Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
27 January 2022
West Virginia Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Kevin Hartleroad, 64, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after being convicted of attempted production of child pornography announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hartleroad was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between February 2020 and April 2020, Hartleroad engaged in online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be the stepfather of a 14-year-old girl with whom he was sexually active. During the course of their conversations, Hartleroad expressed interest in having sex with the girl. He also expressed an interest in watching the “stepfather” having sex with the teenage girl, and he sent the undercover officer a text message graphically detailing the sexual acts that he wanted to see performed with the girl. The jury found him guilty of the charge following a two-day jury trial in September, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Waterloo Drug Dealer Who Possessed Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime was sentenced January 26, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Jordan Charles Johnson, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 13, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In a plea agreement, Johnson admitted that, on October 18, 2019, law enforcement recovered over 900 grams of marijuana in vacuumed sealed bags, over $3,000 in United States currency, a Ruger SR22 .22 LR caliber pistol, a Mossberg 715P .22 LR caliber pistol, and a short-barreled Remington 514 .22 LR caliber weapon made from a rifle with no serial number from his bedroom. Johnson also admitted that he intended to distribute some or all of the marijuana to another person, and that the Ruger SR22 pistol and the Mossberg 715P pistol were available for the protection of himself, his drug proceeds, and the marijuana.
Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Johnson was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Johnson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-02045-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Washburn Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Her Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marcie Leoso, 40, Washburn, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for her role in a heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine conspiracy. Leoso pleaded guilty on September 28, 2021 to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
In April and May 2020, Leoso made several trips with her co-conspirator Aaron Guski to pick up heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from a source in Minnesota to redistribute in the Bayfield and Ashland areas. The leader of the conspiracy, David Stone, while incarcerated in state custody, directed his associates, including Leoso, on when to pick up drugs, how much to pay, and how and where to distribute them throughout the area. Leoso’s relevant conduct included 75 grams of fentanyl/heroin and over 3 ounces of methamphetamine.
Judge Conley remarked on how unbelievable it was that so many people were willing to participate in a drug conspiracy orchestrated via phone calls from an individual in custody.
Leoso is the first member of the conspiracy to be sentenced. The four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to federal charges. David Stone is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on February 16, Chai Vang on April 26, Aaron Guski on April 28, and Mala Persaud on May 4.
The charges against these five individuals are the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ashland Police Department, Washburn Police Department, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Red Cliff Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Walthill Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Assault with a Deadly WeaponRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Matthew Moniz, Jr., age 33, of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for assault with a deadly weapon. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Moniz to 70 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Moniz will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On December 16, 2019, Moniz and his co-defendant, Jonathan Earth, assaulted a male victim during an altercation in Winnebago, Nebraska. Moniz punched the victim and pulled out a knife and cut him in the face. As Earth held the victim down, Moniz stabbed the victim in the neck. The stab caused a deep laceration to the victim’s neck.
Earth was sentenced on December 20, 2021, for his role in the assault and received 63 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago Police Department, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Vermonter Arrested for Attempted Enticement and Coercion of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scarlet Shadows a/k/a “Dragongurl69,” age 31, of West Rutland, Vermont, appeared today in federal court on a charge that she attempted to entice a minor into sexual activity.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the criminal complaint, Shadows attempted to entice and coerce an individual, whom Shadows believed to be an 11-year-old girl, to have sex. After weeks of exchanging sexually explicit text messages with undercover law enforcement officers, Shadows arranged to meet the child in Warren County, New York. Before being arrested yesterday, Shadows traveled from Vermont to Warren County with an engagement ring, condoms, and gifts for the child.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Shadows faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Additionally, if convicted, Shadows would be required to register as a sex offender.
Shadows appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered Shadows detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 1, 2022.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation may contact the FBI’s Albany Field Office at (518) 431-4866.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
Vallejo Parolee Indicted for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment today against Bruce Lamont Walker, 53, of Vallejo, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Walker was convicted in 2014 for a domestic violence offense and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Walker had only been on parole for three months when a parole search resulted in the discovery of an AR‑15 style “ghost gun” (privately made without a serial number) in his bedroom. Also found was an extended magazine with 27 rounds of ammunition. Walker is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition on account of seven prior felony convictions, including two felony crimes of violence and multiple firearms related felonies.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Division of Adult Parole Operations, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Walker faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Utah Attorney Sentenced for Bankruptcy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Attorney Eric Singleton, 56, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison by a judge in the District of Utah for his role in a bankruptcy fraud scheme on Monday. In addition, Singleton was ordered to serve two years of supervised release after the completion of his federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay $266,843 in restitution to the victims of his crime.
In the plea agreement, Singleton admitted that, from May of 2016 until September of 2017, he made false statements to the United States Bankruptcy Court, the bankruptcy trustee, and his clients, to facilitate his fraudulent scheme to embezzle money from client trust accounts and spend the money for his own personal use. Singleton carried out the fraud by advising his clients, “SYN and “CCN”, to transfer over approximately $288,000 to Singleton, which were proceeds from the sale of their properties, for Singleton to pay his attorney’s fees of $22,000 and to hold the remaining amount of $266,000 in his client trust accounts. Singleton advised his clients that he would hold the money for safekeeping to ensure that the money would not be taken by collections. Singleton then advised his clients he would return the money to his clients after the completion of their bankruptcy case. Singleton then spent the $266,000 for business and personal use.
After Singleton had embezzled the $266,000, he filed three separate bankruptcy proceedings for his clients in the United States Bankruptcy Court. During these bankruptcy proceedings, Singleton falsely stated to the court and the trustee that these individuals had less than $50,000 in assets, despite the fact that CCN and SYN had transferred over $266,000 to Singleton prior to the filing of these bankruptcy cases.
Following these three separate bankruptcy cases, Singleton filed two of his own bankruptcy cases in a continued effort to hide and conceal that he had embezzled $266,000 from his clients and then spent the money for business and person use.
The case was prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah and a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Trustee’s Office for the District of Utah and investigated by Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Upper Marlboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Tammy Jones, a/k/a “Tammy Taylor”, age 53, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme. As part of her plea agreement, Jones will be required to pay $111,377.12 in restitution.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
According to her guilty plea, in May 2011 Jones purchased a home in Brandywine, Maryland. To finance the purchase of the home, Jones obtained a mortgage for $360,660 from Lender 1, which was backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
In 2017, Jones sought and received a loan modification for her FHA-insured mortgage through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Partial Claim Program, which is a loan modification program for FHA-insured mortgages. As part of the Partial Claim Program, HUD works to restructure the borrower’s mortgage payments using a partial claim which allows the borrower to stay in the home. A lender files a “partial claim” with HUD for a portion of the outstanding mortgage balance and HUD makes payment to the lender on behalf of the borrower for that portion of the mortgage. In exchange, HUD receives a security interest in the property in the amount of the balance that was paid to the lender and the borrower agrees to repay HUD for the amount of the partial claim. Thus, the lender is effectively “made whole” by the partial claim payment from HUD. When the borrower sells the home, the borrower is ultimately responsible for the balance of the partial claim to remove the lien held by HUD.
As stated in her plea agreement, in or around June 2017, Jones sought and received a loan modification through the HUD Partial Claim Program for her Brandywine, Maryland home. HUD made a partial claim payment to Servicer 1 (who serviced Jones’s FHA-insured mortgage) of $111,377.12 on behalf of Jones. In exchange, Jones granted HUD a security interest in the Brandywine, Maryland property for $111,377.12, the amount of the partial claim payment made by HUD. Jones also entered into a loan modification agreement with the mortgage lender, in which Jones owed $352,151.01 in principal and agreed to make monthly payments of $2,564.96.
In 2018, Jones sought to sell the Brandywine, Maryland property for $429,900. To close the sale of the property, employees of a settlement company sought proof that Jones’s lien from HUD and the FHA had been released.
In fact, the lien had not been released. Jones thereafter created false and fraudulent documents to make it appear as though the lien had been released in order to facilitate the sale of the Brandywine, Maryland home as part of the scheme.
Specifically, Jones created a fraudulent email account, purporting to be an employee of a company contracted by HUD to service loans on HUD’s behalf. Jones, posing as an employee of the HUD contractor, told an employee of the settlement company that the lien on the Brandywine, Maryland home had been released and Jones created and attached a bogus lien release document. Jones thereafter continued to contact the settlement company while posing as an employee of the HUD contractor. Jones also submitted a fraudulent Certificate of Satisfaction to the settlement company, which permitted the sale of the Brandywine, Maryland property on or about October 19, 2018.
After the sale of the Brandywine, Maryland property closed, the individual who purchased the home from Jones was notified of the outstanding lien on the property in 2019. Investigation revealed that Jones had falsified documents and fraudulently posed as an employee of the HUD contractor in order to further her scheme to defraud HUD.
In total, Jones caused a net loss of $111,377.12 to HUD, which represents the partial claim that HUD paid on behalf of Jones in September 2017.
Jones faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended HUD-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin R. Cottingham, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
United States Attorney Announces a Minot, ND, Man Found Guilty of Sexual Exploitation of Six Minor ChildrenRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that a Federal Jury found Derrick Stephen Walker, age 46 of Minot, ND, guilty for six Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one Count of Receipt of Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
A federal jury found Derrick Walker guilty of six Counts of the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor involving six separate minor victims identified as "John Doe One, Age One"; "John Doe Two, Age Three"; "John Doe Three, Age Six"; "John Doe Four, Age One"; and "Jane Doe One" and "Jane Doe Two, both Age One". Walker was specifically found guilty of aiding and abetting his co-defendant, Katie Heidinger of Velva, ND, in the production of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of the minors. In addition, Walker was found guilty of receiving images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Investigation revealed that Katie Heidinger was involved in a romantic relationship with Derrick Walker and that Heidinger produced and distributed the videos and images, using the internet, at Walker’s request.
Katie Heidinger entered a change of plea to guilty to Counts One through Six on June 16, 2020 and is currently scheduled for sentencing on March 16, 2022. The Sentencing date for Walker has not been set.
"The actions of these defendants are revolting. The harm they’ve caused their victims is devastating and can last a lifetime," said acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt of HSI St. Paul. "HSI is proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our state and local law enforcement partners, and we remain committed to our joint efforts in bringing these criminals to justice."
This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme assigned to the case.
######
U.s. Settles Dispute over Disadvantaged Business Enterprise FraudRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – United Ironworkers (“United”), D&K Welding Services (“D&K”), Kim Rasnick, and Dorrie Wise-Harris have agreed to pay the United States and the State of Illinois
$440,000 to resolve a civil False Claims Act investigation relating to fraud on the Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (“DBE”) programs of the United States and the State of Illinois U.S. Attorney
Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. United and D&K are steel construction companies operating on highway and bridge projects in Illinois and other midwestern states.The DBE program reflects Congress’s intent to combat discrimination against minority and women-owned businesses on federally-assisted surface transportation work. Under the DBE regulations, only businesses independently owned and operated by a minority or woman may be certified as a DBE.
The government alleged that, as a non-DBE, United and its President, Kim Rasnick, conspired with a DBE, D&K, and its President, Dorrie Wise-Harris, to provide materially false representations and information regarding ownership and control of D&K for DBE certification and recertification purposes. These allegations were investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and culminated in this settlement.
“The DBE program is designed to provide business opportunities to minority and women owned businesses. Funds designated for that purpose should not be misallocated to businesses masquerading as legitimate DBEs,” said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Karl and Diana Jefferson, who own a steel construction firm in Southern Illinois, brought the allegations to light. The False Claims Act permits private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Illinois and is captioned United States et al. v. United Ironworkers, Inc., et al., 17-cv-1402. The Jefferson’s will receive $79,200 from the settlement proceeds.
This matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois and the
Illinois Attorney General’s Office.U.S. Marshals need public's help to stop phone scamsRead the Press Release
SOUTHEAST, GA - The United States Marshals Service (USMS) needs your help to stop several phone scams targeting residents in Coastal Georgia. United States Marshal David L. Lyons reports scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and threatening to arrest members of the public for failing to appear in federal court. In lieu of arrest, the fraudsters then offer to collect a fictitious fine through payment by gift card, phone application or other remote means.
Unfortunately, the scheme has proven highly successful at both the local and national level. According to Marshal Lyons, fraudsters often establish credibility with callers by employing a threatening tone, providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials or federal judges, and by referencing real courthouse addresses. The scammers have even spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate on caller ID.
Marshal Lyons definitively states the USMS and the federal court will never ask for card numbers, wire transfers or routing numbers over the telephone. Any suspicious phone calls should be authenticated by hanging up and calling the federal court or the USMS offices in Augusta, Brunswick or Savannah directly. Marshal Lyons expands, “The best defense to these scams is public awareness. Sharing this information with your friends and family members may prevent them from becoming the next victim.”
If you have been targeted in a phone scam or other fraudulent activity, please report the information to the FBI through its Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.IC3.gov) and to the Federal Trade Commission (www.reportfraud.ftc.gov).
Additional information about court scams can be found on the websites for the United States Courts (www.uscourts.gov) and the United States Marshals Service (www.usmarshals.gov).
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit Against Philadelphia Pharmacy and Pharmacist for Illegally Dispensing Opioids and for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that the United States filed a civil lawsuit against Philadelphia-based pharmacy Spivack, Inc., which previously operated under the name Verree Pharmacy, and its former owner, pharmacist Mitchell Spivack, alleging that they engaged in a years-long practice of illegally dispensing opioids and other controlled substances, and systematic health care fraud. The lawsuit alleges that Verree and Spivack illegally dispensed unparalleled quantities of opioids and other controlled substances into the Philadelphia community. The complaint seeks civil penalties and civil damages, which could total in the millions of dollars, as well as injunctive relief.
The culmination of a multi-year federal-state investigation, the complaint alleges that Verree Pharmacy, its pharmacist and then-owner Mitchell Spivack and other employees of Verree, had a responsibility to dispense opioids and other controlled substances only when appropriate. Instead, the United States alleges that the pharmacy and Spivack dispensed the drugs, even when faced with numerous red flags suggestive of diversion—such as opioids in extreme doses, dangerous combinations of opioids and other “cocktail” drugs preferred by those struggling with addiction, excessive cash payments for the drugs, blatantly forged prescriptions, and other signs that the pills were being diverted for illegal purposes. The complaint alleges that Verree—which was the top retail pharmacy purchasing oxycodone in Pennsylvania—has been a nationwide and regional outlier in its deviant purchasing, dispensing, and billing of controlled substances. To avoid scrutiny from the drug distributors that sold them the pills, Verree through Spivack, allegedly made false statements to maintain the façade of legitimacy and keep the pharmacy stocked with these pills critical to its profits. Behind that façade, the complaint alleges that Spivack drew millions of dollars from the pharmacy while the public suffered the consequences, including one patient who overdosed and died next to Verree Pharmacy bottles dispensed by Spivack.
The United States’ complaint alleges that Verree and Spivack were also engaging in an expansive health care fraud scheme involving fraudulent billings for drugs not actually dispensed. The alleged cornerstone of the scheme was a code used by the pharmacy employees in their internal computer system: “BBDF” or “Bill But Don’t Fill.” Verree, Spivack and their co-conspirators allegedly used BBDF as a means to cover their losses on other drugs and further line their pockets with illicit profits by falsely claiming to insurers, including Medicare, that they had dispensed a drug to a patient, when in fact they had not. According to the complaint, this sophisticated fraud—which one of the employees admitted to investigators—resulted in significant losses to Medicare and other federal programs.
The lawsuit seeks to impose civil penalties and damages on Verree and Spivack under the Controlled Substances and False Claims Acts. If Verree and Spivack are found liable, they could face civil penalties up to $68,426 for each unlawful prescription dispensed, civil penalties up to $23,607 for each false claim they submitted to federal health care programs, and treble damages for the alleged health care fraud against federal programs. The court may also award injunctive relief to prevent Verree and Spivack from committing additional controlled substance violations.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists engage in the deepest violation of the community’s trust when they exploit their access to opioids and other controlled substances and illegally dispense the drugs for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is even more disturbing when pharmacies take advantage of their position of trust by fraudulently billing Medicare and other federal health care programs for bogus prescription drugs. My Office will use every resource it has to pursue and hold these individuals accountable. I am grateful for the support and investigative teamwork that the DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office provided in this important matter.”
“In a city that has been so adversely and disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic, Verree Pharmacy was the top retail pharmacy purchasing oxycodone in the entire state of Pennsylvania,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “Spivack and the other employees at Verree routinely demonstrated total disregard for their professional and ethical obligations and improperly dispensed powerful painkillers when numerous warning signs were present.”
“The Medicare and Medicaid Programs provide vital prescription drug services to their beneficiaries, said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Pharmacies are required to only bill for prescriptions and products they actually provide to their patients. HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the DEA to investigate allegations of fraudulent insurance billings.”
“We know that nearly 80% of those who use heroin first started with misusing a prescription opioid,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “Pharmacies and medical professionals have a responsibility under the law to dispense these drugs only when appropriate. These allegations of illegal dispensing and fraud are disturbing -- they hurt families and communities all over the Commonwealth and steal needed resources from taxpayers. Our office is committed to continuing to work with our federal partners, and I am thankful for the women and men who collaborated on this case.”
If the public has any information regarding Verree Pharmacy or any other health care fraud allegation, individuals should contact the HHS-OIG hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS.
The case is being investigated by the Philadelphia Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, HHS-OIG, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, with additional assistance from the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, the Defense Health Agency, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The civil investigation and litigation are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony D. Scicchitano and auditors Dawn Wiggins and George Niedzwicki.
The complaint contains allegations only that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial.
Twice Convicted Sex-Offender Arrested with Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A Crawfordsville man was arrested Tuesday on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, an investigation into Christopher Gene Beke, Sr.,43, began with a report by Google LLC, after the company determined a Google user uploaded sexually explicit images of minors to Google servers in 2021. The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received these reports, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office identified the Google user as Beke, Sr., who had prior convictions for Child Molesting and Possession of Child Pornography. Upon execution of a search warrant, and with the assistance of “Hunter”, IMPD’s Electronic Detection K-9, Beke was found to be in possession of devices that contained sexually explicit images of minors. Beke admitted to police that his phone would contain illegal images.
“This case is a great example of how an international corporate giant like Google can use technology to detect child sexual abuse images being stored online and then quickly get that information into the hands of local law enforcement officers,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Using these internationally generated leads, our ICAC Task Force can put local boots on the ground to stop people who traffic in sexually explicit images of children. And a special thanks for the incredible work of our law enforcement partners in Montgomery County.”
“Detective French and Detective Kirby have worked tirelessly on these cases, and we are grateful for our partnerships with the ICAC Task Force,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Ryan Needham. “We will continue to commit all of our resources to these types of crimes and work with our partners to ensure we do our part in keeping children safe.”
Beke, Sr. is charged with Possession of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (with a Prior Conviction). The defendant made his initial court appearance today, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Doris L. Pryor of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and was ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, Beke, Sr. faces a sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Crawfordsville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (including the County Sex Offender Registrar), and the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office also provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Korobov who is prosecuting the case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
Additionally, this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Traffic Stop in Fresno County Results in Charges for Washington Residents Traveling with 300,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Joseph Hill, 40, of Mount Vernon, Washington, and Brigit Marie Bissell, 27, of Bothell, Washington, charging them with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 14, 2022, Hill and Bissell were traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in Fresno County, when stopped by police for speeding. When the officer had his narcotics detection dog run a sweep around the car, the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed three bags containing approximately 75 pounds of fentanyl or over 300,000 fentanyl pills.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol, the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Hill and Bissell face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Texas Biologist Indicted for Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Amarillo, Texas, issued an indictment today charging Dr. Richard Kazmaier, 54, with smuggling goods into the United States and two violations of the Endangered Species Act. The indictment alleges that Kazmaier, an associate professor of biology at West Texas A&M University, imported protected wildlife items into the country without declaring it or obtaining the required permits.
The Endangered Species Act and federal regulations require importers to declare wildlife, including parts and products, to customs and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when it enters the country. The indictment charges that, between March 2017 and February 2020, Kazmaier imported wildlife items from around the world into the United States without declaring them. These items included skulls, skeletons and taxidermy mounts.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements. The United States and 183 other countries are signatories to the CITES treaty. The indictment also charges Kazmaier with importing wildlife items from 14 protected species without obtaining permits, including the Eurasian otter, lynx, caracal, vervet monkey, greater naked-tailed armadillo and king bird-of-paradise.
The maximum sentence for the felony smuggling charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The two Endangered Species Act charges are misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of one year incarceration and a $100,000 fine.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Redmond, Washington, conducted the investigation as part of Operation Global Reach. The operation focused on the trafficking of wildlife from Indonesia to the United States. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Bell for the Northern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resource Division’s Environmental Crimes Section.
An indictment is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise before a jury at trial.
Texas Biologist Indicted for Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
An associate professor of biology at West Texas A&M University has been indicted for smuggling goods into the United States and violating the Endangered Species Act, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Dr. Richard Kazmaier, 54, allegedly imported protected wildlife items into the country without declaring it or obtaining the required permits.
The Endangered Species Act and federal regulations require importers to declare wildlife, including parts and products, to customs and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when it enters the country.
The indictment charges that, between March 2017 and February 2020, Dr. Kazmaier imported wildlife items from around the world into the United States without declaring them. These items included skulls, skeletons and taxidermy mounts.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements. The United States and 183 other countries are signatories to the CITES treaty.
The indictment also charges Dr. Kazmaier with importing wildlife items from 14 protected species without obtaining permits, including the Eurasian otter, lynx, caracal, vervet monkey, greater naked-tailed armadillo, and king bird-of-paradise.
An indictment is merely an allegation, not evidence. Like all defendants, Dr. Kazmaier is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the felony smuggling charge. The two Endangered Species Act charges are misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of one year incarceration and a $100,000 fine.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Redmond, Washington, conducted the investigation as part of Operation Global Reach, which focused on the trafficking of wildlife from Indonesia to the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Bell for the Northern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
South Kingstown Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury on Wednesday returned a three-count indictment charging a South Kingstown man with possessing and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The indictment charges William Schock, 27, with two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Charging documents allege that Schock shared sexually explicit images of prepubescent females with others, using an online social media app. Additionally, it is alleged, Schock downloaded and stored video files depicting child pornography.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Ottawa provided information to HSI agents in Providence of an IP address that was used to upload an image of child pornography. HSI Providence agents determined that the IP address belonged to Shock’s residence, and that on at least two occasions it was allegedly used to upload child pornography.
In August 2020, HSI agents, assisted by the Rhode Island State Police and members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a court-authorized search of Schock’s residence. A forensic review of Schock’s cell phone allegedly revealed numerous videos depicting child pornography.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
###
Somerset County Man Charged with $860,000 Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for his role in fraudulently obtaining over $860,000 in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan payments (EIDL), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Butherde Darius, 49, of North Plainfield, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and four counts of money laundering. Darius is scheduled to make his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
Darius submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications on behalf of his purported business, Fabulous Appetizers LLC. The applications contained fraudulent representations to the lenders, including a Federal Home Loan Bank member, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), including bogus tax information from the IRS and certifications as to the number of employees and gross revenue of Darius’s business. According to IRS records, many of the purported tax documents Darius submitted were never in fact filed with the IRS and Darius fabricated the existence of employees and the revenue of his business. Based on Darius’s alleged misrepresentations in his loan applications, he received approximately $862,000 in federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. Darius then spent the proceeds on personal expenses, including hotels and airfare, and made cash withdrawals of over $58,000.
The count of bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million; each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and each count of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Both the wire fraud and money laundering counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero; special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; special agents of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stephen Donnelly; special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York; and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and David E. Dauenheimer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Government Fraud Unit, in Newark.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Seven Area Residents Indicted for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Catalytic Converters Across State LinesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Seven Rogersville, Missouri, and Springfield, Mo., residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to transport thousands of stolen catalytic converters across state lines as part of a multi-million-dollar business.
“A scourge of catalytic converter thefts on a breathtaking scale had a significant impact on the Springfield community over the past two years,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Not only were numerous individual car owners victimized, but several non-profit organizations and churches were also victimized. We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice.”
Evan Marshall, 24, and Camren Davis, 24, both of Rogersville, and Cody Ryder, 30, Leslie Ice, 37, his wife, Danielle Ice, 33, Eric Kaltenbach, 37, and Enx Khoshaba, 29, all of Springfield, were charged in a four-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The superseding indictment replaces the indictment returned against Marshall on Nov. 17, 2021, and includes additional charges and defendants. The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public today.
“The Springfield Police Department is pleased to see the end result of a two-year investigation into a series of crimes that has touched every aspect of our community,” said Chief Paul Williams. “Our citizens have not only suffered the inconvenience of all things associated with being a victim of these crimes, but also suffered significant financial losses. The dedicated professionals who worked tirelessly on behalf of the many citizens and organizations impacted by the theft of catalytic converters are to be commended.”
“Organized criminal activity, such as this, is extremely costly to victims, taxpayers and the economy as a whole,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Katherine Greer. “Oftentimes, these types of crimes fund larger, more egregious, criminal enterprises that put the community at a greater risk. HSI, and our law enforcement partners, are working every day to disrupt these criminal organizations and bring those who look to profit from these stolen goods to justice.”
“This case is an example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together and I am thankful for our partnership with the Springfield Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson.
The federal indictment charges all seven defendants with participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines from Dec. 12, 2019, to Oct. 15, 2021.
Catalytic converters, which are exhaust emission control devices mandated for all cars and trucks, contain metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium that can be recycled. According to the indictment, Marshall bought junk vehicles and scrapped them out for several years prior to 2019, when he started a company, identified as Company D, to provide the appearance of a legitimate business for his purchase, transportation, and sale of stolen catalytic converters.
In the fall of 2019, two co-owners of a firm identified in the indictment as Company C, located in Mountain Home, Arkansas, asked Marshall to buy catalytic converters from the Springfield area and sell them to their company. Company C purchased and sold automotive cores, which refers to automotive parts that can be recycled, including catalytic converters. In addition to selling them catalytic converters from junk vehicles he had purchased from salvage yards, the indictment says, Marshall began to buy stolen catalytic converters from co-conspirators and sell them to Company C.
The owners of Company C purchased tens of thousands of catalytic converters from Marshall from December 2019 through October 2021. According to the indictment, Marshall received more than $6.8 million from Company C, which was, in part, payment for stolen catalytic converters. Marshall loaded between 800 and 1,200 catalytic converters onto trailers and transported them to Company C approximately every two to three weeks. The transports allegedly included stolen catalytic converters.
Marshall allegedly withdrew more than $6.4 million in cash from his bank account, which he used, in part, to promote future purchases of stolen catalytic converters. Marshall provided Davis, Ryder, and others with thousands of dollars in cash to promote future purchases of stolen catalytic converters during the conspiracy.
The owners of Company C sold the catalytic converters they purchased from Marshall to another firm, identified in court documents as Company A, located in Cherry Valley, Ark., which purchased and sold automotive cores, including catalytic converters. Company A paid the owners of Company C $3,247,135 between Dec. 4, 2019, and July 14, 2020. At that point, Company A began selling the catalytic converters they purchased from Marshall to another firm, identified in court documents as Company B, located in Farmington, Mo., which purchased automotive cores, including catalytic converters. Between June 2020 and October 2021, Company B paid Company C more than $18 million. According to the indictment, approximately 32 percent of the catalytic converters Company C sold to Company A and Company B were purchased from Marshall.
On July 5, 2021, Marshall allegedly purchased stolen catalytic converters from an undercover agent and paid $1,030.
On Oct. 15, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Marshall’s residence and seized 67 firearms and $125,000 in cash. The prior evening or morning of the search, however, Marshall learned of the impending law enforcement action and moved 197 catalytic converters from his residence to another location in order to conceal the catalytic converters from law enforcement.
Marshall has remained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on the original criminal complaint, which was filed on Oct. 20, 2021.
According to the indictment, Davis and Ryder worked for Marshall and allegedly bought stolen catalytic converters on Marshall’s behalf. In February 2021, Davis started a new company, referred to in the indictment as Company E, which purchased and sold automotive cores, including catalytic converters.
The indictment alleges that Leslie Ice, Danielle Ice, Kaltenbach, Khoshaba, and others stole catalytic converters from vehicles in the Springfield area and elsewhere, and sold the stolen catalytic converters to Marshall, Davis, or Ryder.
In addition to the conspiracy, Marshall and Davis each are charged with one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. Marshall is also charged with one count of possessing an unregistered firearm, a Springfield .410-gauge short-barrel shotgun with no serial number that was seized by law enforcement officers during their search of his residence.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon T. Kempf and Megan W. Chalifoux. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Greene County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Roane County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Foster Allen Ray, 72, of Gandeeville, was sentenced today to two years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2020, Ray shot a loaded Savage Model 99 300 caliber level action rifle from over 100 feet away at two people inside a truck trapped on his property to “scare them.” The bullet lodged inside the truck but avoided hitting the driver or front seat passenger. Ray is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions in Roane County Circuit Court for unlawful assault and child abuse by a custodian resulting in injury.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00024.
###
Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Edward Paul Potter, 42, of Bradley, pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents and statements made during the plea hearing, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Potter’s Bradley residence on December 1, 2020. During the search, law enforcement officers found over 50 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, $1,356 in U.S. currency, and 17 firearms. Potter admitted that he possessed and intended to sell the heroin and fentanyl mixture. Potter further admitted that he had been working with a drug trafficking ring operating from Detroit and he had been receiving regular shipments of heroin.
Potter pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on May 6, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00167.
###
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced for Lying to Federal Agents After Cooler Containing $ 316,930 in U.S. Currency Found on His VesselRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that District Court Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Blas Panzardi Davila, 38, to six months in prison and two years of supervised release, following the defendant’s guilty plea to making a false statement to agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to court documents, Davila was the sole operator of a vessel traveling without lights from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas on January 14, 2021. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Marine Interdiction Unit pulled alongside the vessel and inquired of the lack of lights on the vessel. Davila responded that the lights were not working. CBP marine boarded the vessel and discovered a large white cooler, and Davila denied knowing the contents of the cooler. Officers opened the cooler which contained $316,930 in United States currency. HSI agents subsequently questioned the defendant about the currency, and Davila initially lied regarding his knowledge of the currency and whether he owned it. The defendant subsequently acknowledged ownership of the funds.
The $ 316, 930 in U.S. currency and the vessel operated by Davila were administratively forfeited by HSI.
This case was investigated by Customs Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
This prosecution was 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.
Prosecution of violent criminal street gang sends more than a dozen to prison, with others awaiting sentencingRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA: A series of sentencings and the guilty plea of a key defendant brings to 36 the number of defendants admitting guilt in Operation Sandy Bottom, the investigation and prosecution of violent criminal street gang members distributing methamphetamine and other drugs in the Coffee County, Ga., area.
Of the 48 defendants indicted in the operation in U.S.A. v. McMillan et al. in January 2021, just nine await trial and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty; 14 have been sentenced to federal prison terms of up to 286 months, while 22 others have pled guilty to felony charges and await sentencing. Charges against one defendant were dismissed.
“The continued delivery of justice in Operation Sandy Bottom demonstrates the commitment our office brings to the identification and disruption of criminal street gangs who sell misery and sow fear in our communities,” said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Our many local, state, and federal law enforcement partners exhibited exceptional performance in bringing this drug trafficking operation to a halt.”
Operation Sandy Bottom was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation centered in the Sand Ridge neighborhood on the east side of Douglas, Ga., in an area known as “the bottoms.” The 57-count indictment alleges that the conspiracy, controlled by a subset of the Gangster Disciples street gang, used guns, violence and fear to control methamphetamine trafficking operations throughout the community and to enable contraband distribution inside Georgia prisons.
Multiple defendants have been sentenced or admitted guilt in U.S. District Court this week, including:
- Jackie Kavaskia McMillan, a/k/a “Bijay,” 41, an inmate serving a life sentence for a state conviction on a charge of murder at Dooly State Prison, awaits sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Marijuana. As early as 2018, McMillan used contraband cell phones and compromised prison guards to coordinate the drug trafficking operation while incarcerated. His guilty plea subjects McMillan to a minimum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison, and up to 40 years.
- Christina Veronda Alexander, 41, of Hazlehurst, Ga., was sentenced to 286 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Alexander was McMillan’s girlfriend, and under McMillan’s direction obtained methamphetamine from a supplier in Mexico for distribution to street dealers in the conspiracy, and delivered contraband to compromised prison guards to smuggle to state prison inmates.
- Brad Nikita Vickers, 34, of Douglas, Ga., sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone (Bath Salts), and Asprazolam (Xanax). Vickers was a mid-level drug distributor and source of supply to many of the street-level dealers in the conspiracy.
- Phillip Lloyd Morgan, a/k/a “Tree Top,” 38, of Douglas, sentenced to 118 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone, and Asprazolam. Morgan was a mid-level distributor in the conspiracy.
- Leo Vonza Pender, a/k/a “Metro,” 39, of Alma, Ga., sentenced to 118 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Pender was a street-level dealer in the conspiracy.
- Richard Young, 55, of Hazlehurst, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Young admitted to participating in methamphetamine distribution as part of the conspiracy.
“The sentencing of these individuals proves that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource when it comes to ending an epidemic in our society that fuels violent crime and kills our citizens,” said Phil Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We want to thank our partners in the Georgia Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force who relentlessly work along our side to dismantle these organized, violent criminal enterprises.”
The investigation began in 2018 when the Coffee County Drug Unit enlisted the assistance of the FBI and the Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force to investigate community complaints about rising violence and drug activity in the Sand Ridge neighborhood of Douglas. As outlined in court documents and testimony, the conspiracy controlled multiple “trap houses” to store and distribute illegal drugs, primarily methamphetamine, coordinated by gang leaders who distributed drugs throughout Coffee, Bacon, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Wheeler counties, along with other parts of Georgia.
Investigators infiltrated the operation, intercepting multiple kilograms of drugs and nearly two dozen illegally possessed firearms, along with seven vehicles and more than $12,000 in cash identified as drug-trafficking proceeds.
The operation also identified and charged three Georgia state correctional officers who worked with gang members to smuggle contraband cell phones and illegal drugs to inmates affiliated with the conspiracy. Idalis Qua Dazia Harrell, 25, of Douglas, a former guard at Coffee County Correctional Facility; Jessica Azaelae Burnett, a/k/a “The Madam,” 42, of Douglas, a former senior guard at Coffee County Correctional Facility; and Ebony Desiree Smiley, a/k/a “Baby Girl, 25, of Vidalia, Ga., a former guard at Wheeler State Prison, each await sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Marijuana.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It was investigated by the FBI and the FBI Coastal Georgia Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coffee County Drug Unit; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office; the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office; the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office; the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office; the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office; the Blackshear Police Department; the Nicholls Police Department; the Douglas Police Department; the Alma Police Department; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Swainsboro Police Department; and the Coffee County Department of Family and Children Services.
The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph McCool and E. Greg Gilluly, with asset forfeitures coordinated by Xavier A. Cunningham, Section Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Recovery Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Preston County man admits to wire fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Miller, of Reedsville, West Virginia, has admitted to wire fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Miller, 41, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” Miller admitted to working with others to stage a vehicle accident, fabricate injuries, and file false insurance claims. The crime occurred from March to July 2019 in Taylor and Preston Counties.
Miller faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the West Virginia Insurance Commission Fraud Unit investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Plant Manager of Seattle barrel reconditioning company pleads guilty to conspiracy and lying to investigatorsRead the Press Release
Seattle – The plant manager of Seattle Barrel and Cooperage Company, a barrel cleaning and reconditioning operation, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy and making a false statement to the Environmental Protection Agency, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. John Sanft, 51, formerly of Issaquah, Washington, was the company’s plant manager during a conspiracy to illegally dump caustic waste into the King County sewer system, which ultimately empties into Puget Sound. The company used a hidden drain, and, over ten years, lied to regulators to carry out their illegal dumping. Last month, the company and its owner, Louie Sanft, were found guilty by a jury of participating in the dumping scheme. John Sanft will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on April 22, 2022.
Seattle Barrel’s business involves collecting used industrial and commercial drums and reconditioning and reselling them. Between 2009 and March of 2019, part of the reconditioning process involved washing the barrels in a highly-corrosive chemical solution. The caustic solution had a very high pH level. Since at least 2009, Seattle Barrel operated under a discharge permit that prohibits it from dumping effluent with a pH exceeding 12 to the sewer system. Effluent above pH 12 will corrode the sewer system and treatment plant, and potentially cause pass-through pollution to Elliott Bay and Puget Sound.
In 2013, King County conducted covert monitoring of Seattle Barrel, and discovered the company was illegally dumping effluent with a pH above 12 in violation of its permit. King County fined the company $55,250, but later agreed to reduce the fine when Seattle Barrel installed a pretreatment system for its wastewater.
However, in 2018 and 2019, additional covert monitoring by the EPA inspectors revealed that Seattle Barrel was continuing to routinely dump wastewater with a pH above 12 into the sewer system despite telling local regulators that no industrial wastewater was being discharged. Agents then installed real-time monitoring equipment that allowed them to determine when the dumping was taking place and obtained a search warrant.
Early on the morning of March 8, 2019, the covert monitors indicated Seattle Barrel was dumping high-pH material into the sewer. Agents immediately executed the warrant and entered the building. Inside, they discovered a portable pump on the floor near the tank of caustic solution. They then discovered that the pump was being used to pump the caustic solution to a nearby hidden drain that had never been disclosed to King County. The drain led directly to the sewer system. According to the company, since mid-2019, following the criminal conduct in this case, it no longer uses the caustic solution for barrel cleaning.
As noted in the plea agreement, John Sanft knew of the existence of the hidden drain, and further knew that Seattle Barrel was regularly discharging the contents of the caustic tank through the hidden drain. John Sanft did not personally engage in the discharges or tell the employee to cause the discharges. However, Sanft admits he was part of the conspiracy to hide the conduct from the King County inspectors and the EPA. John Sanft admitted to lying to federal agents about the dumping during a March 8, 2019 interview. John Sant faces up to five years in prison for each of the two charges to which he pled guilty.
“The defendant’s intentional disregard for the environment included an attempt to deceive law enforcement and conceal other crimes” said Scot Adair, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Washington. “EPA and the Department of Justice continue to hold accountable companies and individuals that place communities and the environment at risk.”
In December 2021, John Sanft’s cousin, Louie Sanft, the owner and operator of Seattle Barrel, was convicted following a three-week trial of: conspiracy; 29 violations of the Clean Water Act for discharging pollutants to the sewer; four counts of submission of False Clean Water Act Certifications; and making a false statement to special agents of the EPA. Louie Sanft faces up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy and false statement counts, and up to three years in prison for each violation of the Clean Water Act.
Under the terms of the plea agreement with John Sanft, prosecutors will recommend he be sentenced to no more than a year and a day in prison. However, the ultimate sentence is up to U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones. Judge Jones will determine the sentence for both John and Louie Sanft and the company, after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) with significant assistance from King County Industrial Waste.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Jim Oesterle, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Karla Perrin and Gwendolyn Russell, Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Philadelphia Woman Who Worked with Autistic Children Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Tayanna Bowman, 25, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison, twenty years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $3,000 assessment by United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson for distributing child pornography to an undercover federal agent on an online file sharing platform.
In March 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography. In January 2020, while employed as a behavioral health technician at ChanceLight Autism Services [a regional childcare service provider] specializing in behavioral health support for children with autism, the defendant distributed videos and images of child pornography on the Internet using Kik Messenger. Prior to that job, Bowman worked at Cynthia’s Little Treasures Daycare in West Philadelphia as a teaching assistant.
“This defendant chose a line of work providing care to vulnerable, autistic children, and at the same time, she participated in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by engaging with an online community interested in such abhorrent acts,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is our duty to protect the most vulnerable members of society and we will continue to uphold that duty by bringing to justice anybody who preys upon minor children.”
“Bowman betrayed the trust her students and their parents placed in her. Although today’s sentencing cannot repair the damage Bowman caused, it sends the message that the FBI remains committed to hunting down child predators and delivering justice to their victims,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.
Pennsylvania Man Admits Bank Fraud Conspiracy that Operated in South Jersey and Southeastern PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man today admitted his role in a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted 12 financial institutions in southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Olugbenga Oyedele, 48, of Collingdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. district Judge Noel L. Hillman to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Oyedele was part of a multi-defendant, Nigerian-based, multi-layered criminal organization that engaged in a massive bank fraud conspiracy New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island and other states from June 2016 to June 2020. Members of the group acquired numerous stolen business checks that were stolen from the United States mail, altered the payee on the checks to a fraudulent name and deposited the checks into bank accounts that had been opened with forged foreign passport documents and fraudulent U.S. visas that matched the names on the stolen checks. Once the banks credited all or a portion of the funds to the accounts – but before the checks had cleared – the defendants withdrew the funds from ATMs or purchased money orders, using debit cards associated with the fraudulent accounts. Members of the organization have used over 400 fraudulent accounts opened with fake identity documents to defraud the victim banks. To date, the total loss to the victim banks is approximately $6 million.
Olugbenga Oyedele today admitted his role in the conspiracy, which included using several false identities to open fraudulent bank accounts and making several deposits to and withdrawals from the fraudulent accounts.
The bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bellmawr office and Philadelphia Division Office, under the direction of Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington, D.C. Division Office, under the direction of Peter R. Rendina, Washington Division Inspector in Charge; Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office and Newark Division Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Division Office, under the Direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; Homeland Security Investigations Maryland Division Office, under the direction of James R. Mancuso, Special Agent in Charge, Baltimore; Homeland Security Investigations Rhode Island Office, under the direction of Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Boston Division Office; and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), under the direction of R. Mike Escott, Resident Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Resident Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments against the 10 conspirators are merely accusations, and the defendants in those cases are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to escape from a federal halfway house.
According to court documents, Joshua Dowler, 39, admitted that he walked away from Dismas Charities on September 16, 2021. Dowler was confined to the halfway house as a result of a 2019 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The United States Marshals Service later apprehended Dowler in Parkersburg.
Dowler pleaded guilty to escape and faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on May 12, 2022.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00256.
###
Pair Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, and Fentanyl in Roanoke AreaRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Two more members of a drug conspiracy have been sentenced in federal court for their role in the distribution of deadly narcotics.
Kenneth Tito Beaner, 27, and Nathan Jamal Nelms, 26, both of Roanoke, Virginia, were sentenced this week to serve 120 months each in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine.
“Our focus on prosecuting violent crime in the Roanoke region remains steadfast,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “This case provides an excellent example of the great work we can accomplish working with our federal, state, and local partners in law enforcement.”
“Combating violent gun crime and narcotics distribution within our communities is a job we take very seriously,” said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson. “We will continue collaborate with our partners to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics and other acts of violence within our community.”
According to court documents, from at least May 2018 until September 2019, Beaner and Nelms supported their principal co-conspirators, Antonio Waddell and Jarod Alston, by selling a variety of illegal narcotics from a residence on Crescent Street NW in the City of Roanoke.
According to witnesses in the case, members of the conspiracy facilitated sales of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl cooperatively by serving each other’s customers as needed and participating jointly in drug sales. Over the course of the investigation, officers made more than twenty-six controlled purchases of narcotics from Beaner, Nelms, and their associates to establish the scope and breadth of the drug enterprise.
On August 28, 2019, investigators executed a warrant to search the Crescent Street residence and seized approximately 370 grams of methamphetamine, 103 grams of fentanyl, 8 grams of cocaine, 6 grams of heroin, 119 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, and a firearm that were all hidden in various locations throughout the kitchen. From a related search warrant executed at another residence, investigators seized more than $35,000 in U.S. currency that had been used in connection with drug sales.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the City of Roanoke Police Department, the Roanoke HIDTA Program, and the Virginia State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Miller and Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.
Oklahoma Woman Found Guilty of Transporting Undocumented NoncitizensRead the Press Release
PECOS – Yesterday a federal jury in Pecos convicted an Oklahoma woman for her role in transporting undocumented noncitizens following a two-day trial.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Francesca Jo Ryan, 24, and co-defendant, David Alvarado-Rios, 32, of Mexico, were both charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of transportation of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
During trial, Ryan attempted to convince the jury she had no knowledge or involvement in the crime. The jury found her guilty on both counts.
Ryan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to transport charge and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the transportation charge. Ryan is scheduled for sentencing on April 26, 2022.
On December 17, 2021, Alvarado pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden made the announcement.
The HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Weber and Scott V. Greenbaum are prosecuting the case.
###
Ohio man sentenced for selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Mario Hall, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 10 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Hall, age 29, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hall admitted to selling cocaine in Ohio County in January 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the 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.
Ohio man sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashaad Shadee Washington, of Pleasant City, Ohio, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Washington, 37, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Washington admitted to selling methamphetamine, sometimes near McNinch Primary School, in Marshall County and Ohio County in February and March 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Norwich Man Involved in Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 43 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR ENCARNACION, 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 43 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics and firearms, revealed that Royshawn Allgood, also known as “Boy Roy,” received narcotics from another member of the conspiracy and then distributed the drugs to users and other street-level distributors. Encarnacion, while on state probation for a narcotics distribution offense, acquired distribution quantities of heroin from Allgood and sold the drug to other dealers and his own customers.
Encarnacion has been detained since his arrest on February 21, 2019. On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Encarnacion, Allgood and 22 other individuals with various offenses. A subsequent superseding indictment charged an additional two defendants.
On May 6, 2021, Encarnacion pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Allgood pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on January 3, 2020, was sentenced to 71 months of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth 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.
Northeast Harbor Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Northeast Harbor man was sentenced today in federal court for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Jack Palmer, 71, to 12 months and one day in prison and 10 years of supervised release. Palmer was convicted on August 2, 2021, following a bench trial.
Trial evidence revealed that in 2016, Palmer was convicted in federal court of possessing child pornography. As a result of that conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender in the state of Maine and to update that registration within three days of changing residences. In November 2020, Palmer moved from Portland to Northeast Harbor and failed to notify the Maine Sex Offender Registry. He lived at this residence until his arrest in April 2021.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the Bar Harbor/Mount Desert Island Police Department investigated the case.
New York Stock Promoter Sentenced to Prison for “Pump and Dump” Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A New York man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in an illegal pump-and-dump stock manipulation scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge David S. Doty sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, Christopher James Rajkaran, 36, of Queens, New York, and Guyana, participated in a scheme to hijack and assume control over dormant public shell companies. Rajkaran and his co-defendants used their control over the companies to fraudulently manipulate and pump up the price of the companies' stock so that they could profit from the sale of stock at inflated prices to unwitting investors.
According to court documents, Rajkaran and his co-defendants carried out the scheme by obtaining hundreds of thousands or even millions of shares of stock in dormant public shell companies that traded over-the-counter at low prices, often for less than a fraction of a penny per share. Rajkaran and his co-defendants then assumed control over the shell companies by creating and filing fake resignation letters and board resolutions purporting to announce the resignation of the existing management team and the appointment of one or more conspirators as new officers and directors of the companies. Rajkaran and his co-defendants used their control over the hijacked shell companies to issue fraudulent press releases and filings designed to fraudulently “pump up” the price of the hijacked companies’ stock. Rajkaran and his co-defendants then “dumped” their stock by selling at the fraudulently inflated prices to reap the fraudulent obtained profits.
On October 7, 2021, Rajkaran pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. On October 14, 2021, co-defendant Mark Allen Miller, 44, of Breezy Point, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Co-defendant Saeid Jaberian, 60, of Hopkins, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud charges.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance on this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson and Miranda E. Dugi are prosecuting the case.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Role in New Haven Drug RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TOMMY JULIUS, also known as “General” and “J,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today via videoconference by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based drug trafficking ring. Judge Chatigny ordered Julius to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics from Julius and others, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. Julius regularly distributed heroin and crack cocaine to street sellers who, in turn, provided Julius with proceeds from their drug sales.
Twenty-five individuals were convicted as a result of this investigation.
Julius was arrested on July 10, 2019. On September 2, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance. He has been detained since October 5, 2021, when his bond was revoked after he violated conditions of his release.
Julius’ criminal history dates to 1998 and includes several convictions, including a federal firearm conviction in 2011 for which he received a sentence of 10 years in prison. In January 2018, he received an additional 14 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens 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.
New Haven Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RODRIGUEZ-CARABALLO, also known as “Puma,” 32, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to cocaine trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The package contained $102,450 in cash. The investigation revealed that an associate of Rodriguez-Caraballo was supervising the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses in and around New Haven, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to individuals in Puerto Rico. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted multiple parcels of cocaine and U.S. currency that was sent through the U.S. Mail.
The investigation revealed that Rodriguez-Caraballo picked up cocaine parcels from the addresses they were shipped to, repackaged the cocaine, and helped distribute it to other drug sellers and customers.
Rodriguez-Caraballo was arrested on March 18, 2021, after he traveled with a co-conspirator to complete a cocaine transaction. Investigators seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine and a firearm from their vehicle.
Rodriguez-Caraballo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 21, at which time Rodriguez-Caraballo faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Rodriguez-Caraballo has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Karen Peck 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.
Nampa Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa woman pleaded guilty to theft of government money.
According to court records, in September 2010, Maria Vasquez, 37, of Nampa, filed an application with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for her son with disabilities. Vasquez was listed as representative payee, and SSA approved the application one month later based upon her reported income. SSA notified Vasquez that she is under a continuing obligation to notify SSA if her income changes.
In 2014, Vasquez completed a redetermination of her son's benefits over the phone with an SSA claims specialist. Vasquez stated that her husband earned approximately $1,000 per month. Again, SSA notified Vasquez that she is under a continuing obligation to notify SSA if her income changes.
Tax returns show that after 2014, however, Vasquez's husband owned a painting business that made significant money. Specifically, Vasquez and her husband filed joint taxes and had income from her husband's business of $52,331, $24,286, $108,777, $80,659, $199,142, and $175,882 in 2014 through 2019, respectively. Despite the increased income, which made her son ineligible to receive SSI, Vasquez never reported to SSA the change in income.
In total, SSA deposited $58,079.40 between January 2014 and September 2020 into an account belonging to Vasquez and her son. As part of the plea agreement with the Government, Vasquez agreed to pay restitution to SSA in the amount of $58,079.40.
“Misusing Social Security benefits, taxpayer funds, is a criminal and punishable act, which my office takes very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. “Auditors and criminal investigators will continue to collaborate with SSA and other agencies to identify those who falsify reports for their personal gain. Together with our partners at SSA Office of the Inspector General, we will continue to hold accountable those who commit crimes involving Social Security benefits,” Mr. Gonzalez added.
“For several years as representative payee for her son, Ms. Vasquez misrepresented her household income to the Social Security Administration to fraudulently receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, a critical safety net for those in need,” said Christian Assaad, Acting Special Agent in Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Seattle Field Division. “This guilty plea demonstrates that our office will continue to pursue those who defraud SSA. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and holding her accountable for her criminal actions.”
Vasquez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2022 and faces a statutory maximum of ten years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
###
Mounds Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus 10 years for First Degree Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
Kyle Quentin Sago, 32, of Mounds, was sentenced Thursday in federal court for fatally shooting a man the day they renewed an old friendship, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Sago to life in prison plus 10 years.
In September, a federal jury convicted Sago of first degree murder in Indian Country, two counts of felon in possession of ammunition; and causing death by using and discharging a firearm in the commission of first degree murder.
“Kyle Sago committed an egregious, senseless crime when he took the life of Daniel Morgan,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “While today’s sentence cannot rectify the loss of Mr. Morgan, it sends a message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners take seriously our mission to uphold justice. There are no higher priorities than keeping our communities safe and fighting for victims of violent crime.”
“The FBI works every day with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable when they commit egregious acts such as murder. Violent crime affects not only the victims, but also their families and the community at large,” said Edward J. Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to our responsibility to uphold the Constitution and protect all Americans, and we are as committed as ever to our work in Indian Country.”
At the sentencing hearing, Morgan’s young daughter told the court her father was kind, nice, and that everyone relied on him. She said she missed his laugh and him being at her birthday parties. Other family members said they would never understand why Morgan’s friend would kill him, especially after Morgan saved him from a fire, and described the difficulty they endured after losing him. They thanked Judge Frizzell for his handling of the case and asked that Sago be sent to prison for life.
When imposing the sentence, Judge Frizzell explained that there seemed to be no explanation as to why Sago committed the murder except possibly for Sago’s long history of drug use, calling methamphetamine a scourge. He reminded Sago of the tragedy caused by his actions not only for the family but also for Sago himself.
On July 25, 2020, Officers from the Tulsa Police Department were notified of a shooting that occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. A witness, victim Daniel Morgan’s girlfriend, identified Kyle Sago as having fired the shots that killed the victim.
At trial, Morgan’s girlfriend explained that she woke up at about 3:30 pm the day of the crime and saw Sago visiting with the victim. Morgan introduced Sago as a good friend. She noticed burns on Sago’s arms. Morgan explained that he had saved Sago years ago from a fire at a meth lab. She said the two continued to exchange stories and visited.
After Sago left, the victim lay down for a nap because he had been working the night prior. Morgan’s girlfriend then heard multiple Facebook Messenger calls to the victim’s phone while he was asleep. She noted that Kyle Sago initiated the calls.
The witness stated that Sago soon returned to the residence in a white sedan When she stepped outside, he demanded to speak with Morgan about "business" and she should wake him.
When Morgan walked outside, the witness stated that she heard multiple gunshots. She moved to the door and witnessed Sago shoot at Morgan approximately four more times from the white sedan as the victim retreated around to the side of the house.
Other witnesses called 911 and ran to assist. Morgan’s girlfriend also assisted and called the victim’s mother. She further cooperated with authorities in identifying Sago as the shooter. Daniel Morgan sustained 4 gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Several witnesses who saw the crime occur confirmed the suspect shot from the same white sedan and continued to drive and fire at the victim as he ran for cover.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Aaron M. Jolly prosecuted the case. Mr. Lenhardt is a prosecutor from the Western District of Pennsylvania. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Quapaw Nation Reservations.
See trial press release here.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Involving a Social Security CardRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Mexican national pled guilty to the federal felony offense of Fraud or Misuse Involving a Visa, Permit or Other Document.
U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi, Jason E. Schneider, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, and Special Agent in Charge David L. Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans made the announcement.
According to court documents, Jesus Alberto Charqueno-Hernandez, 26, was arrested on October 25, 2021, by Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies after they responded to a 911 call request for assistance. Deputies responded to the location of the 911 call near the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 57. They found probable cause to search the vehicle and found residue that field tested positive for cocaine in a plastic baggie. Charqueno-Hernandez was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance and DUI other substance. The Border Patrol was contacted and, based on record checks, an immigration detainer was issued for Charqueno-Hernandez.
Several forms of identification were found in Charqueno-Hernandez’ possession, including a Florida state identification card bearing another person’s name with a photo of Charqueno-Hernandez. Further, what appeared to be a Social Security Card was found which bore the name and Social Security Number of the person named on the Florida Identification Card who was determined to be a victim of identity theft. Knowing that the name and SSN were not his own, he unlawfully used the victim’s information to fill-out and support a federal Form I-9 for the purpose of gaining employment.
Immigration records checks revealed that Carqueno-Hernandez had been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico and had illegally returned to the United States.
Charqueno-Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of Supervised Release. After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Two Years of Probation for Lying About His Residence When Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donte Christian, age 46, of Catonsville, Maryland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to two years of probation for making false statements during the purchase of firearms. Christian was also ordered to pay a $5,500 fine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Christian previously admitted that on four occasions in 2018, he provided a false state of residence and address when purchasing firearms in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Christian purchased a total of nine handguns.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
# # #
Marion Man Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Marion, Virginia man was sentenced this week to 48 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute the deadly drug fentanyl.
Dakota Shadoe Tunnell, 21, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Tunnell became known to law enforcement in early 2021 when a flood of illegal pills began showing up in Smyth County, Virginia. The pills resembled a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone-hydrochloride pills, but were inconsistent in size, shape, and color as compared to pharmaceutical-grade pills. Pills of this type are sometimes referred to as “Roxicodone,” “pressed,” or “M30” pills because they have an imprint of an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other side.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Tunnell had been purchasing 300 to 500 pills at a time from his supplier and redistributing them in the Marion, Virginia area. On September 5, 2021, law enforcement executed a controlled purchase of approximately 100 pills from Tunnell for $1,700, and subsequently arrested him.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia announced the sentence today.
The Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit D. Pierce prosecuted the case.
Man Charged for Threatening Nevada State Election WorkerRead the Press Release
A Nevada man made his initial appearance in federal court today for allegedly making multiple threatening phone calls to an election worker in the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.
Gjergi Luke Juncaj, aka Gjergj Juncaj, aka Gjurgi Juncaj, aka George Juncaj, 50, of Las Vegas, was arrested by the FBI yesterday in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, on Jan. 7, 2021, Juncaj allegedly made four threatening phone calls to an employee in the Elections Division of the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office. According to the employee, the threats included:
I want to thank you for such a great job you all did on stealing the election. I hope you all go to jail for treason. I hope your children get molested. You are all going to (expletive) die.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in late June 2021, the task force is leading the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and investigates and prosecutes these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country as warranted.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at: tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Juncaj is charged with four counts of making threatening telephone calls. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Public Integrity Section is 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.
Man Charged for Manufacturing an Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
A man responsible for the production of an explosive device made from fireworks, fishhooks, rivets and other material was charged in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Zane Paul Bennett, 20, was charged by Criminal Complaint with unlawful manufacture of a destructive device.
On January 24, 2022, an officer with the Broken Arrow Police Department conducted a traffic stop after learning that Mariah Davis, Bennett’s partner, had allegedly been observed shoplifting at a retail store. While speaking to Davis, an officer observed what appeared to be a dstructive device in the back seat of the vehicle. The woman explained that the device belonged to her boyfriend.
Davis called Bennett who arrived on foot and then asked if he could take possession of the vehicle if Davis was going to be detained. After officers advised Bennett of his rights, Bennett told them that he manufactured the destructive device.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called and conducted interviews with the couple. Bennett allegedly indicated he had manufactured the destructive device in a nearby motel where the couple was staying. He explained that he used fireworks, fish hooks to hold the tubes of the destructive devices together, then added metal items before wrapping the device together.
At the location of the traffic stop, the Tulsa Police Department Bomb Squad x-rayed the destructive device, which showed several large fish hooks, screws, and rivets in the device. Also inside the device were a large quantity of small fireworks packed together. The device was dismantled and the components retained. After obtaining a search warrant of Bennett’s hotel room, officers and agents with the Broken Arrow Police Department and ATF located and seized fireworks and a metal rivet consistent with what was found in the destructive device.
A Criminal Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ATF, Broken Arrow Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert T. Raley and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case.
*This is a corrected press release. The initial press release sent out showed Bennett as 19 but he recently turned 20. This has also been corrected to clarify spelling of the defendant's last name.
Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Obstruction of an Official Proceeding Dealing with a Scheme to Issue Commercial Driver Licenses to Unqualified DriversRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jaswinder Singh, 59, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted obstruction of an official proceeding when he tried to influence the testimony of a potential trial witness, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in August 2021, Singh instructed the witness to tell law enforcement that the witness knew nothing, not to mention anything about him or his participation in the conspiracy to help others obtain fraudulent commercial driver licenses, and not to name any names. Singh also told the witness not to talk on the phone and said that it was very important for them to make sure their stories were similar to one another.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne L. Rust and Christopher Hales are prosecuting the case.
Singh is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on May 5, 2022. Singh faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Brandon L. Parmentier, 32, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Parmentier to 149 months in prison followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On September 11, 2020, a probation officer searched probationer Parmentier’s residence in Lincoln. While searching Parmentier’s bedroom, the officer found a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, weapons, and drug paraphernalia. Those items were seized by law enforcement. A lab determined that there was 111.52 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 100 grams was actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lewiston Man Sentenced for Straw Purchasing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine—A Lewiston man was sentenced today in federal court for making false statements during the purchase of firearms, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Jake Scherer, 24, to three months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Scherer pleaded guilty on August 3, 2021.
According to court records, on April 30, 2020, Scherer purchased handguns from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Levant. When completing the sale, Scherer completed a Firearms Transaction Record form in which he falsely reported that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms. On May 22, 2020, Scherer purchased firearms from a licensed dealer in Houlton, and again falsely stated he was the actual purchaser. Scherer was purchasing the firearms for someone else on both occasions.
Straw purchasing typically involves a buyer who can lawfully purchase firearms but who then provides them to another person who is legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, therefore allowing the prohibited person to illegally obtain firearms and avoid the national background check system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
The prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories. PSN is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources. Across all districts, PSN follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability.
Leader of Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to 35 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A North Carolina man, who previously resided in Wise County, Virginia when he organized a conspiracy to traffic multiple pounds of methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia, was sentenced today to 35 years in federal prison.
Daniel Eugene Rowland, 46, of Andrews, North Carolina was convicted on eight counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“This defendant, and the other conspirators, trafficked multiple pounds of methamphetamine into Virginia, preying on the addiction of others for their own financial benefit,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “Today’s sentence should serve as an example that here in the Western District of Virginia we take drug trafficking seriously and will pursue justice appropriately.”
“There is no place in our communities for this type of criminal activity. We will continue to work cohesively with the United States Attorney’s Office and with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics and other acts of violence to make our communities safer,” ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson said.
Between July 2019 and December 2020, Rowland structured a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine from Atlanta into Southwest Virginia for redistribution by organizing co-defendants Jon Rollins, Jessica Robey, Austin Hammond, and others, to pool their money together in order to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine from co-defendants Eric Glass and Shane Cress.
On several occasions, Rowland traveled to Atlanta where he made multi-kilogram purchases of methamphetamine from Glass and Cress, paying $12,000 to $14,000 per kilogram for the drugs.
When he was arrested in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Rowland was in possession of nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine, $32,500 in cash, digital scales, a loaded 9mm pistol, and additional ammunition.
Co-conspirators Justin Shane Cress and Cory Austin Hammond were each previously sentenced to 135 months incarceration for their roles in the conspiracy. In addition, Eric Matthew Glass was sentenced to 168 months in prison, Jessica Ann Robey was sentenced to 120 months, and Jonathan Adam Rollins was sentenced to 228 months.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force, and the Virginia State Police investigated the case, with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena L. Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.
La Quarenta gang drug dealers plead guilty in poly-drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Four Corpus Christi men have admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth, heroin and cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Fernando Martinez, 44, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty today to the conspiracy which spanned from Sept. 6, 2020, to Aug. 26, 2021. Three others - Jayden Wandell Coleman, 18, Carlos Acosta, 38, and Ricky Reyna, 34, all of Corpus Christi - previously admitted to the their roles in the conspiracy. All are identified members of the La Quarenta gang.
The investigation began in September 2020. It revealed the narcotics trafficking organization used a Corpus Christi residence on Cortez Street to distribute meth, heroin, crack and marijuana. Authorities observed Reyna, Martinez, Acosta and Coleman entering and exiting the drug stash house as various times and directing people to the residence.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement observed a high amount of foot traffic approach and enter the residence, stay for a few minutes and then exit the area. Traffic stops resulted in the seizure of narcotics they had obtained from the drug stash house.
Authorities also executed search warrants at four residences and a storage yard in August 2021. They ultimately found a total of over five kilograms of cocaine, over four kilograms of meth, more than two kilograms of heroin; nearly 200 grams of crack and 13 kilograms of marijuana and over a hundred thousand dollars, digital scales, a drug ledger, and loaded firearms and ammunition.
The investigation further revealed the four men were in communication with each other regarding the purchase and sale of various narcotics for the duration of the conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales for will impose sentencing April 20. At that time, the four men face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; and Corpus Christi Police Department’s Gang Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Marin and John Marck are prosecuting the case.
La Autoridad Municipal de Servicios Públicos de Jersey City efectuará mejoras considerables a los sistemas municipales de alcantarillado y agua potable de Jersey City según acuerdo con el gobierno de los EE. UU., beneficiando comunidades desventajadasRead the Press Release
Contacto: John Senn, (212) 637-3662, [email protected]
WASHINGTON (27 de enero de 2022) – El Departamento de Justicia y la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy un acuerdo con la Autoridad Municipal de Servicios Públicos de Jersey City (JCMUA), en Jersey City, Nueva Jersey, mediante el cual mejorará considerablemente los sistemas municipales de alcantarillado y agua potable en la ciudad, se reducirá significativamente la cantidad de contaminación que se descarga en el Río Hackensack, el Río Hudson y la Bahía de Newark, además favorecerá a muchos vecindarios de Jersey City que enfrentan retos de justicia ambiental. El acuerdo es una modificación de un decreto de consentimiento que la JCMUA celebró con el gobierno de los EE. UU. en 2011.
“Este acuerdo ayudará a mejorar el medioambiente y la salud pública de las comunidades que por largo tiempo han soportado una carga histórica y desproporcionada de contaminación”, indicó Todd Kim, procurador general auxiliar de la División de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales del Departamento de Justicia. “El Departamento de Justicia está comprometido a proteger el derecho del público a tener agua limpia y saludable gracias a la Ley de Agua Limpia de nuestro país.”
“Proporcionar agua limpia a las comunidades, especialmente aquellas ya sobrecargadas por la contaminación, es un derecho fundamental que todos merecen”, comentó Larry Starfield Subadministrador Suplente de la Oficina de Cumplimiento de la EPA. “Las mejoras acordadas en esta resolución permitirán que la Autoridad Municipal de Servicios Públicos de Jersey City gestione efectivamente las dificultades que implican las tormentas intensas y los huracanes provocados por el cambio climático.”
“A través de nuestra colaboracion estatal y federal, NJDEP y USEPA trabajan para asegurar que todas las comunidades de Nueva Jersey disfruten de los beneficios de cuerpos de agua limpios y confiables, además de un abasto de agua potable segura”, explicó Shawn M. LaTourette, Comisionado del Departamento de Protección Ambiental de Nueva Jersey. “Este decreto de consentimiento ayuda a asegurar que la JCMUA continúe tomando medidas importantes que reducen los riesgos de contaminación del agua ahora y en el futuro, y aplaudimos el compromiso de la JCMUA con el reemplazo de las tuberías de servicio de plomo a medida que el servicio público trabaja para mantener el cumplimiento continuo con los requisitos más amplios de la Ley de Agua Limpia y la Ley de Agua Potable Segura.”
Según el acuerdo de hoy, Jersey City se compromete a reparar y mejorar partes significativas de su sistema municipal combinado de alcantarillado ampliando además la capacidad del sistema. Jersey City también mejorará el sistema de agua potable de la ciudad al reemplazar más de 12,000 tuberías de agua potable de plomo. Muchas de las áreas que se verán favorecidas con estas mejoras son comunidades desventajadas que han enfrentado dificultades de justicia ambiental durante décadas. La JCMUA también incorporará la adaptación al cambio climático y prácticas óptimas de resiliencia además de medidas de diseño en sus mejoras de alcantarillado para asegurar que sus sistemas de alcantarillado estén mejor preparados para soportar tormentas intensas y huracanes.
Jersey City estima que el trabajo detallado en el decreto de consentimiento tardará otros 10 años en concluir y costará aproximadamente $1,099 millones.
Conforme al acuerdo inicial en 2011, la JCMUA se comprometió a resolver contravenciones a la Ley de Agua Limpia por no operar y mantener debidamente su sistema de alcantarillado combinado, lo cual provocó reiteradas emanaciones de aguas residuales sin tratar dentro del Río Hackensack, el Río Hudson, la Bahía de Newark y el Arroyo Penhorn. Dicho acuerdo también incluía un requisito de que la JCMUA llevara a cabo una evaluación integral de las condiciones de su sistema de alcantarillado. Esta evaluación reveló mejoras adicionales que necesitaban realizarse para asegurar que el sistema de alcantarillado opere en cumplimiento con la Ley de Agua Limpia. Estas mejoras adicionales se están abordando en este acuerdo.
Aunque el sistema de agua potable municipal está sujeto a regulaciones de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, y no fue abordado mediante la resolución de la Ley de Agua Limpia de 2011, según la modificación, la JCMUA ha decidido mejorar tanto el sistema de alcantarillado como el de agua potable al mismo tiempo para ahorrar tiempo y costos. La identificación, remoción y reemplazo de las tuberías de servicio de agua potable de plomo son importantes en comunidades como Jersey City para proteger la salud pública, especialmente para la salud de los niños porque ellos son más vulnerables a los impactos del plomo que los adultos.
Los sistemas de alcantarillado combinados como el de Jersey City están diseñados para transportar aguas residuales, aguas servidas industriales y escorrentía de aguas lluvia en las mismas tuberías hacia las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales. Durante los periodos de fuertes precipitaciones, el volumen de aguas residuales que viaja por un sistema de alcantarillado combinado puede exceder la capacidad del sistema o de la planta de tratamiento. Los desbordes resultantes, llamados excedentes combinados de alcantarillado (CSO), contienen no solo aguas de escorrentías pluviales sino también contaminantes como residuos humanos e industriales sin tratar, materiales tóxicos y escombros. Estos presentan riesgos para la salud humana, amenazan los hábitats acuáticos y la vida, además de afectar el uso y disfrute de las vías fluviales del país.
La modificación del decreto de consentimiento está sujeta a un periodo de 60 días de comentarios del público y a la aprobación final del tribunal. Se encuentra disponible una copia de la modificación y más información en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter en http://twitter.com/eparegion2 y visite nuestra página en Facebook, http://facebook.com/eparegion2