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6 January 2022
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Small Business Loan Fraud and Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with two fraud schemes involving COVID-19 relief funds and tax returns for other individuals.
Roosevelt Fernandez, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2022. Fernandez was charged in December 2020.
Fernandez applied for 10 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), either in his own name or in the names of entities he controlled. EIDL funds were available to eligible individuals and businesses pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). In June 2020, Fernandez applied for an EIDL under the name Soluciones Multi Service, an entity he controlled, and submitted a false tax filing in support of the application. As a result, the SBA deposited $124,900 into a bank account controlled by Fernandez from which he withdrew more than $80,000 in cash over the next two weeks. In August 2020, Fernandez applied for an EIDL in the name of another business using fraudulent tax filing information. As a result, the SBA deposited $149,900 into the same bank account.
In addition, Fernandez used the identities of various individuals to submit fraudulent state and federal tax returns. A number of these returns included fraudulent W-2 Forms purportedly issued by employers for whom the named taxpayer did not in fact work. Various fraudulent refunds were deposited into an account in the name of Soluciones Multi Service. In addition, a May 2020 fraudulent Economic Income Payment – stimulus authorized by CARES Act – was deposited into this same account. Fernandez was depicted on ATM surveillance footage depositing another fraudulent tax refund check into this account. Overall, the investigation uncovered approximately 40 fraudulent tax returns associated with Fernandez, totaling over $620,000 in requested refunds.
The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division for the Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Criminal Division, is prosecuting 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.
Rhode Island Man Charged in Manhattan for Trafficking ‘Ghost’ GunsRead the Press Release
A Rhode Island man was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with conspiring to traffic firearms and with making false statements. According to court documents, Robert Alcantara, 34, of Providence, was arrested today and presented in the District of Rhode Island.
“Untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “As alleged, the defendant agreed with others to buy the parts for these firearms, put them together at his home, and then unlawfully sold or attempted to sell over 100 of them. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, the defendant has been arrested, and his deadly ghost gun business has been shut down.”
“As alleged, Robert Alcantara engaged in trafficking untraceable, Privately Made Firearms (PMF’s), commonly called 'ghost guns,'” said Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito of ATF New York. “Stopping the flow of these firearms is a top priority of ATF, and we will rigorously pursue those who illegally sell these firearms. I applaud the NYSP who initiated this investigation through superb investigative actions, as well as our partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement and the NYPD for their vital and continued contributions to the investigations.”
“As is alleged to have happened here, the trafficking of PMFs poses a danger to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement New York Field Office. “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal smuggling of firearms, including ‘ghost guns’ that are difficult to trace.”
According to the allegations in the complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
From September 2019 up to November 2021, Alcantara and others entered an agreement in which Alcantara purchased the parts for more than 100 ghost guns, machined the ghost guns at his house in Providence, Rhode Island, and then illegally sold the working and completed ghost guns. On Nov. 20, 2021, law enforcement recovered parts for 45 ghost guns from Alcantara’s car. When interviewed by law enforcement, Alcantara falsely told them that he had never sold or transferred ownership of a firearm to any other individual, and that he had never transported a firearm to the Dominican Republic.
Below are photographs of the 45 ghost guns seized from Alcantara’s house, as well as photographs of firearms Alcantara intended to sell to buyers:
Alcantara is charged with: (1) conspiracy to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and (2) making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York; Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Special Agent in Charge Johnathan Carson of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and the Department of Commerce. U.S. Attorney Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the Providence Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island for their assistance in the case.
The case is being handled by the office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mead is in charge of the prosecution.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rhode Island Man Charged in Manhattan for Trafficking ‘Ghost’ GunsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and Johnathan Carson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office, announced that ROBERT ALCANTARA was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with conspiring to traffic firearms and with making false statements. ALCANTARA was arrested today and presented in the District of Rhode Island.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious threat to public safety. As alleged, the defendant agreed with others to buy the parts for these firearms, put them together at his home, and then unlawfully sold or attempted to sell over 100 of them. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, the defendant has been arrested, and his deadly ghost gun business has been shut down.”
John B. DeVito, ATF New York Special Agent-in-Charge said: “As alleged, Robert Alcantara engaged in trafficking untraceable, Privately Made Firearms (PMF’s), commonly called ghost guns. Stopping the flow of these firearms is a top priority of ATF, and we will rigorously pursue those who illegally sell these firearms. I applaud the NYSP who initiated this investigation through superb investigative actions, as well as our partners at the US Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement and the NYPD for their vital and continued contributions to the investigations.”
US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement New York Field Office Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson said: “As is alleged to have happened here, the trafficking of Privately Made Firearms poses a danger to our communities. The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal smuggling of firearms, including ‘ghost guns’ that are difficult to trace.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
From September 2019 up to November 2021, ALCANTARA and others entered an agreement in which ALCANTARA purchased the parts for more than 100 “ghost guns,” machined the ghost guns at his house in Providence, Rhode Island, and then illegally sold the working and completed ghost guns. On November 20, 2021, law enforcement recovered parts for 45 ghost guns from ALCANTARA’s car. When interviewed by law enforcement, ALCANTARA falsely told them that he had never sold or transferred ownership of a firearm to any other individual, and that he had never transported a firearm to the Dominican Republic.
Below are photographs of the 45 “ghost guns” seized from ALCANTARA’s house, as well as photographs of firearms ALCANTARA intended to sell to buyers:
ALCANTARA, 34, of Providence, Rhode Island, is charged with: (1) conspiracy to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and (2) making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and the Department of Commerce. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the Providence Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island for their assistance in the case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Mead is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Rhinelander Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Child EnticementRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Richard M. Duellman, 43, Rhinelander, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release to follow, for attempting to persuade and entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
On July 21, 2020, Duellman began chatting online with an undercover detective pretending to be a 15-year-old girl. During those chats, Duellman gave the detective a cell phone number and they began to text message each other. The two exchanged text messages for several hours, during which the detective told the defendant “she” was 15 and the defendant said numerous times he wanted to “get in her pants.” The defendant then talked on the phone to a second undercover employee pretending to be the same 15-year-old girl, during which the defendant again discussed getting into the girl’s pants and asked about having sex. Duellman and the undercover employee agreed to meet at a business in Rhinelander that same day, and the defendant was taken into custody shortly after he arrived.
In a post-arrest interview, Duellman admitted meeting a female online and said the female told him that she was 15 years old. He said they had conversations about sexual things and birth control and then he decided to meet her. At today’s hearing, the defendant admitted that he intended to meet the girl to have sex with her.
In sentencing Duellman, Judge Peterson expressed his concern about the defendant’s criminal history and continued sexual interest in teenage girls, noting that a 10-year sentence was warranted to protect the public.
The charge against Duellman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Rhinelander Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Readout from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Meeting on the One Year Anniversary of the January 6th Attack on the CapitolRead the Press Release
This morning, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met with many of the Department of Justice employees who are assigned to the January 6th investigation.
Along with Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, the Attorney General thanked agents, analysts, task force officers, prosecutors and professional staff from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and additional offices around the country for their tireless work this past year to hold accountable those who attacked the Capitol one year ago today.
Building on his remarks from yesterday, the Attorney General commended their incredible commitment to this investigation, which has resulted in more than 725 arrests in nearly all 50 states. The Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and FBI Director also recognized the challenges of conducting this investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the work on this case is far from done. They encouraged the team to remain dedicated and, as the Attorney General said yesterday, to follow the facts wherever they lead.
RV Salesman Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former Arkansas resident pleaded guilty today to tax evasion and admitted he lied to IRS special agents.
According to court documents, Joshua Wood, previously of Alma, Arkansas, instructed his employer not to withhold income taxes from his paycheck and then did not file tax returns from 2014 through 2016. During those years, Wood earned more than $378,000 selling recreational vehicles (RVs) and automobiles. When questioned by IRS special agents, Wood falsely claimed to have been shot down and wounded on a Navy mission, causing him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. He also falsely stated that a CPA had prepared tax returns on his behalf, when in fact the CPA had never prepared Wood’s taxes.
Wood is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Robert Kemins and Nicholas Schilling of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Project LEAD Graduates 25 Students in the Municipality of BayamónRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Last December, a total of 25 students from the Epifanio Fernández Vanga Elementary School and the Mariano Feliú Balseiro Middle School in Bayamón graduated from the Project LEAD school program in a ceremony held in U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. In August of 2021, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico began a 20-week school curriculum in both schools. The curriculum focused on the legal and social consequences of juvenile crimes and included techniques to help students resolve conflicts and resist peer pressure. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenón Matos was the facilitator in charge of leading the weekly sessions with the students.
Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision-making) was established in 1993 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Constitutional Rights Foundation. Its goal is to teach children that the choices they make today can affect their lives forever. An evaluation of the program conducted by Bernadette Chi, PhD and Ellen Middaugh, M.A. of the University of California, Berkley showed that Project LEAD provides:
- Protective factors that decrease students’ propensity to become involved in negative and illegal activities.
- An increase in students’ knowledge about the legal system.
- An increase in positive dispositions, for example: Confidence in their own decision-making capacities; Attitudes about the legal system; and Attitudes about authority.
The USAO launched the program in two public schools in Loíza in December of 2020. The USAO translated the Project LEAD program into the Spanish language and tailored the curriculum to focus on situations that youth in the District of Puerto Rico are likely to encounter. The 20-week curriculum, taught by AUSA Kelly Zenón, focuses on the social and legal consequences of juvenile crimes, such as truancy, illicit drug use, shoplifting, graffiti, animal abuse, and bullying. Project LEAD also teaches students techniques to resolve conflicts, resist peer pressure, promote tolerance and respect for diversity, and the role of education to achieve economic stability. Students also learn about the federal and state judicial systems, including how each operates, and the roles played by prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and defendants in the litigation process. The curriculum concludes with the students’ performance of a scripted mock trial, putting into practice what they have learned about the criminal justice system.
United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow stated: “We are very proud to continue this program despite the constraints imposed during the pandemic. We are grateful for the schools and the parents who trusted the USAO personnel along with other state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to provide the students with the skills and experience to evaluate challenging situations and help them make good decisions.”
This Project was possible with the collaboration of many federal and state agencies. Special thanks to the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico; Federal Public Defender; PR Department of Justice; PR Department of Education, in particular, the personnel at the Bayamón Regional Office; U.S. Marshals Service; PR Police Bureau; PR Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Administration of Juvenile Institutions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Anti-Bullying 10-8 In Service; and Common Cause for Paws.
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Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Distributing Sexually Explicit Material Involving MinorsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – An Evansville man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for the production and distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors.
According to court documents, in February 2018, an individual contacted the Evansville Police Department to report that she had been contacted by an unknown female stating she had received inappropriate messages from the individual’s social media accounts. The individual further discovered that someone was using her name and photographs to set up social media accounts to contact and communicate with underage girls to receive nude photographs. That person was named Wesley Trafford, who she did not know or give him permission to do so.
After further investigation, agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Wesley E. Trafford, 35, Evansville. Evidence was collected and sent to the Indiana State Police for examination. The forensic examination of the evidence found that Trafford took images from social media accounts belonging to other people to create fake accounts. He would then use the fake accounts to obtain nude images of minor victims and distributed those nude images of minors to others. Trafford had previously been convicted of child exploitation in September 2014 in Vanderburgh County, and was a registered sex offender at the time he committed these federal offenses.
“Every parent and child should be aware of the dangers lurking online. Often, the person on the other side of the screen is not who they pretend to be, and in fact may be a serial sexual predator seeking additional minor victims. Recidivist sex offenders against children are a particular federal priority, and my office will work tirelessly to hold them accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “The serious consequences imposed today are an important part of protecting the public and demonstrating to would-be offenders that they will be found, and they will be brought to justice.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable of our society, our children,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Every time sexually explicit images of children are viewed it revictimizes a child and the FBI will continue to work diligently to ensure those who would harm them are held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The Indiana State Police and the Evansville Police Department also provided invaluable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young also imposed five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Shellenbarger who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Portland Area Drug Trafficker Indicted for Kidnapping and Murder of Washington State ManRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal superseding indictment was unsealed today charging a Mexican National residing in Clackamas County, Oregon for his role in the 2019 kidnapping and murder of a Washington State man and other drug trafficking crimes.
Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal, 46, has been charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, hostage taking resulting in death, conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, felon in possession of a firearm, and fraud and misuse of a visa.
According to the superseding indictment, beginning on an unknown date and continuing until his arrest in October 2019, Castillo-Bernal conspired with others to traffic and distribute large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in an around Portland. Castillo-Bernal and his co-conspirators would import large quantities of the illegal narcotics from numerous suppliers to stash houses throughout the metro area where they were processed and prepared for sale.
On or about April 13, 2019, Castillo-Bernal and others kidnapped, held hostage, and murdered Ricardo Corral-Moreno, of Olympia, Washington, and disposed of his body in a rural area near Molalla, Oregon. Castillo-Bernal and his co-conspirators targeted Corral-Moreno because of money Corral-Moreno owed to Castillo-Bernal and others.
Castillo-Bernal made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on April 12, 2022.
Killing while engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping resulting in death, and hostage taking resulting in death are all capital offenses with maximum custodial sentences of life in federal prison. Kidnapping and hostage taking resulting in death also carry a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. Killing while engaged in drug trafficking and drug trafficking conspiracy carry mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years and 15 years in federal prison, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Bureau. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. 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.
Pennsylvania Man Admits Bank Fraud Conspiracy that Operated in South Jersey and Southeastern PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man today admitted his role in a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted over 12 financial institutions in southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Ayanniyi Alayande, 47, of Darby, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Alayande was part of a multi-defendant, Nigerian-based, multi-layered criminal organization that engaged in a massive bank fraud conspiracy in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Rhode Island, between June 2016 and March 2020. Members of the group acquired numerous business checks that were stolen from the United States mail, altered the payee on the checks to a fraudulent name and deposited the checks into bank accounts that had been opened with forged foreign passport documents and fraudulent U.S. visas that matched the names on the stolen checks. Once the banks credited all or a portion of the funds to the accounts – but before the checks had cleared – the defendants withdrew the funds from ATMs or purchased money orders, using debit cards associated with the fraudulent accounts. Members of the organization used over 400 fraudulent accounts opened with fake identity documents to defraud the victim banks. To date, the total loss to the victim banks is approximately $6 million.
Ayanniyi Alayande today admitted his role in the conspiracy, which included using false identities to make several deposits to and withdrawals from the fraudulent accounts. As part of his plea, Alayande agreed to forfeit his interest in approximately $90,000 worth of money orders, which were proceeds of the bank fraud and which were seized from a public storage facility in Philadelphia used by the conspirators to store additional fraudulent identity documents and proceeds of the bank fraud.
The bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bellmawr office and Philadelphia Division Office, under the direction of Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington, D.C. Division Office, under the direction of Peter R. Rendina, Washington Division Inspector in Charge; Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office and Newark Division Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Division Office, under the Direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; Homeland Security Investigations Maryland Division Office, under the direction of James R. Mancuso, Special Agent in Charge, Baltimore; Homeland Security Investigations Rhode Island Office, under the direction of Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Boston Division Office; and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), under the direction of R. Mike Escott, Resident Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Resident Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
Charges against 11 other defendants remain pending.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments against the 11 defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pain Clinic Doctor and Staff Member Charged with Unlawful Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dr. Qing McGaha (55, Tampa) with conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of controlled substances and unlawful distribution of controlled substances for no legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice, as well as monetary transactions in criminally derived property. The indictment also charges Camille Mohammed (52, Tampa) with conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the drug conspiracy count, McGaha and Mohammed each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. McGaha also faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each unlawful distribution count (15 counts) and 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count (4 counts). If convicted on all counts, McGaha and Mohammed each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies McGaha that the United States intends to forfeit $774,216.12 in U.S. currency, $170,482.34 seized from bank accounts, and two real properties located in the Tampa Bay area, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense or used to facilitate the crimes.
According to the
indictment , McGaha was a Florida-licensed medical doctor who owned and operated MD Care Clinic, a pain management clinic in Hillsborough County. McGaha employed Mohammed, who served as the clinic’s receptionist and scheduled patient appointments, collected patient fees, and recorded vital measurements. Mohammed also falsified urine screen results, managed the overcrowded waiting room and parking lot, and fielded calls from pharmacists concerned about McGaha’s controlled substance prescriptions.Over a 20-month period, undercover agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted numerous appointments with McGaha and at each appointment received an opioid controlled substance (hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or oxycodone), not for a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice.
In addition, McGaha engaged in multiple monetary transactions over $10,000, which monies she criminally derived from the operation of her clinic and which she used to purchase a piece of real property located in Clearwater or deposited into her bank account.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration—Tampa District Office and by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office, which focuses on opioid-related fraud and abuse by medical and health care professionals who have contributed to the prescription opioid epidemic. This case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.
Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Forfeit over $18 Million in Stock and Properties After Stealing Millions in Covid-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today after stealing millions of dollars in loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrew Aaron Lloyd, 51, of Lebanon, Oregon, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Lloyd was also ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution and forfeit 25 properties and more than 15,000 shares of Tesla, Inc. stock seized by law enforcement.
Lloyd took advantage of economic relief programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These programs were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans and small businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2020, Lloyd began submitting CARES Act loan applications using numerous business names and personally identification information of relatives and business associates without their consent. Lloyd submitted false documentation to justify the loan amounts requested, including IRS forms listing the 2019 wages purportedly paid by entities controlled by Lloyd. Lloyd claimed these entities paid employees as much as $4.7 million. Lloyd’s loan applications included lists of dozens of purported employees and the total wages paid to each. The loan application packages included some of the same information across the different business entities, including the businesses’ physical locations and the names of several dozen employees.
The IRS forms, the total amount of wages and earnings, the employee names, and the
wages paid to each employee were all created by Lloyd and false.
In total, Lloyd submitted nine PPP loan applications, six of which were accepted, resulting in a payout of more than $3.4 million. Lloyd also applied for numerous EIDLs, of which one was accepted, resulting in an additional $160,000 in payments to Lloyd.
Upon receipt of the funds, Lloyd purchased real estate and invested in securities. Lloyd transferred more than $1.8 million of the above-described PPP loan funds to his securities brokerage account. Securities Lloyd purchased using the fraudulently acquired funds substantially increased in value. In addition, Lloyd purchased more than 25 properties in Oregon and California with the proceeds of his fraud.
In January 2021, agents seized Lloyd’s brokerage account, which included 15,740 shares of Tesla, Inc. purchased with proceeds of his fraud. In March 2021, agents seized another account containing more than $660,000 in securities and cash. The securities and cash seized from Lloyd’s accounts are presently valued at more than $18 million.
On January 5, 2021, Lloyd was charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Later, on June 6, 2021, he was charged by superseding criminal information with bank fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. On June 17, 2021, Lloyd pleaded guilty to all three charges.
An accomplice of Lloyd’s, Russell Anthony Schort, 39, of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, was charged alongside Lloyd for similar conduct. Schort pleaded guilty to bank fraud and, on November 16, 2021, was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay $294,552 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the SBA Office of Inspector General, and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
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.
Nigerian Sentenced for Federal Fraud Violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Nigerian man has been sentenced to federal prison for fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Shalom Olumide Ayotunde, 39, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2021, to passport fraud, false claim to U.S. citizenship, wire fraud, and false statement to a financial institution, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III. Ayotunde was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,067,000.
According to court documents, in June 2018, Ayotunde provided false identifying information in his application for a U.S. passport, and in doing so, also falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Ayotunde was also involved in falsifying information in connection with numerous applications for Payment Protection Program loans, and ultimately received more than $1 million in fraudulent PPP loan proceeds. Additionally, evidence showed that Ayotunde was part of a conspiracy to defraud companies through business email compromise schemes and acted as a money mule when he knowingly received and transferred proceeds of fraudulent activity. Evidence showed that Ayotunde received or attempted to receive more than $800,000 in stolen funds. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ayotunde with federal violations on Nov. 13, 2020.
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.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State- Diplomatic Security Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camelia Lopez.
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New York Woman Indicted for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York woman was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking over 400 grams of fentanyl.
Shanese DeJesus, 25, was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl.
According to the charging document, on or about Oct. 20, 2021, DeJesus distributed fentanyl in Andover.
The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Colonel Nathan Noyes, Director of the New Hampshire State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston on drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl.
Ruben Davila Cardenas, 43, of Sunnyside, N.Y., was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl.
According to the charging documents, on or about Oct. 19, 2021, Cardenas distributed more than 400 grams of fentanyl in Woburn and elsewhere.
The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Colonel Nathan Noyes, Director of the New Hampshire State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mission Woman Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on January 6, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Mareca Rodriquez, age 30, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, a fine in the amount of $500, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Rodriquez was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021. She pled guilty on September 30, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on March 3, 2021, in Mission. Rodriquez knowingly possessed approximately 329 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Rodriquez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican National Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Immigration and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUCIANO SOLIS-SANCHEZ, 36, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment for immigration and controlled substances offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Solis-Sanchez has never held legal status in the U.S. In April 2007, Solis-Sanchez was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) in Arizona and was granted voluntary return to Mexico. In November 2017, he was again encountered by USBP and was removed to Mexico. Approximately one week after his removal, Solis-Sanchez was again encountered by USBP in Arizona while attempting to unlawfully enter the U.S. He was charged and convicted of illegal entry and was again removed to Mexico.
On two occasions in May 2019, Solis-Sanchez was encountered by USBP in Texas and was removed to Mexico.
On March 3, 2020, Solis-Sanchez was arrested by Waterbury Police on charges of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drugs near a prohibited place, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street. He was released by the state on a promise to appear. Federal authorities subsequently learned of the arrest and obtained an arrest warrant for Solis-Sanchez charging him with illegal reentry.
On January 8, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspected a UPS package that originated in Zapopan, Mexico, and was addressed to “Alfonso Perez, 39 Bucks Hill Rd, Waterbury, CT 06704 United States,” which was Solis-Sanchez’s residence. The package contained a handcrafted lamp that had two bundles containing approximately 498 grams of methamphetamine hidden behind a fiberglass panel.
On January 13, 2021, law enforcement made a controlled delivery of the package to 39 Bucks Hill Road, and then executed a search warrant at the residence. The search revealed a distribution quantity of cocaine. Solis-Sanchez was arrested a short time later. At the time of his arrest, he possessed an additional quantity of cocaine that he intended to sell. Solis-Sanchez subsequently admitted that he arranged for the delivery of the package containing methamphetamine, and also received cocaine shipments from the same supplier.
Solis-Sanchez has been detained since January 13, 2021. On June 24, 2021, he pleaded guilty one count of reentry of a removed alien and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Northwest. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
Methuen Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to selling a fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl mixture to an undercover agent on five occasions.
Andi Guerrero-Lara, a/k/a “Manny Sierra,” 24, pleaded guilty to a seven count superseding indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl; three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl; two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2022.
In December 2019, Guerrero-Lara was indicted along with co-defendant Angel Rivera-Valle. He was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment on Sept. 2, 2020.
The defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts that regularly sold large quantities of fentanyl. Between September and October 2019, an undercover agent purchased a fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl mixture from the defendants on five separate dates. According to court documents, after Rivera-Valle was arrested, Guerrero-Lara led agents on a high-speed car chase that spanned numerous miles and three cities during which Guerrero-Lara endangered multiple lives, as he narrowly missed crashing into a construction zone and police vehicles. Ultimately, Guerrero-Lara stopped his vehicle at an apartment complex in Lawrence and was arrested.
On Sept. 8, 2020, Rivera-Valle was sentenced by Judge Sterns to 64 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
This case is part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley called “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of acetyl fentanyl, each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Meridian Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, James Ricky Stewart, Jr., 44, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on June 15, 2020 during a traffic stop. Stewart had a .40 caliber pistol in his car. Stewart has four prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon it is contrary to federal law for Stewart to possess any firearm.
U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Kurt H. Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF and the Meridian Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Mercer County Felon Sentenced to More than 8 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Diquan Crowder was sentenced to 100 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Crowder, age 28 of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan also sentenced Crowder to three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
On November 20, 2020, Crowder possessed a loaded and stolen AK 47-style Zastava pistol at his residence in Farrell, Pennsylvania. A finding was made during Crowder’s sentencing hearing that he possessed the AK 47-style pistol on that date in connection with the felony crime of drug trafficking. As of that date, Crowder had already been convicted of a felony gun crime as a result of a state prosecution in 2014 and had also been convicted of a felony drug trafficking crime as a result of another state prosecution in 2016.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $120,000 from Bank Customer AccountsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Drummond, 35, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in a scheme in which Wells Fargo Bank customers lost $124,000 from their accounts. According to the government’s evidence, the participants in the scheme attempted to steal another $80,000 from the bank’s customers, but the bank detected that fraud and stopped the loss.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division.
Drummond pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Royce C. Lamberth scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2022. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Drummond faces a likely range of 27 to 33 months in prison, a restitution order, and a fine of up to $60,000. He also has agreed to pay $124,000 in a forfeiture money judgment.
In entering his plea, Drummond admitted to orchestrating a scheme that was carried out in 2017 in which Drummond recruited bank employees who would make unauthorized withdrawals from Wells Fargo customer accounts. The bank employees used the bank's internal systems to check the account balances of customers without the customer’s knowledge. Those employees then told Drummond the customer’s name and account balance.
Drummond then sent another accomplice into the bank to pose as the customer and to withdraw the funds, unbeknownst to the actual customer. The conspirators used this scheme to steal $124,000 in cash and an $80,000 cashier’s check from two of the bank’s customers. Although Wells Fargo was able to detect the theft and stop payment of the $80,000 cashier’s check, Wells Fargo incurred losses on behalf of its customers for the $124,000 in cash that Drummond and others stole.
Another conspirator, Tiara Langston, 30, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, entered a guilty plea in November 2020 to related charges and was sentenced in March 2021 to a 15-month prison term.
In announcing today’s guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Special Agent in Charge Jacobs commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also acknowledged the work of those who are handling the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert, who is prosecuting the matter.
Manhattan Man Arrested for Acting as an Unregistered Agent of the Egyptian Government in the United StatesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging PIERRE GIRGIS, a dual Egyptian and U.S. citizen, with acting and conspiring to act in the United States as an unregistered agent of the Arab Republic of Egypt. GIRGIS was taken into custody earlier today, and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Pierre Girgis failed to meet his requirements to register as a foreign agent in the United States. At the behest of Egyptian officials, Girgis’s alleged prohibited conduct included attempting to covertly gather non-public intelligence about the activities of political opponents of Egypt’s president, and attempting to gain access for foreign officials to attend law enforcement-only trainings in Manhattan. This Office will continue to strictly enforce foreign agent registration laws, which remain critically important to ensuring that our government is not secretly influenced by foreign governments.”
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said: “The Department of Justice will not allow agents of foreign governments to operate in the United States to pursue and collect information about critics of those governments. Working at the direction of the Egyptian government, Girgis agreed to target its perceived critics located in the United States. This indictment begins the process of holding him accountable for his actions in contravention of our laws and values.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “Agents of foreign countries are required to register with our government for a good reason - they often act in their home country's interests and against those of the United States. We allege Mr. Girgis sent non-public information back to Egypt for the benefit of the Egyptian government. Mr. Girgis broke our laws, and we must hold him accountable.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, and statements made during court proceedings[1]:
From at least approximately 2014 to 2019, GIRGIS, a native of Egypt, acted in the United States as an agent of the Egyptian government, without notifying the U.S. Attorney General as required by law. GIRGIS operated at the direction and control of multiple officials of the Egyptian government in an effort to further the interests of the Egyptian government in the United States. Among other things, at the direction of Egyptian government officials, GIRGIS tracked and obtained information regarding political opponents of Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. GIRGIS also leveraged his connections with local U.S. law enforcement officers to collect non-public information at the direction of Egyptian officials, arranged benefits for Egyptian officials who were visiting Manhattan, and coordinated meetings between U.S. and Egyptian law enforcement in the United States, including by attempting to arrange for Egyptian officials to attend police trainings.
On or about May 7, 2018, GIRGIS discussed his status as an agent of the Egyptian government with an Egyptian official (“Egyptian Official-1”) using an encrypted messaging application. During the conversation, Egyptian Official-1 expressed frustration that GIRGIS had communicated with personnel from a different Egyptian government agency, warned GIRGIS that “it is not possible to open with all the agencies,” and stated that Egyptian Official-1 was “letting you [GIRGIS] open with us only.”[2] Later in the encrypted messaging exchange, Egyptian Official-1 advised GIRGIS that other Egyptian government agencies “want sources for themselves, and you [GIRGIS] have become an important source for them to collect information.” GIRGIS responded, “I know and I see and I learn from you,” and then informed Egyptian Official-1, “it will not be repeated again.”
Approximately one year later, on or about March 8, 2019, in the course of GIRGIS’s continuing operations as an Egyptian agent, GIRGIS and Egyptian Official-1 discussed an upcoming trip of certain Egyptian officials to the United States. During that telephone conversation, GIRGIS stated, “Tell me what you want me to do,” and Egyptian Official-1 responded by inquiring about GIRGIS’s relationship with a particular U.S. law enforcement officer. Egyptian Official-1 then instructed GIRGIS “to ask [the U.S. law enforcement officer] for something. We want you to find out if there are any police trainings happening in Manhattan in the coming days, and if so, who are the people in charge of these trainings? We would like to attend.” Later in the conversation, GIRGIS again asked, “What you want me to do?” Egyptian Official-1 directed GIRGIS, “Make follow up, Ok?” and GIRGIS agreed by responding, “Ok.”
* * *
GIRGIS, 39, is a resident of Manhattan. GIRGIS is charged with one count of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, and thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for their assistance.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elinor L. Tarlow and Kyle A. Wirshba are in charge of the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
[2] The statements described in the Indictment and herein are set forth in substance and in part.
Man Who Was High on Methamphetamine with a Loaded Handgun in Cell Phone Store Bathroom Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A man who was found under the influence of methamphetamine in a Dubuque, Iowa, cell phone store bathroom with a loaded handgun pled guilty January 5, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Austin Matthew Oberbroeckling, age 27, from Farley, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Oberbroeckling admitted that, in August 2019, the Dubuque Police Department received a call of a suspicious individual at a Dubuque cell phone store. A responding officer arrived and found Oberbroeckling inside the bathroom near the sink. A .40 caliber handgun loaded with 14 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber was located on the tank of the toilet. Oberbroeckling had red, watery eyes, poor balance, and seemed to be lethargic and twitching. His Blood Alcohol Content was only .01, but later testing of his urine determined that Oberbroeckling had methamphetamine and biproducts of heroin and fentanyl in his system.
Oberbroeckling also admitted in the plea agreement that in August 2021, he was present at a hotel in Dubuque where drug paraphernalia was seen by hotel staff. When hotel staff told Oberbroeckling that the police would be called, Oberbroeckling and another occupant took some items and left the hotel. Hotel staff, and then police, found two shotguns in the room and various items of drug paraphernalia. Police found Oberbroeckling’s vehicle still parked outside the hotel the next day and obtained a search warrant for it. Inside the vehicle, officers found a bag containing a shotgun with a shortened (sawed-off) barrel. Oberbroeckling admitted he possessed the sawed-off shotgun found in his vehicle.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Oberbroeckling remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Oberbroeckling faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑1026‑CJW‑MAR.
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Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Texas man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for producing images of child sexual abuse. As part of the sentence, the defendant will also pay more than $58,000 in restitution to victims.
Jason Paul White, 42, of Lubbock, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to production of child pornography. According to court documents, in 2009, when White was 29 years old, he persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video. Specifically, White produced a video of himself performing oral sex on the minor, masturbating the minor using a sex device, and then having the minor masturbate White using the same sex device. White also produced child pornography videos of the same minor on approximately six other occasions. As part of his guilty plea, White also admitted to enticing six other minor boys to engage in sexual activity between 2004 (when White was 25) and 2020 (when White was 41). The boys ranged in age from 13 to 17 years old at the time White committed crimes against them.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office, the Lubbock Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s High Technology Investigative Unit.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Arrested for Acting in United States as Agent of Egyptian GovernmentRead the Press Release
A New York man was arrested today on criminal charges related to his alleged acting and conspiring to act as a foreign agent in the United States.
According to court documents, Pierre Girgis, 39, of Manhattan, acted in the United States as an agent of the Egyptian government, without notifying the U.S. Attorney General as required by law. Girgis operated at the direction and control of multiple officials of the Egyptian government in an effort to further the interests of the Egyptian government in the United States. Among other things, at the direction of Egyptian government officials, Girgis allegedly tracked and obtained information regarding political opponents of Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. As alleged, Girgis also leveraged his connections with local U.S. law enforcement officers to collect non-public information at the direction of Egyptian officials, arranged benefits for Egyptian officials who were visiting Manhattan, and coordinated meetings between U.S. and Egyptian law enforcement in the United States, including by arranging for Egyptian officials to attend police trainings.
“The Department of Justice will not allow agents of foreign governments to operate in the United States to pursue and collect information about critics of those governments,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. “Working at the direction of the Egyptian government, Girgis agreed to target its perceived critics located in the United States. This indictment begins the process of holding him accountable for his actions in contravention of our laws and values.”
“As alleged, Pierre Girgis failed to meet his requirements to register as a foreign agent in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “At the behest of Egyptian officials, Girgis’s alleged prohibited conduct included attempting to covertly gather non-public intelligence about the activities of political opponents of Egypt’s president, and attempting to gain access for foreign officials to attend law enforcement-only trainings in Manhattan. This office will continue to strictly enforce foreign agent registration laws, which remain critically important to ensuring that our government is not secretly influenced by foreign governments.”
“Agents of foreign countries are required to register with our government for a good reason – they often act in their home country's interests and against those of the United States,” said Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s New York Field Office. “We allege Mr. Girgis sent non-public information back to Egypt for the benefit of the Egyptian government. Mr. Girgis broke our laws, and we must hold him accountable.”
According to the indictment, on or about May 7, 2018, Girgis discussed his status as an agent of the Egyptian government with an Egyptian official (Egyptian Official-1) using an encrypted messaging application. During the conversation, Egyptian Official-1 expressed frustration that Girgis had met with personnel from a different Egyptian government agency during a recent trip by Girgis to Egypt, warned Girgis that “it is not possible to open with all the agencies,” and stated that Egyptian Official-1 was “letting you [Girgis] open with us only.” Later in the encrypted messaging exchange, Egyptian Official-1 advised Girgis that other Egyptian government agencies “want sources for themselves, and you [Girgis] have become an important source for them to collect information.” Girgis responded, “I know and I see and I learn from you,” and then informed Egyptian Official-1, “it will not be repeated again.”
Approximately one year later, on or about March 8, 2019, in the course of Girgis’s continuing operations as an Egyptian agent, Girgis and Egyptian Official-1 discussed an upcoming trip of certain Egyptian officials to the United States. During that telephone conversation, Girgis stated, “Tell me what you want me to do,” and Egyptian Official-1 responded by inquiring about Girgis’s relationship with a particular U.S. law enforcement officer. Egyptian Official-1 then instructed Girgis “to ask [the U.S. law enforcement officer] for something. We want you to find out if there are any police trainings happening in Manhattan in the coming days, and if so, who are the people in charge of these trainings? We would like to attend.” Later in the conversation, Girgis again asked, “What you want me to do?” Egyptian Official-1 directed Girgis, “Make follow up, Ok?” and Girgis agreed by responding, “Ok.”
Girgis is charged with one count of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and New York Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elinor L. Tarlow and Kyle A. Wirshba for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MS-13 Members and Associates Indicted in Racketeering, Narcotics, and Multiple Murder ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging twelve members and associates of “La Mara Salvatrucha”, or MS-13, with a variety of offenses based on their involvement in racketeering, drug trafficking, and a series of murders.
Those charged in the indictment are:
Name
Age
Gang Moniker(s) / Nickname(s)
Residence
Marvin Menjivar Gutiérrez
29
Astuto
New York
Melvin Canales Saldana
29
Demente
New York
Mario Antonio Guevara Rivera
26
Blue, Azul, Telele
Woodbridge
Cristian Ariel Arevalo Arias
26
Serio
Woodbridge
Carlos Jose Turcios Villatoro
23
Oculto
Woodbridge
Abner Jose Molina Rodriguez
24
Rino, Tecolote
Woodbridge
Manilester Andrade Rivas
32
Mani, Tandori, Conejo, Coqueto
Woodbridge
Jairo Gustavo Aguilera Sagastizado
26
Coy, Maruchan, Psicólogo
New York
Walter Jeovanny Rubio Lemus
27
Caskillo
Woodbridge
Juan Carlos Hernández Landaverde
23
Chele
Annandale
Karen Estefany Figueroa Alfaro
29
N/A
Woodbridge
Juan Manuel Vasquez Reyes
40
Güero
Manassas
According to the indictment, the defendants were members or associates of the Sitios Locos Salvatrucha clique (STLS) of MS-13, which has operated in Northern Virginia and elsewhere for at least the past several years. The indictment alleges that since at least in and around 2017, these MS-13 members and associates regularly travelled to and from Long Island, New York, for the purpose of obtaining cocaine and transporting it to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where they and other gang members would sell it primarily, though not exclusively, in restaurants and night clubs.
The indictment also charges eight of the defendants with a number of offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in four murders that occurred in Eastern Prince William County between June 22, 2019 and September 24, 2019. Specifically, the indictment charges:
- Guevara, Arevalo, and Turcios with the June 2019 double-murder of M.B.L. and J.G.M., and Vasquez with helping them after they committed the murders;
- Canales and Andrade with the August 2019 murder of E.L.T.; and
- Guevara, Molina, and Aguilera with the September 2019 murder of A.K.S.
Defendants in this case are charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, accessory after the fact to murder in aid of racketeering, witness tampering, using a firearm during a crime of violence causing death, possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and violations of the Controlled Substances Act, among other crimes. The statutory penalties for the charged offenses range from a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison to capital punishment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Peter Newsham, Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Blanchard, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Roberts, and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoff from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
Significant assistance was provided by our partners, including the Northern Virginia Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, ICE/ERO, DEA, ATF, and the United States Marshal Service. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Prince William County also provided significant assistance.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, Operation City of Bridges. 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-260.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Luzerne County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Pandemic Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christina Covey, age 34, formerly of Drums, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 48 months’ imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking, and 15 months’ imprisonment for committing pandemic unemployment fraud, five months of which is to run consecutive to the methamphetamine trafficking sentence.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on May 20, 2021, Covey pleaded guilty to conspiring with several other individuals to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Hazleton area between October 2019 and February 2020. During the scheme, conspirators mailed parcels containing methamphetamine from Arizona to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, for retrieval and distribution. Covey was involved in identifying and providing addresses of vacant houses to receive the parcels. On one occasion, she retrieved a parcel containing methamphetamine from a vacant house located on Sycamore Drive, in Drums, Pennsylvania.
The methamphetamine trafficking case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office as 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.
Covey also pleaded guilty to committing pandemic unemployment fraud while on pretrial release for the federal narcotics charges. In that case, she filed false PUA applications on behalf of two federal inmates—her codefendant in both cases, Fredy Mendoza, and another inmate. The applications sought unemployment benefits for both inmates by claiming that they were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and available to work, despite their incarceration on underlying federal drug trafficking charges. The conspirators subsequently filed false weekly certifications required to continue receiving PUA benefits, ultimately securing nearly $30,000 dollars, which were mailed in debit cards to Covey. Covey used the majority of funds on gambling expenses, and was ordered to pay $29,799 in restitution.
“Christina Covey engaged in a scheme with her co-defendant to defraud the PUA program by obtaining personal information from inmates in Lackawanna County Jail and submitting fraudulent claims for PUA benefits on behalf of those inmates even though they were incarcerated and not able and available to work. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General is grateful for our partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and our many law enforcement partners. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued efforts to prosecute those who violate public benefit programs and commit fraud,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was created by the March 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.
Fredy Mendoza remains in custody, pleaded guilty in the methamphetamine trafficking case, and awaits sentencing. Mendoza is pending trial in the pandemic unemployment fraud case.
The methamphetamine trafficking case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts. The pandemic case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service and by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
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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Lubbock Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Lubbock dentist was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for producing images of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Jason Paul White, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to production of child pornography. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered him to pay more than $58,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, in 2009, Mr. White (then 29) persuaded a 17-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video. He went on to produce child pornography videos of the same child on approximately six other occasions.
As part of his guilty plea, White also admitted to enticing six other minor boys to engage in sexual activity between 2004 (when White was 25) and 2020 (when White was 41). The boys ranged in age from 13 to 17 years old at the time White committed crimes against them.
At Thursday’s hearing, multiple victims testified that White groomed them, plying them with gifts and drugs to make them feel special. The defendant’s perpetual manipulation left victims with shame and trust issues, they said.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency, the Lubbock Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s High Technology Investigative Unit. Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam of the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Resulting in the Death of His PassengerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who admitted to recklessly driving a vehicle with five times the legal limit of marijuana in his blood — resulting in the death of his passenger — was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, on March 17, 2017, Corey Wylie Brown (26) was speeding and swerving his truck back and forth on a loose gravel road around Nelson’s Landing at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Brown lost control of the truck, causing it to flip onto the passenger side. As a result, his passenger — who was a minor — was partially pinned under the truck. A package labeled “Shaolin Kush” was found at the scene and tested positive for THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Brown pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary vehicular manslaughter, one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving, and one count of unsafe operation of a motor vehicle.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Burton and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent prosecuted the case.
Driving under the influence of over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, marijuana or other illicit drugs is referred to as drug-impaired driving. In 2020, 12.6 million people ages 16 and older admitted to driving under the influence of illicit drugs, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For more information on drug-impaired driving, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who admitted to sexually exploiting a child and possessing child sexual abuse material was sentenced today to 15 years and 10 months in prison.
According to court documents, on April 9, 2020, Kenneth James Robison (35) recorded a video of himself sexually exploiting a child who was less than 12 years old. That same day, he shared the video with others using Kik, an online messaging platform. Additionally, Robison possessed more than 600 items of child pornography — including a video of the sexual assault of an infant — in online cloud storage.
Robison pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Robison to a lifetime term of supervised release and ordered Robison to pay restitution to his victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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La Joya ISD trustee convicted in bribery conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 42-year-old Penitas resident and La Joya Independent School District (ISD) trustee has admitted to receiving more than $234,000 in bribes, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Armin Garza admitted he participated in a conspiracy to steer lucrative energy savings contracts at various political subdivisions in Hidalgo County, including La Joya ISD.
In exchange, Garza and other co-conspirators received bribes and kickbacks from subcontractors selected to work on the energy savings contracts. As part of his plea, Garza admitted to using his influence over LJISD employees who were elected officials at other political subdivisions in Hidalgo County. The employees subsequently received promotions or pay raises. They also voted to award or attempted to award the same company energy savings contracts at three other political subdivisions in Hidalgo County.
Garza admitted to receiving at least $234,500 in bribes and agreed to forfeit such amounts as part of his plea.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa set sentencing for March 18. Garza was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Steven S. McCurdy, 64, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. McCurdy pleaded guilty to this charge on October 12, 2021.
On November 30, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers purchased 15.5 grams of methamphetamine from McCurdy through a confidential informant. Months later, on March 1, 2021, officers purchased 15.1 grams of methamphetamine from McCurdy, again through a confidential informant. Later that day, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for McCurdy’s residence in La Crosse and found 138.1 grams of methamphetamine and $8,519 in cash.
When interviewed by officers, McCurdy admitted to selling methamphetamine for profit.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted the quantity of methamphetamine involved, McCurdy’s lengthy criminal history that included prior drug trafficking, his poor performance while previously on supervision, and the dangers his drug dealing posed to the community at large.
The charge against McCurdy was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse and Campbell Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
Nineteen firearms were seized by federal agents from Rusty Snow's residence.KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man who was arrested with 19 firearms and quantities of illegal drugs in his home pleaded guilty in federal court today to trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms.
Rusty W. Snow, 28, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes.
According to today’s plea agreement, investigators were conducting surveillance on co-defendant Dylan Lee Larson, 29, of Overland Park, Kansas, who engaged in a series of controlled drug transactions with a confidential source in October 2020. Officers followed Larson to Snow’s residence, where they executed a search warrant on Nov. 5, 2020. Snow and co-defendant Robin A. Graham, 38, who shared the residence with Snow, were at home during the search and were arrested.
Officers found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the couch, along with a lunchbox that contained approximately 572 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Officers also found approximately 400.8 grams of marijuana in a shoebox on the floor, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia nearby.
Officers found 18 more firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition littered throughout the residence. Six of those firearms – a shotgun, a rifle, and four semi-automatic pistols – had been reported stolen.
Additionally, as they continued the search, officers found another approximately 527.44 grams of marijuana, another approximately 33.39 grams of crystal methamphetamine, approximately 33.39 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, approximately 48.9 grams of THC concentrate/THC wax, and 38 full and 11 half pills of various controlled pharmaceuticals.
Officers also found four stolen motorcycles on the property, two police tasers, police identification and other police items stolen from Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan. officers.
Both Larson and Graham have also pleaded guilty.
Under federal statutes, Snow is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Johnston Man Sentenced for Possessing of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Johnston man who admitted to downloading and sharing images of child pornography was sentenced today to three years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Anthony Lapierre, 29, pled guilty on September 13, 2021, to possession of child pornography.
According to charging documents and information presented to the court, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) developed information that in January 2019, an IP address later determined to be associated with Lapierre’s residence was used to upload and share child pornography using an online messenger service. HSI agents determined that Lapierre utilized at least two online messenger service accounts. Court-authorized access to the accounts revealed 22 videos and 10 images depicting child sexual abuse.
Lapierre was sentenced today by U. S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zechariah Chafee and John P. McAdams.
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Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty to unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
According to court documents, Venson K. Mix, 40, used a cellular phone to facilitate a felony drug trafficking crime, specifically possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A cellular phone meets the legal definition of a communication facility under federal law.
Mix is scheduled to be sentenced on April 19th, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 8 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Indiana Man Sentenced for Sexual Offense Onboard Commercial AircraftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Ian Wagner, 39, formerly of New Haven, Indiana, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for abusive sexual contact of an incapacitated person. Wagner was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison and 6 years of supervised release with special conditions. Wagner was additionally ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the victim. There is no parole in the federal system.
On October 6, 2017, Wagner was on board a domestic flight from Indianapolis, Indiana to Denver, Colorado. Wagner was seated next to an 18-year-old woman. During the flight, the woman fell asleep and later awoke to Wagner rubbing her inner thigh with his hand. At some point a while later, the victim took a photograph of Wagner. The geolocation data associated with the photograph indicated that the plane was flying over Hastings, Nebraska.
The victim then left her seat, sought refuge in the airplane’s lavatory, but eventually returned because she believed the flight was full and no other seats would be available. After retaking her seat, she observed that Wagner had placed a jacket over his lap and his hand appeared to be moving up and down under the jacket. Wagner made eye contact with the victim and lifted his jacket to reveal his exposed penis. For over five minutes, Wagner masturbated while staring at the victim. Frightened and troubled by the incident, the victim lodged a complaint with the airline two days later and with criminal authorities in the following weeks.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Imperial man sentenced for illegal possession of multiple firearmsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Aaron Jordon of Imperial, Missouri, appeared before United States District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel on today’s date. Jordon was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. Jordon previously pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms in September 2021.
According to the plea agreement, in December 2019, investigators received information that an individual was distributing narcotics, specifically marijuana, LSD, and “dabs” or butane honey oil (BHO) in the Jefferson County area utilizing a Snapchat account. Investigators subsequently identified the user of the account as Aaron Jordon.
Investigators sought and obtained a lawful search warrant on December 18, 2019. On December 26, 2019, they initiated surveillance on the residence and detained Jordon shortly after he left the residence, conducting a traffic stop of his vehicle. They located a black Taurus .38 special revolver in the center console, as well as suspected narcotics.
Investigators accompanied by Jordon responded back to the residence to complete the search warrant. Additional suspected narcotics and seven firearms were located and seized. Jordon was previously convicted of an offense that prohibited his possession of any firearms.
The above case was investigated by the Jefferson County Municipal Enforcement Group (JCMEG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ihlenfeld to lead regional drug interdiction effortsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld has been named chairperson of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Executive Board and will now lead efforts in the region to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit substances.
The Appalachia HIDTA is comprised of drug task forces from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, and was responsible for nearly 2,400 drug arrests in 2021, along with the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as firearms.
“It’s an honor to be asked to serve in this capacity and I’ll use the opportunity to strengthen the region’s response to the alarming increase in drug overdoses, many of which are being caused by fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld.
Appalachia HIDTA Executive Director Vic Brown met with Ihlenfeld today in Wheeling to discuss strategies to combat the drug epidemic in West Virginia.
“United States Attorney Ihlenfeld is a highly respected law enforcement professional, and his leadership and expertise will be of tremendous benefit to the Appalachia HIDTA Executive Board,” said Director Brown.
Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death in those aged 18-45 in the United States, according to the CDC. The Northern District of West Virginia has seen fentanyl-related overdose deaths more than double, and the amount seized in the district in the last year was enough to kill nearly half its population.
“The financial and intelligence resources provided by the Appalachia HIDTA allow our task forces to dismantle and disrupt organizations that bring illicit substances to West Virginia and surrounding states,” said Ihlenfeld. “We will leverage those resources in 2022 to target fentanyl traffickers operating in the United States and abroad.”
Ihlenfeld previously served as Vice Chairperson and Budget Chair for the AHIDTA Executive Board.
Huntersville, N.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Benjamin Padua Jr, 56, of Huntersville, N.C., appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to wire fraud, for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer following the company owner’s death.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed plea documents and today’s plea hearing, from September 2019 to February 2021, Padua abused his senior finance position with his employer, identified in court documents as Trucking Company, and used falsified documents and improper accounting entries to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of the scheme, Padua admitted in court today that, following the Trucking Company owner’s death in October 2019, Padua forged the owner’s signature on a fake employment agreement Padua created and backdated to prior to the owner’s death. The fraudulent employment agreement purported to increase Padua’s compensation significantly through higher wages, bonuses, and life insurance benefits. As Padua admitted in court today, after he created the fake employment agreement, Padua received substantial compensation from the Trucking Company, to which he was not entitled.
Padua pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was released on bond. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI in Charlotte for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.
Hunt Companies to Pay $500,000 to Resolve Fraud Allegations at Dover Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Hunt Companies, Inc. (“Hunt”), one of the largest providers of privatized military housing to the U.S. Armed Forces, has agreed to a $500,000.00 settlement with the government to resolve allegations of fraud at the Dover Air Force Base arising under the False Claims Act.
Hunt provides privatized military housing at Dover Air Force base. For its services, Hunt is eligible to receive quarterly performance incentive fees if it meets certain performance objectives such as maintaining the residences while they are occupied and preparing the residences for new tenants once they are vacated. Between January 2013 and June 2019, Hunt submitted materially false information to the Air Force in order to receive higher performance incentive payouts from the Government. The settlement agreement resolves these allegations; there has been no admission of fault.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to fighting for the wellbeing of our servicemembers and their families, especially those stationed at Dover Air Force Base,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss. “When companies put servicemembers’ welfare at risk to maximize profit, they cheat the government as well as everyone who serves our country. We will not tolerate such disappointing conduct.”
“In addition to the extensive and dedicated collaborative efforts among DCIS, AFOSI, and the Department of Justice, the Air Force Audit Agency played a crucial role in the case,” said Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “AFOSI, in concert with our federal law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, stand united in our commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of the Air Force’s most valuable assets, our Airmen and their families. We will continue to combat fraud and hold those accountable that would threaten the Air Force’s ability to defend the United States and our citizens,” added SA Richards.
The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. The government’s claims are based in part on a whistleblower suit filed by a former employee of Hunt. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse Wenger and Shamoor Anis.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cv-107-MN.
Hudson County Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Jersey City, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Benigno Gonzalez-Mendoza, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 9, 2019, through July 27, 2019, Gonzalez-Mendoza knowingly received images and videos of child sexual abuse, including videos of adults sexually abusing prepubescent children.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Gonzalez-Mendoza to 10 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $18,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olta Bejleri of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Holyoke Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 in federal court in Springfield to distributing heroin and cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Ronny Authier, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for April 21, 2022. Authier was indicted in November 2019.
On two occasions in September 2019, Authier distributed a total of approximately 12 grams of heroin to an undercover agent. On a third occasion in September 2019, Authier also sold the agent approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine.
The charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Office; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Great Falls man sentenced to six years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to downloading child pornography to his cellular phone was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
John Douglas Woodcock, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Woodcock to pay $36,000 restitution to victims.
The government alleged in court documents that Woodcock knowingly received child pornography from April 2019 to December 2019, when officers with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a suspect in Cascade County downloading child pornography. An investigation led to Woodcock as the subscriber of the internet provider address associated with the tip. Officers searched Woodcock’s residence and seized his cell phone. Woodcock admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for the past year and had done so the day he was interviewed. Officers located more than 1,000 child pornography images and video files on Woodcock’s cell phone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Great Falls man sentenced to more than eight years in prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking in the Great Falls area was sentenced today to eight years and eight months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Louis Jay Remillard, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in June 2020, law enforcement received reports of Remillard being involved in distributing meth in and around Great Falls. In two instances, law enforcement seized a total of more than 97 grams of pure meth from Remillard.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.
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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Great Falls heroin trafficker sentenced to 78 months in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to traveling outside of Montana to obtain large quantities of heroin for resale throughout the state was sentenced today to 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Brocktin James Russo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that for four years, Russo traveled out of state to acquire large amounts of heroin for resale in Montana. In January 2021, law enforcement seized more than 500 grams, which is a little more than one pound, from Russo’s suitcase in a traffic stop. Russo admitted to selling several kilograms of heroin per month and claimed that more than $2 million in heroin passed had through his hands during the four years. A kilogram is the equivalent of 2.2 pounds. Russo admitted to traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, and to Chicago, Illinois, to obtain heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Great Falls Police Department.
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Gilmer County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Reed Ratliff, of Glenville, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Ratliff, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Ratliff admitted to having child pornography videos from August to November 2020 in Gilmer County.
Ratliff faces up to 10 years of incarceration and 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Geneseo Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Five MinorsRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Geneseo, Illinois, man, Tristan Blank, 24, of the 0-100 block of Tulip Court, pleaded guilty today to five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Sentencing for Blank has been scheduled for May 12, 2022, at the U.S. Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa.
In court before Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow, Blank admitted that he pretended to be a female to entice minors to send him sexually explicit photos and videos online. During the hearing, the government stated that Blank was arrested after posing as a female online and arranging to meet a minor to perform oral sex on the minor. Further investigation revealed that Blank used a female persona to entice over 20 victims to send him nude photographs and videos. Blank then threatened to distribute the images if the victims did not continue sending images or perform sexual acts with Blank.
Blank remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Blank faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 150 years’ imprisonment.
The case investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Illinois State Police, the Geneseo Police Department, the Colona Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kewanee Police Department, with assistance of the Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center. Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Raya is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), to marshal federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former deputy constable convicted in cocaine conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 49-year-old Huffman resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Alexsander S. Reyes is a former Harris County Precinct 1 deputy constable.
On or about Dec. 5, 2020, Reyes escorted a tractor-trailer in a marked constable vehicle through Houston. They believed it contained 10 kilograms of cocaine.
For his assistance, Reyes received a total of $6000 in cash.
However, the drug load was actually part of an undercover operation and included “dummy” or fake cocaine.
Sentencing has been set for March 22 before U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge III. At that time, Reyes faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
FBI Public Corruption conducted the investigation with assistance of Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.
Former Westlake Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $9.3 Million in Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Tara M. Brunst, 47, of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in an investment fraud scheme that stole approximately $9.3 million from clients. Brunst pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Brunst was employed as a licensed investment advisor for co-defendant Raymond A. Erker in Westlake, Ohio. Beginning in January of 2013 and continuing through January of 2018, court records state that Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy that devised a scheme that stole approximately $9,366,976.37 from investors.
As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy sold investments to clients that they misrepresented as annuities and senior secured notes with no risk of loss and with a guaranteed rate of return. Without the approval or consent of investors, investor funds were diverted to other entities they controlled and personal bank accounts.
Court records state that to keep up with promised rates of return, Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators falsely represented that payments to previous investors were rates of return and interest when the payments were actually new investor funds, the trademark of a Ponzi scheme.
Additionally, Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators failed to disclose to investors that they had substantial or limited ownership interests in companies receiving investments from the scheme.
To avoid detection, members of the conspiracy set up office fronts in Delaware and Nevada, contracted with call centers and created false websites and account statements that purported to show investor account balances.
Additionally, charged in this matter are Raymond A. Erker, 50, of Avon, and Kevin Krantz, 56, of Olmsted Falls. These two individual cases remain ongoing.
This investigation was conducted by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Westlake Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough and Kathryn Andrachik.
Former Texas Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Texas man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Antonio Cardenas aka “Tony Vosburg,” 35, to 15 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Cardenas pleaded guilty in June 2021.
According to court records, in 2007, Cardenas was convicted in Texas of aggravated assault of a child under 14 years of age. This felony conviction made Cardenas a lifetime sex offender registrant in Texas. In early August 2020, he moved from Texas and began living in Mars Hill and Caribou, Maine. He did not notify the Texas Sex Offender Registry that he was moving. Further, prior to his arrest on February 10, 2021, he made no attempt to register on the Maine Sex Offender Registry.
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case.
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