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14 December 2021
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $1 Million in PPP FundsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Devron Brown, 50, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Chad F. Kenney for his involvement in a scheme to unlawfully obtain and misuse loan proceeds offered through the federal Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).
In June 2021, the defendant was indicted on eleven felony counts: two counts of bank fraud and attempted bank fraud, and nine counts of money laundering for fraudulently obtaining approximately $937,500 in PPP loan proceeds by making false representations regarding his alleged construction business, Just Us Construction, Inc. Brown made multiple false characterizations about the business, including the number of employees, the wages paid to them, the payroll taxes paid on those wages, and the intended use of the PPP loan proceeds. Brown then used those PPP loan proceeds for personal and unauthorized purchases, including a new residential property in Florida, a motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, a luxury automobile, and diamond jewelry. The defendant also caused a second fraudulent PPP loan application to be submitted for approximately the same amount in early 2021, but that application was denied. Following his arrest on the indicted charges, Brown failed to appear in court as required and absconded as a fugitive, in violation of the terms of his pretrial release. He was apprehended by authorities and returned to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania earlier this year to face the charges against him.
“Paycheck Protection Program funds are intended to help American small-businesses continue paying their employees, even if revenues have dropped dramatically due to the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Thieves who attempt to take these funds are taking advantage of others’ misfortune – ripping them off while also ripping off all taxpayers who fund the program. Here, the defendant fraudulently obtained nearly $1 million in funds that could have helped struggling businesses and individuals, and instead spent the money on indulgences for himself.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn Deal.
Philadelphia Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm Following Incident on I-76Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Bernard Giddings, 26, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon following an incident on a state highway earlier this year.
On March 4, 2021, Pennsylvania State Police responded to an incident that took place on Interstate-76 at approximately 2:30 p.m. Following leads developed in the investigation, PSP investigators obtained a search warrant for the Giddings’ residence in Philadelphia. Upon execution of the search warrant, Troopers recovered a loaded semi-automatic firearm and an extended magazine under the bed where Giddings was sleeping. The defendant ultimately admitted to possessing the gun, and forensic testing found his DNA on the weapon as well. PSP investigators later determined that the firearm had been reported stolen out of North Carolina in 2019. The defendant was thereafter charged by Indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
“The crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense, particularly in Philadelphia where gun violence has reached record-breaking levels this year,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Bernard Giddings admitted to illegally possessing a firearm which was recovered by Pennsylvania State Police after investigating a serious incident. Our Office is determined to continue doing everything we can to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia by being ‘All Hands On Deck’ to get criminals like this defendant off the streets for a long time.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Martin Howley.
Penn Hills Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Coercion and Enticement and Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Kaung Myat Kyaw, age 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, (Penn Hills) as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, during various periods between August 9, 2020 and March 25, 2021, Kyaw knowingly enticed and coerced four minor victims using the Internet and a cellular telephone service to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.
The FBI is seeking the public's help in identifying potential victims from across the country that were under the age of 18 who may have been asked by an individual to produce sexually graphic videos or photographs or engage in sexual conduct. Anyone who may have been victimized by Kaung Myat Kyaw or has information relevant to this investigation, please visit fbi.gov/7dc and complete a short questionnaire.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence as to each of the four charges of not less than ten (10) years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Kyaw was arrested on November 18, 2021, by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was detained pending trial.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfax County Police Department, and Wright County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Panamanian Intermediary Pleads Guilty for His Role in an International Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares (Ricardo Martinelli Linares) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in a massive bribery and money laundering scheme involving Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht), a Brazil-based global construction conglomerate. On December 2, 2021, Luis Martinelli Linares, the defendant’s brother, pleaded guilty to engaging in the same scheme. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth A. Polite Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Jay Greenberg, Acting Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Investigative Division (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“The Martinelli Linares brothers have admitted to establishing secret bank accounts in the names of shell companies in foreign countries and the United States in order to disguise close to $30 million in Odebrecht’s bribe payments to one of their close relatives, a high-ranking public official in Panama,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Through the tenacious efforts of the Department of Justice, this Office and our law enforcement partners, the defendants have now been held to account for their corrupt schemes.”
“Ricardo and Luis Martinelli Linares played integral roles in the corrupt scheme to funnel Odebrecht bribes to a high-ranking Panamanian government official,” stated Assistant Attorney General Polite. “They used the U.S. financial system to further their scheme, took steps to create shell company accounts at offshore banks to try to evade responsibility, and used some of the bribe proceeds for their personal benefit. The guilty pleas of Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares demonstrate that the Department of Justice remains committed to combating corruption at home and abroad. The Criminal Division will work with its law enforcement partners around the globe to hold individuals who use our financial system to promote corruption and launder illicit funds accountable.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners around the world to bring justice to those engaged in international corruption,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director Greenberg. “The Martinelli Linares brothers’ actions not only violated the law, but they also damaged public trust. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue public officials and their co-conspirators who engage in this type of corrupt scheme.”
The Odebrecht scheme involved the payment of more than $700 million in bribes to government officials, public servants, political parties, and others in Panama and other countries around the world to obtain and retain business for the company. On December 21, 2016, Odebrecht pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to a criminal information charging it with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for its involvement in the bribery and money laundering scheme.
At the plea hearing, Ricardo Martinelli Linares admitted that he agreed with his brother, Luis Alberto Martinelli Linares (Luis Martinelli Linares), and others to establish offshore bank accounts in the names of shell companies to receive and disguise over $28 million in bribe proceeds from Odebrecht for the benefit of his close relative, a high-ranking public official in Panama. To advance the scheme, Ricardo Martinelli Linares admitted that he agreed with others to cause the wiring of the Odebrecht bribe funds into and out of the United States.
Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares were initially arrested at el Aeropuerto Internacional la Aurora in Guatemala on July 6, 2020, pursuant to a provisional arrest request from the United States as they were attempting to depart Guatemala on a private plane. The defendants were charged on February 4, 2021, in an indictment in connection with this bribery and money laundering scheme. Luis Martinelli Linares was extradited from Guatemala to the United States on November 15, 2021, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in the scheme on December 2, 2021. Ricardo Martinelli Linares was extradited from Guatemala to the United States on December 10, 2021.
The Department of Justice commended and thanked the Government of Guatemala for its assistance in the extradition of both Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares to the United States. The Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of both Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares. The Brazilian Ministerio Publico Federal, Departamento de Polícia Federal, the Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland, law enforcement authorities in Guatemala including the Public Ministry of Guatemala and Specialized Unit for International Affairs, and law enforcement authorities in El Salvador also provided significant cooperation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alixandra Smith of the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section, Trial Attorney Michael Culhane Harper of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Trial Attorneys Barbara Levy and Michael Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Civil Division is handling forfeiture matters. The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in New York is investigating this case.
The Defendants:
LUIS ENRIQUE MARTINELLI LINARES
Age: 39
Panama City, PanamaRICARDO ALBERTO MARTINELLI LINARES
Age: 42
Panama City, PanamaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-65 (RJD)
Panamanian Intermediary Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty to International Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares (Ricardo Martinelli Linares), 42, a citizen of Panama and Italy, pleaded guilty today in the Eastern District of New York before U.S. District Judge Raymond J. Dearie for laundering $28 million in a massive bribery and money laundering scheme involving Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht), a Brazil-based global construction conglomerate.
Ricardo Martinelli Linares was extradited to the United States from Guatemala on Dec. 10. On Dec. 2, his co-defendant and brother, Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares (Luis Martinelli Linares), who also was extradited to the United States, pleaded guilty in connection with the same scheme.
“Ricardo and Luis Martinelli Linares played integral roles in the corrupt scheme to funnel Odebrecht bribes to a high-ranking Panamanian government official,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “They used the U.S. financial system to further their scheme, took steps to create shell company accounts at offshore banks to try to evade responsibility, and used some of the bribe proceeds for their personal benefit. The guilty pleas of Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares demonstrate that the Department of Justice remains committed to combating corruption at home and abroad. The Criminal Division will work with its law enforcement partners around the globe to hold individuals who use our financial system to promote corruption and launder illicit funds accountable.”
According to court documents, Ricardo Martinelli Linares admitted that he conspired with his brother, Luis Martinelli Linares, and others to establish offshore bank accounts in the names of shell companies to receive and disguise over $28 million in bribe proceeds from Odebrecht for the benefit of his close relative, a high-ranking public official in Panama. These funds were wired into, and out of, the United States.
“The Martinelli Linares brothers have admitted to establishing secret bank accounts in the names of shell companies in foreign countries and the United States in order to disguise close to $30 million in Odebrecht’s bribe payments to one of their close relatives, a high-ranking public official in Panama,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Through the tenacious efforts of the Department of Justice, this Office and our law enforcement partners, the defendants have now been held to account for their corrupt schemes.”
According to court documents, Odebrecht paid more than $700 million in bribes to government officials, public servants, political parties, and others in Panama and other countries to obtain and retain business for the company. On Dec. 21, 2016, Odebrecht pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to a criminal information charging it with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for its involvement in the bribery and money laundering scheme.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners around the world to bring justice to those engaged in international corruption,” said Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The Martinelli Linares brothers’ actions not only violated the law, but they also damaged public trust. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue public officials and their co-conspirators who engage in this type of corrupt scheme.”
Ricardo Martinelli Linares pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and agreed to a forfeiture amount of approximately $18.9 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Dearie will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Department of Justice commended and thanked the Government of Guatemala for its assistance in the extradition of both Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of both Ricardo Martinelli Linares and Luis Martinelli Linares. The Brazilian Ministerio Publico Federal, Departamento de Polícia Federal, the Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland, law enforcement authorities in Guatemala including the Public Ministry of Guatemala, Specialized Unit for International Affairs, and law enforcement authorities in El Salvador also provided significant cooperation.
The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in New York is investigating this case, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the transport of Ricardo Martinelli Linares from Guatemala to the United States.
Trial Attorney Michael Culhane Harper of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Barbara Levy and Michael Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alixandra E. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Mantell of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York’s Civil Division is handling forfeiture matters.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative in MLARS was formed to prosecute money launderers and forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by the corruption and abuse of office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
Oswego County Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Alisha Obey, 35, of Fulton, New York, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for unlawfully possessing with the intent to distribute the synthetic drug eutylone, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew J. Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of her prior guilty plea, Obey admitted that on July 14, 2019, November 8, 2019, and December 3, 2019, she possessed eutylone, which she intended to distribute to customers throughout Oswego County. Eutylone is a synthetic cathinone and has pharmacological effects on the central nervous system similar to other Schedule I or II substances such as methylone, pentylone, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. also imposed a three-year term of supervised release, which will begin after Obey is released from prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Oswego County Drug Task Force, comprised of Special Agents of HSI, members of the City of Oswego Police Department, the City of Fulton Police Department, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators from the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, the SUNY Oswego Police Department, and Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation Leads to 30 Years in Prison for Shreveport ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Demetrius D. Loston, 39, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 360 months (30 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Loston pleaded guilty August 19, 2021 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In July 2020, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Cedar Grove area after receiving information that Loston was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the Shreveport area. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation was named “Operation Lost and Found” and resulted in federal indictments against nine defendants for conspiring together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. During their investigation, agents were able to intercept multiple phone calls between Loston and other co-defendants, wherein they communicated about buying and selling large amounts of methamphetamine for profit. Loston has prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances in 2000, possession of a Schedule II controlled substances in 2005, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2014, and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances in 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, ATF, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford. This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Coercing Minor to Send Him Sexually Explicit Videos, Posting Them on TikTokRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN GRINNELL, 36, of Lakewood, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 121 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for posing as a teenage girl on social media, coercing a minor female to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of herself, and, after threatening the victim, posting some of those videos on TikTok.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2020, Grinnell posed as a 15-year-old girl and met a female, who at the time was under the age of 12, on Omegle, an online chat website and mobile application that allows users to interact with strangers. Shortly thereafter, he began communicating with the minor victim on Snapchat. Grinnell told the minor victim to take sexually explicit photos and videos of herself and send them to Grinnell over Snapchat. After the minor victim began to feel threatened by Grinnell, she unfriended and blocked Grinnell’s account.
Grinnell subsequently contacted friends of the minor victim on TikTok and stated that unless the minor victim got in touch with him, he would post a video of the minor victim naked on TikTok. Grinnell then posted sexually explicit videos of the minor victim on TikTok. When a friend of the minor victim, who is also a minor, begged Grinnell not to post additional videos of the minor victim, Grinnell stated “I want a video of you begging me to not put them up. And you have to be topless in the video. If you don’t want any more of your friend stuff going out.” After the friend told Grinnell that they would call the police, Grinnell responded “How are they gonna find me?” Grinnell then proceeded to post another video of the minor victim on TikTok.
Grinnell subsequently shared additional videos of the minor victim with undercover officers, and bragged about how many videos he had and how easy it would be for him to get more videos from other minors.
Investigators arrested Grinnell on September 23, 2020, and seized his iPhone and other items. Analysis of the iPhone revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography.
Grinnell has been detained since his arrest on September 23, 2020. On April 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
Judge Shea ordered Grinnell to pay a $10,000 special assessment.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Canaan Police Department, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Making Threat Against House Speaker Nancy PelosiRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 28 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a felony charge involving a threat he made to shoot House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
According to court documents, Cleveland Grover Meredith, Jr., 53, of Hayesville, N.C., traveled from Colorado to Washington D.C. and arrived late in the evening of Jan. 6, 2021, after the riots at the U.S. Capitol had ended. He had planned to arrive in Washington on Jan. 5 and attend various rallies. On Jan. 7, while at a hotel in Washington, D.C., he sent a text message to one of his relatives who was then in Georgia. The text message included a threat directed toward House Speaker Pelosi. The relative contacted Meredith’s mother, who then contacted the FBI.
The FBI located Meredith at a hotel approximately one mile from the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 7, and arrested him. He gave consent to search his phone, truck and trailer, which was physically present at the hotel. The FBI found a 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, an assault-style rifle with a telescopic sight, approximately 2,500 rounds of ammunition, and multiple large-capacity ammunition feeding devices inside the trailer. Meredith has been detained since his arrest.
Meredith pleaded guilty on Sept. 10, 2021, in the District of Columbia to interstate communication of threats. At sentencing, Judge Amy Berman Jackson also ordered that Meredith must serve a period of three years of supervised release, following completion of his prison term.
This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
In the 11 months since Jan. 6, more than 700 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 220 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
New Castle Man Charged with Violating Federal Postal LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal Postal laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Michael Venable, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on March 2, 2021, Venable engaged in theft of mail matter while employed for the United States Postal Service.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Moore Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MATTHEW DOUGLAS ARMISTEAD, age 62, of Moore, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of material containing child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor.
On December 8, 2021, Mr. Armistead was charged by a superseding information with possessing an external hard drive containing child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor. On July 6, 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Oklahoma returned a one-count Indictment that charged Mr. Armistead with knowing receipt of child pornography.
Yesterday, Mr. Armistead pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick to the same charge alleged in a Superseding Information. As part of his plea, Mr. Armistead admitted that he possessed an external hard drive containing images of child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor in August 2021.
Mr. Armistead faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $22,100 special assessment. Sentencing will take place in approximately 90 days. Mr. Armistead will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Monsanto Successor Companies Agree to Clean up Remaining Surface Contamination at Sauget Superfund Sites under Federal SettlementRead the Press Release
Solutia Inc. and Pharmacia LLC, successors to Monsanto Company, will complete the cleanup of four former landfills and waste lagoons in Sauget, Illinois, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. The settlement will require the companies to reimburse EPA $700,000 in past costs spent at the sites and take responsibility for implementing EPA’s cleanup plan estimated to cost $17.9 million.
“This settlement is one in a series that requires the industry that polluted Sauget and Cahokia, Illinois, to clean up their mess,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Bruce S. Gelber of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s and EPA’s continuing efforts, together with our state partners, to ensure that polluters, not the American public, pay for the investigation and cleanup of Superfund sites.”
“For too long, residents in the Metro East area have been overburdened by legacy sources of pollution,” said Administrator Debra Shore of EPA’s Region 5. “Today’s settlement is the result of years of EPA’s efforts to investigate the extent and sources of soil and surface water contamination in the four former landfills that make up Sauget Area 2, and to hold accountable those who placed it there.”
Under the settlement, Solutia and Pharmacia will be required to implement the remedy selected by EPA for over 270 acres designated as Sauget Area 2 Sites O, Q, R and S. The sites were used by area industry to dispose of hazardous and other wastes throughout much of the 20th century. The hazardous waste includes toxic substances and known carcinogens, including PCBs, dioxin, lead, cadmium, benzene and chlorobenzene. Although the industrial area is not readily accessible to the public, the remedial actions required under this settlement will prevent exposure to these harmful contaminants for workers, anglers or others who gain access to the sites.
The cleanup requires placing engineered caps over identified waste areas, conducting vapor intrusion mitigation and controlling access to the sites. This is only the latest in various lawsuits and settlements involving the cleanup of these former landfills dating back 15 years in which Solutia and Pharmacia have conducted extensive investigations, paid for the removal of hazardous wastes and installed a slurry wall to prevent contaminated groundwater from leaching into the nearby Mississippi River.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewineg at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Mishawaka, Indiana Man Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Stephen Jacob Lee Johnson, 49 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Johnson was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on October 5, 2019, Officers in LaGrange, Indiana attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle driven by Johnson. However, Johnson led the Officers on a high-speed chase at speeds over 100 miles per hour before crashing his motorcycle over an embankment. In a search incident to arrest, Officers found a one-pound package of methamphetamine in Johnson’s coat pocket. At the time of this incident, Johnson had a prior conviction for Robbery, a serious violent felony.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the LaGrange Police Department and the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes and Stacey Speith.
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Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for cyberstalking, announced Acting United States Attorney Charles J. Kovats.
According to court documents, from 2014 through 2021, Jeffrey Colin Purdy, 30 harassed, intimidated, and threatened Victim A after she declined his romantic advances and asked him to stop contacting her. Specifically, on September 15, 2017, the Mankato Department of Public Safety received a complaint from an individual stating that she had been receiving harassing emails from Purdy, a former classmate from Minnesota State University, Mankato (“Mankato State”). While attending Mankato State, the victim declined repeated romantic advances from Purdy and eventually blocked Purdy from her cellular telephone and social media accounts. From August 30, 2017, through February 21, 2020, Purdy used Mankato State’s Silent Witness Report, an anonymous incident reporting tool, to make frequent and violent threats against the victim. An IP address used to make one of the Silent Witness Reports was traced back to Purdy.
Purdy pleaded guilty on August 24, 2020, to one count of cyberstalking. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Mankato Department of Public Safety, with assistance from the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Found Guilty of Transporting Undocumented Noncitizens Near Van HornRead the Press Release
PECOS – Today a federal jury convicted Pedro Ramirez-Urbina, 41, a Mexican national on one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of transportation of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 27, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Van Horn Border Patrol Station responded to a call from a concerned citizen about a deceased male found on the side of the road. Agents located the decedent along with another male waiting beside the body. Both undocumented noncitizens (UNCs) came from Mexico.
Approximately an hour later, another concerned citizen alerted U.S. Border Patrol agents to seven males walking north on Chispa Road near Needle Peak. They were arrested and transported to Van Horn Border Patrol Station for processing where agents determined all UNCs, including the decedent, were part of a group being smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. Ramirez was identified as the foot guide in charge of the group.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2022. Ramirez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on June 27, 2021
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy is prosecuting the case.
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Methamphetamine Courier Sentenced to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Juan Francisco Salas, 45, of Houston, Texas, has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. on drug trafficking charges.
Salas was sentenced to 76 months (6 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On December 5, 2019, a trooper with the Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Salas. After a period of questioning, the trooper searched Salas’ vehicle and discovered approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine inside a box in the rear cargo area. Salas admitted that he knew the illegal narcotics were in the trunk. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Laboratory tested the seized methamphetamine and confirmed that the amount seized totaled 9,205 grams.
This case was investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.
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Main Defendant in 32 Defendant Drug Distribution Case involving Nortenos Gang sentenced to Fourteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Joseph “Norte Joe” Gomez, the lead defendant in a large-scale 32 defendant federal indictment, was sentenced last Tuesday by a U.S. District Court Judge in the District of Utah. Judge Tena Campbell sentenced Gomez to serve 14 years in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow his incarceration after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to launder money. All thirty-one members and associates of the Norteños street gang responsible for distributing drugs around the Salt Lake City area have pleaded guilty and four lower-level defendants have yet to be sentenced. Most of the defendants in this case have received sentences between 72 and 96 months.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Utah Andrea T. Martinez, DEA District Agent in Charge Jay Tinkler, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad Engelbert, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian, and Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera announced the sentencing today.
As outlined in the complaint filed in February of 2019, gang investigators documented Utah’s first Norteños group in the mid-1980s, followed by several other sub-sets in the early 1990s. Unaligned or independent street gangs began associating under the Norteños umbrella in the early 2000s. According to the complaint, the Salt Lake Valley has approximately 10 active Norteños sub-sets, with approximately 100-150 active Norteños gang members. Norteños in the Salt Lake Valley have been responsible for drive-by shootings, aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides.
The Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit (MGU) and the ATF opened a proactive investigation that targeted drug and firearms trafficking activities of Salt Lake City gang members, specifically looking at Norteños. The DEA and IRS-CID joined the investigation in August in 2018. Evidence gathered during the investigation shows the defendants named in the charges engaged in a typical drug-trafficking scheme, to which all the defendants pleaded guilty. The complaint alleges they were involved in transporting drugs from Mexico into the United States; moving the drugs to the destination area of Salt Lake City; distributing the drugs to re-distributors who distributed the drugs through the community; and collecting and transporting drug proceeds.
During the investigation, agents learned that Joe Gomez aka “Norte Joe” and Denny Kandt aka “Casper” were working with Mexican drug cartel members to distribute drugs that originated from Mexico in and around the Salt Lake Valley. The investigation demonstrated that Gomez received shipments of methamphetamine and heroin sent by Mexico-based drug traffickers and a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker. Gomez and Kandt supplied drugs to various Salt Lake City-based sub-distributors. In the course of a several-months long and labor-intensive investigation, agents seized more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, 19 firearms, and more than $20,000 in bulk cash. Agents demonstrated during the investigation that this Nortenos group trafficked approximately 20-30 pounds of methamphetamine each month in the District of Utah. Federal prosecutors ultimately obtained indictments for 38 defendants (in seven separate indictments, with the main indictment naming Joe Gomez, Denny Kandt, and 30 other defendants).“The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to the federal prosecution of gang members and narcotics dealers who fuel the violent crime epidemic in the Salt Lake Valley,” said Acting United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “This prosecution highlights the high-level narcotics distribution networks that target our state and our communities, along with the law enforcement partnerships that enable us to dismantle drug trafficking organizations from the cartel level down to street dealers.”
“This is one of many investigations that demonstrate the collaboration and partnership with County, State and Federal agencies. The Metro Gang Unit plays an integral part of these types of investigations. The Unified Police Department under the direction of the Sheriff is committed to addressing and abating organized drug distribution efforts and violent crime that victimize residents across Salt Lake County.”
“Through a sophisticated and transnational crime-for-profit scheme; gang members brought illegal guns, drugs and violence to our streets.” said Special Agent in Charge David Booth. “This multi-year investigation is proof there are no boundaries of place or time in our pursuit to stop violent crime. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in their successful prosecution which disrupted and dismantled the criminal enterprise.”
“Being able to effectively dismantle this criminal organization, to include it’s leaders, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire investigative team. It is a priority of the DEA, in conjunction with our partners, to target these types of organizations and reduce drug-related violence that diminishes the quality of life of our communities.”
“The IRS is proud to have our agent work so closely and successfully with our Federal, State, and local law enforcement partners in this case,” Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian stated. “Our agent used their specialized skillset to trace the money internationally and was able to show these funds used in furtherance of the scheme to traffic drugs in the United States; because of this work those who were responsible for financing this operation were able to be held accountable.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen L. Nelson, Stewart M. Young and Thaddeus J. May prosecuted the cases arising from the investigation. Special Agents from the ATF, DEA, and IRS Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation along with investigators from the Unified Police Department’s Metro Gang Unit.
Louisville Couple Indicted for Aiding in the Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE – On December 7, 2021, a federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment charging a Louisville couple, Krlos Hidalgo and Esther Baldeon, with aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.
According to the indictment, it is alleged that both Esther Baldeon, age 39, and Hidalgo, age 38, assisted in the preparation of false tax returns that contained false dependents. The purpose of the false dependents was to obtain Additional Child Tax Credits for the taxpayers. It is alleged that both Baldeon and Hidalgo knew that the taxpayers were not entitled to the Additional Child Tax Credits.
Baldeon is charged with five counts of violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). Hidalgo is charged with four counts of violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). On December 13, 2021, the defendants were arraigned on the charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina S. Edwards of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Baldeon faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and Hidalgo faces a maximum penalty of 12 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 Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 220 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— A Lexington man, Marcus Jones, 40, was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C Reeves, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Jones’ plea agreement, beginning in December 2018 and continuing through April 2019, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine through Jones and DeAngelo Smith, 36, of Detroit. During the investigation, law enforcement were able to determine that Jones and Smith were working together and with others to distribute methamphetamine. The amount of methamphetamine attributable to Smith and Jones is at least 50 grams.
Smith, 36, was previously sentenced in April 2021 to 160 months for his role in the offenses.
Jones pleaded guilty in April 2021. Smith pleaded guilty in January 2021.
Under federal law, Jones and Smith must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon release from prison, Jones and Smith will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Gateway Area High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Lansing-Based Research and Development Firm Pays $500,000 to Resolve Federal Contract Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
Metna Co. And Its President Voluntarily Agree To Two-Year Ban From Federal Contracting
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Metna Co., a Lansing-based research and development firm, paid $500,000 to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act by concealing its use of underpaid foreign graduate students—students, the government alleged, who were ineligible to work at Metna under their visa restrictions—to obtain Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) contracts from the United States Army. Metna and its president also voluntarily agreed to two-year, government-wide exclusions from federal contracting and financial assistance.
The SBIR program, administered through eleven participating agencies, encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federally-sponsored research and development with the potential for commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s research and development efforts, the SBIR program stimulates high-tech innovation and promotes entrepreneurialism to meet the government’s needs.
The Army’s SBIR contract proposal process requires applicants to declare any foreign nationals working on the project. Foreign national disclosures facilitate the Army’s review of foreign nationals’ visa work authorizations, their compliance with visa work restrictions, and any potential risks associated with providing access to innovative research and emerging technologies funded by the federal government.
This case involved F-1 student visas, which allow foreign nationals to enroll as full-time students at accredited academic institutions in the United States. F-1 students may engage in certain types of off-campus employment after their first academic year if, among other things, the sponsoring institution approves and the proposed employment is consistent with specific work-hour limitations during the academic year.
The government alleged that Metna falsely certified that it was not using foreign nationals in its SBIR proposals when, in fact, the company used foreign graduate students to work on the Army contracts. The government alleged that the graduate students were not eligible to work at Metna because, among other things, Metna provided false information to Michigan State University—including about the number of hours the students would work at Metna during the academic year—to secure the necessary F-1 visa work authorizations. Metna, the government alleged, also paid the graduate students substantially less than the hourly labor rate that Metna quoted to the Army in its contract budget proposals. The government also claimed that Metna did not use a number of third-party consultants that Metna included and budgeted for as part of its proposed project teams. Finally, the government alleged that Metna’s designated principal investigator (the individual responsible for the preparation, conduct, and administration of the Army contracts) did not actually serve in that role during performance of the projects.
U.S. Attorney Birge said, “The SBIR program involves intense competition for a limited pool of funds. Exploiting foreign students and then making misrepresentations to outcompete deserving and eligible small businesses are just the sort of allegations we should all care about. This settlement reflects my office’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars spent through this critical economic program go to deserving and eligible small businesses.”
“This settlement demonstrates the Army’s dedication to protecting the interest of the SBIR program and holding companies accountable when the program is exploited. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command will continue to investigate allegations of fraud which threaten the small business procurement program,” said Special Agent in Charge Ray A. Rayos, Southwest Fraud Field Office of the Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit.
“Protecting research and development programs funded by the Department of Defense is a priority for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The settlement agreement with Metna is the result of a joint investigative effort to protect Small Business Innovative Research contracts from fraud and abuse, and this case demonstrates the DCIS’s ongoing commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and its law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute companies that defraud the SBIR programs.”
This case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam B. Townshend represented the United States.
The claims resolved by the civil settlement agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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KC Man Crashed Stolen Car into House, Sentenced for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man who crashed a stolen car into a house after smoking methamphetamine was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
William T. Bryand, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to six years in federal prison without parole.
On July 15, 2021, Bryand pleaded guilty to being a felon and an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.
On Feb. 7, 2020, Bryand crashed a stolen car into a house on McGee Street in Kansas City, Mo., ramming into the garage door. The owner of the house did not know Bryand, who told police officers that he had been smoking methamphetamine. When officers searched the vehicle Bryand was driving, a 2009 BMW, they found a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun stuffed between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers also found drug paraphernalia with methamphetamine residue in the vehicle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who illegally uses controlled substances or has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Bryand has five prior felony convictions for burglary, two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for armed criminal actions, and prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and tampering with a motor vehicle.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Justice Department Secures Agreement to Improve Web Accessibility for Public Transportation Users with Disabilities in Champaign-Urbana, IllinoisRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) to resolve alleged violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under the agreement, the MTD must make its website and mobile applications accessible for users with visual and manual impairments. Public transportation users rely on the MTD’s website and mobile applications to plan trips, check arrival times, and find fare information. The agreement requires the MTD to conform its website – www.mtd.org – and mobile applications to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Version 2.1, Level AA. WCAG is a set of voluntary industry guidelines for making information on a website accessible to users with disabilities, particularly those with visual and manual impairments. Additionally, the MTD will invest a minimum of $100,000 to improve its services for passengers with disabilities.
“Equal access to public transit systems is critically important for the independence of people with disabilities and is required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement brings us one step closer to realizing the ADA’s promise of equal opportunity for all people regardless of disability status. The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously enforce federal law to root out discrimination against people with disabilities.”
“This agreement reflects the MTD’s longtime commitment to serving individuals with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois. “We appreciate the MTD’s cooperation throughout the investigation and its commitment to quickly make its website and related tools fully accessible. Roughly 30 years after being enacted, the ADA continues to be a very important law protecting the rights of all individuals living and working in our community and its provisions remain relevant as technology and the needs of individuals with disabilities evolve.”
This matter was handled jointly by the Disability Rights Section of the department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant of the Central District of Illinois. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governmental entities like public transportation providers to provide individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from their services, programs and activities.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit http://www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/. Individuals in the Central District of Illinois may also report civil rights violations to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois by calling 217-492-4450.
Justice Department Secures Agreement to Improve Web Accessibility for Public Transportation Users with Disabilities in Champaign-Urbana, IllinoisRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) to resolve alleged violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under the agreement, the MTD must make its website and mobile applications accessible for users with visual and manual impairments. Public transportation users rely on the MTD’s website and mobile applications to plan trips, check arrival times, and find fare information. The agreement requires the MTD to conform its website – www.mtd.org – and mobile applications to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Version 2.1, Level AA. WCAG is a set of voluntary industry guidelines for making information on a website accessible to users with disabilities, particularly those with visual and manual impairments. Additionally, the MTD will invest a minimum of $100,000 to improve its services for passengers with disabilities.
“Equal access to public transit systems is critically important for the independence of people with disabilities and is required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement brings us one step closer to realizing the ADA’s promise of equal opportunity for all people regardless of disability status. The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously enforce federal law to root out discrimination against people with disabilities.”
“This agreement reflects the MTD’s longtime commitment to serving individuals with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois. “We appreciate the MTD’s cooperation throughout the investigation and its commitment to quickly make its website and related tools fully accessible. Roughly 30 years after being enacted, the ADA continues to be a very important law protecting the rights of all individuals living and working in our community and its provisions remain relevant as technology and the needs of individuals with disabilities evolve.”
This matter was handled jointly by the Disability Rights Section of the department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant of the Central District of Illinois. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governmental entities like public transportation providers to provide individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from their services, programs and activities.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit http://www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/. Individuals in the Central District of Illinois may also report civil rights violations to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois by calling 217-492-4450.
Justice Department Obtains Settlement from Kentucky Landlords to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that Chester Gordon Whitescarver and his wife, Betsy Whitescarver, who have owned and managed rental properties in and around Russellville, Kentucky, have agreed to pay $230,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The department’s lawsuit alleged that Gordon Whitescarver has sexually harassed female tenants since at least 2012 and that Betsy Whitescarver was on notice of sexual harassment allegations but took no action to stop his sexually harassing behavior.
Under the consent decree entered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, the Whitescarvers must pay $220,000 to 11 women who are current or former tenants harmed by the Whitescarvers’ discriminatory conduct, and must pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The Whitescarvers must also take steps to dismiss any pending eviction actions against the victims, vacate any adverse judgments they obtained against the victims, and take steps to repair the credit of any affected victim. The consent decree also bars future discrimination, permanently bars the Whitescarvers from property management, mandates Fair Housing Act training, and requires monitoring and reporting regarding property management activities.
“We all deserve to feel safe in our own homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment by housing providers deprives tenants of their right to be safe, secure and free from unlawful conduct. The Justice Department is committed to pursuing predatory landlords and will work resolutely to hold those landlords accountable and obtain relief for their victims.”
“I commend the attorneys and investigators assigned to this case for their outstanding work on behalf of the 11 victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “The Fair Housing Act prohibits sexual harassment of tenants. We will continue to aggressively pursue landlords who subject their tenants to such discriminatory conduct.”
The United States’ lawsuit alleged that Gordon Whitescarver subjected multiple female tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation. According to the complaint, he made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants without their consent, requested sexual acts, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual acts, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. The United States’ complaint also alleged that Betsy Whitescarver threatened and retaliated against women who complained about her husband’s harassment.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The Department’s Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative, the department of Justice has filed 23 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $5.2 million for victims of such harassment.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, you may contact the Justice Department by submitting a report online or contacting the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky at (502) 582-5911.
Reports may also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
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Justice Department Obtains $4.5 Million Settlement from a New Jersey Landlord to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment of TenantsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Joseph Centanni, a landlord who has owned hundreds of rental units in and around Elizabeth, New Jersey, has agreed to pay $4.5 million in monetary damages and a civil penalty to resolve a Fair Housing Act (FHA) lawsuit concerning his sexual harassment of tenants and housing applicants for more than 15 years. This settlement, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, is the largest monetary settlement the department has ever obtained in a case alleging sexual harassment in housing.
The FHA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Centanni focused his harassment on women, as well as men who are gay or bisexual. The monetary damages awarded under the proposed consent decree will compensate numerous women and men who were sexually harassed by Centanni.
“This lawsuit and historic settlement send a clear message that the Department will not stand by idly as landlords abuse their power to prey on vulnerable tenants,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment of tenants is abhorrent and unlawful, and has devastating consequences on victims. The Justice Department stands as committed as ever to aggressively pursuing landlords and housing providers who engage in this violative and threatening conduct.”
“The need for housing is a basic human need,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig of the District of New Jersey. “Joseph Centanni exploited that need, and the important federal programs that attempt to meet it, by threatening to deny his victims a roof over their heads if they did not submit to his demands for sexual acts. This landmark settlement demonstrates our unyielding commitment to combat sexual harassment in housing and to ensure that no one is subject to discrimination because of their sex, including based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“No one deserves to be victimized and preyed upon in their own home,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “HUD OIG is committed to investigating with our law enforcement partners to pursue predatory landlords and hold them accountable for this egregious behavior and seek relief for victims.”
The United States’ lawsuit alleged that Centanni’s harassment spanned a period of at least 15 years. According to the complaint, Centanni demanded sexual favors, like oral sex, to get or keep housing; offered housing benefits, such as reduced rent in exchange for sexual favors; touched tenants and applicants in a way that was sexual and unwelcome and made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to tenants and applicants. The complaint also alleged that Centanni initiated or threatened to initiate eviction actions against tenants who objected to or refused his sexual advances. According to the complaint, Centanni participated in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) and received approximately $102,000 each month in Housing Choice Voucher payments.
The United States’ complaint alleged that Centanni would take housing applicants and tenants to places on his properties like empty apartments, and empty laundry or storage rooms. There, he would do things like ask for massages, expose himself, demand oral sex and force people to touch him sexually. If people submitted to his demands, Centanni allowed them to move in, or keep their housing. If people did not submit, Centanni refused to rent to them, or evicted them.
Under the terms of the proposed consent decree, Centanni will pay $4,392,950 in monetary damages to tenants and prospective tenants harmed by his harassment, through a process established in the consent decree. Individuals who believe that they were subjected to sexual harassment by Centanni should contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line toll free, at 1-833-591-0291, and select option number one to leave a message. Individuals can also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected], or submit a report online.
The proposed consent decree reflects that Centanni has sold all of his residential rental properties. Under the terms of the settlement, he is permanently enjoined from owning and managing residential rental properties in the future. Centanni will be required to dismiss housing court judgments obtained in proceedings deemed to be retaliatory and take steps to repair the credit of any affected tenants. He must also pay a $107,050 civil penalty to the United States, the maximum civil penalty allowed under the FHA.
There are separate, ongoing, criminal prosecutions against Centanni brought by the Office of the Union County, New Jersey, Prosecutor. To date, that office has charged Centanni with coercing 20 tenants into sexual acts in exchange for financial relief. Centanni is charged with 13 counts of second-degree sexual assault, 1 count of second-degree attempted sexual assault, and 21 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Individuals may learn more about the criminal prosecution at https://ucnj.org/prosecutor/press-releases/prosecutor/2021/07/01/elizabeth-landlord-charged-with-sexual-crimes-against-7-additional-tenants-bringing-total-to-20/. Individuals with information about Centanni may reach the Union County Prosecutor’s Office by contacting Detective Joanne Son at (908) 477-1698.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credit the special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, for their partnership in this matter.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 23 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.5 million for victims of skuch harassment.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other forms of housing discrimination, you may contact the Justice Department by submitting a report online or contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey at (855) 281-3339 or by filing a complaint online.
Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Justice Department Obtains $4.5 Million Settlement from New Jersey Landlord to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment of TenantsRead the Press Release
NEWARK – The Justice Department announced today that Joseph Centanni, a landlord who has owned hundreds of rental units in and around Elizabeth, New Jersey, has agreed to pay $4.5 million in monetary damages and a civil penalty to resolve a Fair Housing Act (FHA) lawsuit concerning his sexual harassment of tenants and housing applicants for more than 15 years. This settlement, which still must be approved by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, is the largest monetary settlement the Department has ever obtained in a case alleging sexual harassment in housing.
The FHA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Centanni focused his harassment on women and gay or bisexual men. The monetary damages awarded under the proposed consent decree will compensate the many women and men who were sexually harassed by Centanni.
“The need for housing is a basic human need,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig of the District of New Jersey said. “Joseph Centanni exploited that need, and the important federal programs that attempt to meet it, by threatening to deny his victims a roof over their heads if they did not submit to his demands for sexual acts. This landmark settlement demonstrates our unyielding commitment to combat sexual harassment in housing and to ensure that no one is subject to discrimination because of their sex, including based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“This lawsuit and settlement send a clear message that the Department will not stand for landlords who ruthlessly abuse their power to prey on vulnerable members of our society,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “Having recently marked the fourth anniversary of the launch of the Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, we stand as committed as ever to aggressively pursue those who engage in this abhorrent conduct.”
“No one deserves to be victimized and preyed upon in their own home,” Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis said. “HUD OIG is committed to investigating with our law enforcement partners to pursue predatory landlords and hold them accountable for this egregious behavior and seek relief for victims.”
The United States’ lawsuit alleged that Centanni’s harassment spanned a period of at least 15 years. According to the complaint, Centanni demanded sexual favors like oral sex, to get or keep housing; offered housing benefits, such as reduced rent in exchange for sexual favors; touched tenants and applicants in a way that was sexual and unwelcome; and made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to tenants and applicants. The complaint also alleged that Centanni initiated or threatened to initiate eviction actions against tenants who objected to or refused his sexual advances. According to the complaint, Centanni participates in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) and receives approximately $102,000 each month in Housing Choice Voucher payments.
Under the terms of the proposed consent decree, Centanni will pay $4.39 million in monetary damages to tenants and prospective tenants harmed by his harassment, through a process established in the consent decree. Individuals who believe that they were subjected to sexual harassment by Centanni should contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line toll free, at 1-833-591-0291, and select option number one to leave a message. Individuals can also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected], or submit a report online.
The proposed consent decree reflects that Centanni has sold all of his residential rental properties. Under the terms of the settlement, he is permanently enjoined from owning and managing residential rental properties in the future. Centanni will be required to dismiss housing court judgments obtained in proceedings deemed to be retaliatory and take steps to repair the credit of any affected tenants. He must also pay a $107,050 civil penalty to the United States, the maximum civil penalty allowed under the FHA.
There are separate, ongoing, criminal prosecutions against Centanni brought by the Office of the Union County, New Jersey, Prosecutor. To date, that office has charged Centanni with coercing 20 tenants into sexual acts in exchange for financial relief. Centanni is charged with 13 counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault, and 21 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Individuals may learn more about the criminal prosecution at https://ucnj.org/prosecutor/press-releases/prosecutor/2021/07/01/elizabeth-landlord-charged-with-sexual-crimes-against-7-additional-tenants-bringing-total-to-20/. Individuals with information about Centanni may reach the Union County Prosecutor’s Office by contacting Detective Joanne Son at (908) 477-1698.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig and Assistant Attorney General Clarke credit the special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, for their partnership in this matter.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The Department’s Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 23 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.5 million for victims of such harassment.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other forms of housing discrimination, you may contact the Justice Department by submitting a report online or contacting the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey at (855) 281-3339 or by filing a complaint online.
Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Campion, Chief of the Civil Rights Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky, Civil Rights Unit; Trial Attorney Erin Meehan Richmond, Sexual Harassment Counsel and Coordinator of the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section; and Katie Legomsky, Trial Attorney, Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.
Justice Department Awards More Than 17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Rochester Institute of Technology was awarded $148,584 to administer PSN grant funds in the Western District of New York.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“Like many areas across the country, several communities in Western New York are experiencing an increase in violence, particularly gun violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “These Project Safe Neighborhood funds will allow us to continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners on proactive efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities.”
Grant funds will support the Crime Analysis Centers in Erie, Niagara, and Monroe Counties. The funding will be used to support crime analysts who will focus on efforts to identify and reduce violent disputes.
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
In addition to awarding PSN funding, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has also awarded to other organizations in the Western District of New York, including:
• The International Institute of Buffalo has been awarded $2,015,000 to combat human trafficking through collaboration between law enforcement and service providers, to provide housing assistance grants to victims of human trafficking, and to provide services for youth victims of labor trafficking.
• Compeer West, Inc. has been awarded $1,200,000 to support expansion of its multi-state mentoring program.
• Monroe County has been awarded $700,000 for its Swift, Certain, and Fair Program, which focuses on reducing recidivism of firearm offenders.
• The City of Rochester has been awarded $164,896 for violence prevention, crisis intervention services, and victims assistance.
• The City of Niagara Falls has been awarded $40,648 and the City of Buffalo has been awarded $257,047 to support criminal justice initiatives.
• The Seneca Nation of Indians has been awarded $422,695 to provide culturally appropriate victim services.
• The City of Jamestown has been awarded $18,150 to purchase portable radios for the Jamestown Police Department.
• The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. has been awarded $800,000 to provide legal services to victims of human trafficking.The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Justice Department Awards More Than $17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that The Department of Justice has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Locally, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency was awarded $282,428 to administer PSN grant funds in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This announcement and grant funding from the Department of Justice could not come at a better time for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and specifically for Philadelphia – a city that is experiencing an epidemic of gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “A great deal of ink has been spilled in the last few weeks by many as we all struggle to identify and combat the reasons behind the city’s record number of homicides this past year. In 2021, this Office has steadfastly pledged our support and partnership in myriad ways to the local agencies tasked with investigating and prosecuting violent criminals, including our ‘All Hands on Deck’ initiative and the recently announced DOJ-OJP Public Safety Partnership. While it may be the purview of others to debate the reasons why violence remains so intractable in Philadelphia, our job remains the same: prosecuting criminals and deterring future unlawful acts. With this grant from the Department, the PSN program in our District will continue to be an important tool in accomplishing that mission.”
Grant funds will support the PSN strategy within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with the continuation of Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSA) handling firearms cases, with the goal of disrupting drug and firearm trafficking operations in and around Philadelphia. SAUSAs are cross-designated prosecutors from partner agencies at the state and local levels who focus on violent crime cases in specific geographic areas. More broadly, the PSN strategy also includes prosecution of all types of federal violent crime, including but not limited to, Hobbs Act robberies, car-jackings, murder-for-hire, armed robberies, and firearms trafficking.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
For a list of all grantees, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf
Information about these and other FY 2021 grant awards from the Office of Justice Programs can be found online at the OJP Grant Awards Page.
Justice Department Awards More Than $17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The United Way of Northern Utah was awarded $155,210 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of Utah.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“We are proud of all that we have accomplished in and around the City of Ogden through our participation in the Project Safe Neighborhoods program,” said Acting United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “We remain committed to keeping our cities safe from violent criminals who victimize neighborhoods and erode the quality of life within our cities.”
These grant funds will continue to be used to reduce violent crime in Utah, and with approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects.
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
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The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Announces Funding Opportunities to Support Public Safety in Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the opening of the FY 2022 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation period. Also known as CTAS, the funding under this initiative is available to assist American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the areas of crime prevention, victim services and coordinated community responses to violence against native women.
The solicitation, at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations, contains details about available grants and describes how federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia can apply for funding. CTAS is administered by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
The funding from OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Office for Victims of Crime, and the department’s COPS Office, can be used for a variety of public safety and justice-related projects and services. Funds can be used to support tribal law enforcement; bolster adult and juvenile justice systems; support youth; serve native victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse; and support other efforts to combat crime.
“Supporting public safety efforts in Indian country is a solemn responsibility and a top priority of the Department of Justice, and it is a duty that we are working hard to fulfill,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP. “We have heard from tribal leaders about their biggest challenges and have responded by improving access to federal resources and ensuring that our investments are responsive to the needs of their communities and the people they serve.”
“The COPS Office is excited to once again partner in this extremely important initiative to help our colleagues in Indian country,” said Acting Director Robert Chapman of the COPS Office. “Any opportunity we have to provide officers, equipment, training and other tools to these communities is an opportunity we are excited to offer and we look forward to eligible applicants taking advantage of this funding.”
Last year, the Department of Justice made 137 awards, totaling almost $74 million, to 85 tribes. The department has incorporated feedback from tribal meetings, listening sessions, consultations, assessments and other methods into this year’s solicitation and as a result has streamlined the solicitation as well as the application process to reduce the burden on applicants.
For information about how to apply, including details about the seven CTAS purpose areas and an overview of changes from last year’s solicitation, please view the FY 2022 Fact Sheet: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations. The Grants.gov application deadline for CTAS is 8:59 p.m. EST, on March 10, 2022, and the JustGrants deadline is 8:59 p.m. EST, on March 15, 2022.
Fact sheets detailing each of the individual purpose areas can be found online at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations. The department will also facilitate a series of webinars to guide applicants through the application process. Details, including how to register for these webinars, will be made available online in coming weeks at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations.
Tribes and tribal consortia may also be eligible for non-tribal specific federal grant programs and are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities, which may be found at the department’s Tribal Justice and Safety website: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations or the www.grants.gov website.
Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Illegally Possessing, Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man who was involved in the illegal sale of 15 firearms (four of which were stolen) to a confidential source working with federal agents, has been convicted by a trial jury of illegally possessing and selling firearms and robbery.
Mickael N. Oliver, 27, was found guilty on Friday, Dec. 10, of one count of selling stolen firearms, one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms, one count of unlicensed firearm sales, one count of robbery of federal property with a deadly weapon, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a violent crime, and one count of selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
Oliver was arrested on Oct. 18, 2017, after he attempted to rob a confidential source assisting in an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The confidential source, who had purchased a dozen firearms from Oliver and associates in prior months, had arranged to purchase three more firearms from Oliver for $1,500. When the confidential source arrived at Oliver’s residence, Oliver was holding a Zastava 5.56-caliber pistol, loaded with 36 rounds. When the confidential source walked into the living room, Oliver handed him a Glock .40-caliber pistol, loaded with 16 rounds, which the source had agreed to purchase. Oliver told him the other two firearms were in his pockets. Holding the pistol tucked under his arm, the confidential source began counting out the payment for the firearms. Oliver suggested he put the pistol down, since he was having trouble holding it while counting the money. The confidential source placed the pistol on the couch and continued counting out the money. Oliver picked up the pistol from the couch. When the confidential source handed over the money for the purchase of the three firearms, Oliver pointed both the Glock and the Zastava pistols directly at his face and said, “Now get … out.”
Law enforcement officers immediately surrounded Oliver’s residence and took him into custody. Officers searched his residence and found the two pistols as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. This armed robbery is the basis for the convictions of robbery of federal property with a deadly weapon and possessing firearms in furtherance of a violent crime.
Between June 12 and Oct. 12, 2017, Oliver sold eight firearms to the confidential source during an undercover investigation by the ATF. Three of those firearms had been reported as stolen. Oliver was armed on at least four of those occasions. The confidential source also purchased four firearms (one stolen) from Oliver’s associates.
On June 12, 2017, the confidential source purchased a Keltec 9mm pistol and a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle from Oliver and an associate. On June 20, 2017, the confidential source purchased a stolen Glock .40-caliber pistol and a stolen Glock 9mm pistol from Oliver and an associate. On June 22, 2017, the confidential source purchased a stolen Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol from Oliver and an associate.
On Aug. 24, 2017, the confidential source purchased a Glock 9mm pistol and a Maverick Arms 12-gauge shotgun from Oliver. On Sept. 14, 2017, the confidential source purchased a Ruger 9mm pistol from Oliver and a second firearm from an associate. On Sept. 27, 2017, the confidential source purchased three firearms (one stolen) from an associate of Oliver’s. On Oct. 12, 2017, the confidential source attempted to purchase up to four firearms from Oliver, but Oliver did not have the firearms.
The confidential source is a convicted felon, and informed Oliver of such status, which is the basis for Oliver’s conviction of illegally selling firearms to a felon.
Some of the firearms purchased from Oliver have been connected to shootings in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Those investigations are ongoing, but no charges have been filed.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a three-day trial that began Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Under federal statutes, Oliver is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison without parole for possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, which must be served consecutively to any sentences (up to 60 years) in federal prison, without parole, he receives for the other convictions. 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.
Co-defendant Isiah D. Clinton, 34, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 8, 2021, to six years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Jamonn M. Jackson, 22, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on Aug. 9, 2021, to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Richard H. Hampton, 30, of Independence, Mo., pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2021, to possessing stolen firearms and unlicensed firearm sales and awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jury Convicts 3 Participants in a Prison Drug-Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Noah Landfried, Michel Cercone, and Anthony Smith were convicted at the conclusion of a six-day jury trial of conspiring to distribute Schedule I and II controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Landfried and Cercone were also convicted of conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019. In addition, Landfried was convicted of distributing at least 40 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl on June 18, 2018.
Landfried, age 37 of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Cercone, age 48 of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and Smith, age 30 of Homestead, Pennsylvania, will be sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on dates to be determined. In reaching its verdict, the jury determined that Landfried was responsible for at least 5 kilograms of cocaine, at least 100 grams of heroin, and at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and Cercone was responsible for at least 500 grams of cocaine. Both Landfried and Smith were on federal supervised release for prior drug trafficking convictions when they committed the additional drug trafficking crimes between 2017 and 2019.
“The United States proved that Noah Landfried, the leader of this illicit operation, and his co-conspirators conducted a wide-ranging drug conspiracy which involved the sale of Schedule I and II drugs within the federal prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “Inmate accounts were used to collect and make payments for the drugs. Landfried and Cercone were also convicted of laundering the drug proceeds.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Judge sentences St. Louis man on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Denzel Houston of St. Louis, Missouri, appeared before United States District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig yesterday afternoon and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. Houston previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in November 2021.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, on July 25, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police were on patrol in the Clinton Peabody Housing Complex, when officers saw a silver Nissan Maxima that had bullet holes in its hood. Police observed Houston flee the Nissan upon seeing their police vehicle. Houston was briefly detained by police, determined to be the sole occupant of the vehicle and released. An in-depth search of the Nissan, subsequent to Houston’s release, revealed a pistol and methamphetamine in excess of 335 grams.
On September 10, 2019, in the 8500 block of Katherine Avenue, in St. Louis County, ATF agents, along with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers, observed Houston enter a parked Lexus. As officers approached, Houston struck the patrol vehicle with the Lexus. Houston was taken into custody and a subsequent search of the Katherine Avenue residence revealed a .40 caliber pistol, additional methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia related to the distribution of illegal narcotics.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Illegal Possession of Firearm Lands Man in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Christopher D. Smith, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 71 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on January 27, 2021 charging Smith with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of stolen firearm. He pleaded guilty on August 16, 2021 to illegal possession of the firearm. On August 19, 2019, while on parole for state criminal charges and under the supervision of the Louisiana State Probation and Parole, Smith was found to have a loaded firearm in his possession. State parole officers conducted a standard and lawful search of Smith’s residence and located a firearm with a blue bandana wrapped around the magazine in a bedroom of Smith’s residence. The firearm was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition and was in Smith’s bedroom where men’s clothing and mail addressed to him was found. In addition, Smith’s DNA was found on the bandana and the firearm. The firearm was determined to have been reported as stolen back in 2019.
Smith has prior felony convictions for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2017 and simple robbery in 2016 and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Henderson Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Sex Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nevada, resident was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for engaging in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook with three girls, requesting nude photos from them, and sexually assaulting two of the girls after purchasing airline tickets for them to travel to Las Vegas from New York City.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2018, Robert Marcellus Jones Jr. (55) used Facebook and phone calls to communicate with three victims in New York City. He coerced and enticed the girls to send sexually explicit images of themselves to him. Jones promised to pay them a weekly allowance in return for sexual attention and nude photographs and videos.
On November 2, 2018, Jones purchased two airline tickets to fly two of the girls to Las Vegas. After picking them up at the airport, Jones sexually assaulted both girls at his home. On November 5, the National Human Trafficking hotline received a tip that Jones was enticing three victims over Facebook. Law enforcement arrested him on November 8. A forensic review of Jones’ cellphones revealed sexually explicit images of the girls.
Jones was charged in a superseding indictment in April 2019. He pleaded guilty in November 2019 to one count each of distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, transportation of minors for prostitution or other illegal sexual activity, and coercion and enticement.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Jones to 15 years of supervised release.
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 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Brian Whang 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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Gregory K. Harris Is Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of IllinoisRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Gregory K. Harris was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois by Chief United States District Judge Sara Darrow on December 13, 2021, at the federal courthouse in Davenport, Iowa.
U.S. Attorney Harris was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on October 27, 2021, and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on December 7, 2021, for the Central District of Illinois United States Attorney position. President Biden signed Harris’s commission on December 10, 2021.
“It is an honor to serve as the United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois,” Harris said. “This Office has a long history of excellence and integrity and has demonstrated its strong commitment to community safety. I look forward to leading this group of talented and dedicated attorneys and support staff. We will continue to partner with law enforcement to address current and future challenges in the Central District and to pursue equal justice under the law. I also look forward to working closely with defense counsel and the court. I am eager to get to work.”
Harris is an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois, where he has served since 2001. He has held various leadership positions in the office, including Chief of the Criminal Division. From 1988 to 2001, Harris was a partner at the law firm Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. in Illinois. Harris served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois from 1980 to 1988. From 1978 to 1980, Harris was Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Governor’s Office of Manpower and Human Development and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Development. Harris served as an Assistant Appellate Defender in the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender from 1976 until 1978.
Harris received his J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly known as The John Marshall Law School) in 1976 and his B.A. from Howard University in 1971.The swearing-in occurred in the Davenport courthouse because the Rock Island, Illinois, federal courthouse has been closed; construction is set to begin shortly on a new federal courthouse in that city.
Georgia meth trafficker sentenced to prison for drug dealing in BillingsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS —A Georgia man who admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime after law enforcement found four pounds of the drug in his Billings motel room was sentenced today to 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Josue Mikael Nunez, 21, of Carrollton, Georgia, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Nunez brought pounds of meth to Billings to sell as part of a large transnational drug trafficking organization. In April, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began working with a confidential informant to identify members of the drug trafficking organization. The confidential informant, using a social media messenger app, set up a controlled drug transaction for two ounces of meth. The confidential informant was directed to an address on Overland Avenue, where Nunez delivered two ounces of meth in exchange for cash. Agents monitored the deal, and the meth was recovered. Surveillance on Nunez led to a Billings motel. Agents executed a search warrant on Nunez’s room and found four pounds of meth, two cell phones, $1,780 and other items. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Nunez was seen leaving the motel as agents were preparing to execute the warrant and he was detained without incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force.
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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Gary Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay over $1 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Dorian L. Hall, 47, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon today following his June 2021 guilty plea for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and filing a false tax return, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hall was sentenced to 39 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,053,549.95 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to court documents, Hall operated a tax return preparation business from 2014-2016. He prepared tax returns for clients in which he fabricated income numbers to maximize the Earned Income Tax Credit and provided false information to obtain a refundable education credit. By falsifying returns in this manner, Hall’s clients received tax refunds from the IRS in excess of what they were entitled to receive. Hall charged a fee for preparing each return, typically around $1,000.
During the 2014-2016 timeframe, Hall filed over 300 fraudulent tax returns, including his own. He received hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for the returns he filed and he also did not declare that income to the IRS. Hall’s conduct caused a loss to U.S. taxpayers of over $1,000,000.
Hall had previously pled guilty to criminal tax charges in November 2015 and was sentenced in April 2016. After learning that he was under investigation by the IRS, he opened 15 new bank accounts to support his tax preparation activities while claiming to have ceased his operations. After being sent to prison, the IRS uncovered his additional tax preparation activities, resulting in the new charges and the sentence imposed today.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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Fort Wayne, Indiana Man Sentenced to 211 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Antonio Armour, 34 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and fentanyl analogue and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Armour was sentenced to 211 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on June 15, 2021, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Armour’s Fort Wayne residence, from which he had sold narcotics on multiple occasions. During the search, officers found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and over 300 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and an analogue of fentanyl. Officers located several loaded firearms in the residence, including multiple 9 mm handguns, an AK-style pistol and an AR-15 rifle. Officers located other items consistent with drug dealing activity, including plastic baggies, multiple digital scales, a cutting agent, several cell phones and $75,000 in U.S. currency.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police and Allen County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Sarah Nokes.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Fort Smith Woman Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Pandemic Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith woman was sentenced on December 8, 2021 to 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $120,978.00 in restitution following her guilty plea to one count of Wire Fraud. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, Fort Smith Police encountered Jasmin Molina, 26, in possession of identity documents and banking information belonging to unwitting victims. Molina used the documents to file for pandemic related unemployment benefits from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS) and directed benefits payments to bank accounts under her control. Using login information from the ADWS web portal, law enforcement was able to connect Molina to numerous benefits applications she made using others’ identities.
These benefits, called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) are authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020, and are intended for those have become unemployed for reasons related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fort Smith Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations Fort Smith Division, U.S. Department of Labor and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges prosecuted the case.
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.
Fort Dodge Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
A Fort Dodge man who failed to register as a sex offender pled guilty December 14, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Understanding Born Marshall age 38, from Fort Dodge, Iowa was convicted of failure to register as a sex offender.
In a plea agreement, Marshall admitted that he was residing in Webster County, Iowa and failed to update his address and registration information as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Marshall was previously convicted of two counts of second-degree rape in North Carolina in 2002.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Marshall remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Marshall faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3032.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Netflix Executive Sentenced to 30 Months for Bribes and Kickbacks from Netflix VendorsRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE –Michael Kail, the former Vice President of IT Operations at Netflix, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for his convictions for honest services wire, mail fraud, and money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Federal Bureau of Investigation Craig D. Fair, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. Kail was also ordered to forfeit $700,000, pay a $50,000 fine, and serve a three term of supervision upon release from prison. The sentence was handed down by the United States District Judge Beth Labson Freeman.
Kail was indicted April 26, 2018, and charged with nineteen counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and seven counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 (wire fraud), 1341 (mail fraud), 1346 (honest services fraud), and 1957 (money laundering).
On April 30, 2021, after a three-week trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts on 28 of the 29 counts charged. The jury also made findings to support the forfeiture of property Kail had purchased with the proceeds of his fraud.
“Bribery and kickbacks are pernicious crimes that stifle Silicon Valley’s culture of competitive innovation,” said Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “Michael Kail used his highly compensated Netflix position to siphon cash and valuable stock options from his tech vendors, the same vendors whose Netflix contracts he signed and whose technologies he pushed his teams to use. Such crimes come with a cost, as reflected by the prison sentence that Kail will now serve.”
“As alleged in the indictment, Mr. Kail chose which IT contracts were awarded by Netflix according to how he was able to bribe those companies to provide him with financial compensation, rather than choosing them on their merit,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. "Mr. Kail not only defrauded Netflix, but he also allowed for a ‘pay-to-play’ scheme, which he concocted, to take precedence over the free and fair competitive business environment that drives our economy."
“Mr. Kail’s greed to enrich himself cost Netflix and its shareholders money and property by agreeing to contracts for goods and services beyond what the company needed or would have paid for,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. “Mr. Kail abused a position of trust and facilitated a scheme that benefited himself. IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to uncovering these heinous acts of greed and prosecute such malevolent crimes.”
Kail, 52, of Los Gatos, was employed at Netflix as the Vice President in charge of IT Operations from 2011 until July 2014. Netflix policies prohibited conflicts of interest by its employees by its Code of Ethics and its “Culture Deck,” which required the disclosure of actual or apparent conflicts of interest and the reporting of gifts from entities seeking to sell products or services to the company.
Kail, as Netflix’s Vice President of IT Operations, approved the contracts to purchase IT products and services from smaller outside vendor companies and authorized payments to them. Evidence produced at trial proved that Kail solicited and received bribes and ‘kickbacks’ from nine tech companies providing products or services to Netflix. In exchange, Kail approved millions of dollars in contracts for goods and services provided by them to Netflix. Kail received over $500,000 and stock options from the outside companies. He used his kickback payments in multiple ways, including to pay his personal expenses and to buy a home in Los Gatos, California.
Kail facilitated the payments, the evidence at trial showed, by creating and controlling a limited liability corporation called Unix Mercenary, LLC. The LLC was created on February 7, 2012, and it had no employees and no business location. Kail was the sole signatory to its accounts.
Two days before Unix Mercenary was registered with the California Secretary of State, Kail signed a Sales Representative Agreement to receive cash payments from Netenrich, Inc., amounting to 12% of any billings from Netenrich to Netflix for staffing and IT services. Later in 2012, Kail’s Unix Mercenary began to receive 15% of all billing payments that VistaraIT, LLC, a wholly owned company of Netenrich, received from Netflix. From 2012 to 2014, Netenrich paid Unix Mercenary approximately $269,986, and VistaraIT paid Unix Mercenary approximately $177,863.
These payments stopped in late 2014, after Kail left Netflix.
Evidence at trial showed that several more companies paid Kail. Neither Netenrich, Vistara, nor any of the other companies were charged with criminal conduct. Only Kail was charged with devising the criminal scheme that defrauded Netflix.
In 2013, the trial evidence showed, Platfora, Inc. sought to do business with Netflix. In June 2013 – at a time Kail was seeking to buy his expensive Los Gatos residence – he met with Platfora employees and signed an evaluation agreement for Netflix engineers to test Platfora’s product, a data analytics software program. On July 13, 2013, Kail met with Platfora’s CEO for drinks and later thanked him in an email saying, “I look forward to helping you in both a Netflix and Advisory capacity.” Two days later, Kail signed an “advisory” agreement with Platfora that provided him with the right to purchase up to 75,000 options, approximately .25% of the company. Shortly thereafter, Kail provided Platfora with Netflix’s internal information about Platfora’s competitors’ prices. In September 2013, while he was a compensated “advisor” to Platfora, Kail signed, on behalf of Netflix, a multi-stage $250,000 per year contract with Platfora. Internally, Kail urged his Netflix employees to use the product, despite their satisfaction with a competing product for which Netflix was already paying. When an inquiry from the Netflix CEO ensued, Kail falsely denied that he was formally working with Platfora. Kail resigned from his advisory position at Platfora the following week.
Additional evidence showed that Kail received payments or compensation from other companies doing business with Netflix. In June 2012, he became an “advisor” to and received options for shares from the company Sumo Logic, Inc. The next month, Kail authorized and signed, on behalf of Netflix, a vendor agreement between Netflix and Sumo Logic. The agreement led to over $300,000 in payments by Netflix, approved by Kail, to Sumo Logic. Kail then approved a further $800,000 two-year contract with Sumo Logic.
Similarly, trial evidence showed Kail received $5,000 per month consulting for Netskope, Inc., and also received options to purchase 106,000 shares of Netskope stock options. Kail authorized Netflix to enter a $112,500 contract with Netskope just weeks before Kail resigned from Netflix. Kail also purchased, on behalf of Netflix, a small amount of storage from Maginatics, Inc., and then became an “advisor” to Maginatics, allowing him to purchase up to 30,000 shares. Kail thereafter increased Netflix’s purchase of storage from Maginatics by tenfold. Kail made approximately $120,000 when Maginatics was sold the next year. Kail also was promised stock options in the company ElasticBox, Inc., and thereafter signed a June 2013 Netflix order for a $600,000, 3-year subscription to ElasticBox’s cloud services. Later that year, he signed an additional $850,000 contract for more cloud services. Kail also accepted an “advisor” position with Numerify, Inc. in February 2014 that provided him an early option to purchase 36,000 shares. Three months later Kail, on behalf of Netflix, signed an $85,000 subscription agreement for Numerify’s software. Also in February 2014, Kail signed a $120,000 contract with Docurated, Inc., which had previously compensated him with two rounds of options, some of which Kail had already exercised.
The evidence at trial further showed that Netflix IT employees involved with testing some of these products did not know that many of the startups’ software was being paid for by Netflix; rather, they assumed many of the products were unpaid “pilots” of untested software, a routine practice in the tech industry. The employees further did not know that Kail was being paid by the companies.
United States District Judge Beth Labson Freeman further ordered Kail to surrender on March 8, 2022, to begin serving his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson, Kyle Waldinger, Christopher Kaltsas, and Daniel Kaleba (former) prosecuted the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Former Louisiana Police Chief and Current City Councilmember Indicted for Alleged Vote Buying SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.
According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates.
Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face 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.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Louisiana Police Chief and Current City Councilmember Indicted for Alleged Vote Buying SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.
According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates.
Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face 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.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Hamilton County Deputy sentenced to 42 months in prison for using excessive forceRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A former Hamilton County jail deputy was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 42 months in prison for using unreasonable force while acting under color of law. The former law enforcement officer shoved a suspect in a holding cell with such force that the victim left his feet and collided headfirst with a concrete wall, losing consciousness, splitting open his head, and breaking his leg.
Jason Mize, 35, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in January 2021 to the willful violation of the victim’s Constitutional right to be free from excessive force.
Court documents detail that on August 20, 2016, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 61-year-old individual and brought him to the Hamilton County Justice Center for processing.
While the victim was in medical intake, Mize approached the victim from behind and told the individual to stand. Mize then pushed the victim towards a holding cell, shoving the victim with such force that the victim collided headfirst with a concrete wall. Mize left the victim, who was bleeding from the head, on the floor.
When asked by a supervisor if there was a use of force or anybody was hurt, Mize said no. Mize eventually returned to the cell to raise a curtain on the door to cover the cell’s window. The supervisor then checked the cell and called for the nurse. While the nurse administered first aid, Mize stood outside the cell and drank a soda.
The victim – who was later acquitted of the crime for which he had been arrested – stayed in the hospital for two weeks and suffered a scalp hematoma with lacerations and a leg fracture.
The United States argued at sentencing that Mize’s crime was part of a history of violence as a law enforcement officer. According to court documents, Mize began working as a deputy in 2007 and was laid off in 2008. He was rehired in 2011 and served until his resignation in 2016. During his time as a deputy, Mize was disciplined more than nine times. At least three of those times were for excessive force. At the time of this offense, Mize had been given a counseling letter on two occasions and suspended without pay at least once.
In April 2017, after his resignation from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Mize stated on Facebook Messenger: “I miss choking people.”
Over the course of the investigation into Mize’s conduct, the defendant lied repeatedly and pressured witnesses not to come forward.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Gaffney Painter and Ebunoluwa Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.
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Former Employee of Norman Based Oil and Gas Company Pleads Guilty to Forging Company Checks Resulting in a Loss to the Company of More Than $830,000Read the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, RONALD DAVID KIRKPATRICK II, age 51, of Norman, pleaded guilty to uttering forged securities, in connection with his taking over $830,000 from a Norman based oil and gas exploration company, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 7, 2020, Kirkpatrick was charged by Indictment of 10 counts of bank fraud, 10 counts of uttering forged securities, and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Public records reflect that from 2007 through October 2018, Kirkpatrick worked at a Norman based oil and gas exploration company as an accountant.
Today, Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty to writing a forged check from his company’s bank account made payable to himself, in the amount of $7,275, in August 2018. At today’s change of plea hearing, Kirkpatrick admitted that he used this method of forging checks to take money from his former employer from 2015 through 2018, and he stipulated that the total loss to the company resulting from his conduct was $831,372.82. Public records allege Kirkpatrick used the proceeds from the forged checks to pay for vacations, car purchases, and to buy inventory for a business he planned to open. He admitted today he used the proceeds from his scheme for personal gain.
At sentencing, Kirkpatrick faces up to 10 years in federal prison, plus three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement, Kirkpatrick agreed to pay restitution to the oil and gas company in the amount of $831,372.82. Kirkpatrick will be sentenced in approximately 90 days.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly.
Reference is made to the information and other public filings for further information.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a three-count indictment on December 10, 2021 charging a New Orleans man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court documents, KENDALE ADAMS, a/k/a, “Kendral Adams,” a/k/a “Kendall Adams,” age 39, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). In Count 2, ADAMS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). In Count 3, ADAMS is charged with carrying a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
If convicted of Count 1, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 3, ADAMS faces a mandatory consecutive 5 years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Enrolled member of the Acoma Pueblo sentenced to five years in federal prison for sexual abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQERQUE, N.M. – Estevan Antonio, 26, of Acoma, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Acoma Pueblo, was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 9 to five years and three months in prison for sexual abuse in Indian Country.
Antonio pleaded guilty on June 28, 2019. According to the plea agreement, on the night of July 5, 2017, and into the morning of July 6, 2017, Antonio sexually abused the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe. Antonio sexually abused the victim knowing she was incapable of declining to participate. The offense took place on the Acoma Pueblo in Cibola County, New Mexico.
Upon his release from prison, Antonio will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The Southern Pueblos of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) investigated this case with assistance from the Acoma Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s 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, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. Individuals with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse are encouraged to contact the Children’s Advocacy Center tipline at (575) 526-3437.
Eight Men Arrested in Jet Ski Transfer of 26 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that eight men were arrested December 11, 2021, in St. Thomas, USVI for smuggling 26 kilograms of cocaine. On December 11, 2021 Wilfredo Vazquez Lopez, Jonathan Fernandez Montesino, Esteban Borrome Diaz, Smarling Villilo De Los Santo, Emmanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, Jose Martes Gozalez, Guillermo Morales and Ben Carrasquillosanto, had their initial appearances before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr. on criminal charges related to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2021 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air patrol detected four jet skis traveling from Culebra, PR towards St. Thomas, USVI. CBP-AMO air patrol surveilled the jet skis, each operated by a sole occupant, as they approached the west side of St. Thomas. Air patrol watched as the skis made way to the beach at Mermaid’s Chair where they were met by four individuals in a red Jeep Wrangler. CBP-AMO officers saw duffle bags being loaded on to the skis, and the skis quickly leaving towards Culebra, PR. CBP-AMO law enforcement vessels pursued the four jet skis towards Culebra, PR.
One driver drove his ski on to a Culebra, PR beach and fled on foot. He escaped capture. A duffle bag was recovered near the abandoned ski. Inside the duffle bag, officers recovered 26 packages which contained a substance that field-tested positive for the presence of cocaine. A third suspect was able to evade capture by splitting off in a different direction from the other skis. Two other operators, Gozalez and Carrasquillosanto, were apprehended. Gozales, a former Puerto Rican Police officer, was followed by CBP-AMO air patrol. His position was relayed to CBP-AMO officers on the water who detained Gozalez while still on a ski. Carrasquillosanto was seen by Puerto Rican Police Forces loading a black and purple jet ski onto a trailer at a nearby marina. He was shown a picture taken by CBP-AMO air patrol which depicted the operator of the purple and black jet ski wearing the same clothes as Carrasquillosanto. Carrasquillosanto admitted to being one of the operators of a ski that was seen at Mermaid’s Chair in St. Thomas.
DEA, CBP, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents stopped the red Jeep Wrangler that loaded the duffle bags on to the jet skis as it was leaving Botany Bay Preserve. Esteban Rafael Borrome Diaz (the driver), Wilfredo Ricardo Vazquez Lopez, Jonathan Fernandez Montesino, Smarling Villilo De Los Santo, Emmanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, and Guillermo Morales were all detained. A Glock pistol was seen in plain view inside the rear pocket of the driver’s seat where Vazquez Lopez was seated. Another Glock pistol without a serial number was located in the center console.
On December 13, 2021, all eight defendants appeared before Judge Cannon via videoconference for their initial appearances.
All eight men are charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance under 21 U.S.C §§ 841(b)(1)(B) and 846. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
CBP-AMO and HSI are investigating the case, and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eagle Pass Police Detective Charged with Harboring ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – Hazel Eileen Diaz, aka Sandra, 51, a detective with the Eagle Pass Police Department was arrested in Eagle Pass today on criminal charges related to her alleged participation in a conspiracy to harbor undocumented noncitizens.
On December 8, 2021, Diaz; Tomas Alejandro Mendez, 26; and Paola Nikole Cazares, 20, were all charged by superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, pursuant to Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Mendez and Cazares, both from Eagle Pass, were previously arrested and remain in federal custody since their arrest on August 26, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs made the announcement.
The FBI, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Kam is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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