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13 January 2022
Helena pawn shop owner sentenced for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena pawn shop owner who admitted to lying about gun sales and failing to keep proper records was sentenced today to four years of probation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 39, of Boulder, who owned Modern Pawn and Consignment in Helena, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $4,955 restitution.
The government alleged in court documents that an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Modern Pawn led to multiple defendants indicted on firearms crimes. Morsette, who was the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn, facilitated two straw purchases in the pawn shop in April 2021. Morsette also sold a firearm in the pawn shop that was not listed in the inventory records and did not require the actual purchaser to fill out any required paperwork.
During the undercover investigation, a man and a woman went to the business where the man looked at a Beretta 9mm pistol in April 2021. The man let Morsette know that he was not a Montana resident and showed his out-of-state driver’s license. Morsette instructed the woman to fill out the ATF form because she could not sell that firearm to the man. The woman completed the form and bought the 9mm pistol for the man. Morsette then sold the man a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol after she called her husband and co-defendant, Isaiah Morsette, to confirm that the .45-caliber pistol was not in the store’s system. Isaiah Morsette has pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.
The government further alleged that in April 2021, a man, identified as #3, bought a Ruger .44 magnum revolver for a man identified as #2. Catherine Morsette knowingly made a false statement by stating the named purchaser of the revolver was the actual purchaser, Man #3, when in fact she knew the actual purchaser was Man #2.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Grant County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Bryan Edward Summerton, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Summerton, 36, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Summerton admitted to having a 9mm pistol during drug trafficking in April 2020 in Grant County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated. The Task Force consists of members from the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the FBI, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Original case press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/grant-and-hardy-county-residents-indicted-fentanyl-and-firearms-charges
Grand Jury Indicts Two in Investigation into Robbery and Assault of U.S. Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury on Wednesday returned an indictment charging two Providence men in connection with the alleged robbery and assault of a U.S, Postal Service carrier and the alleged trafficking of more than 500 grams of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The indictment charges Juan Bautista Rosario-Sandoval, 29, with conspiracy to assault and rob a U.S. mail carrier, assault and robbery of a U.S. mail carrier, and conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine. Duralline Azcona Rodriguez, 24, is charged with conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The indictment alleges that on September 18, 2021, Rosario-Sandoval and another unknown person approached a U.S. mail carrier and conspired to forcibly take a Priority Mail Express Parcel addressed for delivery to a Providence address. When the postal carrier refused to hand over the package, Rosario-Sandoval and the second person allegedly opened the doors to the carrier’s Postal Service vehicle, began to pull at and punch the carrier, and then stole and fled with the package. It is further alleged that Rodriquez was in a nearby vehicle to assist in obtaining the package from the Postal Service carrier.
It is alleged that the package contained more than 500 grams of cocaine.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment and supervised release up to life. Conspiracy to assault and rob a U.S. mail carrier and assault and rob a U.S. mail carrier are each punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and 3 years of federal supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
The matter was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service agents, with the assistance of Providence Police and the Rhode Island State Police.
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Former Florida Resident Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A former Florida resident was sentenced in federal court today for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced Joshua Strickland, aka “Ash Strickland,” 36, to five years and 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Strickland was also ordered to pay $13,994 in restitution. Strickland pleaded guilty on July 27, 2021.
According to court records, on January 3, 2019, Strickland entered the Bank of America branch in Portland and approached one of the tellers. Strickland handed her a note that stated, “This is a robbery. I have a gun. If I feel like you are trying anything I will start shooting people.” Strickland demanded that the teller provide $5,000. Strickland subsequently fled to Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to being arrested.
The FBI and the Portland and South Portland police departments investigated the case.
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Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to 3 Years for Smuggling Drugs and Cell Phones into State PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Anibal Navarro, a former corrections officer at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, was sentenced in federal court today to 37 months in prison for smuggling methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and cell phones into state prison.
Navarro pleaded guilty, admitting that he was part of a network of 12 individuals both inside and outside the prison that smuggled in contraband and illegal narcotics. All the other defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced (case number 17cr446-AJB).
One of Navarro’s co-conspirators, prison inmate Martin Gomez, organized and directed the other participants, including Navarro, from his cell in California state prisons in San Diego and Los Angeles. Gomez arranged for individuals outside of prison to smuggle contraband into Donovan prison and deliver drugs and cell phones to various inmates through Navarro. Gomez directed those inmates to receive the contraband and deliver it to still other inmates within the prison.
Gomez approached Navarro while Gomez was an inmate at Donovan, offering him an avenue to make extra money that Gomez knew Navarro needed. Navarro was paid between $1,000 and $2,000 each time he smuggled contraband into the prison. Gomez continued to lead the conspiracy for over two years, even after he was transferred out of Donovan to another prison. Over 500 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, cell phones, and other contraband were smuggled into Donovan through Navarro at Gomez’s direction while he was incarcerated elsewhere.
The smuggled phones were used to coordinate criminal activity both inside and outside Donovan.
“Corrections Officers are charged with the responsibility of keeping the public, inmates, and other prison staff safe,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Former Officer Navarro personally profited from creating a dangerous environment in the prison by smuggling in extremely harmful and addictive narcotics. Additionally, cell phones inside a prison allow inmates to coordinate other illegal acts, like smuggling drugs, fraud, and even violence. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the significant consequences far outweigh any financial gain for those who abuse their positions of trust.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Office of Internal Affairs, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Investigative Service Unit and the United States Postal Service – Inspector Service, for their excellent work on this case.
“Anibal Navarro abused his position and betrayed his oath as a Corrections Officer to further a conspiracy which included smuggling dangerous drugs and cell phones into our state prison system, allowing inmates to continue their criminal enterprise even while incarcerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “Today’s sentence hopefully sends a message to any government employee considering using their position of authority to further their own interests and enrich themselves – the FBI will continue to work diligently to root out public corruption at all levels.”
The FBI encourages the public to report allegations of public corruption to our hotline at (877) NO-BRIBE (662-7423).
DEFENDANT Case No. 16cr1664
Anibal Navarro Age 43 Chula Vista, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Illegal Narcotics – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and 846;
Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 666
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $20 million fine
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation – San Diego Field Office
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Office of Internal Affairs
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Investigative Service Unit
United States Postal Service – Inspector Service
Foley Meth Dealer Sentenced to Fourteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Foley man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, John Douglas Havranek, Jr., 45, was implicated in an investigation involving a group of local distributors who were receiving methamphetamine ice from outside the state. Havranek sold methamphetamine to a cooperating co-conspirator who was acting as a confidential informant for authorities. The informant obtained recorded conversation with Havranek during the controlled buy of methamphetamine in which Havranek discussed his source of supply for methamphetamine ice in California. Other cooperating co-conspirators implicated Havranek in the distribution scheme. Havranek was arranging for the shipment of packages containing methamphetamine ice from California to different addresses in the Foley area. Payment for the methamphetamine distributed locally was wired to Havranek to California to pay for the drugs. Havranek pled guilty to the conspiracy charge in May of 2021.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed the sentence of 168 months imprisonment, to be followed by a supervised release term of 5 years. Special conditions of his supervision include drug testing and treatment, and a model search condition. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Havranek pay $100 in special assessments.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.Five New York City Men Charged in Connection with “Grandparent” Mail Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Josiah DeJesus, age 20, Jashua Noboa-Nival, age 20, Yeurys Peguero-Rosario, age 22, Ramon Peguero-Rosario, age 19, and Nelson Rivas-Bello, age 27, all of Bronx, New York, were indicted by a federal grand jury for their participation in a mail fraud scheme that targeted older victims and fraudulently induced them to send money through the mail under false pretenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on diverse dates in July through October 2020, the above-named defendants traveled from New York to various locations in Pennsylvania, including addresses in Luzerne and Lackawanna County, and picked up UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash sent by elderly victims under the false pretense that their grandchildren had been arrested and were in immediate need of money. The indictment further alleges that the victims sent the money after receiving fraudulent phone calls made by the named defendants’ co-conspirators, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as a public defender representing the victims’ grandchildren.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Philadelphia Division) and the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to 12 and 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Bolivar Anibal Cordova, Jr. (42, Windermere) and Luis Manuel Cordero (40, Orlando) to 12 years and 7 months and 8 years and 6 months in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl-laced heroin. Cordova and Cordero had pleaded guilty in October 2021. A third individual, Jose Armando Delgado-Martinez (34, Orlando), previously pleaded guilty to his role in this conspiracy. Delgado-Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 26, 2022.
According to court documents, between August 2019 and April 1, 2021, Cordova, Cordero, and Delgado-Martinez worked together to distribute fentanyl-laced heroin to, and collect drug proceeds from, a DEA cooperating source and undercover officers on 15 occasions. In addition to distributing approximately 680 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin to the DEA for approximately $35,000, the conspirators also maintained a storage locker that contained more than 611 grams of pure fentanyl. The conspirators also produced Spanish-language rap videos depicting drug dealing, proceeds, and guns along with the torture, mutilation, and murder of government informants. Cordova’s sentence was enhanced due to his leadership role in the organization and his possession of a firearm when he was arrested. Cordero’s sentence was enhanced as a result of his role in maintaining the storage locker where the 600 grams of fentanyl was stored.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
East Providence Man Sentenced for Laundering Proceeds of Email and Online ScamsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An East Providence man who played a critical role in an international money laundering conspiracy that moved nearly $1.8 million to Nigeria obtained through various scams perpetrated in the United States was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Samson Ikotun, 34, pleaded guilty on September 29, 2021, to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, victims were defrauded of $1.784,654 through romance scams, lottery frauds, rental property frauds, email compromises, and other schemes. Ikotun moved more than $888,000 of that money to co-conspirators in Nigeria, using various banking methods and the purchase of used vehicles that were shipped to Nigeria and resold.
According to court documents, as an FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Tallmadge, Ohio, and Moscow, Idaho Police Department investigation into Ikotun and others criminal activity was concluding, Ikotun was apprehended by FBI agents at the airport with a one-way ticket to Nigeria.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Ikotun today to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by two years federal supervised release. The court is expected to issue a restitution order at a later date.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks United States Customs and Border Patrol; United States Secret Service; Rhode Island State Police; Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and Johnston, RI, Police Departments; Seekonk, Newton, Norfolk, and Hull, MA, Police Departments; New York State Police; Murphysboro, IL, Police Department; Greybull, WY, Police Department; Grand Island, NE, Police Department; Boca Raton, FL, Police Department; Lake County, FL, Sheriff’s Office; Brecknock Township, PA, Police Department; East Ridge, TN, Police Department; and San Angelo, TX, Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of the defendants involved in this conspiracy.
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Dover Man Sentenced to Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Brenton Cronebach, 56, of Dover, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge Dan Polster to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release after Cronebach pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography in September of 2021.
“Accessing and transporting child pornography contributes to the abuse and exploitation of children here and around the world,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that these offenses are serious and come with significant penalties.”
According to court documents, on May 12, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cronebach’s residence after receiving a tip that numerous files of child pornography had been uploaded to several Google accounts associated with Cronebach. During the search of the residence, investigators seized a laptop, numerous computer disks and multiple USB storage devices containing more than 10,000 images and 1,000 videos of child pornography.
During an interview with law enforcement, Cronebach stated that he downloaded the files onto USB drives and then uploaded them to Google in the event the drives were damaged.
This case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI, Canton Resident Agency. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security MisuseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence was sentenced on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 in connection with using another individual’s social security number.
Angel Bautista Rossi, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Bautista Rossi will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
In August 2017, Bautista Rossi used the identity and social security number of a U.S. citizen in an application for a Massachusetts driver’s license and to obtain medical benefits. In July 2020, Bautista Rossi, using the stolen identity, was arrested in Norfolk County on unrelated drug charges currently pending in the Norfolk Superior Court.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and John Cremonini, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday for drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Angel Aybar Carmona, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 13 months in prison. On Sept. 16, 2021, Carmona pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In December 2020, Carmona provided a sample of fentanyl along with his phone number to an undercover law enforcement officer. In subsequent text message conversations with Carmona, the undercover officer arranged to purchase 120 grams of fentanyl inside a store in Lawrence. After completing the sale, Carmona was arrested.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink of Rollins’ Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Dayton man pleads guilty to dealing fentanyl cocaine mixture that caused multiple fatal and nonfatal overdosesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in six overdoses in the late hours of New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of New Year’s Day 2019.
Kelsey V. Williams, Jr., 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Ohio in May 2021 and arrested in June 2021 in Minnesota.
According to court documents, on New Year’s Eve 2018 and New Year’s Day 2019, the defendant distributed a fentanyl and cocaine mixture responsible for four fatal and two nonfatal overdoses.
Distributing a controlled substance that results in death or serious bodily injury is a federal crime punishable by 20 years up to life in prison.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the plea entered into today before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the launch of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S), a program aimed at reducing the supply of synthetic opioids in 10 high impact areas and identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
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Couple Sentenced to 50 Years in Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
A married couple has been sentenced to a combined 50 years in federal prison for producing and distributing sexually explicit images of a minor relative, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Edward Lee Wheeler, 27, of Russell Springs, KY, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to production of child pornography and was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in federal prison. His wife, Jessica Roxanna Wheeler, 35, of Lubbock, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to receipt and distribution of child pornography and was sentenced in November 2021 to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation began in June 2020, when a family member called law enforcement to report he had discovered Facebook messages between Mr. Wheeler and Ms. Wheeler discussing sexual acts with a 13-year-old relative.
In plea papers, the couple admitted to abusing the child.
Mr. Wheeler, they admitted, gave the child over-the-counter supplements – which he called “enhancers” – that he claimed were activated through sexual activity. (These “enhancers” were not real.) He claimed he needed sexually explicit images of the child to track the enhancers’ performance. Ms. Wheeler took the photos and sent them to her husband.
According to Facebook messages, Mr. Wheeler also engaged in sexual acts with the child. At one point, the couple discussed impregnating the child so that they could sell the infant to a European agency that would conduct medical testing on the baby. (Such an agency does not exist.) Mr. Wheeler told Ms. Wheeler the agency had offered him $42 billion; Ms. Wheeler told the child they were considering going through with the deal.
At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors explained that both Mr. Wheeler and Ms. Wheeler knew the “enhancers” did not work and the “agency” did not exist, but concocted the elaborate fantasy as an “escape from reality.”
The child is currently living out of state and receiving psychological care.
The Lubbock Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency, and Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Havelock Police Department in Havelock, NC, the Bowling Green Police Department in Bowling Green, KY, the Russell Springs Sheriff’s Office in Russell Springs, KY, and the FBI’s Louisville Field Office – Bowling Green and Lexington Resident Agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon, Caught in Possession of a Stolen Semi-Automatic Rifle, Pleads Guilty in Albany PSN CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with a prior felony conviction found in illegal possession of a stolen loaded semi-automatic weapon during a car wreck investigation has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.
Willie Frank Lewis, 28, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Lewis is facing a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons found in possession of stolen firearms are breaking federal law and face the possibility of prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Central to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods’ program is focusing enforcement efforts on repeat felons. Our office is working close with local law enforcement to prosecute violent offenders and bring them to justice.”
According to court documents, Albany Police Department officers were investigating a car accident on Oct. 9, 2020. Lewis was a passenger in an involved vehicle and was sitting alone in the back seat with a rifle in plain view near his legs. The gun, an American Tactical 5.56mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was later determined to have been stolen in a local residential burglary. Lewis admitted to officers that he was convicted of trafficking amphetamine in Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
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.
The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and A Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on January 12, 2022, Christopher Capozza, age 40, of Newington, Connecticut, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Capozza admitted at his guilty plea that between July 23, 2020, and December 31, 2020, he used Snapchat to arrange to meet and have sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old at motels and other places. Capozza also admitted that on August 23, 2020, he persuaded the same minor victim to make several pornographic videos and then send those videos to him via Snapchat.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut and Nebraska. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalties under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison. The online enticement charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc."
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Colombian National Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Oscar Marsiglia Barrios (54, Colombia) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine knowing and intending it to be imported into the United States. Marsiglia Barrios faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, beginning in approximately February 2015 and continuing through on or about October 26, 2017, Marsiglia Barrios
was part of a transnational criminal conspiracy that transported cocaine from Colombia to the United States. Specifically, Marsiglia Barrios operated out of the Puerto Nuevo region of Colombia and was responsible for recruiting, hiring, and paying individuals to transport cocaine out of Colombia and into the United States in cargo ships.
Marsiglia Barrios was arrested in Colombia in August 2019 and extradited to the Middle District of Florida in March 2021.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance with the defendant’s extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided critical assistance by extraditing Oscar Marsiglia Barrios from Colombia to the Middle District of Florida.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Clarks Summit Man Sentenced to 94 Months’ Imprisonment for His $400,000 Automobile Warranty Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian Larry, age 60, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 94 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statement offenses. A federal jury previously convicted Larry of all 13 charges in his indictment on May 10, 2021.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Larry defrauded his former employer, a Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, out of over $400,000. From January 2014 through October 2018, Larry, the manager of the claims department, stole the personal information of warranty policy owners. Larry then provided it to his coconspirators, who created false invoices for nonexistent automobile repair work supposedly performed at various garages in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The scheme included the forgery of the policy owners’ signatures on the paperwork. The false and forged documentation was then sent to the warranty company, where Larry approved payment of the invoices, in exchange for cash kickbacks. During the course of the scheme, Larry and his coconspirators obtained approximately $400,000 paid out by the warranty company pursuant to the false invoices, including thousands of dollars in repair work for Larry’s personal vehicle that he charged to other policy owners. The evidence at trial showed that Larry then falsified internal warranty company documents in an attempt to conceal his crimes. When confronted by FBI special agents, Larry denied receiving cash kickbacks in exchange for his participation in the scheme.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mannion highlighted that Larry had expressed no remorse for his illegal conduct. Judge Mannion also ordered Larry to pay $394,701.96 to the victim of his crimes, and to serve three years of supervised release following service of his imprisonment term.
Three of Larry’s coconspirators also were convicted in this investigation:
- Matthew Gershkoff, age 64, of North Providence, Rhode Island pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Gershkoff was convicted of preparing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs at multiple automobile repair shops located in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts, and for forging policy owners’ signatures. Gershkoff pleaded guilty on May 18, 2020, to causing between $250,000 and $550,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and was ordered to pay restitution of $385,352.19.
- Herman Cabral, age 62, of Cranston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, and was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Cabral was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, A Plus Auto Services. Cabral pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and was ordered to pay $211,644.03 in restitution.
- Jason Pannone, age 40, of North Providence, Rhode Island pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release. Pannone was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, Platinum Auto Services, and through Ultra Auto Services, where he was employed. Pannone pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to causing between $95,000 and $150,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and was ordered to pay restitution of $128,667.16.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.
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Central Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Robbery Charges and Attempted EscapeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Mechanicsburg, Illinois man, John W. Beck, 55, of the 500 block of East Main Street, pleaded guilty on January 12, 2022, to four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of bank robbery, one count of armed bank robbery, and one count of attempted escape from the Livingston County Jail. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
In federal court before U.S. District Judge Joe Billy McDade, Beck admitted to robbing the following businesses and banks:
- Dollar General in Buffalo, Illinois, on April 8, 2021
- Bank of Pontiac, doing business as Odell Bank, in Odell, Illinois, on April 9, 2021
- Fast Stop Store in Odell on April 17, 2021
- Village Pantry in Paxton, Illinois, on April 18, 2021
- Subway in Danville, Illinois, on April 19, 2021
- Elmwood Bank, a division of Morton Community Bank, in Elmwood, Illinois, on April 20,
2021
During the change-of-plea hearing, the government stated that in committing the robberies, Beck used stolen cars, including one stolen from an individual in Mechanicsburg on April 7, 2021; a Green Hyundai from Springfield, Illinois, on April 16, 2021; and a car from Central Illinois Motors in Springfield on April 17, 2021. He also stole license plates from other individuals, which he then used on the stolen cars.
Beck was arrested on the current charges in April 2021 and has remained in the U.S. Marshals’ custody. According to court documents, while in custody in September 2021, Beck attempted to escape from the Livingston County Jail, where he was being held.
At the time of his arrest, Beck was on supervised release for a bank robbery he committed in 2007, for which he was sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for 151 months. He was released from prison in January 2019.
At sentencing, Beck faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release for each of the four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, as well as the bank robbery of the Bank of Pontiac. He faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of the Elmwood Bank. The attempted escape charge carries a possible penalty of up to five years imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Departments in DeWitt, Edgar, Livingston, Peoria, and Sangamon Counties; the Danville, Elmwood, Paxton, and Springfield Police Departments; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Darilynn Knauss is representing the government in the prosecution.
Browning man sentenced to 68 months in prison for meth trafficking on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to dealing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 68 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Steven Roy DeCarlo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in encounters with law enforcement between May 2020 and July 2021, DeCarlo had drugs and firearms in his possession. DeCarlo told investigators that he and a person identified as Jane Doe were involved in getting meth, which Jane Doe had been distributing. DeCarlo later admitted to personally bringing a pound of meth from out of state to the reservation for distribution. A pound of meth is the equivalent of 3,624 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Polson Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Bronx Woman Convicted of KidnappingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that YUDITH REYNOSO-HICIANO, a/k/a “La Classica,” was convicted today in Manhattan federal court of kidnapping conspiracy and kidnapping. REYNOSO-HICIANO was convicted after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Yudith Reynoso-Hiciano and others tied up a victim and assaulted him following a drug deal gone bad. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department, Reynoso-Hiciano was apprehended, prosecuted, and now stands convicted of these violent crimes.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and the evidence presented at trial:
In May 2019, REYNOSO-HICIANO and others kidnapped an individual (“Victim-1”), in connection with a dispute between REYNOSO-HICIANO’s brother and Victim-1 relating to the sale of a kilogram of cocaine. REYNOSO-HICIANO and others kept Victim-1 at her apartment, where they tied his wrists together, assaulted him, and threatened to beat him with a crowbar and to press a hot clothing iron against his chest.
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REYNOSO-HICIANO, 43, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted by a jury of one count of kidnapping conspiracy and one count of kidnapping. Each count carries a maximum term of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
REYNOSO-HICIANO is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2022.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Wolf and Alexander Li are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of paralegal specialist Sarah Rosenberg.
Blythewood Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Fraud Relating to $1.2 in Coronavirus FundsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Bridgett Dorsey, 39, of Blythewood, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to engaging in more than $1.2 million in fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, and to committing tax fraud. The sentence is the first handed down in the District of South Carolina for a case involving CARES Act fraud.
“The Defendant in this case not only stole from the federal government and engaged in tax fraud, but she prevented funds from reaching the hands of those who needed it the most. That this occurred during a pandemic makes her crimes particularly egregious,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “This case highlights the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who illegally take advantage of COVID-19 to line their own pockets. Fortunately, the quick and capable work of our federal partners permitted the recovery of a substantial amount of stolen funds.”
"It is always a shame to see the rampant abuse of programs designed to help ordinary people struggling through the pandemic," said Brian Thomas Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. “The IRS will continue to thoroughly investigate and vigorously target those who exploit the pandemic to commit tax fraud, and this case speaks to those efforts.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to defraud the American public by fraudulently obtaining taxpayer-funded loans through the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Paycheck Protection Program which is designed to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the Coronavirus. Two primary sources of relief provided by the CARES Act were the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan ("EIDL") program. PPP loans consisted of more than $640 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program provided low-interest loans to business owners to pay for items like accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid as a result of COVID-19.
Evidence presented to the court showed that from April 2020 through August 2020, Dorsey fraudulently applied for and received $1,253,460.35 by way of seven EIDL and two PPP loans, along with two EIDL cash advances, on behalf of seven businesses for which she was the alleged owner. Each of the applications Dorsey submitted contained materially false information, including overstating the businesses’ revenues, inflating the number of employees, or providing addresses where businesses did not exist. In some cases, Dorsey created and submitted false documentation or created businesses for the sole purpose of obtaining the loans.
During their investigation into Dorsey’s Coronavirus-related fraud, agents with the IRS and TIGTA discovered Dorsey had also been engaged in fraudulent tax return preparation through one of her businesses, Virtual Financial Services. Specifically, Dorsey prepared multiple tax returns on behalf of others and claimed deductions she knew were false.
The quick work of IRS and TIGTA enabled the agencies to seize more than $500,000 of stolen funds that were in bank accounts controlled by Dorsey, and another account with approximately $130,000 was frozen. These funds will be applied toward the restitution Dorsey owes in the case. Additionally, Dorsey paid approximately $184,000 in restitution before sentencing.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Dorsey to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered her to pay more than $1 million in restitution stemming from her CARES Act-related fraud, in addition to $13,865 in restitution to the IRS as a result of her tax fraud.
The case was investigated by the IRS and TIGTA. Assistant United States Attorney Derek Shoemake, who also serves as the Office’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Big Stone Gap Man Sentenced for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Big Stone Gap, Virginia man, who conspired with others to traffic more than 5,000 grams of methamphetamine from Atlanta, Georgia into Southwest Virginia, was sentenced today to 228 months in federal prison.
Jonathan Adam Rollins, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, between July 2019 and December 2020, Rollins conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine throughout Lee and Wise counties in Virginia. Rollins made trips from his home in Big Stone Gap to Atlanta, Georgia, to purchase multiple kilograms of methamphetamine at a time for approximately $12,000 per kilogram. He then transported the methamphetamine back to Southwest Virginia for further distribution to his co-defendants and others.
Co-conspirators Justin Shane Cress, 33, and Cory Austin Hammond, 23, were each previously sentenced to 135 months incarceration for their roles in the conspiracy. Earlier this week, Eric Matthew Glass, 36, was sentenced to 168 months in prison. Co-conspirators Daniel Eugene Rowland, 46, and Jessica Ann Robey, 35, will be sentenced later this month.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia 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.
Barbour County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Richard Cutright, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Cutright, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Cutright, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 16-gauge shotgun in February 2020 in Barbour County.
Cutright faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby Facing Perjury and False Mortgage Application Charges Related to Her Purchase of Two Vacation PropertiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Marilyn J. Mosby, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, on federal charges of perjury and making false mortgage applications, relating to the purchases of two vacation homes in Florida.
The defendant will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, but the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to the four-count indictment, on May 26, 2020 and December 29, 2020, Mosby submitted “457(b) Coronavirus-Related Distribution Requests” for one-time withdrawals of $40,000 and $50,000, respectively, from City of Baltimore’s Deferred Compensation Plans. In each request, the indictment alleges that Mosby falsely certified that she met at least one of the qualifications for a distribution as defined under the CARES Act, specifically, that she experienced adverse financial consequences from the Coronavirus as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, or laid off; having reduced work hours; being unable to work due to lack of childcare; or the closing or reduction of hours of a business she owned or operated. In signing the forms, Mosby “affirm[ed] under penalties for perjury the statements and acknowledgments made in this request.” The indictment alleges that Mosby did not experience any such financial hardships and in fact, Mosby received her full gross salary of $247,955.58 from January 1, 2020 through December 29, 2020, in bi-weekly gross pay direct deposits of $9,183.54.
Further, the indictment alleges that on July 28, 2020 and September 2, 2020, as well as on January 14, 2021 and February 19, 2021, Mosby made false statements in applications for a $490,500 mortgage to purchase a home in Kissimmee, Florida and for a $428,400 mortgage to purchase a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida. As part of both applications, Mosby was required to disclose her liabilities. Mosby did not disclose on either application that she had unpaid federal taxes from a number of previous years and that on March 3, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had placed a lien against all property and rights to property belonging to Mosby and her husband in the amount of $45,022, the amount of unpaid taxes Mosby and her husband owed the IRS as of that date. In each application, Mosby also responded “no” in response to the question, “Are you presently delinquent or in default on any Federal debt or any other loan, mortgage, financial obligation, bond, or loan guarantee,” even though she was delinquent in paying federal taxes to the IRS.
Finally, according to the indictment, one week prior to closing on the Kissimmee vacation home, on or about August 25, 2020, Mosby executed an agreement with a vacation home management company giving the management company control over the rental of the property she ultimately purchased in Kissimmee. On September 2, 2020, Mosby signed a “second home rider” which provided, among other things, that the borrower occupy and use the property as their second home; that the borrower maintain exclusive control over the ownership of the property, including short-term rentals, and not subject the property to any…agreement that requires the borrower either to rent the property or give a management firm or any other person or entity any control over the occupancy or use of the property; and that the borrower keep the property available primarily as a residence for their personal use and enjoyment for at least one year, unless the lender otherwise agrees in writing. The indictment alleges that by falsely executing the “second home rider” Mosby could obtain a lower interest rate on the mortgage for the property than she would have received without it.
If convicted, Mosby faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each of two counts of perjury and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each of two counts of making false mortgage applications. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise, Sean R. Delaney, and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Baldwin County Man Sentenced to More Than Twelve Years for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Baldwin County man was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution.
In September of 2021, James Melvin Harbison, 55, pled guilty to a seven-count indictment charging him with specific instances of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine with no plea agreement with the United States. Harbison contested the amount of methamphetamine for which he was accountable because such evidence drives the advisory guidelines that affect the sentence. During the sentencing hearing today, conducted by United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer, the United States called five witnesses who testified about their involvement with and knowledge of Harbison’s drug distribution activities in Baldwin County over many years. The witnesses testified consistently that Harbison was distributing between 2 to 4 ounces of methamphetamine per week. Harbison testified on his own behalf during the hearing, claiming he was little more than a drug user. At the conclusion of the testimony, the judge found the government witnesses credible and Harbison not credible, holding him accountable for 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine ice.
Judge Moorer imposed the sentence of 151 months imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently with each other. Upon Harbison’s release, he will serve concurrent terms of supervised release term totaling 5 years. Special conditions of his supervision include drug testing and treatment, mental health counseling and treatment, and a model search condition. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Harbison pay $700 in special assessments.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.Authorities Seek Two Fugitives Named in New Indictment Alleging Illegal Money Transfer Business Linked to Romance ScamsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment returned this week charges two Chinese nationals with operating an illegal money transfer business that moved funds from the China to the United States, in some cases using proceeds of romance scams to provide money to their U.S.-based customers.
A four-count superseding indictment filed Wednesday charges two people currently being sought by the FBI. The new indictment, which supersedes an indictment filed in 2018, charges both defendants with conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and witness tampering offenses.
The defendants in this case are Dianwei Wang, 31, and Zhili “Ethan” Song, 36, both of whom previously resided in West Covina. Wang and Song are fugitives.
Wang and Song allegedly operated an “informal value transfer system” (IVTS), which the indictment describes as “a network of people who would receive funds from a customer in one location for the purpose of making roughly equivalent funds available (minus a fee) to the customer in another location, often in a different country.” An IVTS can be known by various names, including “fei ch’ien” in China and “hawala” in the Middle East.
As part of the scheme alleged in the indictment, Wang and Song told their IVTS customers to deposit money into Chinese bank accounts they controlled or had access to with a promise that the money – minus their fee – would be deposited into accounts their customers designated in the United States.
Over the course of about eight months in 2017, Wang and Song transferred or attempted to transfer approximately $2 million from China to the United States for their IVTS customers, the indictment states.
“To fulfill their agreements to provide U.S. dollar-denominated funds to the IVTS customers in the United States, defendants Wang and Song would use funds they obtained from third parties, including romance scam victims,” according to the indictment.
Wang allegedly directed people associated with the online scammers to send him checks or wire him funds derived from romance scam victims, most of whom were older adults. In some cases, Wang allegedly directed the people associated with scammers to have victims send checks directly to him.
Over a six-month period in 2017, in 22 transactions detailed in the indictment, Wang and Song caused romance scam victims to send nearly $1.1 million to them or to their IVTS customers.
Wang and Song also allegedly lied to the FBI in late 2017 when they were asked about wire transfers to a Chinese national residing in Southern California. Both defendants are charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice for telling the third Chinese national to falsely tell the FBI that she was buying a house with Wang as a way of explaining the wire transfers and supporting their own false statements to FBI agents. Counts three and four in the indictment separately charge Wang and Song with witness tampering.
More than $450,000 in funds seized from accounts associated with the third Chinese national are the subject of a pending civil asset forfeiture proceeding.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The charge of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The obstruction of justice and witness tampering charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI previously seized approximately $1.9 million from accounts controlled by Wang, Song and other Chinese nationals. No claims were made on approximately $376,000 seized from Wang’s accounts, and that money has been forfeited to the United States. The United States intends to seek forfeiture of the remaining funds.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Anyone with information concerning the whereabout of Wang or Song should call their local FBI office, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached at (310) 477-6565.
Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. Some romance scam victims become witting or unwitting participants in other scams, by agreeing to receive money into their accounts and transfer the money to third parties as directed by their scammer contact. Never send money to, or receive and transfer money for, anyone who has only communicated with you online or by phone. If you or someone close to you may be caught in a romance scam, stop sending money and report the activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) or the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica E. Tait of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting the criminal case, and Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schonbachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section is handling the forfeiture matters.
Assumption Parish Man Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RODNEY ROUSSELL (“ROUSSELL”), age 40, of Belle Rose, Louisiana, was charged on January 7, 2022 by a Bill of Information for Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).
The case against ROUSSELL began as a result of a complaint from a local company (“Company A”) to the FBI. According to the Bill of Information, in August, 2017, ROUSSELL began working for Company A. Company A maintained its operational headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Company A maintained a business account with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”). Company A’s salary payments to ROUSSELL were made electronically and drawn on Company A’s account.
If convicted, ROUSSELL faces a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a special assessment fee of $100.
As Company A’s employee, ROUSSELL did not have access to Company A’s Chase Bank Account, and was not authorized to make payments of any kind using funds in the account. Beginning in or about April 2018, and continuing until in or about June 2018, ROUSSELL utilized Chase Bank’s web portal and mobile banking app to transfer money from Company A’s account to pay the balance of ROUSSELL’s personal bank card. In total, ROUSSELL obtained $213,372.05 from Company A’s Chase Bank account.
U.S. Attorney Evans stated that a Bill of Information is merely a charge and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige O’Hale.
12 January 2022
West Fork Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A West Fork man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on or about April 14, 2021, officers with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence of Arnulfo Gomez (age 22), in West Fork, Arkansas. Officers knew Gomez to be a dealer of heroin based on previous controlled purchases of heroin from him.
During the search of the residence, officers located more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin, drug legers and drug paraphernalia.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney's Office Announces Near $11,000 Recovery for Victims in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole authorized turnover of the full amount of funds held in an inmate trust fund account to the victims of Christopher Saemisch.
In March 2019, Saemisch was convicted by a federal jury in Boston of distributing child pornography to a currently incarcerated federal inmate. In 1997, Saemisch was convicted in federal court for conspiring to sexually exploit children, aiding and abetting the sexual exploitation of children, conspiring to distribute and receive child pornography, and distributing and receiving child pornography. He was also convicted by a Kansas court in 1999 for aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14.
Due to his prior convictions, Saemisch was sentenced by Judge O’Toole to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release in July 2019. Saemisch was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,000 to his 18 individual victims.
According to court documents, in April 2016, agents received information from a federal inmate that Saemisch, who at the time was living in Kansas City, Kansas, admitted to looking at and storing child pornography and wanting to travel to Europe to have sex with children. Saemisch boasted to the inmate about his access to children and his new job babysitting four children. During their communications, Saemisch and the inmate used special coded language to discuss the collection and distribution of child pornography. The inmate confirmed that he and Saemisch used the code word “antiques,” when referring to child pornography and the code word “puppies,” to refer to children. On May 3, 2016, agents, pretending to be the inmate, began communicating with Saemisch. During the monitored conversations on various messaging apps and web platforms, Saemisch directed the undercover agents to set-up accounts to receive and exchange child pornography. He also sent them child pornography that he had stored on various file storage sites. Saemisch was arrested on May 6, 2016, while attending an event at a nudist campsite.
Upon learning that Saemisch had approximately $11,000 in funds in his inmate trust fund account, the United States filed a motion for turnover of these funds for the payment of restitution ordered to his victims. On Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, Judge O’Toole issued an order granting turnover of the full amount of the funds.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Michael Smith, Northeast Regional Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit handled the restitution aspects of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Herbert and Anne Paruti of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Macon Regional Crimestoppers Announce Top 15 Most Wanted FugitivesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and local law enforcement leaders are requesting citizens to report the whereabouts of the most wanted fugitives identified by Macon Regional Crimestoppers (MRCS).
The fugitives are wanted for charges ranging from malice murder, aggravated assault, rape, armed robbery, trafficking an elder person and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in seven Middle Georgia counties. To view the list of wanted persons, please visit crimestop.us/top-most-wanted/. Citizens can safely and anonymously report tips at 1-877-68CRIME. Crimestoppers provides automatic rewards of $1,000 minimum payout on the Top 15 Fugitive List and up to $2,000 for tips leading to the arrest of wanted fugitives. Since 2000, MRCS has issued $1,034,973 in rewards to tipsters, leading to 10,192 criminal cases cleared.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Macon Regional Crimestoppers offers a safe way for citizens to help reduce violent crime by reporting the whereabouts of the most wanted fugitives,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “It’s a simple and rewarding way for people to make our region safer. I want to thank the community volunteers and participating law enforcement agencies involved with Macon Regional Crimestoppers for their ongoing support.”
“2022 marks Macon Regional Crimestoppers fourth year publicizing the Top 15 Most Wanted fugitives. This program has a tremendous success rate of about 88% fugitives captured--a testament to the community’s support of this program and its unified desire to see violent crime cease. As we move forward in the new year, we will continue to rely on the public’s help with locating these violent offenders,” said Warren Selby, Chairman of Macon Regional Crimestoppers. “We are thankful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement serving our area as we all work together to make our community safer.”
Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a local non-profit dedicated to increasing the safety of citizens, serving Bibb, Baldwin, Houston, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe and Peach counties. The organization partners with law enforcement agencies and community groups to provide anonymous rewards for tips that lead to criminal arrests. To learn more about Macon Regional Crimestoppers, please visit www.crimestop.us.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnership with Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Arrest of 13 Individuals for $100 Million Healthcare Fraud, Money Laundering, and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Miriam E. Rocah, the Westchester County District Attorney, Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and Keechant Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of two indictments charging 13 individuals – including an NYPD police officer, licensed physicians, an attorney, and others – in connection with a $100 million automobile insurance fraud scheme.
Of the 13 defendants, eight are charged in an indictment detailing conspiracies to commit healthcare fraud, money laundering, bribery, and obstruction, making false statements to federal authorities, and aggravated identity theft. The charges are set forth in United States v. Alexander Gulkarov, et al., 22 Cr. 20 (the “Gulkarov Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Failla. Five additional defendants are separately charged in United States v. Bradley Pierre, et al., 22 Cr. 19 (the “Pierre Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Torres.
Of those defendants, ten were arrested this morning in New York and New Jersey and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Barbara Moses in Manhattan federal court later today. An eleventh defendant, Alexander Gulkarov, was arrested in Miami, Florida, and is scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Florida later today.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The thirteen defendants charged in today’s indictments are alleged to have collectively perpetrated one of the largest no-fault insurance frauds in history. In carrying out their massive scheme, among other methods, they allegedly bribed 911 operators, hospital employees, and others for confidential motor vehicle accident victim information. With this information, they then endangered victims by subjecting them to unnecessary and often painful medical procedures, in order to fraudulently overbill insurance companies. Schemes exploiting no-fault insurance laws – which ironically exist to make insurance more affordable – also result in higher costs, and unfairly burden all consumers in the auto insurance market.”
FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “No-fault accident schemes, like the one alleged today, can cost insurance companies millions of dollars in payouts to doctors and clinics who provide phony or unnecessary services to unwitting accident victims. This cost is almost always passed to consumers of private insurance or subsidized programs established to help those in need. This is a dangerous game in which the penalties include federal criminal charges.”
Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said: “This case is a perfect example of federal, state and local law enforcement working in partnership to investigate and take down two criminal organizations that allegedly defrauded insurance companies and exploited vulnerable individuals by subjecting them to unnecessary, harmful, and sometimes painful, medical treatments for the sake of greed and profit. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who manipulate the insurance system on which so many people depend, especially when the alleged perpetrators are professionals who allegedly violated the oaths they took to serve and protect.”
State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said: “These indictments are the result of years of investigative work and could not have succeeded without the collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement. Our investigation uncovered a large-scale, complex scheme that resulted in millions of dollars of fraudulent insurance claims. This type of fraud impacts the entire system and results in higher costs for companies and policyholders. I commend our members and our law enforcement partners for their work on this case, and we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud on any level.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said: “Today’s indictments reflect schemes to profit by exploiting victims’ through fraud. I commend the NYPD detectives, FBI agents and prosecutors of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for their long-term efforts and cooperation in this investigation into alleged healthcare fraud, money laundering and bribery. Together, we will continue to be relentless in fighting crime that impacts the people we serve wherever, and however, it occurs."
According to allegations contained in the Indictments[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Background of the Investigation
Since 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office have been investigating several criminal organizations involved in a widespread healthcare fraud and bribery scheme that utilized the New York and New Jersey no-fault automobile insurance regime to earn millions of dollars in illegal profits.
New York and New Jersey no-fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate, and is below a particular monetary threshold (the “No-Fault Laws”). Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims, without the need to bill the victims themselves. This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes, and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident.
The Gulkarov Indictment
The Gulkarov Indictment charges eight individuals (the “Gulkarov Conspirators”) with participating in a scheme to exploit the No-Fault Laws. As part of the scheme, the Gulkarov Conspirators fraudulently owned and controlled more than a dozen medical professional corporations – including medical, acupuncture, and chiropractic practices – by paying licensed medical professionals to use their licenses to incorporate the professional corporations (collectively, the “Gulkarov Clinics”). The Gulkarov Conspirators further defrauded automobile insurance companies by billing insurance companies for unnecessary, harmful, and excessive medical treatments and lying under oath to insurance company representatives.
The Gulkarov Conspirators promoted the scheme through bribery. The Gulkarov Conspirators paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to co-conspirators (the “Runners”), who used this money to bribe 911 operators, hospital employees, and others for confidential motor vehicle accident victim information. The Runners then used this information to contact automobile accident victims, lie to them, and induce them to seek medical treatment at, among other places, the Gulkarov Clinics.
The Gulkarov Conspirators laundered the proceeds of the fraud scheme through law firms, check-cashing entities, and shell companies, and used the money to pay for luxury cars, watches, and vacations. Then, when certain members of the conspiracy learned that they were under federal criminal investigation, they obstructed justice by fabricating documents, lying to law enforcement, and committing perjury before a federal grand jury.
As alleged, the leaders of the Gulkarov Conspirators are non-physicians, including ALEXANDER GULKAROV, a/k/a “Little Alex,” ROMAN ISRAILOV, a/k/a “Roman Matatov,” PETER KHAIMOV, a/k/a “Peter Khaim,” and ANTHONY DIPIETRO. ROLANDO CHUMACEIRO, a/k/a “Chuma,” and MARCELO QUIROGA are licensed medical practitioners who incorporated medical practices as part of the scheme, prescribed unnecessary and excessive medical treatments, and overbilled insurance companies under the No-Fault Laws.
The Gulkarov Indictment also includes charges against an attorney, ROBERT WISNICKI, Esq., who is the founding partner of two New York-based law firms. As alleged, WISNICKI laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars of illicit proceeds for the leaders of the Gulkarov Conspiracy and concealed these transfers by fabricating retainer agreements, lying to law enforcement, and committing perjury before a federal grand jury.
Finally, the Gulkarov Indictment includes a charge against an NYPD police officer, ALBERT ARONOV. As alleged, as part of the scheme, ARONOV logged into NYPD computers during off-hours and searched for confidential motor vehicle accident reports on the NYPD’s servers. ARONOV then took photos of the reports using a pre-paid “burner” phone and transmitted the photos to the leaders of the Gulkarov Conspiracy using an encrypted messaging application. The leaders then used the confidential information contained in these reports to contact the motor vehicle accident victims, lie to them, and steer them to the Gulkarov Clinics for medical treatment. When later questioned by federal agents, ARONOV lied about his involvement in accessing and disseminating the confidential motor vehicle accident reports.
All told, the Gulkarov Conspirators billed insurance companies for more than $30 million in fraudulent medical treatments.
The Pierre Indictment
The Pierre Indictment separately charges five additional individuals (the “Pierre Conspirators”) with participating in a second criminal scheme to exploit the No-Fault Laws. The Pierre Conspirators fraudulently owned and controlled five medical services corporations – including medical clinics and a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) center – by paying licensed medical professionals to use their licenses to incorporate the professional corporations (collectively, the “Pierre Clinics”). The Pierre Conspirators further defrauded automobile insurance companies by billing insurance companies for unnecessary, harmful, and excessive medical treatments, falsifying clinical injuries in reports, and lying under oath to insurance company representatives.
The Pierre Conspirators promoted the scheme through bribery. Like the Gulkarov Conspirators, the Pierre Conspirators also paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Runners, who used this money to pay bribes for confidential motor vehicle accident victim information. The Runners then used this information to induce victims to seek medical treatment at, among other places, the Pierre Clinics.
The Pierre Conspirators laundered the proceeds of the fraud scheme through phony loan arrangements and shell companies.
As alleged, the leader of the Pierre Conspiracy is BRADLEY PIERRE, who is not a physician. PIERRE conducted much of the No-Fault Scheme from his physical office located in a law firm owned by a family member (“Law Firm-2”), where, among other things, he monitored the Pierre Clinics using closed circuit TV cameras, communicated with co-conspirators using Law Firm-2’s email domain, and met with doctors in Law Firm-2’s offices. PIERRE further openly communicated with Law Firm-2 about the scheme, for instance telling his family member, “I'm going to make sure you ALWAYS make your quota.” Law Firm-2 paid PIERRE over $4 million in connection with the No-Fault Scheme – typically from Law Firm-2’s Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (“IOLA Accounts”) – while maintaining no documentation or ledgers identifying the purpose of these payments.
The Pierre Indictment further charges two licensed medical practitioners with participating in the scheme. MARVIN MOY is a medical doctor who incorporated a medical practice as part of the scheme and agreed with PIERRE to conduct unnecessary and painful electrodiagnostic testing on patients. WILLIAM WEINER is a doctor of osteopathic medicine who incorporated a medical imaging facility as part of the scheme and agreed with PIERRE to falsify findings of clinical injuries in MRIs in order to boost patient referrals.
Finally, the Pierre Indictment charges two individuals for conspiring with PIERRE to pay bribes in order to facilitate the scheme. ARTHUR BOGORAZ is a paralegal and manager at a New York-based personal injury law firm (“Law Firm-1”). Among other things, BOGORAZ and PIERRE agreed to jointly pay bribes for patient and client referrals to the Pierre Clinics and Law Firm-1. ANDREW PRIME is a Runner who bribed 911 operators and operated an additional call center as part of the scheme.
All told, the Pierre Conspirators billed insurance companies for more than $70 million in fraudulent medical treatments.
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The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the work of the FBI, the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department, the New York City Department of Financial Services, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Mr. Williams noted that the investigation is ongoing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, and the White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew Andrews and Louis A. Pellegrino are in charge of the prosecution.
22-007 ###
Gulkarov Indictment
Defendant
Age
Hometown
Charges (Potential Maximum Term of Imprisonment)
ALEXANDER GULKAROV, a/k/a “Little Alex”
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, Travel Act conspiracy, obstruction conspiracy, aggravated identity theft
(42 years)
ROMAN ISRAILOV
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, Travel Act conspiracy, aggravated identity theft
(37 years)
PETER KHAIMOV, a/k/a “Peter Khaim”
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, Travel Act conspiracy, aggravated identity theft
(37 years)
ANTHONY DIPIETRO
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, Travel Act conspiracy; obstruction conspiracy
(40 years)
ROLANDO CHUMACEIRO, a/k/a “Chuma”
Healthcare fraud conspiracy
(10 years)
MARCELO QUIROGA
Healthcare fraud conspiracy
(10 years)
ROBERT WISNICKI
Money laundering conspiracy, obstruction conspiracy
(25 years)
ALBERT ARONOV
False statements
(5 years)
Pierre Indictment
BRADLEY PIERRE
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, Travel Act conspiracy, aggravated identity theft
(37 years)
MARVIN MOY
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy
(30 years)
WILLIAM WEINER
Healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy
(30 years)
ARTHUR BOGORAZ
Travel Act Conspiracy
(5 years)
ANDREW PRIME
Travel Act Conspiracy
(5 years)
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Indictments and the descriptions of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Rodney Alexander Minter and John Eric Dickson pleaded guilty today for their roles in the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Rodney Alexander Minter, 62, of Logan, admitted that on five separate occasions in 2020 and 2021, he sold methamphetamine to an undercover informant. Minter also admitted that on August 9, 2021, he possessed with the intent to distribute 104 grams of methamphetamine and eight grams of fentanyl. Minter pleaded guilty to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine.
John Eric Dickson, 58, of St. Albans, admitted that on January 5, 2021, he supplied Minter with methamphetamine to sell to an undercover informant. Dickson pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
Minter and Dickson are scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2022. Minter faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Dickson faces up to 20 years in prison.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Cremeans 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-000169.
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Two Men Indicted for Manufacturing and Selling 28 Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Samuel Snader, age 39, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and Hector Colon, age 30, of Puerto Rico, were indicted on January 5, 2021, by a federal grand jury and charged with conspiracy to manufacture and deal firearms, and manufacturing and dealing firearms without a license.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between August 2021 and January 2022, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Snader and Colon worked together to acquire firearm parts for the purpose of manufacturing and commercially dealing Privately Made Firearms (PMFs), often referred to as “ghost guns.” It is alleged that Snader would manufacture the PMFs, which did not possess serial numbers. Colon allegedly located potential firearm buyers and directed them to Snader who personally delivered the firearms in exchange for money. In total, Snader and Colon allegedly manufactured and sold, without the required federal license, at least 28 such firearms and obtained approximately $27,600 as a result of the offenses.
The case was unsealed following yesterday’s arrests of Snader and Colon. During the arrests, law enforcement seized additional ghost guns and PMF parts in both Lebanon County and Puerto Rico. Snader had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and Colon is scheduled to have his initial appearance in the District of Puerto Rico.
“As in this case, ghost guns are un-serialized and difficult to trace by law enforcement. They look, feel, and function like factory-made firearms, and are just as lethal in the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Gurganus. “We will do everything in our power to take illegal guns off the streets and prosecute those who are involved in their unlawful manufacture, trafficking and possession.”
“Ghost guns are a danger to public safety all across Pennsylvania and we must close the loophole that allows them to be sold without a background check,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We are committed across local, state, and federal law enforcement to stop traffickers of these untraceable firearms that have quickly become the weapon of choice for criminals, and appreciate our partners’ efforts to hold these defendants accountable.”
“The unlawful sale of firearms is a primary focus of ATF and a critical threat to the safety of our citizens,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “The result of this investigation is a tribute to the longstanding collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners. I would like to thank the dedicated work of the investigators and prosecutors for dismantling this illegal firearm distribution operation.”
“The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to investigating individuals who use the U.S. Mail to ship gun parts for the purpose of creating illegal firearms without serial numbers or “ghost guns,” said Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood. We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners, the US Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to bring those who traffic in illegal firearms to justice.”
Below are photographs of some of the ghost guns seized by law enforcement:
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for each offense is up to 5 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Loan Brokers and One Bank Loan Officer Charged in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three men were charged yesterday, and have agreed to plead guilty, in connection with a scheme to defraud a Massachusetts-based bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Ted Capodilupo, 56, of South Easton; Joseph Masci, 70, of Boston; and Brian Ferris, 43, of Braintree, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to the charging documents, between 2015 and 2018, Capodilupo, Masci and Ferris agreed to defraud the bank and the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the bank, which administered the SBA’s small business express loan program, to secure bank loans guaranteed by the SBA. Specifically, it is alleged that Capodilupo and Masci, who operated a loan brokerage business, submitted dozens of fraudulent loan applications to the bank on behalf of borrowers ineligible for traditional business loans. These loan applications misrepresented, among other things, the identity of the real loan recipients and the businesses for which the loans were sought.
Capodilupo and Masci also allegedly fabricated federal tax forms submitted in support of the fraudulent loan applications, falsified applicant signatures and falsely indicated that no broker had assisted in preparing or referring the loan applications. Capodilupo and Masci allegedly charged borrowers fees for obtaining these fraudulent loans. It is alleged that Ferris, who worked as a loan officer at the bank, caused the bank to issue loans for which Capodilupo and Masci submitted applications and received a kickback from Capodilupo and Masci of approximately $500 per loan. The alleged scheme generated approximately $270,000 in fees for Capodilupo and Masci. Many of the loans that the bank issued as a result of the fraudulent applications ultimately defaulted, resulting in substantial losses to the bank.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison; five years of supervised release; a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; restitution; and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), New York Region; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Twin Falls Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A Twin Falls man was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, in September 2019, Cody J. Moore, 50, of Twin Falls, traveled to Arizona with his co-conspirator, Brian E. Felt, 47, of Pocatello, to purchase methamphetamine they planned to traffic back to Idaho. On September 15, 2019, officers stopped Moore, who was driving the vehicle, in Bannock County, along with Felt and two other passengers, returning from Arizona. A drug dog indicated for the presence of narcotics in Moore’s car and the vehicle was subsequently searched.
Inside the car, officers recovered 1.88 kilograms of actual methamphetamine. Also present was a loaded 9mm Diamondback handgun and a loaded Glock .40 caliber Gen 4 handgun. Moore admitted at the time of his guilty plea that he possessed the methamphetamine to distribute it to others.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Moore to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Moore pleaded guilty to the charges on September 24, 2021.
On October 5, 2020, Judge Winmill sentenced Felt to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for his role in the offense.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and credited the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, and Pocatello Police Department. "This sentence is the result of tremendous cooperation and teamwork between all levels of law enforcement in eastern Idaho," said U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. "I'm incredibly proud of these dedicated federal, state, and local officers and agents. The community must know that all hands are on deck as we continue to work together to defeat the scourge of illegal drugs that is devastating communities across this great state," he concluded.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Tiverton Man Arrested, Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Tiverton man allegedly found to be in possession of more than 150 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse was arrested on Tuesday on a charge of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
David Burke, 63, was arrested following a court-authorized search of his residence by members of the FBI Boston Division’s Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force that resulted in the alleged discovery of 160 images and videos depicting child pornography downloaded to a desktop computer.
According to charging documents, an ongoing FBI Project Safe Childhood investigation into the use of an online peer-to-peer software program determined that in June 2021, an IP address associated with Burke’s residence requested that files containing child pornography be downloaded from the peer-to-peer network. It is alleged that a video file containing approximately 23 minutes and 15 seconds of child sexual exploitation, and second containing a 13-minute video were downloaded.
Burke made an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on Tuesday and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This Project Safe Childhood case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
The matter was investigated by the FBI Boston Division’s Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes detectives from the Providence and Warwick Police Departments. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Tiverton Police Department for their assistance on Tuesday at the residence of Mr. Burke.
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The Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office Reminds Everyone that January is National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Shappert noted that the Department of Justice is commemorating the 11th Annual National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and emphasizing the Department’s continued commitment to combatting human trafficking in all its forms. “The investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes is one of the Department’s highest priorities. Federal law enforcement and prosecutors remain relentless in our efforts to bring traffickers to justice and to seek justice for the victims of these crimes,” Shappert said.
Human traffickers prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They exploit victims and deprive them of their rights, freedom, and dignity. Traffickers engage in forced labor or commercial sex involving children or involving adults subjected to intimidation, fraud, or coercion.
The Human Trafficking Institute’s Annual Report, issued by the Human Trafficking Institute, stated: “Federal courts in the following states and U.S. territories handled the highest number of active defendants in human trafficking cases when taking population into account: the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, the District of Columbia, Alaska, and New Mexico. Interestingly, the federal district court in the U.S. Virgin Islands handled four active defendants, the same number of active defendants as in New Jersey, even though New Jersey’s population is 83 times larger.” (P.79).
The Department of Justice is committed to continuing its victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to detecting hidden human trafficking crimes, holding perpetrators accountable, and restoring the lives of survivors, while strengthening strategic anti-trafficking partnerships.
The Department-wide approach to combating human trafficking extends beyond the prosecutions brought by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, to include interagency enforcement initiatives and strategic partnerships with global anti-trafficking allies. These efforts increasingly utilize specialized expertise in money laundering, financial crimes, and transnational organized crime to enhance investigations and prosecutions.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit develops innovative strategies on an ongoing basis to enhance detection and investigation of hidden human trafficking crimes. The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, as the largest federal funding sources for trafficking victim services, issues grants, enabling its grantees to serve clients. In addition, the Office for Victims of Crime administers its Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center to assist local and tribal organizations in starting, sustaining, and expanding their anti-trafficking efforts. The department continues to elevate the voices of courageous survivors, ensuring that their expertise and insights inform anti-trafficking efforts.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month commenced on January 11th. The public is encouraged to wear blue in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Learn more about the Blue Campaign here.
Each year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking and educating people about this crime and how to recognize it. To learn more, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/12/30/a proclamation-on-national-human-trafficking-prevention-month-2022/.
If you suspect an act of human trafficking in your area, you can report a trip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This national, toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
* * * *Texas Man and Nebraska Woman Charged with Second Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Plano, Texas, man, and a Niobrara, Nebraska, woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Alexis Delarosa, age 31, and Justina Tuttle, age 37, were indicted on September 8, 2021. Tuttle appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 16, 2021, and Delarosa appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 10, 2022. They both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about December 21, 2020, both Delarosa and Tuttle murdered George Cournoyer, Jr. and aided and abetted each other in doing so. The Indictment also alleges that Delarosa assaulted Cournoyer with a hammer, and that Tuttle assaulted Cournoyer with a baseball bat.
The charges are merely accusations and Delarosa and Tuttle are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Delarosa was returned to State custody and Tuttle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 15, 2022.
Surgery Centers and Medical Offices in New Jersey Settle Allegations of Federal Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, New York Region (HHS-OIG), and Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), announced today that six surgery centers and medical offices affiliated with Interventional Pain Management Center P.C. (“IPMC”), a company owned by Dr. Amit Poonia, have agreed to pay $7,447,340.75 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for claims submitted to federal health care programs for acupuncture treatment.
“This settlement holds the defendants accountable for mischaracterizing acupuncture as a surgical procedure in order to dishonestly obtain millions of dollars from Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program,” said United States Attorney Peace. “Working with our partners at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Personnel Management, we identified the false claims that enabled our Office to negotiate resolutions that resulted in a significant recovery of taxpayer dollars.”
“Medical professionals are expected to bill taxpayer funded health care programs correctly to ensure that they remain solvent and available to those that need their services,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Lampert. “Along with our law enforcement partners, this settlement affirms our commitment to ensuring that individuals and entities that bill federal health care programs do so in an honest manner.”
“Today’s settlement reminds all providers that if they submit false claims, they will be held accountable,” stated OPM Deputy Inspector General Vint.
The defendants treated patients with electro-acupuncture devices called P-Stim and NeuroStim/NSS (“NSS”). P-Stim and NSS procedures transmit electrical pulses through needles placed just under the skin on a patient’s ear. Both treatments are considered acupuncture under Medicare and Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (“FEHBP”) guidelines and are therefore ineligible for reimbursement by the government. From January 2012 through April 2017, the IPMC surgery centers and medical offices submitted claims to Medicare and FEHBP for P-Stim and NSS treatment and associated administration of anesthesia. In submitting the claims, the defendants used a billing code that mischaracterized the acupuncture treatment as a surgical implantation of a neurostimulator.
In addition to paying the civil settlement, Dr. Poonia, New Jersey Interventional Pain Management Center, PC; Advanced Interventional Pain Management Center, LLC; Global Anesthesia Group, LLC; Springfield Surgery Center, LLC; Park Avenue Surgery Center, LLC; and Endo Surgi Center of Old Bridge, LLC, have agreed to enter into an Integrity Agreement with the HHS-OIG. The Integrity Agreement requires that these entities and their owners implement specific measures intended to prevent future health care fraud and address evolving compliance risks. These measures include training for staff on applicable health care fraud laws and submitting to a claims review conducted by an Independent Review Organization to ensure compliance with Medicare billing requirements.
The allegations were brought to the government’s attention through the filing of a complaint captioned United States ex rel. Anu Doddapaneni and Christian Reyes v. Amit Poonia, MD., New Jersey Interventional Pain Management Center, P.C. et al., 18-CV-5214 pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability, nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
The government’s case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Apicella of the Office’s Civil Division with assistance from Civil Investigator Joseph Giambalvo.
The Defendants:
Dr. Amit Poonia, M.D.
New Jersey Interventional Pain Management Center P.C.
Advanced Interventional Pain Management Center LLC
Global Anesthesia Group LLC
Park Avenue Surgery Center LLC
Springfield Surgery Center LLC
Endo Surgi Center of Old Bridge LLC
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CV-5214 (ENV)
Statement of U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron on the Death of Former U.S. Attorney Stephen H. SachsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron issued the following statement on the death of former U.S. Attorney Stephen H. Sachs:
Steve Sachs was one of the most respected public servants in Maryland’s history and a personal mentor to me and many others. A brilliant attorney, Sachs spent years in public service, first as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, then as U.S. Attorney and subsequently as Attorney General for Maryland. In 1968, while Sachs was U.S. Attorney, he prosecuted the Catonsville Nine, Vietnam protestors who stole draft records from the Catonsville Selective Service office and burned them in the parking lot. While in private practice and during the Watergate scandal, Sachs represented FBI Director L. Patrick Gray. His commitment to the rule of law and passion for justice are legendary and continued to his passing. Those traits continue to inspire all of us who serve in the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office. We offer our sincerest condolences to Steve Sachs’ children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and history, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/history.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 71 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Vincent Peaks, Jr., 24 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Peaks was sentenced to 71 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in May of 2020, law enforcement responded to gunshots in the early morning hours and found a crowd in the street. Peaks ran from the crowd and threw a stolen 9-millimeter pistol into a backyard, which firearm was recovered. Peaks has two prior convictions for firearms-related offenses, including a conviction for armed robbery with a firearm. He was on probation for the armed robbery when this offense occurred.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Molly E. Donnelly and John M. Maciejczyk.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 121 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Cedric Washington, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to four counts of distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Washington was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in June and July of 2021, Washington sold methamphetamine on four separate occasions. During the last transaction, Washington sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Washington’s criminal history included three prior felony convictions, one of which was a federal firearms offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Schuylkill County Man Indicted for Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alnaldo Perez-Rodriguez, age 35, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 11, 2022, by a federal grand jury for firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Perez-Rodriguez with being in possession of a Walther .380 caliber pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and being in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine for distribution in Schuylkill County on December 3, 2021.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, State Parole Agents, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This matter 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.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under federal law, for the firearms charges, Perez-Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum sentence of life, a term of supervised release and a fine. For the drug charges, Perez-Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, a term of supervised release and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Schererville Man Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Odell Lucas, 44, of Schererville, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James Moody after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Lucas was sentenced to 151 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Lucas sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant on four separate occasions throughout January and February of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the, Porter County Drug Taskforce. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
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.
Ringleader in prescription drug conspiracy sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: The leader of a conspiracy that used forged prescriptions to obtain and sell large amounts of highly addictive opioids has been sentenced to federal prison.
Raheem Hardy, 29, of Decatur, Ga., was sentenced to 55 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Hardy to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“By forging wholesale numbers of fake prescriptions, Raheem Hardy poured fuel on the raging fires of opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “The teamwork of our law enforcement partners brought this scheme to an end, and Hardy is being held accountable.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Hardy created forged prescriptions for drugs, including the opioid pain medication Oxycodone, using the names and DEA registration numbers of at least six physicians. He then sold the paper prescriptions to others in the conspiracy who filled the prescriptions and sold the drugs to users. The scheme crossed Georgia into South Carolina and Alabama, as conspirators filled or attempted to fill prescriptions in those states. The conspiracy resulted in the unlawful acquisition and distribution of more than 4,000 pills.
The case originated in December 2019 in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in Columbia, S.C., when fraudulent prescriptions were presented to multiple pharmacies in the area. In April 2020, a pharmacist in Savannah raised an alarm when she questioned the authenticity of a conspirator’s prescription for Oxycodone and contacted the Savannah Police Department and the DEA Savannah Tactical Diversion Squad. A February 2021 indictment alleged Hardy and nine co-conspirators filled at least several dozen fraudulent prescriptions across Georgia to procure thousands of pills.
Six other defendants have pled guilty and been sentenced to incarceration. Three defendants are awaiting trial and are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“Although these pills came from legitimate pharmacies, the prescriptions were fake,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Raheem Hardy and his accomplices are not licensed medical professionals, and had no business filling prescriptions for these highly sought after pills. After this sentencing, other criminals have been put on notice that these illicit activities will lead to significant time behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squads in Savannah and Columbia, S.C.; the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team; the Pooler Police Department; and the Savannah Police Department, with assistance from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew A. Josephson and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Revere Man Indicted for Drug and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revere man was indicted today in connection with trafficking cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl as well as using a firearm in furtherance of the crime.
Cesar Rivera, 22, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams of cocaine base and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rivera has been in federal custody since July 2021.
According to the charging documents, in December 2020, Rivera was wanted on outstanding warrants on multiple state gun cases for which he had failed to respond court summons or to appear in court for over a year. On Dec. 22, 2020, law enforcement located Rivera at a carwash in Malden and he was subsequently arrested. At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that Rivera was carrying over 28 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl and a firearm.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; the Middlesex County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Red Lake Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a Firearm, Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Red Lake man was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for illegally possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a firearm as a felon. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced the defendant.
According to court documents, on November 21, 2020, Joshua Jon Lussier, 34, was arrested in Hubbard County, Minnesota, pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. In Lussier’s vehicle, law enforcement observed in plain sight a glass smoking device commonly used for methamphetamine and approximately ten grams of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 893 grams of methamphetamine, 83 grams of fentanyl, and drug distribution paraphernalia, including common cutting agents used to increase the total weight of controlled substances. Lussier admitted that the drugs in his vehicle belonged to him and were intended for distribution.
In April 2019, Lussier was found in possession of a Remington .243 caliber, Model 770 rifle. Because he has a prior felony conviction in Pennington County, Lussier is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On September 19, 2021, Lussier pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and one count of illegally possession of a firearm as a felon.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Department of Public Safety and the FBI Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Case Results in Federal Prison Sentence for a Local ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Quinterrius D’Lon Brown, 20, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 24 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, on firearms charges.
Brown was charged in a federal indictment with illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment and pleaded guilty to the charge on September 7, 2021. According to evidence presented to the court, Brown was indicted in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, on November 18, 2020 and charged with one count of 2nd degree murder and two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property. He appeared in Caddo Parish District Court with his counsel on January 20, 2021, was arraigned on those charges and then released on bond.
On June 12, 2021, law enforcement agents received information that Brown was illegally in possession of firearms. Agents began searching for Brown and he was located outside of his girlfriend’s residence on Fairway Drive in Shreveport. After being read his Miranda rights, agents learned that Brown had purchased a handgun off the street a month earlier. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence and agents found a handgun in the master bedroom where Brown admitted to hiding it earlier that day. The firearm was analyzed by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and confirmed it to be a working firearm.
Brown knew he was under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Princeton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Princeton, Iowa woman, Chelsea Lynn Gless, was sentenced on January 7, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 36 months in prison for Mail Fraud. Gless was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Gless was also ordered to pay over $2.9 million in restitution to victims.
Gless, age 32, was the manager and part-owner of Royal Metals Group, a business that purported to buy and sell precious metals for customers. Over a period of nearly four years, Gless made false representations to clients and instead of delivering precious metals and paying clients for precious metals, Gless misappropriated clients’ funds and precious metals. Gless used the funds to pay personal expenses and other Royal Metals Group clients who were owned money. Gless was charged in federal court on November 18, 2020, with Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, and Wire Fraud. On August 20, 2021, she pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud and one count of Mail Fraud.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. “Chelsea Gless chose fraud over business failure and misappropriated millions of dollars from her customers,” said Westphal. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, this prosecution sends a clear message to those like Gless that there are consequences for using lies and deception as a business model.”
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Davenport Police Department, and Bettendorf Police Department. FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel stated, “Chelsea Gless developed a scheme to defraud dozens of precious metals investors of millions of dollars. In some cases, the victims of this scheme lost their entire retirement savings. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to apprehend subjects like Chelsea Gless whose crimes of fraud can have devastating financial consequences for their victims.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to lend its financial investigation expertise to our law enforcement partners to follow money trails that lead to criminals defrauding the public,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Tyler Hatcher, St. Louis Field Office. “It will always be a top priority to uncover and stop schemes that steal the hard-earned money of trusting investors and bring those who devise them to justice.”