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10 February 2022
Scranton Man Sentenced to 156 Months’ Imprisonment for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Alexander Kusma, age 36, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 9, 2022, to 156 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for two child exploitation offenses, each involving a different minor victim.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, during the summer of 2016, Kusma used the internet to entice a 15-year-old female victim into allowing him to come to her home for the purpose of sexual contact. Kusma ultimately traveled to the victim’s home in the York, PA area, where he undressed and fondled her prior to being interrupted in his crime and chased from the premises by a concerned friend.
During the investigation of the above Online Enticement offense, it was discovered that Kusma had engaged in similar conduct a few years earlier. Specifically, in March 2014, Kusma traveled from his residence in Scranton to the Poughkeepsie, NY area for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a different 15-year-old female victim whom he had likewise met online. Kusma picked up this victim from a location near her parents’ home, took her to a wooded area and had sexual intercourse with her, violating the federal statute which prohibits Interstate Travel to Engage in Unlawful Sexual Activity with Minors.
Judge Rambo ordered that Kusma comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and its state and local law enforcement partners in York County, Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St. John prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Savannah tire store owner sentenced to prison for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah tire store owner has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after his conviction for distributing methamphetamine.
Reginald Anderson, a/k/a “Red,” 49, of Savannah, was sentenced to 125 months in prison after being found guilty at trial on three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker also fined Anderson $5,000 and ordered him to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“’Red’ Anderson could have prospered running a legitimate tire business, but instead he tried to inflate his profits by selling poison,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “He has a sordid criminal history of drugs and violence, and our community is safer with this criminal retread doing hard time.”
As described at trial, Anderson was the owner of Anderson’s Tire Shop, and was indicted after he sold methamphetamine on multiple occasions to informants for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2018. Witnesses testified that Anderson had propositioned at least one person for sexual favors in exchange for narcotics, and that the methamphetamine that he was selling was nearly 100 percent pure “ice.” A federal jury convicted him on all counts after a two-day trial.
Anderson has multiple prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking, violence, and illegal possession of firearms.
“This defendant’s methamphetamine trafficking activities posed a significant threat to the quality of life in Savannah and elsewhere,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “‘Meth’ is not only volatile and toxic, but it destroys families, communities and lives. Because of the collective effort between DEA and its law enforcement partners, Reginald Anderson will no longer be able to distribute this toxic drug.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Bearden and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron J. Hubbard.
Rensselaer Man Admits to Distributing Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shawn Pondillo, age 26, of Rensselaer, New York, pled guilty today to distributing fentanyl.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Pondillo admitted that he sold a quantity of “M 30” blue pills containing a mixture of fentanyl to another person on March 1, 2021 in Rensselaer County.
As a result of his conviction, Pondillo faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, when he is sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby on June 9, 2022. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Rensselaer Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
Queens Felon Admits to Illegally Possessing Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shamel Chung, age 35, of Bayside, New York, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Chung admitted to possessing a firearm he knew had an obliterated serial and to hiding the firearm under a vehicle in an alleyway in Troy, New York, after being involved in a physical altercation nearby. Chung had been convicted of four felonies previously, all of which involved controlled substance offenses, and was on parole at the time he possessed the firearm.
At sentencing, Chung faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Williams and Dustin Segovia
Public voice and principal salesperson for notorious videogame piracy group sentenced to 3+ years in prison for conspiracyRead the Press Release
Seattle – The public face of a notorious video game piracy group was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for two federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Gary Bowser, 52, a Canadian national of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to Conspiracy to Circumvent Technological Measures and to Traffic in Circumvention Devices, and Trafficking in Circumvention Devices. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “These are serious criminal offenses with real victims and harm to the community.”
“This piracy scheme is estimated to have caused more than $65 million in losses to video game companies,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “But the damage goes beyond these businesses, harming video game developers and the small, creative studios whose products and hard work is essentially stolen when games are pirated.”
Bowser was a prominent leader of the criminal enterprise that developed and sold illegal devices that hacked popular videogame consoles so they could be used to play unauthorized, or pirated, copies of videogames. The enterprise targeted popular consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo 3DS, the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition, the Sony PlayStation Classic, and the Microsoft Xbox.
According to court documents, the Team Xecuter criminal enterprise is comprised of over a dozen individual members located around the world. These members include developers who exploit vulnerabilities in videogame consoles and design circumvention devices; website designers who create the various websites that promote the enterprise’s devices; suppliers who manufacture the devices; and resellers around the world who sell and distribute the devices. Bowser’s role in the conspiracy was to administer the websites that communicated with customers offering devices for sale.
As part of Team Xecuter, Bowser controlled websites that marketed the group’s products, announced new information about the products, and answered customer questions about the products. Bowser helped create and support online libraries of pirated videogames for its customers, and several of the enterprise’s devices came preloaded with pirated videogames. Even as game console companies announced new security features, Team Xecuter would roll out new devices designed to bypass such security.
In the sentencing memo, prosecutors quoted from a victim impact statement that said, “When video games are illegally copied and when circumvention devices become readily available, the video game industry—and the broader economy—experience a negative ripple effect…. This leads, at a minimum, to fewer incentives to create, and a less vibrant game scene.”
“This is not a victimless crime. The leaders of this multimillion-dollar scheme are responsible for diverting money from creative professionals who have worked hard to provide unique products and experiences,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI, along with our law enforcement and private sector partners, will continue to pursue those who prove to be enemies of innovation and global commerce.”
“As the voice and public face of these sophisticated cybercriminals for years, Mr. Bowser bears responsibility for stealing millions of dollars in profit and victim losses from the intellectual property of others,” said Donald M. Voiret, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office. “He also wasted the efforts of legitimate companies as they attempted to build protections for their products.”
In September 2020, Bowser was arrested abroad and was deported from the Dominican Republic. Bowser has been in federal custody since his arrest. As part of his plea agreement, Bowser has agreed to pay $4.5 million in restitution to Nintendo of America.
Max Louarn, 49, a French national of Avignon, France, Yuanning Chen, 36, a Chinese national of Shenzhen, China, are both charged in the indictment. Neither is currently in federal custody.
This case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Werner of the Western District of Washington, and Senior Counsel Anand Patel of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. The government also recognizes the significant contribution to this case by former Assistant United States Attorney Francis Franze-Nakamura.
Pittsburgh Man Admits He Failed to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Jersey and current resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Leon McGirt, also known as “Leon McGirk”, “Leon McGrit” and “Leon McGirle”, age 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 20, 2012, McGirt pleaded guilty to Criminal Attempt and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor in Essex County, New Jersey and was sentenced on June 4, 2012. As a result of his New Jersey conviction, McGirt is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) in any jurisdiction in which he resides. After McGirt was released from prison in New Jersey on December 13, 2018, he traveled in interstate commerce, from the State of New Jersey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and stayed in Pennsylvania and knowingly failed to register as a sex offender as required by SORNA.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2022 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted McGirt to remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McGirt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Owner of Cititax Tax Refund Stores Admits Defrauding the IRS out of $7.2 MillionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Carpentersville, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Filing of False Federal Income Tax Returns, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Ephrem F. Lijalem, age 48, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised Lijalem operated Cititax Tax Refund stores in Pittsburgh, and he and his taxpayers defrauded IRS out of $7.2 million in illegal tax refunds generated by false Schedule C tax returns filed with the IRS. The government represented that tax return preparers at Cititax stores owned by Lijalem in Pittsburgh regularly falsified Schedule C attachments to personal income tax forms for customers with non-existent business, inflated income, and altered expenses in order to maximize the tax refunds for customers.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2022 The law provides for a total sentence of six years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ephrem F. Lijalem.
Owner of Blair Pharmacy Sentenced to a Year and a Day in Federal Prison for Providing Illegal Payments to Independent Marketers to Induce Them to Refer Business to His PharmacyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander today sentenced Matthew Edward Blair, age 48, of Timonium, Maryland, to a year and a day in federal prison, followed by 18 months of supervised release, for payment of illegal remunerations to encourage independent marketers to refer federal health care related business to Blair’s pharmacy. Judge Hollander also ordered Blair to pay restitution of $3,176,470.83.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, beginning in November 2014 and continuing through May 2015, Blair, the owner and operator of a compounding pharmacy called the Blair Pharmacy, paid illegal remunerations to independent marketers to induce them to refer business to Blair Pharmacy.
Members of the United States military and their families receive health care benefits through TRICARE, a federal health care benefits program. Like many other health care benefit programs, TRICARE utilizes a pharmacy benefit manager (“PBM”), specifically, Express Scripts (“ESI”) to administer all pharmacy-related benefits for the TRICARE program. ESI receives, processes and adjudicates all electronically submitted pharmacy benefit claims submitted on behalf of TRICARE beneficiaries in New Jersey.
Blair submitted applications to several PBMs, including ESI, requesting that Blair Pharmacy be accepted into the PBMs’ networks of participating pharmacies. ESI approved Blair’s application and Blair was permitted to bill TRICARE and receive payment for TRICARE beneficiary prescriptions. Blair set up a process by which beneficiary prescriptions were electronically submitted directly to his pharmacy. Blair also set up a process by which prescription and benefit plan data was uploaded electronically through the internet. The uploaded electronic data was processed by the PBMs instantaneously, providing Blair with immediate information about whether a claim he submitted had been approved for payment by the benefit plan or not. Blair linked successful claim reimbursements to a bank account in the name of Blair Pharmacy so Blair Pharmacy could receive all monies paid by health care benefit companies into his bank account.
Blair actively pursued several independent sales marketers to work for him at his pharmacy. In order to increase prescription referrals to his pharmacy, maximize reimbursement amounts and thereby increase profits, Blair sought these independent marketers to solicit and refer prescriptions to his pharmacy. Blair entered into independent contractor arrangements with several sales marketers and arranged to pay the independent marketers a percentage of any reimbursement money he received from health care benefit programs, including TRICARE.
For example, in November 2014, Blair agreed to pay an independent marketer working for Blair as follows “commission will be 50% of gross reimbursement to [Blair Pharmacy] paid bi-weekly.” The agreement required the independent marketer to use Blair Pharmacy exclusively, and to refer all business within his established territory to Blair Pharmacy. Blair induced these referrals to his pharmacy by offering the marketer a 50% percentage payment of any money that Blair received from health care benefit programs, which was the sole compensation to the marketer under the agreement. The independent marketer was not paid unless Blair was successful in obtaining reimbursement from a health care benefit program for a prescription that the marketer referred to Blair. Only then was the marketer paid a percentage of the successful reimbursement. Blair knew it was a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute to pay an independent contractor a volume and value-based commission for referrals of federal health care program business to his pharmacy.
Blair provided the independent marketer with pre-printed prescription forms which listed the specific ingredients for Blair’s formulations. Blair knew the amount of money that he would receive from TRICARE for each gram of each ingredient that he listed in his formulas. Blair modified the ingredients and amounts of ingredients of his formulations based on the ingredient’s reimbursement value.
Blair Pharmacy received reimbursement from TRICARE for the individual ingredients in his formulas as follows: $4,348.25 for a one month supply of the ingredients in his vitamin formulation; $8,741.26 for a one month supply of the ingredients in his pain cream; $14,365.39 for a one month supply of the ingredients in his migraine cream; and $17,336.30 for a one month supply of the ingredients in his scar cream. After receiving payment from TRICARE for the prescriptions the independent marketer directed to Blair Pharmacy, Blair paid 50% of the reimbursement amount to the marketer.
The independent marketer solicited cream prescriptions from numerous doctors, including military surgeons at Walter Reed, with whom he had direct contact. Blair knew that the marketer was in a position to influence which pharmacy the prescriptions were sent to, and that the marketer would send the prescriptions directly back to Blair’s pharmacy. By paying the marketer 50% of every successfully reimbursed TRICARE claim, Blair incentivized the marketer to refer as many cream prescriptions as possible to Blair’s pharmacy.
As detailed in the plea agreement, the marketer actively pursued and solicited cream prescriptions for Blair from a military doctor, who had no idea about the amount of money that the creams reimbursed for. The marketer took advantage of the military doctor’s grueling work schedule, oftentimes waiting, with a stack of Blair’s pre-printed prescription forms in hand, for the doctor outside of the operating room after a long day of back-to-back surgeries. The marketer directed, sent, and referred all of the pain and scar cream prescriptions directly to Blair’s pharmacy. Neither the doctor, nor the TRICARE beneficiaries for whom the creams were authorized, had an opportunity to choose which pharmacy they wanted to fill the prescription because the prescriptions were submitted directly to Blair.
Many of the TRICARE beneficiaries were not aware a prescription had been written for them until they received a box from Blair Pharmacy on their doorstep. Some of the TRICARE beneficiaries had no idea of the cost to TRICARE of these creams and vitamins that they received in the mail, or they learned about the high cost of the creams and vitamins only after they reviewed their TRICARE Explanation of Benefits letter a month or two later. Some of the TRICARE beneficiaries lodged official complaints and made fraud referrals to TRICARE and ESI. When the military doctor learned of the cost of the creams he had prescribed, he was outraged and immediately stopped authorizing any additional cream prescriptions. The doctor provided notice of the problem to his management and advised TRICARE patients who made complaints about the creams, to send the creams back to the pharmacy.
From November 2014 to May 2015, TRICARE reimbursed Blair a total of $6,352,941.66 based upon claims Blair submitted to TRICARE that were tainted by remuneration payments Blair paid to independent sales contractors. Blair admits that TRICARE would not have approved or reimbursed any claim for compounded ingredients made by Blair Pharmacy, had TRICARE known that Blair had agreed to pay a 1099 independent contractor based on the volume and value-based commission of prescription referrals to Blair Pharmacy.
In addition to the restitution Blair will pay for the financial loss caused to TRICARE, Blair has agreed to be excluded from the TRICARE health benefit program as an Authorized Provider for a term of 25 years.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and the IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Duey and Paul Riley, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Ohio man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrion Dabon Isimemen Ojezua, of Dayton, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Ojezua, 25, pleaded guilty today to “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Ojezua admitted to selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County in October 2021.
Ojezua faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Ocean Springs Woman Pleads Guilty to Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – An Ocean Springs woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mary Matthews (also known as Mary Wells), 20, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.
Through their investigation, officers discovered evidence that Mary Matthews was a member of the drug trafficking organization and carried a firearm when she dealt. During the conspiracy, she and a co-conspirator repaired her firearm for use in the dealing of drugs.
The DEA and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl VialsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN WILSON, 39, of Madison, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of tampering with a consumer product.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson was employed as a nurse by The Vascular Experts, a Connecticut company that performs outpatient medical procedures. As part of his duties, Wilson was responsible for conducting sedations on patients and he had access to the secure area in his workplace that contained vials of drugs used as anesthetics, including fentanyl. In August and September 2021, Wilson took vials of fentanyl that were intended to be used to formulate infusion for patients. He used a syringe to withdraw the fentanyl from the vials and reinjected saline into the vials so that it would appear as if none of the narcotics were missing.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2022, at which time Wilson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Wilson was released on bond pending sentencing. He has surrendered his nursing license.
This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Nine Members of “Downtown Mafia” Indicted for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an indictment today charging QUINCY HILLIARD, a/k/a “Tut,” CURTIS HILLIARD, a/k/a “Curt,” GARY BROWN, a/k/a “Gleme,” TERRENCE TURNER, a/k/a “Storm,” KASIEN ADDERLEY, a/k/a “Kaz,” TIRAN BRANCH, PEDRO RIVERA, a/k/a “Dro,” DERRICK LATIMORE, a/k/a “Derrick Lattimore,” a/k/a “Cone,” and ANTWAN ANDREWS, a/k/a “Antawan Andrews,” a/k/a “Twan,” with participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in New York and New Jersey.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, the defendants distributed vast quantities of cocaine in New York and New Jersey. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our partners at NYPD and HSI, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said: “The individuals arrested today were allegedly part of an organization that coordinated a cocaine pipeline to pour directly into the streets of New York City. HSI and the NYPD stand together in the fight to rid our communities of individuals responsible for dangerous narcotics flooding the streets with blatant disregard for the ripple effect that drug addiction has on millions of Americans. Working with our law enforcement partners, HSI will continue to prevent the flow of harmful drugs coming into our neighborhoods.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Today’s federal indictment highlights how our NYPD investigators stop at nothing in their work to swiftly arrest anyone accused of distributing illegal narcotics in our city and region. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, and all of our law enforcement partners, for their outstanding work in this important case.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in other court papers and proceedings:
From at least in or about 2020 to in or about February 2022, QUINCY HILLIARD, a/k/a “Tut,” CURTIS HILLIARD, a/k/a “Curt,” GARY BROWN, a/k/a “Gleme,” TERRENCE TURNER, a/k/a “Storm,” KASIEN ADDERLEY, a/k/a “Kaz,” TIRAN BRANCH, PEDRO RIVERA, a/k/a “Dro,” DERRICK LATIMORE, a/k/a “Derrick Lattimore,” a/k/a “Cone,” and ANTWAN ANDREWS, a/k/a “Antawan Andrews,” a/k/a “Twan,” operated a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization. This organization, which its members dubbed the “Downtown Mafia,” distributed wholesale quantities of cocaine in New Jersey and in the New York City area, including Harlem and the Bronx.
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QUINCY HILLIARD, a/k/a “Tut,” 39, CURTIS HILLIARD, a/k/a “Curt,” 44, GARY BROWN, a/k/a “Gleme,” 43, TERRENCE TURNER, a/k/a “Storm,” 43, TIRAN BRANCH, 38, PEDRO RIVERA, a/k/a “Dro,” 38, DERRICK LATIMORE, a/k/a “Derrick Lattimore,” a/k/a “Cone,” 42, and ANTWAN ANDREWS, a/k/a “Antawan Andrews,” a/k/a “Twan,” 36, were arrested today and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman. KASIEN ADDERLEY, a/k/a “Kaz,” 39, remains at large. This case is assigned to United States District Judge Colleen McMahon.
All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine and 28 grams and more of cocaine base, which carries a minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of a defendant would be determined by the judge.
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.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York – John F. Kennedy Airport Group, the United States Secret Service’s New York Field Office, the United States Marshals Service, United States Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police, the New York City Department of Investigation, and the New York City Housing Authority for their assistance in the investigation.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Li, Andrew Rohrbach, and Ashley Nicolas are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of New York, NY, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Francis Yamel Garcia, age 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 26, 2020, Garcia was found to be in possession of approximately 885 grams of fentanyl during a traffic stop conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Garcia.
New London Woman Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging GRISELLE ORTIZ ARCHILLA, 31, of New London, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine.
The superseding indictment was returned on February 8. Ortiz Archilla appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and is released on a $100,000 bond.
The superseding indictment also charges Carlos Antonio Crespo-Febus, 40, of New London, and Steven Collazo, 30, of Groton, with the same offense. Crespo-Febus and Collazo were originally charged by indictment in September 2021.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Crespo-Febus. The investigation revealed that Crespo-Febus was coordinating the shipment of parcels, typically containing two kilograms of cocaine, from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New London County. Collazo and Ortiz Archilla picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus at Crespo-Febus’s New London residence. Ortiz Archilla also recruited others into the conspiracy.
It is further alleged that investigators have intercepted and seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, and have identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.
Crespo-Febus and Collazo were arrested on September 20, 2021. Crespo-Febus is detained and Collazo is released to home detention on a $100,000 bond.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New London and Town of Groton Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
New Castle County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a New Castle County man pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews accepted the plea.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Younger, 45, came to the attention of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) due to evidence suggesting that Younger was the supplier of fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a person in early January 2021. While under investigation, Younger sold additional fentanyl to a government cooperator on February 4, 2021. During that transaction, Younger told the cooperator that another customer had died of an overdose after ingesting the defendant’s drugs, and, as a result, Younger had to change the stamp he used to brand his fentanyl. The government’s investigation revealed that the other customer did indeed die of an overdose in late January 2021. According to the plea agreement, the defendant is a career offender, meaning that Younger has two prior convictions for serious drug or violent felony offenses.
Younger faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison when sentenced on June 23, 2022. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The proliferation of fentanyl continues to wreak havoc in Delaware communities. Fortunately, our law enforcement partners are dedicated to removing fentanyl and other illegal drugs from our streets. Through aggressive prosecution, education, and outreach, we can work together to hold drug dealers accountable and keep our communities safe.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the DEA together with the New Castle County Police Department.
The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. While COVID-19 has made access to drug addiction treatment more difficult for many, it need not remain a barrier. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-00004 (RGA).
Money Launderer Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that VICTOR AHAIWE was sentenced to 84 months in prison today for participating in a multi-million-dollar conspiracy to launder the proceeds of business email compromise frauds targeting businesses and non-profit organizations and romance frauds targeting individual victims. AHAIWE was convicted by a jury in June 2021 of bank fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft in a trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who also imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendants in this case were part of a wide-reaching conspiracy to launder over $10 million stolen from businesses and individuals. The sentences imposed on the ten defendants send a message: that this type of activity will be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.”
According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings, including the trial at which AHAIWE was convicted:
From at least in or about March 2018 up to and including at least in or about January 2020, AHAIWE and his coconspirators conspired to launder the proceeds of numerous business email compromise schemes and romance schemes, in which corporate, organizational, and individual victims were fraudulently induced to send over $10 million to bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy, in the mistaken belief that those accounts belonged to the intended recipients of the funds. Members of the conspiracy received the victim funds by opening bank accounts in the names of the intended recipients, transferred the funds through additional accounts to hide the origin and fraudulent nature of the proceeds, and ultimately transferred most of those proceeds to foreign bank accounts or withdrew them in cash.
AHAIWE participated in the scheme by stealing the identity of a recently deceased friend and using that identity to open and operate bank accounts to launder a portion of the proceeds from a $500,000 business email compromise fraud against a foreign public agency that provides health insurance and pension benefits. AHAIWE also previously laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars of proceeds from other business email compromise frauds and, in connection with those activities, stole and used the identities of several other individuals. In imposing today’s sentence, Judge Cote also found that AHAIWE engaged in obstruction of justice in connection with his sentencing by submitting fabricated sentencing letters.
AHAIWE was the tenth defendant to be sentenced for participating in the money laundering conspiracy. The nine previously sentenced defendants, each of whom pleaded guilty, received the following sentences:
Defendant
Age
Hometown
Sentence
PRINCE UKO
46
Jonesboro, GA
41 months (prison)
SUNDAY OKORO
41
Jonesboro, GA
41 months (prison)
IKECHUKWU ELENDU
41
San Leandro, CA
41 months (prison)
ARINZE OBIKA
33
Queens, NY
33 months (prison)
BRITT JACKSON
43
Columbus, GA
33 months (prison)
HERMAN BASS
37
Hawthorne, CA
30 months (prison)
JACOB SAGIAO
47
Oxnard, CA
30 months (prison)
MARYLYNN PENEUETA
46
Oxnard, CA
12 months (prison)
JOSHUA FITTEN
25
Hacienda Heights, CA
5 years (probation)
* * *
In addition to the prison sentence, AHAIWE was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $514,063, as recompense to the victims affected, and to pay forfeiture in the amount of $590,123, reflecting criminal proceeds that he received in connection with his money laundering and identity theft.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Secret Service and its Electronic Crimes Task Force, the FBI, CBP, and special agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kevin Mead, and Michael McGinnis are in charge of the prosecution.
Modesto Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Reymundo Jose Mendez, 40, of Modesto, charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, officers began investigating Mendez for suspected drug sales and firearms possession in December 2021. During a search warrant executed at the Arrow Inn in Modesto on Jan. 25, 2022, officers located two loaded firearms in Mendez’s pants pockets, and another loaded shotgun in his motel room. Officers also located methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, and two digital scales in the room.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the methamphetamine distribution charge, Mendez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted of the possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Mendez faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Michigan man admits to drug and firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alante Martel Nelson, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Nelson, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Nelson admitted to having heroin in August 2020 in Monongalia County. Nelson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, also admitted to having a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Nelson faces up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mexican National Found Guilty of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
EL PASO – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted a Mexican national for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 15, 2021, Maria Guadalupe Rivas Camacho, 38, was found in possession of over 633 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine, which was stored in a house in San Elizario. Camacho was paid $1,000 a week to stay at the residence and watch over the plastic containers that stored the methamphetamine. During trial it was also revealed that a tractor trailer would come at least once a week to fill the plastic containers with the liquid meth.
Camacho faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced. A sentencing date has not been set.
Camacho has remained in federal custody since her arrest on July 15, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Johnston and Richard D. Watts are prosecuting the case.
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Meth Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Steve Garduno was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 305 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Garduno, age 51 of Strasburg, Colorado, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Judge Wiegand ordered Garduno to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
On October 28, 2020, Garduno got caught in possession of 305 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine as a result of a traffic stop of his SUV conducted by the Greenville (Pennsylvania) Police Department. As of that date, Garduno had been convicted of several felony crimes throughout the prior 30 years ranging from burglaries to weapons and assault crimes to drug trafficking crimes. Also as of that date, he was on bond with a pending Colorado charge for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine that had been filed just four months earlier.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Mercer County Assistant District Attorney Shane T. Crevar prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Greenville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
Marion County man sentenced for meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Charles Costello, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Costello, 53, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Costello admitted to selling 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for $7,500 in July 2020 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Bridgeport Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun at Chicago Block PartyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic handgun at a block party on the South Side of Chicago.
ANTHONY CARR illegally possessed the gun on the night of July 8, 2020, in the 6100 block of South Normal Boulevard in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., Chicago Police officers approached the block party crowd and observed Carr, who immediately attempted to run away while holding his waistband. Ignoring police commands to stop, Carr tossed the gun into a large outdoor tent before officers were able to apprehend him.
Carr, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Carr had previously been convicted of felonies in state court, including multiple armed robberies, and was prohibited by federal law from possessing the gun.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Norgle imposed the federal prison sentence Monday after a hearing in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“The illegal possession of guns by felons are very serious offenses that threaten the safety of the public,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant and other felons who carry guns must understand that illegally possessing weapons on the streets of Chicago translates to real consequences and real punishment.”
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Maine Man Indicted for Hate Crime Offenses Relating to Burning of a Black Church in Springfield, MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maine man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mass., in connection with the Dec. 28, 2020, fire that destroyed a predominately Black church in Springfield.
Dushko Vulchev, 45, of Houlton, Maine, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of damage to religious property involving fire and one count of use of fire to commit a federal felony. Vulchev was previously charged by criminal complaint in April 2021.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Dec. 28, 2020, law enforcement observed a fire at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church (MLK Church) which caused significant damage to the building. During a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the fire was related to other incidents, including arsons and malicious damage to vehicles that occurred on church property and the surrounding area. These included a fire at the backdoor of the MLK Church on Dec. 13, 2020, and two additional fires near the backdoor of the Church on Dec. 15, 2020. Further investigation and review of video surveillance identified Vulchev as the alleged perpetrator.
According to court documents, during a subsequent search of Vulchev’s vehicle, multiple electronic storage devices containing images demonstrating Vulchev’s racial animus toward Black people, including a “White Lives Matter” mural and a photo of Adolf Hitler in a track suit were seized. Vulchev’s electronic devices also allegedly contained messages revealing Vulchev’s hatred of Black people dating back several years, with Vulchev’s recent messages from December 2020 calling to “eliminate all N*****s,” and stating “I need a gun to kill N*****s.” According to the court documents, individuals familiar with Vulchev told law enforcement that Vulchev frequently displayed racial animus towards non-whites and routinely referred to Black people using a racial epithet.
The charge of damage to religious property involving fire provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of fire to commit a federal felony provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, in addition to any sentence received for the other charged crimes. 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; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Massachusetts State Police Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Hampden and Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; Springfield Fire Department; and the Springfield, Pittsfield, Houlton (Maine), Newington (Conn.) and American International College Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Maine Man Indicted for Hate Crime Offenses Relating to Arson of Massachusetts Predominately Black ChurchRead the Press Release
A Maine man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Massachusetts, in connection with the Dec. 28, 2020, fire that destroyed a predominately Black church in Springfield.
Dushko Vulchev, 45, of Houlton, Maine, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of damage to religious property involving fire and one count of use of fire to commit a federal felony. Vulchev was previously charged by criminal complaint in April 2021.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Dec. 28, 2020, law enforcement observed a fire at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church (MLK Church) which caused significant damage to the building. During a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the fire was related to other incidents, including arsons and malicious damage to vehicles, that occurred on church property and the surrounding area. These included a fire at the backdoor of the MLK Church on Dec. 13, 2020, and two additional fires near the backdoor of the church on Dec. 15, 2020. Further investigation, including the review of video surveillance, identified Vulchev as the alleged perpetrator.
According to court documents, during a subsequent search of Vulchev’s vehicle, multiple electronic storage devices containing images demonstrating Vulchev’s racial animus toward Black people, including a “White Lives Matter” mural and a photo of Adolf Hitler in a track suit were seized. Vulchev’s electronic devices also allegedly contained messages revealing Vulchev’s hatred of Black people dating back several years, with Vulchev’s recent messages from December 2020 calling to “eliminate all N****s.” According to the court documents, individuals familiar with Vulchev told law enforcement that Vulchev frequently displayed racial animus towards non-whites and routinely referred to Black people using a racial epithet.
The charge of damage to religious property involving fire provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of fire to commit a federal felony provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, in addition to any sentence received for the other charged crimes. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts; Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the FBI; James M. Ferguson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Boston Field Division; and Peter Ostroskey, Massachusetts State Police Fire Marshal, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Hampden District Attorney’s Office; Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; Springfield Police Department; Springfield Fire Department; Pittsfield Police Department; American International College Police Department; Houlton (Maine) Police Department; and Newington (Conn.) Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with advertising the sale of firearms on Snapchat.
Juan Aparicio, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 19, 2022. Aparicio was indicted in August 2020.
In June 2019 and January 2020, Aparicio posted videos on his Snapchat offering to sell numerous firearms. A search of Aparicio’s residence resulted in the recovery of a loaded assault rifle and handgun. Due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Aparicio is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; and Superintendent Raymond Kelly Richardson of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Panich and Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Office are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Cody J. Behrens, 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 9, 2022, in Lincoln by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for receipt of child pornography. Behrens was sentenced to 60 months in prison and will also serve 5 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. After serving his prison sentence, Behrens will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In August of 2019, the Nebraska States Patrol received two cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC is the national clearinghouse for child exploitation material and reports under federal law. According to the cybertips, an internet search engine became aware of 26 image files of suspected child pornography associated with an online email account registered to Behrens. Additional information, including IP addresses, a phone number, and a secondary email address related to the account were also provided to NCMEC.
Investigators traced several IP addresses to the internet provider and subsequently to the subscriber on the account. Additional information determined that the subscriber using the IP addresses on the dates in question was associated with the Behrens’s residence in Lincoln.
A search warrant was served on Behrens’s residence and his cellular phone was seized. Forensic examination revealed 63 images and 3 videos of child pornography on the phone. A number of these images and videos were the same as those uploaded to the email account.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lehigh County Father and Son Charged with Unlawful Possession of More Than a Dozen Machine Guns and Nearly as Many SilencersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Joseph Raymond Berger, 67, and Joseph Paul Berger, 32, of Bethlehem, PA, were arrested and charged by Indictment this week with multiple firearms offenses including possessing machine guns, possessing non-registered firearms, and possessing non-registered silencers.
The Indictment alleges that the defendants illegally possessed 13 fully automatic machine guns and 12 firearms silencers. According to court documents, law enforcement agents with Customs and Border Protection intercepted three firearms silencers that were illegally imported into the United States in packages addressed to the defendants at their shared residence. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the home and recovered from the basement the 12 firearms suppressors/silencers and 13 fully automatic machine guns that are listed in the Indictment. The machine guns included 11 rifles and 2 submachine guns.
According to court documents, Investigators also uncovered evidence that the firearms found in the Berger home were originally sold and purchased as semi-automatic firearms, which were then manually converted into unregistered, fully automatic machine guns.
“The defendants allegedly possessed a stockpile of unregistered fully-automatic machine guns and silencers in violation of the National Firearms Act,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “These weapons are extremely dangerous, which is why there are laws regulating their possession. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous weapons from our District.”
“As the indictment alleges, possession of illegal firearms like these, threatens the safety of the general public, especially when in the wrong hands,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “I would like to thank our local, state and federal partners for their contributions in this investigation.”
“This father-and-son duo possessed a small artillery of firearms in their home, including more than a dozen machine guns and silencers. This type of fire-power is incredibly dangerous if in the wrong hands,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “HSI Philadelphia was pleased to work alongside our partners on this important investigation to ensure the defendants are held accountable for their crimes and not able to terrorize this community or any other.”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a $270,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Lansing Area Methamphetamine Traffickers SentencedRead the Press Release
Joseph and Lisa Burgess, the last of seven defendants, will each spend hundreds of months behind bars and forfeited their house as well as over $20K in seized cash.
LANSING, MI – United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Joseph and Lisa Burgess of Dewitt, Michigan were sentenced today for their role in a conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine. They were the last of the seven defendants charged in the conspiracy to receive their sentences.
The Hon. Hala Jarbou, the U.S. District Court Judge in Lansing, sentenced Lisa Burgess, age 48, to 235 months in prison (over 19 years) for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Joseph Burgess, also known as “Diamond,” age 50, was sentenced to 352 months in prison (over 29 years) for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Each defendant will have to pay fines and special assessments and will spend three years on supervised release when released from the Bureau of Prisons. Their house and over $20,000 in cash were also forfeited.
In January 2020, law enforcement officers from the Michigan State Police Department’s Tri-County Metro Narcotics Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the Burgess residence and seized over three pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 15 handguns, 33 long guns, over $20,000, and drug trafficking paraphernalia (rubber gloves, digital scales, and baggies). The investigation showed that Joseph and Lisa Burgess and their codefendants trafficked crystal meth in the Lansing area and the Upper Peninsula.
“Crystal methamphetamine continues to have a devastating impact in our communities in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “My office treats drug trafficking very seriously, particularly when the danger is increased by offenders possessing firearms.”
“These seven individuals were part of a drug trafficking organization that pushed poisonous methamphetamine into mid-Michigan and the upper peninsula in exchange for money,” added Acting Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt of the DEA Detroit Field Division. “DEA, and our law enforcement partners, will employ every resource at our disposal to bring drug pushers to justice and stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.”
“Tri-County Metro Narcotics appreciates the collaborative efforts of our local and federal partners,” said Michigan State Police Tri-County Metro Narcotics Team Commander Detective Lieutenant Bill Eberhart. “This investigation and subsequent sentencing demonstrates our continuing commitment to pursue drug dealers who are inflicting harm upon the communities and citizens we serve. Tri-County Metro Narcotics will continue to work vigorously to disrupt and dismantle those illicit organizations and endeavor to keep our citizens and communities safe.”
The Burgesses were the last members of the conspiracy to be sentenced. The other defendants received the following sentences:
- Garylee Dexter, a/k/a “Flip”—108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Ryan Timko—172 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Jeremy Brusso—132 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
- Nicholas Cornish—120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and
- Kendra Stidolph—45 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The Michigan State Police Tri-County Metro Narcotics Team and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Sanford, Ted Greeley, and Erin Lane prosecuted the case.
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Lame Deer man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for assault, firearms crimes after high-speed chase, shootout with officers on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man was sentenced today to 17 years and four months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for multiple crimes after he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended in a shootout when he shot at officers, who returned fire, wounding him on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Antoine Robert Threefingers, 37, was convicted by a jury on Sept. 17, 2021, of assault on a federal officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence that on Sept. 1, 2020, a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer, identified as John Doe 1, attempted a routine traffic stop of Threefingers. Threefingers stopped initially but then fled as Doe 1 approached, engaging officers in a 25-minute, high-speed chase with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on dirt roads and Highway 212. Three additional BIA officers and a Rosebud County Sheriff’s deputy joined the pursuit.
While driving, Threefingers pulled out a gun and put it to his head before turning it on law enforcement. Threefingers fired a shot at Doe 1 and continued driving. Threefingers eventually led law enforcement to a dirt road near Birney, where he stopped his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Doe 1. Another BIA officer later exchanged gun fire with Threefingers. Other officers nearby described Threefingers’ shots sailing over their heads but did not return fire.
Threefingers then ran from his car while continuing to shoot at law enforcement. Officers shot Threefingers, who fell to the ground and continued firing. Officers approached and detained Threefingers, who was transported to the hospital and treated for injuries. Law enforcement recovered a Colt .45-caliber pistol and multiple casings near Threefingers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zachary Watkins, age 21, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 9, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to five years’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Watkins previously pleaded guilty and admitted to receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click the tab on “resources.”
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Lackawanna County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 8, 2022, Jaime Ryan Chorba, age 46, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between June 3, 2016, and November 16, 2020, Chorba received images of child pornography. The indictment also alleges that he possessed images of prepubescent minors under the age of twelve, including images depicting himself with the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
On February 9, 2022, Chorba was arrested by federal agents and appeared before Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr for his arraignment. Chorba was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 14, 2022.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 60 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Racially Motivated Federal Hate Crime Targeting Black ManRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Colton Donner, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening an African American man with a knife because of the man’s race, and in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on Sept. 11, 2019, Donner was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, an African American man, walking on the sidewalk. Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”
“Using racially motivated threats of violence to drive someone out of their home or community is a deplorable crime, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our nation’s hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated hate crimes have no place in our society today. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”
“Any attempt to deny someone an opportunity to live where he or she chooses based on race, color or national origin is wrong and a violation of that person’s civil rights,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for the District of Kansas. “It is the responsibility of the Justice Department to prosecute such offenses to ensure the equal protection under the law to which we all are entitled, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “The defendant’s actions directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, Kansas, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”
Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the civil rights offense.
The case was investigated by the Paola Police Department and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tristan Hunt of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Racially Motivated Federal Hate Crime Targeting Black ManRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Colton Donner, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening an African American man with a knife because of the man’s race, and in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on Sept. 11, 2019, Donner was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, an African American man, walking on the sidewalk. Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”
“Using racially motivated threats of violence to drive someone out of their home or community is a deplorable crime, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our nation’s hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated hate crimes have no place in our society today. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”
“Any attempt to deny someone an opportunity to live where he or she chooses based on race, color or national origin is wrong and a violation of that person’s civil rights,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for the District of Kansas. “It is the responsibility of the Justice Department to prosecute such offenses to ensure the equal protection under the law to which we all are entitled, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “The defendant’s actions directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, Kansas, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”
Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the civil rights offense.
The case was investigated by the Paola, Kansas Police Department, and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tristan Hunt of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
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Jury Convicts Youth Group Leader for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a church youth group leader Wednesday for engaging in a sexualized relationship with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Thomas Daniel Johnson, 48, of Sand Springs, was found guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided over the trial.
“Thomas Johnson was known for being a mentor to adolescent males. He hid behind that reputation when he repeatedly sent a vulnerable child sexually explicit texts and requests for nude photographs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to commend the victim in this case who exhibited courage and strength as he testified at trial this week. I am also proud of the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Gallant and Valeria Luster who fought for justice for this child.”
Thomas Johnson knew the victim’s family and volunteered as a youth leader at a church both families attended. Johnson was known as a mentor to adolescent and teenage boys, so the victim’s family asked him to mentor their child.
On Aug. 15, 2020, the victim’s mother discovered numerous sexually explicit texts, memes and images sent to her child by Johnson and confronted the defendant. Then both parents contacted law enforcement and turned their child’s phone in to authorities. Further examination of the phone revealed thousands of messages exchanged between Johnson and the victim, dating back to March 2019.
During the trial, prosecutors contended that Johnson engaged in a sexualized relationship using text messaging when the minor was 11, 12 and 13 years old, thus committing the crime of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
The United States argued Johnson groomed the victim, first gaining the victim’s trust and friendship. Johnson regularly encouraged the victim and called the victim a stud, sexy beast, and made sexual references and jokes.
Then the sexualized relationship increasingly involved the exchange of memes and comments with references to oral sex, penises, ejaculation and more. Johnson eventually told the victim about several sexual experiences he (Johnson) had taken part in. The victim testified that at first, he felt the exchange of texts and memes were jokes, but he grew increasingly uncomfortable as the defendant began routinely making comments about the victim’s penis and physical appearance, as well as implying that he was sexually attracted to the victim.
Johnson repeatedly asked the minor to send pictures of his penis or “nudes.” The defendant further suggested in messages that he could give the victim oral sex or vice versa. A few days before the communications were discovered, Johnson sent the victim a selfie of himself with a banana in his mouth simulating oral sex and during the texting exchange, asked the victim if he “could handle it,” implicitly offering to perform oral sex on the minor victim.
The victim testified that he believed Johnson would have acted on his (Johnson’s) requests had the victim complied.
The defense contended that taken in context and with the understanding of Johnson’s reputation for making sexual innuendos among family, friends, and other adolescents and teenagers he had mentored, the messages were simply misguided humor and did not represent grooming behavior. The defense further argued that Johnson was mentoring the child and trying to connect with the child by using common terminology, references and memes used among teenage males today.
Federal prosecutors argued that Johnson’s behavior was consistent with psychological tactics exhibited by child predators known as grooming behaviors. In court documents, prosecutors cited United States v. Chambers which stated, “The ultimate goal of grooming is the formation of an emotional connection with the child and a reduction of the child’s inhibitions in order to prepare the child for sexual activity.”
In closing, prosecutors reminded the jury that the defendant’s actions were no joke and that framing the texts as jokes was not a defense. They reminded the jury that the defendant told the victim to delete their text messages, which indicated Johnson understood the communications were questionable and criminal. They said instead of simply being misguided, harmless jokes, Johnson’s communications were meant to sexualize a 12-year-old child and desensitize the child to inappropriate sexual communications and material. They stated the only thing that stopped the inappropriate behavior was the intervention by the child’s parents and law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Gallant noted Johnson wrapped himself in “a cloak of authority” and took advantage of the victim’s trust. He stated that mentors set age-appropriate boundaries with children. Instead, Johnson, a man in his forties, repeatedly crossed those boundaries by sending a “cesspool of memes and messages” that degraded and sexualized a vulnerable boy. He asked the jury to hold Johnson accountable with one word: Guilty.
The Sand Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and Valeria G. Luster are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Coercion, Enticement of A Minor for SexRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – After a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man yesterday for coercion and enticement of a girl to engage in sexual activity.
Barry Allen Gabelman (51) was found guilty of one count of coercion and enticement. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 20, 2022.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from October 31 to December 6, 2019, Gabelman exchanged sexually explicit messages and photos via his social media account, as well as his messaging account, with individuals whom he believed to be an 11-year-old girl and her stepfather. In reality, a law enforcement officer was posing as both the girl and stepfather. During their communications, Gabelman discussed having sex with the girl and sent a nude photo of himself. On December 6, Gabelman traveled to a pre-arranged location in Las Vegas to meet and have sex with the girl. Law enforcement officers arrested Gabelman at the meeting place.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Supriya Prasad are prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Jackson Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court records, on April 28, 2019, Stephen Donald Baucum, Jr., 32, entered the Bancorp South Bank at Canton Mart in Jackson and demanded money. Baucum told the tellers to put their hands up and instructed a teller to put the money in the bag he provided. He quickly left and fled in a silver Toyota Camry, which was later found to be stolen. Baucum was identified as the suspect and ultimately arrested on June 21, 2021. At the time of arrest, Baucum was found in possession of a firearm.
Baucum pled guilty to bank robbery on October 7, 2021, in U.S. District Court in Jackson.
In addition to his prison term, Baucum was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,943 to Bancorp South Bank.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case.
Deputy Chief Erin Chalk prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
International Drug Traffickers Sentenced for Conspiring to Import Tons of CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Two defendants who admitted to conspiring to import tons of cocaine into the United States were recently sentenced in the Eastern District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced GILBERTO CONTRERAS, age 45, to 108 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States. United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced CARLOS RIVADENEIRA, age 50, to 121 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
According to court records, RIVADENEIRA was a “broker” who connected individuals in Ecuador/Colombia who wanted to move ton quantities of cocaine with transporters who could move the drugs from South America to Central America/Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States. CONTRERAS operated a transportation service moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine from off the coast of Ecuador/Colombia to Central America and Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States. CONTRERAS owned/operated several large container vessels on which a specialized welder had constructed hidden compartments. After RIVADENEIRA brokered the deals, load owners in Ecuador and Colombia, who owned/produced the cocaine being shipped, would pay CONTRERAS a per kilogram price to move the drugs by sea to buyers in Mexico. The load owners would stockpile thousands of kilograms of cocaine in hidden locations primarily along the coast of Ecuador. CONTRERAS would send his vessels from Panama, where they were kept, to meet go-fast boats bringing the cocaine from shore out to international waters. CONTRERAS’s vessels were outfitted with cranes capable of lifting tons of merchandise from the go-fast boats onto the larger vessels, where crew members then secreted the cocaine in hidden compartments. CONTRERAS admitted to using four different vessels to transport large amounts of cocaine on at least six different occasions. Each of the six trips involved at least 3,000 and up to 8,500 kilograms of cocaine, which has a street value in the hundreds of millions. RIVADENEIRA admitted being caught in a recorded undercover meeting discussing the logistics of a recurring 3,000 kilogram shipment of cocaine to buyers in Mexico from producers in Ecuador.
The case arose from a multi-year investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, in conjunction with several HSI offices in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. As the investigation developed, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Panama office also became heavily involved, with assistance from DEA’s offices in Ecuador and Colombia. This truly collaborative investigation across agencies and offices led to three massive maritime interdictions, coordinated by the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and involving the United States Coast Guard and the Guatemalan Navy, in which over 13,000 kilograms of cocaine were seized.
The interdictions led to the prosecution both in the United States and abroad of scores of crew members. Later prosecutions in the United States focused on dismantling the organization and included charges against the expert welder who built the hidden compartments, associates who helped prepare the vessels for the drug runs, the shore to ship service provider, and a money launderer who help hide the proceeds. These prosecutions were assisted by numerous parts of the Department of Justice and, with substantial assistance from the Department’s Office of International Affairs, involved coordinating arrests in multiple countries and subsequent extraditions. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana has secured convictions of 15 participants and forfeited luxury apartments here and abroad, as well as high end vehicles and cash.
“Our office remains highly focused on disrupting any international drug trafficking that benefits from the illegal sale and consumption of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “Despite the immense scope and duration of this investigation, its outcome was due to effective local and international law enforcement collaborations. Their tireless efforts resulted in the successful prosecutions of those engaged in this criminal conspiracy.”
“The scope and length of this investigation is a testament to our resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade, aggressively pursue narcotics traffickers, and keep our communities free from dangerous narcotics,” said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge David Denton. “HSI, and our law enforcement partners, know that our work isn’t over, but our commitment to the American public is as strong as ever.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Coast Guard. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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Independence Man Indicted for Multi-million Dollar Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Catalytic ConvertersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for selling millions of dollars in stolen catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana.
James Spick, 56, was charged in a 26-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Spick’s arrest and initial court appearance.
Spick, the owner of J&J Recycling in Independence, is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines since Jan. 1, 2018, and 25 counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.
In his salvage business, Spick primarily buys and resells catalytic converters rather than other automotive parts or recyclable items. Catalytic converters convert toxic gases and pollutants from internal combustion engines into less-toxic pollutants. Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Stolen catalytic converters have value because of the precious metals, which can be extracted from the converters.
Beginning in at least 2014, Spick bought catalytic converters at his business from individuals whom he paid in cash. The cash payments attracted thieves, the indictment says, particularly drug addicts. Spick resold the catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. The Texas and Louisiana companies processed the catalytic converters to extract the precious metals.
Over a four-year period from Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2021, the indictment says, Spick received over $11 million from the sale of catalytic converters.
According to the indictment, Spick withdrew almost $2.5 million in cash from his bank accounts to buy catalytic converters from 2018 to 2021. From Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2021, Spick allegedly sold catalytic converters, including stolen catalytic converters, to a Kansas City, Mo., scrap company for an approximate total of $3,621,791, and to a Lee’s Summit, Mo., scrap company for an approximate total of $206,084.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Mahoney and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Illinois Man Arrested for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Couture, a/k/a “travelsizepocket,” 40, of Chicago, Illinois, appeared yesterday in federal court on a charge that he attempted to entice a minor into sexual activity.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the criminal complaint, Couture exchanged weeks of sexually explicit messages with undercover law enforcement officers posing as the child, who Couture believed to be 9 years old, and the child’s mother. Before his arrest yesterday, Couture travelled from his home in Chicago, Illinois to Oneida County, New York with gifts for the child with whom Couture intended to engage in sexual activity upon his arrival.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Couture faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. 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. Additionally, if convicted, Couture would be required to register as a sex offender.
Couture appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, who ordered Couture detained pending trial.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Honolulu Woman Receives Three Months in Prison for Removal and Retention of Classified MaterialRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Asia Janay Lavarello, 32, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii on February 10, 2022, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright to three months of imprisonment and a $5,500 fine for knowingly removing classified information concerning the national defense or foreign relations of the United States and retaining it at an unauthorized location. Lavarello had pleaded guilty to the charge in July 2021.
According to information produced to the court, Lavarello, a Department of Defense employee, removed and retained numerous classified documents, writings, and notes relating to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States without authority. While working as an Executive Assistant at the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, Lavarello accepted a temporary assignment working at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. There, Lavarello had access to classified computers and documents, and attended classified meetings as part of her official duties. Court documents list several specific instances in which Lavarello mishandled classified material of the United States.
On March 20, 2020, Lavarello removed classified documents from the U.S. Embassy Manila. She took the classified documents to her hotel room where she hosted a dinner party later that evening. Among the guests were two foreign nationals. During the party, a co-worker at the U.S. Embassy Manila discovered the documents, which included documents classified at the SECRET level. Lavarello’s temporary assignment in the Philippines was ultimately terminated due to her mishandling of SECRET classified documents.
Around March 28, 2020, Lavarello returned to Hawaii. In June of that year, investigators executed a search warrant at her workplace at the United States Indo-Pacific Command. In her desk, investigators found a notebook containing Lavarello’s handwritten notes of meetings she attended while working at the U.S. Embassy Manila. The notes contained facts and information classified at the CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET levels. Investigators determined that Lavarello did not send the classified notebook via secure diplomatic pouch from the U.S. Embassy Manila to Hawaii, as required. Instead, she personally transported the documents to Hawaii, unsecured, and kept the classified notebook at an unsecure location until at least April 13, 2020. Subsequently, Lavarello made false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in response to questioning about her handling of the classified material.
United States Attorney Clare E. Connors; Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice; Steven Merrill, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Honolulu Field Division; and Norman Dominesey, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Hawaii Field Office made the announcement today.
“Government employees authorized to access classified information should face imprisonment if they misuse that authority in violation of criminal law as Ms. Lavarello did in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Connors. “Such breaches of national security are serious violations of criminal law, and we will pursue them.”
“The American people entrust government employees with the responsibility to ensure classified information is properly handled and secure. Ms. Lavarello violated this trust when she removed classified documents from the U.S. Embassy Manila,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Merrill. “Today’s sentencing reflects the FBI and its partners unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe and bringing offenders to justice.”
“Today’s sentencing of Ms. Lavarello is a reminder that Department of Defense employees have the responsibility to ensure classified information is properly secured. Mishandling classified information places lives and the U.S. National Security at risk,” said NCIS Special Agent in Charge Dominesey. “Ms. Lavarello violated that trust and was brought to justice through the collaborative investigative efforts of the FBI, NCIS, and U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The case was the result of a joint investigation between the FBI and NCIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohammad Khatib and Trial Attorney Stephen Marzen of the National Security Division prosecuted the case.
Hancock County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Anthony Spilios, of Newell, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Spilios, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Spilios admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in December 2020 in Hancock County.
Spilios faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Youngtown, Ohio; the Liverpool Township Police Department-Ohio; and the East Liverpool Police Department -Ohio investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Ohio assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Georgia Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A federal jury in Abingdon convicted a Georgia man yesterday for conspiring to traffic methamphetamine from Georgia into Southwest Virginia.
Jerada “Rod” Henderson, 40, of Locust Grove, Georgia, was convicted by a jury on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of more than 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Henderson was arrested in October 2018 for conspiring with others to traffic methamphetamine from Georgia into Smyth County for redistribution.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division announced the conviction today.
Henderson will be sentenced on May 3, 2022. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Murphy is prosecuting the case.
Gambino Crime Family Captain Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $1 Million in Restitution for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Andrew Campos, a captain in the Gambino organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 37 months’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy. The Court also ordered Campos to pay $1 million in restitution and a $15,000 fine. Campos pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2021, admitting his participation in various predicate acts of wire fraud and money laundering.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Keechant Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“As a captain in the Gambino crime family, Campos has engaged in multiple fraud and money laundering schemes and maintained the corrosive influence of organized crime in the construction industry,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office, together with its law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue all investigative avenues to deter, interrupt and hold accountable members of organized crime who seek to line their pockets at the expense of businesses and taxpayers.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Probation Departments for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and the United States Department of Labor for their assistance during the investigation.
“Andrew Campos led a scheme that lined his pockets and cheated taxpayers. He failed to pay more than $1 million in payroll taxes and laundered money to build his personal residence,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso. “Criminals, take note. Trying to cheat the system is not the way to do business.”
Campos and his co-conspirators carried out multiple fraudulent schemes to earn millions of dollars in criminal proceeds, in part through their operation of a carpentry company, CWC Contracting Corp. (“CWC”). Campos helped orchestrate a massive scheme to defraud the IRS by failing to pay approximately $1.3 million in payroll taxes owed to the federal government by paying CWC employees millions of dollars in cash without making the required payroll tax withholdings and payments. Campos and others also laundered money through a scheme by which checks were made out to others and cashed, purportedly for work performed in connection with CWC construction projects, but where, in fact, no services were performed, and the proceeds were used to construct Campos’s residence. Campos and his co-conspirators also fraudulently procured cards from the United States Department of Labor indicating completion of certain Occupational Safety and Health Administration training courses when, in fact, the courses were never completed. Further, as found by the Court at sentencing, between approximately June 2018 and June 2019, CWC paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks to employees of a real estate development company. CWC paid the bribes in the form of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of free labor and materials used for renovations on a co-defendant’s residence.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime & Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Kayla C. Bensing is in charge of the prosecution, assisted by Eastern District of New York Special Agent Erik Nesbitt. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
ANDREW CAMPOS
Age: 51
Scarsdale, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-575 (AMD)
Gilette Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that DUSTIN ANTHONY HIEBERT, 24, of Gillette, Wyoming was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of production of child pornography. Hiebert appeared for an arraignment hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial has been set for April 11, 2022, before United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal. Hiebert was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
If convicted on all counts, Hiebert faces 15 years to life imprisonment and five years to life of supervised release. He could also be ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Victims of Sex Trafficking Act of 2015 and a $100 special assessment on each count; a $50,000 special assessment and mandatory restitution of not less than $3,000 per requesting victim pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018; and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation ICAC. It is also part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. Assistant United States Attorney Christyne M. Martens is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case No. 22-00006-NDF
About Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 154 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – William Washington, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to charges associated with his role in a series of armed robberies, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Washington was sentenced to 154 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $528.00 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, Washington plead guilty to Hobbs Act Robberies (Counts 3 & 7) and using a firearm during a crime of violence (Count 8). The criminal activity took place between the evening hours of January 21, and the early hours of January 22, 2018. Washington and his accomplice, co-defendant Brendan Collicott, robbed several Fort Wayne gas stations. Washington waited outside, while an armed Collicott robbed the gas stations, after which the two fled together. At one of the robberies, Washington was seen interacting with the store clerk immediately before Collicott robbed the clerk. No more than a few hundred dollars was taken during any of the robberies.
On January 11, 2022, co-defendant Collicott was sentenced to 252 months imprisonment for his role in these crimes.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Ronnie L. Rutherford, Jr., 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Rutherford was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between June and July 2021, four controlled buys of cocaine and fentanyl were made from Rutherford. Based on the buys, a search warrant was obtained and executed on July 15, 2021. During the search, officers located 240 grams of marijuana, over 90 grams of fentanyl, over 60 grams of cocaine, along with other evidence of drug distribution and almost $4,000 cash. Rutherford had a previous federal conviction for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Former Professional Football Player Sentenced to Probation for Using a Telephone to Facilitate Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jeffrey Paul Hatch, 42, of Savannah, Georgia, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to three years of probation for using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, federal, state and local law enforcement officers conducted an investigation in 2017 of fentanyl traffickers, including an individual in Lawrence, Massachusetts who provided quantities of fentanyl to a Manchester-based fentanyl trafficker. Couriers assisted the Manchester-based trafficker by transporting drugs and money. On July 25, 2017, Hatch used his cellular telephone to arrange to pick up fentanyl from the Massachusetts-based trafficker on behalf of the Manchester-based trafficker.
From 2002 to 2005, Hatch played in the National Football League for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hatch previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019. In addition to his probationary sentence, Hatch was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has been responsible for hundreds of overdose deaths and has damaged countless individuals and their families in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As this case demonstrates, people from all walks of life can end up participating in the illegal drug trade. As a result of his illegal conduct, this professional athlete is now a convicted felon. I hope that his experience serves as a lesson to young people about the dangers of fentanyl and the consequences of drug trafficking.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover and disrupt trafficking networks that bring fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New England,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Portsmouth Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.
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Former Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Portland resident pleaded guilty in federal court today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
According to court records, on August 28, 2021, the Brewer Police Department was called to the Brewer Walmart parking lot due to a disturbance. Patrick Mullen, 52, was located in his truck in the parking lot. Law enforcement ran his information and determined that Mullen had three outstanding warrants. In addition, he was observed in his truck holding a firearm. After an hours-long standoff, Mullen was arrested. Mullen is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a 2017 conviction in the Washington County Unified Court for Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening (With a Dangerous Weapon).
Mullen faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Brewer Police Department, the Holden Police Department, the Bangor Police Department, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine State Police, and the ATF investigated the case. The Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the case.
The prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories. PSN is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources. Across all districts, PSN follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability.
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Former Ohio resident extradited from Ghana pleads guilty to laundering proceeds of online romance scamsRead the Press Release
Columbus, Ohio – Samuel Antwi, a citizen of Ghana and former Columbus resident, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to crimes resulting from his involvement in laundering money obtained through online romance scams.
After being charged on Valentine’s Day in 2018, Antwi fled the United States. He was arrested in Ghana in July 2021at the request of the United States and Ghanaian authorities extradited Antwi back to Columbus to face his pending charges. He has remained in custody since his extradition.
According to court documents, the perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites. The scammers then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, established relationships with the victims and ultimately asked for money. The victims received account information and were directed to send money to those accounts, including some controlled by Antwi. The fraud generated millions of dollars in proceeds. Antwi is not charged with perpetrating the romance scams, but instead is charged with laundering the proceeds to conceal or disguise their criminal source.
“Scammers use online dating sites to build trust relationships with victims and persuade them to send money or share personal and financial information,” said U.S Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, remember, never send money to someone you have only met online. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint at ic3.gov.”
Court documents spell out Antwi’s involvement in the scheme. He used a company he established, E.N.O. Services, to launder the money. From at least December 2013 through May 2015, Antwi knowingly laundered or attempted to launder $331,150 using bank accounts in his name and his company’s name. Antwi also unlawfully possessed stolen credit card numbers and other confidential personal information of others. Between April 26, 2016, and May 18, 2016, he possessed at least 87 stolen credit card numbers.
Antwi pleaded guilty to one count of concealment money laundering and one count of access device fraud. The parties have agreed to a term of incarceration of between 24 and 30 months, and restitution to victims of $291,150.
Antwi was one of eight people charged on Valentine’s Day 2018 in connection with the romance scam money laundering. Six have received sentences ranging from 42 months in prison to 30 months of probation. One defendant remains at large.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Cincinnati Field Office; Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Division; and James C. Harris III, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced the guilty plea entered before U.S. District Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division worked with law enforcement partners in Ghana to secure the arrest of Antwi in Ghana and his extradition to the United States.
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Former Inmate Sentenced to 19 Months in Prison for Role in Scheme to use Drones to Smuggle Contraband into Fort Dix Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 19 months in prison for his role in a scheme to use drones to smuggle contraband, including cell phones and tobacco, into the federal correctional facility at Fort Dix, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Johansel Moronta, 29, of Linden, New Jersey, a former inmate at Fort Dix, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with one count of possessing and obtaining contraband while in prison. Moronta, who had been released from custody several months after the offense occurred and was on federal supervised release thereafter, also pleaded guilty to violating the terms of his supervised release.
Another former federal inmate, Jason Arteaga-Loayza, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the scheme as well as to distributing narcotics and was sentenced in September 2021 to 43 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton. Two other men, Adrian Goolcharran, aka “Adrian Ahoda,” aka “Adrian Ajoda,” aka “Adrian Ajodha,” and Nicolo Denichilo, also have been charged with participating in the scheme to use drones to smuggle contraband into Fort Dix prison.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Moronta, an inmate at Fort Dix from April 2018 to March 2019, participated in multiple drone deliveries of contraband into Fort Dix while incarcerated. Between October 2018 and June 2019, Arteaga-Loayza arranged for Goolcharran, with Denichilo’s assistance, to fly drones over Fort Dix and drop packages of contraband – including cell phones, cell phone accessories, tobacco, weight loss supplements, eyeglasses – into the prison, where Moronta took possession of the contraband and helped sell it to inmates for a profit.
Moronta admitted in court that, on Oct. 30, 2018, he received a bag dropped by a drone onto the roof of a housing unit at FCI Fort Dix which contained contraband tobacco, cellphone chargers and charging cables. Prison officials recovered that bag which contained 127 bags of Bugler tobacco, 10 cell phone chargers and 10 USB charging cables. Moronta also admitted to possessing a contraband cell phone on that date, which he had used to coordinate the drone drop.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Moronta to one year of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited agents of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Cyber Investigations Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Keith A. Bonanno; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 307, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Kaplan; and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
He also thanked Federal Bureau of Prisons personnel at Fort Dix; special agents of the FBI; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office; and officers with the Pemberton Borough Police Department; the Pemberton Township Police Department; and Chesterfield Township Police Department, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaints issued against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.