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Friday 8 October 2021
Owasso Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
An Owasso man who killed his stepfather in March 2020 pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jordan Taylor Kuykendall, 24, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
“Too many lives are taken by senseless acts of violence and countless families are left to grieve,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “These crimes are malicious and inexcusable. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold perpetrators of violent crime accountable.”
In his plea agreement, Kuykendall admitted that on May 17, 2020, he got into an argument with his stepfather, Charles Botts, and stabbed him, resulting in the victim’s death.
On the night of the incident, Mr. Botts intervened when Kuykendall, who was intoxicated, assaulted his mother. He pulled the defendant off the mother and pinned him down on the floor. When he released Kuykendall and walked away to his bedroom, the defendant followed him with a knife. Inside the bedroom, the defendant fought with the victim and stabbed him.
The FBI and Owasso Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case.
Nicholas W. Brown sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Seattle – Nicholas W. Brown was sworn in today as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. Mr. Brown previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the office from 2007 to 2013. From 2013 to 2017, Mr. Brown served as General Counsel to Governor Jay Inslee, and was a partner with Pacifica Law Group in Seattle when he was nominated by President Joe Biden to be U.S. Attorney 0n July 26, 2021. Mr. Brown’s nomination was approved by the full U.S. Senate on September 30, 2021. Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez administered the oath of office.
“I am humbled to return to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and my outstanding colleagues, who devote their careers to seeking justice and public service,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “The work of the office is vitally important and incredibly challenging, and the issues facing our justice system today require our full dedication. As the chief law enforcement officer in Western Washington, I am excited about working with our communities and federal partners to improve public safety and to ensure civil rights for all our residents.”
U.S. Attorney Brown leads an office comprised of both criminal prosecutors and civil litigators. The civil division is tasked with defending the government in a variety of litigation and bringing affirmative cases to protect civil rights and in cases of waste, fraud and abuse. U.S. Attorney Brown will also oversee an appellate unit that handles litigation before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
In his previous five years with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Brown handled more than 100 cases ranging from complex firearm and drug trafficking matters, to child sexual abuse in Indian Country, and financial fraud. As General Counsel to Governor Inslee, Mr. Brown was involved in a wide range of critical issues including high-priority litigation, criminal justice policy, tribal gaming and Indian law, and clemency petitions. For Pacifica Law Group, Mr. Brown focused his practice on assisting public and private clients with complex civil and regulatory litigation, public policy, municipal law, and political matters.
An Army veteran, Mr. Brown served in the Judge Advocate General Corps from 2003 to 2007 at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), Fort Bliss, Texas, and Bagdad, Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 2005.
Mr. Brown has volunteered his time for a number of public service and non-profit organizations, including Seattle Ethics and Elections, the Campaign for Equal Justice, the Washington State Bar Association Leadership Institute, Seattle Works, and Treehouse. Mr. Brown is also active in the Federal Bar Association.
A Western Washington native, Nicholas Brown received his BA Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College in 1999, and his JD from Harvard Law School in 2002. He graduated from Steilacoom High School in 1995.
Mr. Brown takes over as U.S. Attorney from Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. She previously served as First Assistant United States Attorney under U.S. Attorney Brian Moran, who left the office in February 2021, with the change in administration. Ms. Gorman remains with the office.
New Orleans Men Sentenced for Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – BYRON WATSON, age 32, and REGINALD LUMAR, age 30, residents of New Orleans, were sentenced this week by the Honorable Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WATSON was sentenced to 72 months of incarceration and LUMAR was sentenced to 51 months of incarceration. Both men were ordered to serve three (3) years of supervised release after completion of their prison sentences and payment of $200 mandatory special assessment fees. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,576.
According to Count One of the indictment, on September 10, 2019, WATSON and LUMAR robbed the Total Choice Federal Credit Union located at 100 Palmetto Drive in LaPlace, Louisiana. They obtained $7,841 in the robbery. According to Count Two of the indictment, on September 26, 2019, WATSON and LUMAR robbed the Fidelity Bank located at 9099 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana. They obtained $7,735 in that robbery.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab as well as officers with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.
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Monmouth County Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Possessing with Intent to Distribute more than 40 Grams of FentanylRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Derrick Norwood, 58, of Neptune, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Judge Thompson imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On July 18, 2019, Norwood knowingly possessed 39 bricks, or 1,982 individual glassine bags, of heroin mixed with fentanyl inside a safe in his residence. Norwood admitted that he possessed the heroin-fentanyl mixture for the purpose of distributing it to others in and around Monmouth County.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Norwood to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Moline Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Michael Terrell Richardson, of Moline, Illinois, was sentenced on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 180 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base. Richardson was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to court documents, Michael Terrell Richardson, age 40, was involved in long-term trafficking of controlled substances in and around Davenport. Richardson knowingly possessed two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. At the time of these offenses, Richardson was under supervision for a prior controlled substance charge. Richardson also had a prior conviction for attempted first degree murder.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, East Moline Police Department, and the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhood, 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.
Mills County Man Convicted of 2003 Kidnapping and Sex OffensesRead the Press Release
Crucial DNA Evidence Obtained Through Iowa Attorney General’s Sex Assault Kit Initiative
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, Myron Lee Brandon, age 43, of Pacific Junction, Iowa, was found guilty in federal court of two counts of kidnapping and two counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The verdict came after a three-day trial before United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner.
According to evidence presented at trial, on June 21, 2003, Brandon was in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, and offered a ride to two teenage girls. One female was fifteen years old and the other fourteen. The girls were expecting to be transported to a location in Omaha, but Brandon drove to a location near Pacific Junction, Iowa. On a rural road outside Pacific Junction, Brandon brandished a knife before sexually assaulting both victims and used a cigarette to burn each of them on the breast area. The victims escaped from Brandon and managed to walk to Interstate 29 where they were picked up by a motorist and taken to safety.
Law enforcement began an investigation on June 22, 2003, that included a medical exam and collection of evidence from each victim. After an extensive investigation failed to identify a suspect, the evidence that had been collected was stored until a suspect was identified.
In 2015, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office created the Sex Assault Kit Initiative, a program that submits old case evidence to a laboratory to determine if DNA evidence is present to help identify suspects. In July of 2018, the sexual assault kits collected from the victims were placed in this program. In February of 2020, Brandon was identified as a suspect, and further DNA evidence collected from Brandon confirmed he was the person who sexually assaulted the victims.
This was the first jury trial in the State of Iowa using DNA evidence processed by the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The first conviction in a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative case occurred in 2019 in Dallas County, Iowa.
Sentencing has been set for March 2, 2022 in Council Bluffs.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Omaha Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
Man from Albuquerque sentenced to seven years in federal prison for armed robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQERQUE, N.M. – Samuel Perez, 34, of Albuquerque, was sentenced in federal court on Sept. 22 to seven years in prison for using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Perez pleaded guilty on Jan. 8.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on June 28, 2018, Perez robbed a gas station convenience store. He entered the store with an accomplice, brandished a gun and demanded money and merchandise from an employee.
Upon completion of his sentence, Perez will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Jared Barnhill pleaded guilty on March 23, 2020, to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, and was sentenced on Jan. 6 to 18 years in prison. Another co-defendant, Jeyden Barnhill, pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2019, to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, and was sentenced on Feb 5, 2020, to three years and 10 months in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Outler prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
Man from Albuquerque sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for homemade bombRead the Press Release
ALBUQERQUE, N.M. – Ryan Cook, 45, of Albuquerque, was sentenced in federal court on Sep. 28 to one year and six months in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm. Cook pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2020.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on June 24, 2020, law enforcement received a call from Cook’s roommate about an explosive device in Cook’s possession at their shared residence in Los Lunas, New Mexico. After a standoff with the local SWAT team, Cook surrendered and was arrested. Law enforcement located and secured the destructive device.
Upon his release from prison, Cook will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado prosecuted the case
Man Who Shot Firearm Inside West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Committed to 198 Months in CustodyRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Today, federal district judge Kenneth A. Marra sentenced Larry Ray Bon, 62, a former West Palm Beach resident who shot a firearm inside the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Palm Beach to a federal prison term of 198 months.
According to court records, Bon brought the firearm and ammunition to the emergency room of the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. When he became frustrated with medical staff, Bon retrieved the firearm from his wheelchair and fired several shots. He placed VA Medical Center employees in fear for their lives, including two employees who were near Bon. An emergency room doctor attempted to disarm Bon, who fired the gun again, hitting the doctor in the neck. Despite being injured, the doctor was still able to disarm Bon. VA Medical Center staff then subdued Bon. The doctor survived the gunshot wound.
On March 13, 2020, Bon pleaded guilty to three counts of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Employees, and one count of Possession of a Firearm in a Federal Facility with Intent to Commit a Crime. Judge Marra originally committed Bon to the custody of the U.S. Attorney General for 25 years of mental health care and treatment at a suitable medical facility. This was a provisional sentence allowable under federal law where a judge “finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect and that he should, in lieu of being sentenced to imprisonment, be committed to a suitable facility...” 18 U.S.C. §4244 (d). Bon was determined to no longer need psychiatric hospitalization, and was sentenced today.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI’s Miami Field Office, and David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.
“When this defendant fired shots inside the West Palm Beach VA medical center, he turned a place of healing and comfort into one of violence, fear, and confusion for the U.S. military veterans and medical personnel who were present that day. For this, he is being held accountable,” said Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “We are committed to protecting our veterans, their families, and the dedicated employees of the South Florida VA medical clinics who treat them.”
“On February 27, 2019, Larry Ray Bon entered a Veterans Affairs Medical Center then fired several shots from a firearm that resulted in fear and confusion and the severe wounding an emergency room doctor,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “While this sentence cannot erase what happened, he is now being held accountable for this senseless and cowardly act of violence.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that the VA OIG and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant and resolute in holding accountable anyone who commits an act of violence at a VA facility,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG wants to ensure that VA employees have a safe environment in which they can work and veterans can receive quality healthcare."
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and VA OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Osborne and Rinku Tribuiani prosecuted this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Croke handled the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
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Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had – and will continue to have – on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims, which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners, who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
HSI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Fresno County Sherriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa of the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Lubbock Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Combined 106 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A dozen Lubbock drug traffickers have been sentenced to a combined 106 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
The defendants were arrested during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Operation Los Perros De Nieve (“Operation Snow Dogs”), which also resulted in the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine, more than a dozen firearms, and roughly $80,000 cash from drug dealers in Lubbock.
The last of 12 in-custody defendants, Ruben Alejandro Rodriguez-Parada, was sentenced yesterday to almost four years in federal prison. A 13th charged defendant remains a fugitive.
According to court documents, DEA agents used a confidential informant to buy cocaine from several defendants. They also executed search warrants at several defendants’ residences, including their vehicles, and seized five bricks of cocaine from a storage unit in Lubbock.
One defendant, Robert Bruno, admitted that he regularly worked with a cocaine source of supply in Mexico, who delivered the drug with little advance notice and then aggressively collected on his debts.
“Cocaine extracts a terrible toll, wreaking havoc on users’ bodies and brains. We are determined to dismantle the organizations that inject this drug into our communities. The sentences announced today send a message to would-be dealers in Lubbock: The penalty for cocaine distribution is serious,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham.
“Cocaine is not manufactured in Lubbock nor does the coca plant, from where it is derived, grow in West Texas’ fertile land. Its prevalence and distribution in the area must be deliberate and for only one purpose: greed,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez, who oversees DEA operations in Lubbock. “These sentences handed down to Mr. Rodriguez-Parada, Mr. Bruno, and their co-conspirators should send a message to all violent drug trafficking organizations operating in the area that decisions based on greed could lead to more than a collective century in prison.”
Those who’ve been sentenced include:
- Ronnie Manuel Garcia – pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms; sentenced to 180 months in federal prison.
- Jonathan Phillip “J.P.” Reyes – pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine; sentenced to 240 months in federal prison (to run consecutively to any sentence imposed in the state case against him).
- Raul Perez, III – pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine; sentenced to 235 months in federal prison (to run consecutively to any sentence imposed in the state case against him).
- Krystal Lynn Ramos – pleaded guilty to misprision (concealment) of a felony; sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
- Amy Shawn “Evon” Rodriguez – pleaded guilty to misprision (concealment) of a felony; sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
- Juan Moncada – pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; sentenced to 125 months in federal prison (to run consecutively to any sentence imposed in the state case against him).
- Jacob Anthony Molina – pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.
- Jeremy Wayne “Lil’ Jay” Beck – pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.
- Michael Paul Perez – pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine; sentenced to 63 months in federal prison.
- Robert Lee Bruno – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine; sentenced to 188 months in federal prison.
- Amaris Arestin Leon – pleaded guilty to misprision (concealment) of a felony; sentenced to 30 months in federal prison (to run consecutively to any sentence imposed in state cases against him).
- Ruben Alejandro Rodriguez-Parada – pleaded guilty to money laundering; sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Lubbock Police Department with assistance from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office, and the Texas Department of Safety. This investigation was carried out as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program with the coordination of the Lubbock HIDTA group and Texas Anti-Gang initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case.
Jamestown Man Indicted for Causing Overdose Death and Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging James Brandow, 33, of Jamestown, NY, with distribution of heroin and fentanyl causing death, distribution of heroin and fentanyl causing serious bodily injury, and narcotics conspiracy. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between July 2020 and June 2021, the defendant is accused of conspiring with others to sell heroin and fentanyl. According to the indictment, on July 31, 2020, Brandow sold heroin and fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as K.T. and resulted in seriously bodily injury to an individual identified as B.F.
The indictment is result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Israeli National Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Forcing Dozens of Girls to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Israeli man was sentenced today to 360 months in federal prison for blackmailing dozens of girls into producing child pornography for him.
Elad Gaber, 39, was sentenced by United States District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, who also ordered him placed on lifetime supervised release once he completes serving his prison sentence. Gaber pleaded guilty on May 7 to one count of use of a facility of interstate commerce to induce a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Since at least 2010, Gaber executed a systematic “sextortion” scheme on dozens of victims, beginning with obtaining compromising videos of the girls. Gaber located victims through social media and found some type of “embarrassing” material of them, usually suggestive or nude photos.
He would then locate the victim on Facebook, copy her contact list, and threaten to release her compromising video to her entire contact list – often including her parents and schoolmates – if she did not live-stream sex acts according to a detailed script.
If the victims did not immediately comply, Gaber blackmailed them by sending them screenshots of the consequences of noncompliance, often either of a prewritten, but unsent, message to those close to the girls with the embarrassing material attached or the aftermath for previous victims where he had sent the material.
For those who complied, Gaber would demand the girl perform the script on herself over a video chat while he gave live feedback and criticism.
For several victims, Gaber used the material from the cam sessions as further material with which to blackmail them. If a victim refused to do as he demanded, Gaber would vengefully distribute her prior compromising material to some of her social media contacts, which often included the victims’ parents.
In 2014, a federal grand jury in Los Angeles indicted Gaber after a victim in Southern California reported him to law enforcement. Israel extradited Gaber to the United States last year to face criminal charges in this case.
In court today, some of Gaber’s victims spoke of the emotional impact they suffered from his actions, which led for some to substance abuse, suicide attempts, and lost educational and employment opportunities. Several victims also told the court that despite the trauma, they have managed to overcome what happened to them. As one victim concluded her statement today in court, she told Gaber, “Not only am I a victim, but I am a survivor.”
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Catharine A. Richmond of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case. The Israeli authorities and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition from Israel.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Missoula before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on Oct. 4 was:
Joseph Daniel Fox, 29, of Kalispell, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute meth and heroin and possession of a firearm by a user or addict. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fox faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years to life of supervised release. Fox was detained pending further proceedings. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-44.
Appearing in Missoula for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on Oct. 7 was:
Carlos Guatimea Aguirre, 35, of Fresno, California and Missoula, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aguirre faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Aguirre was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-100.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 5 was:
Brittany Michele Darnell, 30, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Darnell faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence. Darnell was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-58.
Mickey James Buchholz, 35, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Buchholz faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence. Buchholz was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-58.
Michael James Burke, 42, of Browning, on charges of aggravated sex abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burke faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Burke was released with conditions, including home detention, pending further proceedings. The FBI and the Fort Peck Tribe investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-62.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 5 was:
Amanda Christine Brown, 33, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-25.
Appearing on Oct. 7 was:
Karrie Lynn Madill, 51, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Madill faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Madill was released pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-74.
Appearing on Oct. 8 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Anthony Ray Morgan, 32, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morgan faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Morgan was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-61.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Human Trafficker Sentenced to Two Decades in Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Spokane – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Seth Randles, age 38, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty to two federal sex trafficking charges. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Randles to 20 years in federal custody, the maximum sentence available, to be followed by a 15-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Randles used violence, threats, and manipulation to force women to engage in commercial sex acts with strangers of his choosing. He took the money his victims earned and used gruesome physical violence and the threat of force to ensure their compliance. He caused at least one victim to get a tattoo of his street name, “Silky,” on her body, to indicate that she was his property.
In 2017, after years of Randles forcing her to engage in oral sex and intercourse with customers, one victim and her family were brave enough to go to the police. Law enforcement officers learned that Randles forced his victims to perform sex acts on the main floor of his house in Spokane, while he hid on the second floor. Randles also used that residence to stage photos of women that he could post online to advertise for additional sex trafficking acts. When one victim refused to do as he wanted, Randles dragged her out of the shower by her hair, pushed and kicked her, stomped on her body, and punched her in the mouth. The victim’s mother was so terrified of Randles that she repeatedly told law enforcement officers that she feared Randles would kill her daughter or retaliate against their family if he found out they had contacted law enforcement.
On at least one occasion, Randles beat a victim to the point that she needed medical care, but did not allow her to receive it. When there was a dispute with a “client” about a commercial sex act, Randles would violently beat both the “john” and his trafficking victim, because he was worried that the “client” would post about the incident online and negatively affect his business.
Randles advertised his victims online. One victim reported being trafficked at least once a day, and up to as many as ten times in a day, while Randles kept the money generated by the trafficking. He also arranged for the serial rapes of at least two of his victims after driving them to Wenatchee – all for his own financial profit. As Randles admitted in his plea agreement, “roughly from 2009 onward, pimping women to engage in commercial sex acts was his sole source of income.”
United States Attorney Waldref said, “Randles used intimidation, violence, and humiliation to force his victims to perform commercial sex acts and caused immeasurable harm. The significant term of imprisonment imposed today will help the victims in the healing process while holding Randles accountable for his criminal conduct. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue its aggressive efforts to bring justice to all victims of sexual exploitation. I commend the FBI and our local law enforcement partners who investigated this case. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: law enforcement will protect the public from human traffickers through tenacious investigation and vigorous prosecution.”
The Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Seattle, Donald Voiret, said “For years Seth Randles terrorized and intimidated his victims, trafficking them to strangers and treating them as his personal property for his own personal gain. Our hope is these victims realize they are not invisible and see the imposition of the highest sentence possible, as tangible proof of our commitment to protect those involved in similar circumstances.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by David M. Herzog, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Hudson Woman Pleads Guilty to Crimes Related to Social Security Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jane B. Smith, 65, of Hudson, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to attempted wire fraud and making false statements, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith began receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in 1993. She was required to report any changes in her employment and income to the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, between 2007 and 2018, Smith worked for multiple employers, including the IRS, and failed to report her employment to the SSA. The SSA learned of Smith’s employment and suspended her benefits several times during that time period. On each occasion, Smith took steps to cause the SSA to provide her with SSDI benefit payments that she was not entitled to receive.
In February of 2018, Smith filed a false police report with the Nashua Police Department claiming that she was the victim of identity theft and that someone else had used her name to work for her employers. She also made similar false statements to the IRS and SSA in efforts to secure benefits that she was not entitled to receive. In February of 2021, Smith admitted to federal agents that she had lied about her work and falsely claimed to be the victim of identity theft because she did not want to lose her benefits. As a result of her criminal conduct, Smith obtained over $90,000 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2022.
“While Social Security Disability Benefits provide important financial support for qualified individuals, some criminals seek to take advantage of this system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “By lying about her employment and falsely claiming to be a victim of identity theft, this defendant sought to exploit this program to obtain money that she knew she was not entitled to receive. As this case shows, we work closely with the Office of the Inspector General to identify fraud and protect the integrity of Social Security’s benefit programs.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Henderson Man Sentenced to Prison for 21 Years Following Shooting of a Raleigh Police OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Henderson man was sentenced yesterday to 252 months in prison for carjacking and aiding and abetting, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of stolen firearms. On March 10, 2020, Cedric Jamal Kearney, 26, pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on January 4, 2019, Kearney and a co-defendant, Sherry Marie Richmond, robbed a Raleigh man of his car keys and cellphone at gunpoint. The crime spree continued on January 9, 2019 as Kearney and other co-defendants broke into a Holly Springs, NC apartment and stole several firearms and pairs of shoes. Finally, later that night on January 9, 2019, the Raleigh Police Department responded to a reported sighting of the stolen vehicle in the area of Shaub Drive and Teakwood Place. Upon arrival, the officers witnessed Kearney and another man attempting to get inside of the stolen vehicle. Officers gave out commands to the men and while one complied, Kearney fired shots at the officers and fled on foot. Kearney shot Raleigh Police Officer Charlie Ainsworth two times. Ainsworth had to be rushed to WakeMed hospital with life threatening injuries, but ultimately survived. Body Camera surveillance captured the harrowing incident in its entirety. Kearney was found several hours later in a shed of a nearby homeowner; still in possession of the gun used to shoot Officer Ainsworth. Kearney had one prior conviction for reckless driving out of Virginia.
“Today was a good day for both the Ainsworth family and the justice system. The Court sent a very clear message that these type of assaults on law enforcement simply will not be tolerated,” Acting U.S. Attorney Acker said of Judge Flanagan’s sentencing.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Boykin and Daniel Smith prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-382-FL.
Hartford Man Involved in Gun Battle Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM TISDOL, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after noon on September 9, 2020, members of the Hartford Police Department responded to reports of gunshots on Sterling Street in Hartford. At the scene, officers found a female companion of Tisdol sitting in a car in front of a residence and suffering from serious gunshot wounds. Tisdol was subsequently located inside the residence in critical condition and suffering from gunshots to his arms, hips and torso. Both Tisdol and his companion were transported to the hospital. Officers recovered a .380 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number, and multiple shell casings, from the pavement next to the car. The investigation revealed that Tisdol had used the firearm in a gunfight with unidentified assailants.
At the time of the shooting incident, Hartford Police had an open arrest warrant for Tisdol related to an armed robbery and kidnapping that occurred in May 2020.
Tisdol has been detained since his hospitalization.
In a separate federal case, on September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Tisdol and seven other individuals with offenses stemming from numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states. A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.
On May 14, 2021, Tisdol pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property and, on July 7, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
On September 9, 2021, Tisdol was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment for his role in the grab and go theft scheme.
These investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.
Greenwich Resident Admits Making False Statement in Immigration MatterRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICIO MILINIK, 43, a citizen of Argentina residing in Greenwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to making a false statement during an immigration matter.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted conditional permanent resident status to Milinik after he had married a U.S. citizen in 2015. In 2018, Milinik petitioned to have the conditions removed to allow him to become a lawful permanent resident and obtain a “green card.” While his petition was pending, a USCIS immigration officer and HSI special agent visited Milinik and his then-wife at their residence. During the visit, the immigration officer asked Milinik whether there had been any periods of separation from his wife during their marriage. Milinik falsely denied any period of separation with the exception of occasion work-related travel.
The investigation revealed that Milinik and his then-wife were separated for several periods during their marriage, and that Milinik had communicated with several individuals expressing that he was not in a bona fide marriage and that he only stayed married to his wife in order to obtain his green card.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2022, at which time Milinik faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Milinik is released pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Nancy V. Gifford.
Grand Blanc Man and Flint Woman Sentenced in Fraudulent Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
FLINT - A former pastor and his associate have been sentenced for their role in a multi-year Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 140 individuals from multiple states out of nearly $9.3 million, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Joining Mohsin in the announcement was Brian Thomas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.
Sentenced were Larry A. Holley, 64, of Grand Blanc and Patricia E. Gray, 60, of Flint. Holley received a sentence of 100 months in federal prison followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Gray received a sentence of 42 months in federal prison followed by a two-year term of supervised release. A restitution hearing will be set by United States District Judge Laurie Michelson, at which time the court will determine the amount of restitution each defendant will be required to pay back to the victims.
"Holley and Gray deliberately misled investors to convince them to turn over their savings,” said Acting US Attorney Mohsin. "Investors should not be lulled into trusting an investment advisor just because they know them or because they are a member of an organization to which they belong.”
“Today’s sentencing is another reminder that when an investor promises not only extraordinarily high returns, but also guaranteed returns, it’s too good to be true,” said Brian Thomas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to investigating Ponzi schemes similar to that of Holley and Gray’s and will aggressively act to protect American taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”
According to court records, Gray and Holley, who was a pastor at Abundant Life Ministries in Flint, operated Treasure Enterprise, LLC, which fraudulently purported to provide financial planning and asset management services to investors. Holley and Gray solicited many of the victim investors at financial seminars held at churches throughout Michigan and other states.
As alleged in the indictment, in order to lure the potential investors, many of whom took their money out of legitimate investments–such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s–Holley and Gray promised high, guaranteed returns, and the safe return of an investor’s entire principal at the end of the investment period. The money, however, was not invested and did not earn the profits to pay the guaranteed interest payments. Instead, Holley and Gray, and others directed by them, simply deposited the victim investor funds into Treasure’s bank accounts and then used the money for their personal benefit, for the benefit of Abundant Life Ministries, to make interest and principal payments to earlier investors, and to pay other Treasure employees.
Both Holley and Gray pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud on July 8, 2019 and May 28, 2019, respectively. Sentencing was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ann Nee and Anthony Vance.
Gloversville Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Pipe Bomb ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Darling, age 42, of Gloversville, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing firearms as a felon and unlawful possession of six pipe bombs.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Darling was arrested on February 14, 2021, after police had been called to his residence to conduct a welfare check. Police seized six operable pipe bombs from the home. At the time of his arrest, police also recovered two firearms and ammunition, which Darling was prohibited from possessing as a result of a felony burglary conviction.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for February 4, 2022 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, at which time Darling faces up to 10 years in prison, as well as a fine up to $250,000, and post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on a particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Darling has been in custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Gloversville Police Department, the New York State Police, ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert A. Sharpe.
Georgian Pleads Guilty to Child Porn DistributionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former truck driver and Georgia resident has pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography.
Stanley Joseph Weaver, 60, formerly of McDonough (Henry County), Georgia, and currently of Jackson (Butts County), Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on Oct. 6. Weaver faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, no less than five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and registration as a sex offender upon release from prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022.
“Stanley Weaver distributed hundreds of thousands of images of child pornography, fully immersed in an online world which feeds off the pain and suffering of innocent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold Weaver, and other child predators, accountable for their criminal roles exploiting and victimizing children.”
"A child is victimized every single time pornographic images of that child are shared, and in this case, it was hundreds of thousands of times," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "That's why the FBI makes it a high priority to remove predators like Weaver from our everyday society, unable to inflict any more pain and suffering on innocent children."
According to court documents, FBI agents determined Weaver distributed child pornography on publicly available peer to peer sharing software to FBI undercover agents on multiple occasions, most recently on Jan. 12, 2021. Weaver was taken into custody on Jan. 23. Weaver shared a total of 342,756 files (524.8 GB) of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, sadomasochism, infants and toddlers during two interactions with undercover agents plus a combined 54 images and six videos of child pornography during two more interactions with a foreign law enforcement partner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales and Criminal Chief Michael Solis are prosecuting the case.
Geddes Resident Admits Making False Statements to U.S. Immigration OfficialsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Chasib Hafedeh Saadoon Al Fawadi (“Al Fawadi”), 36, an Iraqi citizen residing in Geddes, New York, pled guilty on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, to making false statements in a U.S immigration application for permanent residency, and making false statements to U.S. immigration officials during an oral interview for permanent residency, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Al Fawadi admitted that in a written application given to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in Syracuse, New York, on June 8, 2017, he falsely denied being a member of any group engaged in violent activities. Al Fawadi’ statement was false because while living in Iraq, he was a member of As’ib Ahl al-Haq, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia and paramilitary organization. Also, as part of his guilty plea, Al Fawadi admitted that he falsely reaffirmed his previous written statements during an in-person oral interview with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in Syracuse on April 9, 2019.
Sentencing in this case is scheduled for March 8, 2022, in Binghamton, New York, at which time Al Fawadi faces a maximum of up to 10 years for his false written statements, and up to 5 years imprisonment for his false oral statements to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.00 on each count of conviction, and a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Al Fawadi remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending the imposition of sentence.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer.
Fresno Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Fresno man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly, and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had — and will continue to have — on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators, and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
The case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fresno Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Fresno man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly, and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had — and will continue to have — on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators, and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
The case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Former Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Conpsiring to Obtain PUA Benefits while IncarceratedRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six months imprisonment followed by a two-year term of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Jamelle Fairfax, age 33.
In order to combat the devastating impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. Individuals are eligible for PUA if they were unemployed due to the pandemic and could accept a job if one were offered.
While incarcerated at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Fayette, the defendant conspired to obtain PUA benefits. Due to his incarceration, the defendant was unemployed and unemployable for reasons unrelated to the pandemic. Nevertheless, the defendant’s jail call recordings prove that he conspired with another to falsify material facts in a PUA application filed in the defendant’s name. Specifically, the conspirators certified that Jamelle Fairfax was available to work and was only unemployed due to COVID-19. The total amount paid on the claim was $11,100.00, which was money allocated to individuals in need of financial assistance during the global pandemic. The defendant was ordered to pay restitution for this amount.
“Jamelle Fairfax conspired to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program by having his co-conspirator fraudulently file for and receive benefits on his behalf while Fairfax was incarcerated at SCI Fayette. The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General is grateful for our partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and our many law enforcement partners. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued efforts to prosecute those who violate public benefit programs and commit fraud,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fairfax.
Former Nantucket Bank Employee Pleads Guilty to Role in Two Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Nantucket Bank employee pleaded guilty today to her role in two fraud conspiracies.
Rushell Harris, 32, of Nantucket, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2022. Harris was charged on Sept. 16, 2021.
Between approximately June 2014 and November 2018, Harris engaged in two separate wire fraud conspiracies. In the first conspiracy, Harris exploited her position at Nantucket Bank by obtaining personally identifiable information of a customer and surreptitiously taking photographs of the victim’s account information. Harris then shared that information with co-conspirators who attempted to transfer funds out of the customer’s bank account without authorization.
In the second conspiracy, Harris helped perpetuate a fraudulent lottery scheme targeting at least 13 victims. According to the charging documents, victims were contacted by co-conspirators via phone and informed that they won large prizes, and that in order to receive the funds they needed to pre-pay taxes on their winnings. In reality, no such prizes existed. After victims made an initial payment, they were advised that additional advance payments were required for expenses such as insurance, transportation or other international customs’ fees. Harris and her co-conspirators transferred proceeds of the scheme to associates in Jamaica and in the United States.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nantucket Police Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Gardena Police Officer Again Found Guilty of Operating Unlicensed Firearms BusinessRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – At the conclusion of a second trial prompted by an earlier conviction being overturned, a former Gardena Police officer has been found guilty of federal charges for scheming to purchase “off-roster” firearms not available to the general public and then illegally reselling the firearms for profit.
A federal jury on Thursday convicted Edward Yasushiro Arao, 51, of Eastvale, of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and a substantive count of engaging in an unlicensed firearms business.
According to the evidence presented during a four-day trial, Arao and his co-conspirator, former Gardena Police officer Carlos Fernandez, 46, of Norwalk, exploited their positions as police officers to operate an illegal gun-selling business.
As part of the scheme, Arao purchased “off-roster” firearms – all Colt .38 Super-caliber handguns that were not available to the general public, but which could be legally purchased by law enforcement officers – through Ronin Tactical Group, a federal firearms licensee that Arao owned and operated. Arao then transferred the guns to himself individually from the inventory of Ronin Tactical Group and re-sold 41 of these weapons to non-law enforcement officers. Similarly, Fernandez obtained multiple “off-roster” weapons, which he re-sold to the general public through Ronin Tactical Group. Through messages on Instagram and via other means, Arao and Fernandez negotiated the prices and terms of firearm sales, and then delivered the guns and accepted payment, often in cash.
In a previous trial in November 2019, a federal jury found Arao guilty of the same two felony charges and found Fernandez guilty of conspiracy, selling firearms to a convicted felon, engaging in an unlicensed firearms business, and making false statements in federal firearms licensing paperwork.
In March 2020, United States District Judge S. James Otero sentenced Fernandez to 33 months in federal prison. At the same time, Judge Otero ordered a new trial for Arao after determining the two defendants should not have been tried together.
Arao is scheduled to be sentenced on January 21, 2022 by United States District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, who took over the case after Judge Otero retired. At sentencing, Arao will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Previously in this case, six other defendants who illegally purchased firearms from Arao and Fernandez pleaded guilty and were sentenced, with two of those defendants being ordered to serve time in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. The Gardena Police Department provided its full cooperation during the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica Dragalin and Cassie D. Palmer of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Former Erie Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in jail to be followed by 10 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to two separate victims on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Adam Gregory Ryzinski, 43.
According to information presented to the court, Ryzinski received and possessed tens of thousands of computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors, as young as infants and toddlers, being sexually abused.
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ryzinski.
Former Cleveland City Councilman Sentenced to 6 Years and Ordered to Pay $746k in Restitution After Conviction of Federal Program Theft, Tax Violations, Witness Tampering and Falsifying RecordsRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that former City of Cleveland Councilman Kenneth Johnson was sentenced today by Judge John R. Adams to six years imprisonment. Johnson was found guilty by a jury on July 30, 2021, of conspiracy to commit federal program theft, federal program theft, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, tampering with a witness and falsification of records in a federal investigation.
Garnell Jamison was also sentenced today by Judge Adams to five years imprisonment following his conviction on the same date of conspiracy to commit federal program theft, federal program theft, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, tampering with a witness and falsification of records in a federal investigation.
In addition, Judge Adams ordered Johnson Jamison to pay total restitution in the amount of $746,839.38 to the IRS and HUD.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, from January of 2010 through October of 2018, Johnson and Jamison devised a scheme to induce the City of Cleveland to issue reimbursement checks to Johnson for Ward 4 services that were never actually performed. Court records established that during this time frame, the City issued $1,200 monthly expense reimbursement checks to Johnson totaling approximately $127,200. Each reimbursement check from the City was deposited into Johnson’s personal bank account.
Johnson was also convicted of personally benefiting from federal Community Development Funds distributed to the Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation (BSSDC) from the City of Cleveland. From in or around December 2013 to in or around March 2018, prosecutors proved that the BSSDC issued approximately $50,000 in checks distributed to third-parties, which were later deposited or transferred the funds into bank accounts held or controlled by Johnson. Federal regulations prohibited Johnson, or his family members, from personally benefiting from these funds.
Furthermore, for the calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, Johnson and Jamison submitted false and fraudulent Individual Income Tax Returns to the Internal Revenue Service.
Evidence and testimony during the trial proved that Johnson and Jamison knew that the returns fraudulently understated Johnson’s total income by failing to report additional income and by inflating the value of Johnson’s itemized deductions.
Johnson and Jamison were also convicted of attempting to persuade and influence the testimony of a grand jury witness by providing that person with false and fraudulent information and records purporting to document charitable donations made by Johnson and falsifying a donation receipt with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence an investigation.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Seabury Gould and Megan R. Miller.
Felon Charged with Unlawful Possession of 21 FirearmsRead the Press Release
A Dallas man has been charged with unlawful possession of more than 20 firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.
Kevion Deshaun Rogers, 27, was indicted Tuesday on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to the indictment, Mr. Rogers – who’d been previously convicted of multiple drug charges as well as evading arrest – allegedly possessed 21 weapons unlawfully, including 10 Glock pistols, three AM-15 pistols, two Smith & Wesson rifles, and a German Sports Guns Kalashnikov.
Court documents show he was arrested on Sept. 11, 2021 with an empty handgun holster strapped to his left leg. Although he denied having a weapon on him, law enforcement located two handguns, including a loaded 9mm Glock, stashed in the steering wheel column cover, and a 50 round drum magazine full of ammunition on the rear passenger floorboard.
According to the indictment, Mr. Rogers also allegedly possessed and intended to distribute marijuana.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Rogers is presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 19 ½ years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Winn is prosecuting the case.
Federal Officials Close Review of the Officer-Involved Shooting of Jacob BlakeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it will not pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against a Kenosha Police Department (KPD) officer for his involvement in the Aug. 23, 2020, shooting of 30-year-old Jacob Blake.
Officials from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin informed representatives of the Blake family of this determination. The department makes this decision because the evidence obtained is insufficient to prove that the KPD officer willfully used excessive force.
A team of experienced federal prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office reviewed evidence obtained by the FBI and state investigators to determine whether the police officer violated any federal laws, focusing on the application of deprivation of rights under color of law, a federal criminal civil rights statute that prohibits certain types of official misconduct. They conducted a detailed and lengthy analysis of numerous materials, including police reports, law enforcement accounts, witness statements, affidavits of witnesses, dispatch logs, physical evidence reports, photographs and videos of some portions of the incident.
Under the applicable federal criminal civil rights laws, prosecutors must establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that an officer “willfully” deprived an individual of a constitutional right, meaning that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. This is the highest standard of intent imposed by the law. Neither accident, mistake, fear, negligence, nor bad judgment is sufficient to establish a willful federal criminal civil rights violation.
After a careful and thorough review, a team of experienced federal prosecutors determined that insufficient evidence exists to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the KPD officer willfully violated the federal criminal civil rights statutes. Accordingly, the review of this incident has been closed without a federal prosecution.
Federal Jury Convicts San Diego Man for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 8, 2021
SAN DIEGO – Perry Edward Davis, aged 45, of San Diego, California was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of distributing the fetanyl that resulted in the death of Joshua Chambers, who was 25 years old when he overdosed. The verdict, delivered after less than two hours of jury deliberations, followed a trial before U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns.
Chambers was one of three individuals who collapsed on December 21, 2019, at approximately 2:30 a.m., outside the QuarterDeck Cocktail Bar in El Cajon, with surveillance footage capturing the entire scenario. Paramedics and first responders quickly identified the mass-collapse as an opioid overdose and administered Narcan – a medication designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose – to all three subjects. Two of the individuals were revived and recovered, but Chambers never regained consciousness. He was declared deceased at approximately 3:39 a.m.
The investigation revealed that the three individuals had ingested what they believed was cocaine by snorting a “line” in Chambers’ vehicle shortly before each collapsed. Laboratory testing of a baggie found in the vehicle showed that the baggie contained cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
Through text messages, cell-site location data, witness interviews and other evidence, investigators determined that, shortly before the three collapsed, at approximately 1:45 a.m., Chambers and one of the individuals who later collapsed travelled to a location near Perry Davis’ residence in the Clairemont area, at which point Davis supplied Chambers with the baggie containing the deadly fentanyl mixture. Chambers and the other individual then returned to the parking lot of the QuarterDeck where they, along with a third person, used the substance. Investigators also learned that Davis was Chambers’ regular cocaine dealer and had sold cocaine to Chambers in the same location on other occasions. At trial, the defense contended that the evidence was insufficient to demonstrate that Davis had supplied Chambers with the baggie containing the deadly fentanyl mixture and that Chambers’ death may have resulted from a potentially deadly cocaine/alcohol mixture and not from the fentanyl.
A Board Certified Medical Toxicologist/Emergency Medine doctor called by the Government testified that the actual cause of Chambers’ death was the fentanyl and that, but for his use of the fentanyl, Chambers would not have died. Explaining his conclusion, the expert relied – in part – on the surveillance footage of the collapses, which he testified reflected classic symptoms of an opioid overdose. As to the source of the fentanyl mixture, the texts and phone calls between Chambers and Davis reflected that they met less than an hour before the collapses and witness testimony established that it was during that meeting that Chambers bought the baggie that he believed contained only cocaine.
“Davis endangered three young adults and caused a mass overdose when he sold Joshua Chamber cocaine laced with deadly fentanyl,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “While our dedicated first responders were able to save two lives, Davis must be held to account for the death of Joshua, whose family and friends will bear the devastating weight of his loss for the rest of the lives.” Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman praised prosecutors Larry Casper and Shauna Prewitt as well as the El Cajon Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and agents from Narcotics Task Force Team 10, a multi-agency team that was created in July 2018 to address drug overdose deaths in San Diego, for their efforts on this case.
Davis is set to be sentenced on January 10, 2022, by Judge Burns. This case was handled in court by Assistant United States Attorneys Larry Casper and Shauna Prewitt.
DEFENDANT Case Number 20-CR-2500-LAB
Perry Edward Davis Age: 45 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGE TO WHICH GUILTY PLEA ENTERED
Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(2) and (b)(1)(C)
Maximum Penalty – Mandatory Minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
El Cajon Police Department
Narcotics Task Force Team 10
Federal Jury Convicts Hopkins Man of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted a Hopkins man for tax evasion after failing to file income tax returns since 1997, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Following a five-day trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson, Daniel Berglund, 64, was convicted on all four counts of tax evasion.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between approximately 1987 and 2017, Berglund was the owner and sole employee of Faith Software (FAITH) where he worked as a computer language instructor. Despite earning a substantial income annually through FAITH, Berglund did not file any individual income tax returns since 1997, and never once filed a corporate tax return of any kind on behalf of FAITH. Proving that he was well aware of his tax obligations, Berglund took numerous steps to hide his income from the IRS, including giving his FAITH clients a fabricated Tax Identification Number to prevent their payments from being reported to the IRS as income attributable to him, depositing clients’ payments into accounts where the funds would not be traceable to him, and converting his income into silver that he stashed in concealed locations in his home. Berglund’s evasion resulted in a total tax debt of approximately $146,806.
Berglund faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 per count. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of IRS Field Collections.
This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert and Kimberly A. Svendsen.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- OctoberRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October 2021 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Tobie Briggs. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Briggs, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and with possessing firearms to further his drug trafficking crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-453
Chance Eugene Crawford. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Crawford, 28, of Talala, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 9mm pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-444
William Troy Crites. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Crites, 46, of Colcord, allegedly coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity on Aug 3, 2021. He is further charged with sexually abusing the minor on Aug. 27, 2021. The FBI and Cherokee Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-445
Dillon Kyle Crittenden. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Crittenden, 26, of Tulsa, allegedly discharged a firearm at the victim on Sept. 11, 2021. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-436
Patrick Wayne McHenry. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of an Unregistered Weapon Made From a Shotgun. McHenry, 28, of Muskogee, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin 12-guage bolt-action weapon made from a shotgun and ammunition. He is further charged with possessing the modified shotgun, which had not been registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Brasher and Mark R. Morgan are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-455
Dustin Kenneth Oxford. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Stalking in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Oxford, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with strangling an intimate partner on April 30, 2021. He is also charged with striking the victim with a firearm on Aug. 13, 2021. Oxford is further charged with stalking the victim from April 30, 2021, to Sept. 9, 2021. Finally, he is charged with being a felon in possession of a Taurus .38 caliber pistol. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Gina S. Gilmore are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-446
Bradley Curtis Scruggins. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Scruggins, 52, of Bartlesville, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner by strangling the victim. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Steven J. Briden are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-437
Andrew Thomas Stevens. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Counts 1 and 2). Stevens, 21, of Skiatook, is charged with strangling an intimate partner on Feb. 10, 2021, and Feb. 23, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-447
Dustin Kyle Sund. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Sund, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm Luger caliber pistol and associated ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-456
Christian Joshua Wilson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Counts 1); Felon in Possession of Ammunition (Counts 2,3). Wilson, 21, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Springfield .45 caliber pistol. He is further charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of Sellier and Bellot .45 caliber ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-341
Deundrea O’Brian Woodard. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. Woodard, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of an ATA Arms 12-guarge shotgun and associated ammunition. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-438
EDVA Announces over $33 Million in Justice Department Grants to Assist Victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh announced today the awarding of over $33 million in U.S. Department of Justice grants to 26 Virginia-based public and non-profit organizations to fund programs that help address violence against women.
“These grants will provide critical funding and essential services to vulnerable communities, especially women, individuals with disabilities, and immigrants who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to not only bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice in our courts, but also strengthen the impactful work that is financed by grants to educate our communities and provide much needed resources to support survivors during the healing process and beyond.”
The Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) selected 26 organizations from across the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) to receive over $33.3 million provided through 42 separate grants. The grants are provided to allow the organizations to better address a wide variety of needs and issues facing victims of domestic and sexual violence, such as increasing the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance, accommodating victims with disabilities or hearing impairment, and providing organizations expertise and support.
The recipients of these OVW grants in EDVA include state government entities that provide services throughout the Commonwealth, such as the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Judiciary Courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and non-governmental organizations that provide technical training and assistance nationwide, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Center for State Courts, and the National Center for Victims of Crime. Additional grant recipients include local government entities in EDVA, such as Arlington, Fairfax, James City, Loudoun, and Spotsylvania County, and the City of Norfolk, along with the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe.
In addition, OVW awarded grants in EDVA to universities to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus, including the College of William & Mary, Norfolk State University, the University of Mary Washington, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Multiple non-profit organizations that provide direct services to victims and survivors in EDVA also received funding, including Alteristic, Boat People S.O.S., the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, Empowerhouse, the Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, the Tahirih Justice Center, the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, and the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.
The over $33 million in grants awarded to Virginia-based organizations is part of more than $476 million in OVW grants awarded to support projects that meaningfully address the needs of underserved and marginalized survivors, improve access to justice, enhance survivor safety, hold accountable those who have caused harm, and provide training and technical assistance to an array of professionals and systems working to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in every state and territory, as well as dozens of tribal communities.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 5 YearsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Anastacio Alvarez-Lion, 41, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Alvarez-Lion previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine and to illegal reentry after removal.
The investigation into the case revealed that Alvarez-Lion operated as an “arete” (trusted supervisor) for a Mexican based drug trafficking organization. Alvarez-Lion served as a guide and supervisor for a group of Mexican nationals who transported narcotics into the United States by means of backpacks. Alvarez-Lion was arrested on June 30, 2020 in Tucson after delivering a load of narcotics to a trusted courier. Agents arrested Alvarez-Lion in a vehicle that had three backpacks containing approximately 1.46 kilograms of cocaine, 342.5 grams of heroin, and 19.19 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded handgun magazine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the United States Border Patrol. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 20-2246-02-TUC-RM (LCK)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021- 069_Alvarez-Lion# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.District Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Killing One Woman and Wounding AnotherRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Vaughn Kosh, 50, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for killing one woman and shooting another after breaking into a neighbor’s apartment in Northeast Washington, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Kosh pleaded guilty in July 2021, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and simple assault. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon prison term of 15 to 20 years. The Honorable Marisa Demeo accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Following his prison term, Kosh will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 7, 2019, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Kosh accosted a man who was entering an apartment building in the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue NE. He then forced his way into an apartment unit that the man was entering. During this assault, Kosh fired a shot at the man and then stabbed him with a knife. The man then raced outside to summon police.
In addition to the man, three people were inside the apartment at the time that Kosh barged inside: Alayna Howard, who was an amputee, her 12-year-old son, and Ms. Howard's female relative. Kosh first shot the female relative – who was sitting in a wheelchair in the living room – in the face and neck and then went to the bedroom and fatally shot Ms. Howard. The child pleaded, “Please don’t get me,” and Kosh responded, “If I wanted to get you, I would like I did your mom.”
Ms. Howard, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene. Kosh was arrested soon after the shootings in another apartment in the building.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Forensic Interviewer Tracy Owusu, Victim/Witness Advocate Marcey Rinker, and Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Siegerist. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Trigoso and Prava Palacharla, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Court Enters Permanent Injunction Shutting Down Fraudulent Psychic Mail Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a permanent injunction against three individuals and two companies who had been operating an international mail fraud scheme. The order bars defendants from operating or otherwise engaging in a psychic mailing scheme and, more broadly, from engaging in any mass-mail or prize promotion marketing in the United States, the Justice Department announced.
As alleged in the complaint, Robert Lhez, Mireille Dayer and Julie Poulleau, all residents of France, utilized corporate defendants Arcana Center, a Delaware corporation, and Partners VAD International Sàrl, a Swiss corporation, to facilitate and promote various psychic mail fraud schemes. In particular, the complaint alleges that the defendants mailed hundreds of thousands of solicitations purportedly sent on behalf of individuals or companies offering psychic, clairvoyant or astrological services to recipients throughout the United States. These solicitations were riddled with false and misleading statements that gave the false impression that in exchange for payment of a small fee, typically of $45 or $50, the individual recipient would come into good fortune resulting in an imminent financial windfall though the lottery, inheritance or other game of chance. The complaint further alleged that tens of thousands of victims, primarily the elderly or vulnerable, sent payments totaling millions of dollars to defendants. From March 2017 to June 2018 alone, victims sent in more than 34,000 payments, for a total of more than $1.4 million. These victims, however, never received the promised benefit.
“The Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to investigate and bring cases to stop mass mailing fraud when it arises,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Individuals who perpetrate fraud schemes like those at issue here must be held accountable.”
“Beyond financial losses, predatory fraud schemes like this one lead to immense emotional suffering for victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida. “We urge the public to question promotions that seem too good to be true and immediately report suspected fraud to law enforcement.”
“Thursday’s defendants have been known to Postal Inspectors for years, constantly changing their fraudulent schemes in the attempt to stay one step ahead of the law,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “The permanent injunctions make it clear, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners will peel back the layers until we find the individuals behind these schemes and hold them accountable."
Under the terms of the consent decree and final judgment, defendants agreed to be permanently barred from sending any mass mail marketing material to the United States, including any pieces referencing psychic services and prizes, as well as from participating in such activities by serving as a consultant or working for a company engaged in those efforts. Defendants also agreed to be prohibited from selling or leasing lists of U.S. residents who have responded to these and similar solicitations. The order also granted the U.S. Postal Service the ability to detain any mail responding to defendants’ solicitations and return, where possible, money to victims.
The government is represented by Trial Attorneys Ann Entwistle and Yolanda McCray Jones of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Weinkle for the Southern District of Florida. The United States Postal Inspection Service provided investigative support.
The department’s extensive and broad-based efforts to combat elder fraud seeks to halt the billions of dollars seniors lose to fraud schemes, including those perpetrated by transnational criminal organizations. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Delhi Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Scheme to Defraud the USDA's Summer Food Service ProgramRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Corey Roshel Powell, age 43, of Delhi, Louisiana, to 29 months in federal prison following his conviction for a scheme to defraud the USDA’s summer food service program. The Court further sentenced Powell to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Powell owned and operated The NELLA Foundation (NELLA), a non-profit organization domiciled in Darrow, Louisiana, which served as a sponsor for the SFSP. Over the course of the summers of 2014 and 2015, Powell and his co-defendant, Janie Johnson Smith, inflated the number of meals NELLA purportedly served to low-income children and submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement based on the inflated numbers. Powell and Smith also falsified program documents to support the false claims for reimbursement. Once the funds were transmitted to NELLA, Powell and Smith used SFSP funds for their own personal expenses such as car and rent payments, or withdrew the funds as cash. Additionally, Powell and Smith ordered food for NELLA’s purported operations through lines of credit obtained with food distribution companies, and once reimbursed for these expenses by the Louisiana Department of Education, the two defaulted on the lines of credit and instead converted the funds for their own personal use and financial gain. Over a two year period, NELLA submitted and received approximately $265,000 in SFSP funds.
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded child nutrition program that is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. The SFSP is designed to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session.
Acting U.S. Attorney Travis stated, “The conviction and sentence of Mr. Powell reaffirms our commitment to protect government programs intended for those who truly need assistance. I want to thank our prosecutor, the FBI, and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General for their work on this case.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that individuals like Mr. Corey Roshel Powell, who brazenly steal from children in need, will be held accountable. Mr. Powell, out of personal greed, committed fraud against USDA Summer Foods Service Program which is designed to provide children in low-income areas nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Louisiana and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice."
Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “The federal prison sentence imposed upon Mr. Powell today is entirely appropriate in light of his brazen theft of over a quarter million dollars intended to feed hungry children. We will never tolerate such callous disregard for the welfare of children, and today’s sentence hopefully sends that message.” Street added, “I want to thank acting United States Attorney Ellison Travis and his staff for their work on this prosecution, as well as our partners at the FBI.”
This matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Craig.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 108 months in prison for Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Lee was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Quashawn Terrell Lee, age 22, was identified when law enforcement was dispatched to Castlewood Apartments in Davenport in response to a shots-fired call. Upon reviewing the apartment complex’s surveillance video, detectives identified the shooter as Lee. Lee fired approximately four rounds at a vehicle leaving the parking lot. Lee’s intended target, a gang rival, was an occupant of that vehicle. In the background were numerous bystanders, including at least eight children under the age of ten years old. One round that Lee fired went through the rear window and windshield of a parked vehicle in the immediate vicinity of that crowd of bystanders. As a convicted felon, Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Lee pleaded guilty on May 17, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Darcie N. McElwee Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the District of MaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine—The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Darcie N. McElwee has taken the oath of office to become the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. U.S. Attorney McElwee was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on August 10, 2021, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 5, 2021. President Biden signed her commission on October 8, 2021. She took the oath of office today from Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy.
U.S. Attorney McElwee said, “I am thrilled and honored to lead a district of federal law enforcement professionals, in partnership with our state and local counterparts, who work hard in the pursuit of justice. It is important to me that every person in Maine feels safe—and lives free from fear, violence, and hate in any form. I look forward to getting out in the communities of every corner of the state to do a great deal of listening and learning, while focused on the priorities of the Department of the Justice and the President.”
U.S. Attorney McElwee is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the District of Maine. She oversees a staff of 54 employees and contractors located in Portland and Bangor, including 27 attorneys, 24 non-attorney support personnel and three contractors. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
U.S. Attorney McElwee grew up in Caribou. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maine beginning in 2002. She primarily prosecuted violent crimes such as sex trafficking, interstate domestic violence and child sexual exploitation, as well as firearms and arson offenses. She also served as the district Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator for approximately 16 years. She began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties from 1998 to 2002.
U.S. Attorney McElwee is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She is also a member of the Maine Trial Lawyers Association and a past president of the Cumberland Bar Association. She has served on the adjunct faculty of the University of Maine School of Law and at the Maine Trial Lawyers College of Advocacy. She is a 1995 graduate of Bowdoin College and a 1998 graduate of the University of Maine School of Law.
Cocaine Base Distribution Charges Filed Against Two Defendants Operating in Burlington, VermontRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Tyrish Stevenson, also known as “Skip,” 47, and Christopher Rivers, also known as “Q,” 27, both of Brooklyn, NY appeared today in United States District Court in Burlington for an arraignment on a two-count indictment charging them with the distribution of cocaine base.
According to court documents, the Burlington Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, conducted an investigation into multiple individuals engaged in the distribution of narcotics in Burlington, Vermont. The Burlington Police Department conducted purchases of cocaine base from Stevenson and Rivers in September 2021.
On September 23, 2021, the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Stevenson and Rivers and executed a Vermont state search warrant at an apartment that Stevenson and Rivers had been using in Burlington, Vermont. In the apartment, law enforcement seized over 40 grams of cocaine base and over 18 grams of fentanyl as well as a Mossberg .410 shotgun and a Savage Arms .22 long rifle.
Stevenson and Rivers initially appeared before a federal Judge at U.S. District Court in Burlington on September 24 and September 27, 2021 respectively, for their initial appearances on criminal complaints and were subsequently ordered detained pending trial.
The charges against Stevenson and Rivers are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.
Stevenson is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth. Rivers is represented by Kevin M. Henry, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman represents the United States.
Central Arkansas Group Sentenced to over 20 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The final member of a central Arkansas group has been sentenced to federal prison for the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In January 2019, Detectives with the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force launched an investigation into drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. Between the months of January and June of 2019, detectives conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from John Rickey Stinger and members of his drug trafficking organization.
The sentencings are as follows:
Kenneth Traylor, age 60, of Malvern, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Krista Graves, age 27, of Malvern, Arkansas, was sentenced June 25, 2020 to 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
John Rickey Stinger, age 36, of Malvern, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 23, 2020 to 121 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Joshua Tollett, age 40, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 23, 2020 to 18 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, and the 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.
Carla B. Freedman is Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Northern District of New YorkRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carla B. Freedman became the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York this morning, upon being sworn in by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby at the federal courthouse in Syracuse. Ms. Freedman is the first woman confirmed for this position.
Ms. Freedman was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on August 10, 2021 and confirmed by the Senate on October 5, 2021. President Biden signed her commission on October 7, 2021.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman stated: “After 14 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, I am honored to lead the incredible lawyers and staff in our office as we represent the criminal and civil interests of the United States. Our guideposts will continue to be fairness and equal justice for all. We will also continue our efforts to reduce gun violence, protect civil rights, safeguard our national security, and build relationships with community groups throughout the Northern District of New York.”
Ms. Freedman previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Syracuse office of the Northern District of New York from 2007 through 2021. She was a Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Narcotics Chief from February 2018 through 2021. She also served as Deputy Narcotics Chief from 2016 through 2018.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Freedman was an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for 16 years. She was the Chief of the Asian Gang Unit from 1997 through 2004.
Ms. Freedman has prosecuted a wide array of crimes and offenses during her career with a focus on organized crime, violent crime, and drug trafficking offenses including, since 2009, illegal distribution of controlled substance analogues and newly scheduled synthetic drugs.
Ms. Freedman grew up in Syracuse. She earned her law degree from New York Law School, and her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University.
California Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Scheming to Defraud Afghan Government on U.S.-Funded ContractRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former Orange County resident has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the government of Afghanistan out of more than $110 million in funds provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to construct an electrical grid in Afghanistan.
Saed Ismail Amiri, 38, who now lives in the Northern California community of Granite Bay, but who resided in Irvine at the time of the offense, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. after pleading guilty in April to one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Amiri was at various times either the owner or senior consultant of Assist Consultants Inc. (ACI). In or around January 2015, USAID, in connection with the U.S. effort to assist Afghanistan and its people, authorized the national power utility of Afghanistan, Da’ Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), to solicit bids on a U.S.-funded contract to construct five electric power substations. Bids were sought only from companies that had substantial experience building electric power substations. Specifically, the contract criteria required bidders, such as ACI, to have previously worked on two electric substations of 220 kilovolts or more.
In 2015 and 2016, Amiri, ACI employees, and others engaged in a scheme to obtain the contract by submitting a false work history and fraudulent supporting documents in an effort to deceive DABS into believing that ACI met the required contract criteria. In July 2015, ACI submitted a bid on the contract for $112,292,241, which underbid its competitors by more than $20 million. In the bid, ACI stated that it had worked as a subcontractor to a prime contractor on two 220 kilovolt substations for a cement factory in Uganda and a textile company in Nigeria. In fact, the alleged prime contractor was a fictitious company that ACI had invented and controlled, ACI had never worked to build a substation in Africa, and neither the Ugandan cement factory nor the Nigerian textile company existed.
In February 2016, after Amiri had returned to Southern California and after DABS had requested supporting documents to verify ACI’s work history, Amiri sent emails to co-conspirators, some of which advised that some of them would need to go to Uganda and Nigeria to obtain false documents to respond to DABS.
After again leaving the United States, Amiri emailed DABS documents he knew were false and altered, including ACI’s purported subcontract to work on the Ugandan substation, photographs, false bank records, and a bogus letter purporting to be from a Ugandan government official.
After submitting the fake records to DABS, Amiri met with U.S. law enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan and falsely stated, among other things, that he had learned the prior month that ACI had bid on the contract. Shortly thereafter, Amiri withdrew ACI’s bid. In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Amiri also falsely stated that another ACI employee had submitted the false documents to DABS, when in truth and in fact, Amiri had emailed the false documents himself.
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) and USAID’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Mitchell of the Major Frauds Section and Justice Department Trial Attorney Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case
Caldwell Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Caldwell man was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court records, Alejandro T. Batriz, 37, of Caldwell, was the front passenger in a car traveling on Ash Street in Caldwell. Caldwell Police officers attempted a traffic stop, but the car fled. Caldwell Police blocked the car in the drive of the West Valley Medical center and the car struck a police vehicle. Batriz exited the front passenger seat and ran on foot. While running from police, Batriz reached into his front pocket and dropped a Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number—along with a black backpack that contained 9mm ammunition—in a gutter. The firearm was loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber. After a foot pursuit, Caldwell Police apprehended Batriz and discovered a loaded magazine containing 9mm ammunition in his pocket. Caldwell Police also recovered a loaded magazine containing 9mm ammunition approximately 50 feet from the car.
Senior U.S. District Bill R. Wilson also ordered Batriz to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Batriz pleaded guilty to the charge on July 12, 2021.
Batriz is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction for Second Degree Robbery in California Superior Court in 2016.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges.
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Beaumont Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Charles Nicholas Lock, 34, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition today before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
“This case unfortunately shows why convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms and ammunition,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Project Safe Neighborhood prosecutions like this one demonstrate that the people of Jefferson County should not, and will not, accept the unreasonable risk of harm posed by armed felons in their community.”
According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2018, officers with the Port Arthur Police Department responded to an emergency call regarding an individual who had been shot inside a residence on 7th Street in Port Arthur. Upon arrival, they located the victim laying on a couch, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim told officers that he got into a verbal argument with Charles Lock, after which Lock fired three shots at him, striking him one time in the leg. Other witnesses reported seeing Lock flee the scene after the shooting. Officers located three spent .380 caliber shell casings on the floor of the residence where the shooting occurred. Further investigation revealed Lock has previously been convicted in October 2008 of possession of a controlled substance in Jefferson County, Texas, and as a convicted felon, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Lock was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 7, 2021. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Port Arthur Police Department and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced James Dorsey, age 36, of Baltimore, to 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on April 23, 2020, a Baltimore Police Department detective observed a vehicle with a Texas One Trip permit, which allows for the temporary movement of a vehicle subject to Texas registration laws and is valid for a period of 15 days from the effective date. The detective knew that these tags were often used fraudulently and confirmed that this one was invalid. After initiating a traffic stop, the detective noted the order of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Dorsey was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Dorsey did not possess a driver’s license and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
The detectives searched Dorsey’s person incident to his arrest and discovered several items including a tube and a small ziplock bag containing suspected marijuana. A search of the vehicle Dorsey was driving revealed a black plastic bag filled with empty vials, three cell phones, and two vials containing white rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine. Officers also located 45 gel caps that were subsequently determined to contain fentanyl and tramadol, a burnt cigar containing suspected marijuana, and a .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with three rounds of ammunition.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Dorsey admitted to being in the area of the marijuana and knowing that the gun was a .38 caliber firearm. Later, Dorsey made several inculpatory jail calls in which he stated that as he was being pulled over he “hurried up” and put “that stuff” in the glove compartment, so that he could “beat” the criminal charges.
The BPD Drug Analysis Unit tested the substances within all the recovered gelcaps and determined that the gelcaps contained fentanyl and tramadol. Further, the rock-like substance contained in the vials tested positive for cocaine.
Also as part of his plea Dorsey admitted that the control substances located in the vehicle were intended to be sold and distributed and that he knowingly possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Gallena, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and programs to combat gun crime, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile.
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45-Count Indictment Unsealed Charging 18 Individuals with Drug, Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia has brought federal charges against 18 individuals as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) on-going investigation into alleged drug trafficking in Southwest Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal grand jury returned a sealed, 45-count indictment on Sept. 16 alleging violations of drug conspiracy, drug distribution, drug possession with the intent to distribute, firearm possession by convicted felons and firearm possession during the commission of drug crimes. The indictment was unsealed on Monday, Oct. 4.
Juanjava Boggerty, 47, of Tifton, Georgia, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Five counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Bradrick Boston, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Two counts of distribution of cocaine base. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- Two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Rafon Carithers, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- Two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release for each count.
Jehmeil Carmichael, 34, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Clenton Davis, 32, of Ashburn, Georgia is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
Keilaysha Dixon, 22, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
Vontesha Dixon, 30, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Brian Foster, 29, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm made in violation of the national firearms act. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Dante Hille, 27, of Ashburn, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Darrell Mack, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
McKevor Mulkey, 31, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Six counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Dmya Norris, 24, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
Tevin Parker, 27, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Rishaun Richardson, 25, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a fine of $2 million, or both, and at least six years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a fine of $2 million, or both, and at least six years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Courtney Taylor, 38, of Tifton, Georgia is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Jala Taylor, 23, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Keyuntran Taylor, 21, of Ashburn, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Damarius Williams, 24, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Tifton Police Department, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Leah McEwen 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.