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10 February 2022
Former Government Contractor Executives Indicted for Unlawful Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
Three Hawaii-based executives of a government contractor were indicted today in the District of Columbia for allegedly making unlawful campaign contributions to a candidate for Congress and a political action committee.
According to the indictment, Martin Kao, 48, Clifford Chen, 48, and Lawrence “Kahele” Lum Kee, 52, all of Honolulu, were employed by a defense contractor prohibited from making contributions in federal elections. The defendants allegedly created a shell company and then used that shell company to make an illegal contribution to a political action committee supporting the election of a candidate for the U.S. Senate using government contractor funds. The defendants also allegedly used family members as conduits to make illegal contributions to the campaign committee of the same candidate, and then reimbursed themselves for those donations using funds obtained from their employer.
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make conduit and government contractor contributions, making conduct contributions, and making government contractor contributions. Kao is also charged with two counts of making false statements for causing the submission of false information to the Federal Election Committee.
Kao, Chen and Lum Kee will make their initial appearance at a later date. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office and DCIS’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liz Aloi and Joshua Rothstein of the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Government Contractor Executives Indicted for Unlawful Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three Hawaii-based executives of a government contractor were indicted today in the District of Columbia for allegedly making unlawful campaign contributions to a candidate for Congress and a political action committee.
According to the indictment, Martin Kao, 48, Clifford Chen, 48, and Lawrence “Kahele” Lum Kee, 52, all of Honolulu, were employed by a defense contractor prohibited from making contributions in federal elections. The defendants allegedly created a shell company and then used that shell company to make an illegal contribution to a political action committee supporting the election of a candidate for the U.S. Senate using government contractor funds. The defendants also allegedly used family members as conduits to make illegal contributions to the campaign committee of the same candidate, and then reimbursed themselves for those donations using funds obtained from their employer.
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make conduit and government contractor contributions, making conduct contributions, and making government contractor contributions. Kao is also charged with two counts of making false statements for causing the submission of false information to the Federal Election Committee.
Kao, Chen and Lum Kee will make their initial appearance at a later date. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office and DCIS’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liz Aloi and Joshua Rothstein of the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain Unemployment Benefits in the Names of Identity Theft VictimsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Christopher Kenneth Guy, age 30, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy Springer, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Greg L. Torbenson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) was enacted on March 27, 2020, to assist individuals experiencing financial distress as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Among other things, the CARES Act established the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which provided federal funds to state agencies responsible for the administration of unemployment benefits. The FPUC funds were provided to supplement regular unemployment compensation payments to qualified applicants.
According to his plea agreement, from May 26, 2020, to August 5, 2020, Guy and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent applications, using the personal information of identity theft victims, claiming unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled. The applications were submitted through the internet to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and other state workforce agencies. Based on the fraudulent applications, OSEC and other workforce agencies disbursed benefits, including FPUC funds, through debit cards issued in the names of the identity theft victims. The debit cards were mailed to addresses in Maryland and elsewhere, that were accessible to Guy and other conspirators. Guy and his co-conspirators used the debit cards to withdraw money and to conduct retail transactions.
For example, between July 27 and August 5, 2020, Guy conducted fraudulent transactions using debit cards in the names of at least seven identity theft victims and funded with unemployment compensation, including FPUC funds. On August 5, 2020, Guy used a debit card issued in the name of an identity theft victim to purchase a laptop computer for $2,225.99, from a retail electronics store in Elkridge, Maryland. Howard County Police officers, who had been called for a possible fraudulent purchase, approached Guy in the parking lot. Upon questioning by the officers, Guy falsely stated that he had lost the receipt and that he made the purchase using a card he produced bearing no name. When officers advised that the number on the card did not match that listed on the receipt reprinted by the store, Guy falsely claimed that he must have lost the card he used to purchase the laptop. Guy was then arrested by officers, who located the card used to purchase the laptop in Guy’s pocket.
A search of Guy’s vehicle by Howard County Police Department officers recovered $1,500 in cash, four debit cards issued in names other than Guy’s, multiple electronic devices, and a room key from a hotel in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A search warrant was obtained for Guy’s hotel room and officers recovered 13 additional debit cards issued in various names, additional electronic devices, receipts from retail purchases, and $11,619 in cash. DOL-OIG agents obtained surveillance images that showed Guy using the debit cards funded with fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits at ATMs within a mile of the hotel where he was staying. Twelve of the debit cards that were used in these transactions were recovered from Guy or his hotel room on August 5, 2020.
A forensic examination of the electronic devices seized from Guy and his hotel room revealed internet searches and browsing history relating to unemployment benefits; notes containing the mailing addresses where the fraudulent debit cards were delivered by mail; and a listing of the last four digits of each of the 18 debit cards recovered on August 5, 2020, each with a monetary balance listed next to it.
Agents with DOL-OIG also learned that the 18 debit cards seized from Guy or his hotel room were issued as a result of 16 fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits submitted in the names of identity theft victims. The 16 fraudulent claims resulted in the disbursement of more than $176,970 in unemployment and FPUC funds, which losses were reasonably foreseeable to Guy. The 16 fraudulent claims were associated with 30 Internet Protocol addresses that are connected to thousands of other unemployment claims filed with OESC and the state workforce agencies in Maryland, Arizona, Massachusetts, California, Nevada, and many other states, resulting in the disbursement of approximately $11,084,141.
Guy faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and a mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has scheduled sentencing for Guy on May 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Department of Labor-OIG, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Maddox and Sean R. Delaney, who are prosecuting the federal 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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Five Sentenced to Prison in Cell Phone Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN.– Five people have now been sentenced to prison terms in connection with an armed robbery at a Kansas City, Kansas cell phone store in which victims were bound.
• Mario Lambert, 39, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 61 months; • Sir Love, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn. was sentenced to 35 months; • Domonique Walker, 30, of Rockford, Ill. was sentenced to 145 months; • Sharod Pitts, 40, of Chicago, Ill. was sentenced to 100 months; • and Terry Curtis, 38, of Rockford, Ill. received a sentence of 72 months.According to court documents, in September 2016, Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts entered a Verizon store on Village West Parkway. They pulled out handguns, and announced it was a robbery. The men locked the doors and forced the employees and customers to the back of the store at gunpoint. The assailants made the victims lie face down on the floor and bound their hands behind their back with zip ties. Then they untied one employee, put a gun to his face and demanded he open the store safe. Lambert, Love, Walker, and Pitts stole cash and merchandise before fleeing the scene with Curtis who was waiting outside as the getaway driver.
Walker, Curtis, Lambert, and Love each pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. Pitts pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lambert, Love, and Walker were indicted and sentenced in Tennessee and Illinois on related charges.
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.
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Five Members of a Family-Run Sex Trafficking Organization Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences in Brooklyn Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Five members of a family-run sex trafficking organization were sentenced this week to prison terms of nearly 40 years in prison by United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross in federal court in Brooklyn. Jose Miguel Melendez-Rojas was sentenced to 39 years and six months in prison; Jose Osvaldo Melendez-Rojas and Rosalio Melendez-Rojas were each sentenced to 39 years and four months in prison; Francisco Melendez-Perez and Abel Romero-Melendez were sentenced to 25 years and 20 years in prison respectively. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to their victims. The defendants were convicted by a federal jury in March 2020 of sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of minors, interstate prostitution, alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. A sixth co-defendant, Fabian Reyes-Rojas, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking in December 2019 and is awaiting sentencing.
“Through false promises of a better life, the defendants ensnared young, vulnerable victims in a sordid world of sex-trafficking and used violence and cruel threats to force them into prostitution,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s lengthy sentence reflects the immeasurable harm the defendants’ brutality and exploitation inflicted on these young women and girls, and the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to combating human trafficking in all its forms,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I applaud the courage shown by the victims who testified and hope that the sentences the Court meted out will help them find closure on their path to healing. I commend the diligent and compassionate work of Eastern District of New York prosecutors and HSI agents and thank them for bringing the defendants to justice.”
“The traffickers in this case used deception and coercion to sell dreams of a better life in the United States to young and impressionable women, who arrived only to be forced into a life of torment, misery, sexual abuse and prostitution at the hands of their captors,” stated HSI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Patel. “The conviction and sentencing of these traffickers represent the culmination of an imperative investigation and could not have been possible without the cooperation and testimony of these brave victims, whose boundless courage led to justice for the heinous and reprehensible acts committed against them. HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force combines federal, state, local and international resources to combat human trafficking by working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and provide protection, assistance, and safe haven to victims.”
Between 2006 and July 2017, the defendants transported young and vulnerable Mexican women and girls, some of whom were minors, to the United States and forced them to work in prostitution. The defendants used false promises of love, marriage, and a better life to lure the women and girls into romantic and sexual relationships and isolated their victims from their families by bringing them to live with them at the defendants’ homes in Tenancingo, Mexico. The defendants then used physical and sexual violence, threats, and fraud to coerce their victims to work in prostitution in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware. The defendants took the proceeds generated from the victims’ prostitution and laundered them to conceal their source.
Six victim-witnesses testified at trial regarding the physical and sexual abuse they endured at the hands of the defendants. One victim identified as “Diana” testified that she was smuggled into the United States as a minor and forced to work as a prostitute. When she tried to escape, Jose Miguel Melendez-Rojas beat and raped her in front of other members of the household, including Rosalio Melendez-Rojas and Abel Romero-Melendez. Another victim identified as “Delia” testified that she was forced into prostitution by Francisco Melendez-Perez and his uncle Rosalio Melendez-Rojas when she was 14 years old. When she refused to work, she was beaten. Victims “Fabiola” and “Maria Rosalba” also testified that they were forced to work as prostitutes through threats, physical abuse and forced abortions by Rosalio Melendez-Rojas and Jose Osvaldo Melendez-Rojas. Victim “Daisy” testified that she was forced into prostitution by Fabian Reyes-Rojas. Victim “Veronica” testified at trial that Jose Miguel Melendez-Rojas threatened her and her family, telling her that he would “chop [her] mother up into little pieces” if she did not work in prostitution for his benefit.
The investigation, prosecution, bilateral enforcement action and extradition of the defendants apprehended in Mexico were coordinated through the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative. Since 2009, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have collaborated with Mexican law enforcement counterparts in the bilateral initiative to more effectively dismantle human trafficking networks operating across the U.S.-Mexico border, bring human traffickers to justice, restore the rights and dignity of human trafficking victims and reunite victims with their children. These efforts have resulted in successful prosecutions in both Mexico and the United States, including U.S. federal prosecutions of more than 170 defendants in multiple cases in Georgia, New York, Florida and Texas, in addition to numerous federal and state prosecutions of associated sex traffickers in Mexico. The convictions in this case are the latest development in the Eastern District of New York’s comprehensive anti-trafficking program, which has to date indicted more than 100 defendants for sex trafficking; assisted more than 180 victims, including over 40 minors; reunited 19 victims’ children with their mothers; and secured restitution orders of over $4 million on behalf of trafficking victims.
The investigation and prosecution of the defendants was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and HSI New York’s Trafficking in Persons Unit, with assistance from HSI Mexico City Attaché Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the State Department, Interpol and the New York City Police Department. The government of Mexico, including Mexico’s Procuraduría General de la República and Policía Federal, as well as the National Center for Attention to Cybercrimes against Minors (CENADEM), also played a prominent role in advancing the bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts in this case. Non-governmental victim service providers and advocates also dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Erin Argo and Gillian Kassner are in charge of the prosecution.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.
The Defendants:
JOSE MIGUEL MELENDEZ-ROJAS
Age: 45
MexicoFRANCISCO MELENDEZ-PEREZ (also known as “Paco” and “El Mojarra”)
Age: 27
Queens, New YorkABEL ROMERO-MELENDEZ (also known as “La Borrega” and “Borrego”)
Age: 35
Queens, New YorkJOSE OSVALDO MELENDEZ-ROJAS
Age: 46
MexicoROSALIO MELENDEZ-ROJAS (also known as “Leonel, “Wacho” and “El Guacho”)
Age: 40
MexicoCo-Defendant To Be Sentenced:
FABIAN REYES-ROJAS
Age: 42
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-434 (ARR)
Financial Manager for Puyallup steel fabrication business indicted for tax fraudRead the Press Release
Seattle – The co-owner and financial manager of a Puyallup, Washington steel fabrication business was indicted today for nine counts of failing to pay over employment taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Donna Powell, 56, co-owns and operates Pinnacle Steel Fabricators, a company that makes steel parts. Donna Powell serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and Accounting Manager for the business. The indictment alleges that between 2010 and 2018, the company withheld approximately $1,167,891 payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks, but failed to pay any of those funds over to the Internal Revenue System (IRS).
Powell will appear for an arraignment at 1:30 on February 14, 2022, at U.S. District Court in Tacoma.
According to the indictment, the company has 15-20 employees. Between 2010 and 2018, Powell withheld the employees’ share of employment taxes from their paychecks but failed to pay the withheld funds over to the government as required by law. Each quarter, Powell was required by law to file Forms 941 with the IRS disclosing the amount of payroll taxes withheld. Powell failed to file any Forms 941 for the period between 2010 and the first quarter of 2018. Instead of paying the taxes, Powell and her husband spent on personal interests such as travel ($32,000+), gambling at casinos ($41,000+), online gaming ($33,000+) and approximately $7,400 on spa and pool-related purchases.
Failure to pay over the taxes ultimately hurts the employees whose earning records are incomplete for Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment benefits. Employees can report concerns about federal withholding to the IRS and records can be corrected with documentation.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Willful failure to pay over employment taxes is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson.
powell_indictment.pdfFinal Defendant Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for 2011 Murder of Joshua RubinRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KEVIN TAYLOR was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jed S. Rakoff to 28 years in prison for his role in the October 31, 2011, murder of Joshua Rubin in Brooklyn, New York. Judge Rakoff previously sentenced co-defendants GARY ROBLES and MICHAEL MAZUR to 28 and 18 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in Rubin’s murder.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s sentencing brings long-awaited closure to the family of Joshua Rubin for the horrific events from more than a decade ago when Taylor, Robles and Mazur killed Rubin during a planned drug robbery, and then burned and abandoned Rubin’s body in a deserted field in Pennsylvania. This case is another example of this Office’s commitment to seeking justice for victims, even if the road to justice is long. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for persevering in this case until justice was achieved for the victim’s family.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
On or about October 31, 2011, KEVIN TAYLOR, GARY ROBLES, and MICHAEL MAZUR planned to rob Joshua Rubin of a pound of marijuana. ROBLES agreed to bring a firearm to the robbery. TAYLOR lured Rubin to a Brooklyn apartment where, under the guise of purchasing the marijuana, the trio planned to rob Rubin of the drugs. On the night of the robbery, TAYLOR and ROBLES waited inside the apartment while MAZUR was positioned outside to serve as a lookout. After Rubin entered the apartment, TAYLOR and ROBLES demanded that Rubin surrender the marijuana. When Rubin refused, ROBLES shot and killed him.
After the murder, TAYLOR, ROBLES, and MAZUR placed Rubin’s body into the trunk of a car and drove to rural Pennsylvania. Once there, TAYLOR, ROBLES, and MAZUR placed Rubin’s body in a garbage can, doused it with an accelerant, and set the body on fire. TAYLOR, ROBLES, and MAZUR then drove back to New York in the early morning hours of November 1, 2011. After the murder, TAYLOR arranged to have Rubin’s credit cards used to purchase items from retail establishments in Orange County, New York.
In addition, in 2019 and 2020, TAYLOR attempted to impede the federal murder investigation by paying thousands of dollars to a potential witness, and offering another witness hundreds of thousands of dollars if that witness refused to speak with law enforcement.
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TAYLOR, 29, pled guilty to one count of robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and one count of conspiracy to commit witness tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. In connection with his guilty plea, TAYLOR admitted to his role in the murder. In addition to his prison sentence, TAYLOR, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
ROBLES, 39, pled guilty to one count of robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and one count of narcotics conspiracy, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(D). In connection with his guilty plea, ROBLES admitted to his role in the murder. In addition to his prison sentence, ROBLES, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
MAZUR, 27, pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951, and in connection with his guilty plea admitted to his role in the murder. In addition to his prison sentence, MAZUR, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. He also thanked the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the South Whitehall Township Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra N. Rothman, Mollie Bracewell, and Dominic A. Gentile are in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Jury in Lafayette Returns Guilty VerdictRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury seated in Lafayette, Louisiana, has returned a guilty verdict against Morgan Lyons, 42, of Jennings, Louisiana on firearms and drug possession charges.
United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. presided over the trial, which began Monday, February 7, 2022. Lyons was charged in October 2019 in a superseding indictment and was found guilty last night of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Testimony at trial this week revealed that on May 5, 2016, law enforcement officers with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, the Louisiana State Police and the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, using a cooperating witness, did a controlled delivery of marijuana to a residence in which Morgan Lyons resided. Shortly after the controlled delivery, officers executed a search warrant of the residence and located approximately 43 ounces of cocaine, a ledger book, 4 digital scales, $36,020, an AR-15 assault rifle, a Ruger 9mm firearm, and a large box of assorted ammunition, as well as numerous documents in the name of Morgan Lyons.
Lyons has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine, and a prior conviction for possession of over 400 grams of cocaine, as well as multiple violent felony arrests. For these federal convictions, he faces a sentence of not less than 5 years nor more than 40 years in prison on the drug possession charge, up to 10 years in prison on each firearms charge, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. In addition, Lyons will forfeit the $36,020 which was seized.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 23, 2022.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Craig R. Bordelon.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced for Possessing A Weapon in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2022, inmate Hugo Reynosa, age 26, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for possessing a weapon in prison. Reynosa’s sentence will run consecutively to his current 96-month federal sentence for conspiring to distribute nearly four kilograms of pure methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Reynosa was previously found guilty of possessing a weapon in prison following a December 2021 bench trial. On May 12, 2020, officers at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, caught Reynosa trying to dispose of a 6.25-inch piece of metal with a crude handle and sharp point, commonly referred to as a “shank,” during a mass search of Reynosa’s housing unit.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Willie Lamont Nash, age 31, was sentenced on February 9, 2022, to 96 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Nash was an inmate at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania on October 12, 2017, when he attacked another inmate by striking him on the head and upper body with a lock in a sock. As a result of the attack, the victim inmate suffered multiple injuries including blunt ocular trauma, resulting in significant vision loss.
The case was investigated by the FBI in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
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Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Murder of Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A federal inmate at Milan Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in the death of a fellow inmate, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Josh Hauxhurst, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Jonathan Hemingway, Warden, Milan Correction Facility.
Adam Taylor Wright, 41, a former resident of Springfield, Illinois, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Paul D. Borman.
According to court records, on January 2, 2019, Wright, along with co-defendants Alex Albert Castro, 41, and Jason Dale Kechego, 40, unlawfully killed fellow inmate Christian Maire. Specifically, Wright and Kechego repeatedly kicked and stomped Maire in the head, and Wright prevented Maire from fleeing while Castro repeatedly stabbed Maire. Wright, along with his two co-defendants, then worked together to throw Maire’s body down a flight of metal stairs.
The plea agreement calls for a sentence over 27 years that can be imposed concurrently, partially concurrently, or consecutively to the sentences of imprisonment (totaling 199 months) he is already serving on three other cases.
Charges are still pending against Castro and Kechego. They are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“When a murder happens within a prison, it undermines the safety and security of our penal institutions as well as the inmates and Bureau of Prisons employees who work there,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our office will bring to justice those who engage in such senseless and brutal acts of violence.”
This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frances Lee Carlson and Andrew R. Picek.
Federal Indictment Charges Man with Setting Fire to Chicago BuildingRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been indicted on a federal arson charge for allegedly using a Molotov cocktail to set fire to a building in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.
JUAN AGUILAR, 37, of Chicago, is charged with one count of maliciously damaging and destroying a building, and one count of unlawfully possessing an improvised incendiary bomb, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses Aguilar of setting fire to a building in the 1600 block of West Cullerton Street in Chicago on Sept. 24, 2019.
Aguilar was taken into federal custody on Monday. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday afternoon in federal court in Chicago. A detention hearing is set for today at 11:15 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert.
The indictment 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 U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives in Chicago; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Julien.
The arson charge is punishable by a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. The unlawful possession charge is punishable by up to ten years. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- February 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the February 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Alberto Barragan-Ochoa. Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute. On or about January 4, 2022, Barragan-Ochoa, 31, knowingly possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams heroin. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa Police Department, and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-38
Jeremy Nicholas Botonis. Coercion and Enticement of a Child; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child in Indian Country (superseding). Botonis, 43, of Sand Springs, allegedly persuaded and enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity from May 20, 2019, to Sept. 3, 2019. On Aug. 24, 2019, he further engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with the minor who was between the ages of 12 and 16. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements’ Homeland Security Investigations and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-195
Markia Curran. Attempted Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. On Dec. 29, 2021, Curran, 37, of Sand Springs, knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Tulsa Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-44
Skyler Dean Easter. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. On or about December 13, 2021, Easter, 21, of Bartlesville, is alleged to have knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child between the ages of 12 and 16. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-31
Luis Alfredo Jacobo; Antonio Cervantes Garcia; William Donavan Johnson III; Shauni Breanne Callagy; David Scott Chambers; Gene Olen Charles Rast; Renee Lynn Haynes; Jesus Valdez Martinez; Kelly Wayne Bryan; Curtis Anthony Jones. Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Count 1); Drug Conspiracy (Count 2-5); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 6-7); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Counts 8, 13); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 9); Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 10); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 11); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 12); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (Counts 14-39) (3rd superseding indictment). In this third superseding indictment, Jacobo, 30, of Bakersfield, California, is further charged in counts 14-39 with using a cell phone and app to coordinate drug operations. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, City of Miami Police Department, Grove Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma District 13 Drug Task Force are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case. See the press release announcing charges here. 22-CR-102
Alejandro Jimenez-Lobaina. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. On or about January 11, 2022, Jimenez-Lobaina, 29, of Tulsa, intentionally possessed with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. He is further alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-32
Clyde Douglas Knox Jr. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Knox Jr., 52, allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine on Sept. 8, 2021. He is further charged with possessing a firearm to further his drug trafficking crimes. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-45
Ashton Nikoel Mattingly. Child Neglect in Indian Country (Count 1); Tampering with Evidence by Corruptly Altering, Destroying, Mutilating, and Concealing Records and Other Objects (Counts 2-4). Mattingly, 30, of Tulsa, allegedly neglected an infant who was two months old on Jan 4, 2021. The child died. Mattingly is also charged with calling an individual on Feb. 11, 2021, and asking the individual to go to Mattingly’s residence and remove a white pill bottle with an orange cap so the pill bottle would be unavailable as evidence in the investigation into the death of the child. She also allegedly instructed the same individual to change the password for the Snapchat associated with Mattingly’s username so the record inside would be unavailable as evidence. On Feb. 16, 2021, Mattingly is also alleged to have instructed a different individual to report falsely to Mattingly’s service provider that Mattingly’s cell phone was stolen and to request the service provider disable access to the phone, so the record inside would be unavailable as evidence. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-30
Jesse Clay Miles Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Miles Jr., 51, of Miami, was a felon in possession of a Smith and Wesson .32 caliber pistol and 217 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Nov. 22, 2021. Miles Jr. is also charged with knowingly possessing the Smith and Wesson, .32 caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, he is charged with maintaining a place in Miami, Oklahoma, for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-33
Eduardo Perez-Ulloa; Marco Antonia Venegas-Gallardo. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Perez-Ulloa, 22, and Venegas-Gallardo, 40, both illegally in the United States, are charged with drug conspiracy. The two men allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Jan. 4, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa Police Department, and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-40
Casey Stephen Proctor. On July 20, 2021, Proctor, 36, possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-46
Wesley James Smith. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Smith, 31, of Collinsville, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Jan. 4, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa Police Department, and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-41
Quindell Curtis Stanley. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (superseding). On May 30, 2019, Stanley, 35, of Fairland, assaulted the victim, with intent to commit murder, by shooting the woman in the chest with a firearm. He is further charged with carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during the crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and Joplin Police Department are the investigative agencies Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris and Justin G. Bish are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-424
Francisco Alejandro Urieta-Nunez. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Urieta-Nunez, 21, of El Paso, Texas, allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-43
Tyler Ward. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Ward, 28, of Tulsa, is alleged to have possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is also charged with possessing a firearm to further his drug trafficking crimes and with maintaining a residence in Tulsa to distribute the drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa Police Department, and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-42
Federal Firearms Conviction Leads to Lengthy Prison Sentence for Houston ManRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jarvis Pierre, 38, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. on federal firearms charges. Pierre was found guilty by a federal jury in May 2021 after a week-long trial of two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Pierre was sentenced today to 348 months (29 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on those charges. He was found to be an Armed Career Criminal based upon his criminal history and this sentence is a reflection of that enhancement.
Evidence introduced at the trial revealed that Pierre was stopped by law enforcement officers on two occasions for traffic violations. On October 7, 2018, deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call outside of the Cloud 9 night club in Lake Charles, Louisiana. When deputies arrived, the crowd began to disburse and many patrons left the parking lot. Deputies observed a vehicle that remained in the parking lot with the driver acting suspiciously. Law enforcement officers followed the vehicle once the driver left the parking lot and observed the vehicle drift from the lane of travel several times and conducted a traffic stop. Pierre was the driver of the vehicle and as deputies approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside. After a search of Pierre’s person, deputies found large amounts of cash, and a brown, powdery substance which was determined to contain heroin and fentanyl. While searching the vehicle further, deputies found a loaded FN57 handgun under the driver’s seat, as well as a loose 5.7mm round of ammunition, a rolled marijuana cigarette, and a baby bottle containing promethazine. Memo books containing writing that was determined to be prices for different amounts of narcotics with names and addresses were also found in the vehicle. The amount of cash found on Pierre’s person and in the vehicle totaled over $11,000.
When Pierre was stopped by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies for a traffic violation on December 27, 2018, they found him to have a loaded handgun between the driver’s seat and center console of his vehicle, along with marijuana on his person and in the vehicle, and two cellular phones. Deputies determined at that time that Pierre had an active warrant out of Texas stemming from a traffic stop in February 2018 in Pearland, Texas by officers with the Pearland Police Department. During the Pearland, Texas stop, law enforcement officers found a loaded 9mm handgun, over 400 oxycodone pills and $11,629 in cash, as well as 4 cellular telephones.
Pierre has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (2001); distribution of cocaine (2002); and aggravated assault with a firearm (2013). It is illegal for individuals with a prior felony conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Vermaelen, John W. Nickel and J. Luke Walker.
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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Fayette County Attorney Pleads Guilty to Defrauding ClientsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2022, John William “JW” Eddy, age 39, of Fayette County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for misappropriating funds from clients of his law practice between 2016 and 2020.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Eddy ran a private law practice, Eddy Law Office. As an attorney representing members of the public in the practice of law, Eddy was required to maintain a trust account for client funds, also known as an Interest on Lawyer Trust Account or “IOLTA.” This account was to be used for the securing of client funds, such as proceeds from legal settlements, fees advanced for services not yet performed, or money for court fees. At his guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, Eddy admitted that between 2016 and 2020 he misappropriated $242,975.89 of client funds entrusted to him.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Farmington Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas Blanchette, 45, of Farmington, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Blanchette conspired with others between approximately 2016 and December 20, 2018 to distribute fentanyl. As part of the conspiracy, on November 17, 2017, a New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) trooper made a motor vehicle stop of co-conspirator Christopher Stearns’ vehicle after observing several motor vehicle violations. Blanchette and his wife, co-conspirator Amy Blanchette, were passengers in the vehicle, along with another individual. The trooper subsequently seized the vehicle, executed a search warrant, and seized 176 grams of fentanyl from a box near the rear passenger seat where Amy Blanchette had been seated. Arrest warrants were obtained for Blanchette, Stearns and Amy Blanchette.
On January 2, 2018, DEA agents observed Stearns and Thomas Blanchette in Stearns’ vehicle travel to the area of Lawrence, Massachusetts and return to New Hampshire a short time later. A NHSP trooper stopped the vehicle and arrested Stearns and Thomas Blanchette on the outstanding arrest warrants. The NHSP subsequently executed a search warrant on Stearns’ vehicle and seized over 28 grams of fentanyl.
On December 20, 2018, DEA agents executed federal arrest warrants for Thomas and Amy Blanchette at their residence. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and several firearms. Thomas Blanchette was prohibited from owning firearms due to a felony conviction in 2010.
Blanchette previously pleaded guilty on June 9, 2021. Amy Blanchette and Christopher Stearns also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
“Fentanyl traffickers are selling a deadly substance that has caused immeasurable harm to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “When drug dealers are armed, the risk to the public is even greater. As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the fentanyl dealers who peddle this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Hampshire State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation 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.
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Fairfax Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Interfering and Assaulting Flight AttendantRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Kameron C. Stone, 29, of Fairfax, Virginia, pled guilty on Tuesday to interfering with flight crew and assault by striking and wounding in special aircraft jurisdiction. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
On April 16, 2021, Stone boarded a flight departing from Dulles International Airport in Virginia bound for Pensacola International Airport. During the flight, passengers noticed Stone was behaving obnoxiously and smelled strongly of alcohol. A flight attendant warned Stone on several occasions about his behavior, which included pretending to shoot at passengers, refusing to remain seated or wear a seatbelt, and reaching for the cockpit door. As the flight began its final descent, Stone approached the front of the aircraft and tried to open the cabin and cockpit doors. A flight attendant attempted to prevent Stone from opening the doors and, as a result, Stone pushed her, grabbed her shoulders, and shoved her into the galley wall, injuring her in the process. During the altercation, Stone successfully breached the main cabin door to the external portion of the plane, triggering the alarm and causing the pilots to declare an emergency with the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight attendant prevented Stone from fully opening the door while three passengers, to include an off-duty Deputy United States Marshal, subdued Stone until landing.
Sentencing in this case is currently set for April 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge T.K. Wetherell, II. Stone faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Essex County Man and Union County Man Charged with Scheme to Steal Checks and Defraud BanksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two people were arrested today for their roles in a scheme to steal and alter checks from the mail by using stolen U.S. Postal Service keys that access mail receptacles and to fraudulently obtain funds from banks by depositing the stolen and altered checks, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Baba Diakite, 20, of East Orange, New Jersey, and Nasir Johnson, 22, of Hillside, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with bank fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mail theft and possess stolen mail, and the theft and possession of U.S. Postal Service keys. Both defendants are scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least January 2020 to October 2021, Diakite, Johnson, and others conspired to steal checks from the mail in Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties. They sold the checks to third parties or deposited them, sometimes in altered or duplicate form, into the bank accounts of complicit accountholders who had provided access to their bank accounts for the scheme. Diakite obtained stolen official USPS keys, which he used to access mail and steal checks directly from USPS receptacles. Johnson also was in possession of at least one of those keys.
The bank fraud conspiracy is punishable by a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The conspiracy to commit mail theft and possess stolen mail is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the theft and possession of stolen USPS keys is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The bank fraud conspiracy also carries a fine of up to $1 million. All other charges are punishable by a maximum potential fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office; and special agents with the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, with the investigation leading to today’s arrests. He also thanked the Hillside, Livingston, Millburn, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Roselle Park, South Plainfield, Warren Township, and Watchung police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tazneen Shahabuddin of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
District of Columbia Fire/EMS Employees Arrested on Charges Alleging Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Two District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) employees were arrested today on conspiracy and bribery charges for allegedly accepting payments from a District of Columbia contractor in exchange for directing purchase agreements and orders to the contractor and then falsely certifying that goods that FEMS had paid for had been delivered.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Louis “Joey” Mitchell, 50, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and Charity Keys, 43, of Bowie, Maryland, are charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with bribery and conspiracy. They are to make an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia before Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather.
According to court documents, Mitchell, a FEMS warehouse supply technician, and Keys, a FEMS contract administrator, accepted bribes over the course of several years—including a bribe of $20,000 each—from the owner of a Maryland limited liability company contractually obligated to provide various goods to FEMS and other District of Columbia agencies. In exchange, Mitchell and Keys allegedly directed purchase agreements and purchase orders to the company and confirmed delivery of and payment for goods that the company did not deliver.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and D.C. Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to April 2020 MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Andres Bello pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to the April 18, 2020 murder of Jorge Miguel Cabrera. U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “In the early morning of April 18, 2020, Andres Bello was involved in a shooting that ultimately killed Miguel Cabrera in connection with a failed drug transaction. This case is yet another tragic reminder of the violence that often accompanies narcotics trafficking. We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe by vigorously investigating and prosecuting acts of violence and drug trafficking.”
According to the allegations in the Second Superseding Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
On or about April 18, 2020, BELLO and other members of a Bronx-based narcotics trafficking organization, including Humberto Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Bori,” and Jason Tavarez, a/k/a “RATATAA,” attempted to purchase one kilogram of cocaine on East 175th Street in the Bronx. After obtaining the buyers’ money, the sellers attempted to flee the scene. At that point, BELLO passed a firearm to Humberto Rodriguez who fired the gun at the sellers’ vehicles, striking Cabrera in the spine. Cabrera ultimately died from the gunshot wound.
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BELLO, 32, pled guilty to one count of murder through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j) and 2, which carries a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment.
On February 9, 2022, co-defendant Jason Tavarez, a/k/a “RATATAA,” 38, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
On November 22, 2021, co-defendant Humberto Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Bori,” pled guilty to one count of murder through the use of a firearm. On July 27, 2021, co-defendant, Alex Melendez, pled guilty to narcotics and firearms offenses. On November 11, 2021, co-defendant, Sharone Lewis pled guilty to a narcotics offense.
The maximum and minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter J. Davis, Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo, and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.
Customs Broker Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Tax Evasion and Scheme to Defraud Japanese Retail Chain Out of $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A customs broker was arrested today on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with evading the payment of $1.5 million in taxes and engaging in a $3.4 million wire fraud scheme that overcharged a Japanese variety store client on customs duties.
Frank Seung Noah, 59, of Corona, self-surrendered to law enforcement and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana. He is charged with one count of tax evasion and three counts of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Noah owned and operated Comis International Inc., a logistics and supply-chain company based out of Cerritos, which offered customs import brokerage services on behalf of businesses. From 2007 to 2019, Comis was a customs import broker for Daiso, a Japan-based variety and value store with stores in the United States, including Southern California.
From March 2016 until February 2019, Noah – acting through Comis – paid customs import duty fees to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Daiso’s behalf. Noah then allegedly submitted invoices to Daiso that fraudulently inflated the customs import duty fees that Noah had paid to CBP. As a result of Noah’s scheme, Daiso paid the inflated invoices, causing Noah to fraudulently obtain a total of at least approximately $3,379,774, the indictment alleges.
For example, on September 15, 2017, Daiso wired $192,486 to a Noah-controlled bank account, of which approximately $74,840 was a result of inflated invoices, according to the indictment.
Noah also allegedly willfully attempted to evade the payment of approximately $1,562,684 in federal taxes which the IRS assessed against him for the calendar years 2008, 2009 and 2010. He allegedly did so by making small payments to the IRS, all while making much larger payments on mortgages for properties he controlled – even though they were bought in his girlfriend’s name – including his Corona residence purchased in 2016 and a vacation property in Rancho Mirage that was purchased the following year.
Noah allegedly used funds transferred to his girlfriend’s bank account to pay the mortgage on the Corona property and to a country club. In September 2017, after Noah received approximately $147,148 from the sale of a property he owned in Carson, he wrote a $120,000 check to his girlfriend. He also allegedly made false statements to the IRS during this time by underreporting his income.
From 2014 to 2017, Noah allegedly cashed more than $7 million in checks instead of depositing the funds into his personal or business bank accounts to conceal his control over such funds.
Including penalties and interest, as of February 2022, Noah owes approximately $2,012,618 to the IRS, according to the indictment.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of all charges, Noah would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the tax evasion count and 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count.
IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Ahn and Daniel Lim of the Santa Ana Branch Office are prosecuting this case.
Convicted Knoxville Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug and Money Laundering CrimesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On February 9, 2022, Ronald Turner, 25, of Knoxville, was sentenced to life in prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The sentencing follows Turner’s federal trial last July in which a jury convicted him and six other gang members of conspiring to distribute various controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, oxycodone, alprazolam, and buprenorphine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), (C), (D), and (E). Witnesses testified at trial that Turner, while serving a state prison sentence in the Tennessee Department of Corrections in Middle Tennessee for attempted second-degree murder, used contraband cell phones in the prison to organize multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine to other members of a violent street gang known as the Unknown Ghost Vice Lords in East Tennessee. The jury also convicted Turner and other defendants of conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1956(h). According to court documents, seven other charged members of the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.
In determining the sentence, Judge Varlan considered several aggravating factors, including Turner’s role as a leader and organizer of the crimes, his distribution of drugs within the Tennessee state prison, and his direction that other gang members recruit minors to help commit the crimes. Judge Varlan further ruled that the sentence be served consecutively to Turner’s undischarged term of imprisonment in his state case. The remaining defendants who were convicted in July will be sentenced in the coming months.
“Turner was part of a gang that trafficked in lethal drugs, resulting in devastation and death within our community. This sentence sends a powerful message that incarcerated individuals who continue to engage in drug trafficking and who use minors to flood the community with drugs will face justice,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “This case is an example of the Department of Justice’s comprehensive strategy to target and prosecute the most serious offenders who pose the greatest threats to safety and peace within the community.”
“Illegal drug trafficking continues to have a devastating and horrific impact on communities throughout our nation. This life sentence sends a very strong message to those who engage in these unlawful activities. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and apprehending those who terrorize our communities with their reckless and illegal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico.
“Contraband cellphones are a significant security threat that makes criminal conspiracies possible between people inside our correctional environment and those on the outside,” said TDOC Interim Commissioner Lisa Helton. “Illegal cellphones have been used to orchestrate drug operations and other criminal activities that cause devastating consequences for public safety. The Tennessee Department of Correction is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to put an end to this type of activity that threatens our facilities and our communities.”
"Without question, the conviction and sentencing of this defendant will have a profound effect on public safety and quality of life, most significantly in the inner-city where Turner committed numerous acts of violence as an influential gang member. I am extremely proud of the work that KPD investigators Brandon Stryker and Brandon Glover did over an extensive period of time to dismantle a violent inner-city gang, of which Turner was a member. In their capacity as KPD investigators assigned as task force officers to the FBI, they worked collaboratively with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's office, and their colleagues in KPD's Organized Crime Unit to end this defendant's contributions to creating fear in the lives of citizens who seek only to raise their families in a safe community," said Captain Tony Willis, KDP Organized Crimes Unit. "We are likewise grateful for the support and collaboration of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting this violent inner-city gang."
This conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation conducted by the Knoxville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cleveland Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also assisted in this investigation by conducting drug and firearms analysis on seized evidence in the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Lewen, Jr. and Brent N. Jones represented the United States.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement against criminal networks.
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Clearfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing Materials Depicting the Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Amanda Nichelle Downs, 30, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to Sept. 1, 2019, Downs produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Downs.
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.
Cedar Park Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Unregistered Destructive Device During Austin ProtestRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A Cedar Park man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for possessing parts of a destructive device, a Molotov cocktail, with the intent to construct such a device during an evening protest in Austin on May 30, 2020.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cyril Lartigue, 27, was caught on videotape manufacturing a destructive device while in a parking lot directly adjacent to the Austin Municipal Court entrance. While making the device, Lartigue was interrupted by the oncoming presence of Austin Police Department officers heading in his direction. Lartigue fled the area, leaving the device behind, but returned within minutes to retrieve it. Police officers later arrested Lartigue inside a nearby portable toilet where he had changed clothes. Inside his backpack officers recovered materials used to manufacture a destructive device, including beer bottles, a bottle with lighter fluid, cloth rags, and a butane lighter along with the clothes he was previously wearing.
Lartigue was convicted following a jury trial in October 2021.
“The sentence imposed today demonstrates our office’s commitment to the prosecution of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Peaceful protest cannot and must not be conflated with violence and the construction of dangerous weapons like Molotov cocktails. The prosecution and sentence in this case should serve as a deterrent to those considering similar acts in the future.”
“Our constitutional right to peacefully protest is sacrosanct and must be protected,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski. “People like the defendant who bring illegal and dangerous weapons to a protest should be prosecuted to protect and preserve that right for us all. I want to thank the jury for listening to all the evidence and sending the message that taking dangerous and destructive devices to protests will not be tolerated.”
The ATF, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke and Gabriel Cohen are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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.
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Cayuga County Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Workman, age 33, of Conquest, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Darren Miller, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of the Office of Special Investigation for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS); and Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
As part of his guilty plea, Workman, who has prior felony convictions for arson and burglary offenses, admitted that he possessed a .30-06 caliber rifle and ammunition. and discharged the rifle at his residence in Conquest on October 6, 2020.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start after Workman is released from prison. Workman was also sentenced to 15 months in prison for violating his parole in New York State based on the same conduct; those 15 months in state prison will not be credited toward his federal term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DOCCS, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download
California CEO Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for employment tax crimes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Todd Lucas controlled TradeMotion Inc. (TradeMotion), a company that sold software to automotive dealerships. Lucas controlled TradeMotion’s business and financial affairs, and therefore had a legal duty to withhold employment taxes on behalf of the company’s employees and pay those funds to the IRS. From the fourth quarter of 2011 through the third quarter of 2015, Lucas collected more than $2.1 million in withholdings from TradeMotion employees and issued them W-2 forms. However, he paid only $760,017 of these funds to the IRS. Lucas also did not pay to the IRS employment taxes withheld on behalf of the employees of other companies he controlled, causing an additional tax loss of more than $3.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battalia ordered Lucas to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $4.9 million in restitution.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman of the Southern District of California made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles A. O’Reilly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Butte meth trafficker sentenced to seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Anthony Wayne Lamere, 33, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement became aware that Lamere was involved in drug trafficking from numerous witnesses who identified him as dealing drugs. When arrested in April 2021, Lamere admitted to agents that he was dealing drugs and had been selling a quarter pound of meth a week for several months.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte Silver Bow law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Bronx, New York, Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 Worth of iPhonesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx woman was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $200,000 worth of Apple iPhones, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Rosanna Lucrecia Cruel Blanco, 39, of Bronx, New York, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Clair C. Cecchi to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From December 2017 to January 2020, Blanco and her conspirators devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain replacement cellular phones from an insurance company – Company 1 – by assuming the identities of wireless customers and filing false claims under Company 1’s handset insurance program. The handsets were predominantly Apple iPhones with a value of approximately $700 to $1,000 per handset.
Blanco and her conspirators contacted Company 1, posed as legitimate customers, and submitted false claims to Company 1 for damage, theft, or loss on hundreds of handsets owned by the customers. Blanco and her conspirators provided Company 1 with false identification – typically a fake New York or New Jersey driver’s license falsified to reflect the name of the legitimate customer. They also provided Company 1 with new shipping contact names and addresses that were different from the actual customer names and addresses. The new shipping addresses included locations in the Bronx, Yonkers, White Plains, Manhattan, and various locations in New Jersey.
Based on the false claims and the fake identifications, Company 1 shipped the replacement cellular telephones via UPS or FedEx to the new contact names and addresses provided by Blanco and her conspirators. The shipped Apple iPhones were then picked up by Blanco and her conspirators. More than 100 replacement cellular telephones were shipped to Blanco and her conspirators and total losses exceeded $200,000.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Blanco to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution and forfeiture of $246,025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Brockton man sentenced to more than seven years in prison for assault on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Brockton man who admitted beating and seriously injuring another person at his home on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years and four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
James Michael Garcia, 29, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 26, 2018, Garcia beat the victim, identified as Jane Doe, after an argument over the phone with a relative of the victim. The victim suffered serious bodily injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.
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Bowling Green Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, KY returned an indictment on yesterday charging a Bowling Green, KY man with possessing multiple firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and with possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on or about January 24, 2022, Jimmy Norris, 45, of Bowling Green, KY possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. On or about January 24, 2022, Norris, a convicted felon, possessed a Sig Sauer P320 semiautomatic pistol, a Colt Government MKIV/Series 70 semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger LCR revolver, a Superior Arms Inc. S15 semiautomatic rifle with bump stock, a Savage 110 rifle, a weapon made from a New England Firearms Pardner SB1 .20-gauge shotgun, with a barrel length of less than eighteen (18) inches, and ammunition. Norris was previously convicted of the following felonies: First-Degree Promoting Contraband, First-Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, First-Degree Wanton Endangerment, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On or about January 24, 2022, Norris also possessed a Sig Sauer P320 semiautomatic pistol, in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. Finally, on or about January 24, 2022, Norris possessed a weapon made from a New England Firearms Pardner SB1, .20-gauge shotgun, having a barrel length of less than eighteen (18) inches, that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Norris is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The defendant is scheduled for his arraignment on February 23, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Brent Brennenstuhl of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Bon Secour Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Armed Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Bon Secour, Alabama, man was sentenced to 241 months in prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of those crimes.
Jacob Steven Miller, 26, pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of carrying a firearm in furtherance of those drug crimes in May of 2020. Court documents showed that Miller had two run-ins with law enforcement and each time he had methamphetamine and a gun with him. In May of 2019, Miller wrecked a stolen motorcycle while attempting to flee from law enforcement. He attempted to run from the scene with a backpack but due to a knee injury he was unable to leave the scene on foot. The backpack contained about a ounce of methamphetamine and a gun. In February of 2020, Miller was a passenger in a vehicle that an Alabama state trooper attempted to stop for Miller’s failure to wear a seat belt. The driver of the vehicle accelerated, and the trooper pursued until other officers joined the chase and forced the vehicle to stop. Miller threw a black bag out of the vehicle that was recovered by troopers. It contained 730 grams of methamphetamine, other drug-related evidence, approximately $3,500 in cash and a gun. Miller had been implicated by other defendants convicted in federal court as a methamphetamine distributor in Baldwin County.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Illegal Firearm SalesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 2 years in prison for trafficking firearms in a Virginia Beach apartment complex.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2021, Tyereis Smith, 19, along with Jhaimeek Carter, 19, also of Virginia Beach, illegally sold an Honor Guard 9-millimeter pistol, a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle, and a Bay State 12-gauge sawed off shotgun in exchange for money. In the two weeks that followed, Smith was involved in the sale of two additional firearms, one of which was sold to a convicted felon.
On March 28, 2021, Virginia Beach Police executed search warrants on Smith’s and Carter’s residences. In Smith’s apartment, they found marijuana, digital scales, and ammunition. In Carter’s apartment, they recovered crack cocaine, ammunition, and a firearm.
Smith is a law enforcement-confirmed member of Bounty Hunter Watts, a set of the Bloods gang. Carter is also gang-affiliated and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on January 25.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Bird prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-92.
Birmingham Man Charged in Carjacking Appears in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man charged last month for carjacking and possessing a firearm was arraigned today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Staci G. Cornelius arraigned Clearance Speed, Jr., aka Bo Peep, 24, on charges of carjacking and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime in March 2021. Speed was ordered detained pending trial.
The maximum penalty for carjacking is 15 years in prison. The minimum penalty for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime is a mandatory seven years in prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthan Carroll, age 36, of Albany, pled guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine, making fake government identification documents, using others’ identification information to open a U.S. Post Office Box, and aggravated identity theft.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Carroll admitted to selling a total of 277.41 grams of methamphetamine and sending a portion of that methamphetamine through the U.S. mail. Carroll also admitted to opening a Clifton Park P.O. Box—using other people’s personally identifying information without their permission—in order to receive mailed shipments of methamphetamine. He also admitted to making two fake government identification documents, one of which used another person’s personally identifying information without that person’s permission, bearing Carroll’s photograph.
Carroll faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life, and a fine of up to $10 million. The aggravated identity theft conviction carries a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment to be imposed consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The defendant also faces a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. 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. Sentencing is set for June 9, 2022, in Albany, before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
This case was investigated by HSI and USPIS, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C. Powers.
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York Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Joel Nieves Ortega, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 3, 2022, to 10 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, in March and September 2019, Ortega received and attempted to receive, parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail to York. Ortega also sent money back to Puerto Rico paying for the cocaine.
Ortega’s co-defendants Luis Manuel Quesada Rodriguez, Alex Rivera Ramos, Jose Colon Declet, and Pedro Diaz have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dalke is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was also part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Woman Indicted for Serial Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
A Dallas woman has been indicted for committing a string of bank robberies, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Patricia Maldonado, 34, was indicted last week on three counts of bank robbery. At a detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver ordered her detained pending her trial, which is set for April 11.
The indictment alleges Ms. Maldonado robbed at least three Dallas banks in the fall of 2019: Comerica Bank on Fort Worth Avenue, Chase Bank on Mockingbird Lane, and Chase Bank on Coit Road.
She was eventually identified by a concerned citizen who recognized her face in surveillance images included in a news release, according to a criminal complaint filed in January.
Per the complaint, Ms. Maldonado, who always wore a baseball cap of some sort, generally entered the banks, handed the tellers a note demanding money and stating she had a gun, and fled on foot with the cash. On at least one occasion, she was caught on camera hopping into a silver Jeep Patriot parked at a nearby gas station.
Following the concerned citizen’s identification of Ms. Maldonado, law enforcement conducted an analysis of her social media presence, noting the resemblance between her and the suspect. On her Facebook page, they found a photo of her wearing a sweatshirt identical to one worn by the suspect in the Comerica robbery. On her sister’s Facebook page, they found multiple photos of her posing beside her sister’s silver Jeep Patriot.
On Jan. 29, officers arrested Ms. Maldonado at her place of employment. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Ms. Maldonado positively identified herself in surveillance photos from all the robberies.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Ms. Maldonado is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin is prosecuting the case.
Winnemucca Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Stealing Multiple Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. — A Winnemucca man who admitted to organizing a robbery and stealing more than two dozen firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) was sentenced today to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
George Wyatt Elms (34) pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of theft of firearms from the premises of a Federal Firearms Licensee. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du ordered Elms to pay $17,187.96 in restitution.
According to court documents, on February 19, 2020, Elms and two other individuals broke into a hardware store in Winnemucca by removing a panel in the roof, dropping down approximately ten feet onto a nearby staircase, and then breaking through the store’s door. Once inside, they broke into a gun case and stole 25 firearms. Before carrying out the robbery, they had intentionally set a fire in a nearby field to divert law enforcement away from the store.
Co-defendant Travis Klyn pleaded guilty in September 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Winnemucca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Wilmington Man Sentenced to over 8 Years for Federal Drug Distribution and Weapon OffensesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Robert Rodriguez, age 58, was sentenced today to 105 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, on August 10, 2020, FBI conducted a search of the defendant’s apartment in the 1300 block of W. 4th Street, Wilmington, Delaware, and a nearby garage where law enforcement recovered over 100 bundles of fentanyl, a loaded black Glock handgun 9mm, and $18,268 in cash.
“Illegal drug dealing fuels an epidemic of addiction and violence, which challenges our communities and law enforcement officers on a daily basis. Fentanyl is a particularly lethal drug, causing most of Delaware’s overdose deaths in 2021. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who choose to distribute drugs while illegally possessing firearms, and I wish to thank our law enforcement partners for investigating this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss.
“Today’s sentencing exemplifies the commitment FBI Baltimore has to work with our local, state and federal partners to target and dismantle drug dealers that threaten the safety of our communities,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski. “The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will continue to use every resource available to investigate and prosecute dealers like Robert Rodriquez and remove dangerous criminals from the neighborhoods of Wilmington.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce in the Wilmington Resident Agency.
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. 20-062-MN.
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.
Willcox Resident Sentenced to 210 Months for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Joshua William Scheu, 37, of Willcox, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 210 months in prison. Scheu previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
In November 2004, Scheu pulled his vehicle over to the side of the road where the victim was waiting for some friends on the Gila River Indian Nation. Scheu then got out of his vehicle, chased the child, pushed her into a cornfield, and forcibly raped her. The case remained “cold” until 2019 when DNA led to the identification of Scheu as the perpetrator. The victim was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Nation.
Upon release from prison, Scheu will be placed on lifetime supervised release with stringent sex offender conditions. He also will be required to register as a sex offender and to complete a sex offender treatment program.
“This case is another great example of the meaningful role that DNA testing has had in solving cold cases,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We are grateful for the tenacity of our law enforcement partners in continuing to pursue cases until the offenders are brought to justice.”
"This sentencing should send a clear message to those who sexually harm innocent children in our community," said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. "The FBI is committed to preventing violent crimes against children and to bring those who harm them to justice, no matter how long it takes. Thanks to the dedicated work from our agents and our law enforcement partners who aggressively pursue these heinous criminals, this individual will finally be held accountable for his actions."
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 the DOJ 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carin C. Duryee and Julie A. Sottosanti, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 19-2615-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-010_Scheu# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.West Monroe Man Convicted of Murder-for-Hire Plot Sentenced to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Steven Marcus Kelley, 48, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot. The sentence handed down today was the maximum possible penalty under the law that Kelley could have received.
Kelley was convicted by a federal jury in October 2021, following a trial in United States District Court. He was found guilty of use of a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. The charge stemmed from a letter that Kelley wrote while incarcerated at Ouachita Correctional Center (OCC) and awaiting trial for charges of rape and molestation. In the letter, Kelley tried to hire someone to kill his ex-wife, who is the mother of the victims in the sex crimes case.
Evidence introduced at the federal trial revealed that Kelley obtained the address of an individual in Monroe from another inmate at OCC and mailed the letter to that individual. Believing the individual who lived at that address would carry out the murder, Kelley offered “$10k for the job” for the individual to put “2 in the chest, 2 in the head” and to “make sure it counts.” Kelley drew a map in both blue and black ink of the area where his ex-wife worked. In an effort to avoid the letter and crime being traced back to him, Kelley used another inmate’s name for the return address. He caused the letter to be mailed from OCC via the United States Postal Service.
On the night of December 10, 2019, the individual who lived at the address to where Kelley mailed the letter received and read the contents of the letter. The letter provided a physical description of the victim, the vehicle she drove, where she worked and her normal schedule to arrive at work. The letter stated that it “HAS to look like a robbery.” Realizing that the letter was soliciting someone to commit a murder, the individual took the letter to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office the next morning. Law enforcement officers obtained surveillance video from OCC and the video revealed that on December 5, 2019, Kelley was sitting on his bed writing a letter. Kelley can be seen in the video alternating between two different pens, which was consistent with the two ink colors used to draw the map. Later that same day, Kelley can be seen taking an envelope into the cell of the inmate who provided the address of the hopeful hitman. Kelley sat on the fellow inmate’s bed and addressed the letter. Moments later, the inmate whose name Kelley used on the return address of the letter entered the cell and engaged in a conversation with Kelley and the other inmate. That evening, Kelley can be seen giving the letter to another inmate who in turns gives it to a correctional officer for mailing.
On December 30, 2019, law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the Pods at the OCC where Kelley was housed at the time of the incident. Deputies found in Kelley’s belongings a blue and black in pen. They found in the other inmate’s bunk the address of the individual to whom Kelley mailed the letter.
The case was investigated by the FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Leon H. Whitten.
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Webster Woman Charged with Theft, Embezzlement, and Misapplication by Bank EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Webster, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft, Embezzlement, and Misapplication by Bank Employee.
Angelica Jean Gebur, age 43, was indicted on February 1, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 8, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about March 22, 2018, and continuing through June 18, 2021, Gebur, who was an employee of CorTrust Bank, a financial institution whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, embezzled, abstracted, purloined, and willfully misapplied more than $1,000 of moneys, funds, assets, and securities intrusted to the custody and care of CorTrust Bank.
The charge is merely an accusation and Gebur is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Gebur was released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty in Paycheck Protection Program Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A Virginia man who laundered over $900,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds pled guilty on February 8, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. Benjamin Sakyi, age 31, from Dumfries, Virginia, formerly of Ghana, was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provided emergency financial assistance, including Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) funds, to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence at the plea hearing, and a prior detention hearing in Virginia, showed that Sakyi received over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds at three different financial institutions in the names of two Virginia corporations, Blue Flight Logistics LLC and NKB Enterprise LLC. Sakyi then transferred the funds elsewhere. Sakyi received the CARES Act funds from a Minnesota man, Donald Franklin Trosin, formerly of Armonstrong, Iowa. Trosin had submitted over 20 fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications to the Small Business Administration in the name of Trosin and another individual at Minnesota and Iowa financial institutions. Trosin falsely represented he had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sakyi remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sakyi faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. In July 2021, the district court sentenced Trosin to 40 months in federal prison for his role in the money laundering conspiracy.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department's response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4013. The case file number for Donald Trosin’s case is 20-CR-4066.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina Commemorates National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAPM), a time to raise awareness about this all-too-common issue, focus efforts on ending the violence, and share resources for teens experiencing violence, survivors, and their communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina is proud to stand with survivors and share a new resource funded by the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), the Teens and Technology Resource Series. There is a significant intersection of technology and teen dating violence, and misuse of technology is an increasingly common tactic on the part of harmful partners. The Teens and Technology resources aim to help adults who teach, work with, and care for teenagers understand technology from their perspective to empower teenagers to safely navigate relationships and technology use. These resources include examples of technology abuse, uses and misuses of social media applications, and five ways to engage with young people.
“The pandemic has made everything more challenging – for children and youth, advocates across the country have reported an uptick in online abuse as younger folks spend more time online,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall. “The Teens and Tech Resource Series can help adults meaningfully engage with young people, empowering them to recognize abuse and unhealthy relationships, prevent future violence, and use technology safely. Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month gives us the opportunity to put a spotlight on these projects, as well as OVW’s year-round commitment to ending dating violence.”
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Safety Net Project developed the Teens and Tech Resource Series in partnership with eleven24, a teen violence prevention program dedicated to reducing the prevalence of relationship abuse and sexual violence through media literacy and identity affirmation.
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking, there are many services available to help, including:
- Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, 1-866-331-9474, text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, or visit loveisrespect.org;
- State, territory and tribal sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions, which can direct you to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved; and
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline, which offers online chat on their website and a hotline – at 1-844-7NATIVE (or 1-844-762-8483) and provides culturally-appropriate services and advocacy to American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against Dansville Rental Property OwnersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a settlement agreement has been reached with the current and former owners of Midtown Motel, LLC, a residential rental property in Dansville, NY, who were named as defendants in a Fair Housing Act complaint. The Government alleged that the owners of Midtown Motel discriminated against Cheryl Martinez based on her disability by refusing to rent to Martinez because of her assistance animal.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Smith, who is handling the case, stated that Ms. Martinez’s emotional support dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier, was prescribed by her primary care physician as part of a therapeutic plan to treat her psychiatric conditions. In November 2016, Ms. Martinez was homeless and seeking affordable housing. She agreed to rent a unit at the Midtown Motel, but, upon learning of her emotional support animal, the property manager refused to rent to her and asked that she vacate the unit.
“Individuals with disabilities should not face discrimination in housing,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “The settlement of this lawsuit is an opportunity to educate tenants and landlords alike that denying someone housing because of a disability is illegal under the Fair Housing Act.”
The Consent Decree, agreed to by the Government and Midtown Motel past and present owners, and signed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, requires the current owner of Midtown Motel to maintain non-discriminatory policies, provide Fair Housing Act training to employees, and submit to compliance and reporting requirements for two years. In addition, the former owners of Midtown Motel paid Ms. Martinez $30,000 in damages.
The Complaint was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Martinez was represented by Lisa Pantuso, Esq. and Laurie Lambrix, Esq. of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status (having one or more children under 18), national origin and disability. Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination should contact the Department of Justice toll-free at 1-833-591-0291, by email at [email protected], or submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov. Such individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
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Thirteen Individuals Charged in Drug and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Thirteen Individuals Charged In Drug and Money Laundering Conspiracies
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced that an indictment was unsealed today charging 13 individuals with drug and money laundering crimes. The drug crime is for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely Fentanyl including counterfeit Fentanyl pills, cocaine and cocaine base, methamphetamine and marijuana. The money laundering crime is for money laundering conspiracy, namely engaging in monetary transactions to launder drug proceeds.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.
Named in the federal indictment were:
- CESAR MATIA GARCIA, a.k.a. “Cee,” - 27 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- KYLE ALLAN KENNARD, a.k.a. “Whopp Dogg,” a.k.a. “Dogg,” a.k.a., “Whopp,” – 36 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- LEO BRADLEY TODD, a.k.a. “LWay,” a.k.a. “Sway,” – 32 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- CORDERALLA PIERA CAMPBELL, a.k.a. “Chi,” a.k.a. “Teezy,” – 33 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- PERISE JAAMAR SMITH, a.k.a. “P,” - 32 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- JALIN DEANDRE GARDNER, a.k.a. “Styles,” a.k.a. “Stizie,” 28 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- MARCOS ANTONIO MONARREZ, - 22 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- ISMAEL RODRIGUEZ, - 19 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy,
- KAPRI FATIMA OLDHAM, - 24 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for both drug and money laundering conspiracies,
- RAMIKA SHANEE BOAZE, - 29 of Phoenix, Arizona; Indicted for drug conspiracy
- BRIANNA TESHARRI BLAKE, - 24 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy,
- DARRION LANAE WASHINGTON, a.k.a. “Hannah,” - 27 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy,
- CATEASHA LATREASE WELLS-IVY, of Detroit, Michigan – 35 of Detroit, Michigan; Indicted for money laundering conspiracy.
Of the thirteen defendants, 9 have been arrested in Detroit and will be appearing in federal court this afternoon for their arraignment. Two defendants have been arrested in Arizona and will be appearing in federal court for their removal proceedings this afternoon.
"With these arrests, a major fentanyl distribution organization has been dismantled,” stated US Attorney Ison. “I’d like to thank the entire law enforcement team that worked so hard on this case. This case demonstrates cooperation and teamwork at its best.”
“Today’s arrests are the result of an aggressive strategy to target those who allegedly profit off the distribution of counterfeit pills laced with deadly amounts of fentanyl. DEA will continue to investigate those responsible for distributing illegal drugs throughout our communities in an effort to save lives,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kent Kleinschmidt
The indictment alleges that since at least February of 2019, the majority of defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, Fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana. The indictment alleges that over 500 grams of cocaine, Fentanyl and methamphetamine were involved in the conspiracy. In addition, several defendants have been charged with money laundering, which in this case is engaging in monetary transactions to launder drug proceeds.
In conjunction with the unsealing of the indictment, DEA special agents, along with agents and officers from other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, executed numerous search warrants at various locations throughout Michigan and Phoenix, Arizona.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation was conducted by special agents of the DEA, Detroit Division, Phoenix Division, Louisville Division (Lexington Office), and law enforcement officials from Michigan State Police, Kentucky State Police, Wayne County Airport Police Department, US Marshals Service, US Border Patrol, White Lake Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Portelli and Alyse Wu.
Third Individual Convicted for 2017 and 2018 Armed Robberies in Selma and Wilson, NCRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Johnston County man Monday on two counts of aiding and abetting robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during those robberies.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on December 20, 2017, the defendant, James “Silky” Hall, rode with his girlfriend, Teresa McDougald, and his friend, Frenchie Hooks to the Short Stop in Selma, NC. About 9:10 p.m. that night, Hall and McDougald went into the store to scope it out. McDougald bought a few small items, and they left.
After leaving, they told Hooks that now is a good time for the robbery. Frenchie, wearing a gray and black hooded sweatshirt, a mask, and latex gloves took the gun provided by Hall and headed into the store. He pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded the money. He got the money out of the cash register and “pulled a bunch” of unsold scratch off lottery tickets.
Hooks fled the store and met back up with Hall and McDougald. They went to Hall’s father’s apartment, and Hall divvyed up their loot. Hall and McDougald then went to three different stores and cashed the winning scratch offs.
On January 15, 2018, the trio decided to rob Sweet Dreams in Wilson, NC. McDougald again drove Hall and Hooks to the robbery. Hooks, wearing a brown jacket, a mask, and latex gloves, went inside. He pulled out the gun provided by Hall, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. After taking the money, the trio fled. Hall again divided the money.
The jury found Hall guilty of all four counts as well as an enhancement for brandishing the firearm.
Hall faces a mandatory fourteen-year imprisonment term with the possibility of up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for the May 9 term of court.
Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The case was investigated by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Selma Police Department with support from the Benson Police Department and Johnston County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:19-CR-00423-FL.
Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss.- A Dallas, Texas man was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, from November 2014 through March 2018, Brandon Deshanta Miller, 35, conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Texas into central Mississippi. This case is the result of an extensive investigation dubbed “Operation Highlife,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Attorney Erin Chalk and Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Statement from Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women ActRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco issued the following statement today after the introduction of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in Congress:
“The Department of Justice applauds the introduction of legislation by a bipartisan group of Senators to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Last fall, I had the honor of testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the enormous impact that VAWA has had in combating domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. As I told the Senate Judiciary Committee then, I know from my personal experience helping to research the original VAWA legislation in the 1990s that the new tools and resources from this reauthorization are critical to modernizing our efforts to prevent and end these crimes. The department urges Congress to swiftly pass this essential legislation.”
St. Louis City corrections officer pleads guilty to violating the civil rights of a prisonerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Matthew T. Schelp accepted a plea of guilty from Demeria Thomas, age 38, on today’s date for deprivation of rights under color of law related to her knowingly allowing inmates to assault another inmate while in his cell at the St. Louis City Justice Center. A grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri previously indicted Thomas in July 2021. Judge Schelp set sentencing for May 10, 2022.
According to the indictment, on March 22, 2021, Demeria Thomas was employed by the City of St. Louis as a Corrections Officer at the City Justice Center. Thomas was on duty at the City Justice Center on March 22, 2021, and acted, at all times relevant hereto, under color of law.
Thomas was operating a control panel which locked and unlocked cells in her area of responsibility. After engaging in conversation with two inmates, Thomas unlocked a specific cell door. This allowed the two inmates to enter and physically assault another inmate.
In addition, Thomas directed other inmates to stay away, prohibiting them from coming to the aid of the victim. Several minutes after the assault began, Thomas walked to the open door of the cell as the suspects continued the assault. Thomas calmly instructed the suspects to leave the cell. After they had left, Thomas closed the door to the cell, making no effort to render aid to the bleeding and incapacitated victim. Thomas also failed to disclose the assault and filed no report of the incident.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 40 Years on Distribution of Methamphetamine, International Money Laundering, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Greenville, South Carolina man was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, international money laundering, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiring to obstruct justice.
Joshua Joseph Desorcy, 37 of Greenville, SC, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering with the intent to promote the carrying on of a specified unlawful activity, one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of conspiring to obstruct justice.
According to court documents, beginning in 2020, Desorcy was responsible for coordinating the importation of methamphetamine shipments by directing his co-conspirators to make numerous trips to Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas, to pick up large quantities of methamphetamine from accomplices in those cities who acted as conduit from various sources in Mexico. Desorcy coordinated these pickups by directing the wiring of funds to various recipients in Mexico as identified by indicted co-conspirator, Amy Deanna Cobb, 35 of Seneca, SC.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia, Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Murphy is prosecuting the case.