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Thursday 7 October 2021
Erek L. Barron Sworn-In as the 49th United States Attorney for the District of MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief United States District Judge James K. Bredar today swore in Erek L. Barron as the 49th United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.
As the United States Attorney, Mr. Barron is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the District of Maryland. Mr. Barron oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in the District of Maryland. He supervises an office of approximately 98 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 73 support personnel, who handle a high volume of cases including domestic and international terrorism, narcotics trafficking, organized crime, gang violence, public corruption, cybercrime, financial and healthcare fraud and civil rights violations.
Before taking office as the United States Attorney, Mr. Barron was a partner in a law firm in Maryland, with a focus on complex business and criminal litigation. Mr. Barron was also a member of the Maryland House of Delegates where he served as a member of the Maryland Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council and co-authored bipartisan legislation designed to enhance public safety, reduce corrections spending, and reinvest savings in evidence-based strategies to decrease crime and recidivism. Mr. Barron was also responsible for numerous legislative measures addressing criminal justice and behavioral health, including bills curbing opioid abuse and mandating treatment for opioid addiction and services for mentally ill individuals. Mr. Barron previously served as President-Elect of the Maryland State Bar Association and President of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association.
Mr. Barron began his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County and then Baltimore City, working primarily as a violent crime prosecutor. He continued his public service as a Trial Attorney in the United States Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, where he handled regional and national gang and organized crime investigations and prosecutions. He then served as Counsel and Policy Advisor to then-Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on the United States Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, where he focused on law enforcement, crime policy and oversight of the United States Department of Justice.
Mr. Barron received his B.A. degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1996 and received his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1999. In 2007, Mr. Barron earned an advanced law degree, focused on International and National Security Law, from Georgetown University Law Center.
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Elyria Man Sentenced to Thirteen and a Half Years for Coordinating Armed Gas Station RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Jonathan Donnell, 33, of Elyria, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge John R. Adams to thirteen and a half years imprisonment after Donnell was found guilty by a jury of interference with commerce by robbery and using or carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court records, on May 5, 2019, two masked men armed with handguns robbed a Marathon Gas on Huron Street in Elyria. The intruders stole approximately $30,000 in cash and cigarettes and bound a store employee with zip ties. Elyria Police Officers investigated the incident and later determined that Joseph Geiger and Michael Ward were responsible for the robbery.
While investigating the robbery, police learned that defendant Jonathan Donnell may also have been involved. Through further investigating, police learned that Donnell was responsible for planning the robbery and provided the other two defendants with the tools necessary to carry it out, including the guns, zip ties and gloves. Police further discovered that Donnell also drove both Ward and Geiger to a location near the robbery and was supposed to serve as the getaway driver; however, Donnell left before Ward and Geiger returned.
Joseph Geiger was sentenced by Judge Donald C. Nugent to thirteen years imprisonment for his role in the incident.
Michael Ward was sentenced by Judge Donald C. Nugent to nine years imprisonment for his role in the incident.
This case was investigated by the Elyria Police and the Cleveland FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
Eden Prairie Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Firearms Straw Purchasing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – An Eden Prairie man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing straw purchased firearms and possessing an unregistered firearm.
“Today’s sentencing reaffirms our office’s commitment to reducing gun violence and prosecuting violent offenders who put public safety at risk,” said Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, between June 15, 2020, and October 28, 2020, Damien Lashaun Nelson, 32, conspired with three women to illegally buy multiple firearms that he was prohibited from possessing because he is a convicted felon. One of the straw buyers, Melissa Hallich, 48, of Brooklyn Park, pleaded guilty to buying four guns on behalf of Nelson, including a Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, and two Sccy 9mm semi-automatic pistols. Hallich lied on the required ATF Forms 4473, stating that she was the actual purchaser of the guns when, in reality, Nelson gave her money and directed her to buy the guns. On October 22, 2020, Nelson also possessed a loaded Western Field, Model 30, 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun. Because he has multiple prior felony convictions in Dakota, Scott, and Hennepin Counties, Nelson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Nelson pleaded guilty on December 29, 2020, to one count of conspiracy and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. Hallich, who pleaded guilty on June 21, 2021, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery sentenced the defendant.
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 is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Human Trafficking Task Force, the Burnsville Police Department, and the Eden Prairie Police Department, with assistance from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin J. Bell, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This term of prison will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Bell pleaded guilty to this charge on July 14, 2021.
On October 16, 2020, West Central Drug Task Force officers purchased over 53 grams of methamphetamine from Bell through a confidential informant in Eau Claire.
On December 1, 2020, officers again purchased methamphetamine, this time roughly 13 grams, from Bell through a confidential informant in Eau Claire.
At the time of these incidents, Bell was on state supervision for four separate prior cases related to trafficking methamphetamine. His supervision in those cases was revoked and he is currently serving a state prison sentence with an expected release date of March 4, 2027. Judge Conley ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the state prison sentence.
In imposing the sentencing, Judge Conley highlighted Bell’s lengthy criminal history and continued involvement in drug trafficking, saying it was unacceptable and merited a significant sentence. Judge Conley noted that Bell’s history of selling drugs contributed to other addicts’ downfalls.
The charge against Bell was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire County Sheriffs’ Departments, Eau Claire Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Charles Moran, age 44, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Moran was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2021. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
Moran was convicted of a sex offense in 1997. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between November 18, 2020, and February 21, 2021, Moran failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Moran was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dual United States-Colombian Citizen Indicted for Producing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse Materials and Engaging in Child Sex TourismRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Hugo Espinosa Chavez (58, Tampa) with the production and possession of child sex abuse materials as well as foreign travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor child. If convicted on all counts, Espinosa faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. On October 5, 2021, Espinosa made his initial appearance in Tampa and was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the indictment, from May until December 2020, Espinosa employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor victim to produce depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Moreover, on December 12, 2020, Espinosa traveled from the United States to the Republic of Colombia for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with this minor.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, with substantial assistance from HSI Bogota, the Colombian National Police, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case 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.
Drug Traffickers Sentenced to 20 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH, Ark. – A Marshalltown IA, women and a Greenville MS, man were sentenced to 20 years combined in prison followed by five years each of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge P.K Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort smith.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2021, an Arkansas State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Kyla Nicole Forbes, age 47, for a traffic violation. The vehicle was also occupied by a front seat passenger named Malcolm Dewayne Alexander, age 46. After asking and being denied consent to search the vehicle, a second Trooper arrived with his K9 partner. That Trooper utilized his K9 partner to conduct a sniff of the air around the vehicle. The K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics being in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle 10 bundles of methamphetamine weighing a total of 6.3 kilograms were located inside a black duffle bag that was placed in the trunk. Also located inside the vehicle was a glass pipe used to smoke meth in Forbes purse and an open syringe in the center console.
Alexander was sentenced on September 16, 2021 to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Forbes was sentenced on October 6, 2021 to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
Dracut Man Indicted for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dracut man was indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with the armed robbery of three convenience stores in Lowell and Tewksbury on Dec. 24, 2020.
Michael Vangpa, 32, was indicted on three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Vangpa was previously charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 12, 2021 and has remained in federal custody since.
According to the charging documents, on Dec. 24, 2020, Vangpa robbed three nearby convenience stores—two in Lowell and one in Tewksbury—within an hour. In each of the robberies, Vangpa allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerks. It is also alleged that Vangpa discharged the firearm during one of the robberies.
The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence provides for a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed and up to life in prison. 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The Lowell, Tewksbury, Dracut and Nashua (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security Misuse and Theft of Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for false representation of a Social Security number and theft of government money.
Ramon Hiciano, 64, a Dominican national previously residing in Roxbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Hiciano was also ordered to pay restitution of $84,610 and will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
Hiciano used the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to apply for and receive federally funded MassHealth benefits, Section 8 housing assistance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Between January 2016 and August 2020, Hiciano used the victim’s identity to fraudulently receive approximately $58,093 in MassHealth benefits, $20,780 in Section 8 housing assistance benefits and $5,736 in PUA benefits.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The theft of government money charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 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; Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Philip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Field Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Cut Bank man sentenced for strangulation, assault chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man convicted of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Wednesday to 42 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, pleaded guilty in June to strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of a protection order.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $1,800 restitution.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Feb. 16, Connelly strangled and assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, near Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, causing her substantial injuries. The government further alleged that on March 25, Connelly traveled from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in order to violate a portion of a protection order that prohibits violence, threats and communication with another person.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Cumberland County Man Charged with Manufacturing an Explosive Device and with Possessing Multiple Bombs and Precursor MaterialsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man will make his initial appearance today on charges related to his explosive devices and the materials used to manufacture them, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Thomas Petronglo, 63, of Vineland, New Jersey, is charged by indictment with one count each of unlawful possession of a destructive device, unlawful making of a destructive device, and unlawful storage of explosive materials. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen.
According to documents filed in this case:
On March 12, 2021, Petronglo was found in possession of one destructive device, a 5 ¾-inch diameter metal can, containing a quantity of an explosive mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminum, with a fuse sticking out of the device.
Petronglo also possessed multiple intact improvised explosive devices and explosive materials, including:
- One suspected improvised explosive device containing a plastic cylinder, suspected explosive mixture inside the plastic cylinder, with cardboard tubing and a fuse sticking out of the device;
- One suspected improvised explosive device containing a plastic cylinder, M class device inside the plastic cylinder, with suspected explosive mixture wrapped in black electrical tape with a fuse sticking out of the device;
- One suspected improvised explosive device, containing a black plastic cylinder wrapped in black electrical tape, inside the cylinder is a suspected explosive mixture, with a fuse sticking out of the device;
- One suspected improvised explosive device, containing cardboard tubing with twine wrapped around the cardboard tubing and the wrapped in black electrical tape, with a suspected explosive mixture inside the cardboard tubing and a fuse sticking out of the device;
- Two M class devices – one 3-inch M class device and one 2-inch M class, both suspected devices in red cardboard tubes with wooden plug at the end of the devices, inside the cardboard tubing is a suspected explosive mixture with a fuse sticking out of the device;
- Numerous materials used to manufacture destructive devices, including precursor chemicals, hobby fuse, time fuse, the explosive making materials such as the cardboard tubing, and black plastic cylinders.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews in Newark; the Vineland Police Department, under the direction of Chief Pedro Casiano; the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The counts of possession of a destructive device and making of an explosive device each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The count of unlawful storage of explosives carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean C. Sovolos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A Hot Springs man was sentenced on October 5, 2021 to 92 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2019, an Arkansas State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Redmon DeShawn Logan, 33, for a traffic violation. As the Trooper approached the vehicle the Trooper observed a bullet in the driver’s door handle. The Trooper asked Logan if he had any weapons in the vehicle. As Logan began to reach down toward the weapon the Trooper pulled Logan from the vehicle and placed him under arrest. A vehicle search was conducted and resulted in the Trooper locating and seizing two stolen handguns, an assault rifle, and over 200 rounds of ammunition.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Arkansas State Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Columbus Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man was sentenced to prison today after being convicted earlier this year of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Lewis Von Burks, Jr., 52, was sentenced to nine years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about October 2018 until November 2019, Lewis Von Burks, Jr. was selling black tar heroin to several individuals in Jackson County, West Virginia, and elsewhere. These individuals were regularly travelling to Columbus in order to meet Burks and complete the transactions. Burks had knowledge at the time that several of the individuals were taking the heroin back to Jackson County, and that at least one of the individuals was re-selling the heroin in Jackson County. During the period of the conspiracy, at least 100 grams of black tar heroin were re-sold within Jackson County.
Burks admitted to law enforcement officers during the investigation that he had been selling heroin to Jackson County residents since at least 2015, and estimated that he sold hundreds of ounces of heroin to Jackson County residents during that time.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00114.
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Columbia Man Indicted for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, KY returned an indictment on October 5, 2021, charging a Columbia, KY man with distributing greater than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2021, Trey Williams, 25, of Columbia, KY, sold approximately six pounds of crystal methamphetamine to another person. The sale price was $23,300.00. Following the sale, FBI and local law enforcement conducted surveillance at the apartments where the drug deal took place. Law enforcement was able to locate Williams and arrested him.
Williams is charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance. He is scheduled for arraignment on October 27, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Brent Brennenstuhl of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Williams is currently in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen made the announcement.
The FBI, Kentucky State Police, and the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Co-Conspirator of Former Norfolk Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Franklin, Tennessee, man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud by paying bribes to secure medical services contracts for the Norfolk City Jail.
“The defendant conspired with the corrupt former Norfolk Sheriff to defraud the citizens of our community through an extensive bribery scheme involving cash, travel, entertainment, gifts, and campaign contributions,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This prosecution should send a clear message to those who seek to erode the public’s trust through bribes—including government contractors who pay them and corrupt elected officials who accept them—that they will be held accountable, regardless of their wealth or position.”
According to court documents, Gerard Boyle, 66, admitted to engaging in a 13-year bribery scheme with former Norfolk Sheriff Robert McCabe. Boyle was the founder and chief executive officer of Correct Care Solutions (CCS), a company that provided medical services to inmates at local jails. Over the course of the conspiracy, Boyle provided McCabe things of value, such as gifts, cash, entertainment, a Richard Petty driving experience, travel, campaign contributions, and in-kind political contributions. In exchange, McCabe performed official acts related to CCS’ medical services contracts with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. The medical services contracts were worth approximately $3.2 million per year. On August 24, 2021, a Norfolk federal jury convicted McCabe of all eleven charged counts related in part to this scheme.
“Gerard Boyle leveraged McCabe’s greed to unfairly game the system and get ahead of competitors. Their conspiracy to steer contracts to Boyle’s business in exchange for bribes was not only unfair to other businesses that played by the rules, but it betrayed the trust and confidence of the community,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The FBI will never allow bribery to become business as usual.”
“Paying bribes to get business is not only unethical, but it puts competitors who follow the law at an unfair disadvantage,” said Darrell J. Waldon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Washington DC Field Office. “We will continue to vigorously investigate those who seek to stifle fair competition by participating in pay-to-play contract schemes.”
Boyle is scheduled to be sentenced on February 25, 2022. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Darrell J. Waldon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Internal Revenue Service, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. O’Boyle, Randy C. Stoker, and Anthony Mozzi are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-171.
Cleveland Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Cleveland, Oklahoma, man pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday in federal court for possessing more than 1,000 images and videos of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Ryan Daniel McNabb, 24, to 84 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. Judge Frizzell further ordered McNabb to pay $30,000 in restitution to 10 identified victims that were abused in the making of the child sexual abuse material.
“The law enforcement community doggedly pursues justice for victims who have been sexually exploited first by their abuser and then by those who trade and view images of the abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Individuals, like Ryan McNabb, who access and view child sexual abuse material will be prosecuted, and their criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”
“HSI will leverage all resources at our disposal to arrest those who prey on innocent children,” said Christopher M. Miller, Deputy Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations Dallas. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners and NGOs, we will always apply a victim-centered approach throughout our investigations, and will be relentless in our pursuit of the predators who exploit our most vulnerable through child sexual abuse material. ”
McNabb admitted in his plea agreement that on March 18, 2021, he knowingly accessed with intent to view depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Federal agents ultimately found 997 images and 96 videos of child pornography on his electronic devices.
According to court documents, the investigation into McNabb’s criminal acts began when NCMEC sent law enforcement 20 CyberTipline reports indicating that an IP address associated with McNabb was used to upload child pornography.
During the execution of search and seizure warrants related to the case, McNabb admitted to downloading child pornography at his previous home in Broken Arrow. He also told agents that child pornography was still on his cell phone.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Broken Arrow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case.
Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal jury has found Lawrence Dunbar, 28, of Cleveland, guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with the intent to distribute carfentanil, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 25, 2019, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) responded to an apartment building in Cleveland to arrest Dunbar due to a warrant for violation of parole conditions and a second warrant for felonious assault. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers detained Dunbar and searched the apartment. Court documents state that in plain view in the master bedroom, officers identified a suspected bag of heroin and additional baggies on a nightstand. Other officers in the hallway observed a firearm in the living room under a couch.
Officers later obtained a warrant to search the apartment and located various amounts of suspected narcotics, including carfentanil, heroin, and cocaine, a 9mm pistol and ammunition, various drug paraphernalia, mixing tools, safety equipment, packaging and distribution materials, digital scales and several cell phones.
At the time of the arrest, Dunbar was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple previous convictions of felony offenses such as drug trafficking, drug possession, attempted felonious assault and more in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Dunbar is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2022, before Judge Donald C. Nugent.
This case was investigated by the NOVFTF and the ATF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam J. Joines and Margaret A. Kane.
Claremore Man who Illegally Possessed Firearms and Child Pornography SentencedRead the Press Release
A Claremore man who possessed over a thousand images of child pornography was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jeffrey Rahn Reetz, 67, to four years in federal prison followed by 25 years of supervised release.
Reetz pleaded guilty in April to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and to possession of child pornography.
“Child predator Jeffrey Reetz collected more than 1,000 images and videos of children being sexually abused, illegally possessed nine firearms, then attempted to flee to Cuba to avoid prosecution. Thankfully, law enforcement stopped him, and he will now spend time in federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office and our law enforcement partners will use every tool available to hold accountable individuals who possess, distribute or manufacture child pornography.”
Reetz stated in a plea agreement that between March 2019, and January 23, 2020, he knowingly possessed three rifles, two shotguns, four handguns, and 1,421 rounds of ammunition after being convicted of a felony. Reetz further admitted that between January 2017 and January 23, 2020, he knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view more than 1,000 graphic image files and video files of child pornography, including images of adult males raping toddlers.
On Jan. 23, 2020, agents and officers executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Reetz’s residence and located the firearms. Reetz was subsequently taken into custody at the Tulsa International Airport while he was trying to flee the country to Cuba to avoid arrest and prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department and Oklahoma Department of Corrections conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda M. Villalobos, Vani Singhal, Christopher J. Nassar, and Edward Snow are prosecuted the case.
Cedar Rapids Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Traveling with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury deliberated for just under 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict against Joseph Allen Wilcher, 40, of the 1800 block of Western Drive SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 6, 2021, for one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Sentencing for Wilcher has been scheduled for February 3, 2022, before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
Over two days of testimony this week, the government presented evidence to establish that Wilcher arranged to meet an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old minor for sexual activity on the dating application MeetMe. Further evidence showed that Wilcher ultimately traveled from Cedar Rapids to Rock Island, Illinois, to meet the individual and engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Wilcher faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment for the attempted enticement of a minor charge and up to 30 years imprisonment for the traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct charge. Following the jury’s verdict, Wilcher was taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
“This guilty verdict shows both the ongoing threat to our children and that law enforcement and prosecutors are working together to combat the threat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Doug Quivey. “We will all collectively continue to work together to protect our children.”
“Children can be easily lured into the clutches of those who wish to betray and exploit them online, said David Nanz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division. “The FBI is committed to flushing out sexual predators with a sense of urgency to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. If you suspect someone is having inappropriate contact with a minor, report it to law enforcement immediately.”
Wilcher was arrested in November of 2020 as part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, operation conducted in Rock Island, Illinois. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Rock Island Police Department, the Macomb Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the East Moline Police Department, the Galesburg Police Department, the Davenport Police Department, and the Knox County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grant Hodges and Jennifer Mathew represented the government at trial.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Business Owners Plead Guilty in Two Separate Tax Fraud CasesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The owners of separate and unrelated businesses pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to charges they failed to report substantial amounts of income to the Internal Revenue Service and failed to pay taxes on the income, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
On Wednesday, Gladys Rossi, 53, the sole owner and operator of R.I.J. Inc, a Providence-based company that affixes price tags to jewelry for other companies, admitted to a federal court judge that she failed to disclose more than $1.2 million dollars in gross revenue and failed to pay more than $400,000 in taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2012 through 2015.
According to court documents, from 2012 through 2015, Rossi paid employees under-the-table and failed to maintain or prepare business records that accurately tracked expenditures, gross income, net income, profits, and dividend disbursements. An investigation by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation determined that business and personal tax returns filed by Rossi failed to report income totaling $1,226,707.21, resulting in an underpayment of taxes of at least $407,767.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Rossi pleaded guilty to two counts of filing a false tax document. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2022. According to a plea agreement filed in this matter, the defendant will pay full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, including all back taxes and interest.
In a separate prosecution, Richard Karski, 59, of Brighton, MA, today admitted that for tax years 2015 through 2018, he failed to report $1,917,658.96 in business and personal income and failed to pay $192,814 in taxes due the Internal Revenue Service.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, an investigation by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation determined that from 2015 through 2018, Karski operated K.C.O. Builders based in Quincy, MA. During that time Karski traveled to Rhode Island and cashed checks he received from his customers at a check-cashing business in Rhode Island. He failed to declare any of the income or pay any taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Karski pleaded guilty to tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2022. According to a plea agreement filed in this matter, the defendant will pay full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
The case brought against Gladys Rossi is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah. The case brought against Richard Karski is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Wide-Ranging Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today to his role in a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Lawrence to Cape Cod.
Djuna Goncalves, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana; two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Under the terms of the plea agreement the government will recommend a sentence of 308 months in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022.
According to court documents, in the fall of 2018, federal and state law enforcement agents began investigating a violent Brockton drug crew headed by Djuna Goncalves. The investigation revealed that Djuna Goncalves worked with others, including his brothers Cody and Anthony Goncalves, to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana throughout southeastern Massachusetts from a base of operations in Brockton. The neighborhood surrounding the crew’s Brockton base has been the scene of numerous murders, shootings and other crimes of violence for several years.
During the investigation, large quantities of heroin and fentanyl were seized from Djuna Goncalves, who had previously been convicted of state drug distribution charges and who distributed fentanyl while on pre-trial release for state drug charges. A search of the Brockton base resulted in the seizure of a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a large number of ammunition clips to various types of firearms, accompanying ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, suboxone strips, a hydraulic press, packaging materials, digital scales, approximately $12,000 in cash and an AK-47 assault rifle:
In all, 17 defendants, including Djuna, Cody and Anthony Goncalves, were indicted as part of a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Lawrence to Cape Cod. Of the 17 defendants named in the indictment, nine have been sentenced. Djuna Goncalves is the 15th defendant to plead guilty in the case. On Sept. 12, 2021, Cody Goncalves pleaded guilty to similar charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2022. The remaining defendants are scheduled to plead guilty. Anthony Goncalves is scheduled to plead guilty on Oct. 12, 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, from and after the sentence imposed on the applicable drug trafficking counts, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; and Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea E. Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The detailed contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boone, N.C. Man Is Sentenced to 25 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Frank Darrell Cromwell, 25, of Boone, N.C., to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Cromwell was also ordered to pay special assessments in the amount of $55,100, to serve a lifetime of supervised release, and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Andy LeBeau of the Boone Police Department, join Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer in making today’s announcement.
According to court records and today’s hearing, between December 2018 and February 2019, Cromwell used Snapchat to convince multiple minor victims that Cromwell was a female, and to communicate with the minors. During the relevant time period, Cromwell induced and sometimes coerced the minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct and to send explicit images and videos to Cromwell.
“Technology misused by predators like Cromwell can impact the safety and well-being of children everywhere,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer. “It is important – now more than ever – to have conversations with children about the dangers that lurk on the internet, and remind them that things, and people, online are not always what they seem. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their investigation of this case, and all they do to help us protect children.”
“Cases like this should put predators on notice that they cannot use the internet to hide from justice, because we will use all of our resources to find you and hold you accountable,” said Special Agent In Charge Martinez. “HSI along with its partners will continue to combat this heinous crime, but we need everyone to be vigilant and monitor what our children do online as well as who they interact with.”
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer commended HSI and the Boone Police Department for their investigation the case and thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cortney Randall and Stephanie Spaugh prosecuted the case.
The case was were 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Boise Return Preparer Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment on September 15, 2021, charging a Boise man with aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
The indictment alleges that, Andres Sanchez, 32, of Boise, assisted individuals in the preparation of federal income tax returns. While assisting individuals in the preparation of their 2014, 2015, or 2016 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Sanchez allegedly included dependents which he knew the taxpayers were not entitled to claim on their Forms 1040.
Sanchez is charged with eight counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent return. Sanchez appeared in court this week and entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Trial is scheduled for December 6, 2021 at the federal courthouse in Boise before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
If convicted, Sanchez faces a maximum of three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000 on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and credited the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, which led to charges.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – An Arizona man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in February of 2021, Francisco Leon, 31, was one of three occupants staying at a hotel room in South St. Paul. While executing a search warrant for the room, law enforcement discovered two separate bags above the rented room’s bathroom ceiling tiles. Inside the two bags were several clear plastic baggies that contained approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also seized a wire transfer receipt and seven cell phones from the hotel room. On May 20, 2021, Leon pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dakota County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Utah State Highway Patrol.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter, Jr.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Narcotics ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David Lee White, 56, of Chandler, Arizona, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to two counts of distribution of heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, White and co-defendants Jason Keith Arnold, 47, and Alicia McCoy, 33, both also of Chandler, Arizona, operated the vendor accounts SICKNESSVERSION2 and 23MIGHTYMOUSE23 on the dark web marketplace known as Dream. These vendor accounts distributed heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other federally controlled substances on the dark web.
Law enforcement agents working undercover purchased heroin and other controlled substances from these vendor accounts on various dates in 2018, and had them sent to an address in the Eastern District of California. Agents subsequently executed a search warrant at a motel room in which White and McCoy were staying and seized at least 315 grams of heroin, 45 grams of cocaine, 593 grams of methamphetamine, and 30 grams of marijuana. Agents also seized a loaded and unregistered Kel-tec 9 mm handgun from a nightstand in the motel room.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, which includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Hemesath and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting the case.
Arnold pleaded guilty on March 5, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18, 2021. Charges are pending against McCoy, and a status conference is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2021. The charges against her are allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
White is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. on Jan. 6, 2022. White faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each count to which he pleaded guilty. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Providing False Statements During Purchases of Firearms in Central IllinoisRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – An Alabama woman, April Alexandra Soriano, 31, formerly of the 1800 block of East Bertman Avenue, in Springfield, Illinois, pleaded guilty on October 6, 2021, to making false statements during the purchase of multiple firearms during November 2018 and April 2020. Sentencing has been scheduled for January 27, 2022.
In federal court yesterday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley, Soriano admitted to lying on Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives forms when she indicated she was purchasing the guns for herself when, in fact, she was buying them for someone else.
During the change-of-plea hearing, the government stated that during an investigation of a shooting in Chicago, an ATF gun trace revealed that Soriano purchased five firearms from May 1, 2019, to April 15, 2020. A 9mm Taurus handgun she purchased in East Peoria on November 10, 2018, was recovered 64 days later by law enforcement during a search of the residence where she lived with her then-boyfriend in Peoria. A second gun, a 9mm Ruger handgun she purchased at Scheels All Sports in Springfield on April 14, 2020, was recovered 46 days later in Chicago following a shooting incident where a victim sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.
The government further stated that in filling out ATF forms to purchase both the (1) Taurus, Model G2C 9mm caliber pistol from Midwestern Firearms on November 10, 2018, and (2) the Ruger, Model EC9S 9mm caliber pistol from Scheels All Sports on April 14, 2020, Soriano certified that she was the actual buyer and was not acquiring the firearm on behalf of another person.
During the course of the plea proceedings and previously during an interview with law enforcement, Soriano admitted that she provided false information on the forms and had, in fact, purchased both guns for the then-boyfriend. Soriano further admitted that she purchased Taurus pistol for her boyfriend when they lived together on East Nebraska Street in Peoria and said that it was used for protection because drug deals were taking place out of the residence. In relation to the Ruger pistol later recovered in Chicago, Soriano acknowledged that her boyfriend accompanied her to the gun store in Springfield and made the final decision on which gun to purchase.
“This guilty plea highlights the danger of straw purchases of firearms and the relationship between drugs and violence in our community,” said Acting U.S Attorney Douglas J. Quivey. “It is simply not okay to purchase a firearm with the intent to give it to someone who cannot legally possess it.”
“The continuing unacceptable level of violence in the Peoria area has multiple causes,” Quivey added. “There is no question that the illegal transfer and possession of firearms are contributing factors. The USAO and our law enforcement partners will do all we can to continue to address the firearm issue but we need the community to help. If you see something, please say something.”
“When people straw purchase firearms on behalf of those who are prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms themselves, they often end up in the hands of those who commit violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “ATF appreciates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting those responsible for trafficking firearms.”
Agencies participating in the investigation include ATF, the Peoria Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
For the offense of false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm, the statutory penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
19 Defendants Charged with Defrauding the National Basketball Association Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit PlanRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, in connection with a scheme to defraud the National Basketball Associations (“NBA’s”) Health and Welfare Benefit Plan out of nearly $4,000,000. TERRENCE WILLIAMS is also charged with aggravated identity theft in connection with the same scheme. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “The defendants’ playbook involved fraud and deception. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, their alleged scheme has been disrupted and they will have to answer for their flagrant violations of law.”
FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “Today we’ve charged 18 former NBA players and one spouse for their alleged participation in a health care fraud scheme that resulted in nearly $2 million in losses to the National Basketball Association’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. The health care industry loses tens of billions of dollars a year to fraud. Thanks to the work of our dedicated FBI agents and partners alike, cases like this demonstrate our continued focus in uncovering health care fraud scams that harm both the industry and the consumers of their services.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today’s federal indictment represents the NYPD’s long-term commitment, working with its law enforcement partners, in making sure those accused of health care related fraud are held accountable. I commend those involved in the investigation, the FBI, and the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District in New York for its work in ensuring there is justice in this case.”
TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, GREGORY SMITH, and ANTHONY WROTEN were arrested today.
WILLIAMS and WROTEN will be presented in the Western District of Washington. DAVIS will be presented in the Central District of California. SMITH will be presented in the Eastern District of California. PATTERSON will presented in the Northern District of Ohio. MOON will be presented in the Northern District of Alabama. BYNUM and ELY will be presented in the Northern District of Illinois. MILES will be presented in the Middle District of Florida. ANDERSON, WATSON, and WRIGHT will be presented in the District of Nevada. BROWN will be presented in the Northern District of Georgia. DESIREE ALLEN will be presented in the Western District of Tennessee. TELFAIR will be presented in the Southern District of New York before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
ANTHONY ALLEN, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, and ROBINSON remain at large.
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today[1]:
The National Basketball Association Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) is a health care plan providing benefits to eligible active and former players of the NBA. From at least in or about 2017, up to and including at least in or about 2020, TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN engaged in a widespread scheme to defraud the Plan by submitting and causing to be submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement of medical and dental services that were not actually rendered. Over the course of the scheme, the defendants submitted and caused to be submitted to the Plan false claims totaling nearly $4 million.
WILLIAMS orchestrated the scheme to defraud the Plan. WILLIAMS recruited other Plan participants to defraud the Plan by offering to provide them with false invoices to support their fraudulent claims. WILLIAMS provided ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, BROWN, BYNUM, DAVIS, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, ELY, MOON, MILES, PALACIO, PATTERSON, ROBINSON, SMITH, TELFAIR, WATSON, WRIGHT, and WROTEN with false provider invoices, which those defendants then submitted and caused to be submitted to the Plan for reimbursement of fraudulent claims.
WILLIAMS provided the other charged defendants fake invoices from a particular Chiropractic Office in California, which were created by individuals working with WILLIAMS. In addition, WILLIAMS obtained fraudulent invoices from a dentist affiliated with dental offices in Beverly Hills, California, and from a doctor at a Wellness Office in Washington State. The fraudulent invoices purported to document that ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, BROWN, BYNUM, DAVIS, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, ELY, MOON, MILES, PALACIO, PATTERSON, ROBINSON, SMITH, TELFAIR, WATSON, WRIGHT, and WROTEN, and, in some cases, members of their families, had been recipients of expensive medical and dental services. But the defendants had not received the medical or dental services described in the invoices WILLIAMS provided them. In many instances, the defendants were not even located in the vicinity of the service providers on the dates the invoices stated they received medical or dental services. In particular, GPS location information and/or documents, such as flight records, show that the defendants were in locations other than the vicinity of the medical or dental offices falsely claimed as the providers of services.
In return for his provision of false supporting documentation for their fraudulent claims, many of the defendants paid WILLIAMS kickbacks, totaling at least approximately $230,000. WILLIAMS also used the personal identifying information of an employee of the Administrative Manager, which managed the Plan, in the course of the fraud scheme.
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TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. TERRENCE WILLIAMS is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI/NYPD Health Care Fraud Task Force, which is composed of agents, detectives, and investigators from the FBI, the NYPD, and other law enforcement entities. Ms. Strauss additionally praised the work of the FBI’s Seattle, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Birmingham, Chicago, Sacramento, Memphis, Tampa, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Portland, and Detroit Field Offices.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristy J. Greenberg and Ryan B. Finkel are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Wednesday 6 October 2021
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LANCE BAPTISTE, 43, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin while on supervised release for a prior heroin trafficking conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury and Naugatuck Police Departments. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Keith Jordan of Waterbury received large quantities of heroin from various suppliers and sold the drug to other drug distributors and street-level customers. Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.
The investigation further revealed that Domingo Alves, of Waterbury, served as one of Jordan’s drug suppliers, and also sold heroin to other distributors and his own customers. Baptiste assisted Alves in his heroin distribution activity.
Baptiste’s criminal history includes six drug convictions, including a federal heroin trafficking conviction in 2012 for which he was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 87 months of imprisonment. He was released from federal prison in July 2017 and was on federal supervised release at the time of his criminal activity in this case.
Baptiste, Jordan, Alves and 26 other individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine as a result of this investigation.
Baptiste was arrested on March 20, 2019. On January 22, 2020, he Baptiste pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin.
Baptiste, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on November 10, 2021.
On January 27, 2021, Jordan was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and Naugatuck Police Department, with the critical assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Production and Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
A Virginia man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for the production and receipt of child pornography.
Abraham Razook, 43, of Arlington, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography on June 30. In pleading guilty, Razook admitted to sexually exploiting a prepubescent minor on multiple occasions and producing videos of this abuse. Specifically, from June to August of 2020, Razook created a series of sexually explicit videos of the prepubescent minor, and in February 2021, he produced a more than 6-minute video depicting graphic sexual abuse.
According to court documents, Razook also amassed a large number of online images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of hundreds of other child victims. Razook began this unlawful conduct as early as 2013, and between April and September 2020, he used a specific internet-based peer-to-peer program to download thousands of videos and images of child sexual abuse.
“The Department of Justice is committed to vigorously tracking down and holding accountable people like Razook who callously prey on vulnerable children for their selfish enjoyment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigators and prosecutors in this case who are responsible for putting an end to Razook’s direct abuse of one minor and his perpetuation of the harm done to so many others in the videos and images he amassed.”
“The defendant engaged in devastating acts of sexual exploitation against a defenseless child and produced videos of her sexual abuse for his warped gratification,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He escalated his conduct over the course of years, from viewing and amassing child sexual abuse material to becoming an abuser himself. For his crimes against children, the defendant will now serve a significant prison sentence where he can no longer prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
“Today, Mr. Razook will begin to pay for his reprehensible actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Raymond Villanueva of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “This sentencing is the result of many arduous hours of work by members of HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. It should serve as a warning to anyone who intends to victimize children; they will be held accountable.”
HSI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Whitney Kramer of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Utica Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Aggravated Harassment of Albany VA EmployeesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Seifert, age 63, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve 24 months in prison for making telephonic threats to three employees of the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
As part of his guilty plea on July 8, 2021, Seifert admitted that on January 14, 2021, he made successive calls to three separate employees at the Albany VAMC and left each of them threatening voicemails in which he used demeaning and offensive language that caused each of the employees to fear for their own safety and property.
United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart also sentenced Seifert to serve 1 year of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Veterans Affairs Police Service at the Albany VAMC, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping.
Two Portland Gang Members Face Federal Charges After Illegally Purchasing More than 80 FirearmsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Two self-identified members of the Unthank Park Hustlers, a local Bloods gang set, are facing federal charges after illegally purchasing 82 firearms from local gun shops since April 2020.
Edward Charles Green and his twin brother Thomas Edward Green III, both 23 and residents of Gresham, Oregon, have been charged by criminal complaint with falsifying information in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making false statements in a federal firearms licensee (FFL) record.
According to court documents, in May 2021, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) opened an investigation after receiving information from the Gresham Police Department (GPD) and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) describing several shooting incidents allegedly involving Edward Green and Thomas Green III. At around the same time, ATF agents also received information alleging multiple illegal firearm purchases by the brothers.
On April 5, 2020, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers responded to an incident involving the Greens where a gun was fired from one apartment into another on Southeast Alder Street in Portland and later seized a .357 caliber revolver. Less than two weeks later, on April 23, 2020, PPB officers responded to reports of a house struck by gunfire on NE Sumner Street in Portland. Officers observed that the gun appeared to have been fired from inside the Greens’ father’s home, leaving a small hole in their father’s front window. After telling officers he threw a rock through his own window, the brothers’ father changed his explanation and claimed a gun accidentally fired when he was showing his son how to clean it. PPB located and seized three handguns and an AK-47 from the residence. After reviewing Edward Green’s firearm purchase records, ATF agents determined Green had illegally purchased three of the four guns seized.
Between August 25 and August 30, 2020, PPB officers recovered four more firearms illegally purchased by Edward Green. One of the firearms was recovered after officers responded to a shooting incident outside the brothers’ Southeast Portland apartment. Three others were recovered when PPB officers responded to Portland Adventist Hospital to interview a walk-in gunshot victim and observed a vehicle parked outside with obvious signs of gunshot damage. Officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants and located the firearms.
On November 11, 2020, MCSO deputies responded to a Fairview, Oregon car crash caused by gunfire involving Edward Green. Deputies later executed a search warrant on a backpack recovered from Green’s vehicle and found two more pistols Green had illegally purchased and two pounds of packaged marijuana. A few months later, on January 23, 2021, MSCO deputies recovered another firearm illegally purchased by Green during a traffic stop.
In May 2021, GPD officers responded to two separate shooting incidents at a house on SW Lillyben Avenue in Gresham. At the time of the shootings, both Green brothers listed the Lillyben residence on their Oregon driver’s licenses. During the first shooting, on May 12, 2021, an unknown assailant fired several rounds into the house. During the second shooting, on May 21, 2021, a drive-by assailant fired 14 additional rounds into the house. An unknown person in the house fired 30 rounds in response, some of which struck occupied neighboring houses. On June 3, 2021, members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant on the residence and found nine empty semi-automatic gun cases, several dozen spent bullets and cartridge casings, 27 firearm and rifle magazines, a range bag with more than 400 spent cartridges, and five receipts for recent gun purchases made by the Green brothers. Forensic analyses of the spent cartridges linked them to at least 10 different shootings in the Portland area between April 6, 2020 and July 11, 2021.
In July and August 2021, two more firearms linked to the Green brothers were recovered by law enforcement. On July 23, 2021, officers from the Beaverton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with no license plates. While searching the vehicle, officers located a .40 caliber pistol purchased by Thomas Green III just four days earlier. On August 30, 2021, PPB officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by four people, one of whom was a known member of the Hoover Criminal Gang. Officers located a .40 caliber pistol in vehicle illegally purchased by Edward Green several months earlier.
In total, between April 5, 2020 and August 30, 2021, area law enforcement officers recovered 12 firearms illegally purchased by the Green brothers. A subsequent review of ATF and State of Oregon records revealed that in an 18-month period beginning April 1, 2020, the brothers illegally purchased 82 firearms from Portland area gun shops.
On September 29, 2021, a coordinated law enforcement operation was conducted on a local apartment occupied by Victor White, a felon and gang associate of the Green brothers. Thomas Green III was found sleeping in the apartment and arrested. Investigators seized two semi-automatic firearms, 16 empty gun boxes, and ammunition from the residence. Green made his first appearance in federal court the same day and was later released to home confinement pending further court proceedings.
Edward Green was arrested today by ATF agents at his father’s residence in Northeast Portland. He made his first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was detained pending further court proceedings.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force including ATF, FBI, GPD, MCSO, and PPB. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Formed in April 2021, the Metro Safe Streets Task Force is a multi-agency initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting gun crimes in Multnomah County. As part of this effort, federally-deputized officers from the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Gresham Police Department work with agents from the FBI and ATF to investigate gun crimes after they occur and, where appropriate and supported by evidence, charge those responsible in state or federal court. Prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon work closely with task force officers to determine if state or federal charges are warranted and which jurisdiction is most appropriate for adjudication.
Two Men Indicted for Fentanyl Trafficking on the Red Lake ReservationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two men have been charged by a federal grand jury for their roles in distributing fentanyl onto the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, in March 2021, Christopher Douglas Richard, 40, of Detroit, Michigan, conspired with others to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl on and around the Red Lake Indian Reservation. In a separate indictment, on April 30, 2021, Leroy Varney, 52, of Bemidji, Minnesota, allegedly possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it on and around the Red Lake Indian Reservation.
Richard is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances. Varney is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Red Lake Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, and the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelica Ramirez.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Lyon County Men Sentenced for Causing 3,900-Gallon Oil Spill into Yellow Medicine RiverRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two Lyon County men have each been sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay $1,138,772.06 in restitution for causing thousands of gallons of oil to spill into the Yellow Medicine River.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2019, Eric Jay Weckwerth-Pineda, 25, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, and Tanner John Sik, 21, of Ivanhoe, Minnesota, traveled to the northwest side of Cottonwood Lake in Lyon County to a bridge that spans a dam between Cottonwood Lake and a creek called Judicial Ditch 24, which flows into the Yellow Medicine River. Weckwerth-Pineda and Sik took guns to the bridge to shoot. Sik used a DPMS AR-15 rifle to fire multiple shots at a diesel fuel pipeline that runs perpendicular across Judicial Ditch 24. Weckwerth-Pineda used the scope on his own rifle to spot Sik’s shots. Weckwerth-Pineda and Sik admit at least one shot struck and ruptured the pipe. Later that day, Weckwerth-Pineda and Sik returned to the area and saw that the pipeline was leaking and reported the leak to the authorities.
According to court documents, the owner of the pipeline, Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., claimed that the pipe’s rupture caused at least 3,906 gallons of diesel fuel to spill into Judicial Ditch 24 at a cost of approximately $1,122,617.64 to clean up the spill and repair the pipeline. The Environmental Protection Agency also expended $16,154.42 in assisting in the clean-up operation.
“We hope that today’s sentencings cause people to think twice before engaging in irresponsible and reckless behavior in the vicinity of an active pipeline,” said Andrea M. Kropf, Special Agent-in-Charge, Midwestern Region, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Working with our federal law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to protect the safety and integrity of the pipeline transportation system, as well as our nation’s natural resources and environment.”
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek.
Two Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Sentenced to 50 Months Imprisonment for Their Roles in Kickback and Bribery Scheme Involving Contract for Privatization of Work Release Program in St. Tammany ParishRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID HANSON, age 63, from Abita Springs, Louisiana, and CLIFFORD “SKIP” KEEN, age 53, from Covington, Louisiana, were each sentenced today to 50 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, after they previously pleaded guilty as charged to a one-count Bill of Information charging them with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and soliciting a bribe, in violation of 18 U.S.C. '' 371, 1343, 1346, and 666(a)(1)(B). The charges stemmed from their roles in the privatization of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana, that operated between 2013 and 2016. Additionally, HANSON and KEEN were sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Restitution ordered without prejudice, with the amount to be determined at a later date.
According to court documents, HANSON and KEEN, each of whom worked as Captains with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) discussed with then-Sheriff Rodney J. (“Jack”) Strain about becoming owners of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana that Strain decided to privatize. As sheriff, Strain had authority, among other things, to enter into certain contracts binding STPSO, including professional service contracts, unilaterally. Because STPSO rules prohibited employees from “participating in a transaction in which he has a personal substantial economic interest of which he may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity,” HANSON and KEEN would have had to resign from STPSO—thereby losing their salaries and future pension increases—if they wanted to assume ownership and control of the Slidell work release program. HANSON, KEEN, and Strain discussed ways to allow HANSON and KEEN to maintain their employment and still profit from the Slidell work release program. Ultimately, HANSON, KEEN, and Strain agreed to make KEEN’s adult son (Person 1) and HANSON’s adult daughter (Person 2) owners of the Slidell work release program.
HANSON, KEEN, and Strain agreed that they needed to find another individual actually to operate the Slidell work release program because Person 1 and Person 2 lacked sufficient education, training, experience, or funding. They decided on Person 3, to whom HANSON presented a series of conditions, including the following: Person 1 and Person 2 would each own forty-five (45) percent of the Slidell work release program and would each receive forty-five (45) percent of the profits, while Person 3 would own ten (10) percent, receive ten (10) percent of the profits, and receive a salary; and Person 3 would be responsible for the daily operations of the Slidell work release program. Person 3 was also responsible for providing the capital necessary to initiate the program. On about May 1, 2013, Person 1, Person 2, and Person 3 entered into an operating agreement that created St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, in which Person 1 and Person 2 each had a forty-five percent ownership interest and Person 3 had only a ten percent ownership interest.
On June 4, 2013, Strain entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to operate the Slidell work release program. Although Person 1 and Person 2 acted effectively as passive members and did not participate substantially in the operation, oversight, or administration of the Slidell work release program, Person 3 was required to pay Person 1 and Person 2 salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements. Person 3 was also directed to pay Person 4, who was Strain’s relative and an employee at STPSO, approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.
During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, Person 1 and Person 2 received not less than $1,195,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments. Person 1 received no fewer than 145 payments totaling over $550,000, and Person 2 received no fewer than 131 payments totaling over $600,000. Person 1 and Person 2 converted the majority of the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to cash. At the request of KEEN and HANSON, Persons 1 and 2 then transferred a significant portion of the funds back to their fathers.
Additionally, HANSON, KEEN, and Strain understood that Strain would receive financial compensation from them in exchange for bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. HANSON and KEEN each gave Strain a portion of the payments they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, through Person 1 and Person 2, in cash payoffs in amounts greater than $1,000 on a recurring basis in exchange for Strain bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC. HANSON also arranged for Strain’s son to receive a check in the amount of $4,000 because Strain gave the contract to operate the Slidell work release program to St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. HANSON, KEEN, Strain, and others attempted to conceal the scheme by, among other things, not including in the privatization agreement the fact that Strain would receive financial compensation in exchange for bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, communicating by cellular telephone, and providing most of the money to Strain in the form of cash.
Strain was indicted in a sixteen-count indictment by a federal grand jury separately on August 29, 2019. See United States v. Strain, 19-173 “H” (E.D. La.). Trial in that matter is scheduled to begin on December 6, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, the Public Corruption Unit Chief, and Elizabeth Privitera, the Violent Crime Unit Chief, are in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Colorado Men Found Guilty of Executing Pine Ridge ManRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Francisco Villanueva and Adan Corona of Denver, Colorado, were convicted of multiple crimes following a two-week federal jury trial held in Rapid City, South Dakota. The guilty verdicts were returned on September 29, 2021.
Villanueva, age 43, previously convicted of murder in Colorado in the mid-1990s, and Corona, age 35, were charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder, First Degree Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Assault, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
The conviction stems from the October 16, 2016, shooting death of Vincent Von Brewer III in front of the SuAnne Big Crow Center in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Villanueva and Corona shot Brewer 15 times with an assault rifle and a 9mm handgun, as Brewer attempted to flee from the defendants.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations, and the Denver and Aurora, Colorado, Police Departments. The investigation was also supported by numerous other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Both defendants face lifetime terms of imprisonment. A sentencing date has not been set.
Two Brothers from Ohio Sentenced for Overdose Death from FentanylRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Two brothers from Oregon, Ohio have been sentenced on charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in the overdose death of a victim, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Joining Mohsin in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, and Chief Charles F. McCormick IV, Monroe Police Department.
Both Harry Clifford Wise, 39, and James Allen Wise, 32, received a sentence of 96 months in federal prison.
According to court records, on April 1, 2017, the Monroe Police Department responded to a house in the 300 block of E. 4th St. on a report of a deceased 33-year-old male. An investigation revealed that the male victim had died of an opioid overdose. The Monroe Police Department conducted a thorough investigation which uncovered that two brothers from Oregon, Ohio had supplied the victim with the mixture of fentanyl and heroin that took his life.
Both brothers were indicted on December 4, 2018, on charges of delivery of fentanyl and heroin causing death and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Harry Wise pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019 and James Wise pleaded guilty on September 5, 2019. Their sentencings were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also charged in this case was Odell McGee, a drug source for the Wises. McGee pleaded guilty to the fentanyl/heroin conspiracy and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on September 21, 2021.
"Overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl are a national epidemic, including here in Michigan," Mohsin said. "Law enforcement agencies are working closely together to investigate and prosecute traffickers who are contributing to this epidemic."
DEA Special Agent in Charge Martin said, “It is a priority of DEA to identify and investigate those who distribute drugs that result in overdose and death. The charges announced today should make it clear to all drug dealers that they will face consequences, for the harm that they inflict on the user and on society. The Monroe Police Department deserves significant credit for devoting the time and effort needed to successfully investigate and bring these individuals to prosecution.”
Monroe Police Chief Charles F. McCormick IV stated, “I would like to thank the DEA for their partnership in this investigation, and a special thank you to MPD’s D/Lt. Derek Lindsay for his relentless efforts to seek justice in this case”.
This investigation was led by the Monroe Police Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lievense.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio Recognizes Community Policing WeekRead the Press Release
October 3 through October 9 is recognized as National Community Policing Week in the United States. During this week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio encourages residents and law enforcement to recommit to building relationships and increasing trust between law enforcement and those they serve.
Community policing is the practice of law enforcement professionals working side-by-side with members of their communities to keep neighborhoods safe. This strategy is a critical and proven tool used by law enforcement agencies across the United States to improve public safety and forge strong, valuable relationships. A successful community policing plan recognizes the role that both community members and law enforcement officers play in advancing public safety.
In Cleveland, the Department of Justice and the City of Cleveland entered into an agreement to, among other objectives, implement a community and problem-oriented policing plan. This plan relies upon partnerships between law enforcement and the community to proactively address public safety issues. All members of the Cleveland Division of Police are responsible for engaging in community and problem-oriented policing to strengthen the bonds between the community and law enforcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is asking law enforcement agencies and all community members to commemorate the week by recognizing similar ways to improve public safety, build trust and strengthen community relationships.
To support community policing efforts, the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announced over $33 million in funding to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement, including a $250,000 grant to the City of Cleveland for the implementation of Crisis Intervention Teams. Community Policing Development (CPD) program funds are used to support promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.
Additionally, to commemorate Community Policing Week, The COPS Office announced the launch of the eighth annual “Community Policing in Action” Photo Contest. The contest, piloted in 2014, has received widespread support from law enforcement for providing a platform that visually demonstrates community policing and emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships with community members.
The COPS Office will select 12 winning photos to be featured on the COPS Office website and its Twitter and Facebook headers for one month during the 2022 calendar year. The winners will also be featured in the COPS Office newsletter, the Community Policing Dispatch, as well as in a COPS Office-issued press release.
The submission deadline is Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 8 PM ET.
For more information about the COPS office, grant opportunities and the photo contest, visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/
Texas Woman Sentenced to 6 Months in Federal Prison for Selling Deadly Weight Loss Drug to ConsumersRead the Press Release
BAY CITY – A Texas woman was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Mohsin was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Lynda Burdelik, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Sentenced was Judith Holloway 34, of Watauga, Texas. Holloway pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia Morris on June 2, 2021.
According to court documents, 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) is a chemical substance that, when ingested, causes rapid loss of weight, but is also associated with a high rate of adverse effects including cataracts, hyperthermia, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, and death. In 1938, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared DNP to be extremely dangerous and not fit for human consumption. At that time, the FDA announced publicly that it would prosecute those who manufacture and distribute DNP for use as a drug.
According to the indictment, between October 2018 and May 2020, Holloway sold DNP to consumers throughout the United States and in a number of foreign countries and misbranded the substance as a yellow pigment powder. Holloway purchased bulk DNP and utilized eBay and other websites to market and sell the drug over the internet. Holloway did not label the package as DNP, nor did she include any directions or warnings regarding the use of the drug when she mailed it to consumers. The defendant also utilized eBay and other means to post DNP for sale to consumers as a pigment powder. The defendant listed DNP on eBay and falsely labeled the DNP as “Yellow Pigment Powder DNP.” eBay removed her listings for violating the company’s policy prohibiting the sale of hazardous items, medicines and drugs that require a prescription or are labeled Rx/Rx only on the packing as required by the FDA. The defendant was undeterred by the removal and relisted the DNP on eBay on three separate occasions utilizing a different email address and false label.
Acting United States Attorney Mohsin stated, “This sentence should send a clear message to those who would profit from the sale of dangerous unapproved drugs that we will utilize every tool at our disposal to vigorously prosecute you in order to protect the health and safety of the general public. We urge everyone to refrain from ingesting DNP for any reason.”
“Ignoring FDA requirements and selling dangerous unapproved drugs online can cause serious harm to those who use the drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Lynda M. Burdelik, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who jeopardize consumers’ health.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Regina R. McCullough. The case was investigated by special agents of the Food and Drug Administration.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 20 Years on Child Exploitation ConvictionsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Austin Pratt, age 24, of Syracuse, was sentenced in federal court today to serve 20 years in prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antionette T. Bacon, Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen.
As a part of his earlier guilty plea, Pratt admitted that he used the Instagram name “redneck_pratt” to message with a person who represented themselves to be a 15-year-old girl, but who law enforcement later confirmed was an adult male from Nevada. Pratt admitted that in exchange for sexually explicit images from the “girl,” he sexually abused a 10-year-old child, produced images and a video of that abuse, and sent the images and video to the person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.
In addition to the 20-year term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Hon. David N. Hurd imposed a term of 20 years of supervised release which will follow the term of incarceration. Pratt will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Syracuse Resident Agency and the New York State Police as a part of the Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, in cooperation with the Syracuse Police Department and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York.
Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Regarding Texas SB8Read the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland tonight issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Texas Senate Bill 8. On Sept. 9, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to prevent the State of Texas from enforcing the law, which effectively bans most abortions in the state.
“Today’s ruling enjoining the Texas law is a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law. It is the foremost responsibility of the Department of Justice to defend the Constitution. We will continue to protect constitutional rights against all who would seek to undermine them.”
Spokane Native Vanessa R. Waldref to be Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On October 7, 2021, Vanessa R. Waldref will be sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. In a ceremony that will be held on Thursday afternoon, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian will administer the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Waldref, making her the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District. U.S. Attorney Waldref was nominated by President Biden on July 26, 2021, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 30, 2021. She will be the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District.
U.S. Attorney Waldref said, “It is an honor and privilege to serve as United States Attorney, and to lead an Office of dedicated public servants who work every day to pursue justice and build a safe and strong community in Eastern Washington. I look forward to working closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to fulfill the mission of the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute the most serious offenders in our community, and will work tirelessly to protect the people of this District from violent crime, child exploitation, fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental degradation.”
U.S. Attorney Waldref has spent the majority of her legal career in the Department of Justice. Since 2013, she has served as an Assistant United States Attorney and as a Trial Attorney with the Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. An expert on regulatory, employment, and environmental law, U.S. Attorney Waldref has taught a number of courses at the Gonzaga University Law School as an adjunct professor. She has won numerous awards for her teaching and mentorship of law students, including the prestigious Myra Bradwell Woman of the Year award in 2021.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Waldref was in private practice at law firms in Spokane and Washington, D.C., where she specialized in complex litigation and labor and employment law. She began her legal career as a law clerk to United States District Judge John D. Bates in the District of Columbia. After graduating as valedictorian from Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, she went on to graduate magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa at Georgetown University and magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from the Georgetown University Law School. She is proud to have been born and raised in Northeast Spokane.
U.S. Attorney Waldref welcomed the responsibilities that come with her new duties. She pledged to serve and protect all the people of the Eastern District, while ensuring a commitment to fairness and equality. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute federal offenses with all the tools at our disposal, including the enforcement of federal civil rights for everyone. We are at an inflection point where we must decide what kind of society we want to be. All of us — conservatives and liberals, law enforcement officers and social justice activists, prosecutors and members of the community — are called upon to work together toward our shared American ideal of equal justice under law.”
U.S. Attorney Waldref thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington, who has served as the Acting U.S. Attorney since March, for his dedicated service: “I have incredible respect for the Office and the hard work and dedication of its leadership, especially during the pandemic. We are fortunate in the Eastern District to have a U.S. Attorney’s Office made up of such professional and enthusiastic attorneys and support staff. These public servants routinely sacrifice their personal and family time to protect and enforce the rights we all hold dear. Having served in the trenches with this group, I know how committed they are to seeking justice. I am honored and ready to serve with them.”
The Eastern District of Washington encompasses a geographical area of approximately 41,826 square miles east of the Cascade Mountains, and is populated by more than 1.3 million people. The Eastern District includes the counties of Spokane, Lincoln, Douglas, Chelan, Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Grant, Adams, Whitman, Garfield, Asotin, Columbia, Walla Walla, Franklin, Benton, Klickitat, Yakima, and Kittitas. U.S. Attorney Waldref will work with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff at offices in Spokane and Yakima, and will continue to evaluate the needs of the District for other staffed offices.
Chief Judge Bastian will perform the swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Attorney Waldref at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, in Courtroom 755 at the Tom Foley United States Courthouse, located at 920 W. Riverside Avenue in Spokane. Chief Judge Bastian and U.S. Attorney Waldref are expected to make brief remarks. The ceremony is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis for seating. Face masks are required in all public spaces in the federal courthouse, and visitors should expect airport-style security at the front of the building.
South Carolina Man Receives 7½ Years for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Marion, South Carolina man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for sex trafficking. Enrique Tyreek Williams was also ordered to pay $5,600 in restitution to his victim. On June 23, 2020, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of transporting the victim across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Williams, 23, offered to let a homeless 18-year-old female live with him. After the victim was isolated from family and friends, with no money, no job, and no phone, Williams revealed his plan to have her prostitute for him. Fearing physical violence and feeling she had no choice, the victim complied. In late Summer and early Fall 2018, Williams proceeded to prostitute the victim in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, including approximately 8 prostitution trips to Wilmington, NC. Williams controlled all aspects of the prostitution and took all the money the victim earned. The victim’s fears of physical violence were realized, as she reported approximately 20 instances of physical violence by Williams in their short time together. In particular, investigators obtained evidence from an October 1, 2018 incident in which Williams dragged the victim out of a house by her hair and violently attacked her in front of numerous witnesses. Williams even video-recorded the attack on his phone. Police responded and the victim was transported to the hospital and treated. Shortly after, Williams told the victim she owed him and again took her to Wilmington to prostitute. During the trip, Williams was caught in an undercover sting operation and investigators recovered the victim.
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. Mr. Acker commented: “This case is about the victim, who suffered at the hands of a greedy trafficker. Our community will not tolerate perpetrators like this defendant targeting vulnerable victims for their profit.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany 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. 7:19-CR-00149-FL.
Shooting, wounding of pedestrian in Crow Agency sends Lodge Grass man to prison for seven yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man who admitted to shooting and wounding a pedestrian from his vehicle in Crow Agency was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Fabian Cruz Dawes, 31, pleaded guilty in May to an information charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 7, Dawes was parked in a car near a convenience store in Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Dawes then pulled up alongside of the victim, identified as John Doe, who was walking with another person, and had a short conversation. Dawes fired a single 9mm bullet at Doe, striking him in the leg, and drove away at a high rate of speed. Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI.
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Readout of Justice Department, HHS Listening Session on the Bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with Organizations Representing Communities Impacted by HateRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra co-hosted a listening session with stakeholders on the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on May 20. Under the legislation, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and community-based organizations, are required to issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The session was moderated by Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.
In keeping with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to combat hate in all of its forms, the listening session was an opportunity for stakeholders, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) and other community-based and anti-hate advocacy organizations, to provide feedback to HHS and the Justice Department on the guidance. The diverse set of stakeholders represented the wide impact of increased hate and bias, and mutual support among impacted communities.
Attorney General Garland and Secretary Becerra opened the listening session by acknowledging that many in the AA and NHPI communities have faced two plagues during the pandemic — COVID-19 and violence motivated by bias — and expressed the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to confront both. They then detailed steps the administration is already taking through their agencies to address these urgent issues.
Attorney General Garland described how he has directed the Justice Department to take steps to improve incident reporting, increase law enforcement training and coordination at all levels of government, prioritize community outreach, and make better use of civil enforcement mechanisms. These efforts have included increasing investigative resources dedicated to civil rights cases, expediting the department’s review of hate crimes, increasing language access, and revitalizing the Community Relations Service.
Secretary Becerra described how HHS has established the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, re-invigorated the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which is housed at HHS, and invested millions of dollars in funding for AA and NHPI health care entities, among many others.
Following Attorney General Garland and Secretary Becerra’s opening remarks, Associate Attorney General Gupta moderated a conversation with stakeholders about the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents across the country, barriers to reporting these incidents, and what the guidance the Justice Department and HHS are required to issue should include. In response, community-based organizations emphasized the need for language access to communities, robust reporting systems for hate crime across federal and state agencies, various perspectives on the types and forms of guidance that would best serve impacted communities and policy ideas that will help treat hate crimes and bias-related incidents as a public health issue, among many others. Secretary Becerra, Attorney General Garland and Associate Attorney General Gupta closed the listening session by thanking the advocacy organizations for their participation, thoughtful dialogue, and commitment to advancing justice.
Stakeholders who would like to provide recommendations on the guidance are encouraged to submit their public comments to the Justice Department and HHS at [email protected].
Quemado Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Harboring and Causing Serious Bodily Injury to an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – A Quemado man was sentenced last week to 235 months in prison for harboring and causing serious bodily injury to an illegal alien.
According to court records, Jorge Estrada-Torres, 33, harbored an illegal alien who he later shot in the abdomen. On June 1, 2020, Estrada pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of harboring illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“Human smuggling is a dangerous business focused on profits, not people,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We will proudly stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement to end this perilous practice and bring human smugglers to justice.”
“This case illustrates the dangerous actions human smugglers are willing to take to ensure personal profit.” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio. “HSI is committed to bringing to justice the criminal organizations that prey on the vulnerable with no regard for the well-being of the people they smuggle.”
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, Del Rio Sector and the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward prosecuted the case.
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Portland Area Heroin Dispatcher Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man with several prior drug trafficking convictions was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of heroin in Oregon and Washington State.
Christian Zepeda-Quezada aka Miguel Agredano, 32, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, Zepeda-Quezada was a heroin dispatcher who used multiple drug dealers to distribute large quantities of heroin in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. In his role as dispatcher for the trafficking network, Zepeda-Quezada took heroin orders from customers by phone and arranged for dealers to hand-deliver the orders directly to the customers. As such, Zepeda-Quezada was insulated from direct exposure and faced less risk of harm than his co-conspirators.
Between January and August 2019, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Clark Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force (CVRDTF) made multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Zepeda-Quezada’s network before obtaining a warrant to search Zepeda-Quezada’s Vancouver residence and other locations. On August 7, 2019, agents seized distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine from Zepeda-Quezada’s residence. Zepeda-Quezada was arrested during the search and ordered detained pending trial.
On August 6, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Zepeda-Quezada and two co-conspirators—Javier Perez-Alejandre, 22, a California resident, and Angel Umanzor-Ardon, 21, of Portland—with conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin.
On June 2, 2021, Zepeda-Quezada pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
On October 20, 2020, Umanzor-Ardon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and, on April 28, 2021, he was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
Perez-Alejandre remains in custody pending a four-day jury trial scheduled to begin October 18, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from CVRDTF. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Heroin is a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 8am and 11pm Pacific Time daily.
Paterson Man Sentenced to 55 Months in Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 55 months in prison for distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig announced.
Maurice Tisdale, 28, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an information charging him with knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tisdale is a member and associate of the 230 Boys street gang, which operates primarily around Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement officers determined that from at least September 2018 through Oct. 1, 2019, Tisdale and other members and associates of the 230 Boys distributed narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base, in and around Paterson. On June 25, 2019, Tisdale worked with other members and associates to distribute fentanyl to another individual.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Tisdale to three years of supervised release.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and officers of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Belleville and Livingston police departments for their assistance with the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Passengers with Guns in Carryon Bags at Pittsburgh International Airport Now Face Revocation of their Concealed Carry PermitRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Steve Kaufman has announced a new way of dealing with travelers who have guns in their carryon bags at Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoints. Following is the statement he issued today during a news conference hosted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“Unfortunately, it appears that 2021 will be a record-breaking year for the number of guns found in passengers’ carry-on bags at our airport. This is not the kind of record we aspire to break.
“The United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Allegheny County Police and TSA currently review every incident in which TSA screeners discover a gun during security screening at the airport checkpoint. Almost inevitably, the passenger being interviewed claims that they forgot that the gun was in their bag and no criminal charges are filed. Nevertheless, bringing guns to the checkpoint is completely unacceptable and poses a serious security risk.
“In order to send the message that airport security checkpoints and guns don’t mix, we need a deterrent strategy, in addition to the stiff civil penalties issued by TSA. So today we are announcing that in incidents involving an individual who possesses a valid concealed carry permit, we will be requesting County Sheriffs to rescind that resident’s firearms concealed carry license due to negligence. We have already secured the cooperation of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office to revoke concealed carry permits of residents who are determined to have acted negligently. And we will be contacting Sheriff’s Offices in other counties in Western Pennsylvania requesting that they consider enacting the same policy.
“So, the message to the flying public is this: Check your bags five times if you have to, but make 100% sure that your carryon bags do not contain a firearm or other dangerous weapon. That’s responsible gun ownership, which is essential to protect the flying public”
So far in 2021, the TSA team at Pittsburgh International Airport has detected 27 firearms at the security checkpoint.
Owings Mills Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Douglas Vines, age 50, of Owings Mills, Maryland pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Vines to 78 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel A. Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division (USPIS).
According to his guilty plea, as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the Baltimore area, the USPIS and DEA linked Vines with Baltimore-area properties that received mail parcels believed to contain controlled substances.
On February 10, 2021, investigators recovered a USPS parcel sent by Vines to an associate. Approximately 2.8 grams of fentanyl were retrieved from the box along with Vines’ fingerprints from the interior of the parcel. On March 19, 2021, Vines mailed 83.5 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,000.
In addition, on April 28, 2021, law enforcement observed Vines mailing a parcel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaniaand executed a search warrant on Vines’ parcel, recovering 90 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of fentanyl.
As stated in his plea agreement, on June 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Vines’ residence and at a relative’s residence. As a result of the search warrants, officers recovered 101.58 grams of fentanyl, 0.76 grams of heroin, 27.62 grams of cocaine, $20,000 in U.S. currency, as well as various packaging and weighing materials.
On June 21, 2021, Vines asked an associate to help him acquire new identity documents in order for Vines to “set up shop” elsewhere. During the week of July 17, 2021, Vines “ordered” a false photo ID, social security card, passport, and sent a picture of himself to an associate to acquire the false identification papers.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the USPIS and DEA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason X. Hamilton and Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Warwick who prosecuted the case.
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Oneida Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Greg Gauthier, age 55, of Oneida, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for distributing and possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Gauthier admitted that he used a social media messaging application to distribute images of child pornography over the internet, and that he possessed child pornography on his cellular telephone. A forensic review of Gauthier’s cellular telephone revealed that it contained 71 image files and 98 video files depicting child pornography.
Gauthier is currently serving 18 years to life for his 2017 state conviction in Oneida County for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child. Senior United States District Judge Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy ordered that the 15 year federal sentence be served consecutively to that state sentence.
Judge McAvoy also imposed a 15 year term of supervised release, which will start after Gauthier is released from federal prison, ordered Gauthier to pay restitution in the amount of $9,000, and to pay a $200 special assessment.
Gauthier also has a prior final conviction under New York State law relating to the possession of child pornography, in that in 2014, he was convicted in Oneida County Court of Possessing A Sexual Performance By A Child Less Than 16 Years of Age in violation of New York State Penal Law and was sentenced to 10 years’ probation.
Gauthier’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) with assistance from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.