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3 February 2022
Federal Prison Sentence for Possession of Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Nylere Stanford, 28, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark on the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2019, the U.S. Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force and Wilmington Police Department (WPD) conducted a search of Stanford’s residence while executing an arrest warrant for him. Law enforcement recovered a loaded silver and black Taurus PT 24/7 9 mm handgun from the couch where the defendant had been resting.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The prevalence of gun crimes continues to plague our community. Consequently, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms is a priority for my office. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their diligence in investigating this case.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from WPD and the U.S. Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force, conducted the investigation.
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.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Benton County Email Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a six-count federal indictment charging Ayoola Taiwo Adeoti a/k/a “Gaji,” age 41, with bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy in connection with a business email compromise (BEC) scam that is alleged to have stolen $740,216.79 from Benton County in November 2019.
The indictment alleges that Adeoti directed an individual to set up bank accounts in the Atlanta, Georgia area, in the name of a fictitious business. As alleged in the indictment, a co-conspirator of Adeoti then posed as a contractor of Benton County by using a fraudulent email sent from overseas that mimicked the name of a legitimate contractor frequently employed by the County. As a result of the fraudulent emails, the indictment alleges, Benton County employees believed that the County had received valid electronic funds transfer information to make payment, when in fact Adeoti and his co-conspirators directed payment to one of the bank accounts that Adeoti had fraudulently created. According to the indictment, neither Adeoti nor any of the co-conspirators had any connection to Benton County’s contractor, but based on the fraudulent emails, and resulting instructions to Benton County’s bank, Benton County electronically transferred $740,216.79 of its funds into the bank account in Atlanta fraudulently set up by Adeoti. That same day, as charged in the indictment, a co-conspirator of Adeoti’s withdrew $8,000 in cash from the fraudulently created bank account and handed the cash directly to Adeoti.
“Business email compromise scams, often perpetrated outside of the state, are a recurring problem which illegally siphon funds from our businesses, local governments, and residents throughout Eastern Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “In order to make Eastern Washington communities safer and stronger, we will continue to vigorously prosecute these scammers and those that manage these conspiracies.”
Fortunately, Benton County employees realized that the County had likely been defrauded and immediately contacted law enforcement. Based on court records, this led to the United States Secret Service, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, to execute a seizure warrant on the alleged fraudulent bank account and seize the remaining funds that had not immediately been withdrawn. The United States Attorney’s Office subsequently forfeited the funds through a civil forfeiture action, which resulted in returning $717,201.44 of the stolen funds to Benton County.
“I commend the Benton County Auditor’s Office for quickly realizing what happened and immediately reaching out to law enforcement. Because of their prompt response, our office and the Secret Service have already returned more than 95% of the stolen funds to the people of Benton County,” added U.S. Attorney Waldref.
If convicted, Mr. Adeoti faces the following possible maximum statutory sentences: 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and on each count of wire fraud; 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and on each count of bank fraud.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Spokane Resident Office. This case is being prosecuted by Dan Fruchter and Tyler Tornabene, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington. The civil forfeiture action was prosecuted by Brian M. Donovan, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Criminal Charges Filed Against CEO of Exit 7c, Inc.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on February 2, 2022, an information was filed in federal court in Milwaukee, charging Blessing Egbon with wire fraud.
According to documents filed in court, Egbon was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Exit 7c, Inc., a Milwaukee-headquartered company in the business of selling both bulk fuel and onsite fuel and maintenance services to transportation companies. The documents allege that by no later than August of 2018, Egbon had devised and was executing a fraud scheme in which he repeatedly made materially false and fraudulent statements and representations to actual and potential investors as to (1) his background, experience, and qualifications; (2) the performance and financial health of Exit 7c; and (3) how investor money would be used. The court documents allege that Egbon obtained a total of more than $6 million from investors and used the fraudulently obtained funds largely for personal purposes, including visits to luxury nightclubs, flights on private chartered jets, villa rentals, and payments to himself.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Wisconsin office is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad.
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Falconer Woman Arrested on Child Pornography Charges, Witness Tampering Conspiracy and Destruction of RecordsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Lily A. Brandow, 20, of Falconer, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to commit witness tampering, distribution of child pornography, and destruction of records. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn M. Carter, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2021, Brandow sold a video to a Snapchat user for $20 showing her, her “man” and a third person engaging in sexual relations. Brandow’s “man” is co-defendant Yusef Myrick who was arrested and charged by complaint in December 2021 with production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. The third individual in the video was later identified by investigators as a 16-year-old girl. The complaint further states that Brandow took steps to delete Myrick’s email and social media accounts at Myrick’s instruction. Brandow also facilitated a three-way call between herself, Myrick and a victim. During the call, Myrick threatened the victim not to speak to investigators.
Myrick is accused of engaging in both online and sexual relationships with numerous minor females. When the relationships ended, Myrick cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened the minor females and their families with both physical and psychological harm. Myrick communicated with and sexually exploited at least seven victims primarily through Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office at 716-753-4973, the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 716-464-6070, or [email protected].
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Erie Man Gets 10 Years for Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Jamie Darnell Pullium, 40.
According to information presented to the court, on or about February 20, 2020, Pullium possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute. As part of the plea, Pullium also acknowledged his responsibility for distributing cocaine as charged elsewhere in the Indictment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Erie County Drug Taskforce, Erie County Detective Bureau, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pullium.
Domestic Altercation and Shooting Result in City Man Being Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JIMMY LEE BROOKS, 36, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 235 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of ammunition as a felon and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Robert Troester.
Brooks’s sentencing followed a three-day trial that began on April 27, 2021. At trial, evidence showed that on March 18, 2020, Brooks fired eight rounds at his girlfriend’s vehicle as she fled from him following a domestic altercation that occurred at beauty supply store in northeast Oklahoma City, blocks away from the Oklahoma Capitol. Evidence also showed that during the altercation, Brooks brandished a large knife and then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle as she fled the scene in a different vehicle. Upon retrieving the firearm, Brooks fired shots at the second vehicle as it drove away, striking his girlfriend. Investigators retrieved shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Evidence also showed that following the shooting, Brooks sought to corruptly persuade his girlfriend to recant statements that she had made to investigators implicating Brooks in the shooting
Public records reflect that Brooks was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, and that he has several felony convictions in the District Court for Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, including possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and aggravated assault and battery. Brooks also has a felony conviction in the District Court for Lincoln County, Oklahoma for falsely impersonating another and a felony conviction in the District Court for Labette County, Kansas, for discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling or vehicle. Federal law prohibits prior convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
After deliberation, the jury found Brooks guilty of being a convicted felon unlawfully possessing ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and witness tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b).
On January 28, 2022, U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin sentenced Brooks to serve 120 months in prison as to his felon-in-possession-of-ammunition charge, and 235 months as to the witness tampering charge, to be served concurrently and to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. At sentencing, the United States presented additional evidence about the incriminating nature of the phone calls that Brooks placed from the Oklahoma County Jail to his girlfriend for purposes of influencing her statements to law enforcement, including references he made to his association with the Shotgun Crips. In sentencing Brooks, the district court found that the cross-reference for attempted murder under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applied, and that following the shooting, Brooks commenced a campaign to have others lie about his involvement in the shooting.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Coffey and Charles Brown prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods violent crime initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Corrupt Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that WILLIAM VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, a former member of the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 30 years in prison. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ previously pled guilty to one count of participating in a racketeering conspiracy and one count of participating in a conspiracy to commit murder for hire, in connection with his agreement to assist a drug-trafficking organization that shipped drugs to New York and distributed them from a Bronx daycare center.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “William Vazquez Baez abused his position as a police officer to help a vicious drug organization distribute massive amounts of cocaine and massacre citizens he had sworn to protect. Today Vazquez-Baez was rightly sentenced to 30 years in prison for his horrific crimes.”
According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:
From approximately 1994 until his arrest in connection with this case in May 2017, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ was an active police officer with the PRPD. From in or about 2004 until in or about 2016, members of La ONU distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine, including cocaine that was shipped from Puerto Rico to New York and then distributed out of a Bronx daycare center, and protected their territory and trade through numerous acts of violence. Members of La ONU paid VAZQUEZ-BAEZ a salary to corruptly use his position as a police officer to further the interests of La ONU. For example, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ provided narcotics and intelligence, including information obtained from the police narcotics unit. Members of La ONU would also contact VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, among others, when transporting large quantities of cocaine within the San Juan, Puerto Rico area to ensure the shipment avoided areas of police activity. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also distributed payments to other corrupt police officers who assisted La ONU.
VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also assisted La ONU in acts of violence:
In or about 2006 or 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted La ONU members that Freddy Mendez-Rivera, a local resident, had complained to police about drug dealing occurring in his neighborhood, which led to members of La ONU kidnapping and then killing Mendez-Rivera. Around the same time, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted a senior member of La ONU that the kidnapping was being reported over the police radio. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ advised that, because the fact that Mendez-Rivera had spoken with the police was known throughout the Carolina Narcotics division, it was important that the body never be discovered. When later updated about what had happened, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ laughed and remarked, in substance, that Mendez-Rivera would not be giving the police information any further.
On or about May 9, 2007, members of La ONU hired VAZQUEZ-BAEZ to participate in the murder of Anthony Castro-Carrillo in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in exchange for a cash bonus. VAZQUEZ-BAEZ and members of La ONU stormed Castro-Carrillo’s residence while dressed as police officers and shot and killed him.
In or about 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ delivered a confidential informant, who was in VAZQUEZ-BAEZ’s custody, to members of La ONU, who pretended to be other police officers. Those members of La ONU then shot and killed the informant.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, 53, of Puerto Rico, to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Police Department for their support in this ongoing investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie E. Bagliebter, Jacob R. Fiddelman, Lara Pomerantz, Justin V. Rodriguez, and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the prosecution.
Chester County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Operating Pill Mill Out of Main Line Pain ClinicRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Yutong Zhang, 63, of Berwyn, PA, a physician, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson to charges stemming from his operation of what was, in essence, a ‘pill mill’ rather than a medical practice focused on pain management located in St Davids, PA.
According to court documents, the defendant pleaded guilty to an Information charging four counts of distributing oxycodone-containing medications outside of the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. From approximately 2016 through 2020, Zhang sold medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances to about 120 so-called patients, who were actually cash-paying customers. The defendant supplied these prescriptions frequently after conducting a cursory physical examination or without any examination at all, and did not take steps, such as ordering diagnostic testing, designed to discern the root cause of the pain reportedly suffered by patients.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stopping drug-dealing doctors like Zhang,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “As a physician, he was well aware of the inherently dangerous nature of the drugs he was selling. But because of his greed, he took advantage of vulnerable people struggling with addiction, piling on to the enormous opioid epidemic ravaging the communities in our District.”
“Medical practitioners are trusted to care for our health needs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire. “When they exploit their position and betray their license to line their own pockets, they not only corrupt the system, they contribute to the very epidemic we are trying so hard to fight. This defendant’s actions were akin to those of a drug dealer; the only difference is, he peddled his poison from an office instead of a street corner.”
“Dr. Zhang abused his position of trust and authority to run a pill mill and illegally prescribe the medications that are fueling the opioid crisis here in Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We are grateful for our partners in this case, and we will continue to work together to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities which take the lives of 14 Pennsylvanians every day.”
The case was investigated by the Radnor Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
Chesapeake Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms to FelonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man pleaded guilty today in connection with the sale of a firearm to a prohibited person.
According to court documents, from April to July 2020, Ibrahim Nader Abdelhay, 27, a self-proclaimed “gun enthusiast,” purchased approximately 20 firearms in the Eastern District of Virginia. Abdelhay sold at least one of these firearms to an individual who was a convicted felon. Abdelhay told investigators that he knew the individual to whom he sold the firearm, who is now deceased, was a convicted felon and could not buy firearms for himself. During the investigation, law enforcement agents recovered six firearms originally purchased by Abdelhay at the residence of the individual.
Abdelhay is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Turner is prosecuting the case.
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-134.
California Businessman Indicted for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Oakland, California, returned an indictment today charging a California businessman with failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS.
According to the indictment, Larry Kudsk, of Berkeley, operated two construction businesses, M. Gutierrez Inc. and Kudsk Construction Inc. For both companies, Kudsk allegedly was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. Kudsk allegedly did not timely file employment tax returns, and did not pay withholdings to the IRS, for the last three quarters of 2015 for M. Gutierrez Inc., and for all four quarters of 2016 for Kudsk Construction Inc. In total, Kudsk allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $250,000.
Kudsk is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Feb. 11 before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Kudsk faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of the seven counts of failing to pay over employment taxes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson of IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Corporate and Securities Fraud Section 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.
California Businessman Indicted for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury in Oakland, Calif., returned an indictment today charging a California businessman with failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS.
According to the indictment, Larry Kudsk, of Berkeley, operated two construction businesses, M. Gutierrez Inc. and Kudsk Construction Inc. For both companies, Kudsk allegedly was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. Kudsk allegedly did not timely file employment tax returns, and did not pay withholdings to the IRS, for the last three quarters of 2015 for M. Gutierrez Inc., and for all four quarters of 2016 for Kudsk Construction Inc. In total, Kudsk allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $250,000.
Kudsk is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Feb. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore. If convicted, Kudsk faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of the seven counts of failing to pay over employment taxes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson of IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the Northern District of California Corporate and Securities Fraud Section is prosecuting the case with Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. O’Reilly of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for 10 Years for Selling Heroin Linked to the Death of A Hamburg Man, Also Ordered to Pay Restitution for Funeral ExpensesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brennen Bryant, Jr., 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and 10 grams or more of butyryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Bryant was also ordered to pay restitution for the funeral expenses of the overdose victim in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that on March 23, 2018, Bryant and co-defendant Tyrone Green sold fentanyl to an individual who was later found deceased in the Town of Hamburg. Through text messages on the decedent’s cellular telephone, detectives with the Hamburg Police Department and Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Bryant and Green as the decedent’s suppliers. Subsequent investigation revealed that between October 2017 and January 2018, the New York State Police made numerous controlled purchases of butyryl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin from both Bryant and Green.
Tyrone Green was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kevin Trask, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, the New York State Police, under the direction Major James Hall, and the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wehrfritz.
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Bucks County Man Charged with Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew Moss, 36, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania was charged yesterday by a federal grand jury with methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Moss possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in York County on November 22, 2021. The indictment further states that Moss had a prior conviction for drug trafficking in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer.
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.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Bronx Man Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Prison in Connection with 2018 Non-Fatal Shooting and 2020 Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PAUL THOMPSON was sentenced to 110 months in prison for his participation in a 2018 non-fatal shooting and 2020 possession of a loaded firearm. THOMPSON pled guilty on March 31, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.
According to public filings and statements made in court:
On or about September 27, 2018, approximately two weeks after THOMPSON had been placed on federal supervised release following a 180-month prison sentence for narcotics and firearms offenses, THOMPSON got into a physical altercation with another individual (“Victim-1”) in the Bronx, New York. During the altercation, THOMPSON shot Victim-1 and fled the scene. THOMPSON then became a fugitive for approximately two years.
On or about June 13, 2020, following a suspected drug deal with another individual (“Victim-2”) in the Bronx, THOMPSON threatened Victim-2 with a loaded firearm and also bit Victim-2’s face. THOMPSON then attempted to discard the firearm and was apprehended by law enforcement. While THOMPSON was being arrested, he told others on the scene to make sure Victim-2 and Victim-2’s family “get it,” because Victim-2 “snitched on me.”
THOMPSON pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with the 2018 shooting and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the 2020 assault. In connection with his guilty plea, THOMPSON further stipulated to his involvement in the 2018 shooting.
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THOMPSON, 39, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 110 months in prison for the 2018 shooting and the 2020 assault, to be followed by a consecutive sentence of 26 months in prison for his violation of the terms of supervised release in connection with the same conduct. In addition to the prison term, THOMPSON was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney David Robles is in charge of the prosecution.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Dennis Michael Aigotti (54, Bradenton) to 36 months in federal prison for possessing and passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The court also ordered Aigotti to forfeit a laptop and color printer, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Aigotti had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2021.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2021, Aigotti, attempted to pass a $10 counterfeit Federal Reserve note at Hudson’s Grocery Store located in Boca Grande. After the cashier indicated that the bill was counterfeit, Aigotti left the store in his vehicle and authorities were called. Law enforcement located Aigotti and a search of the vehicle revealed multiple counterfeit notes, a printer, laptop, resume paper, and scissors. During the investigation, the United States Secret Service recovered a total of $410 in counterfeit currency. At the time of the offense, Aigotti was on federal supervised release for passing and counterfeiting Federal Reserve notes; he was sentenced to credit for time served for the supervised release violation.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Laurie.
Bourbon County Man Sentenced to 37 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky.— A Versailles, Ky., man, Timothy Caylor, 49, was sentenced to 444 months (37 years) in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography.
According to Caylor’s plea agreement, after receiving a complaint of a couple whose daughter had received inappropriate text and voice messages from Caylor, law enforcement went to Caylor’s mother’s residence, where he was staying. Officers found him hiding in the bathroom and asked for his consent to search his phones, where they found child exploitation material, including images of unidentified minors. A search warrant from Caylor’s Instagram and Facebook revealed he induced two minors to take and send sexual images. Caylor admitted that he had contacted minors online, and he sent them sexual images, as well.
Caylor was previously convicted of first-degree Sexual Abuse in Boone Circuit Court in February 1998.
Caylor pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2021.
Under federal law, Caylor must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Filed Division; and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr., Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security-HSI, FBI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.
This case was prosecuted 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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the
Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat
Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the
Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human
Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”“I am especially proud of our office’s efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking,” said
United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Over the past year, we have built a
Human Trafficking Task Force that has grown to almost 100 members. We have been particularly effective providing training and outreach on labor trafficking, child abuse, and victims’ response to trauma.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office also hosted an event featuring “Truckers Against
Trafficking” to raise awareness to the indicators of human trafficking.Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska
Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human
Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the
Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.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.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Human traffickers prey on society’s most vulnerable members and their crimes equate to modern-day slavery.” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “These crimes often are not detected because victims live in fear of physical abuse, threats, extortion, and other forms of intimidation. In the Eastern District of Louisiana, our office along with a group of federal, state, local law enforcement, and community partners work diligently to identify, investigate, and prosecute traffickers. Human trafficking survivors are also referred to victim-centric direct services.”
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally funded, locally led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance, and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
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.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland this week released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Montana, through the multi-agency Montana Human Trafficking Task Force, is bringing human traffickers to justice while assisting and supporting victims. Trafficking of individuals, whether for sex or labor, enslaves and exploits both adults and minors and is a scourge on society. I encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking may be occurring to report it immediately to law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
In recent months, federal prosecutions in Montana have led to convictions of seven individuals charged in two large sex trafficking investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, continues to investigate and prosecute human traffickers.
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
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.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
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Arkansas Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mailing a Communication Threatening to Blow up the Federal Courthouse in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the White HouseRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Mailing a Threatening Communication. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, On June 25, 2021, the Sebastian County District Court received a letter from David Daniel Dieringer, III, age 28, threatening to blow up the Fayetteville Federal Courthouse and the White House. The letter stated that if the recipient did not communicate the threat, that they would be killed. The return address was an address used by the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center where Dieringer was an inmate at the time. Dieringer was interviewed and admitted to sending the letter, and stated that if given the opportunity, Dieringer would carry out bombings of both locations using a pressure cooker bomb. Dieringer also described how to assemble such a device. On July 11, 2021, Dieringer placed a letter addressed to the White House in the Sebastian County Detention Center inmate mail system. The letter addressed President Joe Biden and stated, “When I get out of federal prison, I’m going to blow up the White House.” Dieringer was later interviewed and admitted to writing the second letter as well.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department, The United States Postal Service, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Secret Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jennen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Ankeny Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 3, 2022, Kevin Jeffrey Stiller, age 58, of Ankeny, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to file tax returns for the calendar years 2015 and 2017. Stiller is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7, 2022, by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner. Each count of failure to file a tax return has a maximum sentence of one year in prison; a maximum fine of $25,000; or both. Stiller is responsible for paying his tax liability in full and must pay a $25 per count special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Kevin Stiller is the owner and operator of Spruce Hill Tree Service and he received taxable income from this business. At the plea hearing, Stiller admitted he knew he was required to file federal income tax returns for the years 2015 and 2017 and he willfully failed to do so. He additionally admitted he willfully failed to file federal income tax returns for the years 2008 – 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Akron Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing from Older VictimRead the Press Release
An Akron woman was sentenced to 54 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to stealing from and aggravated identity theft of an older individual. Gina Palmer, 40, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on January 11, 2022, by U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin. Palmer previously pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in September of 2021.
According to court documents, Palmer, a tenant of the victim for about ten years, forged the victim’s signature on a fictitious power of attorney (POA) form and used it to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions without permission. Palmer then had the victim’s mail forwarded to her address and stole the victim’s debit card. Palmer subsequently deposited the victim’s retirement checks obtained through the mail and made online purchases using the stolen debit card.
Investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated the incident after being contacted by a family member of the victim. Investigators obtained a video of Palmer presenting a fraudulent POA and attempting to cash the victim’s check. Palmer was later arrested, and her residence searched. During the search, investigators discovered the victim’s forwarded mail and the notary stamp for the fraudulent POA.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough.
2 February 2022
Wheeling woman sentenced for role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristen Hoffler, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Hoffler, age 26, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Fentanyl,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hoffler admitted to working with other individuals to distribute heroin and cocaine base, also known as crack, near Luau Manor, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, in April 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR DIAZ, 24, Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. In November 2020, Diaz was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine from James Grant, also known as “Bobo,” “Bo,” and “Jimbo,” Diaz then sold the drugs to his own customers.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Diaz, Grant and 15 others with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). Diaz pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.
Diaz has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2021. On that date, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms
Grant pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Utica Felon Convicted of Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Khyri Oliver, age 32, of Utica, New York, pled guilty today to possession of a firearm by a felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
In pleading guilty, Oliver admitted to possessing and firing a semi-automatic rifle at a gun range in Troy, New York, in July 2020. Oliver was convicted of three felonies prior to possessing the rifle, including attempted robbery.
At sentencing, Oliver faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh Offers Condolences to Fallen Bridgewater College OfficersRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh joins the law enforcement community across the Commonwealth of Virginia in mourning the loss of Bridgewater College Police Officer John Painter and Campus Security Officer J.J. Jefferson, who died in the line of duty Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
“Every day, brave men and women put their lives at risk when they put on a uniform and a badge, and protect our communities,” U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “These two men are examples of what we should all aspire to be — courageous in the face of danger and willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. The Department of Justice and our community mourns the loss of these two heroes, and we will honor their legacy.”
U.S. Attorney Statement on National Black History MonthRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Today, U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon issued the following statement on National Black History Month, 2022.
“This February, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon joins its law enforcement partners in celebrating National Black History Month. Together, we honor the countless contributions of Black Americans and the legacies and achievements of our country’s Black leaders, past and present. We recommit ourselves to confronting historic injustices that persist today. Created more than 150 years ago, the Justice Department’s first mission was to protect Black rights after the Civil War. This sacred mission continues. Black communities across the country are disproportionately victimized and impacted by gun violence. The same is true here in Portland. We are working vigorously with our partners to stop these deadly shootings. Protecting Black rights starts with protecting Black lives. We are deeply committed to advancing equity, racial justice, and opportunity for Black Americans and doing everything in our power to support and foster safe, healthy, vibrant, and resilient Black communities.”
U.S. Attorney Announces $12.9 Million Settlement with the Door for Submitting Fraudulent Cost ReportsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) New York Regional Office, announced today that the United States filed and settled a civil fraud lawsuit against THE DOOR—A CENTER OF ALTERNATIVES (“The Door” or “Defendant”). The Government’s Complaint-in-Intervention (the “Complaint”) alleges that The Door, a healthcare provider in New York City, violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently overreporting the number of visits to its healthcare facility. This overreporting resulted in The Door receiving excessive funding from the Indigent Care Pool, which is a program funded by both the federal government and New York State, that reimburses certain healthcare providers for uncompensated care rendered to low-income New Yorkers.
Under the settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, The Door will pay $2,725,514.51 to the United States and has admitted and accepted responsibility for conduct alleged by the Government in the Complaint as further described below. The Door has also agreed to pay $10,222,297.89 to the State of New York to resolve the State’s claims, for a total recovery of $12,947,812.40.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This Office will remain vigilant in protecting public funds that are designated to help low-income New Yorkers. The Indigent Care Pool is a limited source of funding meant to be shared among healthcare providers throughout New York State in order to further the goal of providing healthcare to all who need it. Through its misconduct, The Door received an excessive share of this funding at the expense of other healthcare providers that were similarly trying to provide services to low-income New Yorkers, and has now been held to account.”
HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scott Lampert said: “Healthcare providers must be held to a high standard of ethical behavior. We will continue to ensure that those individuals and entities that receive funding from the federal government and/or the State of New York to care for low-income individuals operate in an honest manner.”
As described in the Complaint, The Door was required to report the number of threshold visits (“Threshold Visits”) to its facility on cost reports (“Cost Reports”) annually filed with the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”). This metric determined, in large part, the amount of funding that The Door received from the Indigent Care Pool. A Threshold Visit is defined, by regulation, as occurring “each time a patient crosses the threshold of a facility to receive medical care without regard to the number of services provided during that visit.”
From 2009 to 2016 (the “Covered Period”), The Door falsely reported the number of Threshold Visits to its facility, thereby causing it to receive excessive funding from the Indigent Care Pool. Specifically, instead of reporting the number of times a patient crossed the threshold to its facility, The Door based its reporting of Threshold Visits on the number of services provided to the patient during a given visit, thus leading to an inflated number of Threshold Visits. As a result, The Door received substantial funding from the Indigent Care Pool to which it was not entitled.
As part of the settlement, The Door admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the following conduct:
- During the Covered Period, The Door maintained multiple, internal versions of the Cost Reports. One version reflected an accurate accounting of the Threshold Visit statistic, while other versions reflected an inaccurate accounting of the Threshold Visit statistic because they reported multiple services provided during a given visit.
- The Door was aware of the definition of Threshold Visits contained in the Cost Report instructions and 10 NYCRR § 86-4.9(b), which permitted The Door to count only one Threshold Visit each time a patient crossed its threshold to obtain medical care, regardless of the number of services the patient may have received during that visit.
- On December 4, 2014, The Door’s then-serving Chief Financial Officer (who served in this capacity throughout the Covered Period) sent an email to a data analyst employed by The Door noting that Threshold Visits must be counted based upon the number of visits to the facility, not based upon the number of services provided during a visit or the number of visits unduplicated by individual cost center.
- During the Covered Period, by submitting Cost Reports to DOH that calculated the number of Threshold Visits based on the number of services provided during a given visit, rather than the number of times the patient crossed the threshold to the facility, The Door caused the Indigent Care Pool to pay funds to The Door to which it was not entitled.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG. This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander J. Hogan is in charge of the case.
Two People Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY—Yesterday, GUADALUPE ELOISA ORTEGA-GREEN, 23, and TERRELL MAURICE BRUNSTON, 19, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City with Possession with Intent to Distribute over 400 grams of Fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Troester of the Western District of Oklahoma.
On January 13, 2022, public records reflect that Ortega-Green and Brunston were charged by criminal complaint. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on January 12, 2022, law enforcement stopped Ortega-Green and Brunston’s vehicle on Interstate 40 in Canadian County, Oklahoma. Agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control conducted the stop. Agents then searched the vehicle and found approximately 9.7 kilograms of a substance containing fentanyl hidden underneath the hood of the truck.
Yesterday, an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charged Ortega-Green and Brunston with one-count of knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. If convicted, Ortega-Green and Brunston face not less than ten years and up to life in prison, no less than five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
The case is being investigated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public records for more information.
Two Georgia Residents Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Banks and Credit Unions in Green Bay and the Fox ValleyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Michael W. Harvey, Jr. (age: 40) and Shanika V. Harvey (age: 31), both residents of Atlanta, Georgia. They are each charged with three counts of financial institution fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. Each count carries a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
The indictment alleges that Michael and Shanika Harvey schemed to defraud financial institutions across the United States, including numerous banks and credit unions in the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas. The defendants are alleged to have stolen checks from numerous Wisconsin businesses’ mailboxes, altered them, and then recruited individuals to cash the counterfeit checks in exchange for a small amount of money. The defendants are alleged to have obtained or attempted to obtain more than $160,000 from banks and credit unions in Northeast Wisconsin.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Two Franklin County Men Charged with Setting Junk Boat Adrift in Missisquoi River on the National Wildlife RefugeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 1, 2022, Wayne Bailey, 68, of Swanton and Louis Bates, 49, of St. Albans were charged by criminal complaint with abandoning a junk boat and setting it adrift in the Missisquoi River on the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. Specifically, they are charged with abandoning and discarding personal property and dumping garbage, debris, and refuse on a National Wildlife Refuge.
The charges are Class A misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Any actual sentences will be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The criminal complaint lodged against Bailey and Bates contains accusations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Burlington for an initial appearance on February 15, 2022.
According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint affidavit, in the early summer of 2021, Wayne Bailey purchased a 19 ½ foot long boat for $150. The boat was manufactured by Bayliner in 1989. After purchasing the boat, Bailey stripped the engine out of the boat and sold the engine. Rather than paying to dispose of the boat properly, Bailey devised a plan to set the boat adrift in the Missisquoi River. Bailey, however, did not have a tow hitch on his vehicle so he recruited Bates to use Bates’s truck to tow the boat to the Missisquoi River.
The government alleges that, after dark on the evening of July 15, 2021, Bates towed the boat to Louie’s Landing boat ramp on the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, and Bailey followed in his own vehicle. Bates then backed the boat trailer into the river, and Bailey unhooked the boat and set it adrift. The next day United States Fish and Wildlife (FWS) personnel discovered the boat. The engine was gone, but the gas tank contained 4 ½ gallons of gas. The FWS incurred about $1,084 in costs for the proper disposal of the boat and associated administrative costs.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing our federal environmental laws, which protect and preserve our public lands and waterways for all to enjoy. Enforcement is particularly important when the evidence establishes a callous disrespect for the Vermont environment.This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Defense counsel have not yet entered an appearance.
Trinitarios Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Multiple Guns, Ammunition, Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Trinitarios street gang pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking firearms, ammunition, cocaine and fentanyl in the Greater Lawrence area.
Arismendy Gil-Padilla, 31, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of distribution and possession to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2022.
Gil-Padilla was indicted and arrested in November 2019 as part of a federal sweep targeting federal and state offenders, including members and associates of the Trinitarios street gang, in the Greater Lawrence area.
Beginning in 2017, law enforcement conducted an investigation into the members, associates and suppliers of the Trinitarios operating in the Greater Lawrence area. The Trinitarios is a street gang originating in the New York area with increased presence in Lawrence and the surrounding communities. According to court documents, many Trinitarios members are involved in a broad range of illegal activities including, but not limited to, firearms and drug trafficking as well as violent crimes undertaken to protect the interests of the gang and its members.
During the investigation, Gil-Padilla was identified as a member of the Trinitarios. On eight separate occasions between April and August 2018, Gil-Padilla sold at least 16 guns, ammunition, cocaine and fentanyl to a cooperating witness. Specifically, Gil-Padilla sold the cooperating witness two handguns, ammunition and cocaine for $3,600 on June 28, 2018; seven firearms, ammunition and cocaine for $6,240 on July 11, 2018; cocaine and fentanyl on August 2, 2018; and seven firearms and ammunition, a laser sight, fentanyl and cocaine for $2,900 on various dates between April and May 2018. Gil-Padilla is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a 2014 conviction of sale of a controlled substance that was punishable by more than one year in prison.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of distribution of and possession to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of at leave five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texan sentenced for transporting fentanyl and other narcoticsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Houston man has been ordered to prison after conspiring to transport cocaine, heroin and fentanyl into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Juan Antonio Sanchez Jr. pleaded guilty June 3, 2021, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced him to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed Sanchez hired drivers and passengers to smuggle narcotics to Houston. Sanchez would walk across the Port of Entry to avoid being in the vehicles as they passed through with the narcotics.
On Oct. 23, 2019, authorities intercepted approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine in the battery of a vehicle. The investigation determined Sanchez hired that driver to attempt to pass through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita.
Sanchez was also found responsible for two kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of fentanyl found in a vehicle during a traffic stop Dec. 22, 2019.
Sanchez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.
Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the Anniversary of Shootings of FBI Special Agents in FloridaRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued the following statement today, commemorating the lives of FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, who were killed in the line of duty one year ago today while executing a federal court-ordered search warrant in Sunrise, Florida:
“One year ago today, FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger and Special Agent Daniel Alfin were killed in the line of duty. Today, as we remember their service, their sacrifice and their courage, our nation also mourns the loss of 31 members of law enforcement who have died in the line of duty this year.
“At the Justice Department, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who protect and serve our communities. We recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers make every single day, and that the COVID-19 pandemic has made their jobs only more difficult. We will do everything within our power as a Department to help keep members of law enforcement safe as we work together to keep our country safe.”
South Florida Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Consecutive Health Care Fraud ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Patsy Truglia (54, Parkland) to 15 years in federal prison for his role in two consecutive conspiracies to commit health care fraud and for making a false statement in a matter involving a health care benefit program. As part of his sentence, the Court ordered Truglia to pay $18.3 million to the affected government health programs and an insurance company. The Court also entered a money judgment against Truglia in the amount of $10,117,738 and ordered him to forfeit numerous assets, including $9,308,235.86 seized from various financial accounts, high-end automobiles (Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Mercedes), jewelry, and Truglia’s lakefront home, all of which were traceable to the charged criminal conduct. Truglia had pleaded guilty on October 5, 2021.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2018 and continuing into April 2019, Truglia and other conspirators, including co-defendant Ruth Bianca Fernandez (who worked under Truglia’s supervision), generated medically unnecessary physicians’ orders via their telemarketing operation for certain orthotic devices—knee braces, back braces, wrist braces, and other braces—referred to as durable medical equipment (“DME”). Through the telemarketing operation, federal health care program beneficiaries’ (i.e., Medicare beneficiaries’) personal and medical information was harvested to create the unnecessary DME brace orders.
The brace orders were then forwarded to purported “telemedicine” vendors that, in exchange for a fee, paid illegal bribes to physicians to sign the orders, often without ever contacting the beneficiaries to conduct the required telehealth consultations. The fraudulent, illegal brace orders were then returned to Truglia’s telemarketing operation, which used the orders as support for millions of dollars in false and fraudulent claims submitted to the Medicare program. To avoid Medicare scrutiny, Truglia and Fernandez spread the fraudulent claims across five DME storefronts operated under Truglia’s ownership and control and Fernandez’s day-to-day management. In all, through their five storefronts, Truglia, Fernandez, and other conspirators caused approximately $25 million in fraudulent DME claims to be submitted to Medicare, resulting in approximately $12 million in payments.
On April 9, 2019, multiple federal law enforcement agencies participated in a nationwide action referred to as “Operation Brace Yourself.” The Operation targeted ongoing schemes, such as Truglia’s, in which companies were paying illegal bribes to secure signed physicians’ DME brace orders for use as support for fraudulent claims submitted to the federal programs. In the Middle District of Florida, the April 2019 Operation included, among other efforts, the execution of search warrants at several of Truglia’s DME storefronts and a civil action under which, among other ramifications, enjoined Truglia and (by extension) his five storefronts from engaging in any further health care fraud conduct.
Undeterred, beginning in or around April 2019 and continuing into July 2020, Truglia and other conspirators—some of whom had worked with Truglia in the earlier conspiracy and some of whom were new conspirators—carried out a similar conspiracy using three new DME storefronts and different “telemedicine” vendors. Through this conspiracy, Truglia and his conspirators caused an additional approximately $12 million in fraudulent DME claims to be submitted to Medicare, resulting in approximately $6.3 million in payments.
“Every defendant in this case shared a common trait—greed,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne. “The desire for money fueled them to commit crimes against our healthcare system and prey upon those in our society who deserve our highest respect, the elderly and military veterans. Thanks to the financial expertise and diligence of IRS-CI special agents, as well as our partner federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, these criminals are off the street and are facing the consequences of their actions.”
“The significant sentence and financial restitution imposed today reflects the serious nature of Mr. Truglia’s criminal conduct and underscores that the Government will continue to vigorously prosecute health care fraud cases and seek the recovery of all illicitly obtained assets of these greed-fueled fraud schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of HHS-OIG. “Collaborating closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to thoroughly investigate fraudsters who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable members of the public.”
“We have dedicated agents and analysts focused on uncovering the deceitful tactics used to cheat our federal healthcare system,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Michael McPherson. “The cost of healthcare fraud impacts all of us. The FBI will continue to engage with our partners to protect taxpayers from fraudsters like Mr. Truglia and those identified in Operation Brace Yourself.”
“The sentence imposed today holds this defendant accountable for his prominent role in a reprehensible healthcare fraud scheme involving CHAMPVA and Medicare,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG is committed to ensuring healthcare spending is directed only to deserving veterans and those who serve them. We thank and commend our outstanding law enforcement partners in this important joint investigation.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service –Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant, Tiffany E. Fields, and James A. Muench. The civil action is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie.
Slidell Man Sentenced to 63 Months Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Illegal Narcotics in New Orleans EastRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced KEVIN GRAY, age 48, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, to 63 months of imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and $100 in a mandatory special assessment fee for conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin in New Orleans, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846. GRAY plead guilty on October 27, 2021.
According to court records, GRAY and four others, Joseph Brown, Lionel Cooley, Kendrick Demourelle, and Blake Monroe, conspired to sell illegal narcotics in New Orleans, including using a broken-down yellow school bus in the ‘Goose’ neighborhood in New Orleans East as a stash house. All five were indicted in February 2020. A seized GMC Sierra pickup truck used by Lionel Cooley contained nearly two kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of crack.
The evidence against GRAY includes numerous intercepted communications and seized drugs. All five defendants in this case have plead guilty.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
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Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Sex Trafficking of a Child was sentenced on January 31, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Melanie Joyce Hollingsworth, age 37, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hollingsworth was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021. She pled guilty on October 15, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 11, 2020, and October 10, 2020, when Hollingsworth sex trafficked a minor female. Hollingsworth knowingly and intentionally recruited the juvenile female to engage in commercial sexual acts with men in the Sioux Falls area. Hollingsworth communicated with customers using her cellular telephone, sending text messages and calling them to arrange the sexual acts. Hollingsworth received money for the commercial sexual acts in the form of cash and Western Union wire transfers.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Hollingsworth was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Richmond Community College Director Charged with Stealing Student Financial Aid FundsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Richmond woman with orchestrating a nearly decade-long scheme to defraud the United States Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Virginia of student financial aid funds.
According to the indictment, from about 2006 through 2017, Kiesha Pope, 47, was the Director of Financial Aid at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College (JSRCC), a public community college servicing the greater Richmond area. Pope is alleged to have used her access to financial aid systems at JSRCC to boost the financial aid eligibility for co-conspirators, who were Pope’s friends and family members and who were not otherwise eligible for financial aid benefits at JSRCC. Pope allegedly had agreements with these same co-conspirators to receive a portion of the improperly obtained financial aid funds as compensation. Pope is alleged to have spent these financial aid funds on various of her personal expenses, including repairs for her personal vehicle, retail shopping, and expenses for her minor-aged daughter.
The indictment alleges that, from 2011 to 2017, Pope procured financial aid for her son, knowing that he was not attending JSRCC in this timeframe. In another instance, Pope also allegedly procured financial aid for her ex-fiancé from in or about 2010 through in or about 2015 while he was serving a term of incarceration and not attending JSRCC. To conceal her scheme, Pope allegedly falsified supporting justification for the financial aid. In one alleged instance, Pope forged medical documents and financial aid documents reflecting that her goddaughter, for whom Pope also procured financial aid, was failing to meet academic eligibility due to a breast cancer diagnosis, despite knowing that her goddaughter had no cancer diagnosis.
The indictment further alleges that in or about September through October 2017, JSRCC leadership confronted Pope about her relationship with various academically ineligible students receiving high amounts of financial aid. In those conversations, Pope is alleged to have claimed not to know these students when such students were, in fact, Pope’s son, goddaughter, and cousin. Pope allegedly claimed that all such students had supporting justification for receiving continued financial aid, but when pressed for the documentation, Pope resigned from JSRCC.
Pope is charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Pope faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted of any of the fraud offenses, and a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, if convicted of aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Michael C. Westfall, State Inspector General for the Commonwealth of Virginia; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth is prosecuting the case.
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. 3:22-cr-9.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Providence Man Sentenced for Theft of U.S. Mail, Aggravated Identity Theft, FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man who admitted to stealing both the identity and U.S. Mail of at least two individuals, including checks that he deposited into his own bank accounts after forging the check endorsement, has been sentenced to two years and one day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Marquis D. McNair pleaded guilty on September 30, 2021, to two counts of aggravated identity theft, five counts of possession of stolen mail, and two counts of bank fraud.
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, in December 2017, an individual filed a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that a Change of Address form had been filed in that person’s name without their consent. Subsequently, the investigation determined that the complainant’s mail was being forwarded to McNair’s residence.
Further investigation determined that several checks addressed and made out to the complainant were forwarded to McNair’s residence, fraudulently endorsed, and deposited into bank accounts he opened in his own name. The money was quickly withdrawn from ATMs.
According to information presented to the court, a court-authorized search of McNair’s residence in April 2018 resulted in the seizure of approximately 110 pieces of first-class mail addressed to individuals other than McNair; a binder with the names and personal identifying information of about 20 individuals; and check stubs of individuals whose mail had been stolen and whose checks had been fraudulently endorsed and cashed by McNair.
At sentencing on Tuesday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced McNair to two years and one day in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution totaling $7,548.13.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Providence Police Department.
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Providence Man Awaits Sentencing for Fraudulently Applying for COVID Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man has admitted in federal court to fraudulently filing applications with five states for unemployment benefits provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.
Keishon Brown 33, pled guilty on Tuesday to wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022.
According to charging documents, beginning in May 2020, Brown, who worked in Rhode Island, submitted fraudulent online applications with unemployment agencies in Massachusetts, Arizona, Nevada, Virginia, and California for pandemic-related unemployment benefits under the CARES Act PUA Program. In his applications, Brown claimed that he was unemployed, but that he had previously worked in each of those states, when in fact he had not. Brown collected a total of $62,084 in benefits that he was not entitled to receive.
This case, as well as other instances of criminal activity related to fraudulent applications for pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits are being investigated jointly by the FBI, the Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. Cases are jointly reviewed, charged, and prosecuted by a team of prosecutors that include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise M. Barton, Stacey P. Veroni, and G. Michael Seaman, and Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General John M. Moreira, chief of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit.
Rhode Islanders who believe their personal identification has been stolen and used to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits are urged to contact the Rhode Island State Police at [email protected] or the FBI Providence office at (401) 272-8310.
On May 17, 2021, the United States 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.
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Prolific Fraudster Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On January 27, 2022, Defendant Ramón Julbe-Rosa plead guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López to 12 counts including theft of government property, and introducing unapproved new drugs into the United States, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Ramón Julbe-Rosa plead guilty to defrauding the Social Security Administration and Medicare by receiving Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit payments while working.
Defendant Julbe-Rosa also plead guilty to one count of fraud against the Department of Veterans Affairs for fraudulently receiving unemployability benefits, and one count of Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits related to Hurricane María. Julbe-Rosa applied for an SBA Disaster Loan by falsely representing that on September 20, 2017, his primary residence, damaged by Hurricane Maria was located in Morovis, Puerto Rico when he well knew that this was not his primary residence. As a result, the defendant fraudulently received $50,000.00 from SBA.
In addition, Julbe-Rosa plead guilty to Introducing into Interstate Commerce Unapproved New Drugs. Defendant Julbe-Rosa established and operated the website www.aceitedeguanabana.com through which he promoted and sold various products intended as treatments for serious medical conditions without FDA approval. Defendant Julbe-Rosa sold at least $341,242.26 worth of unapproved new drugs.
Julbe-Rosa will make restitution as follows: $57,552.00 for the Social Security Administration; $118,943.94 for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; $47,002.10 for the Medicare Program and $47,443.94 for the Small Business Administration; for a total restitution amount of $270,941.98.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Law Enforcement partners remain vigilant in our quest to identify those corrupt individuals who by deceit and fraud attempt to illegally benefit from federal funds depriving other law-abiding citizens from much needed health benefits, disability and emergency assistance. We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring to justice unscrupulous individuals who illegally seek personal financial gain,” said United States Attorney Muldrow.
“This individual engaged in fraudulent and profitable work activity while wrongfully receiving Social Security disability benefits. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that my office will continue to hold accountable those who defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA),” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “I thank our law enforcement partners for their investigative work. Also, I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Bonano for prosecuting this case.”
“The FDA’s drug approval process ensures that patients receive safe and effective products. Evading the FDA’s authority and selling unapproved drugs to vulnerable consumers will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “The FDA remains fully committed to aggressively pursuing those who place profits above the health and safety of American consumers.”
“This defendant’s greedy conduct led him to defraud multiple federal agencies including VA where he stole benefits meant to help veterans who become unemployable due to their service-connected disabilities,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of VA’s benefits programs and services.”
“OIG remains committed to safeguarding SBA programs designed to provide vital funds to disaster victims,” said SBA OIG’s Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
Ramón Julbe-Rosa faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) with the collaboration of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA); Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG); Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (VA-OIG); and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano from the Social Security Administration is prosecuting the case.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Five Years for Extensive Identity Fraud Scheme Involving the Personal Information of over 450 Potential VictimsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Deslouis Edouard, 28, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay approximately $515,000 restitution by United States District Court Jeffery L. Schmehl for his conviction of aggravated identity fraud and related charges.
In October 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated identity fraud and six counts of related fraud charges in connection with an extensive identity fraud scheme during which he was essentially living his day-to-day life based on fraud during a period of at least four years. Edouard lived in a series of apartments he rented in victims’ names and obtained electric, cable, and other services in his victims’ names. He then failed to pay the bills and moved from apartment to apartment, fleecing the apartment owners and service providers along the way. The defendant controlled the identity and credit information of more than 450 individuals and used that information to obtain credit cards and purchase goods including Apple products, gift cards, numerous other electronic devices, as well as a luxury vehicle – causing over $515,000 in losses to numerous victims.
Edouard engaged in much of this fraud activity in the Lehigh Valley, living in apartment complexes in the area and shopping in numerous retail establishments with false identification, often with his picture and others’ identity information on the cards. He also possessed document-making equipment in his residence, which he could use to make false identifications with the numerous identities he had at his disposal. He frequently hijacked his victims’ accounts with wireless service providers, such as AT&T, and became an authorized user on those accounts with one of his false identities.
At the time of his arrest in Florida, the defendant was caught driving an Audi Q5 that he had purchased in Allentown for over $30,000 using the false personal identification information of one of his victims. At the time of the purchase, the defendant presented a fake driver’s license with his victim’s identity information (including his birth date, address, and driver’s license number) paired with his own photograph.
“This defendant victimized innocent bystanders in two ways: first, by stealing individuals’ identities, money and good credit; and second, by ripping off businesses and other service providers,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “If Edouard had not been apprehended by authorities, he would undoubtedly still be committing crimes today with even more victims. Now, instead, he will face consequences of those actions which includes five years in federal prison.”
"Identity theft strips its victims not only of their hard-earned money, but also of their security and privacy," said Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire. "Crooks who think they can conceal their crimes in cyberspace - or who think it's okay to fund their lifestyle with other peoples' hard-earned money - need to know two things: the FBI knows where you hide and we will bring you to justice"
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Service, the Bethlehem Police Department, and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Deputy United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Airbags from ChinaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Emiliano Rodriguez, 44, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Philadelphia, PA, was arrested and charged by Indictment with one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods, and two counts of causing the delivery of hazardous materials by air carrier in connection with a scheme to utilize counterfeit goods in used vehicles, which he then resold to unsuspecting customers.
The Indictment alleges that from at least January 2017 through October 2019, the defendant, who is a trained auto mechanic, fraudulently imported counterfeit airbags from China and installed these unproven parts in salvaged autos which were then reintroduced to the consumer market. China has been identified as the largest exporter of counterfeit commodities, including counterfeit airbags. Persons involved in the trade of counterfeit airbags engage in this practice in an effort to increase profits from their sales by decreasing the cost of the parts used to replace the original items. Unsuspecting motorists purchase used or salvaged vehicles unaware of the history of the part(s) used in the vehicle reconstruction. Once purchased, the vehicles are driven on public roads and expose the driver, passengers and general public to potential hazards associated with the use of counterfeit parts. In this case, federal agents recovered more than 450 counterfeit airbags and parts from the Rodriguez’s residence and business.
“The hazards posed to unsuspecting motorists and the general public by the alleged actions of the defendant in this case are enormous, and could have ramifications for years to come,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Safety equipment as important as vehicle airbags are subject to strict quality control standards to keep everyone safe, therefore when corners are cut by utilizing counterfeit goods, the consequences can be disastrous. Our Office appreciates the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring charges in this case.”
“Counterfeit airbags pose real dangers to unsuspecting members of the public. The risks of counterfeit and substandard auto parts are known by those who work in the automotive industry,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “Yet, Rodriquez, an auto mechanic, allegedly outfitted salvaged automobiles with counterfeit airbags imported from China and reintroduced those vehicles back into the consumer market, thereby putting lives at risk in the interest of making a profit. This investigation is yet another reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit goods. As result of this case, Rodriquez will now face justice for his alleged role in this scheme.”
“Illegally transporting potentially hazardous goods puts our transportation system at risk. When those goods are also counterfeit, the risk can be even greater,” said Joseph Harris, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we remain committed to pursuing those who would compromise public safety for personal gain.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, fines of $2,050,000, and a $200 special assessment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Transportation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Beth Leahy.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania Housing Provider Ordered to Pay Damages and Redress Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Disability StatusRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the owner and former manager of rental properties in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, have agreed to resolve a federal lawsuit brought by the United States in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The United States alleged that the defendants violated the Fair Housing Act when they refused to let a tenant’s girlfriend move in with him because she was pregnant with his son and because the tenant was in recovery from an addiction to alcohol.
In 1988, Congress expanded the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on familial status and disability. The Act’s ban on familial status discrimination protects individuals under 18 years old, as well as any person who is pregnant. The Fair Housing Act’s disability protections cover people in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, but they do not apply to current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance. The tenant in the United States’ lawsuit successfully completed an alcohol treatment program and was in recovery from his addiction for approximately nine months before requesting that his girlfriend move into the property.
“For more than three decades, federal law has prohibited housing discrimination against individuals because they are pregnant or because they are in recovery from alcohol addiction,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The resolution of this lawsuit advances the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring that individuals expecting children, as well as people recovering from an addiction, have equal access to housing opportunities free from illegal discrimination.”
“The expectation and arrival of a new baby is supposed to prompt celebration, not the threat of eviction,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “The same should be true of individuals putting in the hard work to manage their addictions – they deserve support, not hurdles to access safe, affordable housing. Expanding families and those working to remain on stable footing should be able to rely on the stability of their home.”
The consent order resolving the lawsuit, which was approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, arose as a result of a complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the tenant on behalf of himself and his minor daughter. After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination and the matter was referred to the Justice Department.
“The Fair Housing Act seeks to ensure that individuals, who are recovering from addiction, and their families can access housing free from housing discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD. “HUD applauds the Department of Justice for its partnership with HUD and its aid in resolution of this matter.”
Under the consent order, the defendants will pay a total of $75,000 to the tenant and his child. The consent order also requires defendants to take actions directed towards preventing future unlawful discrimination, including complying with the Fair Housing Act, undergoing training and implementing nondiscrimination policies on the Fair Housing Act in connection with the rental and management of residential properties, and submitting to compliance and reporting requirements.
Fighting illegal housing discrimination is a top priority of the Justice Department. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Visit www.usdoj.gov/crt for more information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces. Additional information about the Fair Housing Act is available at www.HUD.gov.
Panama City Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug Related OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jesus Lopez-Garza 37, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, being an alien in the United States after a prior removal, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal alien. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Drugs and a weapon in the hands of a convicted felon is a threatening and potentially deadly combination,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners are dedicated to making sure such criminals are punished appropriately.”
“Convicted felons and individuals illegally in the United States in possession of firearms in ammunition is illegal. When these prohibited individuals possess and use firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities, it poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. “This sentencing in another example that working jointly with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners makes our streets safer.”
In April of 2021, Lopez-Garza came to the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as an individual involved in armed narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement determined that Lopez-Garza was at a hotel in Panama City. Search warrants were obtained and executed by the Regional Area Gang Enforcement Taskforce, which is staffed by ATF Special Agents and investigators from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement ultimately discovered 10.7 pounds of methamphetamine, 12.4 pounds of marijuana, a quarter kilogram of para-fluorofentanyl, more than thirty thousand dollars in cash, a firearm, and ammunition. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined that Lopez-Garza is a citizen of Mexico with no lawful immigration status in the United States.
“This criminal, who had previously been removed from the United States, thought he could again thwart our nation’s laws by illegally possessing a firearm and deadly narcotics,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to support our partners with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office during this investigation, ultimately making our local community safer for everyone.”
“ICE is committed to protecting our communities from criminals who show no regard for our laws or our borders,” said ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office Director Michael W. Meade. “ICE is pleased to be working closely with the U.S. Attorney to hold criminals like this accountable.”
In October of 2021, Lopez-Garza pled guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, being an alien in the United States after a prior removal, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal alien.
This sentencing resulted from the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin Weiss.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Oshkosh Man Indicted on Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Raymon A. Fuller, Jr. (age: 26) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Fuller is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Fuller, a convicted felon, committed a robbery during an illegal drug transaction in August of 2020, during which he brandished a firearm. As a felon, Fuller is prohibited from ever legally possessing a firearm. If convicted, Fuller faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the robbery charge, a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison for brandishing the firearm, and up to ten years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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North Carolina Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $100,000 for Filling Illegal Controlled Substances PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Durham, N.C. – Aspirar Pharmacy, LLC and Aspirar Pharmacy of Durham, LLC (collectively Aspirar Pharmacy), located in Cary and Durham, respectively, have agreed to pay the United States $100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act from 2017-2018 by filling prescriptions for a physician who lacked a valid state license.
The allegations involved physician Sharon Halliday, who obtained a faculty limited license in connection with her work at Duke University from the North Carolina Medical Board. A faculty limited license is intended to allow medical schools in North Carolina to benefit from expertise or specialized skills of physicians who are not otherwise eligible for full licensure in North Carolina. The faculty limited license only allows physicians holding such license to practice to the extent authorized by its sponsoring university.
The United States alleges that while Dr. Halliday possessed the faculty limited license, she prescribed controlled substances outside the scope permitted by Duke University. Aspirar Pharmacy, at both of its locations, filled these invalid prescriptions for Dr. Halliday. The allegations include that Aspirar Pharmacy failed to confirm the validity of Dr. Halliday’s license, thereby not fulfilling its corresponding responsibility under the Controlled Substances Act.
“An essential part of combatting the opioid epidemic is ensuring that pharmacies are held to the same standard as prescribers,” said Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Pharmacies cannot simply put their head in the sand when filling prescriptions and work under the assumption that the prescriber complied with their legal obligations.”
“The mission of DEA’s Office of Diversion Control is to prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “In this case, DEA Diversion investigators did an outstanding job of uncovering the reckless actions of Aspirar Pharmacy in filling prescriptions from a physician operating outside the scope of her limited license.
The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making sure healthcare providers are abiding by its mandates.”
In addition to the civil penalty payment, Aspirar Pharmacy has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Under the terms of the MOA, Aspirar Pharmacy has agreed to discontinue filling any prescriptions for Rapha Healthcare Services, LLC, the practice that Dr. Halliday owns and operates.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Mayer investigated the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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New Castle Drug Dealer Sentenced to More than Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 105 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Nathaniel McKnight, 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.
According to the information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. McKnight was intercepted communicating with his codefendants and coconspirators to orchestrate the movement of cocaine from Columbus, Ohio to the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution. McKnight was also intercepted communicating about acquiring fentanyl, distributing fentanyl, and cutting fentanyl to increase his profits. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McKnight.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Native New Yorker sentenced for human transporting conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 53-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport people unlawfully within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Carl Bernstein, formerly of Plainview, New York, pleaded guilty Sept. 9.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a 46-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from Bernstein, who admitted the money enticed him to commit the crime. Judge Marmolejo also heard more about Bernstein’s criminal history and noted that his extensive criminal record dates back to 1985.
On June 6, 2021, authorities stopped Bernstein for a traffic violation as he was driving a tractor-trailer on State Highway 16 near Tilden. They took him into custody upon learning of active arrest warrants.
He exited the tractor, at which time authorities opened the doors and noticed multiple people inside the trailer. Law enforcement identified a total of 42 people as non-U.S. citizens unlawfully in the country.
Bernstein admitted he expected to be paid for driving the vehicle.
Bernstein will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew prosecuted the case.
Nampa Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of illegal drugs.
According to court records, Allen Eugene McLean, 20, of Nampa, sold another person methamphetamine on two different occasions. On June 23, 2020, McLean sold 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and on August 13, 2020, he sold 26.7 grams of methamphetamine. As part of the plea agreement, McLean also admitted that he sold another person fentanyl pills on three occasions. On January 27, 2021, he sold 10 compressed fentanyl pills; on February 2, 2021, he sold 19 compressed fentanyl pills; and on February 8, 2021, he sold 15 compressed fentanyl pills. During the transaction on January 27, 2021, he told the purchaser to be careful when ingesting the pills because the pills were “hot” and had caused seven or eight overdose deaths.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered McLean to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. McLean pleaded guilty to the charge on October 12, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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