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16 February 2022
Citrus County Man Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing A MachinegunRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Dean Dumont (23, Inverness) with possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (machinegun). If convicted, Dumont faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Dumont was indicted on December 7, 2021. He was arrested on February 14, 2022.
According to the facts presented in court, in November 2021, Dumont unwittingly reached out to a law enforcement confidential informant and offered to sell the informant a fully automatic, Glock-style handgun for $900. At that time, Dumont was on state felony supervision for an unrelated matter. Dumont sent the informant text messages and video files confirming that the firearm was a machinegun. The informant subsequently purchased the machinegun from Dumont. Law enforcement testing verified that the firearm discharged more than one round of ammunition from a single pull of the trigger. A record check confirmed that this machinegun was not registered to Dumont in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law. Investigators also determined that the firearm sold by Dumont was a “ghost gun”—it had had no manufacturer serial number.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Chillum Drug Dealer Caught with Two Kilograms in Cocaine Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Ludin Alfredo Ipina-Ipina, age 33, of Chillum, Maryland, today to 66 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute over two kilograms of cocaine.
The sentence 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; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to his plea agreement, from July 2020 to November 2020, Ipina sold cocaine to co-conspirators on three instances. Specifically, in July 2020, Ipina sold 21.7 grams of cocaine to a co-conspirator for $1,600; in August 2020, Ipina sold 55.7 grams of cocaine to a co-conspirator for $3,600; and in September 2020, Ipina sold 167.8 grams of cocaine to a co-conspirator for $10,000.
On November 12, 2020, law enforcement executed search warrants at Ipina’s residences. At his Chillum, Maryland residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 2,406.2 grams of cocaine, digital scales, baggies, and shrink wrap with cocaine residue. In addition to the cocaine and drug paraphernalia, law enforcement also recovered five-kilogram wrappings with cocaine residue and $118,453 in cash. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement also recovered $1,021 from Ipina’s person. In an interview with law enforcement, Ipina admitted that the cocaine recovered by law enforcement was his and claimed that he was holding the two kilograms of cocaine for another individual. Ipina also informed authorities that he intended to use the $119,474 in recovered cash to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine from a drug supplier in Texas.
As stated in his plea agreement, Ipina distributed 167.8 grams of cocaine, possessed 2,405.2 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and attempted to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute that cocaine to drug users and distributors.
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 commended the DEA and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajeev R. Raghavan, 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 www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Rioting ChargeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge accusing him of inciting rioting involving multiple incidents of property damage and looting in the city in the summer of 2020.
JAMES MASSEY, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of inciting a riot, and participating in and carrying on a riot. The conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for May 10, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri L. Wong.
“Anyone involved in destructive behavior in Chicago – such as rioting – should expect to be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office will continue to work with the FBI, CPD, and our other law enforcement partners to prosecute rioters and others engaged in violent crime.”
“Inciting riots and other unlawful activity is both irresponsible and reckless, and the FBI will continue to work tirelessly with police and prosecutorial partners to ensure public safety is not compromised,” said FBI SAC Buie.
Massey admitted in a plea agreement that on Aug. 9, 2020, he posted multiple videos and messages on Facebook calling for people to travel to downtown Chicago to engage in property damage and looting. In one of the videos, Massey stated, “Y’all ready? I sent everybody the location to link up at bro. I trying to get something. I need to hit a couple stores.” In another video, Massey stated, “Fitting to go [expletive] them up. I ain’t missing out. I am ready to steal.”
Massey admitted in the plea agreement that he and at least three other individuals damaged four stores in the downtown or Near North Side areas of Chicago.
Central Florida Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway has sentenced Carlo Dorelli (36, O’Brien) to 10 years in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute it. Dorelli had pleaded guilty on August 16, 2021.
According to court documents, on January 16, 2021, deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) executed a search warrant at Dorelli’s residence and seized 990 grams of cocaine that was concealed by snake bedding inside of a glass tank in the living room. The deputies also seized firearms and ammunition. At the time of his arrest, Dorelli, a felon on probationary status, admitted that he had purchased the “brick” of cocaine for $39,000, and intended to sell it for an $8,000 profit.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera.
Central Coast Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Causing Fatal Car Accident Near Vandenberg Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for crashing a stolen Jeep near Vandenberg Air Force Base while under the influence of drugs, killing one motorist and severely injuring another.
Michael James Culligan, 30, of Lompoc, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. after pleading guilty in September to one count of involuntary manslaughter.
On June 16, 2020, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Culligan drove a stolen 2019 Jeep Wrangler on Vandenberg Air Force Base property. After veering onto the right shoulder, Culligan’s car swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic and collided head-on with a blue Lexus sedan, killing its driver and seriously injuring its passenger. Following the traffic collision, Culligan climbed out of the Jeep Wrangler’s sunroof and fled the scene. Law enforcement later found him hiding in a drainpipe.
Culligan was under the influence of illegal narcotics at the time of the accident, according to court documents. During his post-arrest interview, Culligan admitted using drugs before operating the vehicle, crashing the Jeep into another car and fleeing the scene of the accident.
Culligan has been in federal custody since June 2020.
“The severity and tragedy of [Culligan’s] conduct cannot be overstated,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “His disregard for the safety of the community was staggering. Driving a stolen car while drunk and high is the very epitome of recklessness and, sadly, [Culligan’s] conduct had consequences.”
The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigated this matter. The California Highway Patrol and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph D. Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Center Ossipee Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kyle Amaral, 29, of Center Ossipee, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, investigators identified a series of chats involving images and videos of child sexual abuse that were posted by Amaral over a social networking platform. Evidence obtained through the execution of search warrants at his residence and the social networking platform confirmed that Amaral created images and videos of child sexual abuse at his residence, which he later distributed to other individuals over the social networking platform.
Amaral is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.
“Sexual exploitation of children is a horrific crime,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By sexually abusing minors and distributing videos of these terrible acts, this defendant stole the innocence of his victims and caused immeasurable harm. To protect the safety of our community’s children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who victimize young people in the Granite State.”
"The NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners in an effort to fight child exploitation,” said Lt. Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC Task Force. “NH ICAC urges parents to talk to their kids about internet safety and to not hesitate to reach out to law enforcement for help. Helpful resources can be found at nhicac.org."
“The abuse and exploitation of a child is among the cruelest and most heinous crimes our agents investigate. The children who are preyed upon will live with the effects of this trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “HSI is proud to work with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to detect crimes like these and hold the perpetrators to account to prevent them from inflicting more harm.”
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Cedar Park Man Sentenced to Prison for Impersonating an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
WACO – A Cedar Park man was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for impersonating a federal officer in order to obtain Fentanyl patches.
According to court documents, on June 29, 2021, Jonathan Jefferson Ferris, 53, was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of impersonating a federal officer.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that on multiple occasions in July and August 2019, Ferris entered a pharmacy in Temple looking to fill an out-of-state prescription for Fentanyl patches. Ferris always identified himself to the pharmacy employee as an out-of-town FBI agent on temporary assignment. Ferris wore a lanyard with a fake FBI identification card attached and used fraudulent documentation purportedly from the FBI to support his request for filling the Fentanyl prescriptions.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs made the announcement.
The FBI Central Texas Violent Crime Task Force conducted this investigation together with investigators from DEA Diversion and the Cedar Park Police Department. The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the invaluable work and dedication of an FBI Task Force Officer from the Temple Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier prosecuted the case.
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California Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Large-Scale Fentanyl Analogue Pill Mill OperationRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 360 months in prison for conspiracy and manufacturing, distributing, and possessing with intent to manufacture and distribute a fentanyl analogue, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Andrew Tablack, 30, of Beverly Hills, California, was convicted in July 2021 of one count of manufacturing, distributing, and possessing with intent to manufacture and distribute pills containing cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl intended for human consumption, and one count of conspiracy to do the same, following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
From at least March 2017 through December 2017, Tablack ran a pill-making operation that distributed millions of fentanyl analogue pills throughout the United States, including New Jersey. These pills contained a powerful synthetic opioid with significant abuse potential. Tablack manufactured these illegal pills in clandestine labs in and near Los Angeles and sold them anonymously on the dark web, the Internet’s black market, using the moniker “XanaxKing2.” Tablack shipped approximately 400,000 of his illegal pills per month and made millions of dollars from his illegal operation in digital currency that is commonly used in the black market due to its relative anonymity.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Tablack to three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of various cryptocurrency holdings and electronic devices belonging to Tablack, which the trial jury had found were subject to forfeiture.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), Newark Division, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tazneen Shahabuddin of the Special Prosecutions Division and Sarah Devlin, Chief of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Caldwell man was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court records, Travis Rouse, 53, of Caldwell, aided and abetted his co-defendant in transporting methamphetamine from Mexico to Idaho prior to his arrest on February 19, 2021. During his arrest, law enforcement officers searched the vehicle occupied by him and his co-defendant and found approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine and 25 marijuana starter plants. Law enforcement officers also found tools commonly used by drug traffickers to repackage their controlled substances for sale such as a digital scale and empty zip loc baggies.
Rouse has a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Iowa. He also has state convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia and assault -domestic violence in Canyon County, Idaho.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Rouse to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Rouse pleaded guilty to the charge on November 21, 2021.
On November 30, 2021, the co-defendant, Patrick Collingwood, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and applauded the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the City County Narcotics Unit consisting of officers from the Caldwell Police Department and the Canyon County Sheriff’s office, which led to the charges.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Business Owner Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Bribing Former Official at D.C. Office of Tax and RevenueRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Mohammad Ezazul Hoque, 59, the former owner of several Washington, D.C. restaurants, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for paying bribes to the former Chief of Collections of the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) in exchange for the OTR official taking actions favorable to Hoque’s businesses.
Hoque was also sentenced to 37 months in prison, to run concurrent to his bribery sentence, for executing a multi-year scheme to obtain credit cards in others’ names, without their knowledge or consent, to fund his personal and business expenses. Hoque pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division.
According to court documents, Hoque, of Alexandria, Virginia, paid more than $45,000 in bribes to the OTR official between 2015 and 2017 so that the official would change the status and limit the negative effects of unpaid tax liabilities on his businesses, which numbered in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Court documents also state that, in 2016, in exchange for the bribes Hoque was paying, the OTR official released a lien on one of his businesses and provided a false certification that it had no outstanding tax liabilities so that Hoque could sell the business to a third party. In fact, Hoque still owed tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and related fees.
As a result of the OTR official’s actions, Hoque was able to sell the business and make a profit of approximately $84,000.
Court papers further state that Hoque also carried out a fraud scheme spanning 2013 to 2017, in which he obtained more than 15 credit cards from various financial institutions in the names of others without their knowledge or consent. Hoque charged more than $40,000 in personal and business expenses to the cards he fraudulently obtained.
In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Carl J. Nichols ordered Hoque to pay a fine of $45,000 and a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $84,000. He must also serve a period of three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Special Agent in Charge Jacobs commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda R. Vaughn, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Forde, and Paralegal Specialist Joseph McClanahan.
Billings man sentenced to two years in prison for cocaine trafficking, promoting prostitutionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking cocaine and promoting prostitution in the community by setting up a commercial sex date for an individual was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Anthony Marcos Chadwell, 28, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and with use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering.
Chadwell also was sentenced today to one year in prison for multiple violations of federal supervised release imposed in a prior conviction on a firearms offense. The one-year term is to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the cocaine trafficking and promoting prostitution offenses, bringing Chadwell’s total amount of imprisonment to three years.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2019, Chadwell became involved in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy and in commercial sex in Billings. Chadwell distributed cocaine to individuals, including to his co-defendant, William Newkirk. In early 2019, Chadwell was introduced to an individual, identified as Jane Doe 11. At some point, Doe 11 began engaging in commercial sex with Chadwell’s assistance. Chadwell used his cellular phone to set up a commercial sex date for Doe 11 at a Billings motel in which Doe 11 engaged in a sex act in exchange for money.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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Berkeley, Missouri man pleads guilty to solicitation of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Barry J. Parrott, 55, appeared before United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk today and pled guilty to the offense of solicitation of child pornography. Judge Pitlyk set sentencing for May 18, 2022. This offense is punishable by imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than twenty years, a fine of not more than $250,000, and the Court shall also impose a period of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement, on or between April 21, 2021 and April 26, 2021, in the Eastern District of Missouri, Parrott communicated over the internet via social media and digital communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who the defendant believed to be a fifteen-year-old juvenile female. During the course of those communications, Parrott solicited the purported juvenile to send him a visual depiction of her fully nude and in the shower as well as an image that Parrott requested to be sexy. With these solicitations Parrott intended and was attempting to obtain one or more images of child pornography involving a lascivious display of the purported juvenile’s nude genitals. Parrott further sent the purported juvenile over the internet two videos depicting adult male genitalia.
Parrott solicited child pornography from the purported juvenile via the internet using his cellular telephone that was produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Charles County Police Department and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Arrest for Man Threatening Flight AttendantsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Michael Easley announced that yesterday in federal court, an initial appearance was held for Michael Aaron Ganter after being charged with Interference with a Flight Crew and Flight Attendants by criminal complaint. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Friday.
As described in the criminal complaint affidavit, on February 9, 2022, Ganter flew on a Frontier Airlines flight departing from LaGuardia Airport, New York. The flight was scheduled to fly to Orlando International Airport, Florida. According to statements from passengers and flight attendants, Ganter began making statements threatening violence to those on the flight and became increasingly disruptive during the flight. Flight attendants requested assistance from other passengers, who restrained Ganter. Due to Ganter’s conduct, the pilots diverted the flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Ganter was taken to WakeMed for evaluation. Upon his release from WakeMed, Ganter was arrested by special agents with the FBI.
Mr. Easley stated, “Passengers who threaten violence in the close confines of a commercial aircraft put everyone in danger. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute federal crimes in the skies and ensure the safety of the flying public. Safe air travel is essential to our economy and keeping families connected. No passenger, flight crew, or flight attendant should have to fly in fear.”
This arrest is part of an ongoing commitment by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina to do its part to prevent violence, intimidation, threats of violence, and other criminal behavior that endangers the safety of passengers, flight crews, and flight attendants on commercial aircraft. The Attorney General’s press release about the Department of Justice’s guidance concerning criminal conduct on commercial airctaft is located here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-rise-criminal-conduct-commercial-aircraft.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Raleigh-Durham International Airport Police, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brad DeVoe represented the government.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Another Former Ft. Bragg Employee Pleads Guilty to BriberyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Fayetteville man pleaded guilty today for receiving bribes in his role as a flooring technician while employed at Ft. Bragg.
According to court documents, Calvin Alfonza Jordan was a procurement agent assigned to the Operations and Maintenance Division, Directorate of Public Works (DPW), at Fort Bragg, NC. To obtain services, a Ft. Bragg facilities user submits a request for a repair or service of a facility, such as a roof leak, damaged floor, or plumbing issue to the DPW. The request creates a Demand Maintenance Order (DMO) that is forwarded to the appropriate commodity section. The DMO is assigned to a DPW technician that specializes in a certain trade, such as roofing, flooring, plumbing, or carpentry.
The DPW technician assesses the issue to determine if they can complete the repair or service themselves within the time allotted, or certifies that because of manpower, needed expertise, or particular equipment needs, a contractor should undertake the work. If a contractor is to be used for the work, the technician submits a request for a contract to the work leader. If the work is estimated to cost under $2,500, the approved contract is forwarded to a DPW procurement agent who hires a contractor to complete the work. The technician who requested the contract would inspect and certify the work upon completion. Once the technician inspected and certified the contractor’s work, the procurement agent would pay the contractor using a government purchase card.
From 2011 into 2019, Jordan used his position as a procurement agent to receive bribes of approximately $200 per DMO from various vendors contracting with DPW, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, in return for increasing the amount of federal contracts given the vendor. Jordan received approximately $1 million in illegal bribes.
“As I have earlier announced, the ‘pay-to-play’ culture encouraged by government employees at Ft. Bragg stops now,” Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, said. “The taking of bribes by employees of the United States will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
"Our country places great trust and responsibility in our public officials. Calvin Jordan repeatedly chose greed over integrity as he orchestrated a nearly decade long bribery scheme to line his own pockets," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "Today's guilty plea is a direct result of the hard work and dedication DCIS and our law enforcement partners put into stamping out corruption that threatens the U.S. Military and its installations."
"The defendant made a bad choice to engage in a bribery scheme," said Frank Robey, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division's Major Procurement Fraud Unit. "MPFU, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use every available tool to combat and prevent people from exploiting the government contracting system for their personal benefit."
“Participating in a long-term scheme to defraud the government to line your pockets is a losing proposition,” said Michael Curran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Southeast Fraud Field Office. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud, wherever we find it.”
Jordan pleaded guilty to receiving bribes, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201. Tentatively set for sentencing in May 2022, Jordan faces a maximum penalty of 180 months in prison.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief United States Judge Richard E. Myers II, accepted the plea. Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, are investigating the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-328-FL.
Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jamie Johnson, age 36, of Albany, pled guilty today to conspiring to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Johnson admitted to filing false unemployment insurance applications online with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) in order to fraudulently obtain $701,441 in benefits issued in the names of other people.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang; Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman stated: “Jamie Johnson used stolen identities to cheat a system designed to help unemployed New Yorkers as the pandemic raged in 2020 and 2021. Johnson’s crimes ultimately did not pay – she is going to prison and she has forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars in ill-gotten gains. Johnson’s prosecution is the result of a multi-agency initiative to pursue, stop and deter fraudsters who try to steal public funds and undermine the integrity of the unemployment insurance program.”
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang stated: “Unemployment insurance fraud undermines the integrity of a vital government safety net, can affect victims’ ability to file legitimate claims, and puts additional strain on already struggling New York State families. Our office is grateful for the collaboration with our federal partners in working to protect vulnerable community members and good government.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino stated: “Jamie Johnson displayed a complete disregard for the law and a system designed to assist those struggling. I commend our agents and law enforcement partners on a job well done—HSI will continue to find and hold accountable those who defraud the U.S. programs designed to assist individuals in need.”
In pleading guilty, Johnson admitted to receiving personal identifying information from other people and using it to file false unemployment insurance applications in other people’s names. She then collected the resulting unemployment insurance benefits, including by driving a Maserati sport utility vehicle to Capital Region banks and withdrawing cash using debit cards tied to the benefits. The Maserati, over $200,000 in cash, and multiple jewelry items are subject to administrative forfeiture pursuant to the plea agreement.
Johnson also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $701,441 to the State of New York.
The mail fraud conviction carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The identity theft conviction carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2022 by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to investigating individuals like Johnson who take advantage of programs designed to support individuals during times of hardship. The U.S. Postal Service has proven to be an essential service that our customers rely on, especially throughout this pandemic. We will continue to work hard to prevent any criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail and work with our law enforcement partners to put a stop to complex fraud schemes such as this.”
USDOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone stated: “Jamie Johnson used the identities of others to fraudulently obtain over $700,000 in unemployment benefits. The Unemployment Insurance Program exists to provide needed assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. Fraud against the Unemployment Insurance Program distracts state workforce agencies from ensuring benefits go to individuals who are eligible to receive them. The Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Insurance Program.”
This case was investigated by the New York State Inspector General’s Office, HSI, USPIS, and USDOL-OIG, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations, the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, the Albany County Department of Social Services, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Chisholm.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A Southfield Woman Has Been Charged with Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fraud Related to the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Southfield, Michigan woman was charged in a criminal complaint for allegedly making false and fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims filed in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining in this announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge John Marengo, United States Secret Service’s Detroit Field Office and Julia Dale, Director, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Katrina Patreese Maddox, 46, is charged with mail fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Maddox was arrested today and will be appearing in federal court in Detroit this afternoon.
The complaint alleges that from May 2020 through December 2021, Maddox used the identities of other people to file over 35 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims and that illegally obtained benefits cards were used, among other things, to make court payments and DoorDash deliveries for Maddox as well as cash withdrawals. Approximately $311,440 in benefits was paid out as a result of the scheme, and the potential loss to the government was over $1.2 million.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigations are completed, determinations will be made whether to seek felony indictments.
This case is being investigated by agents of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General with the assistance of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Chasteen and Sarah Youngblood.
15 February 2022
White Earth Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Violent Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A White Earth man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a violent domestic assault. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, Nicholas Edward Durant, 31, was living with the victim in a residence located on the White Earth Indian Reservation. On April 3, 2020, Durant violently assaulted the victim, hitting her multiple times in the chest, abdomen, face, and head. The victim was treated for a deep laceration below her eye, extreme back pain, and a traumatic hematoma of the head.
On October 25, 2021, Durant pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Mahnomen County Attorney’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek.
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Wheeling man sentenced for selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lorenzo Clark, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Clark, also known as “Renny,” age 40, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Clark admitted to selling cocaine near the Hil-Dar housing complex in Ohio County in May 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wheeling man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Everly, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Everly, also known as “Capt,” 70, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Everly admitted to selling methamphetamine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Weapons Smugglers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Alejandro Valles, 27, of Aguila, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 15 months in prison for smuggling weapons from the United States into Mexico. Judge Soto previously sentenced David Alberto Duarte-Marquez, 21, a Mexican citizen and Valles’ co-conspirator, to 33 months in prison. Both men pleaded guilty to their offenses.
On October 22, 2018, Valles placed an online order for an M203 40mm grenade launcher barrel. Valles received the barrel and sent the package to another individual in southern Arizona, who then smuggled the barrel into Mexico.
Similarly, on November 26, 2018, Valles’ co-conspirator Duarte-Marquez placed an online order for an M203 40mm grenade launcher barrel with the intent to smuggle it into Mexico. Duarte-Marquez had the barrel shipped to Valles. Once Valles received the barrel, he intended to follow the same steps of sending the package to southern Arizona so it could be smuggled into Mexico. However, the second barrel was intercepted by law enforcement while it was en route to Valles.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 21-0543-TUC-JAS and 20-2414-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-011_Valles# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Wanted Felon Pleads to Illegally Possessing Pistols and Ammunition Stolen from a Retired Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Braddock Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to violations of federal gun laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Frankie Leon Morrison, 55, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on April 8, 2019, the Buffalo Township (Butler County) police were aware of multiple break-ins of vehicles in the area. A Buffalo Township Officer observed defendant Morrison reaching into a vehicle at 3:00 a.m. and when the officer attempted to speak with him, Morrison fled on foot. As Morrison later drove from the area, he was stopped and his vehicle was found to contain multiple stolen items, including two Glock pistols, ammunition, handcuffs and a key stolen from the vehicle of a recently retired Pittsburgh Police Sergeant. The defendant has multiple prior federal and state convictions which precluded him from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The defendant also pleaded guilty to possessing the firearms and ammunition despite being a wanted fugitive from the state of Connecticut and to possessing stolen firearms.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. For each charge, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Judge Cercone noted that Morrison also faces the potential of an additional sentence because at the time of his crimes he was being supervised by United States Probation Officers after serving a prior federal sentence of 123 months for Armed Bank Robbery and the Illegal Possession of a Firearm. Judge Cercone set that sentencing for the same date.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Morrison to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Morrison, with valuable assistance from the Buffalo Township Police Department.
Two Women Sentenced in Multi-Million-Dollar Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colorado woman and a Houston woman were sentenced today in federal court in Boston for their roles in a multi-million-dollar Medicare fraud scheme.
Jessica Jones, 32, of Lakewood Colo., and Elizabeth Putulin, 31, of Houston, Texas were each sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to three years of supervised release, the first year to be served in home detention. Judge O’Toole, Jr. also ordered Jones to pay restitution in the amount of $8.6 million and ordered Putulin to pay restitution in the amount of $20.7 million. Jones and Putulin are also barred from engaging in an occupation business in the health care industry. On Jan. 20, 2021, Jones and Putulin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Jones and Putulin conspired with Juan Camilo Perez Buitrago to submit more than $107.6 million in false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (DME) such as arm, back, knee and shoulder braces. Jones and Putulin helped Perez manufacture and submit false and fraudulent Medicare claims by establishing shell companies in more than a dozen different states, including Massachusetts. At Perez’s request, Jones and Putulin purchased Medicare patient data from foreign and domestic call centers that targeted elderly patients and instructed call centers to contact the Medicare beneficiaries with an offer of ankle, arm, back, knee and/or shoulder braces “at little to no cost.” Perez then submitted Medicare claims for those patients without obtaining a prescriber’s order to ensure that the braces were medically necessary. Jones and Putulin further facilitated the fraud by answering frequent phone calls from Medicare patients who received DME that they did not request, want or need. Additionally, Jones and Putulin responded to insurance companies’ requests for prescriber’s orders and medical records, which they were unable to provide.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Johnnie Sharp Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Division; and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Two Former Federal Correctional Officers Plead Guilty to Bribery and Contraband Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
Two former correctional officers pleaded guilty today to engaging in bribery and smuggling contraband into Leavenworth Detention Center.
According to court documents, Jacqueline Sifuentes, 26, of Laredo, Texas, and Cheyonte Harris, 29, of Raytown, Missouri, previously worked as correctional officers at Leavenworth Detention Center, a privately-run maximum-security federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas. Sifuentes used her position to smuggle contraband — including methamphetamine, marijuana and tobacco — into the prison in exchange for bribes from a federal inmate. Harris used her position to smuggle contraband into the prison in exchange for bribes from inmates and their associates.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to accept bribes and provide contraband to inmates of a federal prison. Each is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17, and each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge William J. Hannah of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Chicago Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Charles A. Dayoub of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and DOJ-OIG are investigating the cases.
Trial Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman and Dahoud A. Askar of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the cases.
The cases are part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat prison corruption. In addition to the above matters, the Public Integrity Section recently obtained convictions against two other former Leavenworth Detention Center officials for similar conduct. See United States v. Willie Golden, Case No. 2:21-cr-20061 (D. Kan.); United States v. Janna Grier, Case No. 2:22-cr-20001 (D. Kan.). Separately, the Public Integrity Section has obtained convictions against three former North Carolina prison officials who smuggled contraband, including narcotics, into a state facility in exchange for bribes. See United States v. Ollie Rose, III, No. 4:20-CR-96 (E.D.N.C.); United States v. Kenneth Farr, No. 4:21-CR-9 (E.D.N.C.); and United States v. Jeremy Chambers, No. 4:21-CR-38 (E.D.N.C.).
Two East St. Louis Men Indicted for String of Carjackings in the Metro EastRead the Press Release
East St. Louis, Ill. – Armon R. Simpson, 18, and Jamariante N. Burgess, 19, both of East St. Louis, Illinois, have been charged by superseding indictment with Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking, Carjacking, and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Both men have been ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents, between July 12, 2021, and August 5, 2021, Simpson, Burgess, and others, conspired to commit armed carjackings, including three carjackings in the
Eastern District of Missouri and the Southern District of Illinois. The final carjacking prior to their arrest occurred on August 5, 2021. Burgess and Simpson approached a vehicle in downtown Saint
Louis, Missouri, displayed firearms at the passengers, and forcibly took their vehicle. Afterwards, they fled to East St. Louis, Illinois, where they shot a man walking in an apartment complex and then discarded the stolen vehicle.If convicted, Simpson and Burgess face up to 15 years imprisonment on the Carjacking charge, 5 years for Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking, and an additional sentence of 7 years for Using a
Firearm during a Crime of Violence, which must run consecutive to all other sentences.An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), the East St. Louis Police Department, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and Saint Louis County Police Department. PSEG is a newly formed Illinois State Police unit embedded in and working in direct partnership with the East St. Louis Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexandria Burns is prosecuting the case.
Three Men Sentenced for $2.7 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Three men were sentenced yesterday in the Middle District of North Carolina for fraudulently seeking over $2.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Joseph Marsell Cartlidge, 30, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 72 months in prison; David Christopher Redfern, 32, of Trinity, North Carolina, was sentenced to 60 months in prison; and Eric Alexander McMiller, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Each defendant was also ordered to pay $498,657 in restitution.
According to court documents, Cartlidge, Redfern and McMiller joined a scheme led by James Stote, who with others, recruited the defendants to apply for fraudulent PPP loans for registered businesses, with the understanding and agreement they would provide a portion of the PPP loan proceeds to their recruiter. Between May and June 2020, the defendants submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications misrepresenting the number of employees and the average monthly payroll expenses of the defendants’ various businesses. The defendants submitted false tax and bank records in support of their loan applications. The defendants also independently applied for fraudulent EIDLs and misrepresented the number of employees, gross revenues, and costs of goods sold for each business. In total, the defendants sought over $2.7 million in PPP loans and EIDL funds. The defendants then used the loan proceeds for their own personal benefits, including for luxury purchases and cash withdrawals.
Stote pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2021, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the Northern District of Ohio.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina; Acting Special Agent in Charge Mona Passmore of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Kyle Myles of the FDIC-OIG Atlanta Region; Special Agent in Charge Mark Morini of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Southeast Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
TIGTA, FDIC-OIG, and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department thanks SBA-OIG for their support and assistance.
Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Dupre for the Middle District of North Carolina and Meredith Ruggles, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina, prosecuted the case.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Three Men Sentenced for $2.7 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Three men were sentenced yesterday in the Middle District of North Carolina for fraudulently seeking over $2.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Joseph Marsell Cartlidge, 30, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 72 months in prison; David Christopher Redfern, 32, of Trinity, North Carolina, was sentenced to 60 months in prison; and Eric Alexander McMiller, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Each defendant was also ordered to pay $498,657 in restitution.
According to court documents, Cartlidge, Redfern and McMiller joined a scheme led by James Stote, who with others, recruited the defendants to apply for fraudulent PPP loans for registered businesses, with the understanding and agreement they would provide a portion of the PPP loan proceeds to their recruiter. Between May and June 2020, the defendants submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications misrepresenting the number of employees and the average monthly payroll expenses of the defendants’ various businesses. The defendants submitted false tax and bank records in support of their loan applications. The defendants also independently applied for fraudulent EIDLs and misrepresented the number of employees, gross revenues, and costs of goods sold for each business. In total, the defendants sought over $2.7 million in PPP loans and EIDL funds. The defendants then used the loan proceeds for their own personal benefits, including for luxury purchases and cash withdrawals.
Stote pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2021, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the Northern District of Ohio.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina; Acting Special Agent in Charge Mona Passmore of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Kyle Myles of the FDIC-OIG Atlanta Region; Special Agent in Charge Mark Morini of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Southeast Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
TIGTA, FDIC-OIG, and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department thanks SBA-OIG for their support and assistance.
Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Dupre for the Middle District of North Carolina and Meredith Ruggles, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina, prosecuted the case.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Three Individuals Charged in Orleans County Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated two individuals were arrested on February 15, 2022, in Westfield, Vermont on federal charges relating to the distribution of controlled substances. Federal arrest warrants had been issued for their arrests in conjunction with a criminal complaint filed in federal court on February 10, 2022, alleging that Rachael Goulet (age 27), Johnny Crocker (age 25), and an unidentified individual using the street name “Danger” had conspired with one another and others to distribute controlled substances—including cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and fentanyl—in the District of Vermont between the end of December 2021 and the filing of the complaint. Goulet and Crocker are expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Burlington before Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for an initial hearing on the complaint this afternoon or tomorrow.
The following factual allegations are contained in the criminal complaint filed in the case. Goulet and Crocker possessed and distributed controlled substances from their shared residence in Westfield. Goulet and Crocker also hosted individuals from outside of Vermont at their residence for purposes of obtaining and distributing controlled substances. “Danger” was one such individual who lived in their residence and distributed large amounts of drugs while collecting the proceeds from the distributions. The defendants worked together to bring cocaine and fentanyl into Vermont and then process and distribute it in Orleans County for a profit or to support their own consumption. Many of the defendants’ drug-distribution activities involved communications over social media or smartphone applications. During the period of the conspiracy, an individual with whom Goulet and Crocker were acquainted was shot and seriously wounded in Holland, Vermont on January 1, 2022; the individual’s mother was present and was also wounded in the incident. A suspect has been charged by the Orleans County State’s Attorney in connection with that shooting, and he is presently in custody in Connecticut on an unrelated charge.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the complaint is a preliminary accusation only and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of this offense, Goulet and Crocker would each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and up to a $1 million fine. Any actual sentence for each defendant, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.
The charge in this complaint follows an investigation conducted by multiple state and federal agencies that was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). During the investigation, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from, and investigated the purchase and attempted purchase of multiple firearms by, the defendants and their associates. ATF was assisted in this investigation by the Vermont Drug Task Force, detectives and troopers from the Vermont State Police, members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, officers with the Newport Police Department, agents and task force officers with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and aviators with the Air & Marine Operations (AMO) component of United States Customs & Border Protection.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended law enforcement’s collaborative investigatory efforts in this matter.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Attorney information for the defendants is not yet available.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. See https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Suspect Arrested in Indian Country MurderRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHNNY SAPCUT, 18, of Elgin, Oklahoma, has been arrested for murder in connection with a death in Indian country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed today, in the early hours of February 15, 2022, law enforcement responded to a home after a woman called 911 in apparent distress. The affidavit alleges that Sapcut and the woman were the only two in the home and that the woman was deceased. An investigation into the cause of death is underway.
The case is charged in federal court because the alleged crime took place on tribal land of the Comanche Nation both the defendant and victim are members of the Comanche Nation.
Sapcut was arrested in the early morning hours and made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon T. Erwin. Judge Erwin ordered that Sapcut be detained pending a detention hearing on February 18, 2022.
If found guilty, Sapcut faces a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution. This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, the Comanche Nation Police, and the Comanche County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Noble is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public filings for more information.
St. Louis man enters guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –On February 15, 2022, Horatio Harris pleaded guilty in front of District Court Judge Ronnie L. White to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on September 4, 2020, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) received a call about a crowd gathered outside a boarding house in the City of St. Louis. When officers arrived, they found a group of fifteen to twenty people in the street. A woman from the crowd explained that she had come to confront their stepfather, Horatio Harris, about the suspicious death of her two-year-old nephew.
When Harris saw the group approaching the boarding house, he went to his room upstairs, retrieved a silver revolver, and answered the door with the gun in hand. Officers determined that Harris was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm, specifically in this case, a .38 caliber Colt Army Special revolver that was recovered by police at the scene. Harris later made admissions knowing he was a convicted felon and that he was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
Harris faces a maximum term of incarceration of not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both such imprisonment and fine. The Court also may impose a period of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentencing is set for May 18, 2022.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Bluestone.
Southbridge Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southbridge man was pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to cocaine possession.
Revel Pedro Rivera, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2022. Rivera was indicted in September 2020.
In early July 2020, federal agents intercepted a package containing a kilogram of cocaine that was shipped to Rivera’s residence from Puerto Rico. Agents removed the cocaine and replaced it with a counterfeit substance. On July 6, 2020, Rivera accepted delivery of the package and was arrested as he left the property with the package that he believed contained cocaine.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Samuel Strickland, 37, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Strickland was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 7, 2019, officers responded to a shots fired call in Hammond and recovered a loaded 9mm firearm from Strickland. His criminal history revealed he had been previously convicted of aggravated battery with great bodily harm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Richland Naturopath Agrees to Pay $70,096 for Improper Prescription of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Judith K. Caporiccio, N.D., a Richland-based naturopathic doctor, has agreed to pay $70,096 to resolve allegations under the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act, which allege that she improperly prescribed controlled substances between July 2016 and July 2021. The Controlled Substances Act regulates certain drugs that pose a risk of abuse and dependence. To protect public safety and prevent misuse and diversion, the Act requires practitioners to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) to prescribe these controlled substances.
During the relevant time period, Dr. Caporiccio was a naturopathic doctor licensed in the State of Washington and practicing in Richland, Washington. Under state and federal law, as a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Caporiccio was only authorized to prescribe two types of controlled substances: codeine and testosterone products. In the settlement agreement recently reached between the United States and Dr. Caporiccio, she admitted issuing at least 421 prescriptions for controlled substances that she was not authorized to prescribe. These controlled substances included the sleep aid zolpidem (often sold under the brand name Ambien); the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam (sometimes sold under the brand name Xanax); the benzodiazepine lorazepam; the stimulant modafinil (typically prescribed for narcolepsy and sleep apnea); and the sedative pregabalin (sold by Pfizer under the brand name Lyrica).
The settlement agreement also indicates that Dr. Caporiccio ceased her improper prescribing practices in 2021 after being contacted by the DEA, and that she voluntarily surrendered her DEA registration. Additionally, the settlement agreement requires Dr. Caporiccio to implement additional controls and procedures to ensure that this conduct does not recur.
“My office is committed to protecting our community from drug misuse and diversion. I am relieved that it appears no patient was seriously harmed by the medications improperly prescribed by Dr. Caporiccio, but when a healthcare practitioner prescribes controlled substances that she is not licensed or qualified to prescribe, the public is placed at serious risk of potentially dangerous side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications,” said Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “This resolution demonstrates our commitment to protecting public health, keeping our families safe, and building strong communities. In particular, I commend the excellent investigative work conducted by DEA’s Diversion Group and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold health care practitioners accountable to their patients and the public.”
“Doctor Caporiccio’s careless and irresponsible prescribing habits are a violation of federal law and in serious breach of her naturopathic license, presenting a clear and present danger to our nation’s health and security,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in Charge of the DEA’s Seattle Field Division. “The DEA is working closely with our federal partners in a joint effort to increase community outreach and education, while simultaneously using our civil and administrative enforcement authorities to hold accountable pharmacies who fail to exercise their corresponding responsibility and prescribers who are writing prescriptions outside their scope of practice. Today’s settlement sends a strong message that we will seek justice and hold those accountable, like Dr. Caporiccio, who intentionally distribute highly addictive drugs to patients with reckless abandon and no concern for their safety.”
The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by DEA’s Seattle Field Office, Diversion Group, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison a for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence Christofer Waters 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about July 5, 2018, to on or about May 5, 2020, Waters did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin. According to information presented to the court, Waters was a co-leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated between Philadelphia and Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Waters admitted responsibility for distributing a total of 142 grams of fentanyl and 23 grams of heroin on 23 occasions between July 2018 and May 2019
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
OCDETF conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department.
Pearl District Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine from his Pearl District apartment.
Antonio Bernal Osorio, Jr., 40, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, in September 2020, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents learned that Osorio was selling drugs from his apartment in Northwest Portland. Between November 2020 and January 2021, DEA agents conducted multiple successful controlled purchases of cocaine from Osorio, and, on January 21, 2021, executed a search warrant on his apartment. They seized approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine, a .40 caliber pistol, an AR-15-syle semi-automatic rifle, a 9mm handgun, $46,000 in MGM Casino chips, and more than $450,000 in cash.
On May 10, 2021, Osorio was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On June 8, 2021, he waived indictment and pleaded guilty to the single charge.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was prosecuted by DEA with assistance from the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force. It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Oklahoma Orthopedic Surgeon Agrees to Pay Almost $343,000 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Dr. Mark Stephen Wilson agreed to pay the United States $342,750 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that he accepted illegal kickback payments from Brookhaven Specialty Pharmacy LLC, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Wilson is an orthopedic surgeon in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and focuses on pain management and rehabilitation.
From February 2014 through September 2016, Wilson was alleged to have knowingly accepted significant payments from Brookhaven Specialty Pharmacy LLC in exchange for recommending and prescribing pain creams that were compounded and produced by the pharmacy.
As part of their arrangement, the pharmacy paid Wilson what the two parties characterized as “medical director fees” based upon an hourly rate. However, the United States alleged the “medical director fees” were, in actuality, kickback payments for prescribing the compounded pain creams.
Because Wilson wrote the prescriptions for patients who were federally insured under the Federal Employees Compensation Act Program (FECA), the kickbacks were in violation of the False Claims Act.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring federal health care dollars are spent in accordance with the law and will not tolerate the abuse of federal health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The government will use every tool at our disposal, including civil or criminal proceedings, to hold violators accountable.”
It is illegal to pay or receive “kickbacks” in conjunction with federal health care insurance. Prohibitions against kickbacks are crucial to ensure that financial motives do not undermine the medical judgment of physicians and other health care providers. The civil False Claims Act is an important tool used to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs.
To report fraud and abuse committed against the federal government in the Northern District of Oklahoma, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 918-382-2700 and speak to a member of the ACE Unit.
This settlement agreement resolves allegations that Wilson had an illegal financial relationship with Brookhaven Specialty Pharmacy LLC, concerning pain creams. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and is the product of a collaborative investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Carjacking and Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRION YOUNG, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on February 11, 2022 in a six-count indictment by a federal grand jury for carjacking, brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of carjacking, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven (7) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
As to each of the six (6) counts of the indictment, YOUNG also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel.
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New Castle Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Darnell Latham, 52, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.
According to the information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Latham was intercepted communicating with his codefendant and coconspirator discussing the distribution of cocaine. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Latham.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Native of Dominican Republic Arrested at the Cyril E. King Airport for Making Materially False Statements to Government AgentsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands – A citizen of the Dominican Republic was arrested on February 11, 2022, at the Cyril E. King Airport on a criminal charge based on his provision of false information to agents of Customs and Boarder Protection.
According to court documents, Luis Miguel Lopez, 28, presented himself to Customs and Border Protection for inspection at the Cyril E. King Airport. There, he presented what purported to be a Puerto Rican driver’s license bearing the name of another person and repeatedly told agents that he was a United States citizen born in Puerto Rico. An inspection of his baggage revealed a Social Security card and birth certificate bearing the same false name appearing on the driver’s license he had presented to Customs and Border Protection officials. Records checks revealed the documents were issued to others – not to a person with the name being used by Luis Miguel Lopez. When confronted with this information, Luis Miguel Lopez admitted to agents that he is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and provided his true name.
Luis Miguel Lopez is charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) for making a material false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch of the United States Government. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court for Illegally Possessing a ShotgunRead the Press Release
A Minnesota man who possessed a 12-gauge shot gun while using marijuana and being a convicted felon, pled guilty on February 10, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. Michael Anthony Hangman, age 36, from Worthington, MN, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
At the plea hearing, Hangman admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun while being an unlawful user of marijuana and having prior felony convictions. Hangman led law enforcement on a police chase beginning in Minnesota and ending in Iowa. Hangman was traveling at speeds reaching 120 mph. Hangman’s shotgun was modified or cut to approximately 19 inches and spray painted black. Officers recovered marijuana, a digital scale with meth residue on it, and baggies from Hangman’s car. Hangman was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his drug use and prior felony convictions in the State of Minnesota for Terroristic Threats-Reckless Disregard, and Drugs-Storing Meth Paraphernalia in the Presence of Child or Vulnerable Adult.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hangman remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hangman faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and Mikala Steenholdt-Purdy and was investigated by Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Attorney’s Office, Nobles County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Buffalo Police Department (MN), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms,
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Crime Laboratory, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4003.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Mexican Businessman Admits to Brokering Spyware Used to Monitor Political and Business RivalsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Sabrina L. Fève (619) 546-6786
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 15, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Mexican businessman Carlos Guerrero pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he conspired to sell and use hacking tools manufactured by private companies in Italy, Israel and elsewhere.
According to court documents, Guerrero owned and operated a consortium of U.S. and Mexican companies and brokered sales of interception and surveillance tools to Mexican government clients, as well as private and commercial customers. In 2014 and 2015, Guerrero worked primarily with an Italian company that sold hacking devices and geolocation tools. Through relationships developed at Guerrero’s direction, Guerrero’s company subsequently brokered the sale of interception devices and hacking services manufactured by Israeli and other companies.
In 2016 and 2017, for example, Guerrero marketed signal jammers, Wi-Fi interception tools, IMSI catchers, and the ability to hack WhatsApp messages to prospective clients in the U.S. and Mexico. Guerrero admitted to knowing that, in some cases, his Mexican government clients intended to use the interception equipment for political purposes, rather than for legitimate law enforcement purposes. In one case, he knowingly arranged for a Mexican mayor to gain unauthorized access to a political rival’s Twitter, Hotmail, and iCloud accounts. Guerrero also admitted that the hacking tools and technologies he brokered would be used for commercial and personal purposes by private clients.
For example, Guerrero himself used the equipment to intercept the phone calls of a U.S. rival while the rival was in both Southern California and Mexico, and Guerrero’s company arranged for a large Mexican business to intercept the phone and email accounts of a Florida-based sales representative in exchange for approximately $25,000.
“Today’s guilty plea helps stem the proliferation of digital tools used for repression and advances the digital security of both U.S. and Mexican citizens,” stated U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This Office is committed to disrupting malicious cyber activities and mitigating unlawful surveillance.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and Homeland Security Investigations for their excellent work on this case.
“With this guilty plea, we are sending a clear message that companies and individuals who unlawfully violate privacy rights will not be tolerated and they will be held accountable,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. “The world we live in is increasingly interconnected by technology meant to improve our lives, but as seen in this case, this same technology can be acquired by bad actors with harmful intentions. HSI and our law enforcement partners will remain committed to bringing to justice those who attempt to manipulate these platforms for nefarious purposes.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr0280-JLS
Carlos Guerrero Age: 48 Chula Vista, CA and Tijuana, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371 (to violate 18 U.S.C. §§ 2511(1)(a) and 2512(1)(b))
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
Martinsburg woman admits to role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bonnie Lou Breeden, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Breeden, 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Breeden admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.Breeden faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Martinsburg woman admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Dick, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Dick, 46, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Dick admitted to falsifying a form to purchase a firearm for someone else in March 2020 in Berkeley County.
Dick faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Gene Barron, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Barron, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Barron admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.Barron faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Madison Man Admits Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN HUGHES, 57, of Madison, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to multiple offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud investors of two companies.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2015, Hughes founded Handcrafted Brands, LLC (“HCB”), for the purpose of raising money to purchase Salute American Vodka, (“Salute”) an alcoholic beverage company. Hughes subsequently solicited and received funds from dozens of investors ostensibly for the purchase and subsequent development of Salute. Hughes used the first investment he received, in the amount $150,000, to pay his taxes and his American Express credit card expenses. Although HCB purchased Salute in June 2016 for $450,000, Hughes continued to solicit investments from investors and used hundreds of thousands dollars in invested funds for expenses unrelated to Salute. He also used funds to pay off an earlier investor under the guise of a return on a prior investment made by the earlier investor, which is commonly known as a “lulling” payment.
Hughes also solicited investments purportedly on behalf of another company, which is identified in court documents as “Company-1.” In fact, Hughes had no official relationship with Company-1 and could not raise capital on its behalf. Hughes spent the money he received for this investment on personal expenses, to pay earlier investors, and on business related to Salute.
Finally, Hughes evaded the assessment of his tax obligations for the 2015 through 2018 tax years by substantially underreporting his income to the IRS, resulting in a tax loss of $470,880.
Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of making an illegal monetary transaction, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Hughes has agreed to pay full restitution to the IRS and to all investors in both HCB and Company-1 in the total amount of $2,991,880.
Hughes was arrested on January 14, 2021. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
MS-13 Member Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for RICO Conspiracy and Murder of TeenagerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of MS-13 was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for RICO conspiracy and his participation in the July 2018 murder of a teenage boy in Lynn, who suffered at least 32 sharp force trauma wounds consistent with being stabbed repeatedly, along with blunt force injuries to the head.
Jonathan Tercero Yanes, a/k/a “Desalmado,” 24, a Salvadoran national, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 33 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In May 2021, Tercero Yanes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, also known as RICO conspiracy, on behalf of the MS-13 gang. As part of his plea, Tercero Yanes also admitted to participating in the 2018 murder of a teenager, who was murdered with extreme atrocity and cruelty, and with deliberate premeditation, in violation of Massachusetts law.
MS-13, or La Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational street gang operating in Massachusetts and numerous other states, as well as countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. MS-13 gang members often commit acts of extreme violence against suspected rivals, those suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, and others who the gang views as a threat. In recent years, dozens of MS-13 members have been convicted of RICO conspiracy and other serious felonies in the District of Massachusetts. MS-13 is organized into “cliques” or branches operating in local territories. Tercero Yanes belonged to the “Sykos Locos Salvatrucha” clique of MS-13, which operated in the cities of Lynn, Chelsea and other parts of Massachusetts.
In November 2018, Tercero Yanes and five other MS-13 members of the Sykos clique were indicted following an investigation into the murder of a teenage boy, whose body was found in a park in Lynn on Aug. 2, 2018. The six defendants in this case included five participants in the murder, as well as one longstanding member of the Sykos clique. In a related case, the government charged a juvenile co-conspirator who was the sixth person involved in the murder.
The evidence in this case, which included a recording of one of Tercero Yanes’ co-defendants describing the murder in graphic detail, revealed that Tercero Yanes and five other MS-13 gang members murdered the victim based on their mistaken belief that he may have been assisting law enforcement.
On July 30, 2018, the gang members lured the victim to a playground and at least four of them were armed with knives. The group pretended to be friendly with the unsuspecting victim and took him to a wooded area of the park where they surrounded the victim and repeatedly stabbed him to death. At least four of the six assailants, including Tercero Yanes, stabbed the victim, while two others assisted at the scene. After killing the victim, the gang members left his body in the wooded area of the public park. An autopsy revealed that the victim suffered at least 32 sharp force trauma wounds consistent with being stabbed repeatedly, along with blunt force injuries to the head.
The investigation also revealed that Tercero Yanes had been stopped by immigration authorities on at least two occasions prior to his participation in the July 2018 murder, including efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to have him detained in immigration custody in November 2017 based on a belief that Tercero Yanes posed a threat to public safety. Tercero Yanes was released on bond from immigration custody in November 2017.
All six defendants indicted in this case, along with the juvenile charged in the related case, have pleaded guilty. Tercero Yanes is the second defendant to be sentenced in the case. Yesterday, Feb. 14, 2022, Erick Lopez Flores a/k/a Mayimbu was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Henri Salvador Gutierrez, a/k/a “Perverso,” is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 16, 2022 for RICO conspiracy and his participation in the July 2018 murder, as well as his participation in a December 2016 murder in East Boston. Djavier Duggins, a/k/a “Haze,” is scheduled to be sentenced for RICO conspiracy on Feb. 17, 2022. Sentencing hearings for the two remaining co-defendants, Eliseo Vaquerano Canas a/k/a “Peligroso” and Marlos Reyes a/k/a “Silencio” have not yet been scheduled by the Court.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory Long; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kunal Pasricha and Kaitlin O’Donnell of the Criminal Division 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.
Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 136 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
The leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine and methamphetamine to buyers in Tulsa was sentenced Friday in federal court.
“Serial drug distributor Moises Gaeta will serve more than 11 years in federal prison for distributing pounds of methamphetamine in Tulsa,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Distributors like Gaeta have little regard for the lives lost to addiction and violence resulting from their criminal operations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute criminal networks who pose a threat to communities in the Northern District of Oklahoma.”
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Moises Gaeta, 38, of Tulsa, to 136 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Gaeta previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Gaeta admitted that beginning as early as January 2019 and continuing through August 2020, he knowingly conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 28 grams or more of cocaine. Gaeta supplied and distributed the drugs to third parties.
Along with Gaeta, codefendants Jose Alfredo Rivas, Jose Luis Loya-Saenz, Rhonda Sanders and Amanda Marie Wells all pleaded guilty for their roles in the distribution ring. Rivas was sentenced to 84 months in prison; Loya-Saenz received 70 months in prison; Sanders received 27 months in prison; and Wells received three years of probation.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Gopher Broke, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick and the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office. 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.
In 2009, Gaeta was sentenced in a separate case to 324 months in federal prison for distributing narcotics and firearms. In 2018, Gaeta filed for and was granted a motion for early release from prison. Upon his release in September 2018, Gaeta returned to Tulsa, established contact with former criminal associates and began distributing methamphetamine.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick prosecuted the case.
Lawton Gang Member Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JATARVIS MANDEZ PRATT, 26, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 18, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. On June 14, 2021, Pratt plead guilty to the Indictment. Federal law prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition by convicted felons under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).
Public records reflect that, on September 4, 2020, Lawton Police Department officers noticed Pratt driving a vehicle. Knowing that Pratt did not have a valid driver’s license, officers initiated a traffic stop. Pratt stopped and exited the vehicle then fled the scene on foot. Officers chased Pratt though an apartment complex, where he was eventually caught and taken into custody. Pratt also verified his status as a member of a street gang during the encounter. A loaded pistol was later found during an inventory search of Pratt’s vehicle.
Public records further reflect that Pratt had multiple prior felony convictions. These convictions in Comanche County District Court, case number CF-14-245, include using an offensive weapon during the commission of a felony, feloniously pointing a firearm at another, burglary in the first degree, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was released from Oklahoma state prison in May 2020 after serving a prison term for these felony offenses.
On February 14, 2022, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Pratt to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case is the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary E. Walters and Stanley J. West prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Kilogram Cocaine Trafficker Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Damian Sierra (43, Port St. Lucie) guilty of possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Sierra faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Sierra had been indicted on January 20, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, agents conducting surveillance observed Sierra drive to a location, get out of his car with a Christmas gift bag, and meet with another person. After Sierra left the location, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office pulled him over for a tint violation on his vehicle. Inside the car, agents recovered a Christmas gift bag containing a kilogram of cocaine wrapped in tape, personal items belonging to Sierra, and a drug ledger. At the time of the incident, the drugs found with Sierra had a wholesale value of approximately $40,000.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan L. Albritton.
Killeen Hotel to Pay Damages to Disabled Veteran with Service Dog for Denying AccessRead the Press Release
WACO – U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas announced today that the United States has reached an agreement with the owners and managers of Executive Inn & Suites, a hotel in Killeen, Texas, to resolve allegations they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying equal access to individuals with disabilities who use service dogs.
The settlement resolves allegations initially brought by a disabled veteran who utilizes a service animal and wheelchair due to an amputation of his left leg. The veteran alleged that upon learning that the veteran was accompanied by a service dog the hotel desk clerk refused to honor his reservation because the hotel owner did not allow any type of dog. Hotel staff insisted that the veteran leave, called the local police department to escort the veteran off hotel property, and refused to refund his room rental fee.
The ADA generally requires public accommodations to provide access to individuals with disabilities who use service animals. Under the ADA, public accommodations must generally modify their policies, practices or procedures – such as a no-pet policy – to permit the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. A service dog generally may go wherever the public is allowed to go, and a public accommodation may not require documentation about the service dog.
“Individuals with disabilities, including veterans who have sacrificed for our country, have a right under federal law to the equal enjoyment of public accommodations,” said U.S. Attorney Hoff. “Our office is committed to ensuring that our veterans enjoy equal access to public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.”
Under the agreement, J&J Executive Suites LLC, Kyung Sang Lee and Gaesun Lee will ensure that the hotel adopts and implements a service dog policy; provides training on the service dog policy to employees and managers; and posts the service dog policy at their facilities and in their advertising. They will also pay money damages to the veteran as compensation for the effects of the discrimination and the harm he endured as a result of their actions.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this settlement agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD) or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liane Noble and Thomas Parnham represented the United States in this matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Justice Department Issues Guidance on Ballot Drop Box Accessibility Requirements Under the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today it has issued guidance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on how to ensure that ballot drop boxes are accessible to voters with disabilities. The publication, “Ballot Drop Box Accessibility, the Americans with Disabilities Act,” is intended to help election officials understand the ADA’s requirements, including the physical accessibility standards applicable to ballot drop boxes, and for voters with disabilities to understand their rights under federal law.
“The right to vote is the fundamental right upon which our democracy is built,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “For too long in our history, many voters with disabilities have faced barriers in exercising their voting rights. Many of these barriers continue even today, including physical barriers that prevent them from entering polling places or accessing a ballot drop box. The ADA requires election officials to select and provide accessible ballot drop box locations so that voters with disabilities can have the same voting opportunities as other voters. The Justice Department is fully committed to vigorous enforcement of the ADA to ensure that voters with disabilities no longer face discrimination in the election process.”
The publication covers the elements and features of a ballot drop box that election officials should consider meeting the ADA’s accessibility requirements. The publication discusses the requirements for an accessible route to a ballot drop box, such as a level walkway without gaps and steps. It also discusses accessibility features of a ballot drop box such as a handle or lever that can be operated with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The guidance includes a checklist of the accessibility standards used to assess a ballot drop box.
The ballot drop box guidance is intended to be used together with the department’s “ADA Checklist for Polling Places,” a guidance document that discusses local governments’ obligations under the ADA to provide polling places that are physically accessible to voters with disabilities. The ADA Checklist for Polling Places covers the accessibility requirements for features that may be present at a ballot drop box location, such as parking, passenger drop off areas and building entrances.
The Ballot Drop Box Accessibility publication may be found at ADA.gov homepage; the ADA Checklist for Polling Places publication may be found at ADA Checklist for Polling Places. Those interested in learning more about the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at Step 1: Contact - Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice. Information about the department’s enforcement of federal civil and criminal laws related to voting may be found at Voting | Department of Justice.