
Southwest Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Store TheftsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident has admitted that he broke into two Cordele, Georgia, gun stores, stealing multiple firearms and weapons, then selling or distributing the firearms in the community.
Demetri Lott, 44, of Ashburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Feb.17. Lott faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine as well as the possibility of restitution to the victim. Sentencing will occur within 90 days.
“Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, law enforcement across the Middle District of Georgia is working collectively to prevent the trafficking of firearms within our communities and hold accountable those who steal and possess guns illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Reducing violent crime is a top priority for the entire Middle Georgia community, and one part of this strategy is to prevent firearms from getting into the hands of criminals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to maximize every resource at our disposal to achieve this common goal.”
“The theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and their diversion into the illegal firearms market is a crime that affects us all,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason Stricklin. “FFL burglaries are a top priority for ATF and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the theft and diversion of firearms.”
“I am grateful for the cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies and the citizens of Crisp County. The anonymous tip we received was crucial in locating Lott and taking him into custody. I encourage all citizens, if they see something, to say something. We all play a role in keeping our community safe,” said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.
According to court documents, Lott broke into Wells Hardware & Supply in Cordele, Georgia, on Nov. 12, 2020, accessing the store through the roof. Lott stole 11 firearms. While the case was under investigation, Lott burglarized another gun store in Cordele, Evans Outdoors, on Jan. 2, 2021. A rifle was stolen as well as trail cameras, scopes and several boxes of ammunition. A concerned citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Office soon after the theft to report information about the stolen rifle. A second anonymous tip to the Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 15 helped law enforcement locate Lott. Lott was arrested at a Cordele residence, hiding inside the attic crawl space. Lott told agents he was responsible for breaking into and stealing firearms from both businesses. He also admitted to selling the stolen firearms from Wells Hardware & Supply for cash and drugs, later returning to the person’s home that same day to find that all of the firearms had been distributed to other people. Lott said he gave the Evans Outdoors rifle to an acquaintance. Lott has multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for aggravated battery, robbery and burglary.
These cases are 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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and the Cordele Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case.
South Jordan Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Producing and Distributing Child Exploitation MaterialsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Thomas Wallin, 23, of South Jordan, was sentenced to serve 18 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to the production and dissemination of child exploitation materials. Wallin will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
In the plea agreement, Wallin admitted to sexually abusing a minor in 2019, and to producing and distributing a sexually explicit depiction of the abuse using the internet.
According to a criminal complaint filed by prosecutors, in August of 2020, HSI investigators received a request for assistance from Australian law enforcement officials related to an individual located in Utah who was distributing child exploitation materials with an individual located in Australia. The suspect in Australia had been arrested earlier by Australian authorities, and after a review of the Australian’s Telegram social media account, he was found to have been exchanging child exploitation materials with a Utahn believed to be Thomas Wallin, of South Jordan, Utah. The investigation showed, that in 2019, the two used the Telegram platform to share sexually explicit videos of minors under the age of seven years old, including a video which depicted Wallin sexually abusing a three-year old boy, and a separate explicit video of the same minor. Authorities were able to confirm it was Wallin who was abusing the minor in part through a distinctive bracelet worn by Wallin in the video which was later found in his home during a search warrant. Authorities also identified the presence of a mole on Wallin’s hand, which also appeared in the same video. During an interview with an investigator from HSI, Wallin admitted to recording himself sexually abusing a minor male and that he had used Telegram to receive child exploitation materials from individuals using the internet. Digital media seized from Wallin at the time of arrest contained over 20 sexually explicit images of minor children under the age of twelve being sexually exploited.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting minor victims from violent criminals who prey on their innocence,” said U.S. Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “The troubling facts of this case should be a reminder for parents and guardians of young children to be extremely careful of who your children are left alone with. Thanks to the investigative work by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the defendant in this case will be in federal prison for almost two decades, and the victims in this case can begin healing from the trauma caused by these crimes.”
“This lengthy sentence is a testament to the repugnant nature of child exploitation crimes which only perpetuates the lasting trauma endured by victims,” said Lucia Cabral-DeArmas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations- Las Vegas. “Our hope is that this sentence sends a message that our HSI agents will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to prey on our nation’s most vulnerable population, our children. Let today be the starting point for the healing process for the victims and their families.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
South Bay Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Creating Child Sexual Abuse Material of Young Children and Engaging in a Child Exploitation EnterpriseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Hawthorne man was sentenced today to life without parole in federal prison for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise, as well as creating child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of 20 young victims, some of whom were infants.
Arlan Wesley Harrell, 27, was sentenced today by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr.
Harrell pleaded guilty on July 7, 2021, to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise, obtaining custody of a minor for purposes of producing child pornography, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, in 2016, Harrell joined on an online bulletin board dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children under the age of five. He used that bulletin board to distribute and advertise CSAM depicting three children.
Harrell, along with co-defendants John Brinson Jr., and Moises Martinez, was an active member of this website, which was accessed via Tor, a computer network specifically designed to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet. Harrell also secured the custody of a minor and traveled with him to Brinson’s house in Fresno to create CSAM of that minor and two other children together.
In total, Harrell created CSAM depicting himself engaging in sexual acts with or otherwise sexually exploiting 20 children, including nine children four years of age or younger. Harrell was arrested in May 2017 and has remained in custody since that time.
Co-defendant Martinez, 31, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and production of child pornography in 2019, and he was sentenced in September 2021 to 55 years in prison, to be followed by lifetime supervised release.
Co-defendant Brinson, 28, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and production of child pornography in July 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22.
A fourth co-defendant, Keith Lawniczak, 57, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child in late 2019, and he was sentenced in August 2020 to 12 years in prison, to be followed by lifetime supervised release.
Homeland Security Investigations’ Los Angeles office, along with HSI’s Fresno and Boston offices, investigated the case. The High Technology Investigative Unit of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) provided significant assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Devon Myers of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, along with Justice Department Trial Attorneys Lauren S. Kupersmith and Kyle P. Reynolds of CEOS, are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Justice Department initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
Smyrna resident sentenced for multi-year tax fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Tamar Lee has been sentenced for conspiring to present false claims for refunds to the Internal Revenue Service.
“The defendants stole the personal identifying information of innocent victims, netting more than $1 million in fraudulent refunds,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “As we approach tax season, it is important to protect personal information from thieves who use it to further schemes like the one in this case.”
“Lee and her co-conspirators demonstrated a blatant disregard for the integrity of the United States tax system and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims, said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS, Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Let the sentencing today be a warning to individuals who dare to commit identity theft and refund fraud of this magnitude. They will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to pursuing identity theft and refund fraud with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Tamar Lee and co-conspirator Don Terry obtained names and personal identifying information for individuals, without their knowledge and consent. Many of the victims lived outside of Georgia, with some residing in shelters or prison at the time the tax returns were filed.
Lee and Terry provided the victims’ information to a now deceased co-conspirator, a local tax return preparer with her own tax preparation business. The fraudulent Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns were prepared and electronically filed from the co-conspirator’s business. The tax returns included false Forms W-2 listing employers for whom the victims did not work. They also claimed refunds based on false claims of federal income tax withholdings never paid to IRS.
The same tax preparer also used a refund transfer service, Refund Advantage, which allowed the co-conspirator to print refund checks at her place of business. When the IRS paid refunds, the tax preparer accordingly printed the checks and gave them to Terry and Lee who then deposited them into bank accounts Lee opened and controlled. Lee paid the co-conspirators a portion of these proceeds.
Lee also used one of her existing companies to file fraudulent Form 1120 U.S. Corporate Income Tax Returns that falsely claimed refunds based on bogus fuel tax credits. This credit allowed companies to offset their tax liability based on certain fuel expenses incurred throughout the year. Lee’s company, however, never incurred such expenses, and therefore did not qualify for the credit. IRS subsequently paid one of the requested refunds by depositing the funds into Lee’s bank account.
Lee, Terry, and co-conspirator Jeffrey Smith were also part of a scheme to submit fraudulent corporate income tax returns that made false claims for refunds. They provided to the deceased tax preparer information for other existing companies, and for companies they created for this scheme, that was used in the preparation and filing of fraudulent Form 1120 U.S. Corporate Income Tax Returns. These returns all falsely claimed refunds based on fuel tax credits to which the companies were not entitled. IRS paid some of the requested refunds by mailing treasury checks to addresses provided by Lee, Terry, and Smith.
Overall, the tax fraud scheme resulted in false claims for refunds in excess of $2 million over a three-and-a-half-year period. IRS consequently paid more than $1 million in refunds for fraudulently filed corporate and individual income tax returns.
Tamar Lee, 53, of Smyrna, Georgia, was sentenced to four years, three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $306,316.22. Lee was found guilty by a jury on November 4, 2021.
The following also have been sentenced for their role in the tax fraud scheme:
- Jeffrey Smith was sentenced to three years, one months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $695,191.
- Don Terry was sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,332,115.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracia King and Brian Pearce prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Seventeen Charged with Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering in St. George, UtahRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, UTAH – A recently unsealed 24 count indictment issued by a grand jury in the District of Utah charges 17 individuals for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in Washington County. The charges follow joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operations conducted by the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRS), and the United States Marshals Service.
These charges resulted from an investigation that demonstrated extensive law-enforcement cooperation in the St. George area. Federal and state partners conducted a proactive investigation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering. Officers seized more than three kilograms of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills. Using court-authorized investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Angel Rubio-Quintana, along with co-conspirators, allegedly ordered narcotics from individuals in Mexico, distributed the narcotics in the local community, and sent drug proceeds from Utah to Mexico.
United States Attorney for the District of Utah Andrea T. Martinez announced the charges today along with Washington County Drug Task Force Captain Jordan Minnick, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jay Tinkler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice, and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-Dearmas.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to federally prosecuting drug traffickers who fuel addiction and crime in Southern Utah,” said United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “This prosecution highlights law enforcement’s tireless efforts to dismantle drug-trafficking organizations from suppliers in Mexico to drug dealers in St. George. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who traffic narcotics in our communities.”
The indictment charges 17 individuals with 24 federal counts, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine; possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and unlawful reentry of a previously removed alien.
Those charged in the indictment are:
• Angel Rubio-Quintana, 41, of St. George
• Ramon Higuera-Cota, 49, of Sinaloa, Mexico
• Presciliano Galax-Felix, aka “Chito,” 54, of Sinaloa, Mexico
• Jaime Rivera-Jauregui, aka “Charras,” 35, of St. George
• Carlos Rubio-Acosta, 19, of St. George
• Lauro Ignacio-Morales, aka “Junior,” 20, of St. George
• Llonatan Gutierrez-Ruiz, aka “Barbas,” 59, of St. George
• Alfreida Simpson, 38, of St. George
• Tanya Adame, 19, of St. George
• Raul Valdez-Chavez, 62, of Riverside County, California
• Juana Marin-Angel, 34, of West Jordan
• Daniel Tena-Villasenor, 28, of Jerome
• Tracy Eyman, 52, of Diamond Valley
• Juan Carlos Orozco, 40, of St. George
• Paul Ciriaco, 33. of St. George
• Oliver Mendez-Rojas, aka “Willy,” 21, of St. George
• Hardet Alan Valdez, aka “Moshi,” 20, of St. George, UtahAssistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Angela Reddish-Day, in the St. George Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, are prosecuting the case. Special agents, task force officers, and analysts from the DEA, FBI, IRS, and HSI investigated the case, alongside detectives and analysts from the Washington County Drug Task Force.
Indictments are not findings of guilt. Defendants charged in indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
San Diego Man Indicted for Sale of Ghost Guns, Possession of Homemade Machine Gun, and Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 18, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Gavin Michael Adcock of San Diego appeared in federal court today in connection with a grand jury indictment charging him with the sale of firearms without a license, possession of a machine gun, and distribution of fentanyl.
An affidavit in support of a warrant to search of Adcock’s residence outlined the investigation that started in July 2021 when a San Diego Police Department detective came across Adcock on the popular mobile marketplace OfferUp. Adcock was offering to sell unfinished handgun lowers, commonly referred to as “80% lowers.” According to the affidavit, Adcock told the detective, who posed as a customer, that he had completed firearms for sale as well.
According to the affidavit, Adcock and the detective began communicating about the purchase of firearms. The San Diego Police Department then partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to further investigate Adcock’s alleged firearms trafficking activities. Through four undercover purchases between November 2021 and January 2022, ATF purchased eight firearms, ammunition, and 61 fentanyl pills from Adcock, the affidavit said.
Of the eight firearms, seven were determined to be “privately manufactured firearms,” also known as PMFs or ghost guns. One of the PMFs was determined to be a machine gun and another was an AR-15-style firearm, both of which Adcock claimed he manufactured himself.
In addition, during Adcock’s arrest on February 17, 2022, agents seized an additional firearm and suspected fentanyl pills.
“This case is a good example of the commitment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement agency partners to combat the scourge of fentanyl and illegal firearm trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“Over the past few years Southern California has seen an increase in individuals making firearms and selling them without a license,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “These firearms are oftentimes being sold to individuals that are prohibited from possessing guns. This illegal activity will not be tolerated. ATF will aggressively continue to partner with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to target these traffickers.”
“I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for working with SDPD's Ghost Gun Apprehension Team," said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. "Curbing illegal gun trafficking in our neighborhoods remains a priority for our department.”
The next court date is scheduled for February 24, 2022.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF and the San Diego Police Department to investigate and prosecute the trafficking of firearms – ghost guns in particular – and the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs, such as fentanyl.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr0313-TWR
Gavin Michael Adcock Age: 20 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Dealing Firearms without a License – Title 18, United States Code, § 922(a)(1)(A)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Possession of a Machinegun – Title 18, United States Code, § 922(o)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, § 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $1 million fine
AGENCIES
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
San Diego Police Department
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Today a San Antonio man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for child pornography charges.
According to court documents, on November 11, 2018, Francisco Govea Tristan III, 24, using a social media platform, started a chat conversation with a minor in another state. Tristan then coerced the minor into sending him photos and videos showing the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. When confronted by law enforcement, Tristan admitted he asked the minor to produce and send him pornographic images and videos. He also admitted he had other child pornography on his mobile phone.
On July 20, 2021, Tristan pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on July 19, 2019.
“The defendant was a child predator who inflicted significant damage on his victims, which is reflected in his sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “These types of crimes leave a wake of destruction and brokenness for both the child victims and their families. This office is committed to ensuring that this defendant and others like him are removed from society and further damaging others.”
“Those who harm children in this way may hide behind a computer or smartphone and use the internet to commit these crimes, but that does not mean that they are anonymous and can use those tools to produce child sexual abuse material,” said FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “Anytime a person uses the internet to entice a minor to produce child pornography, the FBI will use all its resources to identify and prosecute those offenders.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
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Rock County Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Adult & Minor VictimsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea today announced the conviction of Cory Hereford, age 50, of Beloit, Wisconsin, in the Western District of Wisconsin, on charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, maintaining a property for the purposes of distributing and using controlled substances, and of having committed sex trafficking of a minor while being a person previously convicted of a crime that required registering as a sex offender. The jury reached a verdict yesterday evening after five hours of deliberation following a four-day trial in federal court in Madison, Wisconsin.
The government presented evidence at trial that Hereford targeted vulnerable young women struggling with drug addition, one of whom was a minor – 16 years old at the time – to engage in commercial sex. He enticed the victims with access to heroin, and in some instances threatened to withhold the heroin to induce withdrawal sickness as a means of compelling the victims to engage in prostitution for his profit. In other instances, Hereford threatened physical violence to achieve his criminal ends.
The evidence demonstrated that Hereford conspired with his co-defendant, Tonyiel Partee, 30, of Janesville, Wisconsin, to recruit victims and compel their commercial sex work. Partee pled guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in July 2021. Other evidence at trial showed that Hereford maintained a home on South Franklin Street in Janesville, for the purposes of distributing and using controlled substances, specifically heroin and cocaine. Cory Hereford was previously convicted of second-degree sexual assault of a child in the State of Wisconsin, which required him to register as a sex offender.
“This defendant preyed on vulnerable members of our society – young women and girls addicted to drugs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Using their addictions to lure them deeper into the world of drugs and prostitution, he trafficked these victims for his own greed, without regard to their age, their pain, or their safety. We will continue to enforce our human trafficking laws to restore freedom and dignity to victims of this crime.”
“Mr. Hereford targeted and exploited young and vulnerable women, forcing them into commercial sex to generate income for him. I comend the trial team, investigators, and victim advocates for their commitment and diligence,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy O’Shea of the Western District of Wisconsin. “These guilty verdicts show that my office and Wisconsin law enforcement are united against sex trafficking.”
“The Janesville Police Dpartment appreciates the assistance of our federal partners on this important and complex case,” said Chief David J. Moore of the Janesville Police Department. “This investigation illustrates the methods that human traffickers use by exploiting our most vulnerable children. Contrary to the beliefs of many, these criminals do not abduct these victims on a street corner but cultivate the victims over a lengthy period of time. As a community, we need to understand these appalling methods and look out for those in our community that may fall prey to these criminals. We need to learn that when we see suspicious activity, report it to a responsible authority.”
The court will sentence Hereford on May 12, 2022. The sex trafficking charge involving a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge of committing a crime involving a minor while a committed felon required to register as a sex offender has a mandatory 10-year penalty that federal law requires be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the sex trafficking of a minor. The charge of maintaining a drug house has a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The case was investigated by Janesville Police Department, with the assistance of Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger of the Western District of Wisconsin, and Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, call 888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at www.HumanTraffickingHotline.org . The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
Recidivist Defendant Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Hyde Park man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to accessing child pornography while on federal supervised release for a similar offense.
David Ladeau, 66, pleaded guilty to access with intent to view child pornography. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2022. Ladeau was charged in Oct. 13, 2021.
Ladeau was previously convicted of federal charges in Massachusetts in 2010 for possession of child pornography. Later, in 2015, Ladeau was convicted of conspiracy to possess child pornography in the Middle District of Tennessee. While on federal supervised release for those convictions, law enforcement identified images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Ladeau’s court-monitored computer. A subsequent investigation determined that in January and February 2021, Ladeau had been using the computer to access child pornography saved on a thumb drive.
Based on Ladeau’s prior convictions, the charge of access with intent to view child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Recidivist Defendant Charged in Connection with Fraudulent Eyewear Website for the Third TimeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Darnell D. Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced the arrest of VITALY BORKER, the operator of “EyeglassesDepot.com,” an online retailer of purported designer eyewear. BORKER was arrested pursuant to a complaint charging him with mail and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud customers by misrepresenting the authenticity and condition of eyeglasses sold through the website. BORKER was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Upon Vitaly Borker’s second conviction by this Office for fraud-related offenses, my predecessor posed the rhetorical question of whether ‘federal prison will impress upon this shady businessman that seeking to make money by fraud and intimidation is a path to prison...’ Apparently, it has not. As alleged, just after his release from federal prison, serial fraudster Vitaly Borker reverted back to his illegal conduct connected to online eyewear businesses.”
USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edwards said: “Mr. Borker is allegedly up to his old tricks of bilking those looking for online eyewear. Make no mistake, each time Mr. Borker breaks the law, Postal Inspectors have no problem with bringing him to justice for his continued criminal activity.”
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today[1]:
Beginning in at least June 2020, after being released from federal custody and entering a Residential Reentry Center, VITALY BORKER operated an eyewear sales and repair services website called EyeglassesDepot.com. EyeglassesDepot.com claims, among other things, that it sells “brand new and 100% authentic designer eyeglasses and sunglasses” and that it has “thousands of pairs of glasses in stock…ready for shipping as early as TODAY.” In truth, however, the eyewear sold to customers of EyeglassesDepot.com was often used and/or counterfeit. Rather than carrying a large inventory of “brand new and 100% authentic eyewear,” EyeglassesDepot.com filled its customers’ orders by purchasing comparable items on a third-party online marketplace (the “Marketplace”). The eyewear purchased by EyeglassesDepot.com from the Marketplace was often used and/or counterfeit, but EyeglassesDepot.com passed off the glasses as new and authentic. In addition, while EyeglassesDepot.com claims to be a “leader in the repair of sunglasses and eyeglasses” and able to “fit any eyeglasses or sunglasses with your custom prescriptions,” customers who sent eyewear to EyeglassesDepot.com either did not have their eyewear repaired at all and/or otherwise received unsatisfactory work.
In order to conceal his role in operating EyeglassesDepot.com, BORKER – who has twice previously been convicted in this District of crimes relating to his operation of eyewear websites – assumed the identities of two other individuals in connection with the operation of EyeglassesDepot.com.
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BORKER, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with mail fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a additional mandatory consecutive two year sentence. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of these defendants would be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Weinberg is in charge of the prosecution.
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Reading Man Sentenced for Role in Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Reading man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to distribute meth in and around the Boston area.
Aaron Smith, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. In issuing this sentence, Judge O’Toole cited Smith’s participation in the Court-run RISE (Repair, Invest, Succeed, and Emerge) Program. In May 2020, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
In late 2018, Smith began purchasing meth from two meth dealers in Boston which evolved into a partnership in which they allowed Smith to pay wholesale cost for meth being shipped from Phoenix. In April 2019, investigators seized a two-pound package of meth from Phoenix that was being shipped to Massachusetts. Smith had contributed cash toward the purchase of this seized meth and was supposed to receive one pound.
In August 2019, Smith agreed to purchase a pound of meth from a cooperating witness, who said the meth was coming from a new supplier in California. Smith met with the cooperating witness at a coffee shop in Boston and took possession of a pound of meth he believed was from the California supplier. Smith was subsequently arrested after exiting the coffee shop.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Acting Commissioner Gregory P. Long, Boston Police Department made the announcement. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Arlington Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted 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.
Philadelphia Woman Sentenced to over One Year in Prison for Straw Purchasing Three Firearms in Montgomery County for Her BoyfriendRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Brihany Baker, 25, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, and two years of supervised release United States District Court Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez for illegally purchasing three semi-automatic firearms for her romantic partner.
In November 2021, the defendant was convicted after trial on charges of criminal conspiracy to knowingly make false statements to a federal firearms licensee, and making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee, following a June 2020 investigation into straw purchasers at a gun dealer in Horsham, PA. Investigators were conducting surveillance of that store when they observed the defendant and her boyfriend, Donte Maxwell, enter the store. Maxwell was prohibited from purchasing firearms at the time he entered the store with the defendant. The investigators proactively delayed any sale of firearms to the defendant and obtained video from inside the store, which showed Maxwell place a $200 deposit on three semi-automatic firearms, handle the firearms, and take pictures of the firearms. The defendant subsequently returned to the store and purchased the three semi-automatic firearms, falsely stating on a federal form 4473 that she was buying them for herself and not another person.
“Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, are ‘All Hands On Deck’ to interrupt and prevent violent crime in Philadelphia. One important tool in our arsenal is our ability to investigate and federally prosecute straw-purchasers,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “By charging crimes like straw purchasing of firearms, we can cut off the supply of illegal weapons at the source and hopefully prevent at least one violent act. Now, this defendant will spend serious time in federal prison for her crime.”
“Far too often, guns recovered by law enforcement officers originate from straw purchaser,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office. “Typically, straw purchased firearms are used in violent crimes, so it is important to combat the gun violence at its source, which is straw purchasing. With his sentence, the entire community is a bit safer knowing Baker will no longer be able to purchase firearms for individuals who are not allowed to possess them. This is a great outcome thanks to our partners at the U.S Attorney’s Office.”
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller.
Pennsylvania Man Charged with TortureRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice announced today that a Pennsylvania man was arrested yesterday on charges alleging that he tortured a victim in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in 2015.
A superseding indictment returned Tuesday in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charges Ross Roggio, 53, of Stroudsburg, with suffocating a victim with a belt, threatening to cut off one of the victim’s fingers, and directing Kurdish soldiers to inflict other severe physical and mental pain and suffering on the victim.
“These charges demonstrate that the Department of Justice will hold U.S. citizens who commit horrendous acts of violence accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to bringing human rights violators to justice.”
“The Grand Jury charges that the defendant directed and participated in the systematic torture of an employee over the course of 39 days by Kurdish soldiers in Iraq,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “The grand jury’s superseding indictment and the hard work of our law enforcement partners show that such brutality will be exposed and addressed wherever it occurs.”
“The heinous acts of violence that Ross Roggio directed and inflicted upon the victim were blatant human rights violations that will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This superseding indictment underscores that the United States stands for the rule of law and will hold accountable anyone who commits acts of torture, regardless of where it takes place.”
“This defendant leveraged his position and used foreign soldiers in order to intimidate and coerce someone who was a threat to the success of his corrupt scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “Whether in the United States or on foreign soil, heinous acts like torture violate our laws. The FBI has a global reach and working in concert with our federal and international partners, will pursue justice for any victim – here or abroad – who suffers at the hands of an American citizen.”
“HSI is committed to upholding the law, both within the United States and abroad,” said Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of the HSI Philadelphia Field Office. “Holding accountable Americans who commit human rights violations like those alleged in this superseding indictment is the chief priority of the No Safe Haven mission. This superseding indictment is the result of extraordinary collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners. This case serves as another reminder that HSI works tirelessly to investigate those who seek to escape justice from crimes they commit overseas.”
“The illegal export of firearms parts and tools from the United States is often connected to other criminal acts, to include, as set forth in the superseding indictment, allegations of torture,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office. “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively enforce export violations in the interest of public safety in the U.S. and abroad.”
According to the superseding indictment, Roggio was managing a project in 2015 to construct a factory and produce weapons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The superseding indictment alleges that one of Roggio’s employees raised concerns about the weapons project and, to prevent the employee from interfering with the weapons project, Roggio arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct the employee.
The superseding indictment alleges that, while the employee was detained at a Kurdish military compound for approximately 39 days, Roggio led multiple interrogation sessions during which he directed Kurdish soldiers to suffocate the victim with a bag, taser the victim in the groin and other areas of his body, beat the victim with fists and rubber hoses, jump violently on the victim’s chest while wearing military boots, and threaten to cut off one of the victim’s fingers while applying pressure to the finger with a large cutting tool. The superseding indictment also alleges that on at least one occasion, Roggio wrapped his belt around the victim’s neck, yanked the victim off the ground, and suspended him in the air, causing the victim to lose consciousness.
Roggio and the Roggio Consulting Company LLC were charged in a 37-count indictment in 2018 with illegally exporting firearms parts and tools from the United States to Iraq as part of the weapons project in Kurdistan. The superseding indictment adds the torture charges to the previously charged offenses.
The superseding indictment additionally charges Roggio with one count of conspiracy to commit torture and one substantive count of torture. Roggio is the second U.S. citizen – and the fourth defendant overall – to be charged with violating the torture statute since the law went into effect in 1994.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the torture charges as well as a maximum total statutory penalty of 705 years in prison for the remaining 37 counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and HSI investigated the torture allegations and were joined in the investigation of the alleged arms export violations by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd Hinkley and Jenny Roberts for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Trial Attorneys Patrick Jasperse and Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions (HRSP) Section, and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from HRSP Historian Dr. Nadav Samin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pennsylvania Man Charged with TortureRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man was arrested yesterday on charges alleging that he tortured a victim in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in 2015.
A superseding indictment returned Tuesday in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charges Ross Roggio, 53, of Stroudsburg, with suffocating a victim with a belt, threatening to cut off one of the victim’s fingers and directing Kurdish soldiers to inflict other severe physical and mental pain and suffering on the victim.
“These charges demonstrate that the Department of Justice will hold U.S. citizens who commit horrendous acts of violence accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to bringing human rights violators to justice.”
“The grand jury charges that the defendant directed and participated in the systematic torture of an employee over the course of 39 days by Kurdish soldiers in Iraq,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “The grand jury’s superseding indictment and the hard work of our law enforcement partners show that such brutality will be exposed and addressed wherever it occurs.”
“The heinous acts of violence that Ross Roggio directed and inflicted upon the victim were blatant human rights violations that will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This superseding indictment underscores that the United States stands for the rule of law and will hold accountable anyone who commits acts of torture, regardless of where it takes place.”
“This defendant leveraged his position and used foreign soldiers in order to intimidate and coerce someone who was a threat to the success of his corrupt scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “Whether in the United States or on foreign soil, heinous acts like torture violate our laws. The FBI has a global reach and working in concert with our federal and international partners, will pursue justice for any victim – here or abroad – who suffers at the hands of an American citizen.”
“HSI is committed to upholding the law, both within the United States and abroad,” said Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia Field Office. “Holding accountable Americans who commit human rights violations like those alleged in this superseding indictment is the chief priority of the No Safe Haven mission. This superseding indictment is the result of extraordinary collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners. This case serves as another reminder that HSI works tirelessly to investigate those who seek to escape justice from crimes they commit overseas.”
“The illegal export of firearms parts and tools from the United States is often connected to other criminal acts, to include, as set forth in the superseding indictment, allegations of torture,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office. “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively enforce export violations in the interest of public safety in the U.S. and abroad.”
According to the superseding indictment, Roggio was managing a project in 2015 to construct a factory and produce weapons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The superseding indictment alleges that one of Roggio’s employees raised concerns about the weapons project and, to prevent the employee from interfering with the weapons project, Roggio arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct the employee.
The superseding indictment alleges that, while the employee was detained at a Kurdish military compound for approximately 39 days, Roggio led multiple interrogation sessions during which he directed Kurdish soldiers to suffocate the victim with a bag, taser the victim in the groin and other areas of his body, beat the victim with fists and rubber hoses, jump violently on the victim’s chest while wearing military boots, and threaten to cut off one of the victim’s fingers while applying pressure to the finger with a large cutting tool. The superseding indictment also alleges that on at least one occasion, Roggio wrapped his belt around the victim’s neck, yanked the victim off the ground, and suspended him in the air, causing the victim to lose consciousness.
Roggio and the Roggio Consulting Company LLC were charged in a 37-count indictment in 2018 with illegally exporting firearms parts and tools from the United States to Iraq as part of the weapons project in Kurdistan. The superseding indictment adds the torture charges to the previously charged offenses.
The superseding indictment additionally charges Roggio with one count of conspiracy to commit torture and one substantive count of torture. Roggio is the second U.S. citizen – and the fourth defendant overall – to be charged with violating the torture statute since the law went into effect in 1994.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the torture charges as well as a maximum total statutory penalty of 705 years in prison for the remaining 37 counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and HSI investigated the torture allegations and were joined in the investigation of the alleged arms export violations by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd Hinkley and Jenny Roberts for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Trial Attorneys Patrick Jasperse and Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions (HRSP) Section, and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from HRSP Historian Dr. Nadav Samin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pakistani Man Sentenced for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Pakistani man was sentenced today in the Northern District of Illinois for a health care fraud scheme and money laundering conspiracy.
Muhammad Ateeq, 33, of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay approximately $48 million in restitution. In addition, Judge Manish Shah ordered the forfeiture of a $2.4 million cashier’s check and over $1 million in cash.
According to court documents, Ateeq worked in the Islamabad office of Home Health Care Consulting, an entity that controlled Medicare billing and maintenance of electronic medical records for over 20 home health agencies located in Illinois, Indiana, Nevada and Texas. While working at Home Health Care Consulting, Ateeq used a variety of fake identities, including “Nilesh Patel,” “Sanjay Kapoor” and “Rajesh Desai,” to acquire and manage home health agencies in the United States. Once the agencies were under Ateeq’s control, Ateeq caused the agencies to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for home health services, resulting in over $40 million in payments for services that were never rendered.
As part of the money laundering conspiracy, Ateeq directed his U.S. employees to deposit checks of fraud proceeds into U.S. bank accounts designated by overseas customers of overseas money transmitting businesses. The money transmitting businesses then issued cash payments to Ateeq in Pakistan, as well as deposits into bank accounts in Pakistan under Ateeq’s control. Ateeq also directed U.S. employees to use fraud proceeds to purchase expensive watches and other luxury items in the United States and then deliver the items to Ateeq’s associates in Dubai.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent-in-Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI Chicago Field Office; and Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Chicago Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sarah Wilson Rocha of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Daniel and Patrick Mott of the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.
Oxon Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for a Drug Distribution Conspiracy and for Illegal Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Zaid Rushdan, age 41, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, and to possession of stolen firearms.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Charlie Patterson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Division; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince Georges’ County Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, from at least December 2020 until February 11, 2021, Rushdan conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of phencyclidine (“PCP”) and over 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Specifically, the DEA began investigating Rushdan, a co-conspirator, and others for distributing narcotics in Southern Maryland and the District of Columbia. Agents determined that Co-Conspirator 1 was transporting drugs and drug proceeds to facilitate Rushdan’s drug trafficking business after seeing Co-Conspirator 1 at Rushdan’s apartment on multiple occasions, leaving and picking up bags at the apartment while traveling to and from drug trafficking locations.
On February 11, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rushdan’s apartment and seized: over a gallon (4,486 grams) of PCP with a purity of between 7% and 12%; approximately 299 grams of powder cocaine; approximately 31 grams of crack cocaine; plastic baggies containing pills and powders, subsequently identified to include 50 grams of heroin and 81.35 grams of Eutylone; approximately seven pounds of marijuana; seven handguns; two rifles; approximately 652 rounds of ammunition; and $14,485 in cash.
Rushdan admitted that the $14,485 in cash were proceeds of his drug trafficking business and all of the firearms were used, or were intended to be used, to facilitate his drug trafficking. As detailed in his plea agreement, Rushdan also knew, or had reasonable cause to believe, that four of the firearms were stolen, specifically, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, a Springfield Armory .45 ACP pistol, a Smith and Wesson 9x19mm pistol, and an Auto-Ordnance Corporation .45 ACP pistol.
Rushdan and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Rushdan will be sentenced to at least 121 months, but not more than 151 months, in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. 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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA, the ATF, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Town of Vienna, Virginia Police Department, the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Arlington, Virginia Police Department, the Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and the Fairfax County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Kibbe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam K. Ake, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Oregon State Employee Indicted for Sexual Misconduct and Kidnapping Woman with Developmental DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon, returned an indictment today charging an Oregon Department of Human Services employee with kidnapping a woman with significant disabilities in his care, driving her to a secluded location, and engaging with her in sexual misconduct.
Zakary Glover, 28, of Lebanon, Oregon, is charged with depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity, while acting under color of law. The indictment alleged that his conduct included attempted sexual abuse and kidnapping. Glover is also charged with kidnapping.
According to the indictment, Glover served as a direct support crisis specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU). SACU operates several 24-hour crisis residential programs in Oregon that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Glover was tasked with ensuring the health, safety and security of the individuals who lived at the residential facility where he worked. The victim, who has severe autism, cognitive deficits and communicates mostly by using pictures, videos and drawings, was one of the individuals under Glover’s care.
As part of his duties, Glover took the victim on outings in a secure van to fast-food restaurants. On Nov. 2, 2021, while on an outing with the victim, Glover is alleged to have driven down a dead-end road toward a cemetery in Aumsville, Oregon. Upon reaching the dead-end, he parked the van, opened the passenger rear door where the victim was sitting, lowered his shorts, grabbed the victim and engaged in sexual misconduct.
If convicted, Glover faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the FBI's Portland Field Office with assistance from the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce for the District of Oregon, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Indicted for Sexual Misconduct and Kidnapping a Woman with Developmental DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment today charging an Oregon Department of Human Services employee with kidnapping a woman with significant disabilities in his care, driving her to a secluded location, and engaging with her in sexual misconduct.
Zakary Glover, 28, of Lebanon, Oregon, is charged with depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity, while acting under color of law. The indictment alleges that his conduct included attempted sexual abuse and kidnapping. Glover is also charged with kidnapping.
According to the indictment, Glover served as a direct support crisis specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU). SACU operates several 24-hour crisis residential programs in Oregon that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Glover was tasked with ensuring the health, safety and security of the individuals who lived at the residential facility where he worked.
The victim, who has severe autism, cognitive deficits and communicates mostly by using pictures, videos and drawings, was one of the individuals under Glover’s care. As part of his duties, Glover took the victim on outings in a secure van to fast-food restaurants.
On November 2, 2021, while on an outing with the victim, Glover is alleged to have driven down a dead-end road toward a cemetery in Aumsville, Oregon. Upon reaching the dead-end, he parked the van, opened the passenger rear door where the victim was sitting, lowered his shorts, grabbed the victim, and engaged in sexual misconduct.
If convicted, Glover faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office with assistance from the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce of the District of Oregon, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Copy of the redacted Indictment
Office Secretary Sentenced to Federal Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Pawtucket woman who, while working as office secretary to a local auto body business, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain the proceeds of nearly 200 checks provided to customers by their insurance companies to pay for vehicle repairs, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Idalee Johnston, 48, pleaded guilty on October 13, 2021, to mail fraud.
According to charging documents, beginning in 2016, Johnston used two methods to obtain these funds: in some cases, she would not have customers sign direct payment forms that would have caused their insurance payments to be made directly to the auto body shop for repair work; in other cases, where customers did sign payment forms, she would not forward them to the insurance companies. As a result of her actions, insurance checks to pay for repairs were sent directly to customers who, in turn, at Johnston’s direction, provided the checks to her as a representative of the business.
Johnston previously admitted to the court that she deposited some of the checks into her bank account. In other instances, stolen checks were provided to family members to be deposited into their bank accounts, and later, at her direction, these family members provided her with most of the funds.
According to information presented to the court, the scheme continued for two years, resulting in a loss to the auto body business of more than $220,000.
At sentencing on Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Johnston to 24 months in federal prison to be followed by 2 years of federal supervised release. Johnston was ordered to pay restitution totaling $220,083 to the owners of the auto body business that she defrauded.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Terrence P. Donnelly.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Cranston Police Department
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New Jersey Sex Offender Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A New Jersey man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with attempting to produce child pornography.
Jordan Winczuk, 36, of Bellmawr, N.J., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 45 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Oct. 27, 2021, Winczuk pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of commission of a felony offense involving the sexual exploitation of minor as a registered sex offender.
“While on parole for a previous child exploitation conviction, Mr. Winczuk again sought to sexualize and harm another child. Now, this predator is a federal prisoner,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today’s sentence illustrates my office’s unwavering commitment to prosecute those who seek to sexualize and harm our children. Through deception and lies, this Level 3 sex offender sought to rob another child of their innocence. Our exceptional law enforcement partners made sure that didn’t happen.”
“Jordan Winczuk repeatedly exploited the innocence of children by portraying himself as someone they could trust. Today’s sentence ensures this danger to society can never sexually exploit another child again,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “While Mr. Winczuk is behind bars, his victims will try to recover from the emotional scars he left them with, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice others like him who are intent on harming children.”
In January 2018, Winczuk, a Level 3 sex offender, contacted a Worcester boy through social media. Over a period of weeks, Winczuk attempted to convince the victim, who had disclosed that he was only 11 years old, to photograph his genitals and send those pictures to Winczuk via Instagram. During his contact with the victim, over a period of weeks, Winczuk posed as a 13-year-old girl, the brother of the purported teenage girl and as a first responder in efforts to influence the victim to send photos of himself. In February 2018, a search of Winczuk’s New Jersey residence recovered cell phones that contained child pornography and included multiple conversations in which he requested sexually explicit images from other apparent minors. At the time, Winczuk was on parole following a state conviction in New Jersey for sexually assaulting a boy and endangering the welfare of a child through the distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey State Parole Board. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen M. Noto and Danial Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Montgomery County man convicted of distributing fentanyl resulting in overdoseRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Pinehurst man has entered a guilty plea to distributing drugs that resulted in the serious bodily injury of another Montgomery County man, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Rhett Dwayne Farrell admitted he supplied fentanyl to the victim.
On Feb. 25, 2020, authorities responded to an individual who was passed out in his vehicle on Highway 249. He was unresponsive and emergency personnel administered NARCAN to revive him. He had overdosed on fentanyl. The investigation revealed he had purchased the drugs from Farrell.
U.S. Senior District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea and set sentencing for May 26. At that time, Farrell faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $1 million maximum possible fine.
Farrell has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team and police departments in Katy and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Leo is prosecuting the case.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 280 Months in Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Cordell Cole, age 36, of Minnesota, was sentenced today to 280 months (over 23 years) in federal prison for his leadership of a drug conspiracy responsible for bringing ice methamphetamine and cocaine into the Southern District of Iowa.
According to court documents, Cole was found responsible for recruiting and managing members of a drug conspiracy bringing cocaine and ice methamphetamine into the area. Cole was also found to have possessed a firearm related to his drug trafficking activities. Cole has four prior felony drug convictions and was on supervision for a felony drug offense at the time that he committed this offense.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Davenport Police Department, Clinton Police Department, and the Anoka Hennepin (MN) Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Man that Possessed Unregistered Firearm Sent to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Kentucky man who possessed an unregistered firearm was sentenced February 17, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.
James Manuel Lowe, age 51, from Ashland, Kentucky, received the prison term after an August 25, 2021 guilty plea to possession of an unregistered firearm.
At the guilty plea, Lowe admitted possessing a weapon that was made from a shotgun that had an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length while in Iowa. Lowe had not registered this firearm. Lowe also has convictions for larceny, forgery, wrongful destruction, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, eluding, possession of methamphetamine, burglary, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The court found Lowe was a drug user at the time he possessed the firearm.
Lowe was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lowe was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Lowe is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations; the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office; the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office; and the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-00044.
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Man Who Conspired to Distribute Drugs Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of 370 methamphetamine tablets, almost 200 grams of cocaine, and marijuana, was sentenced on February 17, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Daniel Barlow, age 34, from Madison, Wisconsin, received the prison term after pleading guilty in July 2021 to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Barlow admitted that he possessed 151 grams of marijuana, 370 tablets containing 134 grams of methamphetamine, 195 grams of cocaine, and $5,262 in cash. The drugs and cash were found during a traffic stop in Dubuque County, in a car in which Barlow was the passenger. During the traffic stop, a drug dog alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the car. Barlow had attempted to disguise the smell of drugs by sprinkling chili powder over the packages containing the drugs. Law enforcement then searched the car and found the drugs and money. Barlow further admitted that he had agreed to distribute at least some of the methamphetamine to other people and that the cash was either proceeds from drug sales or was intended to be used to further drug trafficking. Barlow had previously been convicted of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it in Wisconsin.
Barlow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Barlow is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Devra Hake and Alex Geocaris and was investigated by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information is at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-01036.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Magic Valley Group Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Three Idaho men were sentenced to federal prison this week for their participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in the Magic Valley.
According to court records, James Tyler Ferguson, 30, of Jerome, Jedediah Levi Dahl, 41, of Twin Falls, and Jay Dale Cummins, 52, of Twin Falls, conspired with each other and with at least four others to distribute the drugs. Members of the group traveled to Mexico where they obtained methamphetamine and heroin, which was transported back to Idaho and distributed into the Magic Valley area. In June 2020, Cummins was one of the couriers who traveled to Mexico on three such occasions and returned with drugs. After Cummins was terminated from the conspiracy, Ferguson recruited two more couriers who traveled to Mexico to obtain the drugs. On July 11, 2020, Dahl, an active participant in the conspiracy, was stopped by police officers while driving his motorcycle. Dahl was arrested because of an outstanding warrant. During his arrest, police found methamphetamine, heroin, a digital scale, packaging material, and $5,200 in drug proceeds. On July 14, 2020, Idaho State Police detectives conducted a traffic stop on a rental vehicle as it returned from Mexico to Idaho. Two of the drug couriers, Belinda Jean Leverich, 34, and Erica Lyn Overton, 31, both of Twin Falls, were driving the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, detectives found over 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 100 grams of heroin.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Ferguson, Dahl, and Cummins earlier this week. Ferguson was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Ferguson pleaded guilty to the crime on November 9, 2021. Ferguson has several prior felony drug convictions and was on parole at the time he committed the offense.
Dahl was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Dahl pleaded guilty to the crime on July 26, 2021. Dahl also has prior felony convictions including the crime of delivery of controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with the intent to deliver.
Cummins was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to the crime on December 1, 2021. Cummins has several prior drug-related convictions and two prior felony burglary convictions.
Leverich pleaded guilty on May 25, 2021 and on January 13, 2022, Judge Nye sentenced her to 100 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Overton pleaded guilty on June 8, 2021 and on September 7, 2021, Judge Nye sentenced her to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Codefendant Ryan James DeRuiter, 39, of Filer, who faces up to life imprisonment, is scheduled for sentencing on March 16, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho State Police, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Department of Correction - Probation and Parole, and the Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which led to charges.
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Little Rock Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man was sentenced late Thursday on one count of possession of child pornography. United States District Court Judge Kristine Baker sentenced Bryan Shannon, 54, to 135 months in federal prison.
In February 2019, an undercover FBI agent posted an online advertisement targeted at people seeking children for sexual purposes. The FBI agent received a response through an online messaging platform from an individual with the username “taboojunkie,” later identified as Bryan Shannon. The FBI agent and Shannon engaged in sexually explicit conversation, and Shannon told the FBI agent that he had engaged in sex acts with a five-year-old and an eight-year-old child.
The FBI learned that Shannon was a registered sex offender with prior convictions for lewd or lascivious act in the presence of a child in 1995, lewd or lascivious molestation in 1999, unlawful possession of a photograph or representation of sexual conduct by a child in 2000, and knowingly showing obscene materials to minors in 2000. The FBI executed a federal search warrant at Shannon’s residence, where they located Shannon’s phone and laptop computer, both of which contained videos and images of child pornography.
In May 2019, Shannon was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of child pornography. The defendant pleaded guilty to the indictment on July 15, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Shannon was sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release following his imprisonment. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Kentwood Man Charged with Defrauding Employer and Filing False TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a two-count bill of information charging MICHAEL J. GOLL, age 46, of Kentwood, with wire fraud and filing false federal tax returns. The charges were filed on Friday, February 11, 2022. U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will preside over the case.
According to court documents, GOLL was the New Orleans branch manager of Company A, which provides material handling equipment to businesses. From January 2013 through September 2017, GOLL defrauded Company A of approximately $549,667.39. GOLL is alleged to have executed the scheme by sending Company A false invoices from shell companies that he had created, when in fact the work was either done by Company A’s own employees or the work was not done at all. As part of the scheme, GOLL had a contractor who did personal work for GOLL inflate his bills to Company A to cover the work done for GOLL. GOLL justified the overbilling by telling the contractor that he planned on buying Company A in the future, although GOLL never did purchase Company A, and GOLL never told his employer about the overbilling. Moreover, the bill of information alleges that GOLL filed false federal tax returns, alleging for tax year 2017, GOLL claimed that he had negative income of $22,102.00, when in fact his income for 2017 was $325,232.00.
Count 1 of the bill of information charges GOLL with wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. The maximum penalties he faces as to that count are 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Count 2 charges GOLL with filing false federal tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). The maximum penalties for this count are 3 years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.00. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of a defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Irvine Man Sentenced to 6½ Years in Prison for Nanotechnology Investment Fraud that Duped Victims Out of over $9.5 MillionRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man – whose company used high-pressure sales tactics to raise more than $9.5 million with bogus claims that the outfit’s solar panels utilized nanotechnology to generate electricity three times more efficiently than traditional solar panels – was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison.
Michael James Sweaney, 58, of Irvine, the founder, owner and chief financial officer of Nanotech Engineering Inc., was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton. Judge Staton also ordered Sweaney to pay $9,771,052 in restitution.
Sweaney pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of mail fraud.
Nanotech, which had facilities in Irvine and Loveland, Colorado, used a team of salespeople to cold-call potential investors and pitch them with bogus claims the company had developed a compact “Nanopanel” with patent-pending nanotechnology that was one-third the cost of similar devices and would soon dominate the solar panel market. But the “Nanopanel” did not exist.
From September 2017 to December 2019, Nanotech and its salesforce not only lied to investors, it also failed to disclose pertinent facts, which included identifying the CFO as “Michael Hatton” to conceal that Sweaney had previously been convicted in Nevada state court of securities fraud.
“While the proceeds of [Sweaney’s] past crime were several orders of magnitude smaller than those in his current offense, this prior conviction does reveal a disturbing trend of an individual who graduated from a small-time con to a major investment scam,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum.
Using the alias “Michael Hatton,” Sweaney personally solicited a potential investor with lies, including that Nanotech did not pay commissions to sales personnel and that the company’s manufacturing equipment was worth $100 million. That potential investor was an undercover FBI agent.
During the scheme, Sweaney instructed his nephew – who was in charge of Nanotech’s Colorado facility – to create a prop to make it appear that there were functioning Nanopanels, to make a video with a hired actor showing the product outperforming a traditional solar panel, and to make it appear the Loveland facility was manufacturing Nanopanels, the court documents state.
In a 2018 email to his nephew, Sweaney wrote, “We need to spend ALOT OF CASH, we need IMMEDIATELY equipment in the warehouse, without it JAIL, and that’s no joke, no equipment and using investment funds EQUALS JAIL, however spending money on equipment WILL SET US FREE.”
Investor funds – which purportedly would be spent on company overhead and the manufacturing of Nanopanels – were used to fund his lavish lifestyle, which included a 46-foot yacht, two Maserati GranTurismo automobiles, a gold Cartier watch and cosmetic surgery. Sweaney has agreed to forfeit the yacht, the cars, the watch and approximately $1.5 million in cash, bank accounts and checks previous seized by investigators.
Sweaney’s nephew – David Wayne Sweaney, 42, of Fort Collins, Colorado, who was listed on documents as Nanotech’s chief executive officer – pleaded guilty in September 2020 to one count of mail fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11 by Judge Staton, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
David Sweaney assisted in the scheme orchestrated by his uncle in a number of ways, including depositing victims’ checks into Nanotech bank accounts in Colorado, purchasing and installing $300,000 in used solar panel manufacturing equipment, arranging for at least two potential victim-investors to tour Nanotech’s Colorado facility, and creating a video showing a prop Nanopanel outperforming a standard solar panel – an illusion he created by powering the purported Nanopanel with a hidden battery pack.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan G. Adams of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil action against Nanotech and the Sweaneys, and the agency has obtained partial judgments against both David Sweaney and Michael Sweaney.
Iraqi gun smuggler convicted in federal trialRead the Press Release
DUBLIN, GA: An Iraqi national was convicted on charges of attempting to smuggle guns through the Port of Savannah after a three-day trial in federal court.
Nihad Al Jaberi, 42, of Clarkston, Ga., was convicted on charges of Smuggling, Failure to Notify a Common Carrier, and Submitting False or Misleading Export Information, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the smuggling charge subjects Al Jaberi to a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and substantial financial penalties.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“As the Port of Savannah has continued to support substantially increased import and export traffic, our law enforcement partners have done an outstanding job of stepping up to intercept illegal shipments and maintain border security,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Stopping Al Jaberi’s smuggling attempt prevents a significant shipment of firearms to an already dangerous area of the world.”
As described at trial, Al Jaberi, an Iraqi citizen and legal permanent resident of the United States, was attempting in August 2020 to ship six .308-caliber long-range rifles and three handguns concealed in a shipment in which the contents were listed as “71 Pieces of Spare Auto Parts with No License Required.” The firearms, which were discovered disassembled along with used automotive parts in a container at the Port of Savannah, had been obtained through straw purchases at various Atlanta-area sporting goods stores.
Al Jaberi was remanded to custody pending sentencing.
“The successful prosecution and conviction of Al Jaberi is yet another example of excellent collaboration at the federal level in the Southern District of Georgia with each organization contributing unique authorities and capabilities to enforce U.S. laws,” said Henry DeBlock III, Area Port Director for CBP Savannah. “CBP officers assigned to the Port of Savannah will continue to vigorously enforce U.S. export control laws as part of our overall border security duties and responsibilities in the maritime environment.”
“In the wrong hands, these export-controlled, high-powered rifles could enable malign actors to harm our warfighters, allies, and innocent civilians overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Ariel Joshua Leinwand, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Miami Field Office. “This guilty verdict is a testament to OEE’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the illegal export of sensitive, controlled items.”
“Preventing the flow of illegal weapons and the associated violence helps protect communities around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “This criminal will no longer be able to exploit our nation’s logistics systems for his criminal enterprise.”
“This case and ultimate conviction highlights the fact that illegal gun trafficking not only affects our local communities, but has implications far beyond our borders” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “At a time in which our ports are seeing unprecedented traffic, this case highlights the need for ATF and our partners to be vigilant in investigating and prosecuting individuals who supply the illegal arms trade.”
The case was investigated by U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security and by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron J. Hubbard and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer G. Solari, and by Northern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Georgia A photo introduced as evidence in USA v. Nihad Al Jaberi includes nine firearms from a shipment interdicted in the Port of Savannah and reassembled, along with other firearms removed during a search of the defendant’s residence.Ipswich Man Arrested for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ipswich man was arrested and charged by criminal complaint today for distribution and possession of child pornography.
Julien Toulotte, 23, was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance this morning before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein, Toulotte was detained pending a detention and probable cause hearing which is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2022.
According to the charging document, in January 2021, Toulotte began communicating with an undercover agent purporting to be a 15-year-old girl through social media applications. In February 2021, Toulotte sent videos depicting child pornography to the undercover agent. It is alleged that Toulotte also sent multiple nude photos of himself and encouraged the purported teenager to send photos of herself in return. On March 11, 2021, a search of Toulotte’s residence in Ipswich resulted in the recovery of his electronic devices that contained over 300 images and approximately 300 videos depicting child pornography – including child pornography videos of infants and children approximately two to four years of age. In November 2021, additional search warrants were executed related to this investigation.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Lincoln Police Chief A. Kevin Kennedy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 17 was:
James Edward Dempster, 42, of Big Timber, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dempster faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Dempster was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-03.
Raynard Dublunch Porche, 49, of Nampa, Idaho, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Porche faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-08.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 17 was:
Michael Scott Naron, 33, address unknown, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Naron faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Naron was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-18.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indictment Charges Former State Rep, 3 Others, with Stealing West Haven's COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging former employee of the City of West Haven and his three alleged co-conspirators for their involvement in schemes that resulted in the theft of more than $1.2 million dollars in COVID relief funds and other funds from the City of West Haven.
The six-count indictment, which was returned yesterday, charges MICHAEL DiMASSA, 31, JOHN TRASACCO, 50, LAUREN KNOX, 37, and JOHN BERNARDO, 65, all of West Haven, with conspiracy and fraud offenses. Trasacco and Knox, who were arrested today, and DiMassa and Bernardo, who were previously arrested, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are released on bond pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, DiMassa was a Connecticut State Representative who was also employed by the City of West Haven, most recently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the City Council. In April 2020, the State of Connecticut was allocated money by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”), which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) for the purpose of helping local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2020 through September 2021, the City of West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 in financial assistance from this fund. DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for the reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures incurred by West Haven, conspired with Trasacco, Knox and Bernardo to steal these funds and other West Haven funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for COVID relief goods and services that were never provided.
The indictment alleges that DiMassa conspired with Trasacco through the submission of fraudulent invoices to L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services, two entities controlled by Trasacco, for goods and services never received by West Haven, including thousands of units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID supplies for the Board of Education, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant and abandoned for several years. L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.
The indictment also alleges that DiMassa and Knox, who are now married, submitted numerous fraudulent invoices to West Haven for services related to a Youth Violence Prevention Program and for Youth Violence COVID-19 Associated Expenses. These invoices listed charges for in-home counseling, cleaning supplies, special needs hourly service, wi-fi assistance for low/moderate income families, counseling services, license fees, a fall youth clinic, meals, support group supplies, equipment rental, and youth clinic support group. West Haven made at least 16 payments totaling approximately $147,776.10 to Knox, who never provided any services to the City of West Haven.
It is further alleged that in January 2021, DiMassa and Bernardo formed Compass Investment Group, LLC. Beginning in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its “COVID-19 Grant Department” for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed. From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70. Bernardo received at least $45,000 of these funds.
As disclosed previously in court documents, it is alleged that DiMassa made several large cash withdrawals from the Compass Investment Group LLC bank account, some of which were made shortly before or after he was recorded as having made a large cash “buy-in” of gaming chips at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
The indictment charges DiMassa with three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Trasacco, Knox and Bernardo are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Indicted Man Charged with Firearm ‘Lie and Try’Read the Press Release
A Dallas man has been charged with lying during two attempted firearms purchases, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Steven Royal, 29, was indicted this week on two counts of attempted acquisition of firearm from a licensed dealer by false statement, colloquially known as “lie and try.”
According to the indictment, Mr. Royal lied during attempted firearm purchases at pawn shops in Dallas and Waxahachie, Texas.
On ATF Form 4473, he stated that he was not under indictment for any felony. In fact, he was facing charges of aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon and sexual assault of a child in Texas. Those cases are pending trial.
Neither purchase – one a Taurus .22 caliber pistol, the other a Rough Rider .22 caliber revolver – went through.
“Whether or not Mr. Royal physically possessed the firearm was inconsequential here. He knew he wasn’t allowed to possess firearms, however allegedly tried the system anyways. That system worked as designed and prevented the illegal purchase. ATF and its law enforcement partners remain committed to keeping firearms out of the hands of those that should not have them,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Royal is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Read is prosecuting the case.
Hazleton Roofing Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Required Federal Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Charles R. Ehrenberg, age 34, owner of Ehrenberg Roofing and Construction, Inc., located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022, before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to failing to collect and pay over several years’ worth of required federal payroll taxes.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the criminal information to which Ehrenberg pleaded guilty alleges that Ehrenberg, who was responsible, as owner of Ehrenberg Roofing and Construction, Inc., for collecting and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal payroll taxes, including Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes, willfully failed to pay over to the IRS these required taxes for the period from 2017 through 2020, in the total amount of $185,681.90.
These charges stem from an investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of unlawful return of an alien after deportation or removal, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Chief Patrol Agent Jason E. Schneider of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Jorge Osvani Diaz-Mendez, 21, of Guatemala, was arrested on September 12, 2021, on Interstate 10 in Jackson County. A U.S. Border Patrol Agent, who also is a member of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle which had a total of 11 occupants, all of whom were illegal aliens to the United States. Homeland Security Investigations agents responded, and the driver of the vehicle is being separately prosecuted for illegal alien smuggling.
A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Jorge Osvani Diaz-Mendez, a citizen and national of Guatemala with no legal right to enter or remain in the United States. At the Gulfport Border Station, Diaz-Mendez’s fingerprints were electronically scanned into Homeland Security databases and were automatically matched by computer to his fingerprints in his prior immigration records. Diaz-Mendez’s identity was positively confirmed, and record checks revealed that he had been lawfully removed from the United States in 2019 and that he had not received consent or permission to apply for readmission or to reenter the United States.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Diaz-Mendez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Graysville Man Charged for Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Graysville man has been charged with illegal possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Shannon Ray Bittle, 46, was charged on Wednesday in a federal criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machinegun. Federal agents arrested Bittle on February 16, 2022, in Hoover, Alabama.
According to the criminal complaint, on January 20, 2022, Bittle met an undercover agent in a Walmart parking lot where he possessed and transferred a machinegun, that is, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, chambered in .300 AAC Blackout. The undercover agent purchased the machinegun from Bittle.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Plyler is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against Puerto Rican Resident and Dominican Republic Citizen for Transporting Illegal Aliens on a Maritime VesselRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On February 17, 2022, a federal Grand Jury returned a seven-count Bill of Indictment against Alejo Ocasio Venerio, 31, of Puerto Rico, and Franklyn Grullon Jorge, 44, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, charging them both with transporting illegal aliens on their vessel, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced.
The Indictment stems from an incident occurring on January 12, 2022, when federal agents observed defendants boarding seven illegal nationals from India onto their vessel for the purpose of transporting them to Puerto Rico. Under federal law, defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Fugitive Extradited from Mexico to Serve Prison Sentence for Filing Fraudulent Federal Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former Chelan Falls, Washington, man was extradited from Mexico to serve a 30-month prison sentence he received in absentia almost five years ago for filing a fraudulent tax return.
According to documents filed with the court, from 2009 through 2012, Jose L. Echeverria owned and operated a produce sales business. Echeverria filed fraudulent individual income tax returns with the IRS for these years, underreporting the income he received from his business by a total of $564,292. During this timeframe, Echeverria wired hundreds of thousands of dollars in unreported income to an account in Mexico that he used to purchase land, vacation homes, and vehicles for his personal use.
Following Echeverria’s guilty plea to filing a false tax return in February 2017, the district court granted him permission to travel to Mexico for two months while he awaited sentencing. Echevarria, however, did not return to the United States for the sentencing hearing. On September 25, 2017, U.S. District Judge Lonny R. Suko sentenced Echeverria in absentia to 30 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and $183,191 in restitution to the IRS.
Court records show that Echeverria resided in Mexico as a fugitive for nearly five years until he was arrested by Mexican authorities pursuant to an extradition warrant. On February 10, 2022, Mexico surrendered Echeverria to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Mexico. Echeverria has been detained without bond pending the execution of his sentence.
The United States is grateful to the Government of Mexico for its cooperation and support of the extradition request in this matter. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced the most recent developments in this case.
Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, noted that even the delays caused by Mr. Echeverria were not enough to prevent justice from being served: “The only way to ensure a safe and strong community in Eastern Washington is for everyone in society to pay their fair share. Mr. Echeverria defrauded the government and his fellow citizens out of nearly $200,000 in taxes, spent that money on land in Mexico, vacation homes, and personal vehicles, and fled from justice for almost five years. It is sometimes said that justice delayed is justice denied, but this case illustrates a different adage – that the only absolutes in life are death and taxes. Mr. Echeverria learned today that he could run, but he could not hide: he fought the law, and the law won.”
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington provided significant assistance.
Trial attorney Michael Landman and former trial attorneys Lisa L. Bellamy and Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ellis, prosecuted the case.
Former Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced to 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Narcotics Offense and Bribery of a Corrections Officer While Detained at the Indiana County JailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy, and bribery of a public official, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Rashon Richardson, 31, to a total of 144 months of imprisonment—including 120 months for the narcotics offense and an additional 24 months for the conspiracy and bribery offenses—followed by 36 months of supervised release.
During his plea and sentencing hearing, Richardson admitted that on Nov. 2, 2015, he possessed distribution-level quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin. Richardson also acknowledged that he unlawfully possessed a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol despite being prohibited from doing so as a result of other prior felony convictions. After the United States brought charges against Richardson for the November 2015 conduct, he was detained and held at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ) pursuant to a contract between ICJ and the United States Marshals Service. Between June and August 2019, while Richardson was being held at ICJ, he paid multiple bribes to Alex Lewis, a then-corrections officer at ICJ, so that Lewis would smuggle contraband cellphones into ICJ. As part of the bribery conspiracy, Richardson admitted that he used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet Lewis and pay bribes on his behalf in the form of cash and, on one occasion, a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. Richardson admitted that he and other federal detainees used the smuggled cellphones to make unmonitored calls from inside ICJ.
Lewis previously was sentenced on Nov. 10, 2021, to 24 months’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy and bribery charges.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to Richardson’s original charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the bribery-related charges, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and Indiana County Jail.
Florida-Based Moving Company Operators Indicted for Moving Fraud Scheme Worth over $12 MillionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Matthew Pardi, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Ashley Lynn Hars, of Plantation, FL, and Pardi’s wholly owned corporation, Proud American Vanlines, LLC, formerly known as Moving Accounting Department, LLC, were charged by Indictment with wire fraud, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme in which they held customers’ belongings for ransom.
The Indictment alleges that over the course of more than three years, Pardi and Hars created a series of online profiles for moving companies, stealing the identities of legitimate companies to support their fake identities. The defendants falsely claimed that the companies were “family owned,” that they had been in business for over a decade and boasted more than a thousand satisfied customers. The defendants created false 5-Star reviews on their own websites and on legitimate review websites such as the Better Business Bureau and Yelp!, in order to trick customers into booking their moving services and providing deposits. According to the Indictment, once the customer was ensnared, the defendants routinely increased the estimate of their fees, both before the move was begun and after the goods were loaded onto the moving truck, in clear violation of federal regulations. If a customer refused to agree to pay the increased price, the defendants refused to deliver the customer’s household goods. As a result of the scheme, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $12 million.
As part of this scheme, the defendants and their associates created and did business under the following Pardi Company names and websites: American Eagle Moving (americaneaglemoving.net); Alliance Movers (alliancemoversinc.com); Titan Moving and Storage (titanmovingandstorage.com); First Call Relocations (firstcallrelocations.com); Trans World Van Lines, Inc. (transworldvanlinesinc.com, transworldvanlines.net); Safeway Moving System (safewaymovingsystem.com); Gateway Moving and Storage (gatewaymovingand-storage.com); and Prestige Worldwide Moving (prestigeworldwidemoving.com), among others. They left in their wake victims from all over the country, including many from Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs.
“With spring right around the corner and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering, many Americans will be boxing up their belongings and moving to a new home that better suits their changed lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “During what is typically a very stressful transition, consumers need to be able to rely upon the trustworthiness of the companies they hire to safeguard their valuables and transport them to their destination. We will continue to do everything we can to protect the public from fraudsters who employ illegal, extortionate tactics.”
“Fraudsters can try to use multiple aliases behind which to hide their fraud, and various ways by which to manipulate public reviews, so as to fool even people who were doing their due diligence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire. “The bottom line is, together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will still find you. And as we do our work to bring the criminals to justice, we remind the public that research and awareness are still the best forms of protection. Before contracting with a moving company, be sure to search reviews, seek recommendations from those you trust, and obtain bids from multiple sources. Don’t let price drive your decision, or it could end up costing you far more than you imagine. If you were victimized by any of the Pardi Companies listed in the indictment, we want to hear from you at [email protected].”
“Today’s indictment demonstrates our commitment to detecting and pursuing fraudulent household goods movers who unscrupulously take advantage of customers by being deceitful about the services they provide,” said Joseph Harris, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region.“ As we continue working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we also encourage the public to review resources and tools available at https://www.oig.dot.gov/investigations/household-goods-moving-fraud.”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of more than 300 years in prison, and fines of up to $6.25 million.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Rue.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Man Convicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A former Florida resident who moved to Mississippi, pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and U.S. Marshal Mark Shepherd.
According to court documents, Jason Marvin Kent, 43, was arrested on July 22, 2021, by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department in Moss Point on a failure to register arrest warrant issued out of Walton County, Florida. An investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Kent relocated from Florida to Mississippi in early 2021 to avoid being arrested on the Florida warrant.
In 2002, Kent had been convicted in Walton County, Florida of lewd or lascivious conduct, sentenced to three years of probation, and was classified as a sex offender. Florida is a lifetime registration state and, in 2015, Kent was convicted of failure to register in Florida, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation. In addition to failing to update his registration in Florida before moving to Mississippi, official records showed that Kent had failed to register as a sex offender in the State of Mississippi.
Kent pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender which is a federal felony under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), commonly known as the Adam Walsh Act. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and he faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Walton County Florida Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Felon Who Possessed a .40 Caliber Ghost Gun and Marijuana Sentenced to Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Jovar Demetrius Jefferson, age 30, of Lanham, Maryland to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on January 24, 2020, Prince George’s County Police (PGPD) Officers observed a black vehicle parked in front of a Riverdale, Maryland residence. As officers approached the vehicle, one officer detected the odor of marijuana and saw Jefferson sitting in a reclined position with a hand-rolled marijuana cigarette in the center console. After Jefferson was asked to exit the vehicle, a PGPD officer searched the vehicle and located a .40 caliber semi-automatic privately made firearms, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” loaded with ten rounds of ammunition.
Once the officer located the firearm, Jefferson attempted to flee on foot and was later apprehended by other officers in the surrounding area. Upon further inspection, officers located additional items in Jefferson’s vehicle including approximately 169 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and several small clear plastic bags.
As stated in his plea agreement, on January 31, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Jefferson’s apartment. As a result of the executed search warrant, officers located an empty large plastic bag that contained marijuana residue and a firearm magazine containing three .40 caliber rounds of ammunition.
Jefferson admits that he possessed the marijuana seized from his vehicle with the intent to distribute a portion of it and use the remaining portion for personal use.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the ATF and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Felon Subject to a No-Contact Order Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced today to six years in federal prison.
Donald Hunt, Jr., age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 27, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
At the guilty plea, Hunt admitted that on April 2, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, as a prohibited person. Hunt was prohibited from possessing a firearm because (1) he had previously been convicted of a felony: Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon; (2) he was an unlawful user of cocaine and marijuana; (3) he was subject to a state court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner; and (4) he had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence: Assault (Domestic Abuse). On April 2, 2021, police officers observed Hunt park his car on a Cedar Rapids street. After Hunt saw the police drive by, he got out of the car and walked up to a house where he placed plastic bags on the porch. Police Officers then arrived and placed Hunt under arrest on outstanding state charges. When officers retrieved the bags from the porch, they discovered a loaded handgun along with clothing belonging to Hunt. Officers also found a small quantity of marijuana and crack cocaine which Hunt admitted using.
Hunt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hunt was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hunt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-35.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Multiple Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CEDRIC GOODWIN, also known as “Ceddyo,” 32, last residing in West Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of September 22, 2019, Goodwin attempted to enter a bar located on Crown Street in downtown New Haven. During a pat-down search of Goodwin by a security worker, a firearm magazine fell from Goodwin’s right ankle area. Goodwin retrieved the magazine and left the establishment. The security worker notified nearby New Haven Police officers who subsequently located Goodwin. As they approached Goodwin, the officers heard the sound of an object hitting the ground. Goodwin was detained, and a search of the area revealed a firearm magazine containing eight rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. Goodwin was arrested on state charges at that time.
Goodwin’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics, weapon, robbery and assault offenses. On March 10, 2020, Goodwin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Following his arrest, he was released on a $100,000 bond and other conditions, including that he reside at the home of a third-party custodian on Sanford Street in West Haven. Law enforcement subsequently received information that Goodwin was engaged in narcotics trafficking activity and was in possession of a firearm.
On May 14, 2020, Goodwin was arrested after investigators conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and, in the garage, found a Smith and Wesson revolver, several rounds of assorted ammunition, multiple baggies of suspected heroin, a quantity of marijuana, and items used to process and package drugs for street sale.
Goodwin has been detained since his arrest. On July 14, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, and commission of an offense while on federal pretrial release.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
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.
Feds Indict Two Men for Robbery Spree Targeting Latino Businesses in North Philadelphia Late Last YearRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Omar White-Davis, 28, of Philadelphia, PA, and Acia Moore, 20, also of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Indictment with multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and related firearms offenses in connection with multiple armed robberies of businesses in the Feltonville and Juniata sections of North Philadelphia, including Café Tinto restaurant on Wyoming Avenue, which was targeted twice in two days.
The Indictment alleges that White-Davis and Moore attempted to rob and did rob a variety of small businesses, both together and separately, stealing approximately $3,100 dollars total between November 21 and December 6, 2021. The incidents alleged are as follows:
- On November 21, 2021: WhiteDavis attempted to rob the Ariel Grocery, 2000 block of E. Pacific Street;
- On December 1, 2021: Moore robbed the AlMolhem Store, 400 block of E. Wyoming Avenue;
- On December 2, 2021: WhiteDavis and Moore robbed Café Tinto, 100 block of E. Wyoming Avenue
- On December 4, 2021: Moore returned to Café Tinto approximately 48 hours later and robbed it again;
- On December 6, 2021: Moore robbed the Leslie Mini Market, 4200 block of Bodine Street; and,
- Also on December 6, 2021: approximately an hour later, Moore and WhiteDavis attempted to rob Hernandez Food and Deli Market, 4500 block of D Street.
White-Davis and Moore were both charged by Criminal Complaint and arrested by the FBI in early February. Both defendants have also made initial appearances on these charges in federal court.
“When I announced the All Hands On Deck initiative in April 2021, I vowed that we would do all we could to stop the violent crime ravaging our city and support the Philadelphia Police Department in its work,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “I also put criminals on notice that we were doubling down on our efforts to identify, arrest and charge them in the federal system for their crimes. The indictments of these defendants show that we have kept our word to focus on getting the worst of the worst off the street and behind bars.”
“The law-abiding taxpayers who love this great city shouldn’t have to live with the violence that moves ever closer to their doorstep,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire. “The FBI will use every resource at its disposal – including critical partnerships – to help get violent criminals off the streets of Philadelphia.”
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.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, and possible fines of over $1,000,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Judge Sentences Two Methamphetamine Traffickers to 17.5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. handed down 17.5-year prison sentences to Rene Garcia, Jr., 43, of Laredo, Texas, and Jose Luis Ramirez, Jr., 45, of Concord, North Carolina, for trafficking methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison terms imposed, both defendants were ordered to serve 10 years under court supervision upon completion of their prison terms.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, Chief Michael Hudgins of the Pineville Police Department, and Chief Kevin Black of the Cornelius Police Department.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearings, on August 19, 2020, law enforcement learned that Garcia and Ramirez were trafficking narcotics in the Charlotte area. Law enforcement investigating the case recovered from the defendants’ hotel room more than 230 grams of methamphetamine the pair had accidentally left behind after checking out of the hotel. Court records show that law enforcement arrested Garcia and Ramirez when the men returned to the hotel to recover the drugs from the room. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement recovered from Ramirez a loaded firearm and a large amount of cash, and from Garcia more drugs and cash. Law enforcement seized from the defendants’ truck a second loaded firearm, two magazines containing ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and fake identification cards. Law enforcement also determined that the truck Garcia and Ramirez were driving had been reported as stolen.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that, within the previous 30 days, the pair had trafficked approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine in the Charlotte area.
In handing down today’s sentences, the Court took into consideration Garcia’s and Ramirez’s extensive prior drug trafficking and felony convictions. At the time of the offense, Garcia was on supervised release after he previously served more than 10 years in prison on federal racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses for his affiliation with a cartel assassination squad.
Both Garcia and Ramirez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. They are currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The DEA, the Pineville Police Department, and the Cornelius Police Department handled the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stoutt, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.